24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 28 January 2015
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 28 January 2015 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 28 January 2015 |  |
Synopsis:
Forecast:
The
regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera, Bicol, CALABARZON and the
provinces of Aurora, Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Quezon will
experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of
Luzon will have partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated
light rains. Visayas and Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with
isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.
Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.
OVER
METRO MANILA:
Maximum
Temperature: 03:00 PM Yesterday --- 29.4°C
Minimum Temperature: 06:20 AM Yesterday --- 18.1°C
Minimum Temperature: 06:20 AM Yesterday --- 18.1°C
Maximum
Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM Yesterday --- 99 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 03:00 PM Yesterday --- 59 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 03:00 PM Yesterday --- 59 %
Low Tide
Today: 9:09 AM ..……….... 0.24 Meter
High Tide Today: 4:54 PM ..……….... 0.79 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 1:15 AM ..……….... 0.19 Meter
High Tide Today: 4:54 PM ..……….... 0.79 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow: 1:15 AM ..……….... 0.19 Meter
Sunrise
Today: 6:25 AM
Sunset Today: 5:53 PM
Sunset Today: 5:53 PM
Moonrise
Today: 12:26 PM
Moonset Tomorrow: 01:25 AM
Illumination Today: 55 %
Moonset Tomorrow: 01:25 AM
Illumination Today: 55 %
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 resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz:
-Bumaba sa 18.1 degrees Celsius ang temperatura sa Science Garden, Quezon City kaninang umaga. Ito na ang pinakamababang temperatura sa Metro Manila ngayong Enero.
-Magiging maulap bukas sa Metro Manila pero mababa ang tsansa ng ulan sa maghapon.
-Magpapatuloy naman ang ulan sa Eastern Visayas.
-Bumaba sa 18.1 degrees Celsius ang temperatura sa Science Garden, Quezon City kaninang umaga. Ito na ang pinakamababang temperatura sa Metro Manila ngayong Enero.
-Magiging maulap bukas sa Metro Manila pero mababa ang tsansa ng ulan sa maghapon.
-Magpapatuloy naman ang ulan sa Eastern Visayas.
January 28 ,
2015 (Wednesday) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON. : Partly Cloudy in Lucena City
Phil Consul General to New York Mario de Leon on GMA News TV
Re: Snow storm in New York
-May travel ban na dito sa New York, emwergency vehicle lang ang ina-allow.
-As of now, nag-uumpisa pa lang lumakas ang snow pero bukas pa inaasahang mas lalakas ito.
-Ang ating konsulado already issued warnings sa ating mga kababayan. Ang binibigyan natin dito ng priority syempre yung mga senior citizens natin.
Re: Snow storm in New York
-May travel ban na dito sa New York, emwergency vehicle lang ang ina-allow.
-As of now, nag-uumpisa pa lang lumakas ang snow pero bukas pa inaasahang mas lalakas ito.
-Ang ating konsulado already issued warnings sa ating mga kababayan. Ang binibigyan natin dito ng priority syempre yung mga senior citizens natin.
CAVITE
1. Water rates in Cavite, Metro Manila to increase
January
24, 2015
TRECE
MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 27 (PIA) — The Appeals Panel of the Metropolitan
Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) endorsement of the alternative rebasing
adjustment of Maynilad Water Services will apparently affect the water rates
for the Western section of Metro Manila and some parts of Cavite.
This was
disclosed by Metro Pacific Investments Inc. and said that water rates will
increase by 9.8 percent in the 2013 average basic water charge of P31.28 per
cubic meter, inclusive of the P1.00 currency exchange rate adjustment which the
MWSS has not incorporated into the basic charge.
The
Appeals Panel’s decision translates to an average increase of P3.05 per cubic
meter.
Maynilad,
however, is willing to implement the increase on a staggered basis in order to
mitigate the impact of the award on its customers in the West Zone of Metro
Manila subject to approval by the MWSS.
Maynilad
is owned and managed by DMCI-MPIC Water Company, Inc., a joint venture between
Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and DMCI Holdings, Inc. Aside from
Bacoor, Maynilad also serves the towns of Imus, Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario.
(Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/Beth S. Junio)
2. Carmona tops in health score in Cavite
January 24, 2015
CARMONA, Cavite, Jan. 23 (PIA) — The Provincial Health Office
recently recognized the local government here as the most outstanding partner
in health, garnering the highest Local Government Performance Management System
(LGPMS) for 2013 in the whole province of Cavite.During the regular Monday Flag-raising ceremony at the town plaza, Cavite 5th District Representative Roy M. Loyola, Vice Mayor Elmer Reyes, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Homer Aguinaldo and the rest of the Sangguniang Bayan members presented the certificates of recognition to the delight of the crowd.
LGPMS evaluates LGU performance based on their administrative, social, economic, and environmental governance. It also assesses the fundamentals of good governance which include transparency, participation and financial accountability.
In particular, the town of Carmona excelled in Budget Allocated for Health Services, MOOE Allocated for Health Services, National Health Insurance Program: Local Government Unit Sponsored and Nurse to Population Ratio.
It also garnered high scores in TB Case Detection Rate, TB Cure Rate, Contraceptive Prevalence Rate, Exclusive Breastfeeding, Households with Sanitary Toilet Facilities and Households with Access to Safe Water.
In July 2013, Carmona gathered a total of 4.919 out of 5 of the performance index (for the State of Local Governance Report of 2012) which made it rank number one among all the municipalities in the province. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/Carmona PIO)
3. DENR-MBCO Cavite bares year-end assessment
activity
January
24, 2015
TRECE
MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 24 (PIA) --The Manila Bay Coordinating Office
(MBCO) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) here
recently spearheaded the year-end assessment activity before the local
government units, mandamus and partner agencies.
Said activity
focused mainly on the updates and accomplishments of concerned agencies,
bureaus and divisions of Environment and Natural Resources department.
It also
targeted to increase awareness and promotes good working relationship among
employees, LGUs and its partners.
PENRO
Information Officer Judaline Fabro, discussed the DENR updates and
accomplishments including those conducted by the MBCO last year. She also
conferred the action and target plans for the year 2015.
Provincial
Board Member Irene Bencito, meanwhile, recognized the efforts made by the
DENR-MBCO-Cavite in the protection of the environment for the betterment of the
province. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/Judaline Fabro, PENRO
Information Officer)
4. Prov’l
Veterinary Office intensifies rabies awareness campaign in Cavite
January
24, 2015
TRECE
MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 23 (PIA) — The Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO)
here has been continuously conducting series of Information, Education and
Communication (IEC) in various public schools aiming to educate students on implications
and prevention of viral rabies disease.
This
year, PVO started its IEC rabies prevention campaign in General Trias which
recorded the most number of rabies cases in 2013 and 2014.
The
campaign first rolled out in Angel Bawalan and Manggahan Elementary Schools
with 561 participating students and teachers.
An
official from the PVO said that they targeted children due to their
vulnerability to animal bites.
During
the open discussion, PVO tackled the importance of proper handling of rabies
vaccines and the guidelines of animals’ vaccination.
PVO is
set to conduct the same activity at the following schools this week until next
month.
January
27, 2015
- · Juliano C. Brosas
- · Pasong Kawayan I Elementary School
- · Pasong Kawayan II Elementary School
January
28, 2015
- · Ipilan Bo. Elementary School
- · Buenavista Elementary School
February
3, 2015
- · Panungyanan Elementary School a
- · Gen. Aloña Memorial Elementary School
February
4, 2015
- · Javalera Elementary School
- · Belvedere Elementary School
February
10, 2015
·
Pasong Kawayan II West Elementary School
- · Tejero Elementary School
The
PVO has already conducted anti-rabies seminar to students, mainly Grades IV-VI
in the city of Imus and municipalities of Silang, Tanza, Noveleta, GMA,
Carmona, Alfonso, Magallanes and Naic. (Ruel Francisco,
PIA-Cavite/PICAD)
BATANGAS
1.
Tagalog news: Asian Terminal Inc. kabalikat sa Disaster Rehabilitation
Program ng lalawigan ng Batangas
January 26, 2015
LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Enero 26 (PIA) --Pinagtibay ng Pamahalaang
Panlalawigan ng Batangas, sa pangunguna ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan at ng Asian
Terminals Inc. (ATI), ang public- private partnership matapos magbigay ng
tulong ang huli noong ika-21 ng Enero para sa rehabilitation efforts sa
mga biktima ng kalamidad sa lalawigan.
Humarap ang mga kinatawan ng Asian Terminals kay Governor Vilma Santos
Recto at 4th District Board Members Amado Carlos Bolilia at Mabel Virtusio
upang personal na iabot ang financial grants para sa mga lubhang naapektuhang
pamilya ng nagdaang bagyong Ruby na dumaan sa lalawigan partikular sa
ika-4 na distrito.
Ang mga opisyal ng ATI ay pinamunuan ni Peter Francis Dimayuga, terminal
manager; Jun Hermes Balita, manager for government relation and customer
service; at, Reginald Rivera, ATI marketing manager.
Ang nasabing proyekto ay naging posible sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng
legislative branch ng lalawigan, na pinangunahan ni BM Virtusio, sa mga private
partner-institution.
Napapaloob sa proyekto ang paglalaan ng ATI ng halagang
P500,000.00 na financial aid sa ilalim ng kanilang community outreach programs.
Nagpasalamat si Governor Vilma Santos Recto sa mga opisyal ng ATI na
sumaksi sa turn-over ceremony ng nasabing tulong sa Provincial Disaster Risk
Reduction Management Office, na kinatawan ni G. Lito Castro at BM
Amado Carlos Bolilia na siyang Chairperson ng Disaster Management
Committee ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan. (Edwin V. Zabarte-BatangasPIO/PIA-Batangas)
|
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
|
DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanigue
|
27 January 2015
|
| ALAN: Kahapon po ay inanunsyo ng Senate Committee on Local Government, ano
ho, iyong pagtigil ng Senate consultations dito sa Bangsamoro Law. And
maging sa Kamara, iyong pong House Ad hoc Committee on Bangsamoro Basic Law,
ay nag-suspend ng mga discussions diyan po sa panukalang iyan. Ano po naman
ang latest sa panig po Malacañang given this, nitong mga pangyayaring ito
diyan sa Senado at sa Kamara, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Meron na pong pagpapasya ang ating mga mambabatas hinggil diyan at nirerespeto po natin iyong kanilang mga proseso. Meron din namang hearing hinggil diyan sa Bangsamoro Basic Law na natuloy sa Senado. Ito iyong sa Committee on Constitutional Amendments yata iyon, iyong title nung committee, na pinamumunuan ni Senador Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Kaya nagkaroon din naman ng talakayan hinggil sa Bangsamoro Basic Law. Nauunawaan namin na kailangang magkaroon ng linaw iyong naganap sa Maguindanao na kung saan ay mayroong involvement iyong Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities at iyong International Monitoring Team na nandoon sa pinangyarihan ng insidente sa Maguindanao. Kaya dapat lang naman magkaroon din ng pagkakataon na malaman muna iyong buong kaganapan doon, Alan. Dahil hindi naman puwedeng ihihiwalay iyon doon sa usapin ng pagkakaroon ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Pero katulad ng sinabi ng pinuno ng Philippine Panel, si Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, ay dapat pa rin unawain iyong kabuuan ng proseso at tignan natin iyng big picture, ika-nga. ALAN: Opo. Base po sa mga impormasyon na ipinarating sa inyo nang DILG, sinasabi po. Ilan na po ba ang fatalities na mga miyembro o tauhan ng Special Action Force ng PNP? Meron po kasing nagsasabing umabot na sa 49. Sa panig naman po ng MILF binabanggit nila—ang claim nila umabot sa 64, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Hinihintay pa po natin iyong opisyal na report ng PNP hinggil diyan. Ang natunghayan pa lang natin, ako mismo ‘no, iyong binabanggit mong mga pahayag. Kaya’t kinakailangan ang gawin nating reference ay iyong opisyal na ulat, Alan. ALAN: Opo. Okay, at least nariyan din ang mga statement galing po sa mga negotiators natin hindi, kumbaga, masasabing talagang matitigil na itong mga negosasyon para sa lasting peace sa Mindanao, Secretary Coloma, sir ano po. SEC. COLOMA: ` Patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan ang magkabilang panig at inaalam iyong mga konkretong kaganapan. Dahil malayo na rin naman iyong ating narating sa prosesong ito at makatuwiran lamang na malaman muna iyong buong katotohanan. ALAN: At maging ang Pangulong Noy nung siya po ay bumisita naman doon sa Zamboanga para alamin iyong ilang mga updates tungkol doon sa naganap na pagsabog doon at nakiramay din doon sa mga naulila nung mga namatay. Kanya pong ni-reiterate na naman iyong determinasyon ng pamahalaan para labanan ang terorismo, Secretary Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Iyon ang dahilan kung bakit siya mismo ang nagtungo doon dalawang araw matapos iyong pagsabog na naganap sa bus terminal sa Zamboanga City, para maparating sa mga mamamayan iyong determinasyon ng pamahalaan na supilin ang terorismo at bigyan ng proteksyon sila. At para din maging mas masinsin iyong koordinasyon sa aspetong ito sa pagitan ng pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan. ALAN: Okay. Secretary Coloma sa usapin naman nitong APEC. Nagsimula na ho iyong ilang mga preliminary meetings diyan po sa gawi ng Central Luzon - Subic at Clark. Ito ho, kumbaga, bahagi po ito nung mga preliminaries para doon sa culminating activities sa November, Sec. Sonny, ano po? SEC. COLOMA: Bahagi iyan ng buong taong programa ng APEC, iyong pagkakaroon ng ministerial meetings sa iba’t-ibang aspeto ng kabuuan ng programa ng APEC. Dahil malawak din naman ang sakop nito. Sakop niyan iyong kalakal at negosyo, iyong pamumuhunan, agrikultura, environment. Maraming mga aspeto iyan, Alan. At sa buong taon ay magdaraos ng iba’t-ibang pagpupulong sa iba’t-ibang lalawigan at siyudad ng ating bansa hanggang humantong doon sa pinaka-summit na tinatawag, iyong Economic Leaders Meeting, na idaraos sa Maynila bandang Nobyembre ng taong ito. ALAN: Ayon. Naalala ko tuloy iyong naging pahayag din ng Pangulong Noy earlier na itong 2015 itinuturing niyang parang pivotal point sa aspeto ng international relations at nang turismo sa Pilipinas, Secretary, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy nating dapat itaguyod ang imahe ng ating bansa bilang isang favored tourist destination. Dahil ito ang magbibigay daan din sa mas masiglang negosyo at lilikha ng maraming pagkakataon sa kabuhayan at paghahapbuhay sa ating mga mamamayan. At ito rin ay magtataguyod ng isang mas masigla at malusog na ekonomiya para sa kapakinabangan ng pinakamaraming Pilipino. ALAN: Okay. Secretary Coloma, sir. Muli salamat po ng marami for the updates from the Palace, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan. |
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center |
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| 78% of 2015 budget already released to agencies; Abad: Spending bottlenecks to be addressed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA) amounting to P2.606
trillion has kicked into effect, with 78 percent or P2.037
trillion of the national budget comprehensively released at the
start of year to address procurement and implementation delays
and fast-track the release of funds for public goods and
services. As per National Budget Circular #556 on the Release of Funds for FY 2015, the share of the comprehensive release of budgetary items under the GAA-as-Release-Document (GAARD) regime is up by 16 percent, as compared to 62 percent in 2014 (or P1.408 trillion out of a total of P2.265 trillion). Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “In keeping with the GAA-as-Release-Document regime we started last year, the release of a major component of the 2015 budget at the start of the year will ensure greater efficiency in public spending. With the GAA standing as the official budget release document, we’re able to address previous issues in transparency, delays in project implementation, and accountability in the expenditure process.” The GAARD regime enables government agencies to obligate funds (i.e. allowing them to enter into contracts and kick-start the procurement process) on the very first working day of the fiscal year. This is because the disaggregated budget items in the GAA—specifically under the GAARD regime—are already considered released to their respective agencies. The remaining 22 percent of the national budget—amounting to P568.7 billion—will be considered For Later Release (FLR) and will be done via SARO (Special Allotment Release Order), subject to compliance with required documents and clearances. BREAKDOWN PER YEAR
Abad said, “The goal of the budget’s early release is to give agencies a head start in the procurement process for their projects. But we also plan to aggressively clear spending bottlenecks by working closely with agencies and making sure they make the most of the funds released to them. ” The guidelines noted that notwithstanding the two-year extension of validity of the 2015 National Budget—especially with regard to appropriations for the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and Capital Outlays (CO)—agencies need to execute priority programs and projects within one year. This is so that agencies can deliver public goods and service at the soonest possible time as they had earlier committed to the President, Congress, and the Filipino people. FY 2015 FUND RELEASE
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| 2014 Year End Report on the BSP Financial Inclusion Initiatives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showcased the local and
global milestones achieved by the BSP in its pursuit of
financial inclusion in its recently released year end report on
Financial Inclusion Initiatives. Also included in the report are
the BSP initiatives that significantly contribute to
strengthening the enabling environment for financial inclusion. The report highlighted the global recognitions on the significant strides the BSP has undertaken toward microfinance and financial inclusion. In 2014, the Economist Intelligence Unit named the Philippines as the top country in Asia and third in the world with the most conducive environment for financial inclusion. The BSP was also honored with the Maya Declaration award for its tangible financial inclusion commitments. The Maya Declaration is the first global set of specific, measurable commitments made by policy makers from developing and emerging countries to unlock the economic and social potential of the poor through financial inclusion. The report also featured the proposed National Strategy for Financial Inclusion which will raise the level of awareness, appreciation and understanding of financial inclusion across stakeholders. Inter-agency working groups spearheaded by the BSP were constituted in 2014 to serve as a platform to improve coordination and maximize linkages toward financial inclusion. The overall vision of the National Strategy is to have a financial system that is accessible and responsive to the needs of the entire population toward broad based and inclusive growth. The report presented the BSP initiatives in the areas of policy, regulation and supervision; financial education and consumer protection; data and measurement; advocacy programs and strategic international linkages. The enabling policy and regulatory environment continued to deliver positive results. Microfinance regulations allowed banks to sustain the provision of a range of products appropriately designed for over a million microentrepreneurs, with a total loan portfolio of PhP 9.3 billion. E-money regulations enabled the entry of new providers and more active agent, exponential increase in e-money accounts and incremental build-up of transactions. There are now 26.7 million e-money accounts and 10,620 active e-money agents performing cash-in/cash-out transactions throughout the country immediately complementing our network of 46.9 million deposit accounts and 9,884 banking offices. Beyond these significant gains, 2014 was also characterized by policy refinements and ongoing initiatives. The general features of microinsurance products were refined to align with the provisions of the new Insurance Code, increasing the benefits for microinsurance clients. Reports on microfinance were amended to enhance accuracy of microfinance data. There were also new issuances for the broader banking system that impact on financial inclusion, such as guidelines on credit risk management reinforcing the microfinance principle that credit should be granted on the basis of clients’ cash flow as the primary source of repayment or creditworthiness. The BSP also continued to work toward an effective and efficient national retail payment system to further establish a more efficient and inclusive payment system. For consumer protection, the BSP institutionalized consumer protection as an integral component of banking supervision through the adoption of the Financial Consumer Protection Framework. This framework is intended to entrench a culture of fair and responsible client treatment as a shared responsibility in the banking system. The BSP also expanded its work with other members of the Financial Sector Forum in developing consumer protection advisories and tools appropriate for targeted market segments. For financial education, the BSP sustained the implementation of the Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP) to reach audiences in targeted areas. Trainer’s training program were also conducted for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field staff and BSP research specialists to properly equip them in effectively delivering the BSP-designed modules on financial literacy to grassroots participants, all unbanked. To better craft evidence-based policies and monitor achievements, the BSP continued to intensify its data and measurement efforts on financial inclusion. The BSP published its third state of financial inclusion in the Philippines report, which showed that the Philippine financial system has become more inclusive over the years. To complement supply-side data, key preparatory activities for the full roll-out of the National Baseline Survey on Financial Inclusion were completed in 2014. The survey results are expected to provide a more accurate picture of financial inclusion. For advocacy programs, the BSP continued to implement initiatives that increased public awareness and generated greater support for financial inclusion. There are now 37 Credit Surety Funds in 27 provinces and 10 cities nationwide reaching over 10,000 beneficiaries. Other programs included the BSP Stakeholder Awards recognizing Financial Inclusion Champion and Partner, Citi Microentrepreneurship of the Year Awards and Microfinance Poster Art Competition. The BSP also sustained its leadership and active participation in significant global discussions on financial inclusion. It remained a key contributor in fora/working groups of standard setting bodies like the Basel Consultative Group Workstream on Financial Inclusion and acted as resource speaker in high-level events/conferences of the United Nations (UN), the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI) and the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI). Given the BSP’s concrete gains in policy initiatives, AFI awarded BSP Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. for his excellent stewardship during his chairmanship of the AFI Steering Committee from 2012-2014. |
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| Sarangani exec convicted for NGO-related fund mess | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Sandiganbayan convicted former Sarangani Assistant
Provincial Agriculturist Patricio Sol for misappropriating funds
amounting to P74,990.00. In a 23-page Decision, the anti-graft court found Sol guilty of the complex crime of Malversation through Falsification of Public Documents and sentenced him to suffer the penalty of reclusion perpetua and perpetual special disqualification. He was also ordered to indemnify the Province of Sarangani in the amount of P74,990.00. In 2003, the Office of the Ombudsman requested the Commission on Audit (COA) to conduct a special audit on the alleged anomalies in Sarangani on the release of financial assistance to various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations. Results of the special audit investigation disclosed that the financial assistance to various NGOs was fraudulent or illegal, and the projects were non-existent resulting to damage and loss to the government. In convicting the accused, the Sandiganbayan determined that Sol falsified Disbursement Vouchers and supporting documents by making it appear that financial assistance was requested by the Datal Lanao Tribal Cooperative (Datal Lanao) despite knowing that the cooperative was not eligible to receive funds. The COA audit team established that Datal Lanao had no certificate of accreditation from the Cooperative Development Authority and had also failed to submit its financial statements for the last three years. More importantly, no Memorandum of Agreement was executed between Datal Lanao and the Provincial Government of Sarangani. The criminal case of co-accused former Sarangani Vice-Governor Felipe Constantino was dismissed in view of his death, while that of co-accused Suzette Clerigo of the Office of the Provincial Accountant who remains at-large was archived. Meanwhile, Provincial Agriculturist Romeo Miole was acquitted of the charges in view of the failure to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. It will be recalled that in September 2014, the Sandiganbayan convicted Sarangani Provincial Board Member Marlind Marcelo and former Assistant Provincial Veterinarian Nicolas Sunio for conspiring in the misappropriation of financial assistance granted to Datal Bila Multi-Purpose Cooperative amounting to P129,450.00. |
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| Full police honors for slain cops Maguindanao encounter | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine National Police is now in the process of
delivering the sad news to surviving family members of policemen
slain in an encounter last Sunday with lawless elements in
Maguindanao. As a policy, the PNP withholds information about circumstances surrounding the death of a PNP member until the orphaned family has been notified. On Monday, the Philippine Flag was hoisted at half-mast at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame as a sign of mourning over the loss of brothers in uniform. “I extend my deepest sympathy to the orphaned families of our fallen policemen. They died a meaningful death on the side of justice and righteousness. They did not die in vain,” PNP Officer-in-Charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo A Espina said. Despite the momentary setback of law enforcement operations against lawless elements in Mindanao, Espina expressed confidence that “justice and peace will prevail.” Meantime, the PNP is preparing the highest police honors to be given to the slain policemen, including all benefits due to the surviving kin. Surviving kin of slain policemen in Maguindanao encounter are entitled to receive death benefits ranging from P1.5-million to P2-million. Death benefits for policemen killed in line of duty include P250,000.00 from the President’s Social Fund; between P141,000.00 up to P181,000.00 as Special Financial Assistance (SFA) from the PNP; burial benefits worth P50,000.00; and P200,000.00 gratuity from the National Police Commission. PNP members of the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund are also entitled to death insurance ranging from P225,000.00 to P417,000.00 depending on rank. These death benefits are on top of the estimated P15,000 monthly lifetime pension from the PNP and roughly the same amount of pension for five years from the Napolcom. (PNP-PIO) |
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| Secretary Del Rosario Received At Saudi Royal Court, Conveys Condolences On Behalf Of President Aquino | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 27 January 2015 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario was received yesterday, January 26, at the Royal Court
in Riyadh. He conveyed, on behalf of President Benigno S. Aquino
III and the entire Filipino nation, his condolences on the
passing of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He was received by the sons and grandsons of the late King Abdullah, and other senior members of the Royal Family. Secretary Del Rosario joined world leaders, foreign dignitaries, senior Saudi officials and religious leaders in the brief and simple ceremony. The Secretary was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Rafael E. Seguis, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ezzedin H. Tago, and Minister and Consul General Marshall Louis M. Alferez. |
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| Preparations Begin for PHL Participation at 56th Venice Biennale | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 27 January 2015 - Preparations are in full swing for the
Philippines’ participation at the 56th International Art
Exhibition of the Venice Biennale to be held from May 09 to
November 22 in Venice, Italy. A technical team from the Philippines led by Dr. Patrick Flores arrived on January 20 in Venice to start organizing the Philippine Pavilion in Palazzo Mora. Dr. Flores is the curator of the Philippine exhibit at the Biennale. As part of the preparations, the Philippine Consulate General in Milan facilitated on January 21 at the La Biennale de Venezia office a meeting between Venice Biennale General Manager Andrea Del Mercato and exhibition main coordinator Manuela Luca-Dazio, and the Philippine technical team composed of Dr. Flores and Ms. Riya Lopez of the Philippine National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA). In the meeting, Dr. Flores presented the Philippines’ plan for the exhibit and its theme “Tie a String Around the World”. Both Mr. Mercato and Ms. Luca-Dazio on their part welcomed the return of the Philippines to the Venice Biennale and expressed how much they were looking forward to the Philippines’ participation. They also took the opportunity to explain some of the important dates and other technical information needed by the Philippine team to ensure a successful participation at the Biennale. The Venice Biennale is the premier art exhibition in the world that takes place once every two years in Venice, Italy. Technically, it is the Olympics of the art world. The last time the Philippines participated was in 1964. The Philippines’ participation this year is largely due to the efforts of the Senator Loren Legarda who believed it was time for the Philippines to once again make its presence felt at the Biennale after 51 years. |
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| UN Special Envoy for Climate Change Discusses Human Rights and Climate Change with PHL Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 27 January 2015 – United Nations Special Envoy for Climate
Change and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson met with
Ambassador Cecilia B. Rebong, Permanent Representative of the
Philippines to the United Nations and Other International
Organizations in Geneva, on January 16 to discuss the issue of
human rights and climate change. Ms. Robinson was the President of Ireland from 1990 to 1997, and served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 1997 to 2002. She was also appointed as UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa (2013) and continues to be the President of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice, an organization that advocates for victims of climate change who are usually forgotten – the poor, the disempowered and the marginalized across the world. The Philippines and Bangladesh are main co-sponsors of the resolution adopted by the Human Rights Council on “Human Rights and Climate Change” in June 2014, calling on the Council to hold a full-day panel discussion on the adverse impact of climate change on the realization of the right to food and on the role of enhanced international dialogue and cooperation in addressing the adverse impacts of climate change on the effective enjoyment of human rights. Ms. Robinson is one of the high-level resource persons at the panel discussion which will take place on March 06 during the 28th session of the UN Human Rights Council. During the meeting, Ms. Robinson explained her efforts to put a human face to climate change during the UNFCCC meetings in Lima, Peru. Ambassador Rebong said that the Philippines and Bangladesh hope that the panel discussion in March would feed into the climate change negotiations in December; that there is a need for more coherence in multilateral actions or discussions; and that negotiators have to understand that what we are discussing now are critical to the very survival of people whose situations are made even more vulnerable by the adverse impacts of climate change. Agreeing that there is need for coherence, Ms. Robinson highlighted that we are working against time, and an approach to make all climate change-related discussions and actions more urgent, people-centered and gender-sensitive is imperative. UN Special Envoy Robinson was accompanied by Ms. Celine Clark, Director of the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice. Also in attendance during the meeting were Mr. Nazrul Islam, Charge d’Affaires, a.i. and Ms. Nahida Sobhan, Counsellor of the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva. |
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| DOST mosquito trap researchers bag Dangal ng Bayan Presidential Award | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A team of researchers from the Department of Science and
Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute bagged
the highly-respected Dangal ng Bayan Presidential Award which
was conferred during the 114th Philippine Civil Service
Anniversary last month in Malacañang Palace, Manila. The team, composed of team leader Dr. Nuna E. Almanzor, Hermelina H. Bion, Annabelle V. Briones, Maricar B. Carandang, Alicia G. Garbo, and Josie L. Pondevida, was awarded for developing the Mosquito Ovicidal-Larvicidal (OL) trap system. The OL trap’s major accomplishment is that it “significantly reduced mosquito densities and dengue virus transmission in various schools and communities nationwide,” according to the Civil Service Commission. Now commercially available, the OL trap is able to contribute to the government income. Other countries with high dengue incidence have also expressed interest in the technology. The OL trap was launched in 2011 to address the burgeoning problem of dengue infection. The DOST-ITDI OL trap research team designed the trap to detect, monitor, and control the population of the dengue-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The trap works by attracting female mosquitoes to lay eggs on the paddle drenched with an organic solution. This solution kills the eggs and larvae, preventing mosquitoes from reaching adulthood. The solution is potent against mosquitoes but safe for humans and animals, as it is composed of ingredients commonly used in the kitchen for food preparation. According to the research team, the laboratory and field studies of the OL trap system has been published in the Acta Medica Philippina Volumes 46 and 47, a peer-reviewed scientific journal published by the University of the Philippines Manila and the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD). OL trap updates In a nationwide mosquito-reduction project with the health and education departments as DOST’s partners, the OL trap is used primarily for surveillance and in determining the mosquito population in a community. OL traps are installed in every classroom and monitored weekly for mosquito eggs and larvae. Selected faculty members, usually a science teacher or a nurse, do the monitoring and usually train students to assist them. Involving students in monitoring, according to monitors’ reports, raises their awareness and sense of responsibility early on about the hazards of dengue and how to help prevent its spread. For the project, the DOST, from June to December 2012, produced one million OL trap kits and distributed these to all public elementary and high schools nationwide. Soon the OL trap went beyond attracting mosquitoes to kill their next generation. In a bigger scale, it became a monitoring tool to determine weekly mosquito density. Reports from public elementary and high schools nationwide where the OL traps are installed are reflected in real time in the Dengue Vector Surveillance website. This site, launched in 2013, is designed to alert dengue coordinators, city health officers, and other health practitioners on the mosquito density and the possibility of dengue transmission in their respective areas. The website shows a map that users can browse to get informed on the mosquito density in certain communities. It also shows corresponding action that the health department recommends, depending on the status of the alert. Similarly, sending monitoring reports from the schools likewise became much easier. After their weekly check of the traps, school monitors send results via SMS to the dengue.ph website where results are displayed real-time. This system, implemented nationwide, continues to be a work in progress until the components are perfected. The health department, in support to the DOST’s initiative on Aedes mosquito vector surveillance, funded the installation of OL traps in public elementary and high schools nationwide. To date, the DOST has deployed 837,897 OL traps and 10,001,896 pellet sachets in 36,676 schools nationwide. Based on 2014 DOH-issued dengue case results, there were 73,815 suspected dengue cases from January 1 to October 4, 2014, some 56 percent lower compared with the 168,893 dengue cases in the same period last year. The report also states that most of those infected are in the 5 to 14 years age group. The DOST OL trap system is just one of several government interventions in fighting dengue especially among children. (S&T Media Service) |
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| Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Soon To Earn From Govt’s Greening Program | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has recently forged an
agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) and the Iraga National Convergence Initiative
Marketing Cooperative (INCIMC) for the establishment of a
50-hectare fuel wood production-cum-agro-forest development
project in Solana, Cagayan. DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes said the program would greatly help augment the income of INCIMC members, most of whom are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). ARBs in Cagayan will soon earn additional income coming from the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) and the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) fuel wood production project. Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Virgilio Acasili said “This project is like hitting two birds with one stone. First, it will contribute to the NGP’s accomplishment by planting thousands of trees of different species. Second, it will provide additional source of income and livelihood opportunities for our agrarian reform beneficiaries.” Acasili said that as of December 2014, as the initial phase of the project, 45 hectares have been planted with 5,000 coconut seedlings provided by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), while the other five (5) hectares have been planted with Ipil-ipil trees.dar web news national pix 2 jan. 27 2015 “Aside from their traditional crops of rice and corn, the farmers will have additional income when they sell the coconut and Ipil-ipil seedlings to the market. Full-grown Coco lumber and ipil-ipil are good and cheap source of fuel,” added Acasili. Under the memorandum of agreement, the DAR will provide the funding requirements amounting to P470,000 while the INCIMC will facilitate the seedling production, site clearing, hole-digging and planting of the seedlings. The DENR, on the other hand, allocated 50 hectares of idle and unproductive forestlands within the Agrarian Reform Area and provide technical assistance to the ARBO upon the implementation of the project. The NGP, a government initiative, seeks to plant around 1.5-billion trees over about 1.5-million hectares nationwide to promote resource conservation and protection, productivity enhancement, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and poverty reduction. |
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| Findings of the City Prosecutor Charging Pemberton with Murder, Affirmed | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued today a Resolution
denying the petition for review of the resolution of the City
Prosecutor of Olongapo City finding probable cause to indict
Respondent L/Cpl Joseph Scott Pemberton (PEMBERTON) for the
crime of murder of the victim Jeffrey Laude (LAUDE). It may be recalled that on 11 October 2014, the lifeless body of LAUDE was discovered in the bathroom of Room No. 1, Celzone Lodge, Olangapo City. A joint parallel investigation was thereafter conducted by complainant Philippine National Police - Olongapo City Police Office (PNP-OCPO) and the United States Navy Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) wherein they took the voluntary sworn statements of seven (7) witnesses. After a judicious scrutiny of the evidence on record, the DOJ found that all the elements of murder are satisfied, thus, there is no reason to alter, modify, or reverse the resolution of the City Prosecutor of Olongapo City. First, the killing of LAUDE has been certainly established. Second, the various pieces of evidence presented, i.e., the CCTV footage of Ambyanz showing Mark Clarence Gelviro (GELVIRO), LAUDE, and Respondent PEMBERTON leaving the club together; the unequivocal statements of GELVIRO and Elias Gallamos (GALLAMOS) positively identifying Respondent PEMBERTON as the person who was last seen with LAUDE on the night he died; the result of the general physical examination conducted on Respondent PEMBERTON showing abrasions and light scratches on different parts of his body; Respondent PEMBERTON's latent print on one of the condoms found at the crime scene; and the unequivocal testimonies of Respondent PEMBERTON's fellow Marine servicemen who were with him on that fateful night, lead to no other conclusion than that Respondent PEMBERTON was the perpetrator of the crime. Third, the results of the physical examination conducted on Respondent PEMBERTON and LAUDE's cadaver, as well as the ocular inspection of the crime scene, demonstrate the attendant qualifying circumstances of treachery, abuse of superior strength, and cruelty. Finally, the killing is neither parricide nor infanticide as provided under the Revised Penal Code, as amended. As to Respondent PEMBERTON's claim of the lack of any direct evidence linking him to the crime, the DOJ ruled that "absence of direct evidence does not preclude a finding of probable cause. It has been the consistent pronouncement of the Supreme Court that, in such cases, the prosecution may resort to circumstantial evidence." As to the presence of qualifying circumstances in the commission of the crime, the DOJ found that treachery cleary attended the killing of LAUDE. The evidence reveals that the manner of attack employed by Respondent PEMBERTON rendered LAUDE unable to defend himself or to retaliate: Respondent PEMBERTON choked him from behind; the autopsy results as well as the examination conducted by the NCIS indicate that there were visible pressure marks and a circular purplish discoloration around his neck; and the Medico Legal Report shows that external portion of the right horn of his larynx is contused and that there is hematoma on the upper inner portions of the larynx below the glottis. The DOJ also noted the short span of time it took to kill LAUDE – his lifeless body was discovered thrity (30) minutes after GELVIRO left the room —indicates the suddenness of the attack. Moreover, since LAUDE went with Respondent PEMBERTON on his own volition to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money, LAUDE most probably did not expect to be in danger and, consequently, he was likely unable to defend himself against the unwarranted attack. In appreciating the presence of the circumstance of abuse of superior strength, the DOJ noted that Respondent PEMBERTON is a member of the United States Marine Corps, which is known to have the strictest recruitment standards among the Uniformed Services of the United States Armed Forces. On the other hand, LAUIDE, albeit biologically a man, is a transgender who chose to adapt a woman's physical, appearance and behavior. Thus, it is clear that there is manifest physical disparity between Respondent PEMBERTON and LAUDE and that the former took advantage of his superior strength to cause the death of the latter, as evidenced by the multiple abrasions and contusions found on LAUDE. With respect to the qualifying circumstance of cruelty, the autopsy results that LAUDE died of "asphyxia due to drowning and strangulation" show that while he was still breathing, Respondent PEMBERTON drowned him by forcefully submerging his head in the water inside the toilet bowl. Drowning LAUDE in a toilet bowl evidently indicates Respondent PEMBERTON's intention to degrade him. As to Respondent PEMBERTON's claim that he was not given an opportunity to controvert the NCIS report during the preliminary investigation, the records show that despite several opportunities accorded to him, Respondent PEMBERTON failed to file his counter-affidavit or present any countervailing evidence. In any case, the essence of the right to due process is the right to be heard, and that right was accorded to Respondent PEMBERTON. The DOJ also emphasized that a preliminary investigation is not the occasion for the full and exhaustive display of the parties' evidence. In this case, the evidence presented has sufficiently established that Respondent PEMBERTON is probably guilty of the crime of murder and should be held for trial. |
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| Leaders call for sobriety, faith in peace process amidst challenges | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – Leaders from various sectors called on the public to remain committed to the peace process amidst recent challenges, especially the tragedy in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, which claimed nearly fifty lives. “[It’s] difficult but we still have to believe in the peace process. My brother, a captain, was killed in Basilan in 1998. I dedicated my support to waging peace in memory of his sacrifice,” Ifugao Rep. Teddy Baguilat Jr. said. The solon intimated that among those killed in Mamasapano was his cousin. “The natural emotional tendency is to condemn, to doubt, to grieve and to call for aggression,” he added. “But the courageous thing for us to do is to pray and to believe, still.” “The CBCP (Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines) mourns with the families of the gallant policemen, victims of an utterly senseless act of violence in Mindanao,” CBCP President and Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas said. According to Villegas, while the CBCP condemns such violence, “we cannot side with those who call for the discontinuance of peace talks.” “If anything, this sad incident underscores the necessity and the urgency of arriving at a solution that is not rushed but that is inclusive, principled and just to all,” Villegas said. Several civil society organizations also called on the public to remain sober in the wake of the tragedy and highlighted the necessity of continuing with the peace process. “As a nation, we need to be reminded about the importance of peace in Mindanao. We reiterate that between an “all-out war” vs. an “all-out peace”, the former has been proven to be the most expensive,” the Al Qalam Institute said in a statement. “We call for sobriety for all, including our policy makers, pleading and imploring your kind hearts not to derail nor halt the legislative hearing on [the] Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) because this will just clearly hinder us in attaining our goals for lasting peace in Mindanao,” the statement of the Lanao Peace Advocates reads. The organization also reminded the public that “the tragedy should not be used to blind us in attaining what we desired as outcome of the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).” “We call for all parties to continue pursuing the roadmap for peace in Mindanao,” it added. “We maintain our support for the peace process,” the Mindanao Business Council said, while urging leaders in government and the private sector to be “careful and prudent in issuing public statements,” and asking members of the business community to extend assistance to the victims and their families. “We need to recognize that our government and the MILF have established a ceasefire mechanism to handle proper coordination protocols on the ground,” the Al Qalam Institute reminded the public. “Despite several major conflicts in the past, the mechanism allowed the peace talks to continue and move forward for more than 16 years.” Ceasefire is working Brig. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., chairman of the government’s Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), has reported that retrieval operations of the dead, wounded, and surviving Special Action Force personnel have been completed. “We want also to report that we were able to immediately restore the ceasefire,” Galvez added in his report. Members of the government and MILF ceasefire committees, along with the International Monitoring Team also facilitated the retrieval of those who died and the safe passage of those who were still inside the area. More than 30 lives were saved from the brunt of the encounter in Mamasapano and civilians were spared from displacement through the ceasefire and peaceful evacuation of the troops. “We would like to acknowledge the courage and boldness of our International Monitoring Team Member from Norway and Joint CCCH staff under MILF's ceasefire chair, Rashid Ladiasan,” Galvez added. “Notwithstanding the ensuing intense firefight they proceeded to the encounter site to effect the ceasefire and facilitate the extrication of surviving troops and retrieve the cadavers under PNP SAF.” The CCCH was created in 1997, and is composed of members from both the government and the MILF, along with neutral parties. Its mandate is to monitor the implementation of the GPH-MILF Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities and settle complaints on ceasefire violations to contain and prevent conflicts from escalation. The IMT, on the other hand, monitors the ceasefire, socio-economic and humanitarian agreements between the government and the MILF. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Checks and Balances in National Government vs None in the BBL | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| To say that there are no checks and balances in the proposed BBL as compared to those existing in the national government can only be due to a complete misreading of the proposed BBL. In fact, the proposed law that will establish the framework for the future Bangsamoro government is replete with so many examples of checks and balances on the powers to be exercised by the new political entity. The proposed BBL in the first place is a classic example of trying to balance autonomy, subsidiarity and devolution with sufficient internal controls. Overarching the whole concept of checks and balances is the fact that the President will continue to exercise general supervision over the Bangsamoro government to ensure that National laws are faithfully executed. It is worthy to note that National laws cannot be amended by the Bangsamoro Parliament unless authorized to do so by Congress. Moreover it is clear in the proposed BBL that reserved powers (both expressed and residual) of the national Government can at anytime be exercised within the Bangsamoro territory without any limitation whatsoever. For example, the Bangsamoro Government’s power to enter into economic agreements, and to establish linkages for cultural exchange, economic and technical cooperation with other countries is subject to the Central Government’s reserved powers over foreign affairs. In addition, the exercise of the concurrent or shared powers by the Bangsamoro government can only be done with the coordination and cooperation of the national government. To supplement the work of the Constitutional bodies in the Bangsamoro (COA, CSC, COMELEC, CHR) is the proposed establishment of auditing, civil service, election and human rights units in the Bangsamoro without prejudice of course to the powers, authorities and duties of these Constitutional bodies. The only goal is to assist, and not to replace in any manner whatsoever the powers and authorities of these bodies. The Ombudsman shall have the power to act on erring Bangsamoro officials. The Supreme Court will continue to exercise the powers of supervision and judicial review over all courts including Shari’ah Courts. Moreover, there are clear statements in the proposed BBL that the Bangsamoro government will have to adhere to the commitments of the National Government as embodied in international treaties and agreements. The draft law also provides for additional intergovernmental bodies to be established in order to ensure cooperation and coordination between the National and Bangsamoro Governments. These are: 1) The Central Government - Bangsamoro Government intergovernmental Relations Body to resolve issues on intergovernmental relations; 2) The Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board that shall address revenue unbalances and fluctuations in regional financial needs and revenue-raising capacity of the Bangsamoro; 3) The Philippine Congress - Bangsamoro Parliament Forum for purposes of cooperation and coordination of legislative initiatives; 4) The Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board to ensure the harmonization of environmental and development plans, as well as to formulate common environmental objectives; and 5) The Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation which shall be responsible for drawing up of policies in the zones of joint cooperation in the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf. Also worthy of note is the provision on the possible vote of no confidence against the Government of the day which can serve as a further check on the performance of the Bangsamoro government by the duly elected representatives of the Bangsamoro. Another is the full disclosure policy of the Bangsamoro government of its budget and finances and of bids and public offerings. Regarding public order and safety, there will be a Bangsamoro Police Board which shall perform the functions of the Napolcom in the Bangsamoro . The board shall be part of the Napolcom with the Napolcom ensuring that the Bangsamoro Police Board performs its powers and functions within the bounds of its authority. Above all of these controls within and outside the Bangsamoro however, what is of paramount importance would be the demand of the governed for complete accountability of those who govern and supported by a strong press and strong civil society organizations. That way we can further strengthen the democratic institutions that will be established and ensure the general welfare of the people in the Bangsamoro. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Imports decline in November 2014 due to lower payments for capital goods and mineral fuels – NEDA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – Merchandise imports declined by 10.8 percent in
November 2014 as lower payments for capital goods and mineral
fuels and lubricants largely negated the growth in the value of
imported raw materials and intermediate goods and consumer
goods, according to the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that total import payments fell to US$5.0 billion in November 2014 from US$5.6 billion in November 2013. For the same period, the import value of capital goods slumped to US$789.4 million, a sharp 59.0-percent reduction from US$ 1.9 billion. “The negative performance of capital goods imports was largely due to the decrease in imports of aircraft, ships and boats, which partly reflects the trough period of the massive re-fleeting program of major airlines, as well as to the reduction in the import value of telecommunication equipment and electrical machinery. Declining global oil prices also brought down the value of inward shipments of mineral fuels during the month,” said Economic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director-General Arsenio M. Balisacan. For the first eleven months of 2014, imports bill grew by 2.8 percent to US$58.5 billion from US$57.0 billion a year ago. With faster growth in exports (10.2%), trade-in-goods deficit for the January to November period narrowed significantly to US$1.5 billion from US$5.2 billion in the same period in 2013. The higher value of imported raw materials and intermediate goods and consumer goods partially mitigated the overall decline in imports during the month. Total payments for imported raw materials and intermediate goods increased by 49.4 percent to US$2.5 billion in November 2014 from US$1.7 billion in November 2013. “The prevailing low oil price environment, which is expected to persist until 2015, may further increase the country’s total oil importation for the remaining part of 2014 and for the whole of 2015 given the country’s high dependence on imported oil. Imports of consumer goods will likewise remain positive for the remaining month of the year, mainly supported by the uptick in domestic consumption primarily of food,” the Cabinet official said. He noted that the global economic environment remains fragile at present, with many developed economies confronted with various economic uncertainties; from deflation, precarious fiscal positions, slowing consumer demand, among others. “The continuing low prices of oil bode well for the country’s consumer activity, given the relief from hikes in fares, utility costs, and other consumer items. Industrial activity also benefits from the reduction in operating costs. This is also an opportune time to implement programs to encourage backward linkages among domestic industries. Programs that improve productivity through the use of technology and that facilitate access to credit, such as those of the Departments of Trade and Industry and Science and Technology (DTI and DOST),” Balisacan said. However, Balisacan noted that low oil prices entail reduction in revenues from oil taxes and duties, and may thus cause the government’s fiscal position to worsen should low oil prices persist. He urged policy makers to implement alternative measures such as increasing excise taxes on petroleum products to recover or offset lost revenues from customs duties so as not to compromise development objectives tied to the national budget. Meanwhile, the People’s Republic of China remained as the country’s top source of merchandise imports in November 2014 with a 16.2 percent share to total imports bill followed by Saudi Arabia (10.0%), United States of America (9.7%), Japan (9.6%), Singapore (8.3%), South Korea (7.8%), Malaysia (6.1%), Thailand (5.5%), Taiwan (4.1%), and Indonesia (3.9%). |
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| BI implements paperless annual report system | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) implemented a
paperless filing system for the annual report (AR) requirement
for foreigners beginning January 1 this year. “The paperless filing is the first step towards the fully online system that we hope to be in place by next year”, said BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison. The new system, as implemented under Immigration Operations Order No. SBM-2014-063, removes the requirement of the paper-based application form through the online application form which should be accomplished at <vua.immigration.gov.ph> before proceeding to the BI office for completion of the annual report. Registrants are required to file the report in person and present their original ACR I-Card, pay a fee of P310, and submit the confirmation number generated through the online BI AR Form. The annual report is pursuant to Republic Act No. 562, Section 10 requiring registered aliens to report to the Bureau of Immigration within the first 60 days of the calendar year. |
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| 984 gov’t offices pass, 39 flunk Report Card Survey – CSC | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| A total of 1,023 service offices from nine government agencies
were subjected last year to the Report Card Survey (RCS), a
mechanism to measure client satisfaction and get feedback on
government frontline services. Of this number, 984 offices or
96% got passing marks while 39 offices or 4% earned a “Failed”
rating. See the result here. Among the passers, or those that obtained scores from 70 to 100, some 258 offices (25.22%) received an “Excellent” rating; 10 offices (0.98%) got “Outstanding”; 636 offices (62.17%) were rated “Good”; and 80 offices (7.82%) were “Acceptable”. The service offices subjected to the RCS came from nine agencies most complained of and that need frontline service improvement, based on reports received through the Contact Center ng Bayan of the Civil Service Commission (CSC). These agencies are Land Transportation Office (LTO), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Social Security System (SSS), Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), Land Registration Authority (LRA), Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistics Office (PSA-NSO), and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth). The RCS provides a quantitative measure of client perceptions on the quality, efficiency, and adequacy of public services. The CSC runs the survey as the lead implementer of Republic Act No. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 (ARTA). The CSC checks if the service office has a Citizen’s Charter that contains detailed commitments on transaction steps, cost, and time. It also checks if anti-fixing measures are implemented, if frontline staff wear identification cards, if there are no hidden transaction costs, if there is a manned Public Assistance and Complaints Desk, and if the service office observes the No Noon Break policy. Also considered is overall client satisfaction based on the effectiveness of frontline service providers, service quality, physical setup of the office, availability of basic facilities, and client feedback. Service offices which obtain a score of 90 to 100 are rated Excellent. Those with scores of 90 to 100 but have a failing mark in one area are rated Outstanding. Scores of 80-89.99 are rated Good; 70-79.99 are Acceptable; and 69.99 and below are Failed. Offices that fail in any of the two core areas, regardless of the final numerical rating, also incur a Failed rating. GSIS and HDMF both had a full passing rate with all of their service offices obtaining scores not lower than 70. Moreover, GSIS had the highest proportion of offices that got “Excellent” marks, numbering 38 out of 57 surveyed offices (66.67%). This was followed by Philhealth with 68 passers out of 138 surveyed (49.28%) and HDMF with 26 passers out of 74 surveyed (35.14%). On the other hand, PRC had the highest percentage of offices that failed the RCS, with 2 out of 11 surveyed offices (18.18%). However, out of the 39 Failed offices, LTO topped the list with 21 Failed offices. |
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Last Updated:
27 JANUARY 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) on outgoing Republic of Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines V.P. Hirubalan during the farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 27). (Photo by Lauro Montillano / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates outgoing Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines V.P. Hirubalan after conferring on him the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu, Katangiang Ginto (Grand Cross, Gold Distinction) during the farewell call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets outgoing Singapore Ambassador to the Philippines V.P. Hirubalan during the Farewell Call and Conferment of the Order of Sikatuna at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 27). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the Korean National Assembly Parliamentary Delegation, headed by Choi Kyu-sung, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall Sala of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 27). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea / Lauro Montillano/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects Zamboanga City Jail Sunday (January 25) as part of his routine in preparation for a jail congestion program of the government. Zamboanga City Jail facility holds high risk inmates who are the concern the said program. With the president are DILG Sec Mar Roxas, DSWD Sec. Corazon Dinky Soliman, Defense Secretary Volaire Gazmin and Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco. (Photo by Gil Nartea Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III visits Zamboanga City Sunday (January 25) hit by a deadly blast last Friday that killed two people and wounded 52 others. President Aquino later visited the survivors in hospitals together with DILG Sec Manuel Roxas, DSWD Dinky Soliman, Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Zambonga Mayor Beng Climaco. (photo by Gil Nartea Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Sec. Sonny Coloma delivers his message during the Retirement Ceremony of PCOO employees: Mr. Dionisio Cuilao, 40 yrs of dedicated service and Ms. Felicidad Teodoro, 41 years of dedicated service. The said ceremony was held at the Press Briefing Room in the New Executive Bldg., Malacanang on January 23 (Friday). | ||
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Group photo opportunity with the retirees. | ||
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PCOO officials with the retirees from left: Sec. Coloma, Dionisio Cuilao (retiree) Felicidad Teodoro (retiree), Edna Cueva (SETAP President), Usec. Jess Anthony Yu and Usec. Rey Marfil. | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to Pope Francis on board Philippine Airlines that would fly back the Pope to Rome Monday (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III joins the crowd of well wishers during the departure of Pope Francis Monday (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis makes waves farewell to thousands of well wishers at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City Monday morning (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III makes kisses the ring of Pope Francis before the pontiff boards the Philippine Airlines plane that would fly him back to Rome Monday, January 2015 . (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, walks towards Philippine Airlines plane that would fly him back to Rome Monday (January 19). (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Aquino III, Cabinet officials and Church Leaders thanked the Pope Francis for the Philippine visit before boarding a Philippine Airlines flight to Rome Monday (January 19). (photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis is meet by President Benigno S. Aquino III upon his arrival in Villamor Airbase Monday morning (January 19). The President thanks Pope Francis for the Philippine visit before the pope boards the Philippine Airlines flight to Rome. (photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis leads the holy mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Sunday, (January 18) where an estimated six (6) million people attended, including President Benigno S. Aquino III and his family, some cabinet members and other (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Ryan Lim/Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis on board Popemobile waves to the crowd as he leaves Quirino Grandstand, Sunday (January 18) after celebrating holy mass. An estimated six (6) million people attended the mass. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Aquino III, together with his family attends the mass celebrated by Pope Francis at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta Sunday (January 18). An estimated six (6) million people attended mass under pouring rain. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis arrives at the Quirino Grandstand Sunday (January 18) to celebrate mass despite rains in Manila. The Pope was met by President Benigno S. Aquino III. This will be the last activity of the visiting Pope as he is scheduled to leave Manila tomorrow morning, Monday.( Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis visits Palo Cathedral in Leyte Province Saturday, (January 17) where he announced that his trip has been cut short due to the ongoing typhoon in the area. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis, wearing raincoat, blesses the crowd after the mass near Tacloban Airport, Saturday (January 17), before proceeding to Palo, Leyte to visit with families of Typhoon Yolanda victims. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis visits with the families of typhoon Yolanda victims in Palo, Leyte Saturday (January 17). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis, wearing a yellow raincoat, celebrates mass amidst heavy rains and strong winds near Tacloban Airport Saturday, (January 17). After the mass, the Pope visited Palo, Leyte and met with families of typhoon Yolanda victims. The Pope's visit to Leyte was shortened due to strong rain and wind in the area. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis arrives at the Tacloban Airport in Leyte Saturday morning, (January 17) to celebrate holy mass and visit with families of Typhoon Yolanda victims. Thousands of people, all in raincoats, met the Pope despite heavy rains and strong winds in the area as Typhoon Signal Number 2 is raised in Leyte and neaby provinces. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis wears a raincoat, upon arrival at Tacloban airport in Leyte Saturday morning (January 17), to celebrate holy mass and visit with families of Typhoon Yolanda victims. Thousands of people, all in raincoats, met the Pope despite heavy rains and strong winds in the area as Typhoon Signal No. 2 is raised in Leyte and neaby provinces. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Pope Francis disembark from plane after a visit to Tacloban and Palo Leyte, Saturday (January 17). The Pope's trip was cut short due to bad weather brought by Storm Amang. (Photo by Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Pope Francis blesses a child while he boards the Popemobile upon his arrival from Tacloban and Palo, Leyte Saturday afternoon (January 17) in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City. (Photo by Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Pope Francis hugs children upon his arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City from Tacloban on Saturday (January 17). The Pope's trip to Leyte was cut short due to bad weather brought by Storm Amang. (Photo by Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Pope Francis poses for a selfie with some women upon his arrival at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City from Tacloban on Saturday (January 17). The Pope's trip to Leyte was cut short due to bad weather brought by Storm Amang. (Photo by Rey S. Banquet / NIB) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis departs Malacañan Palace aboard a Popemobile following the Welcome Ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey Of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III bids His Holiness Pope Francis farewell at the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace following ceremonies for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis comforts the sick and gives the Apostolic Blessing during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16, 2015). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis delivers his message during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis listens to President Benigno S. Aquino III as he delivers his message during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Holiness Pope Francis sign the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis departs Malacañan Palace aboard a Pope Mobile following the Welcome Ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis kisses a child in the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during ceremonies at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Rolando Mailo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents a sculpture of Mary, Undoer of Knots made of old wood by Paete sculptor Fred Baldemor, as one of his gifts to His Holiness Pope Francis during the tete-a-tete at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presents a commemorative Philippine coin worth 500 pesos as one his gifts to His Holiness Pope Francis during the tete-a-tete at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Jubilant crowd cheers His Holiness Pope Francis as the Papal convoy arrives for the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Holiness Pope Francis members of the Cabinet during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis delivers his message during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16, 2015). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis gives the Apostolic Blessing during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis departs Malacañan Palace aboard the Popemobile following the Welcome Ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during ceremonies held at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis lead the singing of the Pontifical and Philippine National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Holiness Pope Francis members of the Cabinet during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis kisses a child at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey of the pontiff to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, hugs children at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as His Holiness Pope Francis signs the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives His Holiness Pope Francis during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday(January 16). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III kisses His Holiness Pope Francis’ ring during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis lead the singing of the Pontifical and Philippine National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Palace Main Lobby of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with His Holiness Pope Francis during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippineson Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis arrive for the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with His Holiness Pope Francis during the General Audience of Senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Holiness Pope Francis sign the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Republic of the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives His Holiness Pope Francis during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III escorts His Holiness Pope Francis towards the Palace Main Lobby following the welcome ceremony at the palace grounds on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis kisses a child at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace during the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, hugs children at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Jubilant crowd cheers His Holiness Pope Francis as the Papal convoy arrives for the welcome ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis acknowledge the family members of the Cabinet Secretaries at the garden area of the Malacañan Palace following the welcome ceremony for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as His Holiness Pope Francis signs the Palace Guestbook at the Reception Hall of Malacañang during the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Holiness Pope Francis during the General Audience of senior Government Officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit and Apostolic Journey to the Philippines of the pontiff on Friday (January 16). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis rides the popemobile following his arrival Thursday (January 15) on his way to the Papal Nunciature. Also in photo is Luis Cardinal Tagle, Archbishop of Manila. (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis boards the Popemobile following the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis boards the Popemobile following the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis with Archbishop Antonio Tagle along with members of the Papal Delegation during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Students from different schools participates in welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis during the arrival ceremony the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis, accompanied by President Benigno S. Aquino III, receives a bouquet of flowers during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis arrives at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis boards the Popemobile following the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15, 2015). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis pass through the Honor Guards during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15, 2015). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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His Holiness Pope Francis arrives at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis along with members of the Papal Delegation during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Holiness Pope Francis greet members of the Presidium of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Holiness Pope Francis during the arrival ceremony at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City Thursday afternoon (January 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the security preparations at Villamor Air Base, the Apostolic Nunciature and the Light Rail Transit (LRT) 1 Quirino Station during the dry run on Tuesday night (January 13) of the Papal convoy for the pastoral visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. With the President is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Members of the Philippine Military Academy and Presidential Security Group stand at attention during the rehearsals for the arrival honors for Pope Francis in Malacanang Wednesday (January 14). (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Members of the Philippine Military Academy stand at attention during the rehearsals for the arrival honors for Pope Francis in Malacanang Wednesday (January 14). (Rey S. Baniquet / NIB) | ||
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Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma, Jr. (extreme left) answers a query from the press during a media briefing on Monday (Jan. 12, 2015) on the Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Philippines. Also in photo are Bishop Mylo C. Vergara, Bishop Ruperto Santos and Msgr. Pedro Quitorio. The Pope is arriving in Manila on Thursday (Jan. 15, 2015). (PNA photo by Johnny D. Guevarra) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III asked for the cooperation of the people on television Monday (January 12) to ensure a safe and successful pastoral visit of Pope Francis. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, leads the traditional toast for the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, leads the traditional toast during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message at the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Papal Nuncio to the Philippines and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps His Excellency Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto at the reception line for the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Vice President Jejomar Binay at the reception line of the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives for the reception line during the New Year’s Vin d’ Honneur at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 12). The annual reception which marks the 28th Vin d’ Honneur since the 1986 EDSA Revolution was attended by government officials, members of the Diplomatic Corps, officials of international organizations and businessmen. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the crowd upon his arrival
for the ceremonial nauguration of new buildings of the recently
upgraded Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater
on Friday (January 09). The upgraded RPH serves 17 municipalities
with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Gil Nartea/
Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III with Romblon Lone District
Representative Eleandro Jesus Madrona views the works of the
sculptors of the province and other products of Romblon being
showcased Friday (January 09) after gracing the ceremonial
inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital.
(Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III escorted by Romblon Governor Eduardo
Firmalo views the works of sculptors of th province and other
products of Romblon being showcased in the Romblon Marble Fair at
the Romblon Shopping Center Friday (January 09) after gracing the
ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of Romblon Provincial
Hospital. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III with Romblon Governor Eduardo
Firmalo as he shows the map upon arrival for the ceremonial
inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial Hospital at
the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January 09). The hospital
serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around 350,000.
(Photo by Rodolfo Manabat/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III gives baller band's to the crowd
upon his arrival for the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of
the Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on
Friday (January 09). The hospital serves 17 municipalities with a
total population of around 350,000. (Photo by Rodolfo/ Malacañang
Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the crowd upon his arrival
for the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon
Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January
09). The hospital serves 17 municipalities with a total population
of around 350,000. (Photo by Rodolfo/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the
ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon Provincial
Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater on Friday (January 09). The
hospital serves 17 municipalities with a total population of around
350,000. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III views the works of sculptors of the
province and other products of Romblon being showcase in the Romblon
Marble Fair at the Romblon Shopping Center Friday (January 09) after
gracing the ceremonial inauguration of new buildings of the Romblon
Provincial Hospital . (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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President Benigno S. Aquino III gives baller band's to the crowd
upon his arrival for the Ceremonial Inauguration of new buildings of
the Romblon Provincial Hospital at the Romblon Public Theater in
Poblacion, Romblon on Friday (January 09). The Hospital serves 17
municipalities with a total population of around 350,000. (Photo by
Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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PhPPP CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Please visit http://t.co/swMShRWTK9 for more information. http://t.co/B2f04Yhd67 | via @PPP_Ph
“PhPPP CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: Please visit http://t.co/zQsmzwpvx2 for more information. @PIANewsDesk @govph”
twitter.com|By PPP Center
#PHLPost, Israel remember PH rescue of Jews w/ postage stamps | https://t.co/gRIKVaOlMT #HolocaustMemorialDay http://t.co/oiCsfvoHeO
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News pic.twitter.com
PhPPP NEWS:Gov't awards 9th #PhPPPproject READ MORE http://t.co/RvZWynGrr1 http://t.co/zFnHbK8UcR | via @PPP_Ph
Get the whole picture - and other photos from PIA News pic.twitter.com
Leaders call for sobriety, faith in #peace process amidst challenges - See more at: http://t.co/3C4kdzC4Yr
MANILA,
Jan. 28 -- Leaders from various sectors called on the public to remain
committed to the peace process amidst recent challenges, especially the
tragedy... news.pia.gov.ph
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