24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 19 November 2014Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 19 November 2014 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 19 November 2014 |
 Satellite Image |
Synopsis:
Forecast:
Cagayan Valley , Cordillera and Ilocos
Region will experience cloudy skies with isolated light rains. Metro
Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with
isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly over the eastern section.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 32.3°C
Minimum Temperature: 5:50 AM Yesterday --- 24.5°C
Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 96 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 2:00 PM Yesterday --- 64 %
High Tide Today: 8:02 AM ..... 0.45 Meter
Low Tide Today: 1:14 PM ..... 0.21 Meter
High Tide Today: 8:19 PM ..... 0.76 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 3:22 AM ..... 0.10 Meter
Sunrise Today: 5:58 AM
Sunset Today: 5:24 PM
Moonset Today: 3:02 PM
Moonrise Tomorrow: 3:44 AM
Illumination Tomorrow: 7 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
GMA:
Patuloy na nakakaapekto ang easterlies o ang nanggagaling sa silangan
sa malaking bahagi ng bansa. Muli ring umiiral ang Hanging Amihan sa may
Extreme Northern Luzon, ayon sa PAGASA. Kaya nakataas ngayon ang gale
warning sa lahat ng seaboards ng Luzon kaya huwag munang pumalaot ang
may malilit na sasakyang pandagat. Base naman sa datos ng The Weather
Company, magiging maulan pa rin sa Northern Luzon at sa hapon ay asahan
na uulan sa iba pang bahagi ng bansa. Hapon hanggang gabi rin asahan ang
ulan sa Metro Manila. Uulanin din ang Eastern Visayas. Sa Mindanao, sa
hapon ay mataas ang tiyansa ng pag-ulan partikular sa rehiyon ng
Zamboanga, ARMM at SOCCSKSARGEN.
ABS-CBN:
Magdadala ng malamig na panahon sa Northern Luzon ang amihan. Malakas
din ang ihip ng easterlies na magdadala rin ng maulap na panahon.
Samantala, ayon sa weather service ng US, 58% ang posibilidad na mabuo
ang El Niño bago matapos ang taon at tatagal ito hanggang summer ng
2015. Hindi naman daw ganoon katindi ang El Niño na mararanasan.
NOVEMBER 19, 2014 ( Wednesday)
PIA4A / QUEZON : Cloudy as of 6:00-7:00 A.M.
PIA-4A/RIZAL:
The Lupang Arenda Multiputpose Cooperative (LAMCO) of Taytay, Rizal
received P 424,000 worth of Shared Service Facilities for the co-op's
metalworks industry through the initiative of the Department of Trade
and Industry and the assistance of the Department of Labor and
Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Various metal crafting equipment were granted to the cooperative to help
enhance production.
PIA-4A/RIZAL:
The Lupang Arenda Multiputpose Cooperative (LAMCO) of Taytay, Rizal
received P 424,000 worth of Shared Service Facilities for the co-op's
metalworks industry through the initiative of the Department of Trade
and Industry and the assistance of the Department of Labor and
Employment, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
Various metal crafting equipment were granted to the cooperative to help
enhance production.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
May 62 kumpanya ang nakibahagi sa jobs fair na isinagawa ngayong araw
sa Lungsod ng Lipa. Mahigit 1,000 katao ang dumagsa upang maghanap ng
trabaho at masolusyunan ang kawalan ng trabaho sa lungsod.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Patuloy ang pagsasagawa ng PNP ng information dissemination sa buong
lalawigan ng Batngas ukol sa road safety awareness bilang pag-alala sa
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims and Survivors.
PIA-4A/BATANGAS:
Sa layuning mapalakas ang promosyon ng paggamit ng iodized salt bilang
pagtalima sa Asin Law, nagsagawa ng monitoring ang Provincial Bantay
Asin Task Force sa mga pamilihang bayang sakop ng lungsod ng Batangas at
Bauan.
DFA spokesman Asec. Charles Jose on ANC:
Re: Ebola outbreak in West Africa
-Our embassy in Nigeria is in constant communication with Filipino community there.
-We're still waiting for mechanisms to be in place before raising alert level 3 in Ebola-hit countries.
-Our primary objective is to reduce the risk of OFWs being exposed to Ebola.
-Alert level 3 is voluntary repatriation. We want our OFWs to voluntarily leave. At the end of the day, it is up to them to leave or stay there.
-OFWs in Ebola-hit countries are around 600-700.
-There are no Filipino health workers there (involved in curing Ebola patient). The risk of our nationals being exposed to infected patients is very small.
-OFWs working in mining industry in West Africa are far from the populated areas.
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SINGAPORE
– President Benigno S. Aquino III shake hands with The Economist
Executive Editor, and The World in 2015 Editor Daniel Franklin during
keynote interview and Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel during his
Working Visit to the Republic of Singapore on Tuesday (November 18,
2014). President Aquino will have the opportunity to share his thoughts
on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior
executives from business, government and academia who will be attending
the prestigious event. It will also be a chance for the President to
generate goodwill and support for sustaining his reform agenda and plans
and programs for sustainable economic growth, his vision for the
Southeast Asian region and the Mindanao peace process as a core element
of the government’s program for inclusive growth. This is the first time
that a Philippine president will keynote the Gala Dinner since its
inception in 2009. The award-winning The World in 2015 Gala Dinner
series is an annual event in which The Economist and invited luminaries
share their predictions for the year ahead. (Photo by: Gil Nartea/
Malacañang Photo Bureau)
.jpg)
President Aquino on his Keynote Interview: The Economist, The World in 2015 via http://rtvm.gov.ph/main/
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President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Departure Statement
before his working visit to Singapore
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NAIA Terminal 2, Pasay City
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18 Nov. 2014
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| Ngayong umaga po, tutungo po tayo ng Singapore upang muling anyayahan at
hikayatin ang mga negosyante ng iba’t ibang bansa na mamuhunan sa Pilipinas. Dadalo po tayo sa imbitasyon ng The Economist, isang prestihiyosong magazine, binabasa’t sinusubaybayan ng decision-makers ng mundo, para makibahagi sa isang forum na pinamagatang “The World in 2015.” Hindi po ito tipikal na pagtitipon: Kung sa APEC ay kasama natin ang mga pinuno ng iba’t ibang bansa, sa talakayan namang ito ay makakausap natin sa ilalim ng iisang bubong ang naglalakihang mga kompanya. At dahil harapan nating makakausap ang kani-kanilang mga pinuno, diretso rin nating masasagot ang anumang tanong ukol sa pagnenegosyo sa ating bansa. Imbes na dumaan sa kadalasa’y mahaba at magastos na proseso, mayroon na tayong pagkakataong makasalo ang mga negosyante, upang makakalap ng interes, at mapabilis ang posibilidad ng kanilang pamumuhunan sa ating bansa. Gayundin, kukunin natin ang pagkakataong ito para personal na makaharap ang iba pang business groups na nagpakita na ng interes na palaguin ang kanilang negosyo sa Pilipinas. Batid din po natin: Marami tayong mga kababayang naghahanapbuhay at naninirahan sa Singapore. Kaya naman, natutuwa po tayong kabilang sa ating schedule ang pagbisita sa isang lugar kung saan kadalasang nagsasalo at nagtitipon ang mga Pilipino roon: wala pong iba kundi sa Jollibee. Doon, hindi lamang natin makakasama ang masisipag nating mga kababayan; maipapahayag at maibabandila din natin sa lahat ang world class na produkto’t serbisyo ng Pilipino. Bukas po ng gabi, lalapag na kaming muli dito sa ating bayan. Tuloy po ang pagtupad ng ating estratehiya: Sagarin ang bawat pagkakataong makapaghatid ng mabuting balita sa mundo tungkol sa Pilipinas. Gayundin, sa patuloy na pagkakaisa at pag-aambagan ng bawat Pilipino, walang duda: higit tayong mapapalapit sa katuparan ng pinapangarap nating mas maunlad na Pilipinas. Muli, magandang umaga. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. |
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| Abad lauds PhilGeps, Customs for transparency responses | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio
“Butch” Abad commended the Philippine Government Electronic
Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC)
for their efforts to enhance public access to their data via the
net, in line with the Aquino administration’s continued
commitment towards greater transparency and open governance. “These two agencies have shown exemplary performance in participating in our open data initiatives. Not only have they published their valuable datasets, they have also encouraged the public to check the available data in order to make themselves more accountable,” Abad said. Through its dashboard on www.data.gov.ph—the national data portal which consolidates the datasets of government agencies—PhilGEPS has consistently been publishing data on Procurement Notices and Awards of key government agencies. Details about each procurement activity (which includes its approved budget, contract amount, procurement mode, and winning supplier) are all made available online. “The regular online reporting of agencies’ procurement activities is a huge boost for our fiscal transparency reforms. But we’re looking to take this further next month by expanding the PhilGEPS dashboard. The next step will include citizen feedback, access to bid abstracts, and geo-tagged photos of civil work projects,” Abad said. Likewise, the BOC is reporting its monthly trade and revenue collection activities online. This includes data on commodity imports like crude and petroleum oils, motor vehicles, coal, fish, rice, iron and steel, as well as the bureau’s top brokers and importers. The agency uploads the list of imported shipments that arrive in the country every month on its website, www.customs.gov.ph, with information that includes the volume of the item imported as well the duties and taxes paid. “The ongoing revamp at the bureau is spurring moves for transparency and accountability in their operations. By opening up their data to the people, they are ensuring that every single import transaction is disclosed to the public. This is a significant step in letting the people know how the national government is collecting taxes on their behalf,” Abad said. The Budget Secretary said this unprecedented development is the first time that the BOC is disclosing this much information to the public. He reiterated that this is part of the Aquino administration’s commitment in raising the government’s standards of transparency and as well as boosting public demand for it. He said: “Only by changing our culture and further increasing the expectations of the people for openness can we ensure the continuation of the administration’s reforms.” Open Data Philippines—launched in January 2014—engages key agencies to publish their datasets through www.data.gov.ph and makes the data searchable, accessible, and useful to the public. The primary goal of the data portal is to foster a citizenry empowered to make informed decisions, and to promote efficiency and transparency in the government. One initiative of PhilGEPS in this direction is the upcoming Procurement Hack onNovember 22-23, which will bring together developers, designers, researchers, and data gurus all over the country. Together with Open Data Philippines and Globe Telecom, the initiative aims to harness technology to develop engaging applications that would promote public awareness and monitoring of the procurement process. (For more information, check out: data.gov.ph/events/procurementhack/) |
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| OWWA Assists Families of Fire Victims in Macau | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.owwa.gov.ph | ||||||||
| The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) extends its
sincerest condolences to the families of victims who died in a
fire incident in Macau early morning of November. In an initial report from POLO in Macau, two OFWs were confirmed dead in a fire incident which occurred in a building located at Ponte 16, Macau. The two (2) casualties, a male and a female both hailed from Pangasinan. Relatives of both OFWs went to OWWA Regional Welfare Office in Region 1 yesterday to request repatriation of the human remains of the victims. The Agency is now coordinating with POLO in Macau for the arrangement of the return of the bodies of the Filipino migrant workers. Per verification with OWWA Membership Processing Center (MPC), one of the fatalities is an active OWWA member at the time of the incident, while the other has no record in OWWA. OWWA will closely monitor the case, including update in coordination with the Philippine Embassy’s Assistance to Nationals. OWWA will collaborate with POLO-Macau with regard to the repatriation of the human remains of the two (2) fatalities. The female OFW worked as a household service worker (HSW) while the male was a contracted as waiter. According to OWWA Administrator Rebecca J. Calzado, families of OFWs who are active members of the OWWA who died due to accident will receive death and burial benefits of P220,000.00. The families are also eligible to avail of the OWWA Education and Livelihood Assistance Program or ELAP. ELAP is a scholarship-cum-livelihood grant for a qualified dependent of an active OWWA member. OWWA livelihood assistance is P15,000.00, while educational assistance is P5,000.00 for elementary; P8,000.00 for high school; and P10,000.00 for college until the dependent finishes college education. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz immediately directed OWWA Chief Rebecca J. Calzado to extend full assistance to the families of the late OFW victims upon arrival at the airport, and facilitate the benefits due to the families of the OWWA members. |
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| U/KBs' NPLs Rise Slightly in August | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Universal and commercial banks’ gross non-performing loans (NPL)
ratio remained manageable. At end-August this year, the U/KBs’
NPLs accounted for 2.21 percent of the banks’ total loan
portfolio (TLP), slightly higher than the 2.11 percent
registered a month earlier but lower from year ago’s 2.67
percent. The 2.21 percent gross NPL ratio of U/KBs in August came about as banks posted Php 101.20 billion in NPLs while TLP stood at Php 4,588.79 billion. The U/KBs’ NPLs increased by 6.3 percent from the figure recorded in July, the highest month-on-month NPL growth during the first eight months of 2014. The latest figure, however, is slightly lower than the Php 101.93 billion posted in August last year. Moreover, the banks’ loan loss reserves continued to surpass their NPLs. In August, U/KBs’ reserves for potential credit losses represented 134 percent of their NPLs. The ratio, however, decreased from the 140 percent posted in July. Across economic sectors, NPL levels remained low as seen in financial intermediation; real estate, renting and business activities; manufacturing; wholesale and retail trade; and electricity, gas and water supply. These sectors accounted for 71.4 percent of the industry’s TLP during the period. The BSP keenly monitors the loan quality of U/KBs as part of its efforts to ensure adherence to high credit standards. This is vital to maintaining the stability of individual banks and of the financial system. |
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| Customs Intelligence Officer Dismissed for Unexplained Wealth | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Marissa Rae Rollo Galang, Intelligence Officer II and Acting
Chief of the Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and
Investigation Service, was dismissed from her duties by the
Office of the Ombudsman last 28 October 2014 after being found
to have violated Republic Act. No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and
Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of
Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees. Indicted on seven (7) counts of perjury and found guilty of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct, Galang was proven to have falsified her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) to conceal ill-gotten wealth. Her assets, including real estate and personal properties, travels and expenses, were all disproportionate to the legitimate income she was earning in the government service. Claiming to have legitimate businesses to have other sources of income supplementing her government salary, Galang’s incongruent defense did not add up to the figures representing the expenses she incurred. In one of the more notable arguments for her defense, Galang claimed to having earned income as a franchisee of Mitsukoshi products. As Mitsukoshi is a major Japanese international department store and would have issued corresponding documents to franchisees, Galang’s failure to provide any of the kind to the Office of the Ombudsman makes her alibi completely fictitious. Declaring fictitious businesses in her SALN constitutes perjury and willful intent to conceal the truth of her wealth and high-expense lifestyle. Further, she was found to be guilty of simple dishonesty, as she was discovered to have falsified her Daily Time Record (DTR) to reflect time in the office when she was clearly on vacation in the Republic of Palau, as proved by a flight manifest presented to the Office of the Ombudsman. Galang was meted the penalty of dismissal from the service, with accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service. A petition for forfeiture will also be filed to recover Galang’s ill-gotten wealth of around P2,374,520.07. This dismissal represents yet another mark of success the Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) program of the Department of Finance has enjoyed since 2010. The RIPS program investigates and recommends for prosecution and eventual dismissal corrupt and or erring public officials. As of 30 September 2014, RIPS has filed cases against two hundred and twenty six (226) respondents since its inception in 2003. Of these, eighty (80) personalities were charged before the Office of the Ombudsman during the current administration, while twenty eight (28) personalities were charged before the Civil Service Commission (CSC), and five (5) personalities were referred to the concerned agency for filing of formal charge. |
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| Philippines and ASEAN Boosting Tax Policy and Enforcement | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||
| The Department of Finance (DOF) successfully hosted the
International Tax Forum: A Dialogue on Taxation in the Context
of ASEAN Regional Integration last week that convened officials
from the region, experts from the international financial and
development institutions, as well as civil society and the
private sector to discuss tax policy and enforcement strategies
in the age of globalization. “As countries in the ASEAN region grow fast to become the world’s most competitive, governments look to support this growth through sustainable revenue generation. Threats to our commitment towards creating shared prosperity rise with increasing globalization. We end the forum firmly convinced that a complex challenge can be addressed with collective and multilateral solutions,” Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said. In light of the upcoming ASEAN integration, there is broad agreement on the need for international cooperation and multilateral instruments as strategies to boost tax administration and compliance. Trends and innovations on tax enforcement were discussed, including best practices in tax treaty negotiations and relief to facilitate cross-border trade and curb tax evasion. Standards in exchange of information and accounting, the latter of which the Philippines was found to be way ahead of the curve relative to ASEAN peers, were also examined. To keep up with international standards, the Philippines became the 68th signatory to the OECD’s Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters or MAC, a multilateral approach for the automatic exchange of information or AEOI. The DOF is advocating for revisions to restrictions in bank secrecy laws, consistent with developed countries’ tax administration policies. The forum also addressed troubling trends in base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS), an unfair and distortive practice depriving revenues from countries where economic activity took place. The Philippines has confirmed its leading role in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Committee on Fiscal Affairs, which will devise tools and mechanisms to curb tax evasion and avoidance. DOF Undersecretary of the Domestic Finance Group Jeremias Paul, Jr. shared with foreign delegates the Philippine success story on sin tax reform. Reporting that sin tax reform had paved the way for sustainable public health financing, Paul said, “This has been a win for fiscal health as the share of tobacco and alcohol excise taxes to GDP in 2013 is highest since the year 2000. It is also a win for universal and public health, with the DOH budget up by 57% from 2013 (P53.3 billion) to 2014 (P83.7 billion) alone. Further, it is a win for the poor and for tobacco farmers, as funds are earmarked towards insurance coverage for the most vulnerable and the development of the tobacco regions.” Taxation of E-commerce, extractive industries and capital markets were also covered, where social, environmental, and economic justice emerged as the key themes to effective tax policies. DOF Chief Economist and Undersecretary of the Policy Development and Management Services Group Gil Beltran urged, “Tax systems must raise revenues to benefit the areas and communities where businesses operate and profit from. Tax policy must therefore not only be simple, progressive, and equitable, it must consider environmental and social justice as key priorities as well.” The forum focused on tax policies as tools to drive growth and reduce inequality. The Philippines has among the highest effective tax rates in ASEAN, however, tax effort, or tax revenue to GDP ratio, stood at a low 13.7% last year, lower than regional peers despite having already increased it from 2010’s 12.1%, or by 1.6% points. Thus, the DOF is looking to propose a holistic, revenue-positive, and equitable comprehensive tax reform package designed to bolster growth and competitiveness while enforcing fairness and equity among all Filipinos. Delivering closing remarks on behalf of Finance Secretary Purisima, DOF Undersecretary of the Revenue Operations and Legal Affairs Group Carlo Carag cautioned, “Governments committed to creating shared prosperity through public investments in infrastructure, health, and education have much to lose if we fail to update and adapt our tax policies and enforcement mechanisms to the changing times.” Reflecting the Philippines’ resolve to innovate and enhance its tax system, Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares said after the forum concluded, “Living in an increasingly globalized world requires governments to adapt and update tax policy and enforcement strategies. International cooperation is key if we want to raise sustainable amounts of revenues to continue funding growth and investments to our people and country.” “Tax is a paradox where giving more ensures the government is better able to play its role as the largest recycler of funds in productive investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other social services. Thus, giving more taxes also means receiving more benefits from the government,” Undersecretary Carag added on Finance Secretary Purisima’s behalf. |
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| DTI alerts bottled water manufacturer on high retail prices on their product | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Results of the price monitoring activities conducted by the
Department of Trade and Industry-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau
(DTI-FTEB) reveal that some brands of bottled water,
particularly one known brand of said commodity, are being sold
at very high prices in the NAIA Terminal 3 airport and various
bus terminals within the National Capital Region. According to the FTEB report dated 27 and 30 of October 2014, Nature’s Spring Drinking Water is the most common brand of bottled water that was sold above the Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs), reflecting a P3.10 to P20.10 peso difference when compared with the SRPs. Other brands include “Absolute”, “Summit”, and “Viva” which were sold at P2.00 to P13.00 above the SRPs. Due to this, DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba summoned the Philippine Spring Water Resources, Inc.manufacturer of Nature’s Spring Drinking Waterfor a meeting last Monday, 10 November 2014 to get their explanation regarding the findings of the price monitoring team. The DTI alerted the said manufacturer about the high retail prices on their bottled water. When asked if they are aware of the imposition of prices by their retailers, Mr. Claugene M. GenerKey Account Specialist of Philippine Spring Water Resources, Inc.said that the company is not aware of this but they will inform their retailers to adhere to the SRPs for bottled water. “The DTI issued the SRPs for bottled water in February of this year which already includes the mark up of distributors and retailers. As such, there is no reason for them to sell bottled water at very high prices,” Dimagiba said. “The responsibility of manufacturers does not stop with the production and distribution of goods in the market. They must also ensure that their retailers are complying with the SRPs that they themselves have determined,” he added. The DTI enjoins all retailers to comply immediately, not just with the SRPs for bottled water but for all basic necessities, prime commodities, and Noche Buena products, to ensure that consumers have access to reasonably priced goods in the market. Consumers, on the other hand, are advised to look for the SRP posters that the DTI has displayed in stores around NCR to be guided in their purchases. Under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, penalties for illegal price manipulation such as profiteering include imprisonment of five years up to 15 years, and administrative fine of P5,000 up to P1M. To get a copy of the list of SRPs for non-agricultural basic necessities and prime commodities, visit the Price Watch section of the DTI website. To report retailers that sell above the SRPs, call DTI Direct 751.3330 or 0917.8343330. |
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| Secretary Del Rosario Lauds Japan’s 60 Years of Development Assistance, Pushes for Future Development Cooperation Agenda on Governance, Peace-Building, and Disaster Resilience for the Philippines | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||
| 18 November 2014 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario said on November 17 that the Philippines and Japan, as
strategic partners and close friends, "should continue to pursue
an inclusive growth agenda that effectively put our peoples at
the center of development." Speaking at a Symposium commemorating the 60th anniversary of Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) programs in Tokyo, Secretary Del Rosario thanked Japan for six decades of steadfast support and contribution to the Philippines’ development efforts, as a “genuine development partner” of the Philippines. The Secretary called for a re-focus of Japanese ODA on strengthening institutions and governance and building disaster resilient communities. For Japan’s ODA program to effectively craft a people-centered development response to emerging global challenges, grant programs should concentrate on innovation, science and technology, and human capital development to increase the skills, knowledge, and productivity of Filipinos. For the next 60 years, he urged Japan to continue its adherence towards “self-help” and “country ownership” and to keep up its efforts in fighting poverty, even in middle-income countries. For countries such as the Philippines, Secretary Del Rosario stressed that ODA can be used to upgrade and modernize public institutions and the entire civil service through institutional capacity-building so as to make them attuned to 21st century governance. “Indeed, the program benefits become substantial when strong institutions exist to implement ODA projects. We therefore welcome more innovative program partnerships with the Japanese Government that will ensure the irreversibility of our reform agenda,” the Secretary remarked during the Symposium attended by over 500 participants at the Lino Hall in Tokyo. Secretary Del Rosario invited Japan to invest in innovation and human capital development because this strategy becomes an imperative as the Philippines enters its so-called demographic sweet spot in 2015, when majority of its population, with a median age of 22 years, enters the workforce. In this connection, he said that more grant programs that focus on Science and Technology education must be promoted. On peacebuilding, particularly in Mindanao, Secretary Del Rosario said the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiative for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) advanced the Mindanao peace process by directly addressing poverty challenges and development gaps in Southern Philippines. “To ensure that we continue to generate peace dividends, we welcome Japan’s recent initiatives under the Comprehensive Capacity Development Project for the Bangsamoro,” he added. At the panel discussion following his remarks, the Secretary pointed out that Japan has greatly contributed to peace and development and thus for the next decades the ODA “should concentrate on training new, young, and morally upright leaders for peace-building and development, particularly in Mindanao under the proposed Bangsamoro Political Entity.” He added that given the challenge of mega disasters as the new normal, the need to have a disaster resilient country must be acknowledged and “to this end, there is therefore the need to embed disaster resilient financing as an element in ODA.” Japan celebrates this year the 60th anniversary of its ODA initiated by its accession to the Colombo Plan in 1954. Under the theme; “Growth and Poverty Reduction: The Role of Japan’s ODA,” the Symposium provided the opportunities to look back 60 years of Japan’s cooperation and examine its fruits and values, as well as to discuss the role of Japan’s international cooperation in the new era. Japan is the Philippines’ foremost bilateral development partner. As of June 2014, Japan has provided US$3.63 billion worth of ODA representing the largest share (28.6 percent) of the Philippines’ total ODA portfolio. Japanese ODA has directly contributed to Philippines’ development efforts across a wide range of priority areas, including irrigation, flood control, education, health care, earthquake detection, rural road network construction and improvement, water supply, and livelihood programs. In the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda, Japan was among the first to provide emergency assistance to the Philippines, continues to play a major role in the reconstruction effort through the Yolanda Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Recovery Plan. Secretary Del Rosario visited Tokyo from November 16 to 17 as guest of the Japanese Government for the 60th anniversary celebration of Japan’s ODA. He spoke on the subject “History of Development and Challenges of the Philippines: How Did Japan’s ODA Affect the Growth of the Philippines?” The other invited speakers were Dr. Akihiko Tanaka, President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); Mr. Michael Kamau, Cabinet Secretary of Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Kenya, and Dr. John Page, Senior Fellow, Global Economy and Development, the Brookings Institution. Before attending the symposium the Secretary joined Philippine Ambassador to Japan and Madame Manuel M. Lopez and the entire Embassy personnel for the Monday flag-raising ceremony and informal meeting. |
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| Philippines as “Asia’s Rising Star” Showcased in Back-to-Back British Business Fora | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||
| 18 November 2014 - The Philippines’ economic success was
showcased anew in the United Kingdom (UK) at back-to-back events
of the Philippine Trade and Investment Centre (PTIC) – London
involving top British businesses and organizations. Leading the Philippine campaign at the PTIC activities were visiting Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Dr. Lilia B. De Lima and Philippine Ambassador to the Court of St. James Enrique A. Manalo. Dr. De Lima gave an extended presentation on the comprehensive advantages of investing in Philippine economic zones and on the numerous international awards, citations and success stories of her PEZA office, including those of over 100 British firms already established in the zones. Ambassador Manalo for his part briefed the British businessmen on the Philippines’ economic resurgence and bright business outlook as well as on the unprecedented levels of Philippine-UK cooperation and partnerships. Dr. De Lima and Ambassador Manalo first featured the Philippines at the “Shared Services and Outsourcing Opportunities” forum held on November 06 at the London headquarters of Ernst & Young (EY), one of the world’s leading professional services firms. The spectacular rise of the Philippine Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector into a $26 billion, 1.3 million employee industry was presented as a snapshot of even larger trade and business opportunities in the country. Several international companies provided testimonials at the event as to the Philippines’ significant strengths in IT-BPM, and all spoke positively on the prospects for their continued growth and success. On November 07, the Philippine officials travelled to Manchester to speak at the “Spotlight on the Philippines” event organized by UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), the British government department responsible for international trade and investment, UK exports, and inward investment. The forum was held at the Manchester offices of banking giant HSBC, and over 30 companies and organizations took part in the forum and expressed interest in doing business in and with the Philippines. Per UKTI data, total two-way trade in goods and services in 2012 between the Philippines and the UK stood at £1.23 billion. For 2013, UK exports of goods to the Philippines were £374 million and UK imports of goods were £383 million. Ambassador Manalo summed up the positive outcome of the Philippine promotion events thus, “the rise of the Philippines will go hand in hand with a UK recovery and the continued expansion of Philippine-British business relations.” |
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| NBI entraps QC fiscal in extortion | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Assistant City Prosecutor II Raul Desembrana of the Quezon City
Prosecution Service faces criminal charges before the
Sandiganbayan, after Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales indicted
him for Direct Bribery and violation of Section 7(d) of Republic
Act No. 6713 (Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public
Officials and Employees). On 14 November 2014, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents arrested Desembrana, following an entrapment operation after Dr. Alexis Montes and his counsel, Atty. Ephraim Cortez, sought NBI assistance when Desembrana demanded P80,000.00 as “standard operating procedure” (SOP) in exchange for the dismissal of a complaint filed against Dr. Montes and pending with Desembrana. In the entrapment operation in a Quezon City restaurant, Desembrana was caught receiving from complainant an envelope containing the marked money consisting of four pieces of P1,000.00 placed on top of the “boodle money.” On the same day, inquest proceedings were undertaken by the Office of the Ombudsman. In the Resolution approved on 15 November 2014, Ombudsman Morales emphasized that “as Assistant City Prosecutor of the Department of Justice, respondent is duty bound to decide or resolve all cases assigned to him based on the merits.” The Informations were filed with the Sandiganbayan on 15 November 2014. Section 7(d) of R.A. No. 6713 expressly prohibits public officials and employees from soliciting or accepting, directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan or anything of monetary value from any person in the course of regular duties or in connection with any operation being regulated by, or any transaction which may be affected by the functions of their office. On the other hand, Direct Bribery is committed by any public officer who accepts an offer or promise or receives a gift or present in consideration of the execution of an act which does not constitute a crime in connection with the performance of official duties. |
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| Roxas Hails Ormocanons for Resilience after Yolanda | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||
| ORMOC CITY, LEYTE - During a visit to Eastern Visayas to
commemorate the first anniversary of Yolanda, Interior and Local
Government Secretary Mar Roxas praised the local government of
Ormoc City for its effective and united disaster response. “God helps those who help themselves. Kaya talaga naman na yung pagtulong ay nagsisimula sa ating mga kababayan(Indeed, initial help comes from within ourselves.),” said the secretary. He also visited the more than 2,000 housing units being built by the Tzu Chi Foundation for the victims of the tragedy. Each unit costs about P130,000 with two-three bedrooms, a toilet and a kitchen, and was designed to withstand winds as fast as 170 km/hr. He also said that this is in line with President Aquino’s concept of “whole of government" approach where agencies coordinate with each other and with LGUs to expedite the rehabilitation efforts. "Tulung-tulong ang lahat, sama-sama, lahat kailangan coordinated. Lahat nagtutulungan (Everything is done together in a coordinated manner. Everyone helps each other out.)," Roxas added. |
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| Over 200,000 OFWs to benefit from UK’s new minimum wage rates | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Over 200,000 overseas Filipino workers are to benefit from the new national minimum wage rates the UK’s Low Pay Commission has recommended for workers in the United Kingdom, and which took effect on 1 October 2014, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said yesterday. Baldoz, citing a report of Philippine Labor Attache to the UK Joan Lavilla, said the new minimum wage rates apply to workers 21 years old and above; 18-20 years old; under 18 years old; and apprentices. For workers 21 years old and above, Lavilla, in her report, said the new minimum wage rate has increased by 19 pence (P13.69), from UK pound 6.31 (P454.70) to UK pound 6.50 per hour (P468.39), or three percent increase. “This is the new effective adult rate minimum wage in the UK,” Lavilla said. As recommended by the LPC, the new minimum wage rates for the applicable age brackets are as follows: • For 18 to 20 year olds, from UK pound 5.03 (P362.46) to UK pound 5.13 per hour (P369.67), or two percent increase; • For 16 to 17 year olds, from UK pound 3.72 (P268.06) to UK pound 3.79 per hour (P273.11), or two percent increase; and • For apprentices, from UK pound 2.68 (P193.12) to UK pound 2.73 per hour (P196.72), or two percent increase. OFWs in the United Kingdom consist of nurses, radiologists, therapists, caregivers, and some household service workers. | ||||||||
| In region 8 this year, DOLE benefited in 4,393 Typhoon Yolanda survivors with P49 million in livelihood assistance | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said its livelihood assistance program in Region 8 this year has already reached P49,920,292 coming from its supplemental budget under R.A. 10634. “This amount was wisely spent and fully accounted for. It has directly benefited 4,393 individuals, all survivors of Typhoon Yolanda,” said Baldoz, reporting on the DOLE’s contribution to the rehabilitation of devastated communities exactly one year after super howler Yolanda wrought death and destruction in four regions of the country, Region 8 most heavily. The labor and employment chief said the amount is part of the P271.941 million in livelihood assistance funds which the DOLE has disbursed as of date in four Yolanda-affected regions, namely Region 4-B, 6, 7, and 8. With this financial resource, the DOLE has directly benefited 33,338 individuals in these four regions. Saying that transparency is a major pillar of the DOLE’s labor governance agenda, Baldoz said she had directed the regional directors in the Typhoon Yolanda-devastated regions to make their respective reports to the public so that they may know that the DOLE is judicious in its use of taxpayers’ money. “We follow President Benigno S. Aquino III’s directive to build back better the communities affected by the typhoon, so we make sure our livelihood assistance go to those most in need,” she said. In Eastern Samar, for example, Baldoz said the DOLE has awarded grants of P3.082 million last April to 338 fishermen for their fishing livelihood. The grant was in the form of tools and jigs and fishing gear, not outright cash, that the fishermen can use after their livelihood were wiped out by the Typhoon. The DOLE awarded the grant to the beneficiaries in the presence of the mayors of Guian, Hernani, and Balangkayan. In Tacloban City, the DOLE has also assisted some regular employees of the Word Broadcasting Corporation who were displaced after the Radyo Diwa closed shop. Through the DOLE, the displaced workers received separation pay from WBC general manager Fr. Roberto M. Ebisa, SVD. Aside from the livelihood assistance the employees received, the DOLE also referred them to Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for skills upgrading and competency assessment. In September this year, the DOLE assisted 60 Tacloban City vendors under the Tacloban Small Vendors Association with livelihood starter kits and essential raw materials worth close to a million pesos. One of the beneficiaries, 64-year old Ernesto Magaan, received seven sacks of garlic, two sacks of onions, and containers of edible oil for his small spice trade in the city. As president of the Association, Magaan proudly said he himself will monitor his members’ vending activities to ensure they are wisely taking the opportunity of the DOLE assistance to improve their lives. “Malaking tulong itong ibinigay sa amin ng DOLE. Abot-langit ang aming pasasalamat sa pamahalaan ng Tacloban City at sa DOLE dahil makakabangon na kami,” he said. In Dulag, Basey, Borongan, and Mondragon, also in Eastern Samar, the DOLE had delivered P5.3 million in livelihood grants to the local government units and 541 members of OFW associations for their technology-driven, resource-based livelihoods. The amount is part of the P9.612 million in assistance funds for these four towns under the Reconstruction Assistance in Yolanda. Baldoz said the DOLE Regional Office No. 8 is exerting its best efforts to fast-track the delivery of its livelihood assistance program, in convergence with other government agencies in the region, to reach out to more Typhoon Yolanda survivors who may need government help to recover from the tragedy. | ||||||||
| Turkish gov’t amps up DepEd computerization program, donates computer packages to a school in Manila | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Paco, Manila – The Turkish International Cooperation and
Development (TIKA) donated computer packages to the Department
of Education to boost the computerization program in schools
nationwide. An initial donation of 36 computer packages, seven
(7) printers, and five (5) laptops were given to Justo Lukban
Elementary School. DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC extended his gratitude to TIKA for their continuous support in providing technical assistance to our schools. Turkey Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan led the ceremonial turnover at the said school. Prior to this donation, TIKA had also turned-over tablets last year to assist in recovering school records and DepEd office documents ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda. The 40 tablets were intended to speed up the process of salvaging soaked, soiled, and destroyed documents. |
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| DOTC bats for gender equality in public transport | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Bringing together over 300 participants from government and
multi-sectoral groups at the first-ever Gender and
Transportation Summit, the Department of Transportation and
Communications (DOTC) and other stakeholders have agreed to work
together towards ensuring gender equality in developing the
transportation sector. “As we push for the modernization of our transportation systems, we are mindful of the significant role that women play in nation-building. We organized this Summit to synthesize a broad consensus on Accelerating Equitable Development through Inclusive Mobility, which is our theme at this milestone event,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. “We are proceeding from two basic premises: first, that horizontal mobility – or moving passengers and goods from one place to another – empowers people by giving them better access to socio-economic opportunities such as education, employment, and health facilities. “Second, we must pave the way for vertical mobility in terms of gender concerns. This means that we should do our part in helping uplift women’s concerns in public transportation by addressing their needs,” the transport chief added. The Summit is timely held, with the release of the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap 2014 Report last October 29. In that report, the Philippines placed 9th out of 142 surveyed countries in terms of the relationship between a country’s gender gap and its national competitiveness. Similarly, in a poll conducted by Thomson Reuters called the “Most Dangerous Transport Systems for Women” whose results were published last month, Manila was ranked by women and experts as 7th best in the world out of 16 cities in terms of safety, freedom from abuse and harassment, and similar public transport issues. The survey was conducted in 15 of the world’s largest capitals and New York, which is the United States’ most populous city. The 2-day Summit held on November 17 and 18, 2014 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) was organized in line with government’s Gender and Development (GAD) agenda. Memoranda of Agreement, Memoranda of Understanding, and Manifestos of Support to the initiative were scheduled to be signed at the end of the Summit by stakeholders in each of the four (4) transport sectors, along with the DOTC. These include the following institutions:
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| Former MNLF leader and now Sulu solon urges Suluanos to study proposed Bangsamoro Law, join public hearing | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||
| JOLO, SULU – Former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader and now Sulu first district Representative Tupay Loong urged stakeholders to actively participate in the public hearing of the House of Representatives' Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will be held in this province on Wednesday, November 19. “It is necessary to join public hearings because this is a matter that concerns the destiny of the Bangsamoro people,” he said. "I would like to ask our people... to study [the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law]." Loong is one of the six vice chairpersons of the ad hoc committee. He said Suluanos should express their opinions and sentiments on the Bangsamoro Bill, also known as House Bill 4994, to help Congress craft an all-inclusive law. Seventeen representatives, including Cagayan de Oro second district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who chairs the Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL, are expected to arrive here for the consultation. This will be the biggest contingent of legislators to visit the province, long regarded as the center of the Bangsamoro rebellion, said Loong. According to him, he expects more than 1,000 residents and local government officials in the province to attend. Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, government peace panel legal team head Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Undersecretary Jose Lorena are invited to serve as resource persons for the public consultation. Issues expected to be discussed are the system of government that will be set up to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); the integration of the provisions of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement into the Bangsamoro bill, and the welfare of the current employees of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional government. The committee had earlier conducted hearings in Central Mindanao, the southernmost island province of Tawi-Tawi, and Zamboanga City. Hearings are also set to be held in Basilan and Zamboanga Sibugay to wrap-up the Western Mindanao leg of the series of consultations. | ||||||||
| Congress to pass Bangsamoro Law that safeguards welfare and interests of all stakeholders | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||
| ZAMBOANGA CITY – Cagayan de Oro second district Representative Rufus Rodriguez vowed that Congress will pass a Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that will safeguard the welfare and serve the interests of all stakeholders during a public hearing and consultation held Friday in this city. Rodriguez, chair of the House of Representatives' Ad Hoc Committee on the BBL, and 17 other lawmakers explained to local residents the provisions of the Bangsamoro bill, also known as House Bill (HB) 4994, and listened to concerns of stakeholders in a bid to come up with an inclusive law for all. “HB 4994 is far better, far-reaching and more comprehensive than RA (Republic Act) 9054 [or the Organic Act for the Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)],” Rodriguez said. He further pointed out that the bill is an “affirmative action” to address the historical injustices committed against the Bangsamoro by providing them genuine autonomy in Mindanao. At the same time, A Teacher party-list Rep. Mariano U. Piamonte emphasized that Congress is scrutinizing the proposed BBL in order to improve and strengthen some provisions. According to Rodriguez, proper context is needed for the public to understand fully the current efforts to establish the Bangsamoro which will replace the ARMM. The BBL is the legal iteration of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a product of more than 17 years negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), signed on March 27. Addressing local concerns During the consultation, issues such as the definition of contiguity, scope of the Bangsamoro territory, among others, have been explained in detail by Congress members and resource speakers coming from the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process. “Those who drafted this bill are qualified people. The BBL is the result of in-depth studies. We pray in God’s will [that] we can achieve our yearning for a lasting peace in Mindanao,” Alih Urao, a member of a Muslim group Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates, said. Zamboanga City 1st District Representative Celso L. Lobregat pointed at the need to arrive at a harmonized understanding on the issue of contiguity to ensure that the sentiments of the people residing outside the Bangsamoro will be respected and prevent misinterpretation. “We would like to reiterate that Zamboanga City is not against the BBL,” Lobregat said. According to Rodriguez, the BBL is clear in its provisions on contiguous areas. He noted that Zamboanga City is not adjacent or contiguous to Bangsamoro, therefore it will not be subjected to the parameters set forth in the bill, he said. "You have been assured that Zamboanga City will never be included in the Bangsamoro, but please also assure that you take care of our Muslims here in Zamboanga,” Lilia Nuno, representative of this city’s second district, said. Jose Lorena, undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, explained that people should not be afraid of the BBL, and called on the residents to study the bill. Meanwhile, Arayo Jose, a representative of internally displaced persons, said that they are happy that the Bangsamoro bill guarantees the well-being of victims of armed conflict under the transitional justice mechanism. “We are grateful that the BBL ensures our welfare. We don’t want war. We want to return to our place,” she said. Article IX, Section 4 of the proposed BBL creates a mechanism to address the grievances of the Bangsamoro people, such as historical injustices, human rights violations, marginalization through unjust dispossession of their territorial and proprietary rights and customary land tenure. Rufus said there is an existing body called Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission, which is composed of international and local experts who are now doing rounds in Mindanao to recommend measures to correct historical injustices and address legitimate grievances of the Bangsamoro people. "If there is the unjust dispossession, which is land grabbing, then it is [in] the law that both national and the Bangsamoro government will pay for the value of properties that were dispossessed and so that is the transitional justice and reconciliation,” he said. The public consultation here is the second stop of the HOR Ad Hoc Committee in its series of hearings in Western Mindanao. They will likewise be holding public hearings in Jolo, Sulu on November 19; Isabela City, Basilan on November 20; and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on November 21. | ||||||||
| Govt employees to get 13th month pay, cash gift | ||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||
| Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio
“Butch” Abad announced that starting this week, government
employees and officers will get the remaining half of their 13th
month pay and cash gift before the coming Christmas. Abad said, “For the past year, government employees have been working quietly and without fanfare for the good of the nation. It’s only proper that their efforts and hard work are given fair recognition. The year-end bonus and extra cash should help them prepare for the holiday season and its demands.” Under Budget Circular 2010-1 first issued on 28 August 2010, government personnel are entitled to a year-end bonus equivalent to a month’s pay as well as a cash gift of P5,000. The budget circular covers civilian and uniformed personnel across all government departments and agencies, including regular co-terminus employees in government. The funds for the bonuses and cash gifts for national government agencies (NGAs) are sourced from the 2014 National Budget. Government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and government financial institutions (GFIs) will tap into their corporate funds for the bonuses, while local government units (LGUs) will source their perks from local government funds. Abad noted that, “Funds to support the requirements of government personnel were released to the agencies at the very start of the year. The General Appropriations Act (GAA)-as-release-document ensures that funds are sufficiently available to the agencies from the very start, so that they can roll out the year-end bonuses and cash gifts at the appropriate time.” Government employees and officers first received half of their 13th month pay and cash gift last May. This is because the first half of the bonus and cash gift can only be given not earlier than May 1 and the remaining half not earlier than November 15. Last year, President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered an early release of the year-end bonus and cash gift to help government employees affected by Typhoon Yolanda. Prior to this, they also received their year-end bonuses early in the aftermath of Ondoy. |
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18 NOVEMBER 2014
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
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(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam, during the luncheon at the East Drawing Room of the Istana Main Building during his working visit on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the Visitors Book at the President’s Lounge of the Istana Main Building during working visit to the Republic of Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). Singapore is the Philippines’ 4th largest trade partner in 2013, the 4th largest export market as of January 2014, and has become the 7th largest source of visitors, with a total of 148,215 Singaporean tourists arriving in the country in 2012. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a courtesy call at the West Drawing Room of the Istana Main Building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the courtesy call at the West Drawing Room of the Istana Main Building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., reviews the honor guards during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II on Tuesday (November 18) for his 2-day working visit to Singapore. The President is a keynote speaker during "The World in 2015 Gala Dinner" by The Economist. Aside from a series of corporate business group meetings, he is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with top business executives from the Singapore Business Federation and foreign chambers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Tuesday (November 18) for his 2-day working visit to Singapore. The President is a keynote speaker in "The World in 2015 Gala Dinner" by The Economist. Aside from a series of corporate business group meetings, he is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with top business executives from the Singapore Business Federation and foreign chambers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Robert Viñas / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, during the joint press statement at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for his official visit to the the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey delivers his remarks during the joint press statement at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the latter's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, witness the signing air services agreement at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the latter's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace during the latter's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu signs the Palace guest book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Mnister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, lead the ceremonial toasts during the luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Prime Minister's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the official visit to the Philippines of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, on Monday (November 17, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey at the Music Room, Malacañan Palace during his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, of Turkey, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Also in photo are Madame Sare Davutoglu and Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Prime Minister's official visit the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Turkey was established with a Treaty of Friendship in June 1949. Friendly and problem-free relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Economic relations have gained momentum in recent years despite the geographical distance. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu upon arrival during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his official visit to the Philippines on Monday(November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly and problem-free relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace during his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, to the Malacanang Palace after the welcome ceremony at the Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. Also in photo is Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, to the Malacanang Palace after the welcome ceremony at the Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, review the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, upon arrival during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Gil Nartea / by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and views the exhibit on the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). Also in photo is Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and views the exhibit on the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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