CAGI LAUNCHES ITS 2010 COTY-PHILS


The Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) recently launched the Car of the Year 2010 signaling the start of this year’s search to find the best car in the Philippines. The kick-off event for the 8th Car of the year was held at Congo Grille El Pueblo, Ortigas Center Pasig City and was attended by  journalists from various TV, broadcast, print and online publications as well as the entire local motoring industry.

CAGI annually conducts consumer-oriented testing of locally available motor vehicles which helps the motoring public choose the vehicle best suited to their needs. COTY-P aims to further expand consumer awareness by making the awards relevant and meaningful to the motoring public. All cars included in the COTY-P will be scrutinized by members of the motoring press—coming from print, broadcast and online media. 

According to CAGI President Ferman Lao, “This year, testing will be done through two major components. One is the technical or instrumented test—designed to highlight and showcase vehicles performance, and qualitative (subjective) test—which will be based on personal preferences of the testers, wherein cars will be rated in the same manner as what a typical discerning car buyers looks for.”

Last year, the Subaru Legacy 2.5-liter GT sedan bags the COTY-Philippines award. This is the second consecutive year Subaru took home the trophy after the Impreza WRX STI  won in 2008. 

Supporters to this year’s COTY-Philippines are Red Rock Travel Philippines Inc, SpeedLab, Congo Grille, Caltex, LifeLine Ambulance Rescue Inc, and Manila International Auto Show.; with media partners the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine STAR, The Manila Standard Today, Power Wheels, MotorCycle magazine, Business World, Business Mirror, Daily Tribune, Malaya Business Insights, Top Gear Philippines, Gadgets Magazine, Auto Review, 99.5RT, Autoindustriya.com, Motioncars.com,  Sprocket.ph and Kotse.com.

The category winners and the Car of the Year 2010 will be unveiled on December 2010, and public display will be mounted at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) early next year. 

Suzuki Smash 115 Launch

Mariott Hotel • 04 October 2010

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Suzuki launches new Smash Cool 115

Suzuki Philippines recently launched the latest model of the Suzuki Smash 115, with an upgraded engine and a GSX-R inspired design.  Targeted at a large segment of the motorcycle market, particularly consumers who are considering their first bike purchase, the new Smash 115 has many ingenious features that make it ideal  for novice riders.

Designed for everyday use, the new Suzuki Smash delivers higher power output while maintaining fuel efficiency.  A high-revving, strong-pulling 115cc engine produces speed and power at low fuel burn, combining performance and economy.  A durable four-speed transmission transmits engine power in a wide and accessible power band, thus eliminating dangerous partial shifts for easy operation and safety.

Suzuki’s patented PAIR (Pulsed Secondary Air Injection) System ignites unburned gases inside the exhaust port, maximizing engine efficiency and ensuring cleaner emissions.  A large-diameter 100mm muffler with built-in oxidation catalyzer contributes to a greener environment while exuding that total sporty look and performance.

In keeping with the Smash’s winning record in the local racing scene, the new Smash 115 has a GSX-R inspired design that will surely win over racing fans.  Aerodynamic styling and leading-edge sport-bike appeal have been devised to uplift every rider’s character.  A distinctive high-wattage multi-reflector headlight is complemented by a rear combination lamp with multi-polygon reflector and transparent cover.  For that high-tech feel, the dashboard features a sports-watch inspired speedometer with gear position indicator.

Other design features of the new Smash 115 include a slim, diamond-type compact chassis developed for easier and smoother handling.  Its seat height was set to a low 750mm, well-proportioned for easier leg reach and giving the rider better ride control.  A telescopic front fork suspension allows quick reaction to road imperfections and shields the rider from jarring impacts.  Its reduced spring vibration ensures a stress-free and more enjoyable ride.  

Taking into consideration the rider’s convenience and comfort, Suzuki has also given the new Smash 115 a large 8-liter underseat compartment to store personal items as well as other essentials like a rain gear and emergency tools.  A magnetic key shutter safety feature ensures peace of mind as the ignition can only be accessed with the correct magnet attached to the tip of the ignition key.

Completing the performance package for the new Smash 115 are sleek mag wheels mounted with Dunlop tires, for rider confidence in terms of looks and durability.

During the launching event, Suzuki president Satoshi Uchida noted that: “With the new Suzuki Smash 115, we are confident that we have a bestselling model that will appeal to a large segment of motorcycle fans, ranging from novice riders who want an easy-handling entry level bike, to company employees who want an affordable and reliable vehicle for their daily commuting needs, to experienced riders looking for a durable performance machine.”

The new Suzuki Smash 115 comes in two colors, namely Pearl Mirage White and Candy Summer Red, and is now available at all Suzuki motorcycle dealers nationwide.  For more information, please visit www. suzuki.com.ph.

Quisumbing Torres Lawyers Speak at Mining Philippines 2010 Conference & Exhibition

The afternoon panel session entitled ““Addressing Current Issues””. From left to right: Hon. Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Emmanuel Buenaventura, Panel Chair Patricia Bunye and Dennis Quintero.

With mining identified as one of the essential industries expected to fuel economic growth, key players converged at the Mining Philippines 2010 Conference and Exhibition organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines at the Manila Hotel last 14 – 16 September 2010.

Quisumbing Torres (QT) partners Emmanuel S. Buenaventura and Dennis A. Quintero discussed critical legal concerns confronting Philippine mining industry players at the panel session themed “Addressing Current Issues” held on the last day of the conference. Former Chief Justice Reynato Puno gave a presentation entitled “Clarifying Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases” and Patricia Bunye of the Chamber of Mines’ Legal Committee moderated the panel discussion.

Emmanuel Buenaventura, partner of the Dispute Resolution Practice Group of QT, and lead litigation lawyer handling mining arbitration and dispute resolution work, discussed the new Rules of Procedure on Environmental Cases (“RPEC”) issued by the Philippine Supreme Court on 29 April 2010. He provided the conference with an overview of the civil, criminal and special civil actions on the enforcement or violations of environmental laws. He also discussed the implications of the liberalized rules on standing and citizen’s suits, deferment of payment of filing fees, various innovations for the speedy disposition of cases, environmental protection orders (EPO and TEPO), prohibition on injunction, the writ of kalikasan (environment), the writ of continuing mandamus, the precautionary principle of evidence, and the treatment of cases that are deemed to be a “strategic lawsuit against public participation” (SLAPP) under the RPEC. Noting that shortly after the issuance of the RPEC, a class action was already filed by hundreds of residents in Surigao against three mining companies and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (“DENR”), and that jurisprudence on the RPEC will continue to evolve with other test cases that may be filed in the future, he said that the mining industry could face the challenge by pursuing current initiatives to revisit and review the RPEC, making internal preparations against similar actions, complying with environmental standards, or initiating relevant legislation.

Dennis Quintero gave a comprehensive run-down of the Alternative Mining Bill in his presentation entitled “Proposed Alternative Mining Act: Threat or Phantom”, arguing that any constructive provisions of this proposed legislation are already addressed in current Philippine mining law and regulations.  He noted that the current Philippine Mining Act of 1995 is a world-class mining law, comparable to other mineral-rich and high-income nations, and that it addresses international best practices requirements. Further, he proposed that improvements in the current mining regime may be achieved through passage of regulations under the 1995 Mining Law or contractual stipulation in mineral agreements or Financial or Technical Assistance Agreements.

Bolstering his argument against the passage of new legislation in the form of the Alternative Mining Bill, Dennis Quintero gave a comparative summary of international best practices/guidelines vis-à-vis existing Philippine laws/regulations, showing that the latter address international best practices, particularly in the area of environment protection.

In summary, he said that proposed Alternative Mining Bill contains provisions that may be grouped into those that are (a) contrary to the 1987 Constitution, (b) unrealistic and impractical, and (c) already addressed under the current mining and environment legal regime.

Dennis Quintero is a partner of the Corporate & Commercial Group and heads the Mining & Metals Industry Group of QT. He also delivered a presentation entitled “Legal Ramifications of Mining in the Philippines and ASEAN Countries” at the 8th Asia Pacific Mining Conference and Exhibition. His legal papers have been published in the Philippine Law Journal and the Australian Resources and Energy Law Journal.

Leo Dominguez, retired partner and former head of QT’s Mining Group also chaired the panel session entitled “Mineral Commodities Outlook”. He also clarified some issues on the RPEC by addressing questions to Former Chief Justice Puno during the panel discussion on “Addressing Current Issues.”

The three-day Mining Philippines 2010 Conference and Exhibition was attended by more than 200 delegates representing major mining companies and service providers from various countries. Hundreds of visitors eager to learn more about the mining industry excitedly explored the more that 70 exhibitors who showcased a variety of new machinery, products and services at the Fiesta Pavilion.