The Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) denied a Manila Bulletin online Yahoo news report recently that charges of tax evasion were filed against the PMA and 14 of its board members by an expelled member.

Names who were mentioned were Erlinda B. de Guzman, Lizzane C. Uychaco, Alexander Flores, Frederick Alegre, Virgilio Ajero, Jaime Sibauco, Herminio del Rosario, Cergen D. Go, Edith Dychiao, Gina Luengas, Arlene Martinez, Mylene Abiva-Sazon, Vivian Fautino, and Edwin Mapanao.

In a statement, Tom C. Banguis Jr., 2006 PMA president, said the association has filed proper taxes as certified by its certified public accountant and external auditor.

Subic airport earns P381,000 from ‘evacuated’ Taiwanese planes

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The government earned at least R381,000 from Taiwanese passenger aircraft that were "evacuated" to the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA) for their overnight stay here at the height of super typhoon "Egay" (international codename Sepat).

"About 18 aircraft have sought shelter at Subic to escape possible damages that may be brought by the typhoon," said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Administrator Armand Arreza.

The planes, which only carried crewmen, flew back to Taiwan early Saturday evening when the storm weakened, he added.

SBIA General Manager Marcelo Santos said that the planes were given a 50 percent discount for landing and takeoff, parking, lighting, and operational fees because of the emergency nature of their flight. SBIA normally charges fees according to the weight of the aircraft. (Franco Regala)

Engineer Godofredo P. Limbo Jr. President, Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines Regional Division IV held yesterday the GEP Batangas chapter assembly and induction of officers at El Madero Resort, Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas.

The one-day affair was a gathering of Geodetic Engineers not only from the province of Batangas, but also from nearby provinces which comprises Regional Division IV. Those who attended were Past GEP National Presidents Engr. Avelino L. San Buenaventura, Engr. Mariano M. Lucero Jr., Engr. Danilo D. Dichoso, Engr. Ricardo O. Vasquez, Engr. Felicisimo M. Urriarte and Engr. Rolando Nath S. Pada Incumbent National President from the rank of Past Regional Presidents are Engr. Florentino F. Cruz, Virgilio I. Rigodon, Engr. Quirino P. Clemeno Sr., Engr. Lorenzo Bausas, former majority floor leader, Batangas Provincial Board, Engr. Rolando S. Bagnes Incumbent Board Member of Province of Laguna and Engr. Taurino D. Torralba Immediate Past President the present chapter president of the GEP Region IV also signified intention to lend their support to the affair, Engr. Eleanette Dayanghirang President Mindoro Chapter, Engr. Danilo Abordo President Cavite Chapter, Engr. Arsenio E. Vicedo Jr. President Quezon Chapter, Engr. Lucas O. Tojon President Rizal Chapter, Engr. Nelson M. Gabayan President Palawan Chapter.

CUENCA Batangas - A 50-year-old steel bridge here yesterday was recommended closed to heavy vehicles because it will undergo rehabilitation.

District Engineer Anatalio Atienza, upon the approval of Mayor Lerry Andaya and the municipal council, said they would close Rancho bridge where a ten-wheeler truck recently fell on its side wounding its driver and two other passengers. Investigators said the bridge is old and too narrow and badly needs repair.

Atienza already directed assistant district Engr. Fernando Landicho to install the necessary traffic advisory signages to motorists. The move was coordinated with the police here headed by Police Senior Inspector Luisito Sanchez.

Atienza reported to Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Director Bonner Seguit the repair of the bridge to be funded by the Presidential Bridge program. (Daniel N. Mangaba)

Jehovah’s Witnesses around the world will hold their special assemblies this year on the theme "Be Intensely Occupied with the Word."

Witnesses from Bulacan Circuit 3 will hold their special assembly on Sunday, Aug. 26 at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Metro Manila Assembly Hall in Quirino Highway, Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City.

Lectures will be delivered on "Handling the Word of Truth Aright" and "Always Utilize the Power of God’s Word."