Wheeled Coach Industries, Incorporated is the largest manufacturer of ambulances and rescue

vehicles. The subsidiary of Collins Industries, Inc. was founded in 1975, and is currently based in Winter
Park, Florida. Wheeled Coach, led by their President Bob Collins, Jr. employs a highly trained production
team of over three hundred and fifty personnel who are responsible for the assembly and final
production of all ambulances in their production facility. Wheeled Coach offers its product through their
dealers, their global sales network, direct sales, and online. The companys keys to success include, but
are not limited to: custom designs, the use of work cells, a single focus factory design, an innovative
engineering team and inventory control. Wheeled Coach Industries boast several designs to meet the
needs of their customers and prides itself on meeting their delivery deadlines. On average, the company
rolls out twenty vehicles per week off of their assembly line.
To stay competitive and dominate the ambulance market place, Wheeled Coach, Inc, relies heavily on an
efficient inventory management process that provides for minimum but accurate inventory, great
quality, tight schedules and accurate records. This was made evident when recently, Wheeled Coach,
Incorporated won a Multi-Year Contract from the City of New York to provide new ambulances for their
Fire Department.
Inventory Concerns:
Sound inventory management is one of the companys keys to success. Effective auditing procedures
enable success by increasing the companys ability to meet deadlines, appropriately allocate resources
and operate efficiently. The three primary inventory concerns as per this case study are:
1) Long Lead times for Aluminum (Reynolds Metal)
2) 50% of the cost of all manufactured ambulance are from purchased materials
3) The parts that make up the vehicles chassis components account for a large percentage of the
purchased materials.... [continues]
09226277132

Earlier this year, we celebrated the 25th anniversary of People Powerof millions of Filipinos
flocking to the streets of Manila to overthrow an oppressive regime. We celebrated our freedom
from a dark period in our history, where our hopes were trampled upon, and where our right to
speak was stifled.
It was five months after that revolution when the Philippine Star was established. While it was
one of many other newspapers sprouting up after the winter of oppression, to many, it was a
symbol of the recovery of free speech. And today, this recovery of free speech is what we are
commemorating.
But today should remind us not just of the freedom our press enjoysnot just of our victories
but also of the challenges we face in the present. I know and am grateful for your ability to
protect the publics right to voice an opinion and to guard our freedoms. I know and commend
you for your ability to report with integrity the events that occur in this country.

Beyond this, as I am sure you are all aware, the media can also contribute to the healing of our
national psyche, which has for so long been trodden uponperhaps even coagulating into a false
sense of collective insecurity. May I ask, when was the last time we stood up for flag and country
against others? When was the last time we drew a line in the sand and said, I am a Filipino; we
are Filipinos, and we deserve respect.
This is perhaps a consequence of another cultural phenomenon: a culture of negativity. While we
may have rid ourselves of an oppressive government twenty-five years ago, some of us still
remain shackled by a mindset some would consider defeatistwhere hopes are too often nipped
at the bud by the shears of cynicism, and where fear and distrust sometimes overwhelm the
earnestness of efforts, and thus becoming self-fulfilling prophecies.
Because of this negativity, and perhaps because of what I call the culture of wang-wang,
decent Filipino workers have to think twice before filing their tax papers, as they are afraid that
their money will merely pad the bank accounts of the corrupt. So it is not merely a negative
attitude we are combatingit is the way many of our people see the world through a lens of
negativity. They had developed a sense of despondency. This is what we are here to change.
I am here today to tell you that if you choose to do so, your publication can play a large role in
this change. Let us all ask ourselves: What are we doing to uplift our fellow man? Now that we
are free to speak and to say things how we see them, what efforts are we making to exercise this
freedom judiciously? What responsibilities have we chosen to shoulder with this right we have
regained?
My administration is in the process of drafting, and suggesting, a Freedom of Information bill
that we believe will balance legitimate needs for secrecy with the publics right to know. This
right to know carries with it responsibilitiesto use the information available in context; to
present facts fairly; and to be conscious of some elements who may want to use the information
not to inform the public, but to, rather, inflame them. We are carefully studying the details of
such legislation in order to ensure that it serves the public interest without compromising it. Let
me give you somewhat of an extreme example: If I were courting someone and this person sent
me a private letter, am I obliged to disclose the details of that message to Mr. Ricky Lo? Do I
now have to submit transcripts of our conversations to your lifestyle section? I say this partly in
jest to illustrate the importance of finding that balance.
But, on a more serious note: what if Im given some leads on a matter that prompts me to order
an investigation? If my informants are unsure that confidentiality will be maintained, would they
be as willing to furnish that information that brought us closer to a solution?
We are very close to suggesting a bill that balances the concerns of so many stakeholders and
that will truly empower our citizenry towards forming informed decisions, consistent with the
Constitution. Once this bill is passed into law, the media will have greater access to all kinds of
sensitive information. It is incumbent on you to use this access carefully and responsibly.
I hope you dont view this as an attack on mediaI simply want to give you a gentle reminder. I
believe that media can continue strengthening its partnership with the people and with

government to elevate the level of public discourse. Partnership does not mean that we want
media to be lap dogs of government; at the same time, media shouldnt allow themselves to be
used as attack dogs either. Medias ultimate role is to be a watchdogand I believe this is the
balance we want to strike. So, from your editor in chief Isaac Belmonte to your reporter Au
Calica and Delon Porcalla, I would like to take this opportunity to commend all those who strive
to listen to all sides of a story before forming what can be considered a balanced news report.
Ito na po iyong on the other side of the coin: Of course, reading the opinion section exposes
one to a variety of viewpoints. Today in the Philippine Star, there are columnists like Billy
Esposo, who is present tonight, who, more often than not have always been supportive of our
efforts. But seemingly, there are more who cannot seem to find anything positive in what we do.
By physical weight, you might say that there is a balance, given Billys girth.
Just as Juan dela Cruz needs public servants who do their jobs with honesty and competence, the
Filipino people also deserve a media that discerns important issues from trivial stories and
personality-driven news. Just as we call on those who lead us to be guided by the best ideals and
principles, so must we take it upon ourselves to abide by those same principles. After all, just as
elected officials need their political capital, so does the media need its own capitalwhich is
credibility.
We are steering our government in a clear direction. We are helping those in need; we are
rewarding hard work; and we are making sure that those who do wrong are held accountable. I
invite you to work with us. We need your help to encourage media to maintain the highest levels
of professionalism, integrity, and truth-telling.
Our countrys greatest asset is our people. Our goal is to transform our citizenry ravaged by
misgovernanceseemingly despondent, if not apatheticinto one that not only dreams of, but is
empowered to attain better things, both for themselves and their country.
I assure you that as you continue your good work, I will continue mine, following through on
what I pledged to our people. Just like the Operation Damayan project that one of your founders,
our beloved Tita Betty Go-Belmonte founded in 1988, the rebuilding of our nation involves all of
us. The success of our fellow Filipinos is our success, and so we cannot and we must not rest
until we are able to empower each Juan and Juana de la Cruz.
Again, congratulations to the Philippine Star. I am counting on you to remain the publication in
which fairness and, above all, truth prevails. I am looking forward to being invited to your
golden anniversary another quarter-century from now. (I will probably have to hitch a ride with
Billy Esposo by that time.) I am also looking forward to a society where Filipinos can hold their
heads high because of the successes our country has achieved. Like the Star of Bethlehem, may
the Philippine Star continue to shine the way towards the right path.
Thank you and good evening.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of this great newspaper. This is really a milestone that calls
for a grand celebration. But more importantly, it is also an occasion to be grateful for the big

stride it has taken since it started 25 years ago. As far as I can remember, it has its humble but
auspicious beginnings a few months after the historic 1986 people power revolution triggered by
the Ninoy Aquino assassination that toppled the Marcos dictatorship.
At that time a group of dedicated and nationalistic publicists and journalists led by Betty GoBelmonte, Max Soliven, Louie Beltran, Art Borjal and Tony Roces among others, were so much
concerned that Filipinos may again lose their newly regained freedom because of lack of full and
proper news and information about the current events and because of the absence of constant
reminders about the important lessons learned from the past. So when their cooperative
arrangements with a rival publication collapsed, they decided to put up a separate newspaper and
called it the Philippine Star. They envisioned a newspaper with high standards of journalism
that would not sacrifice truth and accuracy for sensationalism and bigger profit in a more
vigorous and free-wheeling atmosphere of a newly restored press freedom. Its Founding
Chairperson was Betty Go-Belmonte while Max Soliven was its Founding Publisher, now both
enjoying eternal happiness with our Creator.
Indeed, Betty Go-Belmonte, Max Soliven and their co-founders must really be so happy from
where they are now looking at the Philippine Star they formed. After 25 years, the Star is really
so dazzling and radiant, serving as the beacon light to a nation that continues to fix its correct
bearing in its pursuit of peace, justice and prosperity. Living up to its byword that truth shall
prevail, the Star has really become the bearer of accurate news and information and the builder
of solid public opinion that promotes the common good. Much of the Stars brilliance and
success can really be attributed to the dynamic, dedicated and energetic team ably running it led
by a new generation of Belmontes.
Miguel Belmonte, the President/CEO, who apparently did not expect to take the helm of the
publication at such a young age, is actually doing a good job obviously because he uses both his
head and his heart in managing the company just like his late mother. The same is true with the
self-effacing Isaac Belmonte, the Editor-in-Chief.
Miguel is assisted in running the business by Executive Vice President Grace Glory Go, Vice
President for Advertising Lucien Dy Tioco, and Vice President for Circulation, Fernando R.
Lopez. Isaac on the other hand is expertly backed up in coming out with the daily edition of the
paper by Executive Editor Ana Marie Pamintuan, Managing Editor Antonio E. Katigbak and
several Associate and Senior Editors.
Personally, today is big day for me too. It is a day to be grateful for having been given the
opportunity to be one of the columnists in this newspaper. I have been writing this column in the
Philippine Star since April, 1987 or for more than 24 years now. It was my good fortune at that
time to have met Mrs. Betty Go-Belmonte, who readily gave me this rare privilege. She only
requested me to write my articles with clarity, charity and humility which was really in keeping
with her deep spirituality founded in her strong belief in Gods word as contained in the Holy
Bible. I was indeed so thrilled and honored to be writing in the same Op-Ed pages together with
the top journalists and commentators of that time: Max Soliven, Louie Beltran and Art Borjal.
Initially my column came out weekly then bi-weekly, Wednesdays and Sundays. Later on, I
thought it would be more appropriate for the Sunday column to deal with the Divine rather than

human law. Hence I changed the Sunday columns title to Gods Word Today and invited
some priests particularly Fr. Ruben Tanseco, S.J., Fr. Jess Fernandez S.J. and Fr. Rudy Horst,
SVD, to write it. Subsequently Fr. Rudy Horst and Fr. Jess Fernandez begged off due to time
constraints, so their slots were filled up by several Jesuits, specifically Fr. Manuel V. Francisco,
S.J., Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, S.J., Fr. Jonjee Sumpaico, S.J., Fr. Aris Dy, S.J. and Fr, Francis
Alvarez, S.J.
Opinion ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
When the column already came out on a daily basis, Monday to Friday, I write on two sets of
topics: (1) cases of people involving issues of facts and of law that have already been decided by
the Supreme Court (SC); and (2) current events occurring in our country also involving acts and
conducts of public official and or private individuals that have legal implications. The first is for
information and education while the second is for the shaping of public opinion upholding justice
and the rule of law.
Generally my first set of topics is not controversial because they deal with decisions of the
Supreme Court which, under our rule of law, finally and conclusively settles either or both issues
of fact and of law. So readers do not question my writings on these topics any more even if they
disagree with them because they are already considered part of the law of the land. All they can
do perhaps is talk about them. And the much talked about topics here are some exceptional cases
decided by the Supreme Court (SC) which even to non-lawyers appear to be contrary to the clear
provisions of law, like its decision on whether the President can make appointments within the
two months preceding the elections. Another much talked about SC decision is the conversion of
some municipalities into chartered cities. The public is really somewhat confused when the SC
changes its decision several times.
Controversies however surround my comments on some acts and conducts especially of public
officials and government bodies mainly because the pros and cons are sharply divided on the
issues arising from them with each side refusing to see and accept the merit and validity of the
other sides argument. These controversies linger on especially when legal experts are divided on
the question of its constitutionality. The best examples here are the RH bill and the propriety of
amending the Constitution as well as particular amendments to be made therein.
Writing this column for the past 24 years has indeed been very challenging but most rewarding. I
hope to go on for as long as I can even after writing almost 7,000 articles. Thanks and congrats
to the Philippine Star which is really shining brightly like silver after 25 years.

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