24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 17 February 2015
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 17 February 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 17 February 2015 |
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Synopsis:
Trough of Low Pressure Area (LPA) affecting Mindanao. Northeast monsoon affecting Extreme Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
Mindanao
will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated
thunderstorms. The regions of Cagayan Valley, Cordillera and Ilocos will
experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of
the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or
thunderstorms.
Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Extreme Northern Luzon and coming from the east to northeast over the eastern section of the country and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.
PAGTAYA: Ang Mindanao ay magkakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang mga pag-ulan at pulu-pulong pagkidlat-pagkulog. Ang Rehiyon ng Cagayan Valley, Cordillera at Ilocos ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahinang mga pag-ulan. Ang Metro Manila at ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na hangin mula sa hilagang-silangan ang iiral sa dulong Hilagang Luzon at mula naman sa silangan hanggang hilagang-silangan sa silangang bahagi ng bansa at ang mga baybaying dagat sa mga lugar na ito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay maalon. Sa ibang dako, ang hangin ay magiging mahina hanggang sa katamtaman mula sa hilagang-silangan na may banayad hanggang sa katamtamang pag-alon ng karagatan.
OVER METRO MANILA:
Maximum Temperature: 10:00 AM yesterday ----- 30.8 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 06:00 AM yesterday ----- 23.6 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM yesterday --------- 91 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 11:00 PM yesterday --------- 57 %
High tide today: 11:09 AM ………..….. 0.30 meter
Low tide today: 12:30 PM …………… 0.30 meter
High tide today: 08:39 PM ………..….. 1.12 meter
Low tide tomorrow: 04:15 AM …………… -0.18 meter
Sunrise today: 6:19 AM
Sunset today: 6:01 PM
Moonset today: 04:17 PM
Moonrise tomorrow: 05:18 AM
Illumination tomorrow: 3 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
February 17 , 2015 ( Tuesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA 4A / PIA QUEZON : Sunny
in Lucena City
QUEZON
1. DTI turns over P900K worth of hat blocking machines to buri weavers in Mauban
- February 17, 2015
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MAUBAN, Quezon, Feb. 13 (PIA) --The
provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) formally turned
over three hat blocking machines to the buri processing facilities in barangays
Bagong Bayan, Remedios I and Concepcion in this municipality last February 10,
2015.Municipal tourism officer Annabelle Caleja said the equipment were handed over to the members of Gat-Uban Weavers Association to help them in drying buri which they make into woven products.
The three hat blocking machines costing P900,000 are part of DTI’s shared service facility (SSF) program being implemented in the province, DTI-Quezon provincial director Marcelina Alcantara said.
Alcantara added the blocking machines have mechanism to fully dry buri leaves until it become primary material for buri woven products.
Mauban Mayor Fernando Q, Llamas thanked the DTI for providing the equipment to his constituents, saying the machines would help the buri weavers a lot in making buri made quality products.
Meanwhile, Provincial board member Alona Obispo said she has been promoting in Hawaii and the USA the buri made bags from the province. (RuelOrinday/ PIA- Quezon)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701424059020/dti-turns-over-p900k-worth-of-hat-blocking-machines-to-buri-weavers-in-mauban#sthash.5PLGrkdz.dpuf
2. Tagalog news: Bagong computer literacy building sa PUP-Lopez, pinasinayaan
- February 17, 2015
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LOPEZ, Quezon, Peb. 17 (PIA)
--Pinasinayaan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon ang bagong katatayong Serbisyong
Suarez computer literacy building sa Polytechnic University of the Philipines
(PUP) sa bayang ito noong Pebrero 10, 2015.Ang pasinaya ng gusali na pinangunahan ni Gobernador David Suarez ay kaalinsabay sa pagdiriwang ng ika-38 taong anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag ng PUP-Lopez.
Nagkaloob nghalagang P20,000 ang gobernador sa pamunuan ng PUP-Lopez na gagamitin sa paglalagay ng internet connection sa bagong gusali.
Naging bahagi naman ng pagdiriwang ang pagbibigay ng parangal at pagkilala sa mga empleyado ng nasabing paaralan na nagserbisyo ng mahabang panahon.
Samantala, nagkaloob din ang gobernador ng halagang P50,000 bilang tulong sa mga nakahandang aktibidad ng paaralan sa pagdiriwang ng ika-36 na taong anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag nito. (RuelOrinday/ PIA-Quezon)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701424059561/tagalog-news-bagong-computer-literacy-building-sa-pup-lopez-pinasinayaan-#sthash.OBoweSSk.dpuf
3. DTI to establish Negosyo Centers in Quezon
- February 17, 2015
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LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Feb. 17
(PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Quezon provincial office
will soon establish "Negosyo Centers" in strategic areas in the
province of Quezon.Negosyo Centers will assist businessman in business name registration, business advisory services, business information advocacy and monitoring and evaluation.
The creation of the centers is pursuant to Republic Act 10644 which mandates the establishment of Negosyo Centers that will be managed by Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise Development Councils (MSMEDC) organized by the DTI.
Under the Act, Negosyo center must have a reception area with computer units, reading materials like magazines and other promotional materials on business operation. The center shall also have a consultation room and training center for individuals who are willing to be trained or receive advise.
According to the DTI, the Quezon Producers and Exporters Association may manage the center because they are composed of entrepreneurs/ businessman in the province . The center shall also have an area for merchandise or special products for sale from Quezon.
The provincial office of the DTI will assist the center by providing steel stock shelves, foldable ladder, adjustable table, display shelves, chairs, computer sets, laptop, computer printers, photocopier, LCD projector, document scanner, SLR camera and portable public address (PA) system. (Ruel Orinday/ PIA- Quezon)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/701424059976/dti-to-establish-negosyo-centers-in-quezon-#sthash.6P46x9Nj.dpuf
CAVITE
DTI SSF project rolls out bio-compost facility in Cavite
- February 17, 2015
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MENDEZ, Cavite, Feb. 17 (PIA) --DTI, through its Shared
Service Facility (SSF) project rolled out a bio-composting facility to
be operated by the municipal government of Mendez, Cavite which will produce
180,000 kilograms of organic compost and bio-liquid fertilizers
for the year.About 50 members of the Modern Farmers Association of Mendez will be the direct beneficiaries of the Mendez Ecological Processing Center . Other sectors that would benefit the project are vegetable, fish and poultry vendors grouped into clusters; food service providers (carinderia, restaurants, etc); the more than 5,000 households in Mendez, and traders of organic compost fertilizers.
Mendez, primarily an agricultural town, is threatened by development prospects that would attract investors in leisure and entertainment, and ecotourism. Faced with the challenge, the municipal government initiated programs, among them eco-waste management, to encourage farming especially to the unemployed youth.
The aim of the eco-waste management program is to reduce solid wastes dumped and accumulated in the landfill, at the same time produce organic compost which can be a source of alternative livelihood.
The project is multi-pronged: providing balance between economic growth and ecological stability; entrepreneurship; and creating jobs for 30 individuals.
With its increasing population, Mendez generates 7 tons of garbage daily of which more than half is compostable.
Currently, solid wastes are being collected and dumped in a sanitary landfill with no processes being done aside from segregation.
The bio-composting facility will reduce 56% of the solid waste and convert into organic compost fertilizer which can be used by local farmers at a more affordable price.
Wastes of market vendors grouped in clusters will be processed, of which 50 percent of processed products shall be given back to the clusters. The remaining half will be retained at the eco processing center.
Cavite Provincial Director Noly Guevara said that DTI is keen on the potential micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) to be created as well as the benefits to the farmers who will use organic compost instead of synthetic fertilizers.
Mayor Fredderick Vida accepted the P999,500-worth of machinery and equipment and stated that the project is expected to restore the lost interest of the younger generation for agriculture. He said the project will strengthen a new system of collecting garbage which is now in coordination with all the barangay officials prompting a full (100%) waste segregation system.
“This would be the start of a new partnership with various government agencies for a better Mendez. The SSF Project will definitely play a major role for us to achieve our goals for a safer, healthier and cleaner environment”, Vida said. (Charlie S. Dajao/ DTI Calabarzon; Revelyn Cortez DTI Cavite/PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631424130900/dti-ssf-project-rolls-out-bio-compost-facility-in-cavite#sthash.HPqAByme.dpuf
LAGUNA
DTI turns over food processing facility to complement knife-fish infestation at Laguna Lake
- February 17, 2015
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PILA, Laguna, Feb. 17 (PIA) — The
Department of Trade and Industry here recently turned over a food processing
facility to the Alyansa ng Kababaihan ng Pila (AKAP) Inc., aiming to
complement the campaign to contain knife-fish infestation in the Laguna Lake.Under the Shared Service Facility (SSF), the facility worth P661, 500 includes chillers, freezers, food cutters, gas stove, sausage filter and a vacuum sealer.
DTI Calabarzon Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that she is very optimistic that with the facility, AKAP will be producing in full scale food products - all made from knife fish – to be supplied to both the local and export markets.
AKAP Chairperson, meanwhile, pledged the commitment to keep the facility up and vowed to eventually increase production and manage well its operations to derive more income for its members.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong tulad nitong SSF Project ng DTI, nararamdaman namin ang pagpursigi at pagtulong ng gobyerno upang maibsan ang kahirapan lalo na dito sa kanayunan,” San Juan said.
The infestation of the knife-fish at the Laguna Lake threatens the livelihood of fisherfolks as the fish preys on other edible fishes resulting in reduced catch.
While regarded as a monster being a predator of economically important fishes, the knife fish is edible.
Weighing up to 20 kilograms, the knife-fish has higher commercial value compared to another invasive janitor fish. Its utilization for economic use will apparently help contain the infestation as well as provide livelihood.
The government has already formed a task group composed of various agencies to contain the said infestation.
Pila Mayor Wilfredo Quiat said that knife fishes taken out from the lake will be brought to the DTI-provided facility to be processed into food (nuggets, hotdog, sausage, burger patties, siomai, and fish balls) and fishmeal by the AKAP members, thus, presenting an alternative source of income for the women’s group whose members are family members of the lake fishermen.
DTI is implementing the SSF Project to help entrepreneurs and cooperatives increase their productivity and competitiveness, thus contribute to the country’s inclusive economic growth. (Charlie S. Dajao/Abish Ckaz D. Baniago, DTI Calabarzon/ PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2931424133145/dti-turns-over-food-processing-facility-to-complement-knife-fish-infestation-at-laguna-lake#sthash.Z4yvhRAf.dpuf
BATANGAS
Tagalog news: Million Volunteer Run, isasagawa ng Red Cross Batangas chapter
- February 16, 2015
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LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Pebrero 16 (PIA)
–Nakatakdang isagawa ng Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Batangas chapter ang ikatlong
edisyon ng kanilang fund-raising project na tinaguriang Million Volunteer Run
(MVR) 3 sa Marso 8, 2015. Sinabi ni PRC Batangas chapter administrator Ronald Generoso, na layunin ng Run for Humanity na maiangat ang kakayahan ng PRC Batangas chapter sa disaster preparedness and response.
May registration fee na P 150.00 (inclusive of singlet, race bib and finisher's certificate), ito ay sabayang isasagawa simula alas-5:30 ng umaga sa mga lungsod ng Batangas, Lipa at Tanauan at sa bayan ng Nasugbu gayundin sa ibang lalawigan. Sa Lungsod ng Batangas, ito ay magsisimula sa Batangas city sports center.
Ang mga registration booth ay matatagpuan sa mga mall, paaralan, establisyimento at sa mga Red Cross chapters at branches.
Target ng MVR3 na makahikayat ng 52,000 volunteers mula sa lalawigan ng Batangas (3,000 per district) kung kaya’t inaanyayahan ang lahat na lumahok sa naturang 5KM run, bata man o matanda. Ang mga sasali na may edad 17 taong gulang pababa ay kinakailangang may pahintulot o kunsinti ng kanilang magulang.
Ang pondong makakalap sa MVR 3 ay gagamitin ng PRC Batangas chapter sa mga serbisyong gawain nito tulad ng Blood Services, Disaster Management, Safety Services, Health Service, Social Services, at Red Cross Youth.
Bukod sa MVR3, idaraos din ang Ms. Batangas Province Red Cross na siyang magsisilbing ambassadress ng mga programa ng PRC. Bawat munisipalidad at bayan ay maaaring magpadala ng kanilang kinatawan. (Ronna Endaya Contreras-PIO Batangas City/PIA-Batangas)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681423737508/tagalog-news-million-volunteer-run-isasagawa-ng-red-cross-batangas-chapter#sthash.QhMjwfho.dpuf
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NEDA Board approves multibillion-peso projects | ||
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert
Sebastian at Efren Montano
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15 February 2015
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| MGA PAUNANG PAHAYAG Mga Proyektong Pang-Imprastruktura sa Kalakhang Maynila Ayon sa pahayag ni DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) Secretary Rogelio Singson, pormal na sisimulan ngayong Abril ng DPWH ang pagtatayo ng Senator Gil Puyat Avenue-Makati Avenue-Paseo de Roxas Underpass Project sa lungsod ng Makati. Ang proyekto na nagkakahalaga ng humigit-kumulang sa 1.27-bilyong piso ay bahagi ng pangkalahatang programa upang maibsan ang paninikip ng daloy ng trapiko sa kalakhang Maynila. Inaasahang matatapos ang proyekto sa taong 2017. Ang nasabing proyekto ay ilan sa mga proyektong pang-imprastruktura na inaprubahan ni Pangulong Aquino at mga miyembro ng Gabinete na kasapi ng NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) Board noong Oktubre ng nakaraang taon na nakalinyang ipatupad ng DPWH ngayong 2015. Ilan sa mga iba pang proyekto ay ang pagtatayo ng tatlong grade separated interchanges sa Lungsod ng Quezon na matatagpuan sa EDSA-North Avenue-West Avenue-Mindanao Avenue, Circumferential Road 5-Green Meadows-Calle Industria-Eastwood, at sa EDSA-Roosevelt Avenue-Congressional Avenue. Pagpaslang sa Isang Komentarista sa Bohol Nakikiisa ang pamahalaan sa pagkondena ng pagpaslang ng isang radio commentator ng DYRD sa Lungsod ng Tagbilaran sa Bohol na si Maurito Lim. Kasalukuyan nang kumikilos ang mga lokal na awtoridad upang madakip at mapanagot ang may kagagawan ng krimen. Kinikilala ng pamahalaan ang mahalagang papel ng mga mamamahayag sa ating lipunan kung kaya patuloy itong nakikipagtulungan sa hanay ng mga peryodista at manggagawa sa sektor ng pangmadlang komunikasyon upang mapangalagaan ang kaligtasan at maitaguyod ang kalayaan ng pamamahayag. Update ng DOH tungkol sa MERS-CoV Patuloy na pinaiigting ng pamahalaan ang mga pagbabantay sa mga daungan, paliparan, at iba pang ports of entry sa buong bansa bilang bahagi ng pangkalahatang aksyon upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) sa bansa. Sa huling ulat ng DOH (Department of Health) nananatiling nasa isang indibidwal ang kumpirmadong kaso ng MERS-CoV sa bansa, ang Pilipinang nurse na sakay ng Saudia o Saudi Airlines flight 860 na dumating sa bansa noong ika-1 ng Pebrero. Tuloy-tuloy ang ginagawang pagmomonitor ng mga manggagamot ng RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) sa kalagayan ng nasabing pasyente. Dagdag pa rito, hindi rin tumitigil ang DOH sa pagtunton o contact tracing ng iba pang pasaherong lulan ng Saudi Airlines flight 860. Sa huling ulat na ipinalabas ng DOH noong Biyernes, nasa 92 indibidwal mula sa kabuuang 220 na pasahero ang nahanap na ng DOH. Ayon din sa DOH, sa hanay ng mga kapwa pasahero sa Saudia flight dalawa ay tinaguriang symptomatic at under isolation. Muli po kaming nananawagan sa ating mga mamamayan na sundin at tumalima sa mga paalalang pangkalusugan o health advisories ng DOH tungkol sa MERS-CoV. Base sa DOH at World Health Organization, hindi madaling makahawa ang MERS-CoV sapagkat ang sakit na ito ay maaari lamang maipasa kung ikaw ay nagkaroon ng close contact sa may sakit. MAKATI UNDERPASS PROJECT Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir, follow-up lang po. ‘Yung kaninang sinabi ninyo ukol doon sa underpass project sa Makati, kailan po sisimulan ito? SEC. COLOMA: Sisimulan na po, ano. Sa mga ilang araw ay sisimulan na ito kaya ina-announce na ito ng DPWH upang mapaghandaan ng mga apektadong commuters. Mr. Sebastian: Yes, sir. Kasama na rin po siguro ‘yung pag-coordinate sa MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) dahil ang Makati ay isa sa mga sentro po ng negosyo at ‘yung traffic din po, ano, maraming maaabala. SEC. COLOMA: Bahagi po ‘yan sa mga kaukulang paghahanda sa pagpapatupad ng mga proyektong ito. PHL AS ONE OF THE TOP RETIREMENT HAVENS Mr. Sebastian: Sir, reaksyon lang po ng Palasyo ukol doon sa pagkakalagay din ng Pilipinas (bilang) isa sa sa mga top retirement havens sa buong mundo ngayong taon. Mr. Montano: Ayon sa Forbes magazine. Mr. Sebastian: Forbes magazine po ang naglabas niyang (ulat) na ‘yan. SEC. COLOMA: Siyempre po ikinakagalak po natin ang pahayag na ‘yan ng isang reputable na pahayagan, ang Forbes, at ito ay dapat na maging basehan upang tayo ay higit pang magpunyagi sa pagpapaganda ng investment climate sa ating bansa. Ang ranking po na ‘yon ay base sa iba’t ibang factors katulad ng cost of living, taxes, medical care, climate, security and crime situation, cultural attractions at hospitality. At ayon nga po sa Forbes magazine, nasa number 16 po ang ating ranggo doon sa Top 20. Kaya naman binanggit ni Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez ‘yung pagdami ng tourist arrivals sa Pilipinas na umabot na sa 4.83 million noong 2014 na mas malaki kaysa doon sa 2013 by 3.25 percent increase. At dahil din dito sa pagdami ng mga dumarating na turista, umabot po ang ating tourism revenues sa ineestimang halagang P214.8-billion sa kabuuan ng 2014. At dahil po dito, ibayong pagsisikap pa rin sa bahagi ng pamahalaan sa pangunguna ng Department of Tourism sa paggawa ng lahat ng nararapat para mapanatili ang pagiging attractive destination ng ating bansa. MGA USAPIN HINGGIL SA MAMASAPANO Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir, question po galing kay Junry Hidalgo. Ang question po niya: Ano po ang dagdag na direktiba ninyo sa AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at PNP (Philippine National Police) kasunod ng mga ulat na posibleng gumanti ang mga taong tagasuporta ni Marwan at maghasik din ng mga pambobomba? SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy ang mahigpit na pagmamanman at pagbabantay ng ating mga security authorities sa anomang banta sa seguridad ng buong bansa, kabilang na po rito ang Sandatahang Lakas, Pambansang Kapulisan, NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) at iba pang bahagi ng ating security authorities. Nananatiling nakaalerto ang buong Sandatahang Lakas at ang Pambansang Pulisya upang mapangalagaan ang katahimikan at kaligtasan ng ating mamamayan. Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Pangalawang tanong po, galing pa rin kay Junry, sabi niya: Ano po ang mababanggit ninyo sa pasaring ni former President [Fidel V. Ramos] kay PNoy? Sabi ng dating pangulo mabagal ang pagtugon nito sa pagkamatay ng SAF (Special Action Force) 44 at kinukuwestiyon din kung bakit walang opisyal ang agad na nag-abiso kay PNoy na may engkuwentro na pala sa pagitan ng SAF at MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) noong January 25? SEC. COLOMA: Iginagalang namin ang opinyon at pananaw ni dating Pangulong Ramos bilang isang senior statesman ng ating bansa. Tulad ng aming naunang panawagan, marapat na antabayanan na lang natin ang resulta ng isinasagawang pagsisiyasat ng PNP Board of Inquiry at ng iba’t ibang lupon ng na nagsasagawa ng kani-kanilang pag-aalam sa katotohanan o fact-finding, kabilang na riyan ang Senado at Camara de Representantes upang mabatid ang buo at kumpletong salaysay hinggil sa mga naganap sa Mamasapano. Mr. Sebastian: Alright. And another question din from Junry: Any reaction po sa balita na kinumpirma ng autopsy report na 27 sa 44 na SAF commandos ang may tama ng bala sa ulo? Kokondenahin ba ito ng Palasyo? SEC. COLOMA: Katulad (ng sinabi) ni PNP OIC (officer-in-charge) Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, marapat na makakuha ng katugunan hinggil sa autopsy findings from medico legal reports na tinukoy mo sa iyong tanong, at ito nga ang inaalam ng mga nagsisiyasat sa kasalukuyan at kailangang mabatid ang katotohanan sa likod ng kaganapang ito dahil ito ay bahagi ng paggawad ng katarungan sa kabayanihan ng SAF 44. Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Question muli galing kay Junry, sir, sabi niya: Papaimbestigahan ba ng Palasyo kung sino ang mayamang tao na binanggit ni Senadora (Miriam Defensor) Santiago na kasama sa pagpaplano ng kudeta versus PNoy? Kilala niyo ba siya? SEC. COLOMA: Bahagi na ‘yan doon sa aking tugon kanina na lahat naman ng mga ulat hinggil sa destabilisasyon o ‘yung mga tangka ng iba’t ibang pangkat o indibidwal o mga ulat hinggil dito, ‘yan naman po ay binibigyan ng karampatang atensyon at pinag-aaralan upang magawan ng nararapat na pagkilos ng ating mga awtoridad. Mr. Sebastian: Okay, sir, question po. Will the Palace reprimand all the officials who kept President Aquino in the dark about the critical details of the Mamasapano incident as it was unfolding? SEC. COLOMA: Katulad din po ng aking sinabi, ‘yan kasing tanong na ‘yan ay batay sa isang kongklusyon na… Batay sa kongklusyon mula sa mga narinig na pahayag o testimonya doon sa nagaganap na pagdinig sa Senado at sa Camara de Representantes. At sa aming palagay, hindi nararapat na tanggapin kaagad ang mga naturang kongklusyon habang hindi pa naman lumalabas ang ulat ng mga nagsisiyasat na investigating o fact-finding bodies at mas marapat, mas mainam at karapat-dapat na hintayin muna ang buong resulta ng kanilang pagsisiyasat. Mr. Montano: Although nabanggit na rin po ito kahapon, ‘yung tungkol po sa resignation call by some bishops, ano po ‘yung mababanggit o mensahe ng Palasyo para mapahupa ‘yung naturang panawagan dito sa isyu ng Mamasapano incident? SEC. COLOMA: Ang pagpapahayag ng mga saloobin ng mga mamamayan ay isa sa mga katangian ng isang masiglang demokrasya at iginagalang namin ang mga ganyang pagpapahayag kahit na taliwas ang kanilang pahayag sa posisyon ng pamahalaan. Samantala, naninindigan ang Pangulo hinggil sa pagtupad ng kanyang sinumpaang tungkulin hanggang matapos ang kanyang panunungkulan. Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir. Question po galing kay Bernard, sabi niya: Anong hakbang ang gagawin para makumbinsi ang mga mambabatas na ipasa ang BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) in due time? SEC. COLOMA: Ang mga mambabatas po natin ay ginawa ‘yung inaakala nilang pinakanararapat na aksyon sa kasalukuyan, at ‘yon ay ‘yung pagsuspindi o pagbibigay daan muna doon sa proseso ng pagsisiyasat sa Kamara at sa Senado para makatamo ng mga sagot sa mga mahahalagang tanong, dahil ‘yung mga tinatanong nila at ‘yung hinihintay nilang mga katugunan ay mahalaga sa kanilang konsiderasyon hinggil sa pagpasa ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Kaya dapat lang po sigurong bigyan natin ng pagkakataon na masagot lahat ng mga katanungang ‘yan para ‘yan ay magbigay linaw sa mga mahahalagang usapin na pumapaloob din doon sa Bangsamoro Basic Law. Mr. Montano: Okay po. ‘Yung masasabi naman po ng Palasyo, on another topic, dito sa ilang DVD ukol sa Mamasapano incident na ibinebenta diyan sa ilang tindahan diyan sa Mindanao na ang ilan naman dito ay nasamsam na ng ating mga awtoridad. Ano po ‘yung mababanggit ng Palasyo ukol dito? SEC. COLOMA: Ayon po sa pahayag ng ating National Bureau of Investigation ay natunton na nila ‘yung mga tao na maaaring responsable sa pag-upload nito at ipinapaalala po nila na mayroong violation ng ating umiiral na batas at ‘di dapat lumahok ang sinoman sa paglabag ng batas. Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir, question galing po kay Bernard. May report si Boy Saycon na tauhan daw ni GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) ang nakipag-usap sa SAF. Ano po ang mababanggit ninyo dahil nag-iimbita sila na alisin na ang suporta kay PNoy? SEC. COLOMA: Natugunan ko na po ‘yan. Kasama na doon sa tugon ko kanina na lahat ng mga naiuulat na kahalintulad ng kababanggit niyo lamang, lahat po ‘yan ay minamanmanan at tinututukan at ginagawan ng karampatang aksyon ng ating mga awtoridad, dahil hindi po natin mapapahintulutan ‘yung pag-iral ng destabilisasyon at dahil mahalaga po ‘yung pagpapanatili ng seguridad at kaayusan ng ating mga komunidad at kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan. PENDING APPOINTMENTS Mr. Sebastian: Alright, sir. Question naman galing kay Bernard Taguinod, sabi niya: Mayroon na po bang itatalaga ang Pangulo sa PNP, COA (Commission on Audit), at COMELEC (Commission on Elections)? SEC. COLOMA: Kapag mayroon na po ay agad naming ipapaalam ito sa inyo. KASALANG HEART AT CHIZ Mr. Montano: Okay po. Bali lighter side na po, dahil medyo maraming mga naitanong itong si Junry, itong tungkol dito sa message daw ni Pangulo dito sa wedding nitong si Senator Chiz Escudero at Heart Evangelista. SEC. COLOMA: Hindi ko po siya natanong doon sa eksakto niyang saloobin. Pero batid naman po natin na si Pangulong Aquino at si Senador Chiz Escudero ay mabuting magkakaibigan simula pa noong sila ay nagkasama sa Camara de Representantes. At siyempre po, walang iba kundi ang kabutihan ng senador at ng kanyang magiging kabiyak ang hangad ng ating Pangulo, so lahat po ng best wishes ay ipinapaabot niya sa kanila. PAGTAAS NG PRESYO NG PRODUKTONG PETROLYO Mr. Sebastian: Alright. Sir, on another topic, magtataas na naman ng presyo ng produktong petrolyo ngayong linggo. So any government measure po baka maapektuhan din ‘yung ibang commodity prices? SEC. COLOMA: Dalawang isyu po ‘yan, ang una ay hinggil sa pagtaas ng presyo, tanggap na po natin ‘yang reyalidad na ‘yan. Dalawang dekada na pong mahigit na binago na natin ang ating sistema ng pagtatakda ng presyo at ito ay market-driven. Hindi na po tayo dapat maligalig kapag nagaganap ito dahil batid din naman natin na sasapit ‘yung panahon na bababa rin ‘yung presyo. Samantala tinututukan naman po ‘yung epekto nito sa iba’t ibang—sa galaw ng presyo ng mga pagkain at basic commodities at nakatutok po diyan ang ating Department of Trade and Industry. Kailan lamang ay nagpahayag sila na pinagpapaliwanag nila ‘yung iba’t ibang mga supermarket at retail outlets dahil natunton po nila na ito ay nagva-violate doon sa mga suggested retail prices. Kaya makakaasa po ang ating mga mamamayan na kung mayroong nagsasamantala ay papapanagutin po sila nang naaayon sa batas. PANGHULING MGA SALITA Mr. Montano: Okay po. Wala na pong natatanggap na questions sa mga kasamahan natin sa Sunday group ng Malacañang Press Corps. ‘Yung parting message po natin? SEC. COLOMA: Wala na po akong maidagdag sa aking mga nabanggit na. Mr. Montano: Okay, maraming salamat po. Mr. Sebastian: Thank you very much po sa inyong oras na ibinigay po sa bayan, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat, magandang umaga po sa inyo. ***** |
| SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND) |
| P11-B housing budget to cover vulnerable communities; Abad: Relocation, homeownership programs set in 2015 GAA |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
| As part of the Social Services allocation in the 2015 General
Appropriations Act (GAA), the National Government is earmarking
P11.0 billion to housing, not only to give Filipinos temporary
shelter during emergencies but also to enable them to acquire
their own homes. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “The Administration is ensuring Filipinos’ universal right to housing by giving them a chance to own their own homes. What’s more, placing them in safe communities where they can live and work is a proactive approach to safeguard our people from natural disasters.” To prepare against climate change, the National Government will need to relocate vulnerable Filipino families living in danger zones. Because of this, the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) will have a shared budget of P7.3 billion to relocate 15,862 families affected by infrastructure projects or living in danger zones to better communities. The NHA itself will also have a budget of P577 million to relocate 7,215 informal settler families (ISFs) residing in danger zones to safer areas. In case of disaster, the NHA will have an allocation of P736 million to give as emergency housing assistance—including the provision of housing materials assistance—to 26,426 victims of calamities. On the other hand, the SHFC will be assisting 16,500 families to acquire their homes with a budget of P1.0 billion coming from the National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC). The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) will have their own part to play with an allotted P1.2 billion to provide informal settler families with housing units as well as rental assistance to beneficiary-families. Lastly, the 2015 National Budget has an allotment of P100 million to provide housing for 341 families of uniformed personnel, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor). Abad said, “The Administration’s efforts to give opportunities to our countrymen isn’t limited to job-generation, but also a chance for homeownership. This is an important part of the inclusive growth the Administration is trying to develop, where every Filipino can have a chance of finding a place they can call their own.” |
| Foreign portfolio investments yield net inflows in January |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
| Transactions for the month resulted in overall net inflows of
US$592 million, an improvement from last month’s US$397 million,
due to higher investments in PSE-listed shares arising from: (i)
a top-up offering of a holding corporation’s shares; (ii) sale
of a universal bank’s and holding firm’s shares; and (iii)
upgraded growth outlook for the country by the International
Monetary Fund. It will be noted that net outflows of US$1.8
billion were recorded a year ago due to the effects of the
United States quantitative easing (QE) program tapering. Registered foreign portfolio investments in January 2015 amounted to US$2.2 billion, higher by 16.1 percent than last month’s level and by 71.9 percent compared to last year when the United States (US) started tapering of its QE program. Total outflows (US$1.6 billion) for the month was slightly higher (by 7.3 percent) than those recorded in December 2014. Year-on-year, however, outflows were significantly lower (by 48.6 percent) than the US$3.1 billion posted a year ago when investors started diverting funds back to the United States as the US economy began to show signs of recovery. About 82.0 percent of investments registered in January were in PSE-listed securities (mainly property companies; banks; holding firms; food, beverage and tobacco companies; and utilities firms); 17.4 percent went to Peso GS; and the rest (0.7 percent) of the funds to Peso time deposits. Transactions in PSE-listed securities yielded net inflows of US$561 million, more than four (4) times the US$139 million level in December 2014. Peso GS also posted net inflows of US$36 million, albeit much lower than the US$305 million recorded last month. Year-on-year, transactions for both instruments rebounded from net outflows in 2014 (US$209 million for PSE-listed securities and US$1.5 billion for Peso GS). The United Kingdom, the United States, Singapore, Switzerland, and Luxembourg were the top five (5) investor countries for the month, with combined share to total at 85.5 percent. The United States continued to be the main destination of outflows, receiving 84.3 percent of total. Registration of inward foreign investments with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is voluntary under the liberalized rules on foreign exchange transactions. The issuance of a BSP registration document entitles the investor or his representative to buy foreign exchange from authorized agent banks and/or their subsidiary/affiliate foreign exchange corporations for repatriation of capital and remittance of earnings that accrue on the registered investment. Without such registration, the foreign investor can still repatriate capital and remit earnings on his investment but the foreign exchange will have to be sourced outside the banking system. |
| Statement of Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. on Audio Recording Circulating in Social Media |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| From the Office of Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. www.bongbongmarcos.com Statement of Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. on Audio Recording Circulating in Social Media 15 February 2015 The claim doing the rounds in social media that OPAPP Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles saw me in my office on January 26, the day after the Mamasapano incident, to “whitewash” the investigation is definitely not true. There could not even be any suggestion of a “whitewash” because there was no investigation yet at that time. In fairness to Sec. Deles, she was there only to brief us and explain what happened on the ground after the senate committee hearing on constitutional amendments chaired by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was held. We also discussed the BBL as the OPPAP Secretary was seeking clarification on my pronouncement that I was suspending hearings on the BBL until the truth has come out about the death of the 44 SAF commanders in the clash with the MILF and the BIFF. During our conversation, there were many other people present in the room as I normally have streams of visitors, including my staff and those of OPAPP. I reiterated my full support in seeking a peaceful settlement with our Bangsamoro people but stressed that we must learn lessons from the Mamasapano incident. |
| Baldoz says EC funeral benefits for SAF 44 ready for release |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday said that the funeral benefits of the 44 members of
the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF)
who died during an encounter with Moro rebels in Mamasapano,
Maguindanao under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) is
ready for release this week. Citing a report of Employees’ Compensation Commission Executive Director Stella Zipagan-Banawis, Baldoz said that the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has already processed the funeral benefits of the SAF 44 and that concerned GSIS branches have been advised to release the same to the beneficiaries. “ECC Regional Extension Units staff were already instructed to coordinate with the families of the SAF 44 and the GSIS branch in their areas. They will inform the families once the checks are available for them to claim,” Baldoz said, quoting Director Banawis’ report. She also added that the ECC and the GSIS are now working on the processing of the death benefits for the casualties of the Mamasapano clash. Under the ECP, an employee, whether from the public or private sector, who died as a result of a work-related accident or illness will be granted a funeral benefit of P20,000 and a death benefit in the form of monthly pension for his or her beneficiaries. Earlier last week, the ECC Board has released a resolution ordering the urgent release of EC benefits for the PNP-SAF casualties of the Mamasapano clash. The said resolution also directed the GSIS, as the administering agency of the ECP, to immediately process and release the corresponding EC disability benefits to the wounded SAF troopers. “I commend the ECC and the GSIS for working together expeditiously to give what is due for the SAF 44 and their families. Truly, the bravery of these policemen are remarkable that these monetary amounts can never equal. I hope that, somehow, we can help through these efforts,” Baldoz said. |
| Deles assails misinformation, calls for accountability and truth in Mamasapano incident |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| MANILA – Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita
Quintos Deles on Friday assailed the malicious misinformation
being spread on social media alleging that she talked to a
legislator mentioning an intent to "whitewash" the tragic events
that unfolded in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. “That is a falsehood,” Deles said, referring to the Facebook post. “We certainly want accountability and will pursue truth and justice for those who have fallen in Mamasapano," she said. “I did have two meetings with two senators the day after the Mamasapano incident. One was with Senator [Ferdinand] “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and the other with Senate President Franklin Drilon,” Deles recalled. “But I never adverted to anything about a plan to ‘make the incident disappear’ or for a ‘whitewash.’” On January 26, Deles was in the Senate to attend a hearing on the Bangsamoro Basic Law organized by the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and presided by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago. Marcos was in attendance during said hearing. Marcos heads the Senate Committee on Local Government, which deliberates on the Bangsamoro bill jointly with the Senate Committee on Peace, Unification and Reconciliation chaired by Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III. The Committee on Constitutional Amendments chaired by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago later on became a third referral on the BBL. “After the hearing, I met with Senator Marcos in his office to discuss the Mamasapano incident over which the Senator expressed concerns while we were still in the meeting room,” Deles said. “There was nothing in our conversation that suggested any intent to whitewash the tragic incident. Certainly, we share the utmost efforts and hope of gaining clarity and accountability on what happened,” she emphasized. According to records of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), Deles’ meeting with Senator Marcos started at approximately 1:30 p.m. of January 26 and lasted about 15 minutes. "We actually concluded our meeting by agreeing to wait for more information to come in on what really transpired, and share what we can with each other,” Deles further related. They also agreed that a meeting between the Senator and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal may be arranged to discuss the Senator’s concerns with regard to the Mamasapano incident. Said meeting happened a week after, on February 2. In a Facebook post of one Carmen Pedrosa, she posted a copy of a correspondence sent by a certain “Ricky,” who wrote about an audio recording of a meeting between Deles and a legislator. The said correspondence supposedly included an audio file as an attachment with file name “Bbm And Deles.m4a.” The “Bbm” may be referring to the initials of Senator Bongbong Marcos. The peace adviser noted that if said audio recording does exist, it should be a cause for alarm as it is a conversation with the Senator held in his office that neither of them knew of, and would thus be a violation of Republic Act 4200 or the Anti-Wire Tapping Law. Deles said that her office has already alerted Marcos about the malicious misinformation being spread to mislead the public. “We have already conveyed my apologies to Sen. Marcos for the possibility of him being affected by all these misinformation being spread against me,” Deles said. The peace adviser shared that she also had a separate meeting with Senator Drilon on the same date, where they discussed updates on the deliberations of the BBL, and related to him the same information on the Jan. 25 incident that she also related to Senator Marcos. Another malicious misinformation A week after the Mamasapano incident, a newspaper published a story that quoted an alleged source who said Deles advised President Aquino not to send reinforcements to the beleaguered troops of the Special Action Force (SAF). This was likewise categorically denied by Deles and according to a letter from the OPAPP sent to The Daily Tribune-- the newspaper that published the malicious story-- no such advice was sought nor given and that the report is based on an unnamed source. The letter slammed the newspaper for not even seeking the peace adviser’s comment on the issue. “No call was ever made by President Aquino to me early in the morning on Sunday, 25 January 2015, to ask me to call the MILF to withdraw its forces,” Deles noted. She also emphasized that she was not part of the Marwan operations at any stage, nor has she taken part in any such security enforcement operations. “We all want the truth and accountability of the Mamasapano incident. We all grieve on what happened. I appeal to the public to keep a critical eye to misinformation and malicious reports which aim to divert issues and make personal attacks, but will not help in the collective efforts for justice and peace,” said Deles |
| DSWD kicks off Adoption Consciousness Week celebration |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
| The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) leads
the nation in the observance of 2015 Adoption Consciousness Week
Celebration from February 17 to 28. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Legal na Ampon Ako: Anak na Totoo” (A Child Finds Worth in Legal Adoption), which emphasizes that adopted children have the same rights as biological ones. To officially start the celebration, a launching program will be conducted tomorrow, February 17, at Sequioa Hotel, Timog, Quezon City. The member-agencies of the National Organizing Committee (NOC) for Adoption Consciousness Week will be attending. Members of the NOC include national government agencies and the Association of Child Caring Agencies (ACCAP), which are strong advocates of adoption and foster care. The NOC is chaired by the DSWD, and the members include the Local Government Units (LGUs), the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and child placement agencies like Norfil Foundation, CRIBS Foundation, and the Kaisahang Buhay Foundation. The NOC is the body which spearheads the observance of the Adoption Consciousness Week Celebration, as well as the overall campaign to strengthen the advocacy on adoption. As part of the kick-off program, DSWD will sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) that will stipulate their commitment to be official partners in strengthening the adoption advocacy campaign. The DSWD will also open a mobile photo exhibit featuring adoptive families and their children. This will be first displayed in SM Manila then in the offices of the DILG, DOH, and DepEd to further raise awareness of the joys of adopting a child. After the kick-off, adoption help desks will be put up in 20 selected SM malls nationwide, Glorietta, Festival Mall, and Market Market from February 21-22 to discuss the adoption process with couples and other individuals. As a yearly tradition, the Adoption Consciousness Week celebration will culminate with the conduct of an adoption forum to be attended by 200 participants from national government agencies, non-government organizations, local government units, and the academe. “Many abandoned, neglected, and vulnerable children who are legally available for adoption are waiting to have families of their own,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. “We appeal to families who have the heart and the resources, to consider letting one of these children into your homes.” However, the Secretary emphasized that only legal adoption should be considered by adoptive families to ensure the welfare and protection of the child. From 2009 to 2014, DSWD issued some 4,108 Certification Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA). The number represents the children who are waiting to have families of their own. Meanwhile, a total of 623 children with CDCLAA were placed for local adoption, while 1,959 were cleared for inter-country adoption from 2010 to 2014. |
| APEC Senior Officials to Advance Regional Economic Integration |
| Source: http://dfa.gov.ph |
| 13 February 2015 – Asia-Pacific Economic Community (APEC) Senior
Officials discussed the issues on advancing regional economic
integration (REI) from February 6 to 7 at the First APEC Senior
Officials’ Meeting (SOM1) in Clark, Pampanga. REI issues include support for the Multilateral Trading System/World Trade Organization (WTO), strengthening connectivity and infrastructure development, services, and regulatory cooperation. “Advancing Regional Economic Integration” is one of this year’s priorities under the APEC 2015 overarching theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” The Meeting touched on the following issues related to REI: Multilateral Trading System (MTS)/WTO and Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) Senior Officials issued a statement in support of the Multilateral Trading System/WTO by urging member economies to notify the WTO of their acceptance of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) within the framework of their domestic regulation. Senior Officials also welcomed the establishment of a Task Force to lead the work on the collective strategic study on the FTAAP. Regulatory Cooperation Recognizing the importance of domestic regulations in advancing or impeding trade, Senior Officials discussed the review of the APEC New Strategy for Structural Reform (ANSSR). ANNSR covers good regulatory practices on labor market opportunities, open and transparent and competitive markets; SME/women development; social safety net programs, and, better functioning financial markets. The Philippines will host an APEC Ministerial Meeting on Structural Reform in September. Services Cognizant of the valuable contribution of services to economies’ GDP and overall economic growth, APEC Senior Officials discussed the development of the APEC Services Cooperation Framework to provide a common direction and coherence to APEC’s services trade. This effort will contribute to regional integration which is one of the built-in agendas within APEC with the end goal of making the flow of goods, investments, services and people within the APEC region easier. |
| Turkey, Indonesia Convey Messages of Support for Mindanao Peace Process |
| Source: http://dfa.gov.ph |
| 16 February 2015 –Turkey and Indonesia have added their voices
in support of the Mindanao peace process amid the fallout of the
Mamasapano incident. “We attach great importance to the resolute continuation of the Southern Philippines Peace Process, constituting a model for peace and cooperation in the region,” Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release issued last January 30. “We hope that this regrettable incident will not damage the process and the cooperation between the parties,” the Ministry added. During his expanded bilateral meeting with President Benigno S. Aquino III on February 09, Indonesian President Joko Widodo likewise reiterated his government’s commitment to the Mindanao peace process though Indonesia’s continued participation in the International Monitoring Team (IMT). Australia, Canada, Libya, Norway, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States have also expressed support for the Philippine Government’s efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in Mindanao as they offered their condolences to the families and loved ones of the 44 PNP-SAF personnel who were killed in the line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25. |
| "Hunk Cop" Mr. International dedicates title to SAF 44 |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
| Mister International 2014, PO2 Mariano Flormata brings honor and
prestige to the Philippine National Police for his achievement. PNP Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Generoso R Cerbo Jr said the whole police force is happy for Flormata’s extraordinary accomplishment. "Of course we are happy for him. It's an honor not only for the PNP, but the whole country as well. From the OIC PNP Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A Espina down the line are all proud of his extraordinary accomplishment," Cerbo said. Flormata aka “Neil Perez”, bagged the Mister International 2014 title on Saturday in the pageant night held at Wapop Hall in Seoul, South Korea. Flormata, an Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) technician of the PNP Aviation Security Group said that he is dedicating his title to the 44 members of the PNP-Special Action Force killed in a law enforcement operation against "high-value targets" in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Seven of the deceased SAF troopers were Flormata's classmates in basic training at the Police National Training Institute in 2008. "I am offering this fight to them, as I condole with their families," Flormata said. (PNP-PIO) |
| Purisima lauds BIR regulations mandating electronic filing and payment |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
| Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima lauded the efforts of
Commissioner of Internal Revenue Kim S. Jacinto-Henares to
mandate the electronic filing and payment for select taxpayers,
in a major step for the ease of doing business agenda of the
country. “We appreciate the efforts of Commissioner Henares in taking this important leap in the Philippines’s ease of doing business agenda. Right now, the BIR has less than 3% of its taxpayers filing returns electronically, but we aim to dramatically increase this number to ease taxpayer experience and in the process encourage more people to pay taxes. E-filing and e-payment are critical to the success of any modern tax administration. In this way, paying taxes will be truly as easy as RFP – register, file, and pay. Through e-filing and e-payment, more people can contribute to building the nation through proper tax contributions,” Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said. The Department and the Bureau have taken systemic steps to include e-filing and e-payment in the performance evaluation of BIR Revenue District Offices and Revenue Regions. The DOF has also benchmarked e-filing performance in the Tax Potential and Evaluation Analyses made by the BIR and the DOF Fiscal Intelligence Unit. E-filing and e-payment have also been a major agenda in the Annual Joint Visits conducted by the Secretary of Finance and the Commissioner of Internal Revenue in the BIR offices. Commissioner Henares reminded selected taxpayers that they are mandated to enroll, file returns, and pay taxes early using the BIR Electronic Filing and Payment (eFPS) System or electronic BIR Forms (eBIRforms), to avoid administrative consequences: For eFPS (http://efps.bir.gov.ph): o Taxpayer Account Management Program (TAMP) Taxpayers (RR No. 10-2014) o Accredited Importer and Prospective Importer required to secure the BIR-ICC and BIR-BCC (RR No. 10-2014) o National Government Agencies (NGAs) (RR No. 1-2013) o All Licensed Local Contractors (RR No. 10-2012) o Enterprises Enjoying Fiscal Incentives (PEZA, BOI, Various Zone Authorities, Etc.) (RR No. 1-2010) o Top 5,000 Individual Taxpayers (RR No. 6-2009) o Corporations with Paid-Up Capital Stock of P10 Million and above (RR No. 10-2007) o Corporations with complete computerized system (RR No. 10-2007) o Procuring Government Agencies with respect to Withholding of VAT and Percentage Taxes (RR No. 3-2005) o Government Bidders (RR No. 3-2005) o Large Taxpayers (RR No. 2-2002, as amended) o Top 20,000 Private Corporations (RR Nos. 2-98, 14-2008, 3-2009) For eBIRforms (https://ebirforms.bir.gov.ph) o Accredited Tax Agents/ Practitioners and all its client-taxpayers (RR No. 6-2014) o Accredited Printers of Principal and Supplementary Receipts/Invoices (RR No. 6-2014) o One-Time Transaction (ONETT) taxpayers (RR No. 6-2014) o Those who shall file a “No Payment” Return (RR No. 6-2014) o Government-Owned or –Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) (RR No. 6-2014) o Local Government Units (LGUs), except barangays (RR No. 6-2014) o Cooperatives, registered with National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Local Water Utilities Administrations (LWUA) (RR No. 6-2014) Commissioner Henares invited taxpayers to send their feedback and suggestions to the BIR via email: efiling@bir.gov.ph. The information collected through the feedback mechanism will be used to improve e-filing and e-payment business processes, to develop Q&A databases, and making e-filing software more user-friendly. |
| Groundbreaking ceremony held for PDIC-Gawad Kalinga Village in Eastern Samar |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
| A community will soon rise in Sitio Malmangan in the coastal
town of Lawaan, in Eastern Samar after being badly hit by
supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013 and typhoon Ruby in 2014. The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), Gawad Kalinga (GK) Community Development Foundation, Inc. and the local government of Lawaan led the groundbreaking rites of the PDIC-GK Village on January 31, 2015. Expected to be completed in November 2015, the PDIC-GK Village will provide permanent shelters for at least 22 beneficiary families. PDIC President Cristina Q. Orbeta, GK Head for Eastern Samar Renato Badilla, Lawaan Acting Mayor Raul Gade and future beneficiaries were present during the groundbreaking ceremony. President Orbeta, in her message to the beneficiaries, paid tribute to their courage and resilience, and expressed optimism that they will look after their village as one community. In support of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the PDIC partnered with GK in March 2014 to raise funds for Yolanda victims through the benefit run held in May 2014. Drawing close to 3,000 runners from the public and private sectors, the benefit run raised almost P2 million. The amount was turned over to GK to jumpstart the construction of the PDIC-GK Village in Lawaan. A sequel benefit run, Takbo 2, to be jointly hosted by PDIC and GK, is set in May 2015 to raise funds to add more beneficiaries to the housing project. The PDIC’s corporate social responsibility program advocates for the protection of the environment and the balanced development of communities. |
| Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur produce 28 New CPEs |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
| Twenty-eight engineers from the provincial governments of
Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur passed the case study and
completed the partial requirements necessary for the
accreditation as Constructors Performance Evaluators (CPEs), a
program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for
engineers. “The Philippines Provincial Road Management Facility (PRMF) program aims to strengthen the capability and capacity of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Provincial Local Government Units (LGUs) to deliver better roads to the Filipino people," Construction Industry Authority of the Philippines (CIAP) Supervising Undersecretary Prudencio Reyes Jr. said. The PRMF, a combined initiative of the governments of Australia and the Philippines in coordination with the Philippine Domestic Construction Board (PDCB) conducted the recently-concluded CPES Accreditation Seminar-Workshop for the provincial governments of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur last 20-22 January 2015 at Dottie’s Place Hotel, Butuan City. “The PRMF is currently assisting the Provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Sur in the enhancement of capacity for road project management. It ensures that provincial partners is observing standard practices for infrastructure projects and complying with Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184 otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act,” Reyes added. The 28 engineers attended the lecture on the first day and took and passed the case study on the second day. On the third day, an actual project evaluation or practicum was conducted using the Office of the City Engineer project “Construction of Two-Storey Evacuation Center” located at Brgy. Bancasi, Butuan City. They may now apply for CPES accreditation to the Philippine Domestic Construction Board (PDCB) through the endorsement of the CPES-Implementing Unit (IU) upon complying with some requirements. |
| DENR taps agricultural college to train farmers on waste management |
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph |
| The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has
signed a deal with the state-run Tarlac College of Agriculture
(TCA) to train farmers in Central Luzon on proper management of
agricultural waste, which is a major pollution hazard. Undersecretary Jonas Leones, chief of the Environmental Management Bureau of DENR, said the deal was an important step towards addressing environmental problems associated with improper management of waste from farm operations. “We need to train our farmers on how to properly manage agricultural waste in order to reduce risks to the environment, as well as human health,” Leones said. Leones signed the agreement in behalf of DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje while TCA president Dr. Max Guillermo signed for the college. Under the agreement, the TCA will put up Satellite Ecology Center within its campus in the town of Camiling, where the academic institution will develop and hold short-term training courses on ecological solid waste management (ESWM) for farmers. The DENR, on the other hand, will provide TCA an initial fund of P300,000 to enable the school to develop training modules and perform other roles and responsibilities. Aside from farmers, the TCA will also train government workers, teachers, agricultural technicians and junk shop owners on solid waste management. Leones said the undertaking was expected to develop an “army of ESWM trainers,” who use existing technologies and innovations aimed at reducing waste in the agricultural sector. The signing of the DENR-TCA deal was among the highlights of the 14th anniversary celebration of the implementation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, held recently at the DENR central office in Quezon City. RA 9003 defines agricultural wastes as those “generated from planting or harvesting of crops, trimming or pruning of plants and wastes or runoff materials from farms or fields.” The most common agricultural wastes in the Philippines are rice husk, rice straw, coconut husk, coconut shell and bagasse. Agriculture is a well known source of water, land and air pollution. The way agricultural wastes are stored and used has profound effects on human health and the environment. Waste from farm operations can pollute the environment resulting in impacts to water quality. In measured amounts, farm waste acts as fertilizer. But if the amounts are excessive, bacteria and chemical can flow into the ground and contaminate water drinking sources. Burning of farm waste causes severe pollution of land, air and water. The smoke from agricultural burning contains toxic pollutants that are dangerous to human health. |
| Davao Oriental mayor faces graft raps |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
| The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of criminal
charges for violation of Section 3 (b) of Republic Act No. 3019
against former mayor William Duma-an of Caraga, Davao Oriental
for requesting and receiving monetary benefit in exchange for
entering into a consultancy contract with RR Summit Consultants,
Inc. (RR Summit). Records disclosed that in 2010, Duma-an visited the residence of Roseller Macayra, Chief Executive Officer of RR Summit, to discuss its three percent service fee as consultant on the municipality’s P110,000,000.00 loan facility for the construction of the Caraga public market, terminal and commercial complex project. After assuring RR Summit that the consultancy project will push through, Duma-an requested several loans amounting to P2,000,000.00 which was deposited in his personal bank account. According to Duma-an, he obtained the loan “so he could pay the debts incurred in the May 2010 elections,” and was formalized thru a notarized contract with loan confirmation and promissory note. Despite demand, Duma-an failed to make any payment to RR Summit. In finding probable cause against Duma-an, the Resolution cited that “in asking and receiving a loan of P2,000,000.00 from complainant, he secured for himself a personal benefit, which he was able to obtain by dangling the guarantee of releasing the 3% service fee stated in the consultancy agreement between complainant and the municipality.” Section 3(b) of R.A. 3019 prohibits any public official from requesting and/or receiving any gift, present, share, percentage or benefit in connection with a contract or transaction with the government wherein the public official has the right to intervene in his official capacity under the law. |
| GSIS offers emergency loan in Vismin areas hit by Ruby, Seniang |
| Source: http://www.gsis.gov.ph |
| The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) opened an
enhanced emergency loan window to active members in various
areas in Visayas and Mindanao that were hit by typhoons Ruby and
Seniang. Three provinces in Visayas, namely, Cebu, Aklan, and Biliran, were declared under state of calamity in the aftermath of typhoons Ruby and Seniang. Other areas affected by Seniang include Bohol; Agusan del Sur; Butuan City and municipalities of Jabonga and Las Nieves in Agusan Del Norte; and Monkayo, Compostela Valley. A total of 101,065 members working or residing in the calamity-declared localities may apply for the loan. Those who will avail of the loan program for the first time may borrow P20,000.00. Members with existing emergency loan may apply for a renewal, with a loan ceiling of P40,000.00. Payment of 12 monthly amortizations on the existing emergency loan is no longer a requirement for loan renewal. Qualified to apply are members who are not on leave of absence, have no arrears in paying their mandatory monthly premium contributions, and have no loans in default. Carrying a 6 percent interest rate per annum, the loan is payable in 36 monthly instalments. It is covered by a loan redemption insurance, which means that in case of a member’s demise, the loan will be deemed fully paid. The deadline for filing of application in Cebu, Aklan, and Biliran is February 20; in Bohol, March 4; and in Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, and Compostela Valley, March 5. Members may apply through the GSIS Wireless Automated Processing System (GW@PS) kiosks in all GSIS servicing offices, provincial capitols, city halls, selected municipal offices, large government agencies such as the Department of Education, and selected Robinsons Malls. The processing of loan applications is subject to the approval of the Authorized Agency Officers (AAOs). Loan proceeds are electronically credited to the borrower’s GSIS eCard or unified multipurpose identification (UMID)card. GSIS members may call the GSIS contact center at 847-4747 for other details. |
| Protect the country's future, continue with peace process -- Independent peace monitoring body urges |
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
| MANILA – The Third-Party Monitoring Team (TPMT), the body that
monitors the progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro, highlighted the need to continue
with the peace process especially after the tragedy in
Mamasapano, Maguindanao which claimed nearly 70 lives from all
sides, including civilians. “The recent tragic events at Mamasapano have underlined yet again the human costs of conflict, and the TPMT joins in expressing their condolences to the families of all the victims,” TPMT Chair Alistair MacDonald said during a press briefing held for the release of their second annual Public Report on February 13. “Pending the results of the various investigations now being carried out, it would be premature to comment substantively on these events,” he noted. “But it will be essential to protect the future while providing just remedies for the past – and that future can only prosper in the context of a widespread and lasting peace.” According to MacDonald, while public attention is focused on the tragedy, the substantial progress made in the peace process for 2014 must not be overlooked. He noted that the report they release should serve to remind the public of this progress. The TPMT cited the completion of the Normalization Annex in January, the historic signature of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in March, the submission of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) to Congress in September, and the conduct of extensive Congressional consultations and deliberations on the BBL immediately after its submission as proof of this progress, along with movements in the other dimensions of the peace process. The latter include the initial progress made in the Normalization track; the setting up of the Joint Normalization Committee, the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission, and the Independent Decommissioning Body; preparations for the decommissioning or turnover of MILF firearms; continued work on socio-economic development, through the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program and the preparation of a detailed Bangsamoro Development Plan; and preparations for the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, with the establishment of a Coordinating Committee for the Transition. Formally established in 2013, the TPMT is tasked to monitor the implementation of the peace agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government. Joining MacDonald, a former European Union ambassador to the Philippines, in the TPMT are Husseyin Oruc of Human Rights and Freedoms Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH); Karen Tanada, executive director of the Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute (GZOPI); Rahib Kudto of UNYPAD Philippines; and Steven Rood, country representative of The Asia Foundation. Continuing commitment to peace “What struck me is that those calling for all-out war are not the people affected, not the police or military, not the people who live in the area,” MacDonald noted. He said that while it is necessary for the parties to restore trust in the peace process, he remains confident it will continue, and that the parties will be able to find lasting solutions to armed conflict. Oruc, clarifying that the TPMT is neutral and not part of either the government or the MILF, noted that they “saw sincerity in both sides,” and that “we will continue to hope for peace in Mindanao.” “Ending decades of violent conflict cannot be accomplished overnight,” MacDonald said, “and the painstaking efforts of all those working for peace deserve to be acknowledged.” “The best guarantees of success are the continuing commitment to peace of both Parties, at the highest level, the massive engagement of Congress and the public in deliberating on the BBL, and the underlying hopes of the people of Mindanao that their children should be able to grow and prosper in a peaceful and just society,” the TPMT said. -process-independent-peace-monitoring-body-urges#sthash.E6Mpc1Kf.dpuf |
| Immigration agents intercept illegal passengers |
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
| Manila, Philippines--- Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents
intercepted three Chinese nationals who tried to leave the
country at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on
Monday. Chen Li Hui, Shi Jinxing, and Ke Meiru were immediately apprehended by BI Travel Control and Enforcement Unit (TCEU) officers at the boarding gate after prior investigation based on verified information. Passenger Chen was caught using fake extension stamps, entry visa, and arrival and departure stamps. Passengers Shi and Ke likewise had improper travel documents. “We are conducting a thorough investigation on this matter to find out if there is any culpability on the part of our personnel, and to gather further information on similar incidents”, said BI spokesperson Elaine Tan. The intercepted passengers were immediately turned over to the BI Legal Division and consequently charged for deportation. |
| Run with us: Corporate institutions support PhilHealth’s 2nd nationwide simultaneous run |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
| Together we run! SEVERAL corporate institutions namely the People’s Television Network Inc., Oishi, Smart Communications, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Air Juan and Maxima Machineries Incorporated, are sponsoring the second simultaneous running event of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) on February 15, 2015 in 13 major sites in the country. Other sponsors like Pfizer Philippines, Nine Media Corporation, Tupperware Brands Philippines, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, Land Bank of the Philippines, Tiger 22 Media Corporation, Philippine Veterans Bank, Businessmirror, Cook Magazine, KFC, Philippines Graphic, Businessworld, Maynilad Water Services, Banco de Oro, Insurance Manila, GT Metro Foundation, and Social Security System, who were part of the 2013 PhilHealth Run shall also support this activity. Dubbed “PhilHealth Ready, TSeKaP, Go!”, the running event is among the many activities lined-up to mark PhilHealth’s 20th anniversary with the theme “Ensuring Universal Coverage for All Filipinos.” As partner institutions, the said organizations shall support the PhilHealth Run through sponsorships in cash or in kind. This is in line with their commitment to corporate social responsibility. Said support shall help also boost resources to be turned over to beneficiary-institutions such as the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases (GRACES) in Quezon City and other 12 local institutions caring for the vulnerable sectors of the society. “We are happy with the response of our corporate partners. Since we started our simultaneous run in 2013, we were able to promote active, healthy participation nationwide. We look forward to engaging more corporate partners in the coming years as we inspire them to move and be active through our nationwide run,” said PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander A. Padilla. |
| Secretary Del Rosario’s Oslo visit reaffirms PHL-Norway Partnership |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
| 13 February 2015 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario visited Norway from February 11 to 12 upon the
invitation of Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende,
reaffirming the growing partnership between the Philippines and
Norway across many sectors. During his tête-à-tête with Secretary Del Rosario, Minister Brende expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the Mamasapano tragedy but also expressed hope that the pursuit of peace in Mindanao would continue despite the latest serious challenge. He assured the Philippines’ top diplomat that Norway remained fully committed to a long-term engagement in the Mindanao Peace Process. Secretary Del Rosario thanked Minister Brende for his sympathy. He also expressed appreciation for Norway’s role in the Mindanao Peace Process as a member of the International Monitoring Team and as Vice-Chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body. The Secretary assured Minister Brende of the Philippines’ resolve to see through the full implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro while being fully committed to finding justice for the slain police officers. Referring to bilateral cooperation in the maritime sector, Secretary Del Rosario expressed appreciation for Norway’s technical assistance in ensuring that the country’s maritime education and training institutes meet the standards required by the International Convention on Standards of Timekeeping, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW Convention). This has resulted in the continued recognition of Philippine-issued licenses and certificates by the European Union (EU), a requirement for Filipino seafarers for employment as officers in EU-flagged vessels. With over 25,000 Filipino seafarers on board Norwegian-owned and -managed vessels, Minister Brende noted that it was in the common interest of both countries to continue efforts to achieve adequate progress in meeting STCW requirements. Both ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress of the proposed free trade agreement between the Philippines and the European Free Trade Association (PH-EFTA FTA). Norway is the largest member of this four-country association which also includes Switzerland, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Negotiations are set to commence next month after the conclusion of the scoping exercise. The two ministers agreed to strengthen cooperation in multilateral organizations, including mutual support of candidatures in the United Nations. Earlier, Secretary Del Rosario met with the Chair and members of the Norwegian Parliament’s (the Storting) Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. In the bilateral consultations held the day before, Philippine Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Maria Zeneida Angara Collinson and Norwegian Director General Tore Hattrem agreed to strengthen relations in the energy sector, disaster risk reduction, water, social security and law enforcement. Secretary Del Rosario was assisted by Ambassador Bayani Mercado in his first-ever visit to Norway, which is home to about 18,000 Filipinos and Filipino-Norwegians. |
| Rejoinder to the Manila Times’ column “Back to Bubble” by Mr. Ben D. Kritz |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Rejoinder to the Manila Times’ column “Back to Bubble” by Mr.
Ben D. Kritz 13 February 2015 MR. BEN D. KRITZ Columnist The Manila Times 2/F Sitio Grande Building 409 A. Soriano Avenue Intramuros, Manila Dear Mr. Kritz: We would like to respond to your column on 11 January 2015 in the Manila Times on the is-sue of “excessive number of official holidays” and their effects on business. We certainly don’t agree that DOLE wage regulations—which you called “needlessly confus-ing”—should be blamed for employers’ extra payroll costs during holidays. The DOLE infographic that you referred to is inte nded to provide workers and enterprises a quick reference, a guide, of the pay regulations during holidays and special (non-working) days, including pay for work rendered beyond eight hours. We assure you workers and em-ployers don’t call the DOLE hotline, or proceed to DOLE regional offices, and its attached agencies to say they are confused with pay regulations: they call or visit for help on how to do the math for holiday pay. The DOLE issues wage regulations in response to the categories of non-working days ob-served in the Philippines. Proclamation No. 831, Series of 2014, declared 10 regular holidays, seven special (non-working) days, one special holiday for schools, and two holidays in ob-servance of Eid’l Adha and Eid’l Fit’r for 2015, a total of 20 holidays—12 regular and eight special holidays. In addition, Proclamation 936 declared January 15, 16 and 19 of this year as special non-working days in the National Capital Region, in view of the visit of Pope Francis. The Labor Code entitles a worker to 100 percent of his regular wage during regular holidays, if unworked, and 200 percent of the regular wage, if worked. In the case of special non-working holidays, workers are entitled to 130 percent of their regular wage, only if work is rendered on these days. The Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is included in the computa-tion of (regular) holiday pay. Workers benefit from the observance of holidays because it gives them respite from the daily routine and demands of work. It allows workers to spend time with the family, and to engage in recreational and cultural activities that contribute to greater work-life balance. These ac-tivities also stimulate consumption which means profits for enterprises and revenues, in the form of taxes, for government. We agree that higher labor costs affect businesses, especially more seriously the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) which comprise 99 percent of the 900,000 establishments nationwide. MSMEs have relatively limited capacity to absorb additional labor costs and when they are forced to continue operations even during the holidays, the additional costs are almost entire-ly passed on to consumers through higher prices. Higher prices, in turn, may erode MSMEs’ competitiveness, on one hand, and may discourage consumption, on the other hand. Variabil-ity in the number and scheduling of holidays may also affect the capability of firms to coor-dinate a mutually-desired equilibrium of wages and labor hours. Lastly, the DOLE has repeatedly called for a balanced approach to the crafting of legislative measures on additional non-working holidays as more holidays affect the overall productivity and competitiveness of the Philippine economy, particularly on labor and employment. The Philippines, next to Cambodia, has the most number of national holidays among ASEAN member-states. The Philippines, however, grants the least number of annual leave benefits (5 days) compared to Cambodia (18 days), Malaysia (8-16 days), Lao (15 days), Brunei (7-14 days), Myanmar (10-14 days), Vietnam (12 days), Indonesia (12 days), Singapore (7 days) and Thailand (6 days). Thank you for your kind consideration of this rejoinder. Sincerely yours, (Sgd.) ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BALDOZ Secretary |
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Last Updated:
16 FEBRUARY 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III presides over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje and Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Andrea Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino and Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Abad, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board Meeting at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 16). Also in photo are Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr., Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje, Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla, Presidential Management Staff Head Julia Abad and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Abaya. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, lead the ceremonial toasts during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, delivers his message during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09, 2015). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the State Dinner at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines of His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, share a light moment following their joint press statement at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. Also in photo are Mrs. Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo and Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, witness the signing of agreements at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, to Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Welcome Ceremony during the State Visit to the Philippines on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. With President Widodo is wife Mrs. Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo being introduce to Presidential sisiter Maria Elena "Balsy" Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, greet Indonesian officials during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The two countries enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, review the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 09). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by: Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (February 9). This is President Widodo’s first State Visit to the Philippines. The Philippines and Indonesia enjoy excellent bilateral relations and cooperate extensively in numerous areas. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Aquino III announces that suspected Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir, alias Marwan has been confirmed dead during the SAF operation in Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, and accepted the resignation of suspended PNP Chief Police Director General Allan Purisima during his message on Friday (Frebruary 6) held at the President hall in Malacanang. (Photo By Ryan Lim / Robert Viñas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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The APEC Senior Officials are gathered for a family photo at the start of the 2-day formal Senior Officials’ Meeting at the Fontana International Convention Center in Clark on Friday (February 6). APEC Senior Officials will lay down the groundwork for policy direction of APEC in 2015, that would reflect both the outcomes of APEC 2014 in China, and build on the APEC Philippines 2015 theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World.” PIA | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Memorare Manila 1945 Foundation, Inc. represented by founders Roderick McMicking Hall and sister Consuelo McMicking Hall and Foundation President Ambassador Juan Jose Rocha during the courtesy call at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (February 05). Also in photo is former Ambassador Miguel Perez-Rubio. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
P-Noy presides over the NEDA Board Meeting in Malacañan Palace. http://t.co/fj9uAmMzvq | via @noynoyaquino
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#DSWD kicks off #Adoption Consciousness Week celebration http://t.co/bWGO9F56DI | via @dswdserves
The Department of Social Welfare and Development...
tinyurl.com
RT @PTVph: .@Forbes ranks PH among top 20 retirement destinations in the world http://t.co/Sn7luRROxK http://t.co/lxHqUS1jOy
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Pia Batangas shared a link.
5 hrs ·
Palay
from farmers will be bought by the NFA at a minimum of P17 per kilo,
with additional incentives that could net farmers as much as P17.70 per
kilogram.
gov.ph
Did you know that Mindanao produce 60% of coconut production at the national level? #AlamMoBa #MindaNOW http://t.co/U8WecvJA3R
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Police Advisory: Dugo-Dugo Gang. http://t.co/j09szTydJx | via @PNP_PCRG
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Benepisyong PhilHealth - Fractures Around the Hip http://t.co/CxsOa83qXp | via @teamphilhealth
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#DA furthers coco water production to boost #coconut industry - See more at: http://t.co/bgeDSdIJUW
QUEZON
CITY, Feb. 17 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has begun
harnessing the potential of coconut water production as an additional
way to increase revenues...
news.pia.gov.ph
#DOLE: Employees’ compensation funeral benefits for #SAF44 ready for release - See more at: http://t.co/8rT3ERMUoX
MANILA,
Feb. 17 -- The funeral benefits of the 44 members of the Philippine
National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) who died during an
encounter with MILF...
news.pia.gov.ph
Military, police, rebel groups and other sectors #bike for love and #peace - See more at: http://t.co/gVPDQ4wp1x
COTABATO
CITY, Feb. 17 -- More than 500 bikers celebrated Valentine’s Day in
Cotabato by joining the Bangsamoro Bike for Love (BBL), a peace
activity...
news.pia.gov.ph
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