CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, Philippines — The number of employees inside Clark continues to increase as 7,867 new workers were hired from May 2010 to May 2011, the Customer Service Department (CSD) of Clark Development Corporation (CDC) reported.

CSD-CDC said the increase was complemented by the expansion of several huge multi-national firms inside the Freeport this year, including the opening of the multi-billion-dollar investment of Phoenix Semi Conductor of the Philippines (PSCP); the expansion programs of several Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) firms; and Yokohama Tire Philippines, Inc. this year. (Franco G. Regala)

BIR chief uses tax 'diplomacy'

BALANGA CITY, Bataan- After using “diplomatic approach” in collecting taxes, Roberto S. Bucoy, Revenue District Officer (RDO) of the Bureau of Internal Revenue here, reported Wednesday that his office has surpassed its collection target for the first five consecutive months this year.

But Bucoy also attributed the outstanding collection of his office to the cooperation of business establishments and local officials here in promptly paying their taxes due the government. “The people of Bataan, particularly Gov. Tet Garcia, Mayor Joet Garcia of Balanga City, the business sectors are very cooperative, tax conscious and friendly,” said Bucoy. (Mar T. Supnad)

Talaga back as Lucena mayor

LUCENA CITY – The tension is over following a six-day barricade of the supporters of Lucena City Mayor Barbara “Ruby” Talaga after she was sacked by the Commission on Elections. In a most awaited decision, the Supreme Court has granted the petition for status quo ante order in reinstalling Talaga again as city mayor.

City administrator Ramon Talaga Jr., husband of the lady mayor, excitedly confirmed Wednesday before their supporters gathered in front of the old city hall the information that the SC ruled on Monday in favor of Talaga's petition. Talaga said they are waiting for the order from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to re-install Talaga while Mayor Roderick Alcala will slide down on his previous post as city vice mayor. (Danny Estacio)

Cavite SWAT team holds drill

IMUS - The elite Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and some mobile patrolmen of Cavite Police Provincial Office (CPPO) held a half-day drill Wednesday to hone their performance and ability in hostage situations, shooting encounters and other high-risk incidents in the province.

The drill, led by Senior Supt. John C. Bulalacao, new provincial police commander, was held at the grounds of the PPO headquarters in Camp General Pantaleon Garcia in Imus town. The operation practice was presented to the media. (Anthony Giron)

Antipolo City holds basketball tourney

ANTIPOLO CITY- To encourage the youth to excel in sports and stay away from vices, the provincial government based in this city is sponsoring the biggest basketball tourney exclusively for the city residents.

In the opening ceremony held at the Ynares Center here, Rizal Gov. Casimiro “Jun” Ynares announced that the more than P110,000 cash and cup trophies are at stake in this year’s 2nd Governor Jun Ynares Cup Basketball Tournament.

The kick off ceremony was attended by basketball star Robert “Dudot” Jaworski and Ginebra rookie John Marion Wilson who led the oath of sportsmanship. (Nel B. Andrade)