- Nestle Philippines and 112 former employees sign agreement fully closing industrial dispute
- DOLE advises OFWs to strictly observe, learn, and comply with KSA law
- Foreign Direct Investment Inflows continue to surge in September; Nine-month level reach US$3.1 billion
- DSWD maintains there is no ‘UK food aid,’ no diversion of relief
- DOE warns public of illegal solicitation
- Roxas to Romualdez: Stop rewriting history
- DTI-La Union turns over SSF to LUBDCO
- DOST research council names new head
- DTI halts operations of an unlicensed medical grade oxygen refiller in Cavite
- Phl Consulate General in Honolulu welcomes Senator Pia Cayetano
- Philippines, Italy sign protocol amending convention for the avoidance of double taxation
- SSS opens Service Office in Tacloban City
- The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation wins the Deposit Insurance Organization (DIO) of the Year Award for 2013
- Statement of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on the observance of the 20th International Human Rights Day
- National Volunteer Month 2013 - Volunteer for the MDGS: Combat HIV and AIDS
- Competition law for Phl needed for consumers and poor --------------------------------------------------------------------
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Nestle Philippines and 112 former employees sign agreement fully closing industrial dispute |
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| Closure after 11 years
Nestle Philippines and 112 former employees sign agreement fully closing industrial dispute.
Labor and Employment Secretary Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday expressed relief and satisfaction after she was informed of a signing of an agreement between the management of Nestle Philippines, Inc. and a group of 112 former employees of the company’s Cabuyao Factory that spells out the terms and conditions finally closing a long-running industrial dispute that arose from a deadlock in the negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement way back in 2001.
John Martin Miller, Nestle Philippines, Inc. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, signed the agreement on behalf of the management, while Jose Noel Alemania signed on behalf of the 112 former employees under the Union of Filipino Employee Drug, Food and Allied Industries Unions-Kilusang Mayo Uno (UFE-DFA-KMU), and Elmer C. Labog, KMU Chairman.
Also signing the agreement were the counsels of both parties, Atty. Jacinto R. dela Rosa, Jr. for Nestle Philippines, Inc., and Atty. Remegio Salader for the UFE-DFA-KMU. Officer-in-charge Director Romeo Montefalco, Jr. and Undersecretary Rebecca C. Chato signed the agreement as witnesses.
The agreement is the “out-of-the-box” solution initiated and facilitated by the DOLE to solve the drawn-out case that has attracted so much attention, has reached the International Labour Organization (ILO), and was one of the agenda items of the 2009 ILO High Level Mission to the Philippines.
The labor dispute at the company that started in 2001 had resulted to the dismissal and filing of criminal charges against several Nestle workers. It also led to other alleged violations of freedom of association.
"Given the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the validity of the dismissal of the workers, we have, at the DOLE, explored possible out-of-the-box solutions pursuant to the recommendations of the 2009 ILO High Level Mission," said Baldoz.
The agreement include, among others, the availment by the former employees of financial assistance extended by Nestle and the setting up of a Livelihood Program for the dismissed employees, where the company and the DOLE shall co-share the financial requirements of the same.
Part of the out-of-the-box solution for the final closure of the Nestle case include clearing of NBI records of the dismissed workers and grant of Isabelo delos Reyes Scholarship, under the DOLE Workers Organization and Development Program (WODP), to the dismissed workers’ qualified dependents.
"With the agreement and these other out-of-the-box solutions, it is my sincere hope that we can put this issue behind us now and move ahead after learning and harking to the lessons we have learned," Baldoz said, finally. |
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DOLE advises OFWs to strictly observe, learn, and comply with KSA law |
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| Working abroad brought good life and fortune to a lot of people but has become a nightmare for some unfortunate overseas Filipino workers. Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz recommends to those who are about to work abroad one sure fire way to ensure that their overseas career plans will smoothly materialize. “Observe, comply, and honor the laws in your country of destination,” she said. The labor chief made the statement after receiving a letter from the Assistant Secretary Petronila P. Garcia of the Department of Foreign Affairs informing the DOLE of a recent issuance from Ministry of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) entitled “Rules Governing Law-Breaching Foreign Workers”. According to the said issuance, the Ministry of Interior, represented by its law enforcement agencies, shall undertake the pursuit, apprehension, penalizing, and deportation of foreign workers who work for their own account, or illegal labor; those who abscond from work; overstayers, including holders of Hajj, Umrah, tourism, medical treatment, transit, or visit (of all types) visas; and infiltrators arrested outside the border area. It will also pursue anyone who employs offending foreign wokers; allows his workers to work for their own account; provides cover, harbors, or transports the same or aids them by any means, as well as recruiters who do not report overstaying recruits. An offending foreign worker shall be deported at the expense of the employer, unless the worker absconds from work and is reported immediately. Foreign workers entering the Kingdom under Hajj or Umrah visa, visit visa of all types, or other types of visa, or absconded from work, shall be deported at the expense of the person employing him. If he is working on his own account, he shall be deported at his own expense, or at the expense of the state, if he cannot afford a ticket. Otherwise, he shall be deported at the expense of the company, establishment, or person sponsoring his visit, the carrier, or the person providing him with cover. Any deported foreigner shall be prohibited from entering the Kingdom, in accordance with the periods and procedures specified in regulations to be issued, pursuant to a decision by the Minister of the Interior. Hajj and Umrah companies and establishment shall notify the competent authorities of any visitor who overstays his Hajj or Umrah visa. The same should be done by a person sponsoring a visitor who prolongs his stay in the Kingdom. Otherwise, said sponsor shall be deemed to be committing an instance of cover up. Companies, private establishments, and individuals should ensure that the foreign workers they hire obtain and renew their iqama, or the residence, and work permits in due time. They should not employ workers of third parties, nor allow their workers to work for third parties, without following established statutory rules or work for their account. Within five days, they should notify the competent authorities of workers absconding from work. Violators of this rule will be deprived of the right to obtain work or visit visa for a period not exceeding five years. Government agencies should also ensure that all foreigners working for them or in fields falling within their jurisdictions have valid iqama and work permits or are employed under officially approved contracts. “It pays to be obedient. You will never go wrong if you are following the rules and regulations of any country you are in. If you have nothing to worry about, you can do you work properly and you will be able to realize what you came there for,” Baldoz said. |
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Foreign Direct Investment Inflows continue to surge in September; Nine-month level reach US$3.1 billion |
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| Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows surged by 141.4 percent in September 2013 to reach US$319 million from US$132 million posted in September last year.1,2 The significant rise in foreign investments into the country reflects favorable investor outlook on the Philippine economy on the back of sound macroeconomic fundamentals amid challenging global economic conditions.
Net inflows of FDI were recorded across the three components, namely: a) equity capital, b) reinvestment of earnings, and c) placements in debt instruments. In particular, non-residents’ net placements in debt instruments issued by local affiliates amounted to US$267 million compared to US$10 million a year ago. Equity capital also yielded net inflows of US$7 million as gross placements of US$51 million more than offset withdrawals of US$43 million. Gross equity capital placements—sourced mostly from the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands and Hong Kong—were channeled mainly to financial and insurance; real estate; manufacturing; mining and quarrying; and professional, scientific and technical activities. Reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$44 million, lower by 32.2 percent compared to US$65 million registered in the same period last year.
On a cumulative basis, net FDI inflows for the first nine months of 2013 grew by 33.3 percent to US$3.1 billion from US$2.3 billion posted in the same period last year. By component, non-residents’ net placements in debt instruments during the period rose by more than six-fold to US$2 billion relative to the US$328 million level recorded during the comparable period in the previous year. Parent companies abroad continued to lend to their local subsidiaries/affiliates to fund existing operations and/or the expansion of their businesses in the country. The bulk of equity placements—which originated mainly from Mexico, Japan, the United States, British Virgin Islands, and the United Kingdom—were channeled mainly to manufacturing; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation; financial and insurance; real estate; and arts, entertainment and recreation activities. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$536 million, lower by 32.2 percent compared to US$788 million registered in the same period last year.
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1 The BSP adopted the Balance of Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22 March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011 BOP statistics. The major change in FDI compilation is the adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents’ investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial assets/residents’ investments abroad (previously presented as negative entry under liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines).
2 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSP’s FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP’s FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the IPAs’ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals. |
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 DSWD maintains there is no ‘UK food aid,’ no diversion of relief |
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| The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) clarifies that it has not received any food aid from the government of the United Kingdom, nor has it received food donations from any group or organization from the country.
Per DSWD’s records, the UK donations that have entered the country only include non-food items such as shelter box, communication equipment, solar lights, and blankets, among others.
These are all consigned to non-government organizations and United Nations agencies except for 504 units of tents which arrived in Manila on November 25 that are consigned to DSWD, and another 576 relief tents and 224 shelter boxes which arrived in Cebu on November 13 that are consigned to DSWD-Field Office VII.
The consignees of the UK non-food aid received in Manila are:
· Plan International Philippines with 504 units of tent from Shelter Box Trust Limited, UK;
· Plan International Philippines with 54 packages of communication equipment (emergency aid) from British Telecommunications PLC, UK; and,
· Philippine Relief and Development Services (PHILRADS) with two pallets of relief goods from Catalents CTS, Deeside UK.
The consignees of the UK donations received in Cebu are:
· International Organization for Migration with 6,000 high thermal synthetic blanket and 10,000 buckets from DFID-UK;
· International Organization for Migration with 3,510 solar light kits from DFID-UK;
· International Organization for Migration with 1,296 India Impex Solar Lanterns from DFID-UK;
· MSF Haiyan Cyclone Response with seven packages medicine from MSF Holland; and,
· Handicap International Cebu with 702 pieces India Impex Solar Lanterns from DFID-UK.
On the allegations that food donations are not reaching barangays and are just locked in warehouses, DSWD reiterates that they have reached even the remote island barangays in the region.
Helicopter deliveries are even done with the Philippine Air Force and other foreign assets in some hard-to-reach barangays. In fact, the helicopter that crashed in La Paz, Leyte last December 6 was carrying two DSWD employees who were doing relief work. Both sustained various injuries but are now being given medical attention.
The Department further explained that spot checking and monitoring in the area on the status or movement of relief stocks are regularly being conducted.
DSWD also engages local officials to inform the agency needs to deliver to far-flung barangays.
The clarifications came after the British tabloid paper Daily Mail released an article, which was subsequently carried by local papers, on December 7 claiming that “food flown in from Britain ends up in shops” instead to the typhoon victims.
The newspaper was quoting a British national and a Japanese volunteer who admitted, “(they) don’t have evidence but (just) believe it is being taken by officials.”
DSWD assures the public that reports like these and others about the relief operations are being taken seriously and investigated upon by the Department.
“We are not allowing the reselling of relief goods, and such cases will be dealt with in accordance with our laws,” it said.
DSWD added that questions on relief goods and requests for assistance can still be sent to its text hotline – 09209463766. |
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DOE warns public of illegal solicitation |
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| (Taguig City) The Department of Energy (DOE) warns the public and energy stakeholders of unscrupulous individuals posing as Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla and certain DOE employees soliciting money for supposed aid to typhoon Yolanda survivors and the rehabilitation in the calamity-stricken areas, as well as those taking advantage of the holiday season to fund occasions.
The DOE notes that government officials and employees are not allowed to solicit money in accordance with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act 6713).
With these occurrences, we encourage everyone to report any form of communication from these individuals, and verify the authenticity of these messages with the DOE through the Office of the Secretary’s official numbers: 840-2134 and 840-2008. |
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Roxas to Romualdez: Stop rewriting history |
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| MANILA, Philippines Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today advised Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez to stop distorting facts related to government’s disaster response on Supertyphoon Yolanda, saying the Aquino administration readily provided relief assistance to all local officials affected by the calamity regardless of their political affiliation.
“I sympathize with him, but my advice to Mayor Romualdez: don’t distort facts, stop rewriting history,” said Roxas, who is vice chair of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“I do not know if he is trying to politicize the situation or he is just suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. What I am sure of, he is not telling the truth. Politics never played a role in the relief operations after Yolanda,” he added.
Roxas acknowledged having advised Romualdez to write a letter to President Aquino detailing the condition of the local government unit at the time and the menu of assistance needed by Tacloban from the national government.
He stressed that the letter, however, was not meant to set a pre-condition for relief assistance from the national government.
“I requested that letter more than a week after Yolanda struck Tacloban. Even without that letter, the relief assistance kept pouring into Tacloban,” the DILG chief pointed out.
“All we wanted at the time was to formalize the request from the local government unit. We do not want a situation where the national government would later be accused of taking over Tacloban because the President is an Aquino and the mayor is a Romualdez,” Roxas explained.
He described as unfair the insinuation made by Romualdez before the Joint Congressional Committee that the national government failed to provide immediate relief to Tacloban just because the mayor is a member of a rival clan.
“This is politics at its worst. It is unfair for the thousands of men and women who were mobilized by the national government to come to the aid of Tacloban,” Roxas said.
Roxas also noted that Romualdez could just be parrying accusation that his failure to order forced evacuation of residents before the typhoon struck led to the loss of thousands of lives in Tacloban City.
“Malinaw na gusto ring ipagtanggol ni Mayor Romualdez ang kanyang sarili sa akusasyon na kulang ang kanyang preparasyon kaya maraming namatay sa Tacloban,” he said.
“Sa halip na atakihin ang gobyerno, mas mabuti sigurong ipaliwanag niya nang mabuti kung bakit nandoon siya sa beach resort nang dumating ang bagyo. Paano lilikas ang mga kababayan niya kung alam nila na binabale-wala lang ng mayor nila ang lakas ng bagyo?” he added.
The DILG chief noted that Romualdez may find himself liable for perjury should the Joint Congressional Committee discover that he distorted facts or uttered fallacious statements when he testified before the panel.
“We are ready with the facts, with the recording and minutes of our meetings. We will present all of these if needed so we know who is telling the truth and who is lying,” Roxas said. |
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| The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recently launched a shared service facility (SSF) to a beekeepers cooperative in La Union.
The SSF project was given to the La Union Beekeepers Development Cooperative Inc. (LUBDCO) and would benefit 45 members of the cooperative.
The facility is composed of tools and equipment for the fabrication of beehives, boxes and frames to be used by existing beekeepers and prospective micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in expansion areas. It would help produce and maintain good quality of bee colonies and honeybee products and sustain the supply of raw honey for the Honeybee Center of La Union.
Beekeeping has become one of the promising industries in La Union considering its potentials and the support given by the Provincial Government of La Union, the National Apiculture Research, Training, and Development Institute (NARTDI) and agencies like DTI.
The key officials of the province of La Union and officers of DTI-Region 1 graced the turnover ceremonies last December 10, 2013. |
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  DOST research council names new head |
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| The Governing Board of the Department of Science and Technology - National Research Council of the Philippines named Dr. Carina Galvez Lao as its new executive director.
Dr. Lao is not new in the DOST System. Before being chosen as the Council’s new Executive Director, Dr. Lao worked at the DOST Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Atmospheric Services Administration (PAGASA) for 39 years (1974 - present). She was Assistant Weather Services Chief before joining NRCP.
She recently had been to China, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, and the USA to join in various workshops, fora, and symposia on multi-hazard mitigation, typhoon behaviour, strengthening meteorological services among others.
Her countless awards and recognitions esteemed her dedication towards work and unselfish social service undertakings. In the 80th NRCP General Membership Assembly held in March 2013 at the Manila Hotel, the DOST NRCP named her as one of the twelve basic research achievers for2012.
She was recognized for her expertise in the field of meteorology and researches in PAGASA specifically on tropical cyclone tracks as well as mobilizing grassroots support to researches on atmospheric science, geophysics, and meteorological instruments development. Her efforts were considered pivotal in building the scientific and technical skills of researchers on the field of earth and space sciences and deemed to have elevated the bar of excellence of Philippine meteorological researches and studies.
Dr. Lao is a Regular Member of the NRCP Division XII: Earth and Space Sciences since 1995. She became a Member of the NRCP Governing Board (GB) when she was elected as the Division XII Chairperson in 2004 and held various GB ranks, namely as Member of the Personnel and Finance Committee 2004 - 2005; Assistant Corporate Secretary 2005 – 2008; and Corporate Secretary 2008 – 2009.
Dr. Lao hails from Balagtas, Bulacan. She obtained both her masters and doctorate degrees in Meteorology from the University of the Philippines Diliman. She was married to the late Mr. Rafael P. Lao. Her daughter, Carolyn Rose, is now working on her doctorate degree in De La Salle University Manila. |
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DTI halts operations of an unlicensed medical grade oxygen refiller in Cavite |
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| An enforcement team of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Calabarzon ordered to stop the operations of an unlicensed plant in Cavite that refills medical grade oxygen in cylinders.
While said manufacturer has a licensed refilling facility in the National Capital Region (NCR), its refilling plant in Cavite has a pending application for the Philippine Standards Quality Mark License, or PS License.
Prior apprehension, DTI Cavite found out that the Cavite refilling plant was already overdue in complying application requirements prompting the office to dispatch a team of enforcers to conduct an on-site inspection and found P602,750 worth of medical grade oxygen in 111 cylinders produced.
Section 5.4 of DAO 4:2008 stipulates that an application and the eventual PS License and certificates shall be standard-specific, site-specific, and brand-specific. Further, it stipulates that separate applications shall be made for products covered by different standards. Likewise, separate applications shall be filed for same products but manufactured at different sites.
DAO 02:2007 also stipulates that manufacturers of any product covered by mandatory product certification are required to first secure a PS license prior to selling, offering for sale, or otherwise disposing of their products.
DTI filed charges against the refiller in violation of DAO 4:2008 and DAO 02:2007 of which cases are elevated to the consumer arbitration officer for preliminary hearing.
If found guilty, the manufacturer/refiller will be penalized with a minimum fine of P17,500 per count of offense and a maximum of P300,000 plus the value of the products in violation.
Products which will affect life, safety, and health of the people and its environment are listed for mandatory product certification.
DTI continues to monitor, implement, and enforce relevant laws, rules and regulations to ensure the safety of consumers by preventing the proliferation of unsafe, uncertified products in the market. |
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Phl Consulate General in Honolulu welcomes Senator Pia Cayetano |
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| 10 December 2013 - Senator Pia Cayetano is welcomed to Hawaii by Consul Roberto T. Bernardo at the welcome reception of the Transnational Security Cooperation Course at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS), on December 8.
The Transnational Security Cooperation Course is an intensive program for current leaders. The intent is to replicate a forum consisting of practitioners who influence security cooperation at the highest levels. Senator Cayetano’s extensive work on women, children and health issues have important impacts on security, according to APCSS. |
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| 10 December 2013 - The Protocol Amending the Convention between the Republic of the Philippines and the Italian Republic for the Avoidance of Double Taxation with Respect to Taxes on Income and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion was signed by Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Cesar V. Purisima and Italian Ambassador Massimo Roscigno at a ceremony held on December 09 at the DOF premises.
The Protocol amending the Convention seeks to guarantee compliance of the Philippine tax laws with internationally agreed tax standards (IATS) as set forth by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In particular, it seeks to convey the Philippines’ assurances that the country is willing to exchange information on tax matters with Italy, within the parameters set by IATS.
The signing of the Protocol which promotes practices in information exchange and the strengthening of transparency on tax information, is expected to boost investment flows between the two countries, benefiting the Philippine economy and reinforcing the confidence of the international community in the Philippines.
The Convention was originally signed in Rome on December 1980, and entered into force on June 1990.
Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of European Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson, First Secretary and Deputy Head of Mission of the Italian Embassy Alfonso Tagliaferri, and other officials of the DFA, DOF and BIR were present during the ceremony. |
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 SSS opens Service Office in Tacloban City |
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| The Social Security System (SSS) has opened a Service Office (SO) in Tacloban City, one of the hardest-hit areas of the Super Typhoon “Yolanda”, to bring SSS services within reach of the affected residents. The Tacloban SO started accepting SSS transactions on December 2, allowing disaster-stricken members and employers to file their applications for the SSS Calamity Relief Package as well as for SSS benefits, loans and other transactions.
“The SSS Tacloban Branch suffered extensive damage during the onslaught of the typhoon, forcing its operations to a halt. As we work on restoring normal branch operations, the SO will serve the needs of members in Tacloban City and nearby areas for the meantime,” SSS said.
The Tacloban SO is open for business from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays. It is located within the compound of the SSS branch along the National Highway in Marasbaras, Tacloban City. It complements the services of nearby SSS branches in Catbalogan, Calbayog, Ormoc and Maasin, which are all prepared for the influx of members from Tacloban City.
In the wake of the devastation caused by “Yolanda” in Leyte province and other parts of central Philippines, the SSS offered a Calamity Relief Package that includes, among others, an extended payment deadline for contributions of calamity-stricken employers; various relaxed terms for affected loan borrowers, such as lower interest rates, moratorium on monthly amortizations and waived service fees; advance release of six-month pensions for typhoon-hit pensioners; and the waived P300 replacement fee for applicants of the Unified Multipurpose Identification System (UMID) card.
Services of the Tacloban SO also include issuance of social security (SS) numbers, employer (ER) numbers and SSS Forms; web registration assistance and account resetting; online verification and response to inquiries on contributions, loans, benefits and UMID applications. The SO also receives requests for changes in member and employer data; employers' reports of newly-hired workers; maternity notifications and funeral benefit applications.
“Availability of SSS services, such as online verification of eligibility and application status, may be limited depending on the strength of Internet connection and telecommunication signal in the area,” SSS said. “Despite this, the SSS will still provide services using available resources.”
The SSS also relaxed its requirements for affected pensioners applying for the advance release of six-month pensions under the relief package. Pensioners whose addresses as recorded in the SSS database are based in a declared calamity area will no longer need to present a certification from their barangay chairman, Department of Social Welfare and Development or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as proof that the pensioner is affected by the calamity.
“Also, in lieu of the death certificate, beneficiaries of deceased members may file the Certificate of Missing Person believed to be dead in times of disaster from the NDRRMC in filing their benefit claim. The member must be a resident of a declared calamity area whose body remains unrecovered,” SSS said. “The beneficiaries must also submit a notarized undertaking executed by the claimant stating that, in the event that the member re-appears and proven to be alive, the death and funeral benefit must be duly returned to SSS.” |
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation wins the Deposit Insurance Organization (DIO) of the Year Award for 2013 |
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| The International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), an organization of 71 member deposit insurance organizations based in Basel Switzerland, announced that the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) has been selected as the “Deposit Insurance Organization (DIO) of the Year”for 2013.
The announcement was made during the Twelfth IADI Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of Members (AGM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 7 November 2013.
Other organizations who won in the other categories include the Deposit Insurance Agency of Russian Federation for the “Award for Achievement in Banking Resolutions and Payouts”, Bank Guarantee Fund of Poland for the “Award for Core Principles and International Participation” and Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance Fund for the “Award for Deposit Insurance System Improvements.” The DIO of the Year Award for 2013 was presented to PDIC being the IADI member with significant achievements in all three categories.
PDIC President Valentin A. Araneta said that he is humbled by the award which reflects the hard work and commitment of the Board, officers and staff of PDIC. According to Araneta, international recognition of the effectiveness of Philippine government institutions serve to inspire domestic and foreign confidence in the Philippine economy. The PDIC organization has adopted a slogan of “Committed to Serve” aligned with the call of President Benigno S. Aquino, III to government institutions for service commitment and accountability to the public.
The PDIC has Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima as Board Chairman and BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. as Director. Their respective alternates are National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon and BSP Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. The other directors are Rogelio W. Manalo, Protacio T. Tacandong and Valentin A. Araneta who also serves as President and Vice Chairman. The PDIC has two Executive Vice Presidents, Ms. Imelda S. Singzon and Ms. Cristina Q. Orbeta handling the Examination and Resolution Sector and the Receivership and Liquidation Sector, respectively.
Finance Secretary Purisima lauded the Board officers and staff of PDIC on the international recognition. He exhorted PDIC to sustain and continually improve its good governance standards and its oversight over the handling of bank deposits. He said that good governance of banks is the best measure of depositor protection.
In its continuing efforts to comply with the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance Systems and other international best practices, PDIC has subjected itself to assessments and is an active participant in IADI activities.
In 2005, the IADI began conferring the DIO Award to a member in celebration of an important achievement and/or in recognition of the contribution that the Member has made to furtherance of IADI’s goals. The first organization to receive the award was the Central Deposit Insurance Corporation of Taiwan.
Since then, the conferment of the Award has been part of IADI’s tradition and is among the highlights of its annual meetings. The previous awardees of the DIO Award are the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (2012), Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corporation (2011), Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (2010), Savings Deposit Insurance Fund of Turkey (2009), U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (2008), Brazil’s Fundo Garantidor de Créditos (2007) and the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (2006). |
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Statement of Vice President Jejomar C. Binay on the observance of the 20th International Human Rights Day |
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| It is a strange twist of fate that as we commemorate the Vienna Declaration and Plan of Action that set the standards for human rights protection, we also mourn the passing of Nelson Mandela, a great leader who himself fought for the equal rights of all human beings in his own country.
As we continue to work towards protecting the rights of all Filipinos, may we be inspired by the work of Mandela, who tirelessly fought to eliminate apartheid and institute equal rights among all South Africans.
We must ensure that all Filipinos are free to enjoy their rights in an environment that supports their aspirations instead of represses them.
Government must enforce its laws against human rights violations. The people, too, must be more vigilant against encroachment on their individual liberties.
This is the essence of the theme, "20 Years: Working for your Rights," and I believe that through our unity at promoting human rights, we will eventually succeed. |
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National Volunteer Month 2013 - Volunteer for the MDGS: Combat HIV and AIDS |
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| Volunteerism in the Philippines has been inculcated in the very foundation of its culture. It has taken different guises or traditional names such as Bayanihan, Pahinungod, Kawanggawa or Bahaginan. Throughout the decades, volunteerism has continuously evolved and remains to be an essential part of Filipino lives.
In recognizing the vital role of volunteers and their contributions to the nation-building, the Philippine Government has designated the month of December as the National Volunteer Month (NVM). The NVM aims to build nationwide public awareness and appreciation of volunteerism and create the environment for voluntary action. It also recognizes volunteers as partners in the development and an appropriate form of recognition to the modern day heroes whose work is demonstrated by commitment and service to others.
The Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) is designated as the focal agency for the NVM celebration. It is assisted by the National Volunteer Month Steering Committee (NVM-SC) in planning and organizing NVM events and activities. The NVM-SC is composed of representatives from government and the private sector.
This year’s theme for the NVM celebration is “Volunteer for the MDGs: Fight HIV and AIDS” The campaign is led by the NVM Honorary Chair Efren Penaflorida, 2009 CNN Hero of the Year and the 2008 Search for Outstanding Volunteer Awardee.
Major events to look forward to during the NVM celebration in December 2013 are the International Volunteer Day (IVD) on December 5, which is a global event celebrated annually in the Philippines, the Kite Flying Festival by the National Coalition on Volunteerism (NCV), and the Awarding Ceremony for the 2013 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) to be held on December 13.
7 December
The National Coalition on Volunteerism (NCV) in partnership with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and PNVSCA will celebrate NVM through a Kite Flying Festival dubbed "Saranggola para sa Katapatan, Kalusugan at Kapayapaan (KKK)" on December 7, 3pm to 7pm at the Quezon City Hall Plaza. The symbolic turn-over of these aspirations and commitments will be done on 9 December and will also be held at Quezon City Hall Plaza.
The traditional kite maker known as Pa Andang from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi will make the kites which will each bear the words “Katapatan, Kalusugan, Kapayapaan.” Local Chief Executives from Davao, Cebu, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Naga are expected to participate in the Kite Flying Festival.
13 December
The 2013 Search for Outstanding Volunteers (SOV) culminates in an Awarding Ceremony to be held on 13 December 2013 at the Crowne Plaza Galleria, corner Ortigas and San Miguel Avenues, Ortigas Center, Quezon City.
SOV recognizes and highlights the exemplary performance and dedication to service of Filipino volunteers in building strong communities across the country through volunteerism. The search is open to all individuals of Filipino citizenship and Filipino volunteer organizations or local chapter organizations of foreign volunteer organizations that currently provide volunteer assistance in the Philippines.
PNVSCA invites everyone to celebrate the NVM in December, either through participation in activities advocating volunteerism and/or initiating volunteering activities that showcase the work of volunteers for local and national development.
Please visit the PNVSCA website at www.pnvsca.gov.ph to see other NVM volunteering events/activities for 2013 or email nvmphilippines@gmail.com to share information regarding your NVM initiatives. |
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| Competition agencies and nongovernmental organizations across the globe celebrated World Competition Day on December 5 under the theme "Impact of Cartels on the Poor". This day coincides with the day the United Nations General Assembly passed the UN set of principles and rules on competition. Cartels are motivated by greed and the desire to reduce competition. Without competition, cartels steal and rob from the public.
In the Philippines, cement is one sector where perennial price increases have always been a complaint despite the removal of tariffs. Other competition issues include exclusive dealing in canned tuna, interconnection problems in telecommunications, and high cost of shipping. Weak competition is detrimental particularly to ordinary consumers especially small and medium businesses.
Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) President Dr. Gilbert Llanto stressed that we cannot overemphasize the need for competition policy and competition law to ensure market contestability and regulate anticompetitive business practices. Without any competition law, there is a risk that market reforms may not be enough to foster effective competition.
In June 2011, President Aquino signed EO 45 designating the Department of Justice as the countrys competition office. While the creation of the Office for Competition is an important step, the legal framework is still to be deliberated at the House of Representatives and the Senate. PIDS Vice President Rafaelita Aldaba emphasized that strong political leadership would be necessary to legislate an effective competition law. In many developing countries, implementation is the Achilles heel of competition. Hence, it is important for us to design competition law and regulations that could be effectively implemented.
Aldaba further noted that there is no one-size-fits-all policy. Taking into account the stage of our economic development, policies, institutions, and resources, a gradual but steady implementation may be the proper approach to follow. The institutional ingredients that make ambitious competition systems feasible in developed countries hardly exist in a developing country setting such as ours and will only take time to build. Both Llanto and Aldaba agreed that to get there, we need to continue building our capacity and to focus on information dissemination and education, such as case studies of good practices. For our advocacy work, we should focus on the removal of regulatory barriers to services such as allowing foreign participation by relaxing the 60-40 percent rule in ports and shipping. For our enforcement agenda, we need to be selective and to pick cases that would generate positive response from the public to build the competition bodys credibility.
Currently, PIDS, in collaboration with the Customer Unity and Trust Society (CUTS) International of India, is implementing the Competition Reforms in Key Markets for Enhancing Social and Economic Welfare Project. This project aims to assess the state of competition in the rice and passenger transport sectors and quantify the competition benefits for both consumers and producers arising from reforms undertaken in these sectors. Dr. Llanto stressed the need to ensure that consumers realize the potential benefits from an effectively implemented competition regime. This project is one way of making people more aware of the benefits from competition and the need to legislate an effective competition law to accompany market-oriented reforms. |
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