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Palace calls for unity, self-reflection on
Ash Wednesday observance |
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Malacanang joins the nation on the observance of Ash Wednesday as it calls
for national unity and self reflection.
“Today, the Christian world marks the beginning of Lent, a solemn season of
prayer and sacrifice. As we humble ourselves and reflect on the sinful
nature of mankind, we are all reminded that redemption is made available
through the gift of faith,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a
statement.
"For those undertaking the Ash Wednesday rituals today," he said the
observance "reminds individuals that it is only through authentic service to
neighbors, and the commitment to truth and justice, that everybody can bring
about meaningful change in the community."
The Palace official also asked Filipinos to take the Ash Wednesday
observance as "an opportunity to undertake small sacrifices and to examine
their conscience."
“It is by doing so that we grow in faith and humility, which strengthens our
common bond as a nation,” he said.
“Let us therefore continue to spread the good news in every sphere of human
activity and strive to be beacons of hope, so that those who doubt and
despair may see that, by working together, we can truly build a more just
and inclusive Philippines.” PND (as) |
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Palace renews
commitment to reducing poverty |
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The government remains focused on attaining inclusive growth and bringing
poor Filipinos out of poverty, the Palace said on Wednesday.
“Ang thrust ng ating pamahalaan is for inclusive growth. We want to bring
people out of poverty. Ang thrust ng ating Philippine Development Plan is
really to emphasize inclusive growth and the reduction of poverty,”
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang.
The administration has set goals on the government’s anti-poverty action
plans, he said noting this will be carried out on a specific and targeted
approach.
For instance if a province belongs to a certain category, the government
will carry out a particular strategy in addressing poverty in that area.
“The thrust of government is to make sure that we reduce poverty at a
certain percentage. That plan is in place and we will continue to do that
until the end of our term,” he said.
Asked about the government’s initiative so that such economic growth will be
felt by the poor, Lacierda said they are looking at the strategies of other
countries that have implemented similar anti-poverty initiatives.
In China for example, its poverty reduction strategies took several decades
to bear fruit, he said.
“It took more than several decades,” he said of the Chinese strategy. “That
is the kind of poverty strategies that we will have to address. Certainly,
it will not be finished by 2016.”
While it can’t be done within six years, Lacierda said they hope it could
reduce poverty while the Aquino administration is in power. PND (as) |
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Palace: Lifestyle check for
President, Cabinet members superfluous |
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The Palace wIl not entertain the call of Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. for a
lifestyle check for the President and his Cabinet members because it has
nothing to prove, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
Instead he advised the lawmaker being implicated in the P10-billion pork
barrel scam to strengthen his case and answer the allegations against him.
“Does it improve his credibility? Will it improve his credibility? Well, let
us say all of us passed a lifestyle check, will it improve his credibility?
It doesn't. It's irrelevant. So what is the point?” he asked during a press
briefing at the Palace Wednesday.
“I think the point is, the most important thing is, sagutin na lang niya
yung issue. Huwag na lang siyang mandamay. Ang maganda siguro pandayin niya
nang husto yung kaso niya. Stick to the case. Answer the issues against him
and that's it.”
Reacting to the call of another senator who wants a fast trial for those
involve in the scam, Lacierda said prosecuting those officials relies on the
pace set by the country’s judicial system, in this case, on the
Sandiganbayan.
The lawmaker fears that those involved will be off the hook once the next
administration assumes power so this should be resolved before the President
steps down in 2016.
“This is where the separation of powers is very, very clear. We don't have
control over the pace of the cases. Would we like the cases be resolved as
in any case, as the other cases we have filed under this administration?
Certainly, we would like them resolved under this administration. PND (as) |
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No overseas Filipino worker situated in
Crimea, Palace says |
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No Filipino is either working or living at the center of Ukraine’s ongoing
political upheaval, Malacañang told reporters Wednesday, following the
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issuance of crisis alert level 2 in the
said country.
Citing information from Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz,
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said about 172 Filipinos are currently
in Ukraine, but none of them are based in the Crimean peninsula where
violent protests against the Ukrainian government continue.
“They (overseas Filipino workers in Ukraine) are not situated in the Crimean
peninsula. They are situated in Kiev. As you know, Kiev is more than 800
kilometers from the Crimean peninsula,” Lacierda said in a press briefing.
“Nonetheless, we wanted to be sure that they are safe, so the DFA issued the
(crisis) alert (level) 2. Hopefully, as with the recent statements of
(Russian President Vladimir) Putin, things would hopefully cool down in
Ukraine.”
Both the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and DFA have already
issued separate statements, strongly advising Filipinos working in Ukraine
for possible evacuation in the event tensions in the Crimean peninsula
escalate in other parts of the troubled European country.
Reports say that most of the OFWs deployed in Ukraine were in administrative
and managerial positions, and about 30 are service workers. The DOLE remains
in close contact with the DFA in monitoring the situation there.
The Philippine government has also joined other nations in calling on all
concerned parties to help resolve the conflict in Ukraine through peaceful
means. PND (hdc) |
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Palace welcomes developments on
Maguindanao massacre case trial |
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Malacanang welcomed the developments in the Maguindanao massacre case trial
as the prosecution rested its case, at least on 28 of the accused in the
brutal killings.
“We’re certainly pleased that we’ve moved a step ahead. This has always been
a concern for us. I think based on the SWS surveys that’s one of our medyo
mahina ang points, although time and again we've stated that we don’t have
control over the pace of the case in the Maguindanao case trial,”
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang
Wednesday.
The latest development is a big step for the government; that prosecution
has rested its case insofar as some of the respondents or the accused are
concerned.
As the defense starts to present evidence, the Palace official said he is
sure that the prosecution is ready to cross examine the witnesses for the
accused.
Asked how hopeful the Palace is of convicting people within the President’s
term, Lacierda said Malacanang is as hopeful as Justice Secretary Leila de
Lima in seeing convictions by 2016.
“The Maguindanao trial has been what we’ve called the 'trial of the
century.' This is something that we look forward to. It’s something that
happened right during the campaign and we were also aghast and so shocked of
what happened there,” he said.
“Certainly, we want a closure; we want an outcome there in the Maguindanao
trial case. And we certainly would hope that it would come in 2016.”
While the Palace has this optimism, Lacierda emphasized that the pace of the
case is beyond the control of the Executive branch, as it lies on the
judicial system.
The Maguindanao massacre is known to be among the deadliest attack on the
media in the country with 32 of 58 people killed being journalists. PND (as) |
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President Aquino to
fast on Fridays in observance of Lenten season |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III will fast on Fridays as he joins the nation
in the observance of the Lenten season, his spokesman said on Wednesday.
“The President abstains and sometimes he would fast on a Friday. I know that
because sometimes he would always remind us, ‘Oh, it’s Friday already,
walang karne’,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.
“He’s very aware of the Lenten season. He’s very conscious of the sacrifices
that are encouraged during the Lenten season.”
The Palace staff preparing the President’s meal would serve fish during
Fridays, he said.
Malacanang joined the nation on the observance of Ash Wednesday as it called
for national unity and self-reflection.
In a statement Wednesday, Lacierda asked Filipinos to take the observance of
Ash Wednesday as an opportunity to undertake small sacrifices and to examine
their conscience.
He said that by working together, Filipinos can build a more just and
inclusive Philippines. PND (as) |
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Addressing Manila’s
traffic situation, a work in progress—Palace |
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Addressing the City of Manila’s traffic situation amid the local
government’s implementation of a truck ban remains a “work in progress,”
Malacañang said on Wednesday, assuring that the Metro Manila Development
Authority (MMDA) won’t stop until it finds a viable solution to this
problem.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino
is working closely with Manila’s executives to develop other schemes that
would ease congestion of vehicles at the Port of Manila and its vicinity in
light of the modified daytime truck ban.
“Tinitingnan po ng MMDA kung ano pa ang magagawang solusyon dito sa truck
(ban), sa problema dito sa congestion, at gagawan pa lang ng paraan ‘yan.
Hindi pwedeng hindi natin solusyonan ‘yan dahil, unang-una, this is a sign
of growth for the economy kaya mahalaga po at kailangan nating ayusin itong
congestion,” Lacierda said in a press briefing.
Implemented only last February 22, the truck ban aims to address the
worsening traffic situation in the country’s capital city by restricting the
entry of various trucks, originally from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., but it was
modified to allow a five-hour window for these vehicles to pass between
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
However, some businesses are still reportedly complaining over the negative
implications of the said policy, especially on the livelihood of truck
drivers and other service personnel affected by the scheme.
Some lawmakers have also suggested that President Benigno S. Aquino III just
issue an executive order allowing other transactions and shipments of
cargoes to be done in Subic Port or Batangas Port instead but such proposals
have to be carefully studied first.
“We have to first determine how many TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) ang
capacity na kayang hawakan ng Subic Port at saka ng Batangas Port. Then, of
course, it will be subjected to the viability of—of course, ‘yung cost din
niyan, may karagdagang cost ‘yan so pag-aaralan muna ‘yan nang maayos. So
that’s—before you issue anything, that has to be studied properly,” Lacierda
said. PND (hdc) |
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Pagkakaisa, pagmumuni-muni ang panawagan ng
Palasyo sa sambayanan ngayong Miyerkoles ng Abo |
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Nakiisa ang Malacanang sa bansa sa paggunita sa
Miyerkoles ng Abo na simula ng panahon ng Kuwaresma tungo sa pambansang
pagkakaisa at pagmumuni-muni.
“Sa araw na ito, ginugunita ng daigdig ng Kristiyano ang simula ng Kuwaresma,
isang banal na panahon ng pananalangin at pagpapakasakit. Habang buong
pakumbaba tayong nagdidili-dili sa makasalanang gawi ng sangkatauhan,
ipinagugunita sa atin na ang katubusan ay nagawa sa pamamagitan ng handog na
pananalig,” sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pahayag
ngayong araw na ito.
“Sa mga gumugunita sas kabanalan ng Miyerkoles ng Abo na nagpapagunita sa
bawa’r nilikha na sa pamamagitan lamang ng tunay na pag-alagata sa mga
kapit-bahay, at matapat na pag-alinsunod sa katotohanan at katarungan
maaaring maisakatuparan ng bawa’t isa ang maka-buluhang pagbabago sa
komunidad,” dagdag pa ni Lacierda.
Hiniling din ng pinuno ng Palasyo sa mga Pilipino na ang Miyerkoles ng Abo
ay gawing isang “pagkakataon upang makagawa ng mumunting pagpapakasakit at
pagsusuri sa kanilang mga budhi”
“Sa pamamagitan nito, lalago tayo sa pananalig at pagpapakumbaba na siyang
magsisilbing matibay na bikling na bibigkis sa atin bilang isang lahi,”
pahayag pa ni Lacierda.
“Samakatuwid, ipagpatuloy natin ang pagpapalaganap ng katotohanan sa lahat
ng gawain natin bilang tao at sikaping magsilbing sulo ng pag-assa upang ang
mga nag-aalinlangan at nasisiphayo ay mamulat na sa pamamagitan ng
sam-samang pagkilos, tayo ay tunay na maka-lilikha ng isang higit nba
makatarungan at masaganang Pilipinas, “ dugtong ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo.
PND (as/zaf) |
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Hindi tatantanan ng Palasyo ang pagsisikap
na maiahon ang dukha sa hirap |
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Hindi nababago ang paninindigan ng pamahalaan na huwag
tantanan ang pagsisikap na matamo ang kaunlaran at maiahon sa kahirapan ang
mga maralitang Pilipino.
Ito ang binigyang diin ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa
pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles.
“Ang pakay ng pamahalaan ay laganap na kasaganaan. Ibig naming maiahon sa
kahirapan ang mga kababayan nating maralita. Nakatuon ang Philippine
Development Plan sa laganap na kaunlaran at bawasan ang kahirapan,”
paliwanag ni Lacierda.
Idinugtong ni Lacierda na nagtakda ang administrasyon ng mga hakbang laban
sa kahirapan at ang mga ito ay isinasakatuparan alinsunod sa mga tiyakang
itinakdang mga paraan.
Ibinigay ni Lacierda ang halimbawa na kung ang isang lalawigan ay nakahanay
sa isang kategorya, isasakatuparan ng pamahalaan ang tiyakang istratehiya
upang malunasan ang karalitaan sa nasabing pook.
“Ang pinagtutuunan ng pamahalaan ay ang tiyak na pag-ahon sa karalitaan ng
mga dukha. Ang nasabing plano ay nakaayos na at patuloy na ipatutupad
hanggang sa pagtatapos ng aming termino,” dagdag ni Lacierda.
Sinabi ni Lacierda na inaalam nila ang mga istratehiya at paraang sinunod ng
ibang bansang nagpatupad ng kahalintulad na paglaban sa kahirapan nang
usisain siya kung paano tiyak na madarama ng mga mahihirap ang kaunlaran ng
ekonomya.
Ang Tsina ang ginawang halimbawa ni Lacierda at sinabing maraming dekada ang
itinagal ng pagsisikap ng naulit na bansa na nagsagawa ng istrahiya laban sa
karalitaan,
Ilang dekada ang nakalipas, sabi ni Lacierda bago naging katuparan ang mga
istratehiya ng Tsina laban sa karalitaan.
“Ito ang uri ng karalitaang sinisikap din nating bakahin at masupil at tiyak
na hindi ito magtatapos sa 2016,” sabi pa ni Lacierda.
Bagaman hindi ito kayang tapusin sa loob ng anim na taon, dagdag pa ni
Lacierda, inaasahan naming mababawasan ang karalitaan habang nasa
kapangyarihan ang administrasyong Aquino.PND (as/zaf) |
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Kalabisan na ang ‘life style check’ sa Pangulo,
mga kagawad ng Gabinete |
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Hindi na pag-uukulan ng pansin ng Malacanang ang
panawagan ni Senador Ramon Revilla,Jr. na “lifestyle check” sa Pangulo at
mga kagawad ng Gabinete niya sapagka’t wala namang dapat patunayan, sabi ng
Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda.
Sa halip, pinayuhan niya ang mambabatas na sangkot sa P10 bilyong pork
barrel scam na palakasin ang kaso nito at sagutin ang mga ibinibintang sa
kanya.
“Mapabubuti ba nito ang kredibilidad niya? Kung tayong lahat ay makapasa sa
lifestyle check, tataas ba ang kredibilidad niya? Hindi. Wala naman itong
kaugnayan. Ano ang dahilan para rito?” tanong ni Lacierda sa pulong balitaan
sa Malacanang Miyerkoles.
“Palagay ko, ang pinakamahalagang bagay ay sagutin na lamang niya ang isyu.
Huwag na lamang siyang mandamay. Ang maganda, siguro, pandayin niya nang
husto ang kaso niya. Ang kaso niya ang pag-usapan. Sagutin ang mga isyu
laban sa kanya. Iyon ang kailangan niyang gawin,” dugtong pa ni Lacierda.
Binigyang diin ni Lacierda na ang bilis ng paglilitis ay ang mga pinunong
tagausig ang nakakaalam salig sa judicial system ng bansa. Sa kasong ito,
ang Sandiganbayan ang naglilitis, dugtong ni Lacierda sa sagot sa panawagan
naman ng isang senador na kailangan ang mabilis na paglilitis sa “scam.”
Nagpahayag ng pangamba ang mambabatas na baka mapawalang sala ang mga
inuusig kapag naluklok na ang bagong administrasyon kaya dapat umanong
lutasin ang mga kasong nasabi bago bumaba sa tungkulin ang Pangulong Aquino
sa 2016.
“Maliwanag na maliwanag ang separation of powers o bukod na kapangyarihan.
Walang kapangyarihan ang ehekutibo sa hudikatura. Nais naming malutas ang
mga kaso, ano mang uri ng kasong naiharap sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang
admnistrasyon,” dugtong pa ni Lacierda. PND (as/zaf) |
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Activate Sagip Batang Manggagawa Quick Action
Teams vs. cyber child pornography, Baldoz orders DOLE regions |
Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Activate Sagip
Batang Manggagawa Quick Action Teams vs. cyber child pornography,
Baldoz orders DOLE regions
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday
directed all DOLE regional directors to intensify monitoring of
cyber child pornography in their regions and to be ready to mobilize
their respective Sagip Batang Manggagawa Quick Action Teams, or
SBMQAT, at the first sign of the menace, and rescue children who are
its victims.
“Cyber child pornography is a form of hazardous child labor.
Children should always be under a safe, protective, and caring
environment. Sometimes, parents themselves are usually the ones who
put their children to work in this kind of hazardous environment. If
parents or guardians fail to protect their children, then, the DOLE
needs to step in and intervene for these minors," said Baldoz.
Baldoz clarified that the government is there to ensure that
children are free from all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation,
and discrimination, or any condition detrimental to their
development.
Launched in 1993, the Sagip Batang Manggagawa is a DOLE advocacy
program, part of the national strategy to reduce the number of child
workers, especially those in hazardous work. It involves the
creation of inter-agency Quick Action Teams that respond to cases
against child laborers in extremely hopeless conditions. The teams'
tasks are to detect, monitor, and take action against incidence of
the most hazardous forms of child labor, of which cyber child
pornography is one.
Over the years, the Sagip Batang Mangagawa has responded to cases of
child labor in extremely abject conditions, such as bonded/slave
labor, commercial sexual exploitation, trafficking for illegal
employment, and hazardous work and activities.
Baldoz said children fall easy prey to exploitative child labor and
hazardous types of work because of ignorance and poverty, which
force them to work to contribute family income.
"This is why we advocate that children stay in school for them to
get educated and where they can do wholesome activities, even play,"
she said.
She explained that the efforts of the SBMQAT do not end at rescue
and closure operations. As part of the inter-agency effort, the DSWD
provides aftercare assistance to rescued minors, while the
Department of Justice is responsible for filing and prosecuting
criminal charges. The DOLE handles administrative cases and leads
the teams, working with the DSWD, National Bureau of Investigation,
Philippine National Police, local government units, and
non-government organizations in raids of suspected child labor
lairs.
The DOLE also provides parents of rescued minors with livelihood
assistance and skills training so they can start earning for their
family.
"Providing parents with the means to support the needs of their
children is one of the viable solutions the DOLE considers in its
effort to keep these kids off the bait and hook of criminal child
labor perpetrators," she said.
The livelihood assistance and skills training for parents of child
laborers is under the H.E.L.P. M. E. convergence program. H.E.L.P.
stands for health, education, livelihood, and prevention,
protection, and prosecution, while M.E. stands for monitoring and
evaluation.
The convergence program, conceived by the Cabinet's Human
Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster upon the instruction of
President Benigno S. Aquino III for a deliberate, harmonized, and
convergent approach in addressing the problem of child labor in the
country, seeks to free at least 75 percent of the 2.9 million child
laborers in the country by 2016.
The DOLE and DSWD lead in the implementation of H.E.L.P. M.E., which
uses convergence strategies to free identified barangays from child
labor and to influence change, identify allies, and solicit
commitments of support of stakeholders, specifically government
agencies, non-government and faith-based organizations, local chief
executives, private sector establishments, and the parents of child
laborers themselves. |
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Through SEnA, 57 kasambahay receive
P438-K in money claims in 2013 |
Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Romeo Del
Prado, a kasambahay who worked for his employer in Quezon City,
received P12,000 in full settlement of his claim for unpaid
salaries. Divina L. Ave, also a kasambahay like Del Prado, received
P50,000 when her employer in Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, and she
agreed to opt for a settlement of the former's money claims. Another
kasambahay, Ma. Cleofe B. Castillo, received P8,000, in settlement
of her claim against her employer in Horseshoe Drive, Quezon City.
The three are among the 57 kasambahay who, Labor and Employment
Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said, obtained
inclusive labor justice in 2013 under the DOLE's Single Entry
Approach, or SEnA, a 30-day conciliation-mediation mechanism that
has become a byword among workers and employers for its inexpensive,
non-litigious, accessible, and just and fair mode of resolving labor
issues.
"As more kasambahay become highly aware of their rights, they are
now opting to resolve their labor issues in a non-litigious,
accessible, fast, and inexpensive manner that is the SEnA, in
fulfillment of the mandate of the Kasambahay Law," Baldoz said after
receiving a report of National Conciliation and Mediation Board
Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo on kasambahay whose requests for
assistance (RFA) were settled through the SEnA in 2013.
Del Prado, Ave, and Castillo, with 54 other kasambahay have filed
separate RFAs against their employers for alleged illegal dismissal,
and non-payment of overtime pay, service incentive leave, holiday
pay, and social welfare benefits. The NCMB and DOLE regional
offices, through their conciliator-mediators and Single Entry
Approach Desk Officers, settled the RFA which resulted to the
payment of their monetary claims amounting to P438, 669.91.
In his report, Director Ubaldo said 98 RFA were filed at the NCMB
Central Office and DOLE Regional offices in 2013. Of the 98 RFA, 57
were settled, while 22 RFA were withdrawn by the complainants. Ten
RFA are still pending settlement at the DOLE-NCR and NCMB Central
Office.
“A year after R.A. 10361, or the Batas Kasambahay, took effect, more
kasambahay are knowing and understanding their rights and
privileges. R.A. 10361 guarantees that kasambahay are provided with
decent work and full respect of their human rights. The SEnA is an
effective mechanism for the settlement of disputes involving
kasambahay,” said Baldoz.
Section 1 of Rule XI of the IRR of R.A. 10361 states that all labor-related
disputes involving kasambahay and their employers shall be filed
before the DOLE Field/Provincial/Regional Office having jurisdiction
over the workplace and shall go through a 30-day mandatory
conciliation-mediation process.
Baldoz instituted the SEnA by virtue of D.O. 107-10, S. 2010 on 5
October 2010. She had mandated the establishment of Single Entry
Approach Desks (SEADS) in regional branches of the National
Conciliation and Mediation Board, and other DOLE offices, to ensure
speedy and impartial dispute settlement through the SEnA. It
provides workers speedy, impartial, inexpensive, and accessible
settlement for all labor issues or conflicts to prevent these issues
or conflicts from ripening into full-blown legal disputes.
Due to its efficacy as an alternative dispute settlement system and
its impact in the delivery of inclusive labor justice, the NCMB’s
SEnA Team had been chosen as the 2013 Presidential Lingkod Bayan
Awardee of the Civil Service Commission.
The SEnA has already become a law, when President Benigno S. Aquino
III signed on 14 March 2013 Republic Act 10396 institutionalizing
the DOLE Single Entry Approach (SEnA). |
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Sec. Soliman to dialogue with
leaders of People’s Surge in Tacloban |
Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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Tacloban City,
Leyte – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and leaders of People’s Surge and
Alyansa han mga Biktima han Bagyo Yolanda in Tacloban (ABBAT), were
set to hold a dialogue today, March 5, 2014, 3:00 pm at the DSWD-Field
Office VIII here.
However, based on latest information received by the Department, the
groups which have officially confirmed to attend the scheduled
dialogue have backed out citing that they do not want to hold it
here but in the Department’s Central Office instead.
The dialogue which is part of the Secretary’s itinerary for her
two-day visit in the province seeks to resolve the issues being
raised by the two people’s organisations.
Among the issues that they raised were on food distribution, use of
the Disaster Assistance and Family Access Card (DAFAC), and the
rehabilitation of affected areas.
DSWD-Field Office VIII Director Nestor Ramos met with the group last
week to address the issues and arrived at some agreements.
Sec. Soliman nonetheless expressed her willingness to meet with the
groups to further set directions and to demonstrate her openness to
listen to grievances.
“DSWD is open for a dialogue or discussions to groups, for
transparency purposes, on the relief efforts done in ‘Yolanda’-
affected areas. We welcome feedback,” Sec. Soliman said.
It can be recalled that members of GABRIELA and People’s Surge held
a demonstration at the DSWD’s office in Quezon City on March 3
causing damages there.
The Secretary pointed out that “[DSWD] officials were ready to talk
to the protesters and present [the Department’s] accomplishments and
plans” when they went there on Monday. The demonstrators however
started breaking the office’s main lobby doors.
“We are not discounting them in our disaster response work. We need
to listen to what they have to say because we are accountable to
them,” Sec. Soliman added. |
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Gov’t hits NPA’s brazen disregard for
humanitarian laws |
Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
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Manila — The
government peace panel for the negotiations with the Communist Party
of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF)
condemns the NPA’s series of violations against international
humanitarian laws (IHL) following their recent landmine attacks in
Davao del Sur wounding civilians and security personnel alike.
“The attack by the NPA on a convoy of ambulances in the town of
Bansalan, Davao del Sur using improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
earlier today constitutes a clear-cut violation of IHL, or
specifically Republic Act no. 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes
against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and other crimes
against humanity,” the government panel noted.
“The protection accorded to medical personnel, especially those
belonging to the Red Cross, their vehicles and installations, is one
of the cornerstones of IHL.”
“It is only under very specific circumstances that such personnel,
buildings or vehicles may lose such protection, namely when they
take direct part in or used in direct support of the armed
hostilities.”
The panel stressed that “the ambulances were en route to transport
wounded soldiers, who likewise enjoy protection under IHL because
they are, by virtue of their injuries hors de combat (incapable to
perform their duties).”
“They [NPAs] targeted not only civilians but civilians on a medical
or humanitarian mission—one of the most assiduously protected under
the law.”
Lip service
The peace panel also recounted the rebels’ recent IED attack on the
convoy of Mayor Jaime Mahimpit of President Roxas town in Cotabato,
saying that “it is clear that the NPA have become increasingly
brazen in their blatant disregard for even the most basic principles
of IHL.”
“It is necessary to emphasize that, contrary to their
representations, the NPA do not respect basic human rights or IHL,
and that their so-called adherence to the Comprehensive Agreement on
Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL)
is only lip-service, done at their convenience,” the panel stressed.
Recounting last year’s La Castellana massacre by the NPA, as well as
their kidnapping of a mayor, the panel noted that “either the NPA
have no real concept of who is entitled to protection under IHL, or
that the only use they have for IHL is as a tool to vilify the
government through their frivolous CARHRIHL complaints.” |
|
|
Top UN Officials Meet with DFA on Post-Yolanda
Recovery and Disaster Risk Reduction |
Source:
https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
05 March 2014 –
Department of Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Evan P. Garcia met
with the top United Nations Officials in charge of Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM) during their visit to the
Philippines. The Acting Secretary met with UN Undersecretary-General
(USG) for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator,
Baroness Valerie Amos on February 27 and Special Representative of
the UN Secretary General (SRSG) for Disaster Risk Reduction Ms.
Margareta Wahlstrom on February 28.
The UN Officials visited the Philippines from February 25 to 28 and
February 27 to March 4, respectively, to assure the Philippine
government and people of the UN’s continuing support for Yolanda
recovery and disaster resilience efforts. Both USG Amos and SRSG
Wahlstrom visited the Central and Eastern Visayas.
USG Amos discussed the enhancement of the Philippines’ partnership
with the UN on humanitarian cooperation and disaster management,
particularly with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian
Affairs (OCHA) and the Humanitarian Cluster Approach. SRSG Wahlstrom
spoke on the Philippines’ participation in the upcoming World
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in Sendai, Japan in
March 2015, and the country’s engagement with the global DRR agenda.
Acting Secretary Garcia expressed the Philippines’ appreciation for
the UN’s assistance for the country’s DRRM efforts, and pledged the
DFA’s continuing support for the Philippines’ close partnership with
the UN system for DRRM cooperation at the global, regional and
national levels. |
|
|
Philippines Highlights Progress
on Human Rights at UN, Calls for International Action on Climate
Change and Enhancement of Rights of Migrants |
Source:
https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
05 March 2014 –
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia delivered
the Philippines’ country statement at the High-Level Segment of the
United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland last
March 3.
Undersecretary Garcia stated that the Administration of President
Benigno S. Aquino III was built “on a strong foundation of respect
for human rights” and highlighted the Philippines’ steady progress
in fulfilling international human rights obligations.
He updated the Council on the Government’s actions to implement
recommendations stemming from its Universal Periodic Review (UPR),
among others:
· creation of a high-level inter-agency committee to solve verified
cases extra-legal killings;
· passage of the Martial Law Compensation Act;
· strengthening of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act;
· enactment of the Domestic Workers Act and ratification of ILO
Convention 189 on Decent Work for Domestic Workers;
· improvements to the penal system; and
· strengthening of child protection measures.
Garcia recalled the Philippine tradition of promoting and protecting
human rights stemming from the beginnings of its membership in the
UN system, to the peaceful 1986 People Power revolution, to the
present day.
In relation to democratic transitions and other recent developments,
Undersecretary Garcia called for “sobriety and the peaceful
resolution of conflicts.”
Garcia thanked the international community for its solidarity to the
Philippines and the Filipino people in the aftermath of
super-typhoon Haiyan. He underscored the vulnerabilities of
countries like the Philippines to extreme weather events and natural
disasters caused by climate change which have severe impacts on the
human rights of individuals and communities.
“The Philippines will continue to voice out concerns about climate
change and the imperative of international responsibility and
cooperation…and ensure that climate change and human rights shall
remain on the agenda of the Human Rights Council,” Garcia stated.
Garcia also informed the Council of the “irreversible momentum of
securing a just and lasting peace in Mindanao” and the signing in
the near future of a Final Comprehensive Peace Agreement on the
Bangsamoro. Garcia noted that the Government’s peace efforts
“promote human rights…strengthen national unity as well as set the
stage for more inclusive development.”
As a steadfast advocate for enhancing migrant workers’ rights,
regardless of their status, the Philippines called for greater
ratification by destination countries of the International
Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers
and Members of their Families as “a core international human rights
treaty.”
He noted that migrants in crises are especially vulnerable and their
human rights must be protected.
He informed that the Philippines leads UN initiatives to combat
trafficking in persons, especially women and children and promotes
the development of an ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in
Persons (ACTIP).
He underscored the Philippines’ position the ASEAN Human Rights
Declaration must be implemented in accordance with international
human rights treaties and standards.
Garcia also took note that poverty continues to be a major challenge
to the full enjoyment of human rights and flagged that all states
have responsibilities to help eradicate poverty in connection with
elaboration of the post-Millennium Development Goals development
agenda.
Lastly, Undersecretary Garcia expressed the Philippines’ support for
a Human Rights Council based on genuine dialogue and cooperation,
and constructive partnership and understanding for human rights.
He announced the Philippines’ candidature to the UN Human Rights
Council for the period 2016-2018 and requested the support of
international partners for the Philippine candidature. |
|
|
This time, BI deports five Japanese
fugitives |
Source:
http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
|
A Japanese
fugitive who has been hiding in the country for the past 29 years
and five other wanted Japanese nationals were deported by the Bureau
of Immigration (BI) following their arrest in provinces recently.
BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison reported that the first to be
deported over the weekend was Dobashi Masatoshi, 49, who was
undocumented alien since July 1995 and poses risk to public
interest.
The BI also deported Yoshinura Susumol, Ryota Ozeki, Masayuki Ozeki,
Yushinori Makino, Ijie Makino, and Susumu Yoshimura.
Masatoshi alias “Tsuchibashi Masatoshi” has a standing warrant for
four offenses which include theft, counterfeiting of public
documents, uttering of counterfeit private documents and fraud in
his hometown, according the Japan Embassy.
After 29 years of hiding, immigration operatives apprehended
Masatoshi while selling Japanese foods in Harrison Night Market
Place in Baguio City December last year. Masatoshi’s passport has
expired since July 1995, BI records showed.
Records showed that the fugitive stole three promissory bills
amounting to Y15 million par value and a passbook for multipurpose
account with the balance of Y35 million in Osaka, Japan in January
1992.
The suspect also planned to withdraw in the bank an amount of Y25
million from the passbook he stole from a certain “Haramoto”, a
representative a multi-million company also in Tokyo.
The fugitive was escorted by three BI personnel when he was deported
via Japan Airlines International flight to Manila-Tokyo-Narita,
Japan.
The Ozeki’s reportedly took the one month income of their company in
Paranaque City amounting to P900 thousand November last year,
according to a Filipina who filed the complaint before the bureau.
Masayuki, 55, and his son work as manager and assistant manager,
respectively, at the P and O International Trading in Sucat,
Paranaque City, with a Filipina business partner. The company is
selling Japan surplus items.
The complainant filed against them claimed that the Japanese did not
deposit the company’s income and also failed to pay the salaries of
the company for almost three months. This prompted her to file
revocation of their working visas and early deportation of the
father and son foreigner.
On the other hand, Yushinori Makino, 62, was arrested by BI agents
after he reportedly molested and assaulted his Filipina live-in
partner in their rented house in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.
The elder Makino also allegedly whip and punch his 32-year-old son
with special needs who was rushed to the Philippine General Hospital
in Manila after he was rescued by operatives November last year. The
younger Makino was diagnosed with Psoriasis.
According to the landlady, the Japanese has no job and has no
capacity to pay the rental and to provide food and other basic needs
of his sick son.
Meanwhile, Yoshimura, 50, was arrested by BI agents in his Quezon
City residence after failing to show a passport and other travel
document.
A frequent traveler in the country since 1999, the Japanese national
however failed to renew his expired visa since September last year
making him undocumented foreign national.
He was escorted three hours before his flight via Cebu Pacific
Airlines from Manila to Osaka, Japan. |
|
|
The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation wins the Deposit
Insurance Organization (DIO) of the Year Award for
2013 |
Source:
http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
|
The
International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), an
organization of 71 member deposit insurance organizations based in
Basel Switzerland, announced that the Philippine Deposit Insurance
Corporation (PDIC) has been selected as the “Deposit Insurance
Organization (DIO) of the Year”for 2013.
The announcement was made during the Twelfth IADI Annual Conference
and Annual General Meeting of Members (AGM) in Buenos Aires,
Argentina on 7 November 2013.
Other organizations who won in the other categories include the
Deposit Insurance Agency of Russian Federation for the “Award for
Achievement in Banking Resolutions and Payouts”, Bank Guarantee Fund
of Poland for the “Award for Core Principles and International
Participation” and Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance Fund for the “Award
for Deposit Insurance System Improvements.” The DIO of the Year
Award for 2013 was presented to PDIC being the IADI member with
significant achievements in all three categories.
PDIC President Valentin A. Araneta said that he is humbled by the
award which reflects the hard work and commitment of the Board,
officers and staff of PDIC. According to Araneta, international
recognition of the effectiveness of Philippine government
institutions serve to inspire domestic and foreign confidence in the
Philippine economy. The PDIC organization has adopted a slogan of
“Committed to Serve” aligned with the call of President Benigno S.
Aquino, III to government institutions for service commitment and
accountability to the public.
The PDIC has Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima as Board Chairman
and BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. as Director. Their
respective alternates are National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon and
BSP Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. The other directors are
Rogelio W. Manalo, Protacio T. Tacandong and Valentin A. Araneta who
also serves as President and Vice Chairman. The PDIC has two
Executive Vice Presidents, Ms. Imelda S. Singzon and Ms. Cristina Q.
Orbeta handling the Examination and Resolution Sector and the
Receivership and Liquidation Sector, respectively.
Finance Secretary Purisima lauded the Board officers and staff of
PDIC on the international recognition. He exhorted PDIC to sustain
and continually improve its good governance standards and its
oversight over the handling of bank deposits. He said that good
governance of banks is the best measure of depositor protection.
In its continuing efforts to comply with the Core Principles for
Effective Deposit Insurance Systems and other international best
practices, PDIC has subjected itself to assessments and is an active
participant in IADI activities.
In 2005, the IADI began conferring the DIO Award to a member in
celebration of an important achievement and/or in recognition of the
contribution that the Member has made to furtherance of IADI’s
goals. The first organization to receive the award was the Central
Deposit Insurance Corporation of Taiwan.
Since then, the conferment of the Award has been part of IADI’s
tradition and is among the highlights of its annual meetings. The
previous awardees of the DIO Award are the Korea Deposit Insurance
Corporation (2012), Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corporation (2011),
Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (2010), Savings Deposit
Insurance Fund of Turkey (2009), U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (2008), Brazil’s Fundo Garantidor de Créditos (2007) and
the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (2006). |
|
|
Lurie Lectures on Private Sector’s
Participation in Anti-Corruption Work |
Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
The Office of
the Ombudsman presented the 4th installment to the Integrity Lecture
Series at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Auditorium on February
27, 2014, with Mr. Adam Lurie, former Senior Counsel to the US
Department of Justice, as guest lecturer.
In his lecture entitled “The Vital Role of Government in Encouraging
Private Sector Participation and Cooperation in Anti-Corruption and
Complex Enforcement,” Lurie discussed the various incentives to
reward companies that cooperate with law enforcement, and the threat
of being the target of corruption investigation if they fail to come
forward with information regarding corruption.
Lurie illustrated how US companies adopt a zero-tolerance policy
towards bribery and corruption by developing a compliance and ethics
program that initiates due diligence within the company and promotes
an organizational culture of commitment to compliance with the law.
(e.g., defining what are acceptable gifts to public officials,
etc.).
He also cited the importance of the use of wiretap devices, access
to financial documents or bank records, and existence of
whistleblower laws as critical tools for US law enforcement.
Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Teresita Herbosa,
Prosecutor General Claro Arellano, Mr. Reed Aeschliman, Deputy
Mission Director of the United States Agency for International
Development (USAID), and Mr. Ramon Del Rosario Jr., Makati Business
Club Chairman, served as panel reactors who gave their insights on
the topic, followed by an open forum.
In her closing remarks, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales hoped that
policy-makers and decision-makers in both public and private sectors
can be engaged into devising or improving anti-corruption strategies
through improved legislation, inter-agency cooperation and
collaborative effort with the private sector.
The Integrity Lecture Series (ILS) aims to communicate and engage
the public and private sectors on the various programs and projects
of the Office of the Ombudsman to further build a broad-based
strategic partnership of all anti-corruption stakeholders.
In partnership with the ADB, USAID, United Nations Development
Programme and Metrobank Foundation, the ILS is part of the Ombudsman
Integrity Caravan which seeks to engage advocacy partners and
promote dialogue on good governance, integrity and anti-corruption
topics leading to a coordinated multi-sectoral effort against
corruption.
The first three ILS episodes featured the lectures of Mr. Erry
Riyana Hardjapamekas, former Commissioner of Komisi Pemberantasan
Korupsi (Indonesian Corruption Eradication Commission) on September
13, 2013; Mr. Bertrand de Speville, former Commissioner of Hong
Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption, on November 12,
2013; and Dr. Barry A.K. Rider, Professor at the University of
Cambridge, on January 14, 2014.
Aside from the ILS, other activities under the Ombudsman Caravan
include Public Governance Forum, University Integrity Tours,
Integrity Development Contest, and Barangay Integrity Fora.
The Ombudsman Integrity Caravan is one of the projects during the
yearlong celebration of the Office of the Ombudsman’s 25th
Anniversary which commenced in May 2013. |
|
|
Aetas show gratitude to Alcala |
Source:
http://www.da.gov.ph |
|
Secretary
Proceso J. Alcala (left) receives indigenous vegetable planting
materials from Mr. Carlito Domulot, President of the Lubos na
Alyansa ng Katutubong Aeta sa Sambales (LAKAS) as a symbol of the
groups’ gratitude to the Agri chief during the First Farmer Congress
held in Iba, Zambales on February 21, 2014. During his visit in the
province, Alcala turned over various fishing and farming implements
to municipalities and farmers’ groups worth over P4 million. He also
pledged 30,000 mango seedlings and 20, 000 sampaloc seedlings ready
for distribution among local |
|
|
3Q 2013 General Government Debt to GDP
improves to 39.7% from 44.3% in 2009 |
Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
Purisima:
Proactive debt management creates fiscal space, strengthens
fundamentals
As of September 2013, the country’s General Government (GG) Debt
stood at P4.468 trillion or 39.7% of GDP, lower than 40.3% as of
September 2012. The current GG debt is P4.468 trillion or 39.7% of
GDP, slightly up quarter-on-quarter from P4.315 trillion or 39.1% of
GDP as of June 2013, but has improved significantly since President
Aquino took office in 2010.
“Before President Aquino took office, GG debt to GDP was 44.3% in
2009. By reducing government debt, we are attempting to ensure the
sustainability of our recent economic resurgence,” Finance Secretary
Cesar V. Purisima said.
“The Aquino Administration continues working towards the virtuous
cycle of good governance through proactive liability management. As
a result of these initiatives, we are creating fiscal space in the
budget to increase investments in our people, our key driver of
economic growth,” Purisima added.
GG debt went down as the National Government (NG) purchased more
debt from domestic sources at cheaper interest and longer
maturities. Of the total NG debt as of 3Q 2013, 66% is domestic and
34% is foreign, a number that has improved over the previous year,
at a debt mix of 61% domestic – 39% foreign. The GG debt mix has
notably improved from 51% domestic – 48% foreign as of 3Q 2012 to
59% domestic – 41% foreign as of 3Q 2013.
A decline in Local Government Unit debt to P70.7 billion, or 0.6% of
GDP, as compared to the September 2012 level of P71.3 billion, or
0.7% of GDP, also contributed to the decline in GG debt.
GG debt is computed as National Government less the NG debt held by
the Bond Sinking Fund (BSF). To this number is added the debt of
Social Security Institutions (SSIs, e.g., GSIS, SSS and PhilHealth)
and the Local Government Units (LGUs), and finally deducting
intra-sector debt holdings. Intra-sector debt holdings are the NG
debt held by SSIs, LGUs, and LGU debt held by the Municipal
Development Fund Office (MDFO). |
|
|
Consumers’ program marks 9th year |
Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
The Department
of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) consumer education broadcast program
dubbed as Konsyumer Atbp. (KATBP), celebrates its nine years of
informative discussions on pressing consumer-related concerns that
molds viewers and listeners to be responsible and watchful
consumers.
DTI’s anchor for KATBP, Regional Operations Group (ROD)
Undersecretary Zenaida C. Maglaya, boasted, “For nine years, the
KATBP served as the advocacy arm among the government, industry,
academe and media to ensure consumer welfare."
DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Atty.
Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba asserted, “Being at the forefront of
consumer protection, the KATBP has become essential to the
Department in intensifying its campaign for consumers to be
well-informed and educated on their rights and for them to actively
participate in consumer programs and activities."
The KATBP is an information and education broadcast program that
renders basic discussions for consumers on programs and activities
that affect them. It promotes and reassures consumer awareness and
protection through its slogans, “Karapatan ng Mamimili, Proteksyon
sa Pagbili.” and “Bida Ka Dito, Konsyumer!”. These slogans come to
life with the DTI and ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. partnership.
Dimagiba stressed that the KATBP episodes are series of interactive
sessions on consumer rights and responsibilities; significance of
standards for product safety and quality to be protected from
uncertified and defective goods; vigilance in making intelligent
choices when buying products or availing of services, price and
supply situations of basic necessities and prime commodities;
complaints-handling systems; and, consumer issues and how these are
being addressed.
Every year, the DTI and ABS-CBN set celebration activities for the
KATBP anniversary to reach out to more consumers in the regions and
provinces. The DTI and ABS-CBN have celebrated the KATBP anniversary
with consumers in Eusebio High School in Pasig City (1st - 2006), in
Manila High School and Baguio High School in Baguio City (2nd –
2007), in Ramon Magsaysay High School in Cubao, Quezon City (3rd –
2008), in Puerto Princesa City Coliseum in Palawan (4th – 2009), in
NCCC Mall in Davao City (2010), in Robinsons Place in Bacolod City
(6th – 2011), and, in Cebu Normal University in Cebu City (7th –
2012).
For the KATBP’s 9th year, the DTI and ABS-CBN extends its reach once
again this time to the consumers and businesses as well, of Region X
or Northern Mindanao.
The KATBP special remote broadcast episode will be taped-as live in
Cagayan de Oro City on 04 March 2014. For this episode, the KATBP
promotes the DTI’s complaints handling system, SME enhancement
programs, and Region X’s products under the DTI’s Industry Cluster.
Also, the KATBP will showcase the economic development in Cagayan de
Oro City and eco-tourism sites. Moreover, the 4th Konsyumer Quiz
Show will be conducted during the program with secondary students
from 12 schools of Misamis Oriental participating in the question
and answer contest on consumer laws, policies, programs, activities,
and, issues.
To drumbeat the KATBP’s 9th anniversary, the DTI and ABS-CBN
produced an episode last February 8, 2014 on business and consumer
initiatives and events with DTI officials as studio guests led by
Secretary Gregory L. Domingo.
Undersecretary Maglaya emphasized, “The presence of DTI key
officials in this episode manifested the Department’s commitment in
boosting business competitiveness and enriching consumer
empowerment."
The KATBP, which was launched on February 19, 2005, is an initiative
of DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), in partnership with the
ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation’s DZMM 630 kHz.
The KATBP “teleradyo” program is simultaneously aired over DZMM 630
kHz and Sky Cable Channel 26 every Saturday from 10:30 in the
morning to 12:00 noon. The KATBP anchors are ABS-CBN’s senior
reporter, Mr. Alvin Elchico, and DTI’s Usec. Maglaya.
“The KATBP, teaching its avid viewers and listeners to be vigilant
and to make intelligent choices when buying products or availing of
services, has greatly assisted the government in curtailing illegal
trade practices and in averting the proliferation of uncertified
products in the market”, Dimagiba recounted.
DTI urges the public to continue tuning in to KATBP and learn from
its informative and relevant consumer-related discussions. For more
information, call the DTI-BPS at 751.4740 or DTI Direct 751.3330.
|
|
|
Philippine Extractive Industries
Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) hosts LGU Briefing to increase
transparency and accountability in the Mining Sector |
Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
|
Century Park
Hotel, Manila on February 2014 – With the theme: “Understanding the
EITI: Engaging Local Government Units in EITI Implementation,” the
Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative held a
two-day event to explain the role of the LGU, national government,
CSOs, and industry in implementing EITI to ensure the sustainability
of extractive industries in our communities.
Undersecretary for Local Government Austere A. Panadero of the
Department of Interior and Local Government opened the two-day event
by highlighting the importance of EITI as “part of our governance
instruments put in place to ensure that [the extractive] industry is
contributing to development of the country and is meeting the needs
of our stakeholders.”
Under EITI, LGU must make data on revenues from mining and other
extractive industries readily accessible and available. Speakers
from various stakeholders presented their roles to the participants
to solidify the commitment of LGUs and identify potential issues in
EITI implementation. LGU officials signed of a statement of
commitment expressing their support for the EITI.
Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali said, ”Mining is a complex issue
faced by the LGUs. The MICC seeks to examine these issues and EITI
plays a big role in thepakikipagugnayan. Kaakibat ito sa daang
matuwid because of its thrust for greater transparency. ”
Department of Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “Mining
represents only 1.04% of GDP but has potential to attract FDIs and
increase exports. However, President Aquino wanted to ensure mining
was not only profitable but more importantly sustainable for our
communities and our environment. EITIallows us to track revenues to
ensure accountability through transparency. Looking forward, mining
can only be sustainable if we institutionalize reforms and good
governance through initiatives like EITI.”
For more information on
PH-EITI, and the LGU Briefing, visit their website, http://ph-eiti.org/ph-eiti-lgu-briefing.html |
|
|
P9.5-B to fund hiring of 31,335
teachers; Abad: New hires to fast-track closure of teacher-supply
gap by 2015 |
Source:
http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
|
In view of the
Aquino administration’s goal to ramp up education reform in the
country, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released
P9.52 billion in January to the Department of Education (DepEd) for
the creation of 31,335 elementary and secondary teaching positions
for School Year (SY) 2014-2015.Charged against the Miscellaneous
Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) in the 2014 General Appropriations
Act (GAA), the fund release will cover the fund requirements for
Teacher I positions nationwide. The release gives DepEd the go
signal for jump-starting the hiring process immediately, with all
positions ideally filled out by April 1, 2014, in time for the
beginning of classes.
The P9.52-billion release will support a specific number of
Teacher 1 positions per region, as outlined below:
REGION
|
Proposed Allocation
|
Kinder/Elementary (Grades I to VI)
|
Secondary (Grades VII and VIII, and YR III
and IV)
|
Total
|
| REGION I |
361 |
668 |
1,029 |
| REGION II |
418 |
309 |
727 |
| REGION III |
1,260 |
2,494 |
3,754 |
| REGION IVA |
2,000 |
2,809 |
4,809 |
| REGION IVB |
672 |
646 |
1,318 |
| REGION V |
1,138 |
1,245 |
2,383 |
| REGION VI |
584 |
910 |
1,494 |
| REGION VII |
1,404 |
2,021 |
3,425 |
| REGION VIII |
721 |
937 |
1,658 |
| REGION IX |
532 |
605 |
1,137 |
| REGION X |
482 |
693 |
1,175 |
| REGION XI |
867 |
698 |
1,565 |
| REGION XII |
736 |
760 |
1,496 |
| CAR |
621 |
522 |
1,143 |
| NCR |
592 |
1,426 |
2,018 |
| CARAGA |
180 |
263 |
443 |
| ARMM |
1,170 |
591 |
1,761 |
TOTAL |
13,738
|
17,597
|
31,335
|
Of the
31,335 positions, 13,738 new teachers will be hired at the
elementary level (Grades 1 to 6), while 17,597 personnel are
designated at the secondary level (Grades 7 and 8, YR III and IV).
Region IV-A will hire the most number of teachers with 4,809
positions, followed by Region III with 3,754 and Region VII with
3,425 future hires.
“Hiring more teachers is essential to the Administration’s goal
of improving the teacher-to-student ratio in our education system.
For a long time, Philippine public schools were crippled by a
shortage of teachers who can amply guide our schoolchildren in their
academic pursuits,” Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said.
“The P9.52-billion release will give DepEd enough funding legroom
to close the 33,194-teacher gap in public schools by 2015. It’s not
just a matter of enhancing our public education system, but also of
giving our students the chance to learn from qualified instructors
who can equip them with skills that will be useful beyond the
classroom,” he added.
DepEd has set standards to determine teacher requirements for
different levels of education, such as setting the Teacher-Pupil
Ratio of one teacher for an ideal number of students per class:
- Kindergarten: 1 teacher to 25-35 students)
- Elementary Multigrade (different levels in one classroom): 1
teacher for less than 30 students (Grades I-II, III-IV, V-VI)
- Elementary Monograde (one level per classroom): 1 teacher
for 40-50 students for Grades I-II; 1 teacher for 45-55 students
for Grades III-IV; 1 teacher for 45-55 students for Grades
V-VIII; and 1 teacher for 45-55 students for Secondary Level
Years III-IV
“Education continues to be the government’s best bet in
empowering the poor and opening up opportunities for their future
employment. Along with the implementation of the extended Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) this year, the
Administration’s work of addressing our public education gaps
remains key in our bid for swift, sustainable, and inclusive growth,
where Filipinos can truly benefit from the country’s economic
gains,” the Budget Secretary added. |
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Baldoz advises 172 OFWs in Ukraine to
stay put |
Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said yesterday that
in as much as the Department of Foreign Affairs has not recommended
voluntary or mandatory repatriation of overseas Filipinos in
troubled Ukraine, her advice to OFWs in that country is to stay calm
and stay home, and not make any unnecessary visit or detours to
public places where marches or protests are being held. Baldoz
issued the advice after the Eastern European country that borders
Russia on the east and northeast was rocked by civil disturbance in
recent weeks that led to a new government. The DFA has strongly
advised all Filipinos in Ukraine to communicate with the Philippine
Embassy in Moscow (the country has no embassy in Kiev, Ukraine's
capital, but has an honorary consul there) and inform the Embassy of
their whereabouts and their current condition. It encouraged
Filipinos in Ukraine to contact their families in the Philippines
and apprise them of their situation. It also that Filipinos wanting
to return to the Philippines should contact the Philippine Embassy.
Baldoz said POEA data show that only 115 OFWs were deployed to
Ukraine in 2013 and 57 in 2012, or a total of 175. Most of the OFWs
deployed were administrative and managerial workers (41) while 30
are service workers. Baldoz said the DOLE is in close contact with
the DFA in monitoring the sitaution in Ukraine. |
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