12 DECEMBER 2013
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| Former residents of DSWD centers return to the place they once called ‘home’ |
| San Fernando City, Pampanga – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office III recently gathered the successful former residents of its various centers for a Homecoming at SM City Clark. The homecoming allowed the former residents to reach out to the children who are currently at the different centers and institutions. They shared their stories and narrated how the DSWD helped them reform. Twelve of those who attended the event were named outstanding former residents. Among them were Raul, Edna, and Ruben. Their testimonies reflect the love and hope they found at the centers which once became their homes. From the streets to a brighter future The abusive experience of siblings Ruben, Michael, and Manolo in their very own family drove them to make the streets their home. The three brothers became beggars. They were rescued and brought to Lingap Center where they stayed until an aunt responded to the correspondence of DSWD to fetch them. Their aunt brought them to the United States of America to live with her. Lingap Center is a transitional home for street children 7 to 17 years old, who are abandoned or whose parents cannot provide for their needs adequately. Ruben later on joined the US Marines, Michael signed up with the US Army, and Manolo became a businessman. Ruben is back to the country and resides here with his Filipina wife and children. “I chose to come back and live here because this is the land of my birth. Likewise, I feel indebted to the people of DSWD, particularly those in the center who took care of me and my brothers,” Ruben expounded. He said that he will never forget the lessons he learned and wanted to share these to the current residents of Lingap Center. On the other hand, Edna, a former resident of the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC) in Lubao, wasonly five years old when she and her three-year old sister were first brought there. The RSCC is a residential facility for neglected, dependent and abandoned children zero to six years old including victims of abuse and exploitation, and those with special needs. During her stay at RSCC, Edna was a model resident, always lending a helping hand to house parents. They counted on her to do responsibilities just like an older sister in a family. She always had time to do household chores after finishing her assignments. It was natural for her to be an older sister when she was around other clients. Later on, Edna, then 17 years old, and her sister, then 15, left RSCC and became beneficiaries of the Group Living Project, initiated by the Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, a non-government organization. This project ushered in a new life for both of them. Determined to succeed, Edna enrolled in a two-year course in Associate Hospitality and Restaurant Services at STI College in Dasmarinas, Cavite. She worked while studying, eager to land a good job to be able to support herself and her sister. Recently, Edna finished her course, and is now looking forward to a brighter future for both of them. “Feeling ko buong-buo ang pagkatao ko dahil sa pagmamahal na natanggap ko mula sa mga social workers at houseparents sa center. Hindi ko pinagsisihan kailanman na lumaki ako sa center (I feel that my personality became complete because of the love I received from the social workers and house parents in the center. I never regretted growing up in the center),” Edna shared during the homecoming program. Meanwhile, Raul recalled that when his parents died, his desire to survive led him to the streets where he committed petty crimes. He was accused, jailed and abused for reasons he could not fathom at that time. Worse, he was separated from his two sisters. A social worker from DSWD took Raul to the Lingap Center in Olongapo City. While at the center, Raul was sent to school where he excelled academically. After completing his primary and secondary education, Raul became a scholar of Columban College in Olongapo City where he finished BS Accountancy. Best of all, he was reunited with his two sisters. Raul is now married and has three children. He works as Project Development Officer II at the Field Office. “It’s time to give back,” Raul stated relating to his choice of workplace. “We were once hopeless and felt like we will remain in that situation forever. The DSWD social workers, house parents and staff filled us with the love, attention and care that we badly needed, and so now, I am just returning the favor, ” Raul narrated. For her part, DSWD-Field Office III Director Adelina Apostol shared how “happy and proud” they are of the children who “made good with their lives outside the protective boundaries of our centers.” “They are shining examples that life can indeed be better.” Dir. Apostol added, “the children at the center now need help because they are trapped in the same unfortunate predicament that our former residents went through. Some inspiring words from a brother, a sister, a mother and a father will surely soothe pains and renew spirits.” The work continues Dir. Apostol emphasized that the “work in the centers continues as long as there are children needing the agency’s love and care.” “We draw strength from the stories of former residents like Ruben, Edna and Raul.” Currently, the field office manages seven centers for abandoned, abused, neglected, trafficked children and minors, as well as for children in conflict with the law (CICL), and those with mental and physical disabilities. These are Home for Girls in Tarlac and Nueva Ecija, Lingap Center, Haven for Women and Children, Accelerating Minors Opportunity for Recovery (AMOR) Village, Haven for Women and Children, Reception and Study Center for Children, and Regional Rehabilitation Center for Youth (RRCY). They provide different services including home care, protection, treatment, rehabilitation and livelihood skills to children and youth. According to DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, “Institutionalization should be the last recourse.” She adds, “Our priority as an agency mandated to protect and promote children’s rights is to find loving, nurturing and stable homes for every abandoned, neglected and abused child in our centers and institutions.” The twelve former center residents all agree that the guidance they received from DSWD center staff was instrumental to their success. |
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| Colleagues in gov’t give me strength – Sec. Soliman |
| Amid criticisms from various sectors on the ongoing relief operations of the government for Typhoon Yolanda victims, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said she is “hurt but will not walk away.” In a press briefing on Wednesday where she gave updates on relief operations, Sec. Soliman said, “I draw strength from my colleagues in government and the other organizations working together to help the victims.” “All of us are under heavy pressure and the reassurances from my colleagues like Secretaries Mar Roxas and [Voltaire] Gazmin, and [other] government workers on the ground keep me going,” she remarked. Early recovery and rehabilitation During the press briefing, she cited the programs and services to be implemented for the early recovery and rehabilitation of affected areas. Early recovery includes the implementation of cash-for-work, cash-for-training, critical incident stress debriefing (CISD), educational assistance and women and children-friendly spaces. The construction of temporary bunkhouses, Emergency Shelter Assistance (ESA), and Permanent Shelter Assistance Program fall under rehabilitation. “We will provide materials to rebuild their houses, however, we stressed to the local governments that new shelters have to be built 40 meters away from the shoreline on high tide because we have learned our lessons from past typhoons,“ Sec. Soliman explained. Likewise, the Sustainable Livelihood Program will be undertaken to help them recover economically. All of these involve not only DSWD but other government agencies, such as the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health, Department of Education and other international organizations. Trafficking “The stress debriefing which is being done by DSWD and DOH is important because several survivors still need debriefing, especially mothers who lost their children,” the Secretary added. She also reminded parents, “Do not give your children to others who you don’t know well, or even to your relatives. Know the details what is going to be done to the children,” Sec. Soliman emphasized. She reiterated this warning in view of alleged reports that human traffickers are prowling the evacuation centers searching for children and minors. Other interventions include tracking of orphans which is being done with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). “We are now tracking who are those taking care of children not their own. We won’t get the kids but they have to be registered. We have to know how many have been orphaned.” A team of stress debriefers from the DSWD Central Office are in Tacloban City to look into the children’s situation. Secretary Soliman also acknowledged the more than 100,000 volunteers who helped repack relief goods. Continued relief distribution To date, the Department has distributed a total of 3,009,076 food and rice packs in Eastern Visayas, including Tacloban City, 40 towns in Leyte, 14 municipalities in Eastern Samar, as well as in Biliran Island and Western Samar. “We are already on the 10th round of food distribution in the region,” she added. Likewise, some 345,382 liters of potable water were distributed to affected residents. Non-food items such as blankets, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, tents, shelter boxes, water jugs, tarpaulins, lanterns, light kits and communication devices, among others were also provided. As of December 12, DSWD has received P54,785,427.52 local donations and US $14,727,795.67 foreign donations. |
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| In celebration of 2013 National Volunteer Month, PNVSCA honors outstanding volunteers |
| MANILA— The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) is honoring outstanding Filipino volunteers in celebration of the 2013 National Volunteers Month this December. These volunteers, whose works demonstrate commitment and service to others especially in times of disaster and calamities, will be recognized in an Awarding Ceremony on Friday, December 13 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria, Ortigas Center, Quezon City. The Search for Outstanding Volunteers recognizes Filipinos who exhibited exemplary performance and dedication to service while building strong communities across the country through volunteerism. The search is open to all Filipinos -- individuals or local or international volunteer organization -- who currently provide volunteer assistance in the Philippines. This year’s SOV awardees are the following: 1. Margarita H. Coscolluela 2. Arvin O. Marabiles 3. Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr. 4. Volunteer Service Provider (VSP) 5. Kabalikat Civicom – 475 Marinduque Chapter 6. PLDT Employee Volunteers 7. Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) or the German Development Service Coscolluela, who formed the Sta. Maria Iloy Sang Dios Prison Ministry in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental in 1981, is this year’s recipient of the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award (VLAA). She has been actively involved for 32 years in the prison ministry, which conducts regular visits, prayer meetings, Bible studies, and teachings to 19 jails all over the province. She also conducts a welfare program which provides prisoners with medical, livelihood, personal, and paralegal assistance. The national awardees for the Individual Category are Arvin O. Marabiles and Demetrio P. Anduyan, Jr. Marabiles hailed from Davao City and formed the Saint Francis Xavier Trabungco Mountaineering Club Search and Rescue Group (SFX TRABMOC). SFX TRABMOC is the only volunteer emergency response group in Northern Davao. He joined the group’s emergency missions, particularly in the search, rescue, and retrieval operations during the Compostela Valley landslide in December 2012. Meanwhile, Anduyan presently serves as the Dean of the College of Industrial Technology and Education in the Isabela State University. He initiated and implemented Project TEACH (Teach Every Agta Child), which develops the functional literacy of Agta children in Brgy. Cabisera 10, Ilagan City, Isabela. He also formed the Project DEMI (Dynamic English and Mathematics Instruction), a barangay-based literacy program which aims to empower school children of Brgy. Namnama, Ilagan City to acquire functional skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic. The SOV also acknowledges volunteer groups and organizations which cover the Not-for-Profit and the Corporate categories. One of the group awardees for the Not-for-Profit Category is the Volunteer Service Provider (VSP). It is composed of students from the San Pedro College in Davao City. In 2010, VSP started FLUSH (For the Love of Ultimate Hygiene and Sanitation) by constructing two ceramic toilet bowl units for the Matigsalog Tribe of Marilog District, Davao City. The group also initiated and implemented DOMES (Developing Ocean’s Man-made Eco-friendly Shelters), wherein they constructed six concrete domes that were then deployed in previously destroyed seabed at Purok Pigasaan, Samal Island, Davao del Norte. The Kabalikat Civicom – 475 Marinduque Chapter, another Not-for-Profit Category awardee, is one of the more than 700 chapters of the Kabalikat Civic Communicators Association, Inc. Kabalikat Civicom is the Philippines’ largest and most active civic communication group. The organization’s Marinduque chapter has a 24/7 Disaster Monitoring and Civic Rescue Team that can be deployed anywhere in the entire province. The group also disseminates early warnings to localities and makes available radios with portable antennas and solar powered communication systems which can be used in times of calamities. The recipient of the Corporate Category award is the PLDT Employee Volunteers, a group of PLDT employees who do volunteer works outside their regular working hours. One of the group’s most notable volunteer contributions is the TELEpuno, a 5-year tree planting program established in 2008 that has planted over 80,000 seedlings to restore the ecology of the Infanta-Real Quezon watershed reserve. Special citation will also be conferred to Deutscher Entwicklungsdienst (DED) or the German Development Service. From 1990 to 2011, DED sent a total of 210 German volunteer development workers to the Philippines, especially in the Visayas and Mindanao. The DED established a Peace Building Program in 2003, which pushed for peaceful conflict resolution in Mindanao. It also created the Weltwaerts Program in 2008, which extends assistance in basic literacy, non-formal education, health, and environment concerns, among others. Carrying the theme “Volunteer for the MDGs: Fight HIV and AIDS”, the 2013 National Volunteers Month celebration will be headed by the NVM Honorary Chair Efren Penaflorida, 2009 CNN Hero of the Year and the 2008 Search for Outstanding Volunteer Awardee. Apart from the SOV, the PNVSCA will also be conducting a forum on “Filipino Youth Volunteering for HIV and AIDS” in January 2014. It is expected to gather about 100 youth participants from different youth organizations in Metro Manila who will be given the opportunity to express their commitment to volunteer in HIV- and AIDS-related activities. Further, the National Coalition on Volunteerism (NCV) and the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) Programme, with the support from the Association of Foundations (AF) and Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), will also organize a two-day event entitled “Pugay-Kamay: Honoring the Volunteer Hands and Hearts of Hope”. The event aims to harness the strength of volunteerism for nation-building, participatory governance and resiliency of communities. A Kite-Flying Festival was held last Saturday, December 7, by the PNVSCA, NCV and UNV and participated in by local government officials from Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Naga. The traditional kite-maker Pa Andang from Sulu/Tawi-tawi provided the kites which carried the words “Katapatan, Kalusugan, Kapayapaan.” Launched on December 5, 1998, the annual observance of NVM seeks to: (a) build nationwide public awareness and appreciation for volunteerism; (b) create an environment for encouraging voluntary action; and (c) recognize volunteers and their contributions to society. |
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| RP-PNG Cooperation on fisheries |
| DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala (3rd from right) and BFAR Director Asis G. Perez (2nd from right) together with representatives from Papua New Guinea (PNG) led by Sylvester B. Pokajam (2nd from left), Managing Director of the National Fisheries Authority, PNG and NFA Chairman of the Board, Job Pomat (3rd from left), strengthen the ties on fisheries between RP and PNG after finalizing the draft for the Joint Committee on Fisheries Cooperation (JCFC) and the Subsidiary Arrangement on Specific Areas of Cooperation on Monday, December 9, at the central office of the Department of Agriculture in Quezon City. The bilateral fisheries cooperation between the two countries which is based on a MOU for Fisheries Cooperation forged in 2009, primarily reflects the commitment of both countries for managing highly migratory fish stocks as well as the traceability of fish produce to ensure that catch does not come from Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing. Both parties agree that their stronger cooperation would not only improve economic engagements but also undertakings on sustainable fisheries management and development. Also in photo are Bienvenido V. Tejano (left), Philippine Ambassador to Papua New Guinea and BFAR Assistant Director for Technical Services, Drusila Bayate (right). |
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| Philippine Ambassador Calls on Mayor of Grey District, New Zealand |
| 12 December 2013 - In line with the Philippine Embassy’s continuing efforts to promote closer ties with New Zealand’s local governments, Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez, accompanied by Consul Arlene Gonzales-Macaisa, called on His Worship Mayor Tony Kokshoorn of Grey District in the South Island of New Zealand on December 7. The meeting was made during the simultaneous delivery of the Embassy’s Mobile Consular Services for the benefit of Filipinos in Greymouth and the surrounding cities of the South Island from December 5 to 10. Mayor Kokshoorn warmly welcomed Ambassador Benavidez and stated that Filipinos are thriving members of Grey District society. He expressed his admiration for the Filipino people’s work ethics and devotion to family. The Mayor stated that Filipinos “work like Trojans” and they have a reputation for getting the job done. A friendly and an open outlook in life is also a major factor as to why Filipinos have succeeded in endearing themselves in New Zealand communities. He expressed his sadness over the devastation and tragic loss of lives which typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) wrought in the central Philippines. Ambassador Benavidez expressed her deep appreciation to Mayor Kokshoorn and shared with him of the outpouring of support, solidarity and sympathy which the Philippines and Filipino people have received from the Government and People of New Zealand in the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). She said the incredible response by the public throughout the North and South Islands who are undertaking fundraising drives in local councils, private companies, schools, media, civic clubs, individuals, families, churches, associations and organizations, celebrities, Red Cross, UNICEF, Caritas, Save the Children New Zealand, among others, and in every sector of New Zealand society to aid victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) are truly overwhelming, overflowing and outpouring. Ambassador Benavidez also informed the Mayor that Filipinos in New Zealand, like their fellow Filipinos throughout the world, keep the true spirit of “Bayanihan alive in words and in deeds, especially in times of great need. She stated that “Home is where your heart is - although many of the Filipinos in New Zealand are now Kiwis on paper and have made New Zealand their second home, they still hold a special place in their hearts for the Philippines. They continue to endear themselves with the people of New Zealand and this has contributed immensely to the outpouring of empathy, generosity and kindness springing forth among New Zealanders”. Mayor Kokshoorn stated that the Filipino people have a great sense of community spirit, family ties, and a “roll-up-your-sleeves” work attitude that is close to the heart of New Zealanders. He said that he knows the Filipino people will rise above the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan and that their Christian faith will serve to strengthen them and the nation. Mayor Kokshoorn then handed Ambassador Benavidez a personal donation for victims of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) which the Ambassador received with heartfelt gratitude and informed him that she will personally see to it that the donation will be placed in a rehabilitation fund forthe on-going restoration and reconstruction of homes, schools, infrastructure and livelihood in Central Philippines. Ambassador Benavidez thanked Mayor Kokshoorn for the meeting, and looked forward to further collaboration in projects to enhance people-to-people ties between the Philippines and New Zealand. |
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| Philippine Embassy Participates in 60th YWCA International Charity Bazaar 2013 in Bangkok |
| 12 December 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok participated in the 60th YWCA annual Diplomatic International Charity Bazaar 2013 held at Central World Live Hall & Zen Gallery located at the 8th floor of Central World Shopping Center, from November 29 to December 2. HRH Princess Soamsawali graced the opening ceremony and visited all the participating booths. The Philippine booths showcased Philippine traditional costumes, handicrafts, food and health products manufactured by Philippine companies based in Thailand such as Thai Liwayway Food Industries Co. Ltd., Goldilocks Bakeshop Company Limited Thailand, Monde Nissin (Thailand) Co. Ltd. and UNILAB Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd.-Great Eastern Drug Co. Ltd. The event was a great opportunity for the participating Philippine companies to promote and sell their products which were quite popular among the visitors. The Bazaar is a yearly charity event organized by the Young Women’s Christian Association of Bangkok (YWCA) in coordination with the wives of the diplomats and diplomatic representatives from 42 countries based in Thailand. The bazaar aims to raise funds for various YWCA projects for the underprivileged women, children and elderly of Thailand. |
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| Novaliches wholesaler charged with willful failure to pay tax |
| The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against WILLIAM TAN VALENZUELA (VALENZUELA) for WillfulFailure to Pay Tax for taxable year 2006 pursuant to Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code). VALENZUELA is engaged in the wholesale business with registered address at No. 20 Prinsipe Tupaz St., Doña Rosario Subd., Novaliches Proper, Quezon City. Hewas the subject of investigation pursuant to a Letter of Authority (LOA) issued by the BIR authorizing the examination of his books of accounts and other related accounting records for taxable year 2006. The said LOA was issued based on a Letter Notice (LN)-Relief (VAT and Income Tax). The charges against VALENZUELA stemmed from his willful failure to pay deficiency taxes for taxable year 2006 in the aggregate amount of P6.86 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down into Income Tax – P4.04 million; and Value Added Tax – P2.82 million. Records of investigation showed that the BIR served copies of the Notice of Informal Conference, Computation Sheet and Response to Findings to VALENZUELA. Subsequently, the tax agency issued the corresponding Preliminary Assessment Notice (PAN), Final Assessment Notice (FAN) and Formal Letter of Demand (FLD). He failed to protest said assessments, hence making the same final, executory, unappealable and demandable. The issuance of Warrants of Garnishment and Demand Before Suit proved useless as the said tax assessments remained unpaid. The obstinate failure and continued refusal of VALENZUELA to pay his long overdue deficiency tax assessment/s, despite repeated demands and theexhaustion of administrative remedies, were construed as willful failure to pay the taxes due to the government. The case against WILLIAM TAN VALENZUELA is the 204th filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of Revenue Region No. 7, Quezon City. |
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| Quezon City lady trader charged with willful failure to pay tax |
| The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against LEONOR A. CALDERON (CALDERON)for Willful Failure to Pay Tax for taxable year 2007 pursuant to Section 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code). CALDERON is the sole proprietress of H.L.A. INTERNATIONAL MARKETING engaged in trading business with principal office at No. 19B Baler Street, Barangay Bungad, San Francisco Del Monte, Quezon City. She was the subject of investigation pursuant to a Tax Verification Notice issued by the BIR authorizing the examination of her books of accounts and other related accounting records for taxable year 2007. The charges against CALDERON stemmed from her willful failure to pay deficiency taxes for taxable year 2007 in the aggregate amount ofP1.52 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down into Income Tax – P973,014.21; Value Added Tax – P504,568.06; Expanded Withholding Tax - P39,385.57; and Withholding Tax on Compensation - P630.62 . BIR records of investigation showed that in spite of the service and receipt of the requisite notices and Subpoena Duces Tecum, CALDERON failed to present her books of accounts and other related accounting records for taxable year 2006. Subsequently, the BIR issued the corresponding Preliminary Assessment Notice (PAN), Final Assessment Notice (FAN) and Formal Letter of Demand (FLD). She failed to protest said assessments, hence making the same final, executory, unappealable and demandable. The subsequent issuance of the Preliminary Collection Letter, Final Notice Before Seizure, Warrant of Distraint and/or Levy, Warrant of Garnishment, and Demand Before Suit proved useless as the said tax assessments remained unpaid. Despite such fact of finality and the exhaustion of administrative remedies, CALDERON still failed to pay the deficiency taxes due. The obstinate failure and continued refusal of CALDERON to pay her long overdue deficiency tax assessment/s, despite repeated demands, were construed as willful failure to pay the taxes due to the government. The case against LEONOR A. CALDERON is the 203rd filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of Revenue Region No. 7, Quezon City. |
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| Another Malampaya Fund Infrastructure Projects Contractor charged with tax evasion |
| The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against LORENZO BOTE LEONCIO (LEONCIO) for Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax, Deliberate Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in his Income Tax Return (ITR) and 4th Quarter Value-Added Tax (VAT) Returnand Willful Failure to File his 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter VAT Returns for taxable year 2008, all in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Codeof 1997, as amended (Tax Code). Respondent LEONCIO is the sole proprietor of LB LEONCIO TRADING AND CONSTRUCTION (LBLTC) and engaged in the business of construction, among other commercial pursuits, at Poblacion Narra, Palawan 5303. LBLTC was contracted by the Provincial Government of Palawan (PGP) to construct several infrastructure projects funded by Malampaya Funds during taxable year 2008. Investigation disclosed that LEONCIO declared in his ITR for taxable year 2008 gross revenues amounting to only P18.04 million. Documents gathered by investigators, including checks issued by PGP, disbursement vouchers certified by the Commission on Audit (COA), and official receipts issued by LBLTC, however, showed that LEONCIO received income payments amounting to P86.13 million from PGP, P4.42 million from NIA and P1.27 million from the sale of rice for taxable year 2008. He was likewise found to have failed to file his 1st, 2nd and 3rd Quarter VAT Returns for the same taxable year. The aforecited findings summed LEONCIO’s gross revenues per investigation for 2008 to P91.82 million. Compared to his gross revenue declaration in his 2008 ITR of only P18.04 million, he substantially underdeclared his income by P73.78 million or by 409%. He likewise underdeclared his VAT receipts for taxable year 2008 byP67.53 million, or by 1,195%, when investigators discovered he earned P73.18 million while declaring P5.65 million only in his VAT return. As a consequence of his acts and omissions, LEONCIO was assessed an aggregate deficiency tax liability for taxable year 2008 in the amount of P78.65 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down as follows: Income Tax – P58.22 million; and VAT – P20.43 million. The case against LORENZO BOTE LEONCIO is the 202nd filed under the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. |
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| Monetary Board Keeps Policy Rates Unchanged |
| At its meeting today, the Monetary Board decided to keep the BSP's key policy rates at 3.50 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 5.50 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility. The interest rates on term RRPs, RPs, and special deposit accounts (SDAs) were also kept steady. The reserve requirement ratios were left unchanged as well. The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment that the inflation environment remains manageable. While inflation forecasts have slightly risen due to the recent increase in global oil prices, utility rate adjustments, and the impact of the recent typhoons, the future inflation path continues to be within the target over the policy horizon since the uptick is expected to be largely transitory. Meanwhile, market expectations of inflation remain consistent with the target range. Nonetheless, the Monetary Board is mindful that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook is still weighted toward the upside given the potential increases in food prices as well as the pending petitions for further adjustments in utility rates. At the same time, the Monetary Board pays close attention to the evolving economic growth and liquidity dynamics and their implications for price and financial stability. While global economic conditions could be challenging, prospects for domestic activity are expected to stay firm, supported by buoyant domestic demand as well as favorable consumer and business sentiment. Moreover, as credit expands in lock-step with output growth, the economy’s improved absorptive capacity will likewise be sustained, thus mitigating inflation pressures. Going forward, the BSP will continue to monitor emerging price and output conditions to ensure the consistency of the monetary policy stance with stable prices and sustainable economic growth. |
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| P9.8-B to boost housing aid for metro ISFS anew; 30,704 new housing units eyed by 2014 |
| To further ensure the safety of more informal settler families (ISFs) amidst the regular occurrence of typhoons and the risks brought about by flooding in Metro Manila, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P9.8 billion to the National Housing Authority (NHA) for the implementation of a Housing Project that will relocate families residing in dangerous areas in the metro. The release will support the construction of a total of 30,704 housing units by 2014—26,948 from off-city resettlements and 3,756 from in-city low-rise buildings (LRBs)—that would effectively transfer families currently residing along waterways such as creeks, rivers and esteros to safer and more secure locations. “With all the typhoons and weather disturbances we experienced this year alone, we are already too familiar with the tragic consequences of climate change—particularly the loss of life and property. This latest release will go a long way in supporting the NHA’s housing assistance to informal settler families, particularly those who’ve built their makeshift homes in locations that are prone to heavy flooding,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. “In relocating these families, we are also declogging our major roads and thoroughfares, which will of course have a significant impact on our efforts to address the extensive flooding in several parts of Metro Manila. In a sense, it’s a win-win situation for our ISFs—who will be transferred to safer housing resettlements—and for the broader population, who can soon expect improvements in our flood control program,” he added. Charged under the 2013 General Appropriations Act (GAA) for Budgetary Support to Government Corporations, the NHA will construct eight in-city LRBs in various government-owned lands. The P9.8 billion funding support will also cover the implementation of off-city row housing resettlements where in-city project plans are not feasible. Out of the total target of 30,704 housing units being eyed for next year, 8,084 off-city housing units from 9,882 developed lots will be completed before the year ends, the construction of which has already started and currently ongoing. |
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| DOLEs OWWA and POEA hold out more services and facilities for this year’s Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs |
| Striving to be more of service to overseas Filipino workers and their families, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), yesterday said it will offer an array of direct services and facilities to them in this year’s “Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs” Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz stated this yesterday as she bared the activities lined up for this annual tradition lead by the DOLE, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). “This has been a hard year for the country and we wish to make a difference in the lives of the workers and their families in every program and project that the department and its family of agencies conduct. We aim to give more meaning for this year’s “Pamaskong Handog” and make it more productive and worthwhile for the OFWs and their families,” Baldoz explains. Highlighting the “Pamaskong Handog sa OFWs” is the recently concluded 2013 Model OFW Family of the Year Award (MOFYA). This annual event which features the best practices of the OFW families in tackling the difficulties of migration. Now on its 9th year, two winners, one from the land-based and another one from the sea-based sector, were chosen from among the seventeen (17) regional winners all over the country. Two special awards—OFW Family with Outstanding Achievement in Community Projects and OFW Family with Outstanding Achievement in Entrepreneurship—were also given during the Awarding Ceremony last 9 December 2013 at the Philippine International Convention Center. Recognizing that more OFWs will be coming home to spend the holiday season with their families and loved ones in the country, OWWA enhanced its expanded airport assistance services for arriving OFWs by designating teams to provide the said services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on 3, 5, 10, 12 and 17 December 2013. “Several facilitative services which aim to make the issuance and validation of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) will also be set up to make the process easier and more convenient for the OFWs, especially for the Balik-Manggagawa,” Baldoz said. These facilitative services include a one-stop shop scheme of the POEA, in partnership with OWWA, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth. A One-Stop Processing Center is operating at Room 101 at the Ground Floor of the OWWA Center Building in Pasay City starting 3 December 2013 up to 31 January 2014. With the goal of reducing the process cycle time for the issuance of OEC from presentation of documents, the POEA will be implementing a Pre-Evaluation of Balik-Manggagawa (BM) Documents. Under this scheme, BMs who were already in the POEA database and have e-mail addresses on record will be sent an electronic mail encouraging them to fill-out an online BM Information Sheet and take advantage of the appointment system. Once accomplished, the information contained in the online form will be automatically saved in the POEA database and can be used to pre-evaluate the data against those which are previously recorded in the database. On the scheduled time and date of appointment at the processing center, the BM will just present the printed copy of the information sheet together with the documentary requirements such as work visa/permit, passport, and proof of employment to the evaluator and proceed to the assessment/payment counter. Last 24 November 2013, all 20 counters at the POEA main office evaluating OFW documents and issuing OEC start their operation from 6:30 A.M. up to the last client every Monday and from 7:00 A.M. from Tuesday to Friday. “From 23-27 December 2013 and 2-3 January 2014, all transaction counters at the POEA Main Office open at 6:00 A.M. and will operate half-day on 4 January 2013,” Baldoz said, adding that additional evaluators and computers will be provided at the processing centers at the Duty Free Philippines, Trinoma, and at SM Manila to accommodate more BM during the peak season. Baldoz further said that the One-Stop Validation System at NAIA, a database information sharing system jointly developed and undertaken by the ICT teams of the POEA and Bureau of Immigration with the primary aim of streamlining the OFW documentation will be launched by the 3rd week of December this year. “As part of the transition period, OECs processed within the country will be validated directly by the BI while those issued by the POLOs will still be authenticated by the OFW Labor Assistance Center,” Baldoz explained. With the theme, “Maagang Pamaskong Handog para sa OFW: Patuloy na Mabilis at Mahusay na Serbisyo, Pasasalamat sa OFWs”, will run up to 31 January 2014. |
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| NLRC awards P2,39-B to 24,730 workers through SEnA |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday commended the National Labor Relations Commission, headed by Chairman Gerardo C. Nograles, for achieving a record year of settlements, judgments, and benefits that benefited close to 25,000 Filipino workers. Citing a year-end report of Chairman Nograles, Baldoz said the strategic labor adjudication and arbitration reforms being pursued by the NLRC under its roadmap made the achievements all the more remarkable. “A hallmark of the NLRC Roadmap is the speedy disposition of labor cases which is the heart of labor justice,” said Baldoz. Chairman Nograles, in his report said that as of 31 October 2013, the NLRC has awarded P2,390,716,454.64 to 24,730 workers through the conciliation-mediation of the Single-Entry Approach (SEnA) and the conciliation-mediation of the compulsory arbitration. Under the conciliation-mediation of the SEnA, the NLRC settled 4,722 RFAs, benefitting 5,036 workers, with total monetary benefits of P75,857,134.96. Under the conciliation-mediation of the compulsory arbitration, the Commission settled 11,123 cases benefitting 19,694 workers, with total monetary benefits of P2,314,859,319.68. Nograles said cases decided on the merits before the labor arbiters of the Regional Arbitration Branches (RABs) resulted to an award of P2,832,167,179.75 monetary benefits, benefitting 11,749 workers. “Of the total judgment awards the RABs awarded P412,400,685.01 to regular (local) cases by settlement and P1,671,273,926.27 through decision on the merits. For OFW cases, the RABs awarded P1,886,008,686.63 through settlement and P1,139,222,860.85 through decision on the merits,” Nograles explained. At the Commission level, a total of 9,135 workers were awarded benefits reaching P2,130,536,378.27. “The settlement of cases through SEnA and compulsory arbitration are part of the strategic labor adjudication and arbitration reforms implemented by the NLRC in recognition of the need for speedy disposition of labor cases,” Chairman Nograles said. As of 31 October 2013 of the 34,626 total cases handled by the RABs, 25,570 or 74 percent were disposed of. In the Commission Proper, of the 11,453 total cases handled, 9,862 or 86 percent are disposed of. The NLRC Roadmap provides an innovative policies and practices, such as (a) shortening the adjudication process cycle in the Regional Arbitration Branches (RABs) and Commission Proper; (b) posting of status and text of decisions in the NLRC website; (c) installation of e-raffling of cases; (d) adoption of dual-detection of corruption (i.e. pro-active and re-active mechanisms); (e) adoption of integrity testing and mandatory reporting methods; (f) adoption of template format of decisions; (g) monitoring of affirmance and reversal of decisions to the higher court; (h) strict monitoring of execution of judgment; (i) regular dialogue with stakeholders; (j) continuous review of the 2011 NLRC Rules of Procedure and the 2012 NLRC Manual on Execution of Judgment; and (k) strict monitoring and observance of an acceptable level of performance for Commissioners and Labor Arbiters. “The NLRC, together with other DOLE agencies, will intensify more its efforts in 2014 to further strengthen labor reform mechanism to achieve an effective and efficient administration of labor justice,” Nograles said. |
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| MMDA Announces Schedule of Activities for 39th Metro Manila Film Festival |
| The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today announced the schedule of activities for the upcoming 39th Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino will present the eight official MMFF entries in a press conference at the City Best Restaurant in Tomas Morato, Quezon City later. The stars and directors will be coming together at the annual Parade of Stars will be held on December 22, which will start from the Mall of Asia in Pasay City to the Quirino Grandstand, at 2 pm. The parade route will be from Seaside Boulevard, turning right at Macapagal Boulevard then to Edsa and Roxas Boulevard. The awards night, meanwhile, is scheduled on December 27, or two days after the December 25 opening of the annual MMFF. The awarding ceremonies will be held at Meralco Theatre in Pasig City. "We are calling on the public to support MMFF. We have provided quality Filipino films that will surely entertain and touch your hearts this Christmas season," Tolentino said. The eight official mainstream entries to the prestigious film festival are: 10,000 Hours / Robin Padilla, Mylene Dizon / Director: Bb. Joyce Bernal Pedro Calungsod, Batang Martir / Rocco Nacino, Christian Vasquez / Director: Francis Villacorta Girl Boy Bakla Tomboy / Vice Ganda, Maricel Sorian / Director: Wenn Deramas Pagpag / Daniel Padilla, Kathleen Bernardo / Director: Frasco Mortiz Kimmy Dora, Ang Kiyemeng Prequel / Eugene Domingo / Director: Chris Martinez My Little Bossings / Vic Sotto, Ryzza Mae, Bimby / Director: Marlon Rivera Boy Golden / Jorge Estregan, KC Concepcion / Director: Chito Roño Kaleidoscope World / Sef Cadayona, Yassi Pressman / Director: Eliza Cornejo & Gorio Vicuna |
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| Closing Statement of GPH Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the 42nd GPH-MILF Formal Exploratory Talks |
| Today the Annex on Powersharing is born. It has 4 major parts; 3,807 words; a set of principles of intergovernmental relations; a section that provides a level of detail on the structure of government of the future BMG; and three lists of powers, 9 reserved to Central Government, 14 concurrent or joint powers of the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and 58 exclusive or devolved powers to the Bangsamoro, not to mention 4 items relating to jurisdiction in a section on “Other Matters”. Such a laborious document as this Powersharing Annex is consistent with the fact that this Annex has many mothers and fathers. Certainly it was not a result of immaculate conception (which is celebrated today in the Catholic world). There are of course the negotiating panels and their principals and the constituents behind them. On the GPH side, one would trace its lineage to the President certainly and the different Cabinet secretaries in all the Cabinet clusters (security, justice and peace; good governance and anticorruption; economic development and finance; human development and poverty reduction; environment and climate change adaptation), including the Office of the Executive Secretary and the Office of the Presidential Counsel for Legal Concerns, and especially the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, down to their undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, heads of special offices, bureaus and agencies; to the different CSOs that have kept watch with their respective advocacies. We have talked to and consulted with all of them. After the labor pains, we have heaved our big, collective sigh of relief. After all, we carried this draft in our wombs (although the men here do not exactly have this facility) for 16 months. It was a mere zygote when the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Powersharing was convened for the first time. This was in our 30th Round of Formal Exploratory Talks that was held in August 2012. The GPH Panel was then chaired by now Associate Justice Marvic Leonen, and I was then assigned the adviser of the TWG. Since then, TWG chairship moved from former panel member Upi Mayor Ramon Piang to Undersecretary Jose Luis Martin “Chito” Gascon. TWG members have included OPAPP Usec Jose Lorena and Secrtary Mehol Sadain of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos. All throughout the process, the only other surviving original member of the Panel (other than myself) under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, former secretary Senen Bacani, provided the anchor, supported by the next oldest member of this panel (in terms of length of time in this panel) Usec Yasmin Busran Lao. In between we have met with and even brought over consultants from the Departments of Transportation and Communication, National Defense, DILG, DOJ and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resource. We were ably supported by our legal staff, Atty Armi Bayot from the Office of the Solicitor General and Atty Anna Tarhata Basman, and before that, by the former head of the legal team, Atty Johaira Wahab. Technical support was provided by our secretariat headed by Iona Jalijali. Aside from the parents, aunts and uncles, this rather difficult pregnancy was accompanied by its many godparents (ninong and ninang) – the third party to this process, Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Ghafar and the members of the ICG, all of whom contributed immensely at one point in time during the long wait for the birthing of the Annex. We thank them and especially the ICG members who survived this round – Emma Leslie of Conciliation Resources, Ali Saleem of the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, and Ahmet Doğan of the Government of Turkey, also the most handsome member of the ICG. Now this newborn baby will have to be introduced to the world. We expect that a good number out there would be eager to see it, scrutinize its different parts and get to know about it more. We of course tried our damnedest best to ensure that it will be a healthy baby, with all the parts in the right places, with the complete sets of toes and fingers, and not an unnecessary piece less or more. In all, it will represent all the good intentions, wise counsel, and difficult sacrifices all the parents had to make in order to bring a healthy baby in this world. In its genes, the shape of the future Bangsamoro political entity is encoded. But we know that all these will have to be translated into the Bangsamoro Basic Law – one that will put in place a strong, viable autonomous governance for the Bangsamoro in Mindanao, and connect with its siblings and cousins who came before and will come after. There remain many challenges ahead. We know that and we are ready for that even as we remain focused on the immediate task on hand, which is to finish once and for all the Annex on Normalization and an addendum on Bangsamoro Waters and put in place the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. These will be our new year’s gift to each other. Thank you. |
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