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Safety catch: slow progress in campaign to curb private armies

Article Abstract:

Philippine Pres Fidel Ramos pushed back the deadline for disbanding and disarming the country's 560 private armies from Sep 9, 1993 to Nov 30. The Philippine National Police was originally given 60 days to carry out this mission, but with only 258 private armies dissolved and 1,200 weapons collected Ramos was forced to accept an extension. Ramos' campaign against the private armies is attracting support from opposition parties as shown by a bill passed by the opposition-ruled Senate. The bill would strengthen the president's powers against private armies.

Military aspects, Military policy, Ramos, Fidel Valdez

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Take no prisoners: Metro Pacific trounces rivals for Philippine site

Article Abstract:

Metro Pacific's winning bid for the prime Fort Bonifacio property in Manila reflects rivalries and ambitions beyond the land itself. The First Pacific group of Hong Kong owns the Metro Pacific consortium, and the Salim family of Indonesia in turn controls First Pacific. They want a high-profile venture in the Philippines to raise their stature, and this was their best opportunity. In addition, several subsidiaries of their conglomerate are fighting against Ayala Corp, which had the next-highest bid.

Management, Real estate, Real property, Metro Pacific Corp.

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All aboard: Manila's long-delayed rail system may soon take off

Article Abstract:

A new consortium is finally ready to begin work on Manila's long-awaited LRT-3 rail line, awarded in Nov 1991 to EDSA LRT but held up by court challenges. A group led by Fil-Estate Mgmt bought 82% of EDSA LRT from Israeli businessman Eli Levin and, with its ability to negotiate the political maze of Manila, should start construction in Sept. Fil-Estate expects a modest 11% return on its investment, but possible land rights going with the rail line's terminals could prove hugely profitable.

Rail Mass Transit, Urban Transit Systems, Local and suburban transit, Transportation, Light rail transit, Manila, Philippines, Commuter railroads

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