Sunday, May 11, 2014

Dispatch for May 12 , 2014 (Monday) , 1 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 2 Weather Watch , 2 Reg’l. Watch , 3 OFW Watch , 2 PNOY Speech , 16 Online News , 25 Photonews ( May 11)



24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

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Issued at 5:00 a.m., 12 May 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

24-hr Mean Sea Level Pressure
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind
Analysis for 8 a.m., 12 May 2014		 24-hr Mean Sea Level StreamliSEs

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind
Analysis for 8 a.m., 12 May 2014
Satellite Image

Satellite Image 
 

Synopsis: 

Intertropical Convergence Zone affecting Southern Mindanao. Ridge of high pressure area affecting Luzon.

Forecast:  


Soccsksargen and Zamboanga Peninsula will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the east over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.

 
                        May 12  , 2014  (   Monday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM

CAVITE             :  Sunny 
LAGUNA          :  Sunny 
BATANGAS      :   Sunny 
RIZAL                :  Sunny 
QUEZON           :  Sunny  




               

1. PIA Regional Watch
about an hour ago
PIA-4A/LAGUNA: The creation of the Barangay Action Team (BAT) in San Pablo City was supported by a city ordinance approved in 2012 with the main function of monitoring the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya program. Benjamin Romero, City Link of San Pablo City, said the creation of the BAT in all barangays of the city has made the monitoring of beneficiaries easier. As a result, the DSWD has established a helping hand in the ground in ensuring that the program is implemented properly and the beneficiaries are complying religiously with their co-responsibilities with the program.

2. PIA Regional Watch
about an hour ago
PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Nagkaloob ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Batangas ng iba't-ibang serbisyo tulad ng libreng gupit, libreng masahe, pedicure at manicure para sa lahat ng mga nanay na empleyado ng pamahalaang panlalawigan bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Mothers Day gayundin ang pagkilala sa natatanging kontribusyon ng mga ina sa lipunan.




 
1. PIA OFW Watch
Yesterday
PHILIPPINE STAR: A recruitment consultant urged the DOH to investigate the “mass production of medical test results” by some clinics accredited to examine aspiring OFWs, particularly those bound for the Middle East.

2. PIA OFW Watch
Yesterday
DZMM: Tiniyak ng DFA na maaaksyunan ang kaso ng nawawalang OFW na napaulat na dinukot sa Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. Inabisuhan na ang magulang ng biktimang si Billy Enriquez na bumalik sa tanggapan sa Lunes.

3. PIA OFW Watch
Yesterday
DZMM: Kinumpirma ng DFA na isang dating staff ng Embahada ng bansa sa Ottawa, Canada ang kinasuhan dahil sa pagkakasangkot sa human trafficking. Ayon kay DFA spokesman Charles Jose, siniseryoso ng kagawaran ang kasong isinampa laban kay Buenaflor Cruz at hindi kinukunsinte ng kagawaran ang mga alegasyon laban sa sinumang kawani ng DFA. Nagsasagawa na rin anya ng sariling imbestigasyon ang Embahada ng bansa sa Ottawa at patuloy na nakikipag ugnayan sa mga awtoridad ng Canada. Umaasa naman ang DFA na isasailalim sa patas na proseso si Cruz kaugnay ng alegasyon.









BATANGAS

1. Tagalog news: DOST CALABARZON,namahagi ng P1.1M halaga ng mga proyekto sa lalawigan ng Batangas

By: Mamerta P. De Castro
Thursday 8th of May 2014

MATAAS NA KAHOY, Batangas, Mayo 8 (PIA) --Namahagi ng iba't ibang mga proyekto na nagkakahalaga ng P1,110,000 ang Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Calabarzon sa mga kooperatiba at samahan sa lalawigan ng Batangas kamakailan.

Ang mga pinagkalooban ng proyekto ay ang Samahan ng Maggagatas ng Batangas Cooperative (SAMABACO) para sa pagtatayo ng central milk consolidation facility (P150,000); Silver Consumers Association mula sa barangay Hanopol Oriental sa lungsod ng Tanauan para sa upgrading ng vermicomposting technology (P150,000); Batangas Seaweeds Farmers Association (BASEFA) para sa pagsasaayos ng seaweed industry nito sa bayan ng Calatagan (P150,000); E.Zobel foundation Inc., para sa labeling at packaging ng complementary food products nito sa barangay Real, Calatagan, Batangas (P350,000); Katipunan ng Magbubukid sa Hacienda Roxas Inc./CA Caisip Bignay Tea para sa pagpaparami ng male bignay tree para sa reforestation program sa bayan ng Nasugbu (P160,000) at Kabuhayan para sa may Kapansanan Inc. (P150,000) para sa pagpapaganda ng kalidad at produktong instant salabat sa bayan ng Cuenca.

Sinabi ni Dr. Alexander Madrigal, hangad ng kanilang tanggapan na maisulong ang kabuhayan ng mga samahang ito batay sa millennium development goal ng administrasyong Aquino kung kaya’t patuloy ang pagtulong nila at pagkakaloob ng pondo para sa mga ito.

Nagpahayag naman ng pasasalamat at kasiyahan ang mga kinatawan ng lahat ng samahan at kooperatiba sapagkat malaking bagay ang naibigay ng DOST sa kanila upang mas mapaganda, maisaayos at mapaunlad pa ang kanilang mga produkto. (MPDC-PIA batangas)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=681399529420#sthash.7Hzz80le.dpuf




 
ASEAN Foreign Minister push for early conclusion of Code of Conduct in South China Sea
 
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) ASEAN Foreign Ministers emphasized the need for expeditiously working towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct, which aims to ease tension in the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea.

This was raised during the ASEAN Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM) held at Sapphire Hall in Myanmar International Convention Center I here Saturday attended by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and his counterparts.

In a statement released following the AMM, it said that ASEAN Foreign Ministers expressed serious concerns over the ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

"They urged all parties concerned, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which could undermine peace and stability in the area; and to resolve disputes by peaceful means without resorting to threat or use of force,” the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Statement on the Current Development in the South China Sea said.

The foreign ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation in and over-flight above the South China Sea as well as the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea and the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

"They also called on all parties to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to undertake full and effective implementation of the DOC in order to create an environment of mutual trust and confidence,” the statement added.

The Philippines has overlapping territorial claims in the West Philippines Sea along with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Taiwan, and China.

The Philippines has submitted a formal pleading to the United Nations arbitral tribunal seeking to invalidate China's claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The AMM was chaired by His Excellency U Wunna Maung Lwin, Union Minister for Foreign Affairs of Myanmar and attended by foreign ministers and the representatives of the Foreign Minister of Thailand.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario also attended the 11th ASEAN Political and Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting.

At the meeting, the ministers discussed the developments in Sectoral Bodies under the ASEAN Political and Security Council, the Implementation of Recommendations from the 7th Coordinating Conference for the ASEAN Political-Security Community and expediting the implementation of the remaining APSC action lines, which are under process of implementation of the APSC blueprint.

In conjunction with the APSC, the 14th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Councilu was held where the ministers discussed the preparations for the 24th ASEAN Summit, reports of the Secretary General on the work of ASEAN and other reports submitted by the ASEAN Foundation. PND (jb)
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Myanmar President Thein Sein welcomes President Aquino, other ASEAN leaders
 
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III and other leaders were welcomed Sunday morning by Myanmar President U Thein Sein at the opening ceremony of the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here.

President Aquino, in a dark suit, was greeted by President Thein Sein and wife, Daw Khin Khin Win, upon arrival at the Main Lobby of the Myanmar International Convention Center for the opening ceremony.

The ASEAN Leaders’ Summit kicked off Saturday with an evening welcome reception for the heads of states or governments and their delegations hosted by President Thein Sein held at the convention center, which is also the venue for the summit.

After the opening ceremony of the summit, President Aquino and the other leaders of the 10-member association will convene in plenary session.

At the plenary, they are expected to discuss the progress of the implementation of the roadmap for an ASEAN Community, the initiative for ASEAN Integration Work Plan II, and the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity.

The leaders will also exchange views on the future of the ASEAN community, as well as external relations and future directions.

After the plenary session, it will be followed by the retreat session of the 24th ASEAN Summit, where current regional and international issues will be discussed.

President Aquino will also join his counterparts for the interface meetings with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Civil Society Organizations, and ASEAN Youth.

Later in the day, the President will also participate in the 10th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.

This is the first time Myanmar is hosting the ASEAN Summit since it joined the bloc in 1997.

Emphasizing the importance of a united ASEAN, “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s summit.

Established in 1967, the ASEAN community includes Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. PND (co)
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Malacanang leaves it up to Legislative to decide on repeal of 'no permit, no rally' law
 
Malacanang is leaving it up to members of Congress to decide on how to act on the plan of one of its members to have the no permit, no rally law repealed.

In a press conference aired over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that members of Congress have the jurisdiction to act on Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares’ call to repeal the no permit, no rally law.

“Siguro nasa kasamahan na nila sa Kongreso kung gusto nilang amendahan yung panukala na yan,” Valte said.

“While the freedom of assembly is one of the constitutional rights enshrined in the 1987 Philippine Constitution, even Philippine jurisdiction recognizes there are reasonable rights when it comes to place para hindi magkaroon ng disruption o gulo,” she added. PND (rck)
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President Aquino thanks ASEAN member states for helping in 'Yolanda' aftermath
 
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno Aquino III thanked fellow member leaders of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) and their peoples for the assistance they rendered during the aftermath of Typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan) last year.

President Aquino expressed his gratitude to the ASEAN community during his intervention at the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary held at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday.

"We may yet be some time away from the realization of the ASEAN Community, but allow me to say that, in the aftermath of the typhoon, the Philippines saw the full solidarity of our ASEAN neighbors, as well as our other friends and partners in the international community, who reached out to those affected. Your response in that time of dire need was indeed overwhelming and inspiring,” he said.

President Aquino particularly thanked ASEAN Secretary-General, His Excellency Le Luong Minh, for personally leading the delivery of ASEAN relief goods to the city of Tacloban in November last year.

"Our gratitude also goes to the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) for its timely assistance,” he added.

The President said Typhoon Haiyan displayed the solidarity and clear commitment of the global community and ASEAN to help the survivors recover from the typhoon’s devastation.

Given the massive destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan, President Aquino said it gives the Philippines opportunity to harness solidarity and cooperation in making the country more resilient, in mitigating and guarding against the effects of climate change and in building back better communities affected by disaster.

Citing the Philippines as one of the ASEAN countries most vulnerable to natural calamities, the President emphasized the need for the full implementation of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response and the strengthening of the AHA Centre.

"We specifically propose that ASEAN maximize its standby arrangements for joint disaster relief and emergency response operations and protocols among our individual disaster management agencies,” he said.

He likewise urged ASEAN leaders to support the work of the High Level Task Force and the ASEAN Coordinating Council Working Group, which are tasked to analyze and recommend what must be accomplished or amended by regional organization when it comes to disaster response.

With respect to addressing global climate change, President Aquino said the ASEAN community should continue to urge developed countries to follow through on their commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and to assist developing countries in climate change adaptation.

"As we have deepened our engagements in enhancing disaster relief and emergency response, so too must we exhibit utmost cooperation in responding to the reality of global climate change. Let us work together and find solutions that ensure that no other nation need suffer through another Typhoon Haiyan,” he said. PND (jb)
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Compensation for martial law human rights victims will be completed within two years, says Palace
 
The Palace said it hopes that martial law human rights victims will receive their compensation within two years or before President Beningno S. Aquino III completes his term
.
“Umaasa po tayong mako-complete nila ‘yung proseso (compensation for martial law human rights victims) sa loob ng dalawang taon,” said Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte in a press briefing aired Sunday over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

Valte also assured the public that the 10 billion pesos worth of compensation fund for the victims remains intact.

“Ang alam ko po ay nasa Bureau of Treasury na po ‘yan at matagal na pong buo ang amount na ‘yan,” Valte’s reply to the question whether the compensation fund remains intact.

The Deputy Spokesperson reiterated Malacanang’s previous statement that Human Rights Claims Board (HRCB) head Lina Sarmiento had their trust and confidence.

“Umaasa po tayong matutugunan ni Ginang Sarmiento ang binigay na mandato ng Pangulo at ‘yung mandato rin po niya sa ilalim ng batas,” said Valte.

Militant groups are questioning the appointment of Sarmiento as head of the human rights board. Sarmiento is a retired police general and the first female third level official that held a director rank.

Part of the mandate of Republic Act No. 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 is to give compensation to the martial law human rights victims in the period of two years. PND (ag)
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Aquino hopes Bangsamoro Agreement will help promote peace in ASEAN region
 
NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno Aquino III shared the Philippine experience in the successful signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) hoping that it will serve as a model to other ASEAN countries dealing with similar problems with separatists groups.

In his intervention during the ASEAN Summit Plenary held at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday, President Aquino stressed that the recent CAB signing motivates the Philippines to share insights on peace, conflict resolution, and reconciliation with ASEAN neighbors.

"The Philippines hopes that the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro adds to the body of experience that can inform conflict-resolution practices in ASEAN moving forward,” he said.

"Peace in any part of the world redounds to the benefit of all. As peace in the Bangsamoro lays the foundations of stability, inclusivity, and progress in Mindanao, more doors of opportunity are opened --- for the people of Mindanao, for the entire Philippines, and for partners and friends who wish to contribute to development,” he said.

He noted that the success of the peace process thus far contributes to ASEAN’s growing experience and best practices in the promotion of a culture of peace and respect for diversity.

"Included in our work to establish a strong, stable, and peaceful ASEAN Community is the task of building on the values and best practices of our institutions in addressing intra-, inter-, and regional conflicts. Peace is a fundamental concern of all nations; sharing best practices then allows us to address problems and challenges more comprehensively,” he said.

The President also took the opportunity to express gratitude to fellow ASEAN countries who played important roles in sealing a peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last March 27.

He thanked Malaysia, in particular, for facilitating the negotiations between the Philippine government panel and the MILF; as well as Brunei and Indonesia, for playing instrumental roles as members of the International Monitoring Team.


In his statement, the President stressed the hardships of civilians, especially the vulnerable ones such as mothers and children in times of conflict, recounting the experience of MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and his family.

"The signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was the first such occasion that Chairman Murad’s wife had ever visited our capital, Metro Manila. Both of them had witnessed many years of conflict—years during which Chairman Murad and his companions had to isolate their loved ones in special communities to protect them from the ravages of conflict,” he said.

"In these situations, whether for those engaged in conflict or others, the paramount human interest, has always been to keep families alive and healthy. For leaders like ourselves, the paramount interest is very similar: to minimize, or even prevent, loss of life and casualty, and to ensure that communities remain whole, and that development is sustained,” he added.

In an embodiment of the Philippines' desire to contribute to building peace in the regional community, President Aquino discussed the Philippines’ hosting of the first Symposium of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation on April 7 and 8.

"This is in line with the ASEAN Political Security Community Blueprint, which sets out to establish ASEAN’s experiences and best practices on peace, conflict management, and conflict resolution, as well as to enhance cooperation among ASEAN think tanks on the subjects of peace, conflict management, and conflict resolution,” he said.

He emphasized that the Philippines strongly advocates a more proactive approach towards the pursuit of peace, freedom, and stability.

"Our shared commitment must go beyond research and capacity-building. Efforts must be directed towards consolidating the narratives of peace in our region, and distilling its lessons to forge a consensus and to institutionalize habits of peace-building,” he said.

"We believe that documenting ASEAN’s wealth of experience in conflict resolution and preventive diplomacy can guide all of us in building a stronger, more peaceful, and more stable ASEAN Community.” he added.

Meanwhile, Myanmar President U Thein Sein, during the ASEAN Summit opening ceremony, lauded the Philippines for the successful signing of the CAB saying that the peace deal was a "great achievement".

He likewise congratulated Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, as well as the other ASEAN Member States who contributed towards the CAB signing adding that the ASEAN nations extended full support for the Philippines' efforts to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. PND (jb)
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Renewed trust and confidence in the Philippines reflects on Filipinos abroad
 
(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) The renewed trust and confidence of the foreign investors in the Philippine economy also reflects on Filipinos working and living abroad.

Esperanza Ordoño-Saw, marketing manager for Global Sky Company Limited in Myanmar, said more foreign entrepreneurs are now willing to look into possible investment opportunities in the Philippines due to the renewed confidence.

Ordoño-Saw said the renewed trust and confidence of the foreign investors in the Philippines has a positive effect on them because “it gives a better impression" of Filipinos abroad.

Since his assumption to office in June 2010, President Benigno S. Aquino III has instituted key reforms and measures to achieve inclusive growth and to make the Philippines more competitive.

“Kasi how your country is doing reflects on a Filipino who's working outside of the country; kahit pa malayo kami, it reflects on us,” Ordoño-Saw said during an interview with PBS-RTVM here.

Another Filipino, Roberto Pulido, who is a creative and business director for River Orchid here, noted the Aquino administration’s focus on its campaign against corruption.

“‘Ang malaking pagbabago na nakita ko, mas may focus ngayon na ayusin at linisin ang government,” Pulido, who has been in Myanmar for five years, said in a separate interview with PBS-RTVM.

Joey Borja, principal at Myanmar International School, agreed and cited some of the positive changes in the Philippines, such as the renewed confidence of foreign investors in the country and the administration’s anti-corruption campaign.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex Chua, there are around 590 Filipinos registered with the Embassy as of December last year.

“Most Filipinos in Myanmar are engaged in the engineering and manufacturing sectors, comprising 45 percent of the total number of Filipinos with temporary migrant status in Myanmar,” Chua said.

President Aquino is scheduled to visit Myanmar on Saturday to attend the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit that will be held at Myanmar International Convention Center in Nay Pyi Taw on May 10 to 11. PND (co)
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Gov’t allots P6.8-M for President Aquino’s attendance in ASEAN Summit in Myanmar
 
The government has set aside P6.8 million for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s participation in the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar from May 10 to 11, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Saturday.

President Aquino left this afternoon for Nay Pyi Taw via a chartered flight to attend the two-day meeting of ASEAN leaders where the Chief Executive is expected to push for the early conclusion of the Code of Conduct (COC) with China in order to ease the tension in the disputed waters in the region.

He was accompanied by a 56-member delegation, including House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Press Secretary Herminio Coloma, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Andrea Abad, Mindanao Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo left ahead of the presidential team.

Funding for the trip covers expenses for transportation, accommodation, food, equipment and other requirements of President Aquino and his official delegation.

“President Aquino is expected to discuss quite a few issues of parallel interest with his fellow ASEAN leaders and stress on our decisive stance for the peaceful resolution in the disputed waters in the region,” Ochoa said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the President will attend a dinner to be hosted by Myanmar President U Thein Sein for the heads of states and governments, ASEAN plenary session and retreat, interface meetings with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, civil society organizations and ASEAN Youth, among others.
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Palace spells out major thrusts to attain continuing, inclusive growth
 
The government carries out three major thrusts to address the weaknesses in the economy as it envisions continuing and inclusive growth, a Palace official said on Friday.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, reporters asked Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr about the government's measures to address several areas raised by Standard & Poor's in its assessment of the Philippines and its recent rating upgrade.

Among the issues mentioned by S&P include narrowing the revenue base, shortage of basic infrastructure, government services, and low-income level.

Coloma mentioned three primary government measures to address those issues.

He said that to narrow the country's revenue base, the government through the Bureau of Internal Revenue, works to increase the taxation-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to1990s levels.

Coloma said that during the Ramos administration, before the onset of the Asian financial crisis, the country's taxation-to-GDP ratio was at 16 to 17 percent of the GDP. Currently, he said the Philippines is at 12 to 13 percent of the GDP.

"Ang target natin doon sa Millennium Development Goals ay pataasin ito. Sa Millennium Development Goals at saka doon sa Philippine Development Plan pataasin ito doon sa... na maibalik doon sa halos kasingtaas ‘nung sa Ramos administration," he explained.

In area of infrastructure development, Coloma said the government acknowledged the need for more infrastructure it has been carrying out several measures to address this need.

The Palace official noted that in the last three years of the Aquino administration, it carried out accelerated spending on public infrastructure.

"At kapag nagbunga nang ganap ang mga nasa pipeline ng Public Private Partnership—‘yung iba’t ibang mga MRT, highway, at infrastructure projects—ay tiyak na madadagdagan ‘yung mga mahahalagang public infrastructure projects," he said.

In terms of reducing poverty in the country, he said that the administration did not wait for the recent economic gains to trickle down to the poor.

This is the reason why the administration implemented the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. The government even increased the number of family beneficiaries this year, he noted.

"Kaya lahat ng mga tatlong bagay na ito ay desididong ina-address ng ating administrasyon para ma-convert natin mula sa kahinaan at maging malakas na aspect rin ng ating pag-unlad bilang isang bansa," he said.

Coloma also said he is glad about S&P's assessment that noted a strong basis to believe the current economic gains under the present administration would be sustained event after President Aquino leaves office in 2016.

"Bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino, ako ay nagagalak doon sa isinasaad sa Standard and Poor’s credit ratings report, na sa kanilang pakiwari mayroong basis o mayroong batayan para umasa na ang mga kasalukuyang reporma at ang kasalukuyang magandang performance ng Philippine economy ay masu-sustain beyond the term of the Aquino administration," he said.

"Sa aking palagay ito ang mas mahalagang aspeto ng Standard and Poor’s investment upgrade report." PND (as)
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President Aquino leaves Saturday 24th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III left for Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar Saturday afternoon to join his fellow leaders in the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in that country.

Among the issues to be discussed in the ASEAN meeting are regional security, climate change, and anti-poverty initiatives, the President said in his departure speech at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II.

"Malinaw naman po sa atin: Mas mapapabilis ang pagresolba sa mga suliraning kinakaharap ng ASEAN kung may maigting na kooperasyon ang mga kasaping bansa," he said.

He said this is the basic principle of the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER) signed by the Philippines and its fellow ASEAN countries.

Through the agreement, the President said communities devastated by typhoon Yolanda received assistance from the country's neighbors.

He said he will personally thank fellow leaders in the ASEAN for the assistance extended to the Philippines in the aftermath of the disaster.

The President also said he will mention the Philippine Memorial in the Arbitral Tribunal under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea submitted by the Philippines last March.

"Ang nais po nating ihayag: itaguyod at sundin ang rule of law sa pagresolba sa mga usapin sa teritoryo, upang mangibabaw ang pagkilala at respeto sa karapatan ng bawat bansa," he said.

"Sumasalamin ang hakbang na ito sa ating paninindigan: Hindi maaaring madaan sa diyalogo ng dadalawang bansa lamang ang mga usaping nakaka-apekto sa iba’t ibang kasapi ng rehiyon," he continued.

At the same time, the chief executive said he will seize the opportunity to share the country's experience in the successful conclusion of the peace talks with Muslim rebels in Mindanao.

He said he hopes that the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro will serve as model to other countries having similar problems with separatist movements.

With his attendance to 24th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar, the President said he hopes that it benefits the ongoing transformation of the country into a more progressive nation.

"Patuloy nating patutunayan sa mundo: Ang Pilipinas ay isa nang maaasahang kabalikat sa kaunlaran, at handang makipagsabayan at magpakitang-gilas sa iba’t ibang larangan," he said. PND (as)
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Government will remain committed to resolving territorial spat with China diplomatically, says official
 
Malacanang said it remains committed to resolving the dispute in the West Philippines Sea despite the signing of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the US and other regional developments, a Palace official said on Saturday.

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte was asked about the country's determination regarding the issue after it filed a case in the international arbitral tribunal.

As the Philippines and the US signed the EDCA in addition to the planned integration of the ASEAN next year, there are doubts that the government will no longer prioritize its case in the international tribunal.

"Magkakahiwalay na mga inisyatiba ‘yon. At ‘yung pagpirma ng EDCA, pati ang nalalapit na ASEAN integration in 2015, walang kinalaman doon sa ating mga kasong isinampa sa arbitral tribunal," Valte said in the interview.

The palace official also said there will be no changes in the planned modernization of the armed forces despite the signing of EDCA. She said the modernization budget will remain the same although the government forged a stronger military tie up with the US.

"Kahit wala ang EDCA nakaplano na ‘yan. Even without the negotiations for the EDCA, the main program really of the administration is the AFP modernization plan. That includes procurement of equipment, and capacity-building for our soldiers," she said.

Apart from the acquisition of helicopters, Hamilton class cutters and combat planes, Valte said there is still a need to upgrade the hardware of the military. PND (as)
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Palace: Increase in tuition fees must be justified
 
The Palace said it hopes the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) will conduct strict screening of colleges and universities applying for tuition fee hikes to avoid unjustified increases.

As many colleges and universities want to increase their tuition rates, some teachers organizations are also asking for an increase in their pay.

In a radio interview on Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there is an instruction for CHED to check thoroughly all the applications for tuition fee increases.

The government wants to ensure that educational institutions asking for tuition fee adjustments complies with the law, Valte said.

There is a Memorandum Circular issued by CHED mandating colleges and universities to hold truthful student consultations with regards to their plans to increase tuition fees.

"Umaasa po tayong mahigpit na ipapatupad ito ng CHED habang sinasala nila ang mga aplikasyon para magtaas ng tuition fees," she said. PND (as)
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President Aquino arrives in Myanmar for ASEAN Summit
 
(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived here Saturday afternoon to join fellow Southeast Asian leaders in the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

President Aquino together with the Philippine delegation arrived at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport at 3:32 p.m (Myanmar time) onboard Philippine Airlines flight PR001.

Upon arrival, the President was welcomed by Philippine officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex Chua; Maria Lourdes Salcedo, deputy head of mission Philippine Embassy in Yangon; and Defense and Armed Forces Attache Colonel Edgardo de Leon.

Also present at the airport to receive the President were Myanmar officials namely U Than Htay, Union Minister for Rail Transportation and Spouse; U Ye Myint Aung, Ambassador of Myanmar to the Philippines; U Thurein Thant Zin, Director-General Protocol, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Han Wing Naing, Deputy Director, Economic Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Liaison Officer to the President) and Police Major Myat Koko, Security Officer to the President.

Philippine officials who accompanied the President were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Mindanao Development Authority Chair Luwalhati Antonino, Presidential Management Staff head Julia Abad and House Speaker Sonny Belmonte.

President Aquino is leading the Philippine delegation to the ASEAN Summit. The theme for this year’s summit is "Moving Forward in Unity to A Peaceful and Prosperous Community," which stresses the importance of a united ASEAN.

Myanmar is hosting the ASEAN summit for the first time in 17 years since the country joined the regional bloc.

Later in the evening, President Aquino will attend the welcome dinner to be hosted by Myanmar President U Thein Sein for all ASEAN leaders and their delegations.

On Sunday, the President will join other leaders in the opening ceremony of the Summit. Then the President is also scheduled to attend the Plenary Session, and the Summit Retreat.

After which, President Aquino will attend the meetings with the representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the Civil Society Organizations, and the ASEAN Youth.

Thereafter, the President will participate in the 10th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit.

Aside from the Philippines, other members of ASEAN are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. PND (jb/co)
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No taxes, landing fees for U.S. military under EDCA, says defense official
 
Under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the US military will not pay the Philippine government any tax since it is a government-to-government agreement and not a contract for commercial purposes, a defense official noted on Thursday.

“This is a defense cooperation agreement,” Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

“This is not a transaction that would generate income. That was not the purpose of the EDCA. We think that through the defense cooperation that will be implemented here, the benefits that will be enjoyed by both the AFP and the US military would be mutual,” he said.

Tax issues are also consistent with the provisions of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the US, said Batino, who chaired the Philippine panel in the EDCA negotiation.

The VFA provision states that the US military will be exempted from paying landing charges or port charges.

It is in recognition of the rule that a sovereign power does not have jurisdiction over another sovereign, he explained.

Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya, member of the Philippine panel representing the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the reason why there is no provision on compensation in the EDCA is that it was envisioned to be a mutually beneficial agreement.

Malaya said there is a distinction between a defense agreement, which by nature is a government-to-government agreement, and a contract of lease.

This is not a contract of lease where rent is required, he said, noting that in fact, Japan and South Korea, which host large US military bases in their respective territories, provide subsidies for the maintenance and operation of the US bases.

He cited that in 2011, Japan provided $3.7 billion in subsidy to the US military for the maintenance and operation of US forces there.

South Korea this year allotted $749.6 million for the maintenance of the US bases in its territory, the ambassador said, adding that it is the same with Germany and other places where there are US facilities.


On the issue of taxes on utilities, Malaya said these are counterpart funds on the part of the Philippines, and this is an accepted practice in the country, particularly with respect to the receipt of foreign donations and foreign assistance.

“This is what you call as a matter of assumption of the taxes that are supposed to be collected from a foreign government entity,” he added. PND (as)
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Use of radio frequency by U.S. military under EDCA does not need Congressional approval: Official
 
Under the newly signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), American forces using the country’s airwaves do not need a franchise from the Philippine Congress, a foreign affairs official said Thursday.

Some quarters have asserted that a franchise from Congress is necessary for the US military to be allowed to use frequencies or spectrum in the Philippines.

Ambassador to Malaysia Eduardo Malaya however said that based on the country’s laws, franchise from Congress would be required if the operation of a radio frequency is intended for commercial purposes.

Malaya is a member of the Philippine panel for the negotiation of the EDCA, which was signed by the Philippines and the US late last month.

The presence of US forces in the Philippines under the EDCA is not for commercial purposes, he told reporters during a media briefing in Malacanang.

“We did a lot of consultations during the course of the negotiations with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and they told us that they allot a bundle of frequencies to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It is envisioned that under this agreement, the NTC will not grant a new bundle of frequencies to the US military,” Malaya said.

The AFP will just allow the US military to use existing frequencies or spectrum for the latter’s temporary use, he explained.

US troops coming to the Philippines will be bringing telecommunications equipment only for internal use and not for commercial purposes, according to Malaya.

“That is the same arrangement that we give, for instance, to other visiting military personnel who come to us, including those who have assisted us during Typhoon Yolanda or Haiyan,” he said. PND (as)
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Philippine-Myanmar relations stronger, says envoy
 
(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) Philippine-Myanmar relations have strengthened with the exchange of visits between the two countries’ leaders, Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex Chua said Friday.

These visits have raised the two countries’ bilateral relations to a higher level, Chua said during an interview with PBS-RTVM here.

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the Philippine delegation to the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit on May 10 to 11 in Nay Pyi Taw.

President Aquino and Myanmar President U Thein Sein had their first bilateral talks in June 2013 when President Aquino attended the 22nd World Economic Forum (WEF) on East Asia hosted by Myanmar.

In December last year, President Thein Sein visited the Philippines at the invitation of President Aquino. The state visit was the Myanmar leader’s first visit to Manila since he assumed office in 2011.

Ambassador Chua said President Thein Sein’s visit resulted in the signing of agreements on trade and investment, food security and agriculture, renewable energy, information cooperation and visa exemption for ordinary passport holders.

“It is worth noting that the exchange of high-level visits has fast-tracked air talks between the Philippines and Myanmar,” Chua said, noting that aviation officials of the two countries will meet on May 19 to 20 to discuss an air services agreement that is expected to result in direct flights between Manila and Yangon.

The Philippines and Myanmar established diplomatic relations in 1956. PND (co)
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Philippines, Myanmar to discuss air agreement this month, envoy says
 
(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) Aviation officials of the Philippines and Myanmar will meet on May 19 to 20 in Yangon to discuss the two countries’ air services agreement.

This would result in the first direct flights between the Philippines and Myanmar, Philippine Ambassador Alex Chua said Friday during an interview with PBS-RTVM here in Nay Pyi Taw.

There is currently no direct flight between the two countries.

Last year, President Benigno S. Aquino III and Myanmar President U Thein Sein witnessed the signing of an agreement that would allow Filipinos holding ordinary passports to enter Myanmar without a visa and stay there for up to 14 days.

The pact, which is expected to boost tourism, trade and investment between the two countries, was among the six agreements signed during the state visit to the Philippines of President Thein Sein in December 2013.

On Saturday, President Aquino will visit Myanmar to attend the 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit from May 10 to 11.

This year’s summit has the theme, “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community.” PND (co)
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Palace gratified by Standard & Poor’s rating upgrade
 
Malacanang on Friday welcomed the recent rating upgrade of Standard & Poor’s (S&P), saying it expects the move to benefit the country economically in the long term.

"We are gratified by Standard & Poor’s decision to raise the Philippines’ credit rating to a notch higher than investment grade, and we are hopeful that this will eventually translate into increased investments, and accelerated jobs generation," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement.

"The Aquino administration is committed to strengthening public institutions, and building increased capacity among citizens and communities, and thereby promoting the attainment of inclusive growth. This is the path that leads to sustained economic development and the raising of the Filipino people’s quality of life."

Coloma further said that the highlight of the rating upgrade is S&P's recognition that the present economic successes would be sustained even after President Aquino's term of office.

The S&P on Thursday announced a fresh rating upgrade for the Philippines’ long-term peso and dollar bonds, obtaining its highest credit rating in history.

It is in recognition of the reforms undertaken by the Aquino administration that allow the country to outperform its Southeast Asian neighbors.

The S&P raised the Philippines' ratings from the previous "BBB-" to “BBB,” one notch above minimum investment grade.

This is the best grade the Philippines has ever received from any of the three major credit rating agencies.

The S&P said in a statement that it expects recent reforms that had paved the way for the country’s economic boom to be sustained beyond President Aquino’s term.

A sovereign rating serves as an indicator for the perceived health of a national economy as well as its attractiveness to foreign investors.

An excellent rating also lowers the interest costs of the government and local corporations whenever they borrow funds abroad.

The S&P is one of the leading credit rating agencies making evaluations. The other two are Moody’s Investor Service and Fitch Ratings.

Last year, the Philippine economy grew by 7.2 percent, faster than the previous year’s 6.8 percent. This is also better than the government’s goal of 6 to 7 percent for the year despite the massive devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas. PND (as)
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President Aquino thanks Margarita Juico for serving PCSO
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III has expressed his gratitude to Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairperson Margarita Juico for serving the public under several administrations.

Juico tendered her resignation on Thursday, saying she is leaving public service to spend more time with her family.

"President Aquino thanks Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chairperson Margarita Juico for her dedicated service to the government and the Filipino people," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a statement on Friday.

"She also served with President Corazon Aquino all throughout her presidency, then went on to serve in the PCSO Board in the succeeding administrations. As an esteemed family friend, President Aquino wishes her well on her decision to end her stint in public service."

Juico’s resignation takes effect once she receives the President’s formal written acceptance, which is in accordance with procedures, Coloma added.

The PCSO chairperson has said it is a good time to leave the office, which according to her is in sound financial condition.

She said the PCSO has P16 billion in cash and 38 branches nationwide to serve indigent Filipinos in need of medical services.

Juico was named PCSO chair by President Aquino in 2010. Prior to that, she was the social secretary of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Juico is not new to PCSO having sat on its board for 17 years. PND (as)
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President Aquino to lead Philippine delegation to ASEAN Summit in Myanmar
 
(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III is set to arrive here Saturday afternoon to join fellow leaders of member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for its 24th summit.

A busy schedule awaits President Aquino, who is leading the Philippine delegation to the annual meeting, to be held on May 10-11 at the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC-1) in Nay Pyi Taw.

This year’s summit theme is "Moving Forward in Unity to A Peaceful and Prosperous Community,” which emphasizes the importance of a united ASEAN.

Upon arrival at Myanmar’s capital, President Aquino will join other leaders at the welcome dinner to be hosted by Myanmar President U Thein Sein for all ASEAN leaders and their delegations attending the summit.

On Sunday, the President is scheduled to attend the ASEAN Summit Plenary, the Summit Retreat, and meetings with representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, the Civil Society Organizations, and the ASEAN Youth.

In an interview with PBS-RTVM, Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Alex Chua said preparations for an integrated ASEAN will be in the summit agenda.

“I believe that during these meetings, our leaders will discuss the various preparations being made to realize an integrated ASEAN that aims to benefit the people in the region, including Filipinos in Myanmar, in terms of unimpeded movement of people, goods, and services in the region,” Chua said.

He said the summit also provides a venue for President Aquino to raise awareness of the country’s priorities in the region.

“As we move towards a more integrated ASEAN, it is important for the Philippines to create awareness of the country’s priorities in the region, such as maritime security and the need to focus on micro, small, and medium enterprises, among others. The 24th ASEAN Summit provides a venue for the President to do that,” Chua said.

After the ASEAN meetings, President Aquino will also participate in the 10th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit here.

The President is expected to return to Manila on Sunday evening. PND (co)
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Palace justifies arrest of Chinese fishermen off Palawan
 
The Palace reiterated that the arrest of 11 Chinese fishermen off Palawan last Tuesday was meant to enforce the country's maritime laws and protect its sovereignty, and not to provoke any country.

"We reiterate that the apprehension made by the PNP Maritime Group at Hasa-Hasa or Half Moon Shoal was undertaken to enforce Philippine maritime laws and to uphold the country’s sovereign rights over our exclusive economic zone," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during Friday’s press briefing.

"We stand by our commitment to a peaceful and rules-based approach to the resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea."

Malacanang issued a similar statement on Thursday, saying that the arrest of the Chinese fishermen for poaching was to enforce the country's environmental law.

The Palace said that aside from detaining the Chinese fishermen and impounding their vessel, police also held five Filipino fishermen and their boat for the same offense.

Police found nearly 400 live sea turtles aboard the 15-ton Chinese ship and 70 live sea turtles on the local fishing boat. PND (as)
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Palace confident Mrs Arroyo will be brought to justice, official says
 
The Aquino administration is confident that former president and current congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be brought to justice, a Palace official said on Friday.

The Office of the Ombudsman has recently said it found no evidence linking Mrs. Arroyo to a multi-million peso fertilizer fund scam.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the Palace respects the decision of the Ombudsman, an independent constitutional body, in dismissing the case against Mrs. Arroyo.

Coloma also clarified that the case on the fertilizer scam was filed, not by the present administration but by former solicitor general Frank Chavez.

He however said that the administration is confident that justice will be served.

“Ang mga kasong inihaharap ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ay nababatay sa kongkretong ebidensya at sa buong pagsisikap na mapatunayan ito sa ating mga hukuman alinsunod sa mga proseso ng katarungan ng ating bansa. Walang ganyang pangangamba," Coloma said in response to reporters' questions about the Palace's optimism on moves to go after the former president.

He said the goal of the administration is to gather evidence meticulously and build strong cases against her that would lead to conviction.

The Office of the Ombudsman has also thrown out three other cases filed against Mrs Arroyo and other members of her family. PND (as)
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Palace spells out three major thrusts to attain continuing, inclusive growth
 
The government is focusing on three major thrusts to address the weaknesses in the economy as it envisions continuing and inclusive growth, a Palace official said on Friday.

During a press briefing in Malacanang, reporters asked Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. about government measures to deal with several points raised by Standard & Poor’s (S&P) in assessing the Philippines for a rating upgrade.

These points include the narrow revenue base, shortage of basic infrastructure, government services, and low-income level.

On the narrow revenue base, Coloma said, the government, through the Bureau of Internal Revenue, is working to increase the taxation-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio to the 1990s level.

He said that during the Ramos administration, before the onset of the Asian financial crisis, the country's taxation-to-GDP ratio reached 16 to 17 percent of the GDP, compared to the present 12 to 13 percent.

"Ang target natin doon sa Millennium Development Goals ay pataasin ito. Sa Millennium Development Goals at saka doon sa Philippine Development Plan, pataasin ito at maibalik doon sa halos kasingtaas ‘nung sa Ramos administration," he explained.

On infrastructure development, Coloma said the government has accelerated spending on public infrastructure in the past three years.

"Kapag nagbunga nang ganap ang mga nasa pipeline ng Public Private Partnership—‘yung mga MRT, highway, at infrastructure projects—ay tiyak na madadagdagan ‘yung mga mahahalagang public infrastructure projects," he said.

Coloma further said that the administration is addressing poverty reduction by carrying out the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program for families living below the poverty threshold.

"Kaya lahat ng mga tatlong bagay na ‘yan ay desididong ina-address ng ating administrasyon para ma-convert natin ‘yan mula sa kahinaan at maging malakas na aspect rin ng ating pag-unlad bilang isang bansa," he said.

Coloma said he is pleased that the S&P believes that current economic gains would be sustained even after President Aquino leaves office in 2016.

"Bilang isang mamamayang Pilipino, ako ay nagagalak doon sa isinasaad sa Standard and Poor’s credit ratings report, na sa kanilang pakiwari mayroong basis o mayroong batayan para umasa na ang mga kasalukuyang reporma at ang kasalukuyang magandang performance ng Philippine economy ay masu-sustain beyond the term of the Aquino administration," he said.

"Sa aking palagay ito ang mas mahalagang aspeto ng Standard and Poor’s investment upgrade report," he added. PND (as)
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Hindi magbubuwis, hindi rin magbabayad ng landing fees ang Hukbong Amerikano sa ilalim ng EDCA
 
Sa ilalim ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), ang hukbo ng Estados Unidos ay hindi magbabayad ng buwis sa pamahalaang Pilipino sapagka’t ito ay kasunduan ng pamahalan-sa-pamahalaan at hindi isang kontratang komersiyal ang pakay, sang-ayon sa pinuno ng Tanggulang Bansa.

“Ito ay isang kasunduang ukol sa pagtutulungang pantanggulan,” paliwanag ni Pangalawang Kalihim Pio Lorenzo Batino ng Tanggulang Bansa sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang.

“Ito ay hindi isang transaksiyon upang kumita ng pera. Hindi iyon ang pakay ng EDCA. Palagay namin sa pamamagitan ng kooperasyong pantanggulan na ipatutupad dito na ang mga benepisyo ay kapuwa pakikinabangan ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at ng Hukbo ng Estados Unidos,” sabi ni Batino.

Sinabi pa ni Batino na ang isyu sa buwis ay naaayon din sa mga tadhanain ng Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng Estados Unidos at si Batino ang tagapangulo ng Philippine panel sa negosasyong tungkol sa EDCA.

Nakasaad sa tadhanain ng VFA na ang Hukbong Amerikano ay hindi pagbabayarin ng landing charges o port charges.

Si Embahador Eduardo Malaya ng Pilipinas sa Malaysia ay kagawad ng lupong Pilipino na kumatawan sa Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas, ay nagpahayag pa na ang dahilan kaya walang tadhanain sa EDCA tungkol sa kompensasyon ay dahil ang pakay nito ay para sa pakinabang ng magkabilang panig sa kasunduan.

Idinagdag pa ni Malaya na sa kasunduang ito ay hindi na itinakda ang upa. Ang totoo, ang Hapon at Timog Korea na kinalalagyan ng malalaking base militar ng Estados Unidos ay siya pang sumasagot sa maintenance and operation ng mga nasabing base militar.

Ipinaliwanag ni Malaya na magkaiba ang isang kasunduang pantanggulan na isang kasunduan ng pamahalaan-sa-pamahalaan kaysa sa kasunduan sa pag-upa.

Binanggit niya na noong 2011, nagbigay ang Hapon ng $3.7 bilyong subsidy (tulong na salapi) sa Hukbo ng Estados Unidos para sa pangangalaga at operasyon ng mga base ng Amerikano sa kanilang bansa.

Sa taong ito, ang Timog Korea ay naglaan ng $749.6 milyon para sa mga base ng Amerikano sa naturang bansa, wika ng Embahador at idinugtong na ganito rin ang ginawa ng Alemanya at ng iba pang pook kung saan may mga pasilidad ang Estados Unidos.

Tungkol naman sa pagbubuwis, sinabi ni Malaya na ang mga ito ay katapat na pondo sa panig ng Pilipinas at ito rin ang kalakarang sinusunod sa bansa, lalo na sa pagtanggap ng mga donasyon at tulong buhat sa mga dayuhan.

“Ito ang maituturing na buwis na ring dapat singilin sa isang sangay ng pamahalaang dayuhan,” dugtong pa ni Batino. PND
Hindi na kailangang pagtibayin pa ng Kongreso ng Pilipinas, paggamit ng ‘radio frequency’ ng Hukbong Amerikano sa ilalim ng EDCA
 
Sa ilalim ng kalalagda pa lamang na Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), hindi na kailangang kumuha pa ng prangkisa sa Kongreso ng Pilipinas ang mga kawal-Amerikanong gagamit ng airwaves ng bansa, ayon sa isang pinuno ng Ugnayang Panlabas Huwebes

Iginigiit ng ilang lipunan na kailangan ang prangkisa mula sa Kongreso para mapayagan ang Hukbo ng Estados Unidos na gumamit ng frequencies o spectrum sa Pilipinas.

Gayunman, sinabi ni Embahador Eduardo Malaya ng Pilipinas sa Malaysia, alinsunod sa mga batas ng bansa, ang prangkisa buhat sa Kongreso ay kailangan kung ang paggamit ng radio frequency ay komersiyal ang pakay.

Si Malaya ay kagawad ng Philippine panel sa negosasyon tungkol sa EDCA na nilagdaan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos noong isang buwan.

Ang pamamalagi ng Hukbong Amerikano sa Pilipinas sa ilalim ng EDCA ay hindi ukol sa layuning komersiyal, paliwanag ni Malaya sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang.

“Puspusan ang ginawa naming pakikipag-usap sa National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) at sinabi nila sa amin na naglaan sila ng bundle of frequencies sa Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Sa ilalim ng kasunduan, hindi magbibigay ang NTC ng bagong bundle of frequencies sa Hukbo ng Estados Unidos,” paliwanag ni Malaya.

Pahihintulutan na lamang ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas na pansamantalang gamitin ng Hukbong Amerikano ang mga frequencies o spectrum, dugtong ni Malaya.

“Ang Hukbong Amerikano na tutungo sa Pilipinas ay magdadala ng mga kagamitan sa teleko-munikasyon para lamang sa internal use at hindi pang komersiyal,” wika pa ni Malaya.

“Ganyan din ang sinusunod natin. Halimbawa, sa iba pang mga tauhan ng visiting military na nagtutungo rito sa atin, kabilang na ang mga tumulong sa atin nang manalanta ang Bagyong Yolanda o Haiyan,” sabi ni Embahador Malaya. PND(as/zaf)
Pag-uusapan ng Pilipinas at Myanmar sa buwang ito ang ‘air agreement,’ sang-ayon sa embahador
 
(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) Magpupulong ang mga pinuno ng abiyasyon ng Pilipinas at Myanmar sa Mayo 19-20 sa Yangon tungkol sa kasunduan ng dalawang bansa tungkol sa air services.

Ito ang magiging daan upang magkaroon ng kauna-unahang direct flights sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Myanmar, alinsunod kay Embahador Alex Chua Biyernes sa panayam ng PBS-RTVM dito.

Sa kasalukuyan, walang direct flight sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa.

Noong isang taon, sinaksihan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ng Pangulong Thein Sein ang paglagda sa isang kasunduang nagpapahintulot na ang mga Pilipino na may hawak na ordinaryong pasaporte ay makapapasok sa Myanmar nang walang visa at maaaring mamalagi roon sa loob ng 14 na araw.

Ang kasunduan na inaasahang magpapasigla ng turismo, kalakalan at pamumuhunan sa pagitan ng dalawang bansa ay kabilang sa anim na kasunduang nilagdaan nang magsagawa ng state visit sa Pilipinas si Pangulong Thein Sein noong Disyembre 2013.

Sabado, Mayo 19, nakatakdang dumalaw ang Pangulong Aquino sa Myanmar upang dumalo sa 24th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit na idaraos Mayo 10-11.

Ang paksang diwa ng summit sa taong ito ay: Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community o Pasulong na Pagkilos nang Nagkakaisa tungo sa isang Mapayapa at Masaganang Komunidad. PND (co/zaf)
Nagpasalamat ang Palasyo sa Standard & Poor’s sa pagtataas ng ‘credit rating’ ng bansa
 
Nagpahayag ng kasiyahan ang Malacanang Biyernes sa pagtaas ng rating na ginawa ng Standard & Poor’s (S&P) at sinabing inaasahan nilang ang bagay na ito ay magiging kapaki-pakinabang sa bansa sa larangan ng ekonomya.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa pasiya ng Standard & Poor’s na itaas ang credit rating ng Pilipinas nang isang notch ang higit kaysa sa investment grade, at umaasa kami na hindi magluluwat, ito ay mangangahulugan ng dagdag na pamumuhunan, at pagdami ng mga trabaho,” sabi ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office.

“Ang administrasyong Aquino ay tapat ang layuning patatagin ang mga istitusyong pambayan at likhain ang pinag-ibayong kakayahan ng mga mamamayan at mga komunidad, upang sa gayon ay matamo ang pakay na malaganap na kaunlaran. Ito ang landas na patungo sa patuloy na kaunlarang pangkabuhayan at pag-angat ng antas ng pamumuhay ng sambayanan.”

Idinugtong pa ni Coloma na ang tampok ng rating upgrade ay ang pagkilala ng S&P na ang tagumpay sa larangan ng ekonomya ay magpapatuloy kahit tapos na ang termino ng Pangulong Aquino.

Inihayag ng S&P noong Huwebes ang bagong rating upgrade para sa long-term peso at dollar bonds ng Pilipinas at nakamit ng bansa ang pinakamataas na credit rating sa kasaysayan nito.

Ito ay pakilala sa mga repormang ginawa ng administrasyong Aquino na naging daan upang mahigitan ng bansa ang lahat ng kapit-bansa sa Timog Silangang Asya.

Itinaas ng S&P ang rating ng Pilipinas sa “BBB,” na humigit ng isang notch ang angat sa minimum investment grade mula sa dating “BBB-“

Ito ang pinakamainam na gradong nakuha ng Pilipinas buhat sa alinman sa tatlong malalaking credit rating agencies.

Sinabi ng S&P sa isang pahayag na inaasahan nito na ang mga repormang isinagawa kamakailan ang hahawan ng landas patungo sa pag-unlad ng ekonomya na magpapatuloy hanggang sa pagtatapos ng panunungkulan ng Pangulong Aquino.

Ang napakataas na rating na ito ay nagiging hudyat ng tatag ng pambansang ekonomya, gayundin ang pagiging kaakit-akit sa mga mamumuhunang dayuhan.

Ang napakataas na rating ay nagiging daan din para bumaba ang interest costs ng pamahalaan at mga lokal na korporasyon sakaling naisin nilang mangutang ng pondo sa ibayong dagat.

Ang S&P ay isa sa pangunahing credit rating agencies. Ang dalawa pang mga ahensiyang tulad nito ay ang Moody’s Investor Service at ang Fitch Ratings.

Noong nakaraang taon, ang ekonomya ng Pilipinas ay lumago ng 7.2 porsiyento, higit na mabilis kaysa sa 6.8 porsiyento nang tinalikdang taon. Ito ay humigit pa sa layunin ng pamahalaan na umabot sa pitong porsiyento sa kabila ng malawak na pinsalang ibinunga ng Bagyong Yolanda sa Silangang Kabisayaan. PND (as/zaf)
Nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Aquino kay Margarita Juico sa paglilingkod sa PCSO
 
Pinasalamatan ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III si Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairperson Margarita Juico sa paglilingkod sa sambayanan sa ilalim ng iba-ibang administrasyon.

Nagbitiw si Juico Huwebes at sinabing lilisanin niya ang palingkurang pambayan upang magkaroon naman nang higit na oras para makapiling ang kanyang pamilya.

“Nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Aquino kay Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chairperson Margarita Juico sa kanyang matapat at ubus-kayang paglilingkod sa pamahalaan at sa sambayanang Pilipino,” wika ni Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office sa isang pahayag Biyernes.

Idinugtong ni Coloma na ang pagbibitiw ni Juico ay magkakabisa sa sandaling sumakamay nito ang pormal na nakasulat na pagtanggap ng Pangulo na naalinsunod sa mga tuntuning sinusunod sa pamahalaan.

Alinsunod sa Tagapangulo ng PCSO, lilisanin niya ang PCSO nang matatag ang kalagayan ng pananalapi nito. Idinugtong niya na may P16 bilyong salapi ang PCSO at 38 ang sangay sa buong bansa para paglingkuran ang mga dukhang Pilipino na nangangailangan ng tulong sa pagpapagamot.

Si Juico ay itinalaga ng Pangulong Aquino bilang tagapangulo ng PCSO noong 2010. Naglingkod siya bilang social secretary ng yumaong Pangulong Corazon Aquino.

Si Juico ay hindi baguhan sa PCSO sapagka’t 17 taon siyang naging kagawad ng board ng nasabing tanggapan. PND (as/zaf)
Pangungunahan ng Pangulong Aquino ang delegasyong Pilipino sa ‘ASEAN Summit’ sa Myanmar
 
(NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) Nakatakdang dumating dito ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Sabado ng hapon upang makiisa sa kapuwa niya lider ng mga kasaping bansa ng Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) para sa gaganaping 24th Summit Mayo 10-11 sa Myanmar International Convention Center dito.

Paksang diwa ng taunang summit ang Moving Forward in Unity to A Peaceful and Prosperous Community na nagbibigay-diin sa halaga ng pagkakaisa ng ASEAN.

Pagdating sa ulung-lungsod ng Myanmar, dadaluhan ng Pangulong Aquino at ng iba pang lider ng ASEAN ang pasalubong na hapunang handog ng Pangulong U Thein Sein para sa mga lider ng ASEAN at kanilang delegasyon.

Sa Linggo, nakatakdang daluhan ng Pangulong Aquino ang ASEAN Summit Plenary, gayundin ang ASEAN Retreat na susundan ng pakikipagpulong sa mga kinatawan ng ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, Civil Society Organizations at ASEAN Youth.

Sa panayam ng PBS-RTVM, sinabi ni Embahador ng Pilipinas sa Myanmar Alex Chua na ang mga paghahanda patungo sa Integrated ASEAN ay nasa adyenda ng summit.

“Naniniwala akong sa mga pulong na ito, pag-uusapan ng mga lider natin ang paghahandang kailangan para maging katuparan ang Integrated (Pinagsanib) ASEAN na ang layunin ay maging kapaki-pakinabang sa mga mamamayan ng rehiyon, kabilang na ang mga Pilipino na nasa Myanmar, dahil maaalis ang mga sagabal sa paggalaw ng mga tao, paninda at mga serbisyo ng rehiyon,” paliwanag ni Chua.

Ang summit sabi ni Chua ay magiging daan din para banggitin ng Pangulong Aquino ang mga bagay na may kinalaman sa bansa.

“Habang tinatahak natin ang landas patungo sa higit na nagkakaisang ASEAN, mahalaga para sa Pilipinas na pukawin ang kamulatan sa mga dapat unahin ng bansa sa rehiyon na tulad ng kapanatagan sa maritime at pagtutuon ng pansin sa micro, small and medium enterprises. Ang 24th ASEAN Summit ang magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa Pangulo para gawin ito,” sabi pa ni Chua.

Pagkatapos ng mga pulong ng ASEAN, lalahok din ang Pangulong Aquino sa 10th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit dito.

Inaasahang babalik ang Pangulo sa Maynila sa Linggo ng gabi. PND (co/zaf)
 
 
 
 
 

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech upon his arrival from the 24th ASEAN Summit
NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City
12 May 2014
 
Magandang umaga po sa lahat.

Ikinalulugod ko pong ibalita sa inyo na naging mabunga ang ginawa nating pakikipagpulong sa iba pang pinuno ng Timog-Silangang Asya nitong nakaraang ika-dalawampu’t apat na ASEAN Summit. Sa pamamagitan ng makabuluhang diyalogo, nakapaglatag po tayo, kasama ang iba pang miyembro ng ASEAN, ng stratehiya upang maging tuloy-tuloy ang pag-unlad sa rehiyon. Nabigyang-diin rin po ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa at hinahon sa pagharap sa mga isyung kaugnay ng seguridad, pangangalaga sa mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan, pagbabago ng klima, at teritoryo. Tunay nga po: ang hamong kinakaharap ng isang miyembro ay hamon rin para sa buong ASEAN. Sa pamamagitan lamang ng kolektibong pagkilos, makakamit ang isang solusyong pangmatagalan at rumerespeto sa interes at karapatan ng bawat isa.

Paulit-ulit nga pong nabanggit ang ating tagumpay sa pagbubuo ng Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, na nagawa natin sa tulong ng Malaysia, Indonesia, at Brunei, at sa suporta ng iba pang miyembro ng ASEAN. Isa po itong matingkad na patunay na gaano man katagal ang hidwaan, maaari itong matuldukan kung may pagtitiwala at kooperasyon sa pagitan ng bawat panig, at may kontekstong sumusuporta sa mapayapang diyalogo.

Nagkaroon rin po ng palitan ng best practices hinggil sa mga inisyatibang pangkapayapaan. Napapanahon po ito lalo pa’t maraming isinasaayos na usapin sa ating rehiyon ngayon. Ibinahagi po natin ang ating karanasan upang makapaghain ng halimbawang maaaring magamit ng ating mga kapitbahay sa sarili nilang pagpupunyagi na makamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Kaugnay po nito, nilinaw rin nating patuloy ang ating pagsusumikapupang matamo ng ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao ang ganap na pag-unlad. Sa pamamagitan ng gender mainstreaming ay sinisiguro nating ang kababaihan ay kabalikat natin sa usaping pangkapayapaan at sa transpormasyon ng mga kanayunang apektado ng digmaan.

Tungkol naman po sa territorial dispute, bago pa magsimula ang Summit ay naglabas na ang mga foreign ministers ng ASEAN ng isang joint statement kaugnay ng mga nagaganap sa South China Sea. Nagpahayag sila ng pagkabahala sa maaaring maging resulta ng mga agresibong hakbang sa pag-aangkin sa teritoryo. Kaya naman po nagpapasalamat tayo sa ASEAN chair, ang Pangulong Thein Sein at sa iba pang pinuno sa Timog-Silangang Asya na sumuporta sa ating panawagan sa higit na pagrespeto at pagpapatupad sa mga nailatag na prinsipyo sa Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Ibinahagi rin po natin ang isinumite nating Philippine Memorial sa Arbitral Tribunal sa ilalim ng UNCLOS noong Marso upang igiit na rule of law ang kailangang mangibabaw nang hindi lumala ang hidwaan na kaugnay ng usaping teritoryo.

Naisakongkreto na rin po ang dati ay pinaplano lamang na koneksiyon ng mga kalsada, paliparan at daungan sa pagitan ng Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, at Philippines, sa ilalim ng Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area or BIMP-EAGA. Halimbawa po nito ang naitatag na direct flight sa pagitan ng Kota Kinabalu at Puerto Princesa, at ang nabuong memorandum of agreement sa pagitan ng mga pribadong kompanya sa pagtatatag ng Davao-GenSan-Tahuna-Bitung shipping service. Sa tulong po nito ay mapapadali at mapapabilis ang pamumuhunan, kalakalan at turismo sa ating subregion. Ang resulta po: mas masiglang ekonomiya para sa mga kasaping bansa at mas maraming oportunidad para sa mga mamamayan.

Nabigyan rin po tayo ng pagkakataon, kasama ang iba pang pinuno sa ASEAN, na mapakinggan ang pahayag ng mga kinatawan ng kabataan at naisantabing sektor ng lipunan. Malinaw po: sa ating rehiyon, hindi kailangang mag-alinlangan o matakot ang kabataan sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang punto-de-bista. Damang-dama rin po sa naganap na pakikipagpulong ang pagnanasa nilang tumulong sa pagpapalakas ng rehiyon, at kung gayon ay sa pagpapanday na rin ng kanilang kinabukasan.

Patunay po ang nagdaang ika-24 na ASEAN Summit sa kultura ng konsultasyon, respeto at kooperasyon sa pagitan ng mga miyembrong bansa. Sa ating pakikibahagi ay naipakita natin ang ating kahandaang makiambag tungo sa higit na pagpapatatag ng Timog-Silangang Asya, na hindi maihihiwalay sa sarili nating pagtupad sa mas matatayog pang pangarap. Sa patuloy ninyong pagtitiwala, at sa mas maigting nating pakikipag-ugnayan at pakikipagtulungan sa ating mga karatig na bansa, aanihin ng susunod na henerasyon ang mga bunga ng ipinunla nating maunlad na Pilipinas sa isang maunlad na ASEAN.

Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Magandang umaga po ulit.



President Benigno S. Aquino III's Departure Statement before leaving for the 24th ASEAN Summit,
Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar
10 May 2014
 
Ngayong hapon, lilipad po tayo tungo sa lungsod ng Nay Pyi Taw sa Myanmar upang dumalo sa ika-dalawampu’t apat na ASEAN Summit. Doon po ay makikipagpulong tayo sa iba pang mga pinuno sa Timog-Silangang Asya upang lalong mapatibay ang atin pong samahan, at maglatag ng mga inisyatiba tungo sa kaunlaran ng rehiyon. Kabilang po sa mga tatalakayin natin doon ang pagpapaigting ng seguridad, pagtugon sa mga hamon ng pagbabago ng klima, at pangangalaga sa kapakanan ng mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan.

Malinaw naman po sa atin: Mas mapapabilis ang pagresolba sa mga suliraning kinakaharap ng ASEAN kung may maigting na kooperasyon ang mga kasaping bansa. Ito po mismo ang batayang prinsipyo ng nilagdaan nating ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER). Sa bisa nga po ng kasunduang ito, naging kaagapay natin ang ating mga kapitbahay sa pagbibigay-lingap sa ating mga kababayang sinalanta ng bagyong Yolanda. Kaya naman gagamitin po natin ang oportunidad na ito upang personal na magpasalamat sa kanilang naging tulong at suporta.

Magandang pagkakataon rin po ito upang iulat ang ating mga ginawang hakbang at natamong tagumpay sa pagtataguyod ng Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Sa pamamagitan nito ay makakapaghain tayo ng modelo sa pagtataguyod ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan, na nagbubunsod ng malawakang kaunlaran.

Ibabahagi rin po natin ang isinumite nating Philippine Memorial sa Arbitral Tribunal sa ilalim ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea noong Marso. Ang nais po nating ihayag: itaguyod at sundin ang rule of law sa pagresolba sa mga usapin sa teritoryo, upang mangibabaw ang pagkilala at respeto sa karapatan ng bawat bansa. Sumasalamin ang hakbang na ito sa ating paninindigan: Hindi maaaring madaan sa diyalogo ng dadalawang bansa lamang ang mga usaping nakaka-apekto sa iba’t ibang kasapi ng rehiyon.

Sa Lunes ng madaling araw ang balik natin. Makakaasa po kayo na bawat minutong ilalagi natin sa ika-dalawampu’t apat na ASEAN Summit ay lalo pang magpapatamis sa mga bunga ng naipatupad nating reporma at makabuluhang pagbabago sa ating bansa. Patuloy nating patutunayan sa mundo: Ang Pilipinas ay isa nang maaasahang kabalikat sa kaunlaran, at handang makipagsabayan at magpakitang-gilas sa iba’t ibang larangan. Sa patuloy ninyong pagtitiwala, at sa sama-sama nating paghakbang sa tuwid na landas, maipapamana natin sa susunod na salinlahi ang isang Pilipinas na hinahangaan hindi lang sa ating rehiyon, kundi saan mang panig ng daigdig.

Magandang hapon po muli. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.
 



10 MAY 2014
‘Yolanda’ survivors get new homes
PNoy gives green light for DSWD’s 2nd nationwide assessment of poor families
Philippines receives further credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s, rating Raised to “BBB” from “BBB-“; outlook is stable
BOI says IPP to be valid for 3 years
DPWH sets repair of Metro Road this weekend
PNP welcomes newly promoted star-rank officials
UMID data capture services now available in selected SSS branches and service offices on Saturdays
Monetary Board maintains policy rates, adjusts reserve requirements
DOST-ICT Office Kicks Off SEED.PH Start up Workshops for 2014
Reconstruction of civil docs project in E. Visayas continues
DOLE's NWPC amends rules on wage hike exemption for calamity-affected establishments
Baldoz instructs POEA, OWWA, and POLO to assist abused OFW Uychiat
DOE opens PECR5 for coal and petroleum exploration
Statement by Sec. Florencio B. Abad on standard & Poor's upgrade of the country's investment grade rating
Secretary Del Rosario receives Japan Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Norio Mitsuya
Secretary Del Rosario to highlight Rule of Law in ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, other Meetings in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
‘Yolanda’ survivors get new homes
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
Tanauan, Leyte – Criselda Palamos, 36, stood still by the door of her newly-built house. Unable to contain her happiness, she kept quiet for a while. At last, she already has a home which she truly owns, six months after staying in a makeshift dwelling.

In this Typhoon Yolanda-battered town, 20 displaced families were initially transferred to their permanent housing units in Primetown Village, Barangay Pago on April 28.

Primetown Village is a housing project of the local government unit (LGU) in partnership with Gawad Kalinga and the National Housing Authority (NHA).

Some 1,200 identified beneficiaries will be given their own house and lot here.

Mayor Pelagio Tecson assured that Brgy. Pago as well as Maralbi and Sakun were carefully assessed and declared safe for relocation.

He further stressed that the resettlement sites are accessible to livelihood opportunities and transportation facilities.

Criselda, a mother of three, is grateful for this blessing.

“Pagkatapos ng ‘Yolanda, biglang nagulo ang buhay namin. Maliban sa nawalan kami ng bahay, wala rin kaming kapera-pera at pagkain (After Yolanda hit our town, our life was instantly turned upside down, aside from not having a house to live, we did not have a single coin for food),” she said.

The overall support of DSWD and the continuous distribution of relief goods helped Criselda and her family meet their daily food needs.

Moreover, the 10-day cash-for-work (CFW) program of DSWD and the LGU, where she participated in rebuilding community assets, helped her earn while thinking what livelihood to pursue next.

“Ang suporta ng pamahalaan at ng iba pang mga organisasyon ang nagsilbing lakas namin para makabangon (The show of support from the government and other organizations gave us hope),” Josephine Villegas said, whose family also transferred to Primetown Village.

The construction of the housing project began in February with the beneficiaries volunteering in the building of their own units.

Mayor Tecson expects to have the 1,200 houses built until the end of November this year.
PNoy gives green light for DSWD’s 2nd nationwide assessment of poor families
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
President Benigno S. Aquino III has recently approved the P1.9-billion budget for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to conduct its second Nationwide Assessment that will identify poor families who will be qualified to receive assistance from the government’s social protection programs and services.

“This undertaking will update the existing database and provide data users a more relevant, timely, and, reliable basis in developing policies and programs that will effectively address the needs of the poor,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.

The assessment, to be undertaken by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), better known as the ‘Listahanan’, shall be conducted within this year.

‘Listahanan’ is DSWD’s initiative to improve the design and implementation of social protection programs by providing a clear and reliable basis for beneficiary selection and program planning. It makes available to national government agencies and other implementers of social protection programs a comprehensive socio-economic database of poor families identified through objective and verifiable means.

15.3 million households

With the approval of the budget, the Department will be able to proceed with the hiring, training, and deployment of approximately 58,000 field staff who will conduct the assessment on 15.3 million households nationwide.

The budget will also be used to fund the printing of assessment forms and procurement of necessary equipment.

The results of the assessment will be the basis for selecting a new set of beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and PhilHealth, which will also cover the “near poor” in its Indigent Program. It is expected to be released in the first quarter of 2015.

The first assessment, which was conducted in 2009, resulted in the identification of 5.2 million poor households from the 10.9 million assessed. These identified poor have since become recipients of Pantawid Pamilya, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, and the PhilHealth Indigent Program.

Enhancements

For this second round, a new Proxy Means Test (PMT) model will be used to ensure the accuracy and precision of predicting the family’s annual per capita income.

The PMT is a statistical model that estimates the annual per capita income of families based on observable family characteristics such as housing condition, family assets, education and occupation of family members and access to basic services. The estimated income is compared with official provincial poverty thresholds to determine the family’s poverty status.

The new PMT model will also use the non-income variables sourced out from 2009 Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) and Labor Force Survey (LFS) as income predictors. In the first assessment, the old PMT model predicted income based on variables selected from the 2006 FIES and LFS.

Other features of the new model include barangay/community characteristics derived from the 2007 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) as among the factors affecting the family’s socio-economic activities. These are street patterns, access to mobile phone signal and availability of commercial establishments and recreation facilities.

In addition, a second stage screener has been installed in the new model to minimize inclusion errors or instances where non-poor families are misclassified as poor.

The family assessment form (FAF) was also enhanced.

The FAF is a 52-item questionnaire used to assess the families. Enhancements on the FAF include identification of families within a household, members with disability, and a specific classification of occupation based on the Philippine Standard Occupation Classification (PSOC)
Philippines receives further credit rating upgrade from Standard & Poor’s, rating rRaised to “BBB” from “BBB-“; outlook is stable
Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph
 Manila, 8 May 2014 – The Philippines today received a credit ratings upgrade from international credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P). In a statement released by the agency, the country’s long-term sovereign credit rating was upgraded to “BBB” with a stable outlook from “BBB-.” This upgrade follows the agency’s rating action in May 2013, when it assigned the Philippines an investment-grade rating. The country has also been granted investment-grade ratings in 2013 by the other two major ratings agencies, Fitch and Moody’s, with the latter assigning a positive outlook, signaling that another upgrade could follow.

Receiving news of the announcement, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima thanked the credit rating agency for the upgrade. “We are very pleased that S&P has recognized the Philippines’ remarkable economic comeback,” Purisima said, adding “This is further proof of President Aquino’s belief that good governance is good economics. We will continue to institutionalize good governance so our country’s economic growth is both sustainable and inclusive. This has been the 18th positive credit rating action since President Aquino took office, and the 4th upgrade from S&P.”

In raising the ratings, S&P said “We expect ongoing reforms on a broad range of structural, administrative, institutional, and governance issues to endure beyond the term of the current administration.”

S&P expressed optimism that the gains in revenue generation, spending efficiency and improvements in public debt profile and the investment environment will be sustained under the next administration. S&P also cited the country’s strong external liquidity and international investment position coupled with an effective monetary policy framework that has sustained low inflation and interest rate as supportive to the rating upgrade.

Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) joined Secretary Purisima in thanking S&P. The Governor said that “The BSP welcomes the decision of S&P to upgrade the Philippines’ long-term sovereign credit rating by one notch, from “BBB-“to “BBB.” This is a major feat as S&P did a straight upgrade. They no longer assigned a positive outlook before upgrading the rating.”

The Governor stressed that “This action is further affirmation of the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals. Since S&P raised the Philippines’ credit rating to investment grade in May 2013, the Philippines proved that it is able to sustain high economic growth despite external volatility and in the case of last year – successive domestic natural disasters. Gross domestic product grew 7.2% in 2013, one of the highest growth rates seen in Asia, while inflation was kept at 3%, the lower end of the inflation target range of 3%-5%. This rating upgrade is also a recognition that the structural reforms that we have put in place continue to gain traction, as demonstrated by the significant improvements in the country’s position in international governance and competitiveness surveys.”

Governor Tetangco emphasized that, “The BSP will continue to support sustained and inclusive economic growth amid a low-inflation environment. We stand ready to adjust our monetary policy stance and adopt macroprudential measures, as appropriate, to guard against risks that would unsettle inflation expectations and threaten the soundness of our financial system. We will also continue to craft external sector policies that will help keep our external liquidity position strong.”
BOI says IPP to be valid for 3 years
Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph
The 2014 Investments Priorities Plan (IPP) will now be effective for three (3) years and will end to coincide with the end-of-term of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) in 2016.

For the past 40 years, the IPP has been reviewed and changed on an annual basis. Every year, the BOI receives recommendations from relevant government agencies and the private sector for proposed changes in the list of sectors and economic activities that are eligible for fiscal incentives under the IPP.

“A consistent, coherent, and a predictable policy environment attracts serious investors to choose the Philippines as their investment destination. We are after businesses that come here for the long term,” said Industry Development and Trade Policy Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Adrian Cristobal Jr. said.

The BOI has been conducting inter-agency consultations and deliberations on the 2014 IPP framework since late last year. The agency also analyzed industry roadmaps, reviewed national development plans, industry studies, and relevant empirical work related to incentives. The current draft has undergone several peer review sessions with distinguished economists and experts while taking into consideration the actual needs of industry as seen through the more than 27 industry roadmaps submitted to the agency last year.

According to the BOI, the current draft focuses on sub-sectors and economic activities that address specific supply- or value-chain gaps.

“IPP serves both as a developmental tool for investment decisions of the private sector, and as a promotional tool for government to encourage first movers in new investment areas. More than a list of economic activities, the 2014 IPP will articulate the country’s industrial policy, strategies, and provide an appropriate response to the key constraints that hinder the entry of investments in critical areas of the economy.” Cristobal added.

The BOI launched in 2012 the Industry Development Program that aims to integrate policy efforts for industry into a Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy (CNIS). For the past two (2) years, the agency has been leading industries in developing roadmaps that will identify gaps in investments, among others. “We are working smart to ensure that policies are harmonized and data are accurate to feed into this new industrial policy,” Cristobal said.

A series of nationwide consultations on the 2014 IPP is being scheduled by the BOI this May, starting with consultations in Metro Manila from 7 to 9 May, and followed by consultations in Cebu on 12 May and in Davao, on 13 May.
DPWH sets repair of Metro Road this weekend
Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph
Preventive maintenance works on sections of three major highways in Metro Manila were scheduled this weekend by the Department of Public Works and Highways National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR).

DPWH-NCR with clearance from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), will undertake road re-blocking and rehabilitation works on four road sections in Quezon City, Makati and Mandaluyong City from 10PM on May 9, 2014 (Friday) until 5AM on May 12, 2014 (Monday).

The repairs in Quezon City are set at the center lane of Visayas Avenue, between Road 1 and Quezon Avenue and at the third (3rd) lane northbound direction of Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), between Quezon Avenue and Landmark, under supervision of Quezon City First District Engineering Office.

Metro Manila Second District Engineering Office on the other hand will handle the rehabilitation works at Southbound and Northbound path of South Super Highway, Makati City, all under existing flyover from Magallanes to Arnaiz Avenue.

In Mandaluyong City, road re-blocking, with the supervision of Metro Manila First District Engineering office will be undertaken along EDSA, between Temple Drive and United Street.
PNP welcomes newly promoted star-rank officials
Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph
President Benigno S Aquino III has approved the promotion of seven more police generals assigned to key positions in the PNP Directorial Staff and National Support Units.

PNP Chief, Director General Alan L Purisima, formalized the promotion of seven star-rank police officials during simple ceremonies at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame.

The promotions were approved upon the recommendation of DILG Secretary and National Police Commission Chairman Mar Roxas and PNP Chief, Director General Alan L Purisima.

Promoted to the rank of Police Director (Major General) were Police Director Rodrigo P. De Gracia (The Director for Information and Communications Technology Management), Police Director Getulio P. Napeñas (Director, Special Action Force) and Police Director Melito Mabilin (Director, Civil Security Group).

Four of them were promoted to the rank of Police Chief Superintendent (Brigadier General), they are:

PCSupt Ulysses J. Abellera (Secretary to the Directorial -Staff)

PCSupt Theresa Ann B. Cid (Director, Crime Laboratory Group)

PCSupt Neri A. Ilagan (The Director for Integrated Police Operations – North Luzon)

PCSupt Nestor F. Quinsay Jr. (Director, Police Community Relations Group)
UMID data capture services now available in selected SSS branches and service offices on Saturdays
Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph


The Social Security System (SSS) now has 13 Branches and two Service Offices (SOs) operating every Saturday to provide Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) data capture service, in addition to the regular operations offered during business days.

“We understand that most of our members are also working during business hours and are unable to go to our offices during weekdays to have their ID captured. The opening of selected SSS Branches and SOs is our way of extending assistance to members for them to apply for UMID,” Vice President for Member Services Division, Mario Sibucao, said.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), there are eight SSS Branches and one SO with data capture service on Saturdays. These are in Alabang, Diliman, Makati-Gil Puyat, Makati-Ayala, Manila, Pasay-Taft, Pasig-Shaw and San Francisco Del Monte, and the SO in Ali Mall- Cubao.

For Luzon, SSS Branches in Biñan and Dagupan are open every Saturday for data-capture service; while in the Visayas, the branches in Iloilo and Cebu and the SO in Robinsons- Cebu provide the same.

“These selected branches and SOs are open for eight hours a day just like regular working days. SSS Branches are open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while our mall-based SOs operate from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM,” Sibucao added.

SSS also provides data capture service in selected foreign branches that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can avail of from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays to Fridays. These foreign branches are located either in the Philippine Embassy, the Philippine Consulate, or the Philippine Labor Office.

“Our OFW members in Abu Dhabi, London, Riyadh, Rome, Singapore and Brunei can go to the Philippine Embassy to apply for UMID. For those in Hong Kong, Jeddah and Milan, they can visit the SSS offices at the Philippine Consulate. Meanwhile, OFWs in Kuwait, Taiwan and Dubai can drop by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office to have their IDs taken,” said Sibucao.

Most SSS Branches already have data capture facilities wherein members can apply for their UMID. Members can go to the nearest branch from 8:00 AM to 5:00PM, Monday to Friday.

Members can also schedule an appointment for data capture via the SSS Website. They must first register online before they can set an appointment. Scheduling of appointment must be done at least three days prior the date in order to allow the system to transmit the request to concerned branches.
Monetary Board maintains policy rates, adjusts reserve requirements
Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph
Statement by BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr.

At its meeting today, the Monetary Board decided to keep the BSP's key policy rates at 3.50 percent for the overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility and 5.50 percent for the overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility. The interest rates on term RRPs and RPs as well as SDAs were also kept steady. Meanwhile, the Monetary Board decided to increase the reserve requirements for universal and commercial banks as well as thrift banks by a further one percentage point effective on 30 May 2014.

The Monetary Board’s decision is based on its assessment that current monetary policy settings continue to be appropriate given a manageable inflation environment. Latest baseline forecasts show that the future inflation path is likely to stay within the target ranges of 4±1 percent for 2014 and 3±1 percent for 2015. Inflation expectations also remain broadly aligned with the target ranges over the policy horizon.

At the same time, the Monetary Board noted that the balance of risks to the inflation outlook continues to lean toward the upside, with potential price pressures emanating from the possible uptick in food prices, as a result of expected drier weather conditions, as well as pending petitions for adjustments in transport fares and power rates. The adjustments in the reserve requirements are expected to help mitigate potential risks to financial stability that could arise from the strong growth in domestic liquidity. The Monetary Board believes that solid domestic economic activity provides room for the hike in the reserve requirements.

Going forward, the BSP will continue to pay close attention to the outlook for inflation and growth to ensure that monetary policy settings remain consistent with price and financial stability. The BSP also remains prepared to implement policy actions as needed to prevent a potential build-up in inflation expectations and financial imbalances.
DOST-ICT Office Kicks Off SEED.PH Start up Workshops for 2014
Source: (http://icto.dost.gov.ph
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), through the Information and Communications Technology Office (ICT Office), is launching a key component of its Seed.Ph Program with a series of Startup Workshops this 2014 which will be held in various cities of Lingayen, Iligan, Tuguegarao, Naga, Dumagete and General Santos City. The program will kick off its first leg of workshops in Lingayen on May 2, 2014.

The ICT Office has been leading the efforts in collaborating with the industry stakeholders and partners to foster ICT-based innovations and entrepreneurship among Filipinos. As part of the Philippine Development Plan 2016 to achieve Competitive Industry and Services sector, the government is undertaking programs to promote e-commerce and ICT-based startups as a driving force to achieve its goals of becoming a significant player in the global digital economy. It further pursues innovation as an essential factor in harnessing culture of competitiveness. Through its Seed.Ph Program, it aims to boost the development of the country’s startup ecosystem and targeting at least 50 local startups based in the Philippines with average annual revenues of at least 10 Million Pesos each by the end of 2016.

The recently released Philippine Startup Report authored by renowned Silicon Valley startup personality, Bowei Gai, illustrates the Philippines’ great potential in becoming a startup hub with the strengths that its ecosystem presents. The report cites the country being the fastest growing economy in Asia, transforming into investment grade status, having low operation costs, having majority of the population speaking in English, and having a large local westernized market with minimal business competition. These are the major elements that provide the local startup community great opportunities. According to the report, the Philippines has these strengths to take advantage of to become a prominent community that hosts high valued local as well as international startups.

With the thrust to promote ITpreneurship as a viable career for IT enthusiasts and practitioners, the Seed.Ph Program will be bringing the workshops to 6 cities of different regions to discuss basic concepts and methods applied in building startups. Prominent Startup industry movers and successful founders will discuss startup basics and hope to inspire young audiences to seriously consider the terchnopreneurship track as a career.

In one of his speeches in a Startup event last year, ICT Office’s Executive Director Louis Napoleon Casambre states “The budding local startup community has been a catalyst in creating efficient solutions as well as inspiring change in the country. We see the impact that startups like Facebook and Google have in our everyday life. This movement is now admirably being led by the youth who are strongly adept to current technological trends and have the drive to create positive changes in society”.

The Startup workshop sessions include topics on Startup Innovations and Trends, Startup Ecosystem and Support, Intellectual Property Concepts, Pitching Basics and Fire Pitches and breakout sessions. The Seed.Ph workshops targets participants from different universities especially students in the fields of computer studies and business management, professors and school administrators and representatives from the private business partners and local government units.

About DOST-ICTO – The Information and Communications Technology Office of the Department of Science and Technology is the Philippine Government’s lead agency on ICT related matters. Its primary thrusts are in the ICT Industry Development, eGovernment, ICT policy development, Internet for all and Cybersecurity.
Reconstruction of civil docs project in E. Visayas continues
Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph
Six months after Typhoon Yolanda, some 44,427 survivors now have their vital civil documents re-established through the free Mobile Civil Registration project launched last month by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in partnership with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Initiatives for Dialogues and Empowerment through Alternative Legal Services, Inc. (IDEALS), Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office (PSA-NSO), local government units and their local civil registrars.

Under the project, ‘Yolanda’ survivors have the opportunity to recover or reconstitute their civil or legal documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, among others, which were lost or destroyed during the typhoon.

DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that civil documents are important to prove one’s identity. These documents are also required in accessing basic services such as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens.

The project targets to assist 83,790 individuals from the 20 municipalities/cities in three cluster areas – Ormoc City; Tacloban City, and Balangiga.

Bernard Kerblat, UNHCR representative to the Philippines, said, “Only one month of the project launch, almost half of the target beneficiaries have been served. Given the severity of the disaster and the number of persons affected, where else in the world under comparable disaster could we witness such achievement or result achieved in less than six months after such a huge disaster? Credit goes to DSWD, local civil registrars, and local NGO partners.”

Kerblat said that those who continue to spread skepticism on government efforts to bring normalcy in ‘Yolanda’-hit areas “should know about the immense progress taking place such as this project, even if much remains to be done.”

Those who still want to avail of the project may proceed to the mobile tents set-up in the three target areas.
DOLE's NWPC amends rules on wage hike exemption for calamity-affected establishments
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
Process is now more liberal, requirements easy to comply with
DOLE's NWPC amends rules on wage hike exemption for calamity-affected establishments

Establishments adversely affected by natural and human-induced disasters that have sustained property damage of at least 50 percent and whose recovery will exceed one year may now claim for exemption for a longer period from compliance with prescribed wage increases/cost-of-living allowances granted by Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Boards, or RTWPBs .

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced this yesterday after the National Wages and Productivity Commission, or NWPC, approved a resolution, Resolution No. 1, Series of 2014, amending NWPC Guidelines No. 2, Series of 2007 which spells out the rules on exemption from RTWPBs-issued wage orders.

"Natural and human-induced disasters affect business operations and results to establishments experiencing temporary difficulties due to financial losses which necessitate government to step in and extend urgent assistance," Baldoz said.

"The NWPC amendments to the 2007 Rules on Exemption liberalize the process and requirements for calamity-affected enterprises to qualify for exemption," she added.

The resolution, unanimously approved by the members of the NWPC Board, namely, Ciriaco A. Lagunzad III, Chairperson-Designate; National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, Vice-Chairperson; Cedric R. Bagtas and David L. Diwa Jr., Labor Sector Representatives; Francisco R. Floro and Eduardo T. Rondain, Employer Sector Representatives; and NWPC Executive Director Maria Criselda R. Sy, will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

The NWPC Board expanded the concept of "calamity", "hazard", and "disaster" to include both natural--such as typhoons, floods, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruption, drought, pest infestation, etc., and human-induced--such as economic sabotage, financial crisis, rebellion, war, etc.--for purposes of the exemption.

It also ordered the RTWPBs to include in wage orders without exemption provision "a statement that in case of a calamity, the Board may accept applications for exemption for establishments adversely affected by calamities, such as natural and/or human-induced disasters.

"The calamity must have occurred within six months prior to the effectivity of a wage order," the resolution reads.

Secretary Baldoz said the most important part of the amendment is the extension of the exemption period to one year.

"If the damage to properties of the establishment is at least 50 percent, based on the assessment of a competent authority, and the period of recovery will exceed one year, the six-month period of exemption may be extended to one year," Baldoz explained.

The NWPC Board also allows RTWPBs to re-open the period for the filing of exemption applications if the calamity occurred after the expiration of the period for the filing of an exemption application.

Applicant-establishments, however, need to submit a certification that a general assembly to explain to its workers its intent to file an application for exemption has been conducted prior to the filing of the application, and an undertaking to conduct another general assembly to inform the workers of the decision of the RTWPB on its application.

To simplify the documentary requirements, the resolution provides that a certification by the barangay and photos of the damaged property or properties may be submitted in lieu of audited financial statements.
Baldoz instructs POEA, OWWA, and POLO to assist abused OFW Uychiat
Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph
 Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday directed Administrators Hans Leo J. Cacdac and Carmelita Dimzon of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, respectively, to look into the case of OFW Rowena Uychiat who was reportedly tortured and abused by her employer in Hong Kong. “Look into the nature of this case and work with each other and with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Hong Kong. I want to know what happened. Look how we can assist OFW Uychait and her family," said Baldoz after she received a report from Philippine Labor Attache to Hong Kong Manuel Roldan on Uychait's case. Labor Attache Roldan reported to Secretary Baldoz that the POLO has blacklisted Uychiat's employer, Yui Anna Hoi Yin, for abusing the OFW. "This means Yui Anna Hoi Yin cannot hire another worker unless police investigation shows otherwise. The POLO will not process any contract document which the employer will present as a pre-requisite to visa issuance," Roldan said, adding that the POLO has watch-listed a total of 3,545 employers, 320 of them in 2013 and 27 in the first two months of 2014. He explained that the POLO encourages OFWs whose employers are under the watch-list to report inappropriate working conditions, abuses, and maltreatment done to them by their employers. Uychiat, according to POEA records was first deployed for a two-year contract on 7 July 2009 to Kuwait as a household service worker by Mirben International Manpower Services with a US$400 monthly salary. She had returned and was re-deployed to Hong Kong on 22 July 2013. An active member of the OWWA, Uychiat would be entitled to livelihood and loan assistance should she decide to come back to the Philippines. She is also entitled to scholarship grants for her children. Should she need medical assistance, she will receive all PhilHealth benefits. Administrator Dimzon said that with regards the need for legal assistance, Uychiat can avail of it--from the POLO on the labor aspect and from the Philippine Consulate on the non-labor aspect. She said she will coordinate with the POLO in Hong Kong so that Uychiat can be extended this assistance.
DOE opens PECR5 for coal and petroleum exploration
Source: https://www.doe.gov.ph
The DOE has launched today the 5th Philippine Energy Contracting Round (PECR5) for the exploration of potential coal and petroleum areas in the country.
“Through PECR, we created an equal playing field for all interested parties, in which the government ensures that all service contracts and offered areas are in accordance with existing Philippine laws and policies,” Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla said in his opening message at the official launching ceremony held at the Intercontinental Hotel Manila, Makati City.
He added that there were three potential areas for petroleum under the Bangsamoro, but the national government excluded those temporarily and promises to put the areas back in concurrence with the Bangsamoro government once it is duly formed.
The PECR5 offers eleven (11) areas for petroleum exploration mostly located in Luzon, and fifteen (15) areas for coal exploration, largely concentrated in Mindanao, as follows:
Petroleum
Basin
Areas
Southeast Luzon
Area 1
Masbate- Iloilo
Areas 2 & 3
Northeast Palawan
Areas 4 & 5
Southeast Palawan
Area 6
West Palawan
Area 7
West Luzon
Areas 8, 9, 10, & 11

Coal
Area
Location
Coal Region
1
Carmen, Lanuza &Tandag, Surigao del Sur
Surigao
2
Tandag &Tago, Surigao del Sur
Surigao
3
Tandag, Tago & San Miguel, Surigao del Sur
Surigao
4
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte & Sibagat, Agusan del Sur
Agusan-Davao
5
Butuan City, Agusan del Norte & Sibagat, Agusan del Sur
Agusan-Davao
6
Bunawan, Agusan del Sur
Agusan-Davao
7
Bunawan & Trento, Agusan del Sur
Agusan-Davao
8
Bunawan & Trento, Agusan del Sur and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
Surigao & Agusan-Davao
9
Lingig &Bislig City, Surigao del Sur
Surigao
10
Godod, Zamboanga del Norte and Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga
11
Godod, Zamboanga del Norte and Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga
12
Baliguian & Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte
Zamboanga
13
Alicia, Imelda & Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga
14
Imelda, Malangas, Alicia & Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay
Zamboanga
15
Maitum, Sarangani
Cotabato-Sarangani
For petroleum, submission of applications will start on 02 June 2014 and will end on 27 February 2015 (11:00 AM, PST). Applications will be opened only after the submission period. Meanwhile, for coal, the applicants may start submitting by 29 May 2014 until 19 September 2014 (11:00 AM, PST).
After the opening of applications, there will be a 2-month evaluation period. Applications will be evaluated for compliance with the DOE requirements on legal, technical and financial capability. Applications are required to include the proposed work program and economic development of the proponent.Endorsement of winning applicants for coal and petroleum is targeted on 21 November 2014 and 04 May 2015, respectively.
For more information, please visit the PECR5 website: www.doe.gov.ph/PECR5.
Statement by Sec. Florencio B. Abad on standard & Poor's upgrade of the country's investment grade rating
Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph
“Standard and Poor’s (S&P) raising of the country’s long-term sovereign credit rating to ‘BBB’ with a stable outlook—the highest rating ever given to the country in history—is another welcome affirmation of the country’s strong economic fundamentals. At the same time, it validates the progress and expected sustainability of the Aquino Administration’s governance reforms.
“For one, this credit upgrade recognizes the gains brought about by the public financial management reforms we have instituted. We are on the right track in terms of continuously improving our public spending efficiency primarily in ramping up investments for infrastructure projects, among other key priority and substantial programs and projects.
“Moreover, this vote of confidence from international investment analysts also raises our international competitiveness and further increases our attractiveness to foreign investors. The positive outlook on our investment position will in turn significantly aid our ability to generate more jobs and livelihood opportunities.
“S&P’s upgrade also serves as a reminder for us to remain committed to continuity and ensure the sustainability of our reforms. Our main agenda will always be to advance rapid, sustained and inclusive growth–one that aims to make substantial strides against our longstanding struggle against poverty–through honest and effective governance.”
Secretary Del Rosario receives Japan Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Norio Mitsuya
Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph
09 May 2014- Japan Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Norio Mitsuya called on Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario on May 8 to discuss a wide range of bilateral, regional and international issues.

During the call, Parliamentary Senior Vice-Minister Mitsuya stressed the important partnership between the Philippines and Japan as both countries confront similar challenges in the region while sharing common values of freedom and democracy. He emphasized Japan’s support for the Philippines’ arbitration case as it adheres to international law. Mr. Mitsuya also welcomed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement between the Philippines and the United States.

In response, Secretary del Rosario expressed his appreciation for Japan’s support for the Philippines’ arbitration case which seeks to find a peaceful resolution to the dispute in the West Philippine Sea. He welcomed the United States-Japan Joint Statement, issued during US President Barack Obama’s visit to Japan and which called on claimant countries in the South China Sea to clarify their claims in accordance with international law, including the use of international arbitration in settling maritime disputes. Secretary del Rosario also took the opportunity to thank Japan for its continued support for the capacity enhancement of the Philippine Coast Guard.

The two also agreed to further cooperate in promoting trade and investments between the Philippines and Japan, including exploring ways to resolve issues and improve the business environment, and to facilitate the deployment of Filipino nurses and caregivers to Japan. They also affirmed support for each other in the international legal and cultural fora.
Secretary Del Rosario to highlight Rule of Law in ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, other Meetings in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph
9 May 2014 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario will highlight the Philippines’ advocacy of the rule of law as he joins other ASEAN Foreign Ministers in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) on May 10 in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.

Apart from the AMM, the Secretary will attend the 11th ASEAN Political-Security Community (APSC) Council Meeting and the 14th Meeting of the ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC). The Meetings are part of the preparations for the 24th ASEAN Summit which will officially begin on May 11.

Topics for discussion during the aforementioned meetings reflect the priorities of Myanmar’s chairmanship that bears the theme, “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community.” The topics include, among others:

Regional and international issues;
Guidelines and future directions for ASEAN’s external relations;
Climate change, disaster management, transnational crime;
Food and energy security;
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); and
Human rights issues.

On May 11, the Secretary will join the delegation of President Benigno S. Aquino III at the 24th ASEAN Summit, ASEAN Leaders’ Interface Meeting with Representatives of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), ASEAN Leaders’ Interface Meeting with Representatives of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting with ASEAN Youth.
 


Last Updated: 11 MAY 2014
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    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to the discussion during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews his documents during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III participates in the exchanges during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Ruby Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the traditional group photo opportunity during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – President Benigno S. Aquino III poses for the traditional group photo opportunity with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, arrives for the traditional group photo opportunity during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III poses for the traditional group photo opportunity with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. In the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the traditional group photo opportunity during the 24th ASEAN Summit Plenary at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III poses for the traditional group photo opportunity with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the opening ceremony of the 24th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the traditional group photo opportunity during the opening ceremony of the 24th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein and Madame Daw Khin Khin Win upon arrival at the Myanmar International Convention Center Main Lobby during the Opening Ceremony of the 24th ASEAN Summit on Sunday (May 11, 2014). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III links arms with his counterparts in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the traditional group photo opportunity during the opening ceremony of the 24th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III poses for the traditional group photo opportunity with his counterparts in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the opening ceremony of the 24th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday (May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Lao People’s Democratic Republic Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Kingdom of Cambodia Prime Minister Samdech Hun Sen, Malaysia Prime Minister Dato Seri Haji Mohammad Najib Razak, 24th ASEAN Summit Chairman Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Brunei Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’zzaddin Waddaulah, Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares for the traditional group photo opportunity with his counterparts in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during the opening ceremony of the 24th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center here on Sunday(May 11). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. Also in the photo are Socialist Republic of Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Kingdom of Thailand Deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III (second from left) joins his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a group photo souvenir during the welcome dinner hosted by Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein and Madame Daw Khin Khin Win for the 24th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Saturday night (May 10). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. In the photo are Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Thai deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Myanmar President Thein Sein and his wife, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar – President Benigno S. Aquino III (second from left) joins his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for a group photo souvenir during the welcome dinner hosted by Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein and Madame Daw Khin Khin Win for the 24th ASEAN Summit at the Jade Hall of the Myanmar International Convention Center on Saturday night (May 10). “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. In the photo are Lao Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong, Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife, Thai deputy Prime Minister Phongthepth Epkanjana, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Myanmar President Thein Sein and his wife, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife, Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) Republic of the Union of Myanmar President U Thein Sein and Madame Daw Khin Khin Win welcome President Benigno S. Aquino III upon arrival at the Myanmar International Convention Center-1 on Saturday night (May 10, 2014) to join his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for the Welcome Dinner during the 24th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit this year with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as host.“Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III passes through the Static Guards upon arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit this year with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as host. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Myanmar officials led by Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Ye Myint Aung and Myanmar upon arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit this year with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as host. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit this year with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as host.“Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    NAY PYI TAW, Myanmar) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Myanmar officials led by Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Ye Myint Aung and Myanmar upon arrival at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit this year with the Republic of the Union of Myanmar as host. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief-of-Staff Lt. Gen. Alan Luga, troops the line during the send-off ceremony at the Departure Area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II in Pasay City on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the Departure Area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II in Pasay City on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
    President Benigno S. Aquino III greets his Cabinet members during the send-off ceremony at the Departure Area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II in Pasay City on Saturday (May 10) to join fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders at the 24th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Republic of the Union of Myanmar. “Moving Forward in Unity to a Peaceful and Prosperous Community” is the theme for this year’s ASEAN Summit, highlighting the importance of a united ASEAN. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
       
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