By Priam Nepomuceno, 14 Jan 2020
MANILA — The Philippine Navy (PN) plans to construct the base of its proposed submarine arm inside the facility of the cash-strapped Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC-Phils) in Subic Bay, Zambales.
Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, PN flag-officer-in-command, made this remark when asked on possible locations that can house the Navy’s submarines once the acquisition of these vessels goes into high gear.
“Once there’s a contract, the buyout is completed, then we will (use part of the site of) Hanjin to provide housing for our submarines. We can construct finger pier(s) for our submarines (to tie-up) and the (depth of) water there (is sufficient) to accommodate our submarines,” Empedrad said in Filipino.
The PN is looking to acquire two diesel-electric submarine units as part of its efforts to modernize its fleet.
The Scorpene, which is being constructed by French defense manufacturer, Naval Group, is said to be high on the list of preferred submarine platforms of the country and was evaluated by naval and defense officials last year.
“We will also develop Sangley Point (in Cavite City) for alternate housing of our submarines,” the PN chief added.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the government could use the Hanjin facilities to house and repair large Philippine Navy ships while waiting for interested parties or partners from the shipbuilding sector.
HHIC-Phils earlier revealed that it has a total of USD1.3 billion outstanding loans — USD400 million from Philippine banks and USD900 million from South Korean lenders.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said HHIC-Phil filed on Jan. 8, 2019, a petition at the Regional Trial Court in Olongapo City “to initiate voluntary rehabilitation under Republic Act 10142, otherwise known as An Act Providing for the Rehabilitation or Liquidation of Financially Distressed Enterprises and Individuals”.
The shipbuilder has sought help from the government to find investors that can take over the operation of its shipyard in Subic, as well as to help its employees, who have taken the brunt of the company’s financial woes.
In December 2018, the company laid off more than 7,000 workers. (PNA)
March –
IT’S WOMEN’S MONTH!
“Respect and support women
every day of the year/s!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
Monthly Observances:
Women’s Role in History Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 1: Environmental Week;
Women’s Week
Week 3: Philippine Industry and “
Made-in-the-Philippines Products Week
Last Week: Protection and Gender-Fair Treatment
of the Girl Child Week
Daily Observances:
March 8: Women’s Rights and
International Peace Day;
National Women’s Day
March 4: Employee Appreciation Day
March 15: World Consumer Rights Day
March 18: Global Recycling Day
March 21: International Day for the Elimination
of Racial Discrimination
March 23: International Day for the Right to the Truth
Concerning Gross Human Rights Violations
and for the Dignity of Victims
March 25: International Day of Remembrance of the
Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
March 27: Earth Hour
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
