Mining Giant In Mati Lays Off Personnel

BHP Billiton--an International mining giant--reportedly cut its laborforce in Mati to a minimum, as both the national and international courts have not yet decided its legitimate battle with estranged Filipino partner.

According to reports, the said company has reduced its employees in its Mati office from more than 30 down to just 7 personnel.

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he world is preparing to back out from the nickel mining in the Pujada Properties in Mati.

It was not clear what caused the reduction of workforce but some said it was due to the global recession while others say it could be a manifestation that one of the largest diversified mining industries in the world is poised to withdraw its investment from the nickel mining in the Pujada Properties in Mati.

Mati Administrator Richard Villacorte confirmed the reduction of employees by BHP Billiton, saying Billiton's country manager Troy Charlton met with Mayor Michelle N. Rabat in Manila and discussed about their decision for workforce reduction in Mati Office.

There was, however, no implied statement from the Charlton that BHP Billiton is poised to backout from the multi-billion nickel mining project in Mati, Villacorte added.

Nationwide Fare-Reduction Starts Today--Minimum Back At 7.00 Pesos

LTFRB has issued directives for the implementation of fare-reduction which starts on Dec. 15 of this year.

Under the said provision, the minimum fare is now back at 7.00 pesos ( first 4 km) and additional 1.40 pesos per succeeding kilometer.

Meanwhile, the additional 10 pesos previously imposed in taxi's minimum fare is now removed.

This provision is effective 'til March 15 next year.

LTFRB is also reminding the public to report drivers who will violate the rule to its office.

Davao City Still Implements ‘No Use Of Firecracker’ Policy During Holidays

Davao City still implements firecracker ban for the upcoming holiday season and its people is expected to cooperate once again on this policy.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte reiterated that he would not hesitate to do legal action for those who will violate this rule. He also stressed that the core purpose of this policy is to avoid fire-cracker related incidents.

Fire crackers has been banned from being used for 7 years now and this has significantly reduced firecracker-related incidents. In fact, on its first year of implementation, hospitals reported zero firecracker-related incident.