The untouchable favorite

Spybiz informants disclosed that this lady and her boss – who were the subject of an Oct. 10 column entitled "The favorite," mistakenly assumed the information came from a top honcho of a special economic zone. Thus, they are allegedly set to rock the boat again, planning to "question again the salary" of the poor guy, who has absolutely no idea that he is being pinpointed as the leak. Perhaps because her boss is an appointee, this woman seems to think she is untouchable, even reportedly saying "only Malacañang can remove us." While the woman’s current position requires an MBA or an MA degree or its equivalent, a quick check of her credentials would reveal that she is far from qualified, sources claimed. Observers said that instead of R&D head, this boss’s favorite should be called R&R chief, because she certainly seems to be the chief R&R activity of this free trade zone boss.

Green by choice

More and more businesses are going "green," incorporating environment friendly principles in manufacturing and operations. Government has taken notice of this initiative and has urged all government offices and LGUs to attend a groundbreaking conference dubbed GP3 – Green Productivity, Green Purchasing for a Green Philippines – at the Dusit Hotel on Oct. 23 and 24. A joint project between the DTI and DENR and administered by the Clean and Green Foundation, the GP3 conference-workshop-exhibit will feature lectures by international experts on topics such as integrating environmental aspects into product design and development, turning environmental investment into a market advantage and similar topics. Japanese Ambassador to Manila Ryu Yamazaki will give the keynote address, and will share Japan’s practices in the implementation of green productivity and procurement. Interestingly, Japan even has a law mandating government to buy environmentally manufactured products. For other details, interested parties may contact the Clean and Green Foundation.

Win-win Genuino

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chairman and CEO Efraim Genuino has been on a winning streak with his agency setting record breaking revenues. Pagcor reported the highest monthly income of P2 billion last August, representing a 3.8-percent increase from the P1.96 billion posted during the same period in 2005. The gaming firm is arguably one of the most profitable companies in the country and is the third largest revenue earner for government after the BIR and the Bureau of Customs. Genuino is also at the helm of Serbisyo Muna!, a multi-sectoral task force that provides free health services and offers livelihood assistance and other programs to needy areas. But from the way things look, Genuino’s eldest, Erwin, is also on a "winning streak." Aptly nicknamed "Win," the younger Genuino has launched his organization called Welfare Integration Network or WIN, undertaking projects aimed at addressing the various needs of Makati’s outlying communities such as nutrition drives and free medical and dental missions. A health buff, the 25-year-old also leads a joggers club and an athletic association to promote discipline and encourage young people to be health and fitness conscious. It wouldn’t be surprising if this young man would emerge as one of Makati’s top leaders in the very near future.

The last word on profit first

Due to the overwhelming response from readers, Spybiz is giving the email address of Kent Richards, the National Operations Consultant of Fitness First, which felt alluded to in previous Spybiz columns. In fairness to Fitness First, Kent Richards has been solicitous in inquiring after the complaints of members, and has indicated his willingness to listen and do something to sort out these concerns. A number of readers have said they are thinking of filing complaints before the Department of Trade and Industry while some said they are contemplating legal action. Members may email Mr. Richards at [email protected] .

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