Activate Sagip Batang Manggagawa Quick Action Teams vs. cyber child pornography, Baldoz orders DOLE regions |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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.” |
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Top UN Officials Meet with DFA on Post-Yolanda Recovery and Disaster Risk Reduction |
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Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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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. |
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Philippines Highlights Progress on Human Rights at UN, Calls for International Action on Climate Change and Enhancement of Rights of Migrants |
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Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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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. |
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This time, BI deports five Japanese fugitives |
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Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
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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. |
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation wins the Deposit Insurance Organization (DIO) of the Year Award for 2013 |
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Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
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The International Association of Deposit Insurers (IADI), an organization of 71 member deposit insurance organizations based in Basel Switzerland, announced that the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) has been selected as the “Deposit Insurance Organization (DIO) of the Year”for 2013. The announcement was made during the Twelfth IADI Annual Conference and Annual General Meeting of Members (AGM) in Buenos Aires, Argentina on 7 November 2013. Other organizations who won in the other categories include the Deposit Insurance Agency of Russian Federation for the “Award for Achievement in Banking Resolutions and Payouts”, Bank Guarantee Fund of Poland for the “Award for Core Principles and International Participation” and Kazakhstan Deposit Insurance Fund for the “Award for Deposit Insurance System Improvements.” The DIO of the Year Award for 2013 was presented to PDIC being the IADI member with significant achievements in all three categories. PDIC President Valentin A. Araneta said that he is humbled by the award which reflects the hard work and commitment of the Board, officers and staff of PDIC. According to Araneta, international recognition of the effectiveness of Philippine government institutions serve to inspire domestic and foreign confidence in the Philippine economy. The PDIC organization has adopted a slogan of “Committed to Serve” aligned with the call of President Benigno S. Aquino, III to government institutions for service commitment and accountability to the public. The PDIC has Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima as Board Chairman and BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. as Director. Their respective alternates are National Treasurer Rosalia V. De Leon and BSP Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. The other directors are Rogelio W. Manalo, Protacio T. Tacandong and Valentin A. Araneta who also serves as President and Vice Chairman. The PDIC has two Executive Vice Presidents, Ms. Imelda S. Singzon and Ms. Cristina Q. Orbeta handling the Examination and Resolution Sector and the Receivership and Liquidation Sector, respectively. Finance Secretary Purisima lauded the Board officers and staff of PDIC on the international recognition. He exhorted PDIC to sustain and continually improve its good governance standards and its oversight over the handling of bank deposits. He said that good governance of banks is the best measure of depositor protection. In its continuing efforts to comply with the Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance Systems and other international best practices, PDIC has subjected itself to assessments and is an active participant in IADI activities. In 2005, the IADI began conferring the DIO Award to a member in celebration of an important achievement and/or in recognition of the contribution that the Member has made to furtherance of IADI’s goals. The first organization to receive the award was the Central Deposit Insurance Corporation of Taiwan. Since then, the conferment of the Award has been part of IADI’s tradition and is among the highlights of its annual meetings. The previous awardees of the DIO Award are the Korea Deposit Insurance Corporation (2012), Malaysia Deposit Insurance Corporation (2011), Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan (2010), Savings Deposit Insurance Fund of Turkey (2009), U.S. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (2008), Brazil’s Fundo Garantidor de Créditos (2007) and the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (2006). |
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Lurie Lectures on Private Sector’s Participation in Anti-Corruption Work |
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Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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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. |
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Aetas show gratitude to Alcala |
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Source: http://www.da.gov.ph |
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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 |
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3Q 2013 General Government Debt to GDP improves to 39.7% from 44.3% in 2009 |
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Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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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). |
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Consumers’ program marks 9th year |
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Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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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. |
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Philippine Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PH-EITI) hosts LGU Briefing to increase transparency and accountability in the Mining Sector |
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Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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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 |
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P9.5-B to fund hiring of 31,335 teachers; Abad: New hires to fast-track closure of teacher-supply gap by 2015 |
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Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
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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:
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:
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 |
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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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Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Presidential Communications Operations Office - Other News Online
Presidential Communications Operations Office - Other News Online
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