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President Aquino encourages responsibility in PHL media |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday evening made a new pitch for
responsibility and discernment from the media through sober reporting.
In his speech at the 114th anniversary of the Manila Bulletin in Manila, the
President frowned on what he called unnecessary speculation and negativity.
"This is what I have always asked of media: to raise the level of public
discourse, instead of fueling unnecessary speculation and negativity that
contribute to national apathy," he said.
He said that in the case of the Manila Bulletin, it has chosen not to trump
up the worst news possible and cause despair among the public.
Instead, he said the paper has "consistently given them a true accounting of
the facts, and reason enough to be optimistic."
But the President clarified this does not mean he wants media to report only
the good news.
"The progress of our country can only be accounted for when it is measured
against, and in spite of, the challenges that we have endured," he said,
adding the Manila Bulletin has lived up to this by "exhibiting discernment
and accountability through sober and responsible reporting."
On the other hand, the President noted the Filipino people have chosen the
path of positivity and solidarity even in the face of negativity.
He said that in the wake of the devastation brought by super Typhoon
"Yolanda" (Haiyan) last year, Filipinos volunteered to repack relief goods
and extend whatever help they can.
"The naysayers, the irrational critics, the vested interests who measure
their success through their ability to sacrifice the well-being of the
nation to pursue their own, selfish agenda—all of them have been left in the
dust by a nation that no typhoon, no faction, and no irresponsible columnist
can break," he said.
"Our people have proven themselves more united, more discerning, more
cooperative, and in particular, more committed to making change permanent
than those who once tried to take advantage of them," he added.
He added Filipinos made so much progress by working and studying hard,
paying their taxes, following the rules, to "do their part in lifting our
nation."
"They know that, not since 1986 have Filipinos been able to go anywhere in
the world and hold their heads high, as we do today. They know this because
they took it upon themselves to give us a mandate for change back in 2010,
and they have stayed the course ever since," he said. PND (jl) |
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Department of Education achieves zero backlog in
classrooms, President Aquino says |
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(CARMONA, Cavite) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that the
government finally achieved a zero backlog in classrooms with the
construction of 66,813 classrooms.
In his speech during the ceremonial turn-over of the 66,813 classrooms at
the Carmona National High School here, the Chief Executive said the
Department of Education (DepEd) finally achieved its target of zero backlog
last December, 2013.
"Nang maupo tayo sa puwesto, tumambad sa atin ang nakakalulang kakulangan sa
sektor ng edukasyon. Kapos tayo sa libro, silya, at mga guro. Mayroon din
tayong—eto na po ang pamosong numero—ng 66,800 na kakulangan sa silid-aralan,"
he said.
President Aquino said the government managed to mobilize partnerships with
various government agencies, local government units (LGUs), the private
sector and foreign donors to help meet the target.
The classrooms, ranging from one-storey structures to multi-floor buildings,
were constructed using national and local government funds and donations
from the private sectors.
"At ngayong araw nga po, nasaksihan natin ang ceremonial turnover ng 66,813
na bagong classroom, na bumura din sa ipinamanang backlog ng nakaraang
administrasyon. Sa totoo lang po, gaya ng ipinangako ni Secretary Armin
Luistro, natapos itong ipatayo noon pang Disyembre. Ang bonus pa nga:
nalampasan pa natin ang ating target," the President said.
The President lauded Education Secretary Luistro for his commitment and
dedication to provide the basic needs of students such as classrooms, chairs
and books, among others.
"Makalipas ang mahigit tatlong taon ng mabuting pamamahala. Ang halos 62
milyon—ulitin ko lang po ‘yan ha—62 milyong kakulangan sa libro, burado na,
2012 pa. At nakuha po natin ‘yan, mas maganda pa ang presyo kaysa sa
dinatnan—mga naitipid natin dito mga 40 porsyento, Brother Armin, kung tama
ang tanda ko," he said.
"Ang dalawa’t kalahating milyong backlog sa upuan, nairaos na rin po.
Naggamit pa natin ang mga troso na iligal ang pagkakuha para siguradong wala
nang makinabang sa iligal na gawain." he said.
The President expressed belief that education is the central strategy in
reducing poverty and building national competitiveness.
"Ngayong napunuan na ang mga kakulangan ng nakaraan, kompiyansa tayong mas
mapapaarangkada pa—hindi lamang ang sektor ng edukasyon—kundi maging ang
pag-unlad ng kalakhang lipunan," he said. PND (js) |
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Palace: President Aquino to have busy week leading to
54th birthday |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III will have a busy week leading to his 54th
birthday on Feb. 8, Malacañang said Monday.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the ceremonial
turnover of 66,813 classrooms in Cavite was only the first of several public
engagements this week.
Lacierda said the President is also due to receive the Philippine Medical
Association of Chicago (PMAC), whose members conduct medical and surgical
missions in the Philippines annually.
For this year, he said the PMAC "continue their tradition of helping their
countrymen this year by taking their operations to Tacloban City and Palo,
Leyte," areas hit hard by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
At the end of the week, the President will witness the retirement ceremony
of Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, along with the change of
command ceremony.
The President will also be the guest of honor at the 50th anniversary and
thanksgiving program of the Elsie Gaches Village in Alabang, Muntinlupa.
Elsie Gaches Village is the first and largest government residential care
facility for persons with development and learning disabilities.
President Aquino marks his 54th birthday on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Lacierda noted Monday's turnover, which wipes out the
66,800-classroom backlog "sets the tone for the rest of the official week,
and in fact, of the year ahead."
"They underscore our administration’s belief that despite the challenges
that we have faced and continue to face, so long as we work together, our
people can reach new milestones and open new chapters of service, all with
the goal of uplifting our countrymen," he said. PND (jl) |
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President Aquino says government is hiring professionals for 4,000
teaching positions |
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(CARMONA, Cavite) President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday that the
Department of Education (DepEd) is presently hiring professionals for 4,000
teaching positions to address the backlogs in teachers in public schools.
In his speech during the ceremonial turn-over of the 66,813 classrooms at
the Carmona National High School here, the Chief Executive said the DepEd
has yet to fill up all the 103,000 new teaching positions created under his
administration.
"Mula 2010 hanggang 2013 naman, nagdagdag tayo ng halos 103 libong posisyon
para sa mga guro. Baka pansinin po n’yo, “posisyon.” Sabi ko, “Bakit ‘posisyon?’”
May kulang pa raw ho kasi na apat na libong maha-hire," the President said.
"Dati nag-e-export tayo ng teacher, ngayon naghahanap tayo ng teacher—apat
na libo, mga specialized po ito, baka may kakilala kayong naghahanap ng
trabaho, kulang pa ho tayo ng apat na libo," he said.
The DepEd has hastened the recruitment and hiring process to fill up the
positions.
The government finally achieved a zero backlog in classrooms with the
construction of 66,813 classrooms, the President said.
"Mulat po tayong hindi pa tapos ang ating misyon, at mayroon pa rin tayong
mga pagsubok na dapat lampasan. Marami po ang winasak na paaralan ng mga
nagdaang kalamidad, at bawat taon ay nadadagdagan ang mga mag-aaral," he
said.
"Sa abot ng ating makakaya, titiyakin nating matutugunan ang batayang
pangangailangan sa sektor ng edukasyon; at sisiguruhin nating pati ang
magiging pagkukulang sa mga susunod na taon dahil sa K to 12 program ay
mapapaghandaan din, matatapos, at hindi mapapamana ang pag-solve sa susunod
na administrasyon," he said. PND (js) |
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President Benigno
Aquino III on Thursday ordered the Cabinet to draw up a
comprehensive disaster preparedness
plan in time for the rainy season in June.
Following a Cabinet meeting in
Malacañang, the President wants the road map formally adopted for
implementation before the onset of the rainy season in June.
The plan may include
advisory systems for storm surges and floods to better warn residents
about the dangers from a cyclone, which were presented at Thursday's
meeting.
Priority areas of focus
include highly vulnerable high-population areas such as Metro Manila; and
how to restart the economy after a major disaster.
Making up the Cabinet
task group are the secretaries of the Department of National Defense, Department of Interior and Local
Government, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Public
Works and Highways, Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
National Climate Change Commission, and the Department of Trade and
Industry.
During the Cabinet
meeting, proposed advisory systems were presented for storm surges and
floods. Storm Surge Advisories (SSAs), to be given 48 hours in advance,
include:
SSA No. 1: a storm
surge height of up to two meters, SSA No. 2: up to five meters, SSA No. 3: more than five
meters. The storm surge disaster risk reduction efforts aim to:
- reduce exposure in
the coastal areas by implementing ‘no-build’ zones
– develop natural
barriers and construction of man-made barriers to reduce impact of hazard
– home, building and
infrastructure resiliency.
Also proposed was a
flood advisory (FA) system that includes:
FA No. 1: up to 129 mm
rainfall within the next 24 hours, FA No. 2: up to 190 mm rainfall, FA No. 3: up to 240 mm
rainfall.
At the Cabinet meeting, DOST Secretary
Mario Montejo and Project NOAH Executive Director Mahar Lagmay presented
results of various simulation studies on storm surges, floods, and landslides,
using data for the last 50 years to project future trends. PND (jl)
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Palace: PARR adopts 4
pilot areas for Yolanda rehabilitation
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The government has adopted
four pilot areas for rehabilitation in the wake of super Typhoon Yolanda
(Haiyan), Malacañang said Friday.
Presidential Assistant on Reconstruction
and Recovery Panfilo M. Lacson presented an update on rehabilitation
efforts during Thursday's Cabinet meeting.
Identified as pilot
areas for rehabilitation were:
- Tacloban City: the hardest-hit area,
the economic center of Eastern Visayas, and the regional logistical hub
- Tanauan, Leyte: tourism potential and
build-back capacity
- Guiuan, Eastern Samar: high level of
private sector interest
- Biliran: government-led programs.
Lacson also cited the active support of
development and sectoral sponsors from the country’s biggest
corporations, which he said volunteered to head rehabilitation efforts in
24 areas within the calamity zone.
Yolanda left behind at
least 6,200 dead after devastating the Visayas and Southern Luzon areas
last November.
Meanwhile, the
President ordered the Departments of Interior and Local Government,
National Defense and Social Welfare and Development to complete
post-disaster needs assessment reports for the 171 towns and cities hit
by Yolanda.
This will serve as a
basis for the implementaiton of recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
Also, the President ordered the
immediate completion of land-use plans that would clearly delineate
no-build zones. PND (jl)
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President Benigno
Aquino III has approved the abolition of three government-owned and
controlled corporations linked to the Priority Development Assistance
Fund (PDAF) mess.
In a statement, Deputy Presidential
Spokesperson Abigail Valte said this was in pursuit of maximizing
efficiency and promoting accountability.
"The decision to abolish them was
based on a financial viability and relevance to national development
plans study conducted by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), which
is the regulatory agency for such corporations," Valte added.
"From the start of
his administration, President Aquino has pursued a policy of promoting
efficiency in government corporations, to ensure that they serve as a
means for fostering national development and not as a conduit or
facilitator of selfish agendas and crimes," she added.
She noted these GOCCs
had been implicated as conduits of fake PDAF allocations. They include:
- Philippine Forest
Corporation (PFC)
- ZNAC Rubber Estate
(ZREC)
- National Agri-Business Corporation
(NABCOR).
"Seeing that the three agencies
neither fulfill the purposes for which they were created, nor had a
tangible social impact, and that furthermore, they were no longer
financially viable, the President gave his clearance for the formation of
a Technical Working Group to wind down operations and transfer relevant
functions and operations, as well as to attend to the separation pay for
employees in keeping with Civil Service rules," Valte said.
But she added any
separation packages will be withheld for those found to have committed
graft or other corrupt practices.
Also, Valte said these
GOCCs may not be the last to be abolished.
"More GOCCs may be abolished as the
GCG fulfills its mandate to rationalize the government-owned and
controlled corporations of the country," she said. PND (jl)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III has cited the
University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Fund Inc. (UPMAF) for its
contribution for the advancement of comprehensive health care in the
Philippines.
"Your government is pleased by the efforts of the UPMAF and its
partners to organize events such as this, which signify the role of
sports, exercise, and proper nutrition in the promotion of health and
wellness among our citizens," the Chief Executive said in his
message to UPMAF on the occasion of the 21st Grand Scientific Symposium
on Friday.
In collaboration with the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine of the
University of the Philippines–College of Medicine, the UPMAF opened on
Friday the symposium which has for its theme “Sports Medicine and
Wellness.” The symposium will end on Saturday.
Health care providers from all over the country also attended the
traditional activity that aims to upgrade academic excellence and
progressive leadership in medical education.
"Your steps to provide a platform for personal and professional
development redound to the welfare of your members and patients: May you
continue to push boundaries and blaze new trails for the advancement of
comprehensive health care in the Philippines," the President said.
"The Filipinos’ continuing search for self-improvement and excellence
does our country proud; this challenge becomes even greater in today’s
rapidly changing milieu. Let us render our abilities into endeavors that
uplift our lives and those of our countrymen, as, together, we fortify
the foundations of our nation," he said. PND (js)
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President Benigno
Aquino III on Thursday urged the Bangsamoro Transition
Commission (BTC) to draw up soonest the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law
so it can be ratified and implemented in time for the 2016 elections.
The President met
members of the BTC in Malacañan Palace Thursday, Presidential Adviser
on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said.
"The President
urged the BTC to fast-track the completion of the draft Bangsamoro basic
law (BBL) to ensure its passage and ratification with enough time to
complete the transition tasks in time for the 2016 elections," Deles
said.
She added the President
stressed the need for the BTC to be transparent and to reach out to all
sectors concerned, including those initially resisting the new political
entity.
Also, President Aquino
assured the commission of the national government's full technical and
political support, guidance and advice, as well as budget.
Deles said the
President told them he would give as much of his own time as necessary.
She described the
atmosphere of Thursday's meeting as "warm and relaxed," where
the BTC updated the President on the work they have been doing and the
concerns they are facing.
BTC was created in
December 2012 to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will pave the way
for the establishment of the Bangsamoro region in 2016.
It has 15 members
appointed by the President, eight of whom were recommended by the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front and seven were recommended by the government.
Last weekend,
negotiators from the government and the MILF signed an annex that would
pave the way for a comprehensive peace pact.
A statement from Deles'
office said the Bangsamoro basic law draft is likely to be certified as
an urgent bill by the President.
It would then be submitted to Congress
for passage, and subjected to a plebiscite in the areas envisioned to be
the new political entity's core territory. PND (jl)
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UK Foreign Minister
William Hague on Thursday met with President Benigno S. Aquino III as
part of his visit to the Philippines.
Minister Hague and his
party paid a courtesy call on the President in Malacañan Palace's Music
Room.
With the minister were:
- UK Ambassador to the
Philippines Asif Ahmad
- former UK Ambassador
Stephen Lillie, now director of the Asia Pacific Directorate of the
Foreign Commonwealth Office
- Arminka Helic, special
adviser to Minister Hague
- Stephen Lysaght, First
Secretary of the UK Embassy in the Philippines
- Katherine Dixon
The Philippine officials
at the courtesy call included:
- Department of Foreign
Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario
- Department of Trade
and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo
- DFA Undersecretary
Evan Garcia
- Philippine Ambassador
to UK Enrique Manalo
- National Treasurer Lea
de Leon
Minister Hague earlier assured the Philippines of
continued aid from the UK in rehabilitation work for areas affected by
super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
He also voiced support for the peace process in
Mindanao, where government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front negotiators
signed last weekend an annex that would pave the way for a comprehensive
peace agreement.
The minister posted on his Twitter account Wednesday
he was "delighted to have met the Mindanao peace process
negotiators."
"Their achievement is outstanding, for their
country now and future generations," he said.
He also noted he is the first UK Foreign Secretary to
visit since 1997, and aims to "strengthen a vital relationship in
Southeast Asia." PND (jl)
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Evidence and not persecution is the basis of criminal and civil charges
to be filed by the Ombudsman against former Chief Justice Renato Corona
and his wife Cristina, Malacañang said Thursday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office head
Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Palace believes the Office of the Ombudsman
is acting as an independent constitutional body in pursuing the charges
against Corona.
"We trust this action was taken by the Ombudsman
on the basis of objective gathering of information, and the case was
filed based on concrete evidence. It's the independence of the office and
the integrity of the Ombudsman herself that is on the line here," he
said at a media briefing.
He added the Palace joins the Filipino people in
trusting the process will have a beneficial outcome.
Besides, he said the charges constitute a
"logical continuation" of Corona's impeachment trial where he
was convicted and stripped of his post.
"Kaya siguro dapat natin ikagalak at ikatuwa na
nagkaroon ng progreso sa proseso ng paghanap ng katotohanan at katarungan
(We should welcome the progress of this process of searching for truth
and justice)," he added. PND (jl)
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Malacañang on Thursday said it will respect the
Supreme Court's decision to reinstate Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales
III, who the Office of the President dismissed three years ago.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny”
Coloma Jr. said the Palace will follow the law and abide by the decision
of the court.
"(A)ng aming position sa ganoong bagay ang paggalang sa desisyon ng
hukuman. We are abiding by decisions of the court dahil sumusunod tayo sa
batas (Our position is to respect the decision of the court. We are
abiding by the decision of the court because we follow the rule of
law)," Coloma said at a media briefing.
He was referring to reports that the high court affirmed the
reinstatement of Gonzales, who was sacked for supposedly mishandling the
case of a police officer in the Manila hostage crisis in August 2010.
Earlier reports also said the high court ruled that while the OP has the
power to discipline the Office of the Special Prosecutor, it has no such
power over the Office of the Deputy Ombudsman. PND (jl)
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Aquino government expresses elation over the 2013 economic performance of the
Philippines and assures to focus on poverty alleviation
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The Aquino government welcomed the report of the
National Economic Development Authority showing that the country's gross
domestic product (GDP) grew by 7.2 percent in 2013 and assured it remains
focused on achieving inclusive growth by reducing poverty and increasing
social protection, a Palace official said.
"We are pleased to share with you NEDA’s report this morning that
the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country grew remarkably by 7.2
percent in 2013, exceeding the six to seven percent target despite the
series of calamities and natural disasters that struck the country last
year," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr. said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang
on Thursday.
While GDP growth slowed slightly to 6.5 percent in the fourth quarter,
Coloma said the Philippines remains one of the best performing economies
in the region, second only to China which grew by 7.7 percent.
The Communications Secretary said the NEDA projects that the country will
reach its GDP target of between 6.5 percent to seven percent for 2014.
"We will focus on growing exports, taking advantage of the improving
global economy. We will also continue to reduce the cost and improve the
ease of doing business to increase foreign direct investments,"
Coloma stressed.
He said the government will improve linkages between agriculture and
industry to boost the growth of these sectors.
"We are pleased to note that with manufacturing at the forefront,
the industry sector achieved double-digit growth of 12.3 percent in the
fourth quarter, and 10.5 percent for the full-year," he said.
Coloma said the government seeks to promote increased and enhanced
employment opportunities to fully harness the vast potential of the
country's highly-talented workforce.
He said infrastructure projects will be implemented vigorously,
especially in the rehabilitation of calamity areas.
Major infrastructure projects, especially in the transport sector, will also
be a significant growth factor, Coloma said.
"Most importantly, government remains focused on achieving inclusive
growth by reducing poverty and increasing social protection. The updated
Philippine Development Plan emphasizes the spatial or area-specific
dimensions of development," he said.
"Hence, government spending is directed at increasing the
productivity and reducing the vulnerability of farmers, fisherfolk, and
other marginalized sectors of Philippine society," Coloma said. PND
(js)
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Palace: AFP, PNP following rules of engagement, respecting human rights in
operations vs BIFF
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Malacañang on Thursday reassured the public the Armed
Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police follow the rules
of engagement and respect human rights as they go after a splinter group
of secessionist rebels in Mindanao.
Presidential Communications Operations Office head
Herminio Coloma Jr. said the objective is to help keep the Bangsamoro
Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) from intruding into communities of the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MNLF).
"Kailangang unawain natin na ... ang pangunahing
responsibilidad ng AFP at PNP ay pangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan
(We have to understand that the top concern of the AFP and PNP is to
ensure the safety of our people)," Coloma said in a media briefing.
He said the military and the police are adhering to
the accepted rules of engagement, making sure they do not act
indiscriminately.
"Nakatitiyak tayo na ang lahat na kilos ng AFP at
law enforcement agencies, tumatalima sa batayang prinsipyong yan (We can
be sure all the movements of our law enforcement agencies follow those
principles)," he said.
Coloma also reassured groups such as the Moro National
Liberation Front that there is no discrimination in the operations.
The BIFF is a breakaway group of the MILF, whose
negotiators last weekend signed a peace annex with the government.
The annex is expected to pave the way for a
comprehensive peace agreement, which in turn is expected to lead to the
establishment of a Bangsamoro political entity. PND (jl)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III received Malaysian
facilitator Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed in a courtesy call on
Thursday following the signing of the final annex on the framework
agreement on the Bangsamoro between the government and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) last weekend.
Tengku served as the facilitator of the peace negotiation from 2001 to
2002 and from April 2011 until today.
Also present during the event were Presidential spokesperson Edwin
Lacierda, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., government peace panel
head Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, peace adviser Teresita Deles, and foreign
affairs Undersecretary Jesus Yabes.
After meeting Tenku, the President also met the members of the Bangsamoro
Transition Commission.
Among those present were: MILF peace negotiator Mohagher Iqbal,
Bangsamoro Transition Commission members Melanio Ulama, Asami Tamang,
Said Shiek, Fatmawati Salappudin, Akmad Sakkam, Hussein Munoz, Froilyn
Mendoza, Raissa Jajurie, Pedrito Eisma, Abdulla Camlian, Talib Benito,
Robert Alonto, and Ibrahim Ali.
Other officials present were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Secretary
Edwin Lacierda, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Defense Undersecretary
Fernando Manalo, and Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Rafael
Santos.
Government peace panel members Senen Bacani and Yasmin Busran-Lao were
also present.
Last week, the President welcomed the signing of the final annex of the
peace agreement, the annex on normalization that will pave the way for
the crafting of a comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro.
With the signing of the final annex, the government will now focus on
crafting the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be submitted to
Congress. The measure will then be subjected to a plebiscite. PND (as)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday sent his
greetings to the Filipino Chinese community as they prepare to welcome
the Year of the Horse on Friday.
In his message, the President urged Filipino Chinese
to deepen their partnerships with Filipinos in forging an "even more
equitably progressive Philippines."
"Let your proud heritage energize your already
dynamic bloc, that you may deepen your partnerships with our fellowmen in
forging an even more equitably progressive Philippines. May today’s
festivities reinforce your bond with your families and inspire you to
expand the circles of goodwill within and beyond your community," he
said.
On Friday, Filipino Chinese in the Philippines are
expected to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The President also said the nation finds strength in
diversity, "finding common ground in our citizens’ shared
aspirations and heading towards our goals through unity, mutual respect,
and positive engagement."
"May we uphold our solidarity, as we clear our
people’s path to resurgence and realize the next chapters of our
revitalization," he said. PND (jl)
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Naging panauhin ng Pangulong Benigno S.
Aquino III Huwebes si Ministro William Hague ng Ugnayang Panlabas ng
United Kingdom Huwebes sa Malacanang.
Si Ministro Hague at mga kasama niya ay tinanggap ng Pangulo sa Music
Room ng Palasyo.
Ang mga kasama ng Ministro ay sina Embahador Asif Ahmad ng UK sa Pilipinas,
naging Embahador Stephen Lillie na ngayon ay direktor ng Asia Pacific
Directorate of the Foreign Commonwealth Office, Arminka Helic, tagapayo
ni Ministro Hague, Stephen Lysaght, First Secretary ng Embahada ng United
Kingdom sa Pilipinas at Katherine Dixon.
Sa panig ng Pilipinas ay dumalo sina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng
Ugnayang Panlabas, Kalihim Gregory Domingo ng Kalakal at Industriya,
Pangalawang Kalihim Evan Garcia ng Ugnayang Panlabas, Embahador Enrique
Manalo ng Pilipinas sa United Kingdom at Pambansang Ingat-yaman Lea de
Leon.
Tiniyak ni Ministro Hague sa Pilipinas ang patuloy na sa suporta
Pilipinas ng United Kingdom sa mga ginagawang rehabilitasyon sa mga pook
na sinalanta ng napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda.
Nagpahayag din siya ng suporta sa prosesong pangkapayapaan sa Mindanao
kung saan nalagdaan na ng mga negosyador ng pamahalaang Pilipino at ng
Moro Iselamic Liberation Front noong nakaraang linggo ang annex na
magbubukas ng daan para sa isang kasunduan tungo sa malawakang
kapayapaan.
Sa kanyang twitter account Miyerkoles ay inilagay ng Ministro na
“ikinalulugod niya na nakadaupang palad niya ang mga negosyador sa
prosesong pangkapayapaan sa Mindanao.
“Katangi-tangi ang kanilang nagawa para sa bansa sa kasalukuyan at maging
sa susunod na saling-lahi,” wika pa ng Ministro.
Nagpahayag ng kasiyahan si Ministro Hague na siya ang kauna-unahang
Kalihim ng Ugnayang Panlabas ng United Kingdom na nakadalaw sa Pilipinas
sapul noong 1997 at ang “pakay niya ay upang lalong mapabuti ang ugnayan
nila sa Timog Silangang Asya.” PND (jl/zaf)
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Palasyo:
Ebidensiya, hindi
persekusyon, ang saligan ng ‘forfiture case’ laban kay dating CJ Corona
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Katibayan at hindi persekusyon
(panggigipit) ang saligan ng mga sakdal na kriminal at sibil na ihaharap
ng Ombudsman laban kay dating Punong Mahistrado Renato Corona ng
Kataastaasang Hukuman at sa maybahay nitong si Cristina, sabi ng
Malacanang Huwebes.
Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications
Operations Office, naniniwala ang Palasyo na ang Tanggapan ng Ombudsman
ay tumutupad sa sagutin nito bilang isang independent constitutional body
sa paghaharap ng sakdal laban kay Corona.
“Nagtitiwala tayo na ang hakbang na ginawa ng Ombudsman ay nakabatay sa
maayos na pagtitipon ng impormasyon, at ang kaso ay iniharap salig sa mga
katibayang matatag. Ang kalayaan ng tanggapan at dangal ng Ombudsman ang
nakataya rito,” dagdag ni Coloma.
Idinugtong niya na kaisa ang Palasyo ng sambayanang Pilipino sa
pagtitiwala na ang proseso ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang ang bunga.
Bukod dito, dagdag ng Kalihim, ang mga sakdal ay “makatuwirang karugtong”
ng impeachment trial kung saan si Corona ay napatunayang nagkasala at
tinanggal sa tungkulin.
“Kaya siguro, dapat nating ikagalak at ikatuwa na nagkaroon ng progreso
sa proseeso ng paghanap ng katotohanan at katarungan,” sabi pa ng Kalihim
ng PCOO. PND (jl/zaf)
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Pasiya ng SC na pagbabalik sa ‘Deputy Ombudsman’ igagalang ng
Palasyo
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Igagalang ng Malacanang ang pasiya ng
Kataastaasang Hukuman na ibalik sa tungkulin si Deputy Ombudsman Emilio
Gonzales III. na itiniwalag sa tungkulin ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo tatlong
taon na ang nakalilipas.
Sinabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidetial Communications
Operations Office na susunod ang Palasyo sa batas at aalinsunod sa pasiya
ng Hukuman.
“Ang aming posisyon sa ganoong bagay ay paggalang sa pasiya ng Hukuman.
Aalinsunod tayo sa pasiya ng Hukuman dahil sumusunod tayo sa batas,”
dugtong pa ni Coloma sa pulong balitaan sa Malakanyang Huwebes.
Ang tinutukoy ni Coloma ay ang mga ulat na pinagtibay ng Korte Suprema
ang pagpapabalik kay Gonzales sa tungkulkin. Si G|onzales ay tinanggal sa
tungkulin dahil umano sa hindi tamang paghawak sa usapin ng isang pinuno
ng pulisya na gumawa ng Manila hostage crisis
noong Agosto 2010.
Salig sa mga nalathalang ulat, sinabi ng Kataastaasang Hukuman na bagaman
ang Tanggapan ng Pangulo ay may kapangyarihang disiplinahin ang Tanggapan
ng ‘Special Prosecutor,’ wala itong taglay na kapangyarihan sa Tanggapan
ng Deputy Ombudsman. PND (jl/zaf)
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Nagalak ang gobyernong Aquino sa ‘2013 economic performance’
ng Pilipinas at tiniyak na lalong sisikaping mapawi ang karalitaan
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Ikinagalak ng gobyernong Aquino ang report
ng National Economic Development Authority kung saan nakitang ang gross
domestic product (GDP) ng bansa ay lumago ng 7.2 porsiyento noong 2013 at
tiniyak na lalong pagtutuunan ng pagsisikap ng pamahalaan ang pagpuksa sa
karalitaan upang matamo ang malaganap na kaunlaran. sabi ni Kalihim
Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office.
“ikinalulugod naming ibalita sa inyo na salig sa report ng NEDA kaninang
umaga, ang gross domestic product (GDP) ng bansa ay lumago ng 7..2
porsiyento noong 2013 at nalampasan ang anim hanggang pitong porsiyentong
target sa kabila ng sund-sunod na kalamidad at hagupit ng Kalikasan sa
bansa noong nakaraang taon,” wika ni Coloma sa pulong balitaan sa
Malacanang Huwebes.
Bagaman bahagyang bumagal ang paglago ng GDP sa 6.5 porsiyento noong
ikaapat na kuwarter, idinugtong ni Coloma na ang Pilipinas ay
nananatiling isa sa pinakamahusay na performing economies sa rehiyon,
pangalawa sa Tsina na 7.7 porsiyento ang inilago.
Idinugtong ni Coloma na tinaya ng NEDA na ang target na GDP ay nasa
pagitan ng 6.5 porsiyento hanggang pitong porsiyento noong 2014.
“Itutuon natin ang pansin sa palaking exports, sasamantalahin ang
pabuting ekonomya ng daigdig. Ipagpapatuloy nating bawasan ang gugol at
pagaanin pa ang mga paraan kung poaano makapagnenegosyo sa bansa nang
dumami ang tuwirang puhunang dayuhan dito,” wika pa ni Coloma.
Ayon kay Coloma, pagbubutihin din ng pamahalaan ang ugnayan ng pagsasaka
at industriya upang lalong lumakas ang mga sektor na ito.
Sinabi rin ni Coloma na nakalulugod na nanguna rin ang manufacturing, ang
sektor ng Industriya naman ay umunlad ng dalawang “digit” na 12.3
porsiyento sa ikaapatg na kuwarter at 10.5 porsiyento sa buong taon.
Idinugtong ni Coloma na nais ng pamahalaan na lalo pang lumaki ang
pagkakataon na mag-karoon ng trabaho ang maraming Pilipino nang lalong
pakinabangan ng bansa ang pambihirang kakayahan ng lakas-bisig nito.
Ayon kay Coloma, ang malalaking proyektong imprastraktura, lalo na sa
sektor ng trasportasyon ay mahalaga rin ang pag-unlad kaya binigyang diin
ito sa Philippine Development Plan .
Ibayo rin ang pagsisikap na gagawin upang mapabuti ang kalagayan at buhay
ng mga magsasaka, mangingisda at iba pang maralitang sektor sa lipunang
Pilipino. PND (js/zaf)
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Sinusunod ng AFP-PNP ang rules of engagement, sabi ng
Malacanang at iginagalang ang karapatang pantao sa operasyon laban sa
BIFF
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Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa madla na
sinusunod ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at ng Pambansang Pulisya ang
rules of engagement at paggalang sa karapatang pantao sa pagtugis nila sa
grupo ng sesesyonistang rebelde sa Mindanao.
Binigyang diin ito ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential
Communications Operations Office at sinabing ang layuning huwag payagang
ligaligin ng Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) ang mga baranggay
at komunidad ng mga Moro Isl.mic Liberation Front (MILF).
“Kailangang unawain natin na ang pangunahing responsibilidad ng AFP at
PNP ay pangalagaan ang kaligtwasan ng ating mga mamamayan,”
pagbibigay-diin ni Coloma.
Sinabi ni Coloma na ang militar at mga pulis ay umaalinsunod sa rules of
engagement at hindi walang habas kung gumawa ng mga kailangang hakbang.
“Nakatitiyak tayo na ang lahat ng kilos ng AFP at mga ahensiyang
tagapagpatupad ng batas ay tumatalima sa batayang prinsipyong iyan,” sabi
ni Coloma.
Walang diskriminasyon sa operasyon, pagtiyak ng Kalihim sa Moro National
Liberation Front.
Ang BIFF ay kumalas sa grupo sa MILF na noong nakaraang linggo ay lumagda
naman sa kasunduang pangkapayapaan sa pamahalaang Pilipino.
Inaasahang ang kasunduang malawakan ay magiging daan para itatag ang
Bangsamoro political entity. PND (jl/zaf)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the
Ceremonial Turnover of 66,813 Accomplished Classrooms
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Carmona National High School, Carmona, Cavite
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03 Feb
2014
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Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat.
Bagama’t hindi pa ho tayo gaanong matanda, noong mas bata tayo, ‘pag
nagagawi tayo, lalo noong panahon ng Martial Law dito po sa Cavite, bandang
Silang raw ho yata, mayroon silang tinatawag na “Kubeta Village.” At papunta
ho dito ngayon, ‘yung aking pong nagmamaneho ng sasakyan, sinabi niya sa
Antipolo rin daw ho, o bandang Antipolo, ay mayroon din silang “Kubeta
Village.” Parang nagtatanong ‘yung mga mas bata sa akin, o nagpapanggap na
mas bata sa akin, ano ba ‘yong “Kubeta Village?”
Mayroon rin kasing housing na ginagawa noong panahong iyon. At ang pangako
ng gobyernong noon panahon ng Martial Law na housing—at ewan kung bakit
nauna sa plano eh ang pagtatayo ng mga kubeta, susunod na lang ho ‘yong
bahay. Ang problema ho, naubos ho ang pondo dahil ang natira ho kubeta,
wala ho ang bahay. Eventually ho, pati ang kubeta tinanggal na rin at
nagkaroon ng ibang—mga factory na ho yata ang nandoon ngayon eh.
Siguro kaya ko lang naibahagi sa inyo ‘yan, dahil noong araw ho, uso ‘yong
nangangako na parating napapako. At itong araw pong ito, ikinagagalak ko po
na sa pangunguna ng ating butihing Brother Armin Luistro—nakita naman po
n’yo nakasaklay pa—‘yung pangako ng administrasyong ito, hindi po napapako,
nadadagdagan pa, kaya ulit: Napakagaling trabaho. Maraming salamat Brother
Armin.
Sa ngayon po, malinaw na sa nakakarami, lalo na sa Gabinete, ang estilo ng
ating pamamahala. Ang proseso po natin: Tukuyin ang tunay na problema upang
makarating sa tamang solusyon; bumuo ng consensus tungo sa kongkretong mga
hakbang na dapat isagawa; maglatag ng target na pagbubuhusan ng pondo, husay,
at pagsisikap upang maabot. Alam po ng ating mga Kalihim iyan: Hindi
lista-sa-tubig ang ating mga target; sineseryoso ko ito. Kapag dumating na
ang itinakdang panahon, asahan mong hahanapin ko sa iyo ang ipinangako mo.
Kailangang mayroon kang maipapakitang resulta sa ating mga Boss. Sabi po ng
aking ama, “‘Pag nagbitaw ka ng salita, mahirap man o madali, kailangang
tuparin.”
Aaminin ko pong minsan ay nagi-guilty rin ako; may mga pagkakataon na kahit
holiday o espesyal na okasyon, kailangan kong ipatawag ang ating mga Kalihim
o kausapin sa cellphone. Isa na nga po sa aking mga naging New Year’s
Resolution: huwag nang masyadong i-pressure ang ating mga kasamahan. Mas
maiging bigyan sila ng espasyo upang makahinga naman sila, kahit paano, sa
mga bagahe ng trabaho.
Alam n’yo po, kahapon medyo na-violate ko ‘yan. Nagkamali pong i-text ako ni
Secretary Dinky Soliman. Sinamantala ko na rin po at kinamusta ko ang epekto
ni Basyang. Sabi niya, “Sir, babalik po ako sa inyo para maibigay ang datos,”
at pagbalik po niya, kakaunti lang ‘yung evacuation center na bukas pa.
Pagkatapos ko pong siyang nakausap, naalala ko, Linggo nga pala. Kaya sabi
ko, “Sana makapahinga ka ngayon, Dinky.”
Ito nga pong si Kalihim Brother Armin Luistro naman, kilala na rin ang aking
pagiging metikuloso sa detalye. Hindi na po ako magugulat kung isa siya sa
mga nakukulitan sa akin. [Laughter] Ang masasabi ko po sa kanya, at sa mga
kawani ng DepEd: Salamat at maraming salamat sa isang job well done.
[Applause] Talaga pong hangang-hanga ako sa inyong pagpapakitang-gilas:
Sunud-sunod na binura ng DepEd ang mga backlog na minana ng kanilang sektor.
Ngayon nga po, sa wakas, abot-kamay na ang ating pangarap na magkaroon ng
pampublikong edukasyon na tunay na manganganak ng pagkakataon para sa ating
mga kabataan.
Nang maupo tayo sa puwesto, tumambad sa atin ang nakakalulang kakulangan sa
sektor ng edukasyon. Kapos tayo sa libro, silya, at mga guro. Mayroon din
tayong—eto na po ang pamosong numero—ng 66,800 na kakulangan sa silid-aralan.
Siguro ho dapat tayo magpasalamat sa ating pinalitan, at hindi po nilang
ginawang 66,666. Buti nalang ho binuo na. Ang masaklap pa: ang gagastusin
para sa isang classroom, tinataya na nasa P800,000. Kayo na po ang mag-compute:
66,800 times 800,000. Baka kulangin po ang espasyo ng calculator sa suma-total
nito.
Ang tanong nga po: Saan naman tayo huhugot ng napakalaking halaga para
tustusan ang backlog na ito? Sa tantya po namin sa ating budget noon, nasa
walong libong classroom lang ang kayang mapondohan kada taon. Samakatwid, sa
anim na taon natin sa termino, 48,000 lang ang magagawa, aalis ako malaki pa
ang utang; bitin pa rin para tugunan ang 66,800 na kakulangan. Dagdag pa
rito, patuloy na lumolobo ang ating populasyon, kaya’t tulad po ng aking
assistant na si Asec. Delantar, bagong kasal po ‘yan, at ang kontribusyon po
niya sa ating populasyon kaagad, twins. Kaya dumarami rin kada taon ang mga
kabataang pumapasok sa eskuwela. ‘Yung sa kanya po, hindi pa pumapasok sa
eskuwela.
Pero heto po tayo ngayon, makalipas ang mahigit tatlong taon ng mabuting
pamamahala. Ang halos 62 milyong—ulitin ko lang po ‘yan ha—62 milyong
kakulangan sa libro, burado na, 2012 pa. At nakuha po natin ‘yan, mas
maganda pa ang presyo kaysa sa dinatnan—mga naitipid natin dito mga 40
porsyento, Brother Armin, kung tama ang tanda ko. Ang dalawa’t kalahating
milyong backlog sa upuan, nairaos na rin po. Naggamit pa natin ang mga troso
na iligal ang pagkukuha para siguradong wala nang makinabang sa iligal na
gawain. Mula 2010 hanggang 2013 naman, nagdagdag tayo ng halos 103 libong
posisyon para sa mga guro. Baka pansinin po n’yo, “posisyon.” Sabi ko,
“Bakit ‘posisyon?’” May kulang pa raw ho kasi na apat na libong maha-hire.
Dati nag-e-export tayo ng teacher, ngayon naghahanap tayo ng teacher—apat na
libo, mga specialized po ito, baka may kakilala kayong naghahanap ng trabaho,
kulang pa ho tayo ng apat na libo.
Kung isasama pa rito ang 43 libong volunteers sa kinder at ang mga gurong
empleyado ng mga LGU, napunuan na rin natin ang humigit-kumulang 146 na
libong kakulangan sa guro noong 2010. At ngayong araw nga po, nasaksihan
natin ang ceremonial turnover ng 66,813 na bagong classroom, na bumura din
sa ipinamanang backlog ng nakaraang administrasyon. Sa totoo lang po, gaya
ng ipinangako ni Secretary Armin, natapos itong ipatayo noon pang Disyembre.
Ang bonus pa nga: nalampasan pa natin ang ating target. Kaya ulitin ko lang
po, sa mga nakikinig na miyembro ng ating gabinete, kapag nangako kayo at
dinadagdagan n’yo po ang resulta, hindi po tayo magagalit, ikinatutuwa natin
‘yan.
Ang tagumpay po nating ito ay hindi bunga ng milagro, o ng dinoktor na mga
numero. Kongkretong bunga ito ng pagkakaisa, dedikasyon, at propesyunalismo
ng DepEd, ng DPWH, ng ating economic team na buong sigasig na pinapalago ang
ekonomiya, at ng matuwid nating paggugol ng pondo. Nagpapasalamat din tayo
sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal na gobyerno, ng mga nagbigay ng donasyon sa
loob at labas ng bansa, at sa pribadong sektor, upang makumpleto ang
pagpapatayo ng mga silid-aralan. Maraming salamat po sa paglalatag ng
magandang kinabukasan para sa ating kabataan.
Marami po sa inyo sigurong batid na ako po’y nag-aral sa Ateneo de Manila,
ang butihing kaibigan ng mga taga-De La Salle University. Siyempre, si
Brother Armin po, hindi lang produkto, namuno pa ng De La Salle. Si
Secretary Singson ng DPWH, galing rin sa La Salle. Si Secretary Purisima,
galing rin sa La Salle. Kaya siguro, itong araw po, mapapatawad ng aking
kapwa mga Atenista kung sasabihin kong, “Animo La Salle!” Malamang hindi na
naman tayo maiimbitahang magsalita sa Ateneo. Baka sa La Salle na
lang.
Siyempre, top one pa rin po sa mga dapat kong pasalamatan, ating butihing
kalihim, Armin Luistro. Isipin po ninyo: puwede namang tanggihan ni
Secretary Armin ang alok nating maglingkod sa gobyerno. Matagumpay at
tahimik ang kanyang buhay sa kanyang bokasyon. Sa gobyerno, nag-aabang sa
kanya ang sakit ng ulong hatid ng mga problemang ipinamana po sa atin, pati
ng mga pambabatikos ng ilan na naging trabaho na ang magkalat ng negatibismo.
Hindi po nagpasindak si Brother Armin: Pinili niyang tumaya at higit na
makapaglingkod. Hindi siya nagpakahon sa mga limitasyon, at hinigitan pa
niya ang husay at pagsisikap na naging kakabit na ng kanyang pangalan. Muli,
maraming salamat, Secretary Armin.
Mulat po tayong hindi pa tapos ang ating misyon, at mayroon pa rin tayong
mga pagsubok na dapat lampasan. Marami po ang winasak na paaralan ng mga
nagdaang kalamidad, at bawat taon ay nadadagdagan ang mga mag-aaral. Sa abot
ng ating makakaya, titiyakin nating matutugunan ang batayang pangangailangan
sa sektor ng edukasyon; at sisiguruhin nating pati ang magiging pagkukulang
sa mga susunod na taon dahil sa K to 12 program ay mapapaghandaan din,
matatapos, at hindi napapamana ang pag-solve sa susunod na administrasyon.
Ngayong napunuan na ang mga kakulangan ng nakaraan, kompiyansa tayong mas
mapapaarangkada pa—hindi lamang ang sektor ng edukasyon—kundi maging ang
pag-unlad ng kalakhang lipunan.
Ibang-iba na po talaga ang Pilipinas ngayon. Sa pagtahak sa landas ng
katwiran at pananagutan, nagawa nating posible ang dating imposible.
Kompiyansa po tayo sa kakayahan ng lahing Pilipino—basta’t nakikiambag ang
bawat isa, basta’t sabay-sabay tayong humahakbang pasulong, tunay nating
maihahawan ang magandang kinabukasan para sa atin pong bayan.
Siyempre, pasalamatan ho natin, hingi po ako ng kaunting palakpak sa inyo,
sa mga miyembro ng kongreso na talaga naman nakiisa sa atin para matagumpay
para makamtan ang tagumpay na iyon. Sa mga local government units rin po, na
nakakarami po sa ating bansa, ang nakiambag rin tungo sa solusyon at hindi
sa problema.
Siguro sa pagtatapos: Noong nag-uumpisa po kami, lalo na ‘yong unang apat
po na buwan, isipin ho n’yo, tulad nitong problemang ating sino-solve
ngayong araw na ito, 66,800 ang kulang. Tinanong ko si Secretary Abad, “Ano
ba ang kaya nating suportahan malamang?” Sabi niya, “Walong libo.” Paano
gagawin natin ito, 66,000, eh hindi equivalent to 48,000, at gumawa nga ho
ng iba’t ibang paraan, nag-enganyo ng mga nag-donate, hinanap lahat ng
puwedeng donors, may PPP pa tayo dito, dulo po nito, hindi solusyon sa
edukasyon ang dahilan; ang solusyon dapat, tunay na maipakita sa mga
kabataang may utang tayong magandang kinabukasan.
Magandang araw sa inyong. Maraming salamat po. |
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The Department of Social
Welfare and Development has prepositioned P101.76 million worth of
emergency relief resources to help local government units (LGUs) in
responding to the needs of families who will be affected by Tropical Storm
Basyang.
The prepositioned amount consists of P52.41 million standby funds; 46,995
family food packs; and, P37.63-million worth of food and non-food items.
DSWD-Field Offices in Regions IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and CARAGA have
activated their Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams to provide round the clock monitoring of the situation.
“We are taking the necessary measures together with the LGUs along
“Basyang’s’ path to ensure the safety of families especially those living
in coastal and low-lying areas,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman
said. ###
- See more at: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/2014/01/dswd-preps-for-basyang/#sthash.nfmtqawO.dpuf
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The Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Office of the Presidential Adviser
on the Peace Process (OPAPP) recently conducted a Program Review and
Evaluation Workshop for the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project
of the national government
In attendance were representatives from the DSWD-Sustainable Livelihood
Program (SLP) National and Regional Project Management Offices, OPAPP
officials and Regional Managers, and Multi-Inter Agency Councils (MIAC) of
the concerned local government units.
PAMANA is the Philippine government’s program and framework for peace and development. It focuses on providing
development interventions in hard-to-reach, and conflict-affected
communities.
Livelihood intervention
SLP is tasked to implement the livelihood component of PAMANA’s development
interventions.
Its goal is to increase people’s participation in identifying community
development projects that will lead to economic empowerment.
The PAMANA-SLP program identified 470 barangays located in 19
municipalities in eight provinces and in one chartered city in Eastern Visayas,
Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, SoCCSKSarGen and the CARAGA Region.
Mary Grace Yap, Social Welfare Assistant and MIAC member from Bagumbayan,
Sultan Kudarat, identified solar dryers as the equipment commonly needed
for their livelihood projects.
“These solar dryers will mostly benefit our farmers since our town’s main
produce are rice and corn. Some who already have solar dryers opted to
propose construction of post-harvest facilities such as warehouses to store
palay and protect it during the rainy season,” Yap explained.
Likewise, Leonardito Plaza, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator
of Sta. Josefa, Agusan Del Sur, shared that “some [projects for their area]
include feed mill and swine fattening facilities to save up on feeds and in
paying rent for private owners’ solar dryers. The community can share in
the use of these facilities and in a way, save money.”
Additional assistance
In 2013, each of the 470 barangays was granted P300,000 for their
community-identified livelihood projects. This year, each barangay will
again receive P300,000 for projects in support of their existing projects.
Recently, Tropical Depression Agaton disrupted livelihoods, damaging
infrastructure and properties in the CARAGA Region.
“PAMANA will definitely help jumpstart the rebuilding of the livelihoods of
people especially those in the target areas,” shared Roy Serdena, SLP
Regional Project Coordinator of DSWD-Field Office CARAGA.
“We also hope that PAMANA will expand to fully facilitate peace and development
in the region,” he added.
Hoping to contribute to sustainable peace and development, the PAMANA-SLP
project alone aims to benefit 962,568 individuals from the identified
areas.
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P-Noy
urges Transition Commission to
fast-track Basic Law drafting; assures full support
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P-Noy urges Transition Commission to
fast-track Basic Law drafting; assures full support
Posted on Friday, Jan 31st,
2014
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Manila –
President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday urged the Bangsamoro Transition
Commission (BTC) to "fast-track the completion of the draft Bangsamoro
Basic Law (BBL) to ensure its passage and ratification with enough time to
complete the transition tasks in time for the 2016 elections."
In a statement released by Presidential Adviser on the Peace
Process Teresita Quintos Deles, she relayed that the President met with the
members of the BTC who paid him a courtesy call in Malacanang.
"The meeting, which took place in a warm and relaxed
atmosphere, gave the BTC the opportunity to update the President on the
work they have been doing and the concerns they were trying to
address," said Deles who was also present in the meeting.
The BTC is the body created THRU EO 120 issued in December,
2012 to draft the BBL that will pave the way for the establishment of
the Bangsamoro region in 2016. It is composed of a total of 15 members
appointed by the President, eight were recommended by the Moro Islamic Liberation
Front (MILF), and seven were recommended by the GPH.
"To ensure the broadest possible support for the passage
of the law, the President stressed the need for the BTC to be transparent
in its work and to reach out to the different sectors, including those initially
resistant to the new political entity," added Deles.
Led by its chair Mohagher Iqbal, who also sits as chief
negotiator of the MILF, the BTC members have been conducting consultations
with various stakeholders.
Other commissioners include Maulana Alonto, Abdula Camlian,
Raissa Jajurie, Said Shiek, Ibrahim Ali, Melanio Ulama, Hussein Munoz,
Akmad Sakkam, Asani Tammang, Pedrito Eisma, Froilyn Mendoza, Johaira Wahab,
Talib Benito, and Fatmawati Salappudin.
Full support
Deles also related that the President "assured the BTC of
the full support of the national government in terms of technical and
political support, guidance and advice as well as budget."
"He (Aquino) said he would give as much of his own time
as necessary to gain support for this undertaking," she stated.
"He expressed full confidence that, with everyone's hard
work and due diligence, the vote for the new law would be won," added
Deles.
Once drafted, the BBL will be certified as an urgent bill by
the President, submitted to Congress for passage, and subjected to a
plebiscite in the envisioned core territory of the Bangsamoro.
-
See more at:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/p-noy-urges-transition-commission-fast-track-basic-law-drafting-assures-full-support#sthash.NUPhuSmG.dpuf
Manila – President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday urged the
Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) to "fast-track the completion
of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to ensure its passage and
ratification with enough time to complete the transition tasks in time for
the 2016 elections."
In a statement released by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
Teresita Quintos Deles, she relayed that the President met with the members
of the BTC who paid him a courtesy call in Malacanang.
"The meeting, which took place in a warm and relaxed atmosphere, gave
the BTC the opportunity to update the President on the work they have been
doing and the concerns they were trying to address," said Deles who
was also present in the meeting.
The BTC is the body created THRU EO 120 issued in December, 2012 to draft
the BBL that will pave the way for the establishment of the Bangsamoro
region in 2016. It is composed of a total of 15 members appointed by the
President, eight were recommended by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF),
and seven were recommended by the GPH.
"To ensure the broadest possible support for the passage of the law,
the President stressed the need for the BTC to be transparent in its work
and to reach out to the different sectors, including those initially
resistant to the new political entity," added Deles.
Led by its chair Mohagher Iqbal, who also sits as chief negotiator of the
MILF, the BTC members have been conducting consultations with various
stakeholders.
Other commissioners include Maulana Alonto, Abdula Camlian, Raissa Jajurie,
Said Shiek, Ibrahim Ali, Melanio Ulama, Hussein Munoz, Akmad Sakkam, Asani
Tammang, Pedrito Eisma, Froilyn Mendoza, Johaira Wahab, Talib Benito, and
Fatmawati Salappudin.
Full support
Deles also related that the President "assured the BTC of the full
support of the national government in terms of technical and political
support, guidance and advice as well as budget."
"He (Aquino) said he would give as much of his own time as necessary
to gain support for this undertaking," she stated.
"He expressed full confidence that, with everyone's hard work and due
diligence, the vote for the new law would be won," added Deles.
Once drafted, the BBL will be certified as an urgent bill by the President,
submitted to Congress for passage, and subjected to a plebiscite in the
envisioned core territory of the Bangsamoro.
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DOLE
goes “techie”; bats for an
innovative labor and employment education service
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Geared towards delivering a
pro-active, coherent, technology-based, accessible, and comprehensive labor
and management education services, the Department of Labor and Employment
(DOLE), through its Bureau of Labor Relations (BLR), will introduce its
Enhanced Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES) in a formal nationwide
launching on 30 January 2014 at the Ichikawa Hall of the Occupational
Safety and Health Center in Quezon City simultaneous with the launching to
be conducted by sixteen DOLE Regional Offices in their respective areas.
“This new approach shall make use of integrated modules and
other instruction and informational materials such as audio-visual learning
aids showcasing DOLE’s programs and services to reach out to a broader
audience,” Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday
said.
Short video clips running from 30 seconds to 1 minute and 30
seconds were developed by the BLR as an innovative educational and
promotional tool to increase the public’s awareness on a variety of DOLE’s
programs and services.
To date, there are 17 promotional videos already developed
showcasing DOLE frontline programs and services, namely job search;
Workers’’ Organization Development Program (WODP); Labor Standards; Labor
Law Compliance System (LLCS); DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP); entrepreneurship;
Child Labor Free Philippines; Employees’ Compensation Program; Single-Entry
Approach (SEnA); Labor Management Cooperation (LMC); Productivity
Improvement; Productivity Olympics; Occupational Safety and Health (OSH);
overseas employment; practice of profession; and skills training.
“These videos shall be posted in the websites of DOLE agencies
and in strategic public, educational, and commercial locations such as
universities, airports, electronic billboards, and cinemas for broadcast,”
Baldoz explained.
“This approach to labor and management education is actually
two-pronged,” the labor chief added, explaining that while the enhance LEES
intends to reach out to jobseekers and employees, the advocacy is also
meant to further improve Philippines’ competitiveness in terms of labor
market efficiency, making easier for investors to get acquainted with the
country’s labor standards and practices.
“We are optimistic that through the enhanced LEES, we will be
able to develop an educated and well-informed workforce. We also hope that
this advocacy helps employers understand and comply with the country’s
labor standards,” Baldoz said.
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The Social Security System
(SSS) has announced a new Calamity Relief Package that offers preferential
terms for salary and house repair loans and the advance release of
three-month pensions for members and pensioners affected by Tropical
Depression “Agaton.”
SSS Vice President May Catherine Ciriaco, Officer-in-Charge of Lending and
Asset Management, said all areas declared by the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) under a state of calamity due to
the effects of “Agaton” shall be covered by the assistance package.
“SSS decided to open the availment of our various programs offering relief
given the considerable damage to lives and property caused by 'Agaton' in
southern Philippines,” Ciriaco said. “The SSS relief package will provide
immediate access to funds needed for food, health care and other
necessities, while members with damaged homes can have them repaired at
affordable loan terms.”
Declared calamity areas due to “Agaton” include Lanao del Norte and Agusan
del Norte provinces and Iligan, Butuan, Bislig and Tagum cities.
Municipalities left in a state of calamity were Kapalong, Carmen, Asuncion
and New Corella in Davao del Norte; Tarragona, Manay, Caraga, Baganga,
Cateel and Boston in Davao Oriental; Sta. Josefa, Sibagat, Bunawan, San
Francisco, Esperanza, Veruela, Trento, Rosario and Loreto in Agusan del
Sur; and Lianga, Tago and San Miguel in Surigao del Sur.
Pensioners residing in declared calamity areas may file their application
for the three-month advance pensions at any SSS branch on or before April
30, 2014. Partial disability pensioners may apply for advance pension for
the remaining months of their benefit, but not to exceed the three-month
period.
Ciriaco said pensioners shall submit an accomplished application form duly
certified by the Barangay Chairman, or attach to the form a certification
of their residence in a declared calamity area from the Barangay Chairman,
Department of Social Welfare and Development or NDRRMC.
“If the pensioner's given address, which should be within an area declared
in a state of calamity by NDRRMC, is the same as that in our database, the
application for advance pension shall be accepted even without any of the
required certification,” she explained.
Existing borrowers in the declared calamity areas will benefit from the
Salary Loan Early Renewal Program (SLERP), which enables them to renew
their salary loans ahead of the allowed schedule under the regular loan
guidelines. The SSS will also waive the one-percent service fee charged on
salary loan applications, both for new and renewed loans, to further help
the affected members.
Ciriaco added that affected members can also avail themselves of the waived
processing fee and reduced six percent annual interest rate of the Direct
House Repair and Improvement Loans of up to P1 million. In its Situation
Report dated January 28, the NDRMMC noted that nearly 2,900 houses were
either partially or totally damaged by “Agaton.”
“The deadline of salary loan and SLERP availments under the relief package
for 'Agaton' is on April 30, 2014. Eligible borrowers for our special house
repair loans have one year from issuance of the corresponding SSS Circular
to prepare the requirements and file their applications,” she said.x
Application forms are available at SSS branches or may be downloaded from
the SSS Website. For queries, members and pensioners can contact the SSS
Call Center at 920-6446 to 55, or send an email to
member_relations@sss.gov.ph.
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Statement delivered by DFA Spokesperson Raul Hernandez regarding the
Hong Kong VISA sanctions against the
Philippines
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The Philippine Government
regrets the Hong Kong SAR Government’s implementation of sanctions against
the Philippines, particularly, the requirement of visas for Philippine
official and diplomatic passport holders which is usually given to
government officials on official travel to Hong Kong. The sanction is unfortunate
because a substantive closure on the Quirino Grandstand Incident had
already been arrived at three years ago with the previous Hong Kong SAR
Government and the victims as well as their families.
A renewed appeal for compassion was directly made to our government last
October 2013. We responded to this appeal without equivocation and in a
most generous manner. Additional tokens of solidarity have therefore been
pledged by the Filipino people at the behest of the Philippine government.
These amounts that are being offered are substantially more than those that
have been previously accepted by the victims and their families. We have
been made to understand that the victims and their families have agreed to
this offer.
In response to this generous offering, a total renegotiation has been
opened by the Hong Kong SAR Government to seek a demand for an apology
which the Philippines, as a sovereign nation, is not prepared to consider.
Our Nation has already expressed its deepest regret and condolences over
the incident and we are preparing to reiterate this.
To bring the issue to its final conclusion, the Philippines remains
committed to manifest compassion for the victims and their families and is
ready to turn over the additional tokens of solidarity from the Filipino
people. We hope that we will be able to do this as soon as possible.
We would like to assure the Filipino people that the Philippine Government
has done its utmost best to address the Quirino Grandstand Issue.
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35
OFWs from Syria to Arrive on
January 31
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30 January 2014 – Thirty-five
(35) Filipinos are scheduled to arrive from war-torn Syria on January 31 in
line with the Philippine Government’s Mandatory Repatriation Program (MRP).
The repatriates will be arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Terminal I at 4:00 p.m. on board Emirates Airlines flight EK 332. Upon
their arrival, the number of Filipinos repatriated from Syria since March
2011 will reach 5,174. Of that number, 2,147 were repatriated through
Lebanon.
The Philippine Embassy in Damascus also reported that there are still 2,593
Filipinos in Syria as of January 24. The figure is based on the Embassy’s
database and the list provided by the Syrian Ministry of Social Affairs and
Labor (MOSAL).
Team Syria, composed of personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs,
Philippine National Police and Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, is
redoubling its efforts to extricate as many Filipinos as possible, bring
them to the Embassy Shelter and prepare them for repatriation.
The Embassy stepped up its efforts to locate our kababayans in Syria. It
has sought the assistance of the Syrian Immigration and Passport
Directorate (SIPD), proposed the creation of a website containing the names
of Filipinos who are still in Syria, and published an advertisement in a
Syrian newspaper urging all Filipinos to avail of the MRP and asking their
agents and employers to allow them to leave. The Embassy will also host a
“Kapihan sa Pasuguan” to reiterate this appeal.
With the MRP still in place, the Philippine Embassy is inviting the
next-of-kin of Filipino workers who are still in Syria, to get in touch
with the Embassy at the following contact details: 00963-11-6132626,
0963-949155557, 00963-934957926, email: damascuspe@gmail.com, and to
provide information of their family member’s whereabouts so that immediate
assistance could be extended to them.
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Ombudsman Conchita Carpio
Morales denied Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s motion to suspend
proceedings in the preliminary investigation being conducted by the Office
of the Ombudsman (OMB) on the “Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF)
scam.”
In a 13-page Joint Order dated January 28, 2014, the special panel of
investigators determined that “no prejudicial question exists to warrant
the suspension of the preliminary investigation.”
Aside from Revilla’s Motion dated January 15, 2014, the Joint Order also
denied respondent Richard Cambe’s similar prayer of suspension contained in
his Counter-Affidavit dated January 20, 2014.
The Joint Order ruled that the civil case for declaration of nullity of
documents, collection of sum of money and damages filed by Revilla on
September 13, 2013 (in which Cambe intervened as co-complainant) against
Benhur Luy, et al. pending in the Regional Trial Court of Bacoor, Cavite
has no bearing in the outcome of the criminal cases filed with the OMB.
The Joint Order explained that the issues in the criminal and civil cases
are neither similar nor intimately related to one another, considering that
“forgery or falsification, which is the gist of [the civil case], is not a
necessary element of the [mentioned crimes]
It added that the PDAF documents are not the sole or exclusive
determinant of the existence of probable cause for plunder, malversation,
or violation of the anti-graft law, as there appear to be other pieces of
evidence (e.g., sworn statements of other witnesses, business records of
companies controlled by Janet Lim Napoles, and reports from the on-site
verification conducted by investigators in various provinces where the
PDAF-funded projects were implemented).
The Joint Order considered the civil suit as an afterthought and ploy to
delay the criminal proceedings, since Revilla already knew about the PDAF
documents and the issue of authenticity or genuineness of his signature on
the documents as early as 2011 when upon the Commission on Audit’s request
for confirmation, he confirmed that the signatures appearing in the PDAF
documents belonged to him and Cambe, instead of questioning the same.
In the same Joint Order, Ombudsman Morales dismissed Revilla’s counter-charge
for plunder against witnesses Benhur Luy, Merlina Suñas and Marina Sula,
since the three have been admitted to the Department of Justice’s Witness
Protection Program. The counter-charge against Petronilla Balmaceda was,
however, referred for further fact-finding investigation.
Revilla’s counter-charge against his fellow respondents Dennis Cunanan,
Antonio Ortiz, Alan Javellana, Gondelina Amata, Salvador Salacup, Mylene
Encarnacion, Nemesio Pablo, Evelyn De Leon, Jocelyn Piorato, John Raymund
De Asis and Ronald John Lim was dismissed because it stems from similar, if
not identical, factual allegations as those filed by the National Bureau of
Investigation and Field Investigation Office against them who are, in any
event, already impleaded.
Ombudsman Morales also stated that any further unfounded attempts to
suspend or delay the preliminary investigation of the PDAF cases will not
be tolerated, as the cases are imbued with paramount public interest.
Records show that several respondents have filed various motions for
extension of time to file their respective counter-affidavits and other
pleadings.
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The
Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to charge former Chief Justice
(CJ) Renato Corona and his wife, Cristina Corona, with violation of
Republic Act (RA) No. 1379,[1] and CJ Corona with eight (8)
counts of perjury and eight (8) counts of violation of Section 11 of RA No.
6713.[2]
In
a 22-page Resolution which Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales approved on
January 28, 2014, the special panel of investigators determined that from
2001 to 2011, the spouses Corona earned a total income of P30,369,120.13,
of which P27,145,472.68 was earned by CJ Corona as an official at the
Office of the President, a Justice of the Supreme Court, member of the
Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET), and member of the House of Representatives
Electoral Tribunal (HRET). Meanwhile, Cristina Corona earned P3,223,647.45
for the period 2007-2010, based on the Alpha List submitted to the Bureau
of Internal Revenue (BIR) by the John Hay Development Corporation (JHDC)
where Mrs. Corona was employed.
The
Resolution stated that from 2002 to 2010, Corona’s actual cash deposits
ballooned from P1,337,072.28 to P137,937,207.88, and by 2010 the cumulative
discrepancy between his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth
(SALN) declaration and his actual cash deposits amounted to
P134,437,207.88.
The
Resolution also cited the Land Registration Authority (LRA) records on
several properties owned by the Corona spouses in Quezon City, Makati City
and Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, which were established to be
significantly undervalued by P17,297,145.00.
It pointed out the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) certifications stating that the Corona spouses
have no existing business registered in their name, even while CJ Corona’s
SALN for 2003-2009 disclosed that his wife is connected with the Basa
Guidote Enterprises, Inc.
In
sum, the Office of the Ombudsman determined that the Coronas’ unexplained wealth
is at least P130,336,212.88, computed as follows:
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Details
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Amount (P)
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Net Increase in
Net Worth
Add:
1.
2010 Undeclared Bank Deposits
2.
Undervalued Cost of Real Properties
Less:
Combined Income
of the Corona Spouses
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8,970,980.00
134,437,207.88
17,297,145.00
(30,369,120.13)
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TOTAL UNEXPLAINED WEALTH
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130,336,212.88
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The
amount of P130,336,212.88 is a conservative estimate as it includes their
cost of living allowance commensurate to their social stature and expenses
entailed by their travels abroad.
On
the charges for perjury, the Resolution found that the sworn declarations
in Corona’s SALNs were false, as Corona failed to include the numerous peso
and dollar bank accounts (in his 2003-2010 SALNs), a condominium unit at
the The Columns, Makati City (in his 2004-2009 SALN), and a condominium
unit at Spanish Bay Tower in Taguig City (in his 2005-2009 SALN).
CJ
Corona was found to have only declared P6,800,000.00 as the acquisition
cost of a condominium unit in Bellagio I in Taguig City in his SALN for
2010, when the true acquisition cost is P14,510,000.00. In his SALNs
from 2003 to 2009, CJ Corona also undervalued the property located at
La Vista in Quezon City by P8,000,000.00.
CJ
Corona was also charged with violation of RA 6713, for not filing true and
detailed SALNs for 2003-2010, when the value of his declared cash assets
and the actual bank deposits had substantial discrepancies and his real
assets in Makati, Taguig and Quezon City were not declared.
Ombudsman
Morales directed the filing of a petition for forfeiture with the
Sandigabayan, along with the sets of criminal Informations for Perjury and
violation of RA 6713.
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Domestic Liquidity growth slows down in December
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Domestic liquidity (M3)
growth eased to 32.7 percent year-on-year (y-o-y) in December 2013 from
36.5 percent in the previous month.1 On a month-on-month basis,
seasonally-adjusted M3 decreased by 1.5 percent, reversing the 4.4-percent
growth (revised) in the previous month. The slower pace of increase in money
supply is consistent with the expected normalization of M3 growth over the
coming months following the completion of the operational adjustments in
the BSP’s Special Deposit Account (SDA) facility in November 2013.2
Money supply growth was driven largely by the sustained expansion in
domestic claims, or credits to the domestic economy. Domestic claims rose
by 11.6 percent in December from 12.3 percent in November, buoyed by the
continued increase in claims on the private sector (by 17.3 percent) due to
the steady growth in bank lending. Meanwhile, the level of net claims on
the central government was broadly steady relative to its level a year ago.
Net foreign assets (NFA) also expanded, but at a slightly slower pace of
10.1 percent y-o-y compared to the 10.9-percent growth recorded in the
previous month. The BSP’s NFA position improved on the back of continued
robust foreign exchange inflows coming mostly from overseas Filipinos’
remittances and BPO receipts. The NFA of banks likewise increased as banks’
foreign assets expanded at a faster pace relative to the growth in their
foreign liabilities. Banks’ foreign assets expanded due mainly to the
growth in foreign loans and receivables, while banks’ foreign liabilities
rose on account of higher deposits and placements of foreign banks with
local banks. Meanwhile, latest data showed that placements of foreign banks
with their local branches have continued to decline.
Going forward, the BSP will continue to assess monetary conditions closely
to ensure that liquidity dynamics stay supportive of economic activity. The
BSP also stands ready to deploy appropriate measures as needed to ensure
that liquidity conditions remain in line with the BSP’s price and financial
stability objectives.
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1 The latest M3 data is based on the Standardized Report Forms (SRF)
concept, which is a unified framework that allows for cross-country
comparison of source data and methodology for compiling and reporting
monetary statistics introduced by the IMF in 2004. The adoption of the
SRF-based monetary statistics is consistent with the framework of the
Monetary and Financial Statistics Manual (MFSM), Balance of Payments and
International Investment Position Manual, 6th Edition (BPM6), and the
System of the National Accounts (SNA) of the IMF. This initiative is part
of the BSP’s adherence to international best practices in statistical
compilation.
2 It will be recalled that the BSP has required trust entities to reduce by
November 2013 their SDA placements that are inconsistent with the BSP’s
revised SDA guidelines as contained in Memorandum No. M-2013-021 dated 17
May 2013.
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Bank Lending continues to expand in December
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Outstanding loans of
commercial banks, net of reverse repurchase (RRP) placements with the BSP,
expanded by 16.4 percent in December from the previous month’s growth of
14.8 percent. Similarly, bank lending inclusive of RRPs grew at a faster
pace of 16.3 percent from 13.8 percent in the previous month. On a month-on-month
seasonally-adjusted basis, commercial bank lending increased by 2.8 percent
for loans net of RRPs and by 3.4 percent for loans inclusive of RRPs.
Loans for production activities—which comprised more than four-fifths of
banks’ aggregate loan portfolio— expanded further by 15.3 percent in
December from 13.2 percent in November. The expansion in production loans
was driven primarily by increased lending to the following sectors: real
estate, renting, and business services (which grew by 22.0 percent);
electricity, gas and water (33.6 percent); manufacturing (15.5 percent);
wholesale and retail trade (16.9 percent); and construction (51.8 percent).
However, declines were observed in lending to transportation, storage and
communication (-2.8 percent); and other community, social and personal
services (-2.2 percent).
Meanwhile, loans for household consumption grew by 8.3 percent from 9.0
percent in the previous month, reflecting the slowdown in the growth of
auto loans and other types of loans (i.e. personal loans and salary loans).
The sustained expansion in bank lending is expected to support the
continued positive outlook of the domestic economy for the year ahead.
Going forward, the BSP will ensure that credit and liquidity conditions
will keep at pace with overall economic growth while remaining consistent
with its price and financial stability objectives.
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DSWD receives P1-M for the children survivors of ‘Yolanda’
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Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, in behalf of the
Department, received yesterday cheque donations worth P1,100,481.15 from
Mr. Dorian Chua of Duman Foundation.
According to Sec. Soliman, the money will be used to fulfil the wishes of
the kids from Tacloban City who survived Typhoon Yolanda. The kids were
asked to write their wishes during a Christmas program held at the city
last month.
One child wrote on his star-shaped paper, “Ang hiling ko, bagong notebooks
dahil naanod lahat ng notebooks ko nu’ng bagyo (I wish for notebooks
because all my notebooks got washed away during the storm).”
Many wish for school supplies and school uniforms. Others hope to receive
toys and clothes.
Also present during the turnover of donation were (from left) members of
the Philippine Buddhist Society Angelo Flarvey Choi and Amado Sancho;
Lilong Chua and Judy Chua, members of Duman Foundation; and, DSWD Executive
Committee members Undersecretary Mateo Montaño, Assistant Secretary Javier
Jimenez, Undersecretary Parisya Taradji, Undersecretary Florita Villar, and
Assistant Secretary Camilo Gudmalin.
The handing of cheques was held at the DSWD-National Capital Region Field
Office in Manila.
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With
grant of P352-K: DOLE restores
water refilling livelihood business of LEYECO II workers' union and 3
barangay-based enterprises with 100 beneficiaries
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Labor and Employment
Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz the other day awarded to Efren
Gabiola, President of the Leyte Electric Cooperative (LEYECO) II Employees
Union, a check of P352,500 representing the DOLE Regional No. 8's grant for
the restoration of the water refilling livelihood of 116-strong employees'
union.
In a short program at the DOLE regional office in Tacloban City, Secretary
Baldoz, together with Regional Director Exequie lSarcauga and Assistant
Regional Director Cyril Ticao, handed out the grant to Gabiola in the
presence of some union officials and members and 100 beneficiaries from
three Tacloban barangays of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).
She also handed out checks worth P760,000 in DILP grants of jigs and tools
and raw materials to each of the three barangays for their various
livelihood programs.
"I am thankful and happy to know that the LEYECO II Employees Union is
still alive and strong. Typhoon Yolanda may have destroyed your water
refilling station, but your courageous members, as I see them, are very
hopeful and raring to start afresh. So, here we are, ready to help the
union and its members in ensuring that your business is rebuilt," said
Baldoz.
Baldoz recalled that just before Typhoon Yolanda last year, she had visited
Tacloban City to turn-over to the union the water refilling equipment worth
P798,365 which the DOLE granted under the DILP.
Shortly after Typhoon Yolanda, she visited the union's water refilling
station and found out that all of its machine and equipment were destroyed
by the flood of sea water brought by the typhoon. She promised DOLE's help
to restore the business.
Gabiola, the union president, and his officials thanked Baldoz and the DOLE
for the fast award of the grant that will help the union get back on its
feet.
"LEYECO II and its 116 members are indeed very grateful to the DOLE
for its grant. As we have promised to the Secretary last year, we will
continue to nurture our business, rebuild it, and make it grow,"
Gabiola said.
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POEA bans deployment of OFWs to selected Thailand areas
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After the declaration of the
state of emergency in Bangkok and other surrounding areas stemming from the
series of protests calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Ying Luck
Shinawatra, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration's Governing
Board yesterday issued a ban on the deployment of newly-hired overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) intending to work in four specific areas in
Thailand. "The POEA Board, in a meeting after consultation with the
Department of Foreign Affairs, has approved a resolution to this
effect," announced Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda
Dimapilis-Baldoz, Chairman of the POEA Governing Board. The members of the
board who signed the resolution were Hans Leo J. Cacdac, POEA Administrator
and Governing Board Vice-Chair; Felix M. Oca; Estrelita S. Hizon; Alexander
E. Asuncion; Milagros Isabel A. Cristobal, Members. Baldoz said R. A. 10022
authorizes the POEA Governing Board, after consultation with the Department
of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to impose a ban on the deployment of Filipino
migrant workers in pursuit of national interest or when public welfare so
requires. The DFA, on23 January 2014, raised the crisis Alert Level 2
(Restriction Phase) in Bangkok, the Thai capital; Nonthaburi Province; Lad
Lum Kaew District (Pathumthani Province); and Bang Phli District (Samutprakan
Province), in view of the declaration of a 60-day state of emergency due to
the escalating civil unrest and insecurity in the said areas. "In view
of this, the Governing Board decided to impose a temporary suspension on
the processing and deployment of newly-hired OFWs bound for these areas in
the Kingdom of Thailand," Baldoz explained. Under Crisis Alert Level
2, only the processing and deployment of returning OFWs with existing
employment contracts shall be allowed and the processing and deployment of
newly-hired OFWs shall be suspended. “We strongly advise our OFWs in
Thailand to be vigilant and avoid going out as much as possible, especially
if they have nothing important to do outside. They should also stay alert
and monitor the events in those areas. If they feel that their security and
safety is compromised, they can always go to the Philippine Embassy,”
Baldoz said. POEA records show the annual deployment of OFWs to Thailand
has declined from 9,204 in 2012 to 6,021 in 2013. Of the 6,021 OFWs deployed
to Thailand last year, only 252 are new hires, while 5,769 are re-hires.
Baldoz said that the Philippine Embassy in Thailand is regularly taking
note of the developments in the capital and are on their feet should the
situation get worse.
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BIR
nets Malampaya Fund Infrastructure
Projects Contractor for tax evasion
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The Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of
Justice against ULYSSES PALCONET CONSEBIDO(CONSEBIDO) for Willful Attempt
to Evade or Defeat Payment of Income Tax and Value Added Tax, Deliberate
Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in his Annual Income Tax
Returns (ITR) and in his Monthly VAT Returns, and Willful Failure to File
Quarterly VAT Returns for taxable years 2008and 2009, all in violation of
Sections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as
amended (Tax Code).
Respondent CONSEBIDO is the sole proprietor of SEVEN DIGIT CONSTRUCTION AND
SUPPLIES (SEVEN DIGIT) with registered address at New Princesa, Tinguiban,
Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Being in the business of construction, SEVEN
DIGIT was engaged by the Provincial Government of Palawan to construct
several infrastructure projects funded by Malampaya Funds during taxable
years 2008 and 2009.
Investigation showed that CONSEBIDO declared in his ITRs for taxable years
2008 and 2009 gross revenues amounting to only P2.71 million andP11.35
million, respectively.
Documents gathered by investigators, including checks, disbursement
vouchers, official receipts issued by SEVEN DIGIT, however, showed that he
received income payments from the Provincial Government of Palawan
amounting to P54.86 million in 2008 and P9.19 million in 2009. He likewise
receivedP19.32 million in 2008 and P0.39 million in 2009 as income payments
from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) – Palawan II
District Engineering Office. Based on BIR Form No. 2307 (Certificate of
Creditable Tax Withheld) submitted by the Office of the Provincial
Treasurer, CONSEBIDOalso received P3.50 million in 2009 as income payment.
The said findings pushed CONSEBIDO’s gross revenues per investigation to
P74.12 million for 2008 and P13.07 million for 2009. Compared to his gross
revenues declaration in his ITRs, he substantially underdeclared his income
by P71.41 million or by 2,631% in 2008 and by P1.73 million or by 15% in
2009.
As a consequence of his acts and omissions, CONSEBIDO was assessed an
aggregate deficiency tax liability of P93.57 million, inclusive of
surcharges and interests, broken down as follows: 2008 - P84.66 million
(Income Tax – P60.25 million; and VAT – P24.41 million); and 2009 - P8.91
million (Income Tax – P1.07 million; and VAT – P7.84 million).
The case against ULYSSES PALCONET CONSEBIDO is the 208th 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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BIR
charges four delinquent individual
and corporate taxpayers with willful failure to pay tax
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The Bureau of Internal
Revenue (BIR) today filed separate criminal complaints with the Department
of Justice against four (4) delinquent individual and corporate (including
responsible officers) taxpayers from Quezon City and Pasig City for Willful
Failure to Pay Taxes pursuant to Section 255 of the NationalInternal
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).
Charged were DIEGO G. MARTINEZ, MANUEL NUGUID NIETO, WARNER MUSIC
PHILIPPINES, INC. (WARNER), its President YING CHONG WONG and Treasurer
CHEOLETTE H. CONTRERAS, and ASIA TREND MARKETING, INC. (ATMI) and its
President ALLAN L. CRISTOBAL.
MARTINEZ is the sole proprietor of TWINPEAKS SERVICE CENTER located at No.
184 Katipunan Road, Blueridge, Quezon City. A retailer of petroleum
products, MARTINEZ was assessed for taxable year 2006 a total deficiency
tax liability amounting to P50.84 million, inclusive of increments, broken
downas follows: Income Tax (IT) - P2.26 million; Value Added Tax (VAT) -
P48.49 million; and Expanded Withholding Tax (EWT) - P97,651.96.
A sole proprietor and owner of PERSEUS COMMODITY TRADING, NIETO conducts
his business at No. 997 A. Bonifacio Avenue, Quezon City with wholesale of
flour as his primary business. He was sued for taxable year 2008 an
aggregate deficiency tax liability of P182.21 million, inclusive of
increments, broken down as follows: IT - P135.40 million; and VAT - P46.81
million.
WARNER is a domestic corporation engaged in the business of import,
manufacture, sale, distribution, exploitation, reproduction marketing and
promotion of all kinds of products and services related to music and
entertainment activities. Its registered address is at 15th Floor, Wynsum
Corporate Plaza, Emerald Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. WARNER, its
President YING CHONG WONG and Treasurer CHEOLETTE H. CONTRERAS were sued
for taxable year 2005deficiency taxes in the sum of P118.32 million,
inclusive of increments, broken down into: IT - P85.09 million; VAT -
P21.04 million; Final Withholding Tax (FWT) - P10.50 million; and EWT -
P1.69 million.
ATMI is a domestic corporation whose primary purpose is to engage in the
business of trading. Its registered address is at No. 335 Katipunan Avenue,
Loyola Heights, Quezon City. ATMI and its President ALLAN L. CRISTOBAL were
assessed for taxable year 2007 deficiency taxes in the aggregate amount of
P55.99 million, inclusive of increments, broken down into: IT - P41.31
million; and VAT - P14.68 million.
BIR records of investigation showed that the abovementioned respondents
were served the corresponding Preliminary Assessment Notices (PAN), Final
Assessment Notices (FAN) and Formal Letters of Demand (FLD) but failed to
protest said assessments, hence making the same final, executory,
unappealable and demandable.
The subsequent issuance of the Preliminary Collection Letters, Final
Collection Notices Before Seizure, Warrants of Distraint and/or Levy and
Garnishment, and Demands Before Suit proved useless as the said tax
assessments remained unpaid. The respondents’ obstinate failure and
continued refusal to pay their long overdue deficiency tax assessments,
despite repeated demands, were construed as willful failure to pay the
taxes due to the government.
The cases against DIEGO G. MARTINEZ, MANUEL NUGUID NIETO, WARNER MUSIC
PHILIPPINES, INC., its President YING CHONG WONG and Treasurer CHEOLETTE H.
CONTRERAS, and ASIA TREND MARKETING, INC. and its President ALLAN L.
CRISTOBAL are the 209th , 210th , 211th and 212th , respectively, filed
under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim
S. Jacinto-Henares. They are likewise RATE cases of Revenue Region No. 7,
Quezon City.
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DPWH to continue EDSA road repair this long weekend
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Motorists and the general
public are pre-warned of the expected traffic build-up in some sections of
the major thoroughfares in Metro Manila as the Department of Public Works
and Highways-National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) takes advantage of the long
weekend to continue (with) its road improvement and maintenance works from
10 PM of January 31 (Friday) to 4AM of February 3, 2014 (Monday).
Per latest authority from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA),
DPWH may continue with its repair activities on the following road sections
along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA):
EDSA, Quezon City (southbound), from Santolan Flyover to Annapolis, 2nd
lane C.P. Garcia, Quezon City, between E. Jacinto Street & Magiting
Street going University Ave., from sidewalk, 1st lane EDSA, Mandaluyong
City (northbound), from Reliance Street to Shaw Boulevard EDSA, Mandaluyong
City (southbound), from Boni Avenue to Mayon Street, EDSA, Caloocan City
(northbound), between Arellano Street & Don Ang Street, 1st lane
Repair and maintenance of these national roads in Metro Manila has been
coordinated by the DPWH-NCR with the Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority.
For any concern, complaint, suggestion, recommendation, observation, please
call (02) 536-3477 or text DPWH (space) message then send to 2920.
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Statement by DBM Secretary
Florencio B. Abad on the country's GDP growth for 2013
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“There were a few grim
forecasts about how the economy would fare, especially in the wake of
successive disasters that beset the country last year. Yet the Philippines
continues to be a force to reckon with in the region, as demonstrated by
our extraordinary GDP growth record for 2013. Surpassing expectations—even
in the midst of significant challenges—has become the hallmark of the
Philippine economy, most especially under the Aquino administration.
“We remain optimistic about our growth prospects this year. At the heart of
this confidence is the fact that so many fiscal reforms—particularly those
on public expenditure—have been successfully introduced by this
Administration. These reforms have since enhanced the government’s
efficiency in managing its resources, as well as in ensuring quicker,
high-impact disbursements and the swift delivery of key public services.
“With even more budget reform measures in place, we can look forward to
another year of vibrant economic growth. Because the GAA now stands as the
government’s primary release document, agencies can tap into their budgets
and roll out programs and projects at a faster pace. Our country’s growth
this year will likewise be influenced by how well our departments and
agencies can meet their targets, as outlined in the Performance-Informed
Budget.
“Our optimism is tempered nonetheless by the conviction that more work
remains to be done. This year, we intend to bring our economic successes
closer to the needs of Filipinos, so that the country’s growth isn’t merely
a matter of numbers, but a matter of improving the lives of our citizens.
Good governance, after all, must result in inclusive development, where
transparent, accountable, and participative leadership will give rise to
real and tangible benefits for all Filipinos.”
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Peoples Organizations identify P20-Billion anti-poverty projects
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Interior and Local
Government Secretary Mar Roxas today called on people’s organizations in
cities and municipalities all over the country to participate actively in
the identification and monitoring of government projects that seek to
alleviate poverty in their communities.
Roxas noted that the National Government has allocated a total of P20
billion this year to fund various poverty-alleviation projects that were
identified by local government units in coordination with civil society
organizations in their communities.
Roxas said the projects are being implemented under the Grassroots
Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP), a new initiative that encourages
people’s participation not only in project identification but also in
monitoring project implementation.
“Sa ilalim ng GPBP, gusto nating tiyakin na may partisipasyon ang
ordinaryong mamamayan sa pagpili ng mga proyektong pakikinabangan ng
kanilang komunidad,” Roxas said.
“Maliban sa pagpili ng mga proyekto, mahalagang mabantayan din ng mga
mamamayan ang pagpapatupad ng mga proyekto para masiguro na wala itong
bahid ng katiwalian,” he added.
For year 2014, the National Budget earmarked P20.03 billion for 19,533
projects identified through the GPBP in 1,226 local government units.
The bulk of the P20-billion budget were sourced from Department of
Agriculture (P9.286 billion); Department of Social Welfare and Development
(DSWD); (P2.638 billion); DILG (P2.476 billion); Department of Education
(P1.449 billion); and Department of Health (P1.355 billion).
Other implementing agencies include Department of Agrarian Reform (P574
million); Department of Trade and Industry (P549 million); Department of
Labor and Employment (P507 million); TESDA (P423 million); Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (P417 million); Department of Trade (P175
million); Department of Energy (P97 million); and National Electrification
Administration (P78 million).
Roxas explained that the GPBP institutionalizes the Aquino government’s
“bottom-up” approach in budget preparation process, which was introduced in
2013.
“For thefirst time in our government’s history, we prepared the national budget
in 2013 using a breakthrough ‘bottom-up’ approach. Previously, the national
budget was crafted from the top, with government leaders deciding what
projects to fund in the local level,” he pointed out.
“Ngayon, kinikilala natin ang kapangyarihan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan na
alamin kung ano talaga ang mga proyektong kailangan nila para matugunan ang
problema ng kahirapan sa kanilang komunidad. Ito ang gabay natin sa
pagbubuo ng National Budget,” he added.
Roxas stressed that the GPBP likewise seeks toempower civil society
organizations and citizens’ groups to engage local government and national
government agencies and make them more responsive to the people’s needs.
The following processes were the main components of the bottom-up approach
as specified in the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 4 that guides the GPBP
preparation for the FY2015 round:
(i)Preparation of poverty reduction planning and budgeting:NAPC and DILG to
organize social preparation activities for CSOs and LGUs on participatory
planning and budgeting. Activities include Regional Poverty Reduction
Action Teams (RPRATs) orientation, CSO assembly, selection of Local Poverty
Reduction Action Teams (LPRATs) consisting of both LGUs and CSOs, LPRATs
orientation, and updating of and validation of socio-economic data which
informs the Local Poverty Reduction Action Plans (LPRAPs).
(ii)Conduct of LPRAP workshop and priority project identification:LPRAP
workshops are to be conducted with active participation of CSOs to
formulate LPRAPs and to identify priority poverty reduction projects with
budget based on relevant socio-economic data.
(iii)Endorsement of CSOson the list of priority projects and budget as
proof of genuine participation.
(iv)Approval by theSanggunianbefore the list is given to national
government.
(v)Submission of list of priority projects:LPRATs to submit the list,
endorsed by the CSOs and approved by theSanggunian, to the RPRATs through
DILG Regional Offices (ROs).
(vi)Consolidation of the list of priority projects by Region:DILG ROs will
consolidate the lists and send the consolidated lists to RPRATs and NAPC.
(vii)Validation and review of priority projects by RPRAT:RPRATs will review
and validate the proposed projects. Once approved, RPRATs will submit the
list of validated projects to NAPC and the Regional Development Council
(RDC). NAPC will then consolidate all the submissions of RPRATs and present
it to the BUB oversight agencies for approval.
(viii)Integration of LGU projects in the budgets of participating
agenciesand submission to DBM.
(ix)Provision of counterpart funds:LGUs will providecounterpart funds as
stipulated in the JMC.
(x)Project implementation:LGUs that meet the requirements stipulated in the
JMC, such as being the recipient of DILG’s seal of good housekeeping and
implementation of Public Financial Management Improvement Plan as
determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), will implement
the priority projects.
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