24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 16 March 2015
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 16 March 2015 |  Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 16 March 2015 | 
Satellite Image
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Synopsis:
Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Northern Luzon. Meanwhile at 4:00 am today, the Tropical Storm "BAVI"(International Name) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) was estimated based on all available data at 2,100 km east of Bicol Region (13.4˚N, 143.5˚E), with maximum winds of 75 kph and gustiness of up to 90 kph. It is forecast to move west southwest at 35 kph.
Forecast:
The whole archipelago will experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Light to moderate winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over Luzon and coming from the northeast over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas.
March 16 , 2014 ( Monday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Partly Cloudy in Lucena City
CAVITE
1. Cavite local governments undergo orientation on competitiveness survey
• March 12, 2015
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, March 11 (PIA) --Representatives of Cavite ’s 11 municipalities (Alfonso, Carmona, General Mariano Alvarez, General Trias, Indang, Kawit, Maragondon, Naic, Noveleta, Silang, and Tanza) and 6 cities (Bacoor, Cavite City , Dasmariñas, Imus, Tagaytay and Trece Martires) attended an orientation on the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) survey held on March 6 in Tagaytay City .
The participants, mostly planning and business permit & licensing officers were briefed on how to accomplish the survey.
The CMCI is an annual ranking of Philippine cities and municipalities where they are ranked according based on data collected and submitted by the Regional Competitiveness Committees (RCC) to the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).
DTI Regional Director and Chairperson of the RCC in Calabarzon said the CMCI Survey is an important tool for a local government to improve its competitiveness.
The survey, which sums up the scores on 28 indicators under economic dynamism, governance efficiency, and infrastructure, will determine the ranking of local governments; the higher the score of a city or municipality, the more competitive it is.
Rosalinda Bautista, Regional Director of the Philippine Statistics Authority in Region IV-A, emphasized the importance of accomplishing the survey very accurately since accuracy will have great bearing on the results which will indicate the true and factual competitiveness levels of local governments.
Last year, seven (7) Calabarzon cities and municipalities landed in various categories in the list of ‘ Top Cities and Municipalities Competitive Index’ (CMCI) by the National Competitive Council (NCC).
Toledo said that the ultimate goal of the NCC is for the Philippines - having been adjudged last year as the most improved country in global competitiveness - to be among the top one-third in the global competitiveness ranking. (Charlie S. Dajao/DTI Calabarzon)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631426126492/cavite-local-governments-undergo-orientation-on-competitiveness-survey#sthash.Uo24J0oE.dpuf
BATANGAS
SSS Opens 3rd Branch in Batangas
• March 16, 2015
BATANGAS CITY, March 16 (PIA) --The Social Security System opened its third branch in Lemery, Batangas on March 12, 2015 to serve its 25,000 members from 13 municipalities in the area.
To date, SSS has three branch offices in the province, namely: Batangas City, Lipa City and Lemery. It also has a service office in Balayan.
“We are continuously opening new offices to reach out to our members. By making our services accessible, we hope to encourage membership among workers especially those in the informal sector,” SSS Assistant Vice President for South Luzon Virginia S. Cruz said.
Located at the ground floor of Xentro Mall along Ilustre Avenue, SSS-Lemery will serve 2,295 employers, 9,313 employees, and 15,640 self-employed/voluntary members. It has 11 personnel led by Branch Head Jessica M. Agbay.
The newest SSS branch in Lemery will cover the following municipalities: Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, San Luis, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy.
The new office is a full-service branch which offers the issuance of SSS number; accepts and processes applications on benefit claims such as sickness, maternity, disability, funeral and death applications as well as UMID Data capture section. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Lemery is a first class municipality considered as the center of medical health in Batangas province with seven hospitals serving patients from nearby municipalities.
The SSS will continue to open additional branches this year with five new branches and five service offices in the pipeline this year. As of December 2014, SSS has 262 offices across the Philippines located in NCR (60); Luzon (118); Visayas (41), and Mindanao (43). (Haidee G. Consignado, SSS - Luzon South Division/PIA-4A)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681426145637/sss-opens-3rd-branch-in-batangas#sthash.wb0pNPiO.dpuf
| Female cadet among top ten graduates of Philippine Military Academy this year | |
| A female cadet from Sarangani province has made it to the top ten of this year’s graduating class of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). Cadet First Class Caroline Jhoy Nacional will be graduating fifth of the 171 members of the Sinag-Lahi Class of 2015 on Sunday at the PMA, Fort General Gregorio del Pilar, Baguio City. She is one of 16 female cadets graduating this year. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, during an interview aired over DZRB on Saturday, praised Nacional. “Coming off from our continued celebration of National Women’s Month, maganda naman po ‘yan. At parang since 2010, consistently merong female cadet na nagla-land doon sa top honors ng PMA doon sa mga graduating class,” Valte said. Nacional, 21, hails from the town of Maitum in Sarangani and is the daughter of a police investigator. She will join the Philippine Army. As of 2014, 306 female cadets have graduated from the country’s military school. The academy began accepting women in 1993 following the passing of Republic Act No. 7192, or the Women in Development and Nation Building Act. PND (ag) | |
| President Aquino inaugurates Philippine Military Academy Sports Complex | |
| President Benigno Aquino III inaugurated on Sunday morning the newly-completed Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sports Complex, Jurado Hall at Fort General Gregorio del Pilar, Baguio City. The President arrived at 9:36 a.m., where he was received by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, PMA Superintendent Lt. General Oscar Lopez, and Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chair Cristino Naguiat, Jr. President Aquino and PAGCOR Chair Naguiat unveiled the marker of the newly-completed PMA Sports Complex with a 3,320 square meters floor area. The PAGCOR is the source of fund for the complex that has a contract amount of 89.9 million pesos. The Chief Executive conducted an inspection of the venue as he was being briefed by the PMA Superintendent. The Jurado Hall is divided into two zones: the sports zone composed of a basketball and volleyball courts, a gymnastics floor, with provisions for combative sports and two badminton courts; and the support facility zone, a low bay area with a main lobby, office spaces and storage facilities. After his inspection, the President proceeded to the PMA commencement exercises of the PMA Sinag Lahi Class. PND (ag) | |
| President Aquino awards 2nd Lieutenant who defeated Communist rebels | |
| (BAGUIO CITY) President Benigno Aquino III awarded on Sunday a Second Lieutenant (2nd Lt.) with Distinguished Conduct Star for defeating Communist rebels in Sarangani Province. Second Lieutenant Jerson Sanchez received his award during the commencement exercises of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinaglahi Class at Fort General Gregorio del Pilar, in Baguio City. During his speech in the PMA graduation rites, President Aquino said the new graduates or mistah should follow the footsteps of Lt. Sanchez. "Sana ay matumbasan o mahigitan ninyo ang ipinamalas ng inyong upperclassman na si 2nd Lieutenant Jerson Sanchez," President Aquino told the new graduates who will also have the rank of Second Lieutenant. "Bibigyan ko ng diin: Bagitong sundalo si 2nd Lieutenant Sanchez, at hindi pa siya miyembro ng isang elite unit. Pero sa maikling panahon pa lamang nang inilagi niya sa serbisyo, nagpakita na siya ng ibayong tapang at epektibong pamumuno." "Malinaw sa kanya: Habang nagpupursige siyang tugisin ang mga kalaban, lalo silang magdadalawang-isip na magsagawa ng operasyon dahil alam nilang de-kalibre ang mga sundalong nakabantay," he added. Last February 16, Lt. Sanchez and his troops conducted a surveillance and follow up operation against more than 30 members of the New Peoples Army in Barangay Datal Anggas, Alabel, Sarangani Province. Lt. Sanchez even with an inferior force against the enemy managed to device a strategy that led to the scattering of the opponent's force. This operation resulted to the capture of nine high-powered firearms, five explosive device, death of seven rebels and surrender of 11 others. "Sa Sinaglahi Class of 2015: Hindi naman kayo nagpakahirap at nagpakasakit sa PMA para sa huli ay mabalewala at masayang lamang ito. Pinatunayan ni Lt. Sanchez at ng kanyang mga kasamahan ang positibong bunga ng kanilang mahusay at tapat na pagtupad sa tungkulin." "At kung ang bawat isa sa inyo sa Sinaglahi Class ay maninindigan at gagamitin ang inyong angking galing at lakas upang tumbasan o higitan ang nagawa ng mga nauna sa inyo, maipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon ang isang bayang di hamak na mas maganda kaysa ating dinatnan," said the President. PND (ag) | |
| President Aquino hosts 'merienda cena' for graduates of Philippine Military Academy | |
| BAGUIO CITY) President Benigno S. Aquino III graciously hosted a ‘merienda cena’ for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinaglahi Class of 2015 shortly after leading their graduation rites at Fort Gregorio del Pilar on Sunday. The traditional afternoon high tea took place around 2:00 p.m. at The Mansion along Leonard Wood Road, the official summer residence of the Chief Executive. The affair also served as an opportunity for the President to hear the concerns of some of the newly commissioned members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as he gamely entertained some of their questions on a variety of topics. An estimated number of 650 guests were present at the merienda cena including the parents and relatives of the graduates besides the top officials of the PMA and the AFP. PND (hdc) | |
| President Aquino challenges new military officers from Sinaglahi Class 2015 to live up to its name | |
| President Benigno Aquino III challenged the new military officers from Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinaglahi Class of 2015 to live up to its name. "Sa paglabas ninyo sa akademyang ito, at sa pagsisimula ng bagong yugto ng inyong buhay bilang mga kawal, aasahan kong paninindigan niyo ang pakilala ninyo sa inyong sarili," said President Aquino. Every PMA class selects a name for their batch. For the class of 2015, they have chosen Sinaglahi: "Sundalong May Angking Galing at Lakas, Handang Ipaglaban ang Bayan." "Sa Sinaglahi Class of 2015, the President continued. "Hindi naman kayo nagpakahirap at nagpakasakit sa PMA para sa huli ay mabalewala at masayang lamang ito... At kung ang bawat isa sa inyo sa Sinaglahi ay maninindigan at gagamitin ang inyong angking galing at lakas upang tumbasan o higitan ang nagawa ng mga nauna sa inyo, maipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon ang isang bayang di hamak na mas maganda kaysa sa ating dinatnan." Graduating cum laude this year is Cadet First Class Arwi Martinez from Baguio City. In his valedictory address, Martinez said that in his years spent at the academy he had learned that constant mistake should not let anyone down to attain they goal. "Failure is a common ingredient that seems to add flavor in our journey as cadets...these failures make us stronger," Martinez said reminding his fellow mistahs to "keep the faith." There were 19,365 aspirants who applied for PMA entrance examination, however only 207 were admitted in the academy. 172 cadets graduated this Sunday, which is composed of 156 male and 16 female mistahs. PND (ag) | |
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 | Palace says recommendations of PNP BOI report could fine tune future police, military operations against terrorists | ||
| Malacanang not keen on the creation of truth commission on Mamasapano incident | ||
| Government continues to help communities displaced by conflict in Central Mindanao | ||
| Aquino government committed to providing employment to every Filipino | ||
| President Aquino to lead 110th Philippine Military Academy graduation rites | ||
| Palace says recommendations of PNP BOI report could fine tune future police, military operations against terrorists | |
| Malacanang said it hopes that with the release of the police’s Board of Inquiry report, law enforcement agencies and the military could effectively conduct operations against terrorist organizations and avoid the repeat of the deadly Mamasapano clash two months ago. “One of the effects of this BOI report should be to make everyone in the civilian establishment, in the military and security establishment, to make us all very aware of the consequences of lack of coordination when it comes to sensitive operations like the one that happened in January 25,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview on Saturday. Valte also highlighted during the radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan the importance of proper coordination between the police and military particularly with regards to sensitive operations like the Mamasapano raid. Even during the Senate hearings, Gen. Carlito Galvez of the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities noted that the bloody clash could have been avoided if the police Special Action Force commandos made proper coordination and followed appropriate protocols, Valte said. The Philippine National Police’s BOI report also cleared President Aquino from any liability because as the head of the police and the military, he has the prerogative whom to give his orders, Valte explained. It is also clear in the BOI report that the President ordered the police officials overseeing the operation to coordinate their efforts with the military to provide the SAF raiding team appropriate cover and backup. “At malinaw din naman po doon sa mga naging findings ng BOI report na sinuway po ni SAF Commander Napeñas ‘yung mga utos ng Pangulong Aquino,” Valte said. In legal terms, Valte said it is called “proximate cause,” in which an outcome is traced to the most direct factor causing the end result. “At kung bubusisiin mo ang mga nakalagay doon sa BOI ay makikita na talagang lack of coordination ang naging problema sa buong operasyon na ito,” she explained. A total of 44 SAF commandos died in the bloody Mamasapano encounter last January 25 after a fierce firefight with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other armed groups. PND (as) | |
| Malacanang not keen on the creation of truth commission on Mamasapano incident | |
| The Palace said the creation of a truth commission to investigate the bloody Mamasapano encounter is not necessary because there are already several bodies doing their respective inquiries to shed light on what happened last January 25 in Maguindanao. Some lawmakers insisted the creation of a truth commission arguing that the Board of Inquiry report by the Philippine National Police is incomplete. But in a radio interview Saturday, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte asked for public patience adding everyone should wait for the results of several ongoing probes on the incident. She told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that there are eight institutions that are doing their own investigations on the Mamasapano encounter and their findings could answer questions lingering in the minds of the public. “Siguro po hintayin natin ang paglabas din ‘nung mga findings ng ibang report. Baka naman sa sinasabi ‘nung kongresistang ito ay makita pa doon sa mga ibang report na lalabas,” she said in the radio interview. Among those doing the probe include the Senate, the International Monitoring Team, the Department of Justice, and the Commission on Human Rights. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front said it is also conducting its own inquiry over the incident. Valte also argued that if a truth commission is organized, which is usually done by the President, it will not satisfy everyone because a body created by the President could be viewed as impartial. “Kung matatandaan po natin even in the past commissions that have been constituted, ang Pangulo ang nag-a-appoint,” Valte said. “At kung sasabihin naman sa ilalim ng batas na Pangulo pa rin ang mag-a-appoint, hindi ba baka sabihin naman nila biased, hindi independent?” With regards to criminal liability of former PNP chief Alan Purisima, who is being implicated in the incident, especially after the PNP released its report on the clash, Valte said it is up to the DOJ to determine the liability of anyone involved. The DOJ is already doing its investigation into the criminal liability of the officials, as well as other individuals, and the public should just wait for the result of the probe. PND (as) | |
| Government continues to help communities displaced by conflict in Central Mindanao | |
| The government will continue to provide assistance to communities displaced by recent military campaign in central Mindanao with the help of other organizations, a Palace official said. People affected by the fighting asked the government to stop the military offensive against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters so they could back to their homes. They also asked for additional humanitarian assistance. “Tutugon naman po tayo doon sa mga assistance na kailangan nila, hindi lang doon sa ‘pag provide ng pagkain sa mga kababayan nating nasa loob ng evacuation centers, at siyempre ang mga attendant services na rin diyan, katulad ng medical services at kung ano pang mga kailangan,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview Saturday. There is ongoing counseling for people who are displaced by the conflict in coordination with the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the provincial disaster risk management council and municipal governments, Valte told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. The Department of Health is also conducting medical missions, and it also provides prepositioned supplies, hygiene kits and other essential medicines to affected communities. Health officials are also doing blood sugar screening, and vaccination against pneumonia. They also conduct medical consultations in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), according to Valte. Valte also reported that based on the record from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the number of displaced families staying in evacuations centers had gone down. Most of the 56,000 displaced persons are staying in 44 evacuation centers, Valte said. Those who stay outside the evacuation centers are pegged at 8,500. The government continues to assist them as well, she said. “Ang priority naman siyempre ng AFP diyan is ang safety ng mga civilians so talagang nagkakaroon ng displacement,” she noted. “On the side of government, hinahabol na natin ang pagbibigay ng kalinga sa mga nadi-displace na mga pamilya doon.” PND (as) | |
| Aquino government committed to providing employment to every Filipino | |
| Malacanang made an assurance that it will continue to pursue initiatives that will give Filipinos employment to improve their lives. A report by the Philippine Statistics Authority indicated that the country’s unemployment as well as its underemployment rate have gone down. But it also reported that there are 2.6 million Filipinos who remain jobless. To address this concern, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said among the main efforts include the coordination among government agencies involved in providing employment. These agencies are the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Labor and Employment, Commission on Higher Education, and Department of Education. “Sila ang mga naatasan na magtulak ng convergence na laging ipinapaalala ng Pangulo,” Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday. Another government effort is the continued attraction of new investments, Valte said noting that the country’s foreign direct investments increased last year. The Philippines more than doubled its foreign direct investments in the last two or three years, according to Valte. “Ang continued optimism ng ating mga businessmen ay nakikita naman nating patuloy na nagbubunga kasi dumadami ang mga industriya na pumupunta sa Pilipinas para magbukas ng kanilang mga negosyo dito,” she said. Those who have existing operations in the Philippines are also expanding, she noted. "Kaya ang lagi hong sinasabi ng Pangulo ay dapat tinutulungan ang mga industriyang ito para siguraduhing level ‘yung playing field so everyone has the chance to grow their businesses and, in turn, making more jobs for our people,” she added. PND (as) | |
| President Aquino to lead 110th Philippine Military Academy graduation rites | |
| BAGUIO CITY—President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead on Sunday the 110th commencement exercises for the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sinag Lahi Class of 2015 at Fort Gregorio del Pilar. Joining the President in this event are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, as well as other ranking military officials. Malacañang this early has sent its well wishes to this year’s batch of graduates led by class valedictorian, Cadet First Class Arwi C. Martinez, who will soon join the ranks of the Philippine Army. “We wish all the graduates luck and safety as they continue to bear the flag for us,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told an interview over state-run Radyo ng Bayan, Saturday. Valte also welcomed the news that a woman, Cadet Caroline Jhoy R. Nacional, once again made it to the Top 10 as the nation continues to observe the National Women’s Month. President Aquino is scheduled to arrive here at 9:00 a.m. to first inaugurate the newly completed PMA Sports Complex at the Jurado Hall. He will then proceed to the Fajardo Grandstand to grace the estimated two-hour Commencement Program. About 5,000 people are expected to attend the program including members of the AFP Cadet Corps, former PMA Superintendents, PMA Command Personnel Officers, AFP Major Services and Area Commanders, PMA alumni, members of the Foreign Armed Forces Attaché, enlisted personnel and civilian employees, friends and relatives of the graduating class, local government officials and other guests. President Aquino will also take part in the Merienda Cena for the PMA Sinag Lahi Class of 2015 at the Conference Hall of the Mansion in Leonard Wood Road before heading back to Manila. PND (hdc) | |
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| IP Pantawid Pamilya scholar inspires Lumad children to finish education | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | |||||||||
| Cagayan de Oro City — Given the chance to be a government college scholar, Marlon Mandago, 24, a member of the Higaonon tribe of North-Central Mindanao, urged his fellow indigenous peoples (IP) to finish their education and help uplift the lives of their tribal group. Marlon of San Luis, Malitbog, Bukidnon is a scholar under the Expanded Students Grants-in-Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA), a program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. “Education has always been identified as a priority concern for the indigenous peoples so that they may have a better future. Having a college degree will equip them for gainful employment and transform their lives in the process,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. Under the program, a student-grantee is entitled to a maximum grant of P60,000 per school year or P30,000 per semester for tuition and other school fees, textbooks or other learning materials, and stipend. As of January 25, 2015, there are 31,350 student-grantees nationwide under this project. In Northern Mindanao alone, there are 2,037 student-grantees enrolled in eight CHED-accredited state colleges and universities. Marlon is a third-year student of the Mindanao University of Science and Technology, taking up Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education, major in Physical Sciences. “Para sa akin, ayaw kong maranasan ang hirap na pinagdaanan ng aking mga magulang kung kaya’t pipilitin kong makatapos ng pag-aaral (As for me, I don’t want to go through the poverty that my parents had gone through, that is why I am determined to finish my college education),” he said. Hinihikayat ko ang mga kasama kong IP na magtapos ng pag-aaral dahil ang edukasyon ang mag-aangat sa amin sa kahirapan (I am encouraging fellow IP to prioritize education because it will lift us out of poverty),” he added. Growing up poor At a very young age, Marlon witnessed the economic struggle of his parents who are laborers of a vegetable farm in their hinterland municipality, some 42.6 kilometers off southeast of the city. During his elementary days, Marlon recalled that his parents would take home P50 a day after rendering services in the farm. It was increased to P100 a day, but still below the daily minimum wage standard in the region which is P284. Marlon’s family does not have a house of their own. They live with his grandparents until now. He is thankful to DSWD for helping him reach for his dream – that is, to finish a college degree. If not for the college scholarship under the ESGP-PA of the Pantawid Pamilya of DSWD, Marlon said that realizing his dream would be bleak. He added that DSWD is one of the government agencies that helped his fellow Higaonons lead a peaceful life. Despite the remoteness of their community, DSWD workers regularly visit them to provide services and conduct Family Development Sessions (FDS) to Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. The FDS is a monthly session where the partner-beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya are required to attend as part of their co-responsibilities. Through the FDS, parent/s or guardians are taught about personality development which includes proper grooming and hygiene; strengthening family relationships; and fostering respect by inculcating one’s rights, roles, and responsibilities within the family and their community. Parents also discuss disaster preparedness, financial literacy, and other topics that may be helpful to the family. Marlon believes that with DSWD’s interventions to his tribe, “Kakayanin namin ang pagbabago habang itutuloy naming isabuhay ang mga magagandang kaugaliang natatangi sa aming tribo (We can initiate change in our community at the same time continue to preserve our unique culture).” | |||||||||
| BBL to provide autonomy as envisaged by Constitution -- Monsod | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | |||||||||
| MANILA – The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) provides the new political entity with just enough powers for self-determination within the bounds of the Constitution, framer of the 1987 Philippine Constitution and former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Atty. Christian Monsod said in a televised interview yesterday, March 13. Monsod opined that those who claim that the BBL provides "excessive powers" are wrong and that they were tying themselves with the “base and meaning of the words.” “When we look at the BBL, we must look at the vision, spirit, core principles… If we are going to have a new social order as mandated by the 1987 Constitution, then we must start with these areas (Muslim Mindanao and Cordilleras) that are most failure in terms of human development, oppression and neglect for centuries... because of armed conflicts,” he explained. The former chair of the 1986 Constitutional Commission also said that the unreasonable opposition to the Bangsamoro even extends to the proposed form of government for the new political entity, which under the BBL would be parliamentary. Monsod noted that there is “no prohibition in the Constitution for LGUs to have a parliamentary set-up.” Article X, Section 18 of the Constitution provides that an organic act “shall define the basic structure of government for the region consisting of the executive department and legislative assembly, both of which shall be elective and representative of the constituent political units.” According to the BBL, the Bangsamoro Assembly would be composed of district seats and sectoral members to be elected by Bangsamoro voters. Reserved seats have been allocated for some sectors such as women and the indigenous people. The head of the Bangsamoro government would be the Chief Minister, who would be elected among the members of the Bangsamoro Assembly. The Chief Minister would be assisted by a Cabinet composed of members of the legislature, most of which would come from the assembly. "We need to give them more autonomy as envisaged by the Constitution. And this is what the BBL is about... What we need at this time is not a legalistic approach but judicial statesmanship,” added Monsod. | |||||||||
| "Ooh My Gulay:" Veggie hub Pangasinan gets tech-voc scholarships | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph | |||||||||
| Known for its bountiful harvest of varieties of vegetables, Pangasinan is being envisioned to produce a crop of quality graduates, too, by making free technical-vocational education or tech-voc available. In his recent visit to the province, Director General Joel Villanueva of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) made sure that deserving youth get a chance at tech-voc by distributing scholarship vouchers. Villanueva did this during the half-time break of a basketball match between TESDA Uno Specialistas, composed of tech-voc students and local officials, and team Trabaho, where he belongs together with several legends of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). "The exhibition game is called Shoot for your Dreams, and it could not be a more apt description of what we desire for the youth of this province," he said. "To land in their dream job, the youth has to invest in the right skills," he added. For Pangasinan, TESDA has allotted P109.382 million for a total of 12,832 scholarship slots for this year. There are various courses to choose from, but TESDA has mapped out those that will result in higher employability for the graduates based on the industries present in a particular area. The third biggest province in the country, Pangasinan is known as among the top producers of vegetables. During his visit on March 12, Villanueva's first stop was at the popular vegetables trading post (Bagsakan) in Villasis town, where the "Ooh My Gulay" cook fest took place. Moving to Urdaneta City, he played in the exhibition match and then faced the media in a news conference to promote the tech-voc programs. To help bridge the graduates with potential employers, a job fair was also organized by TESDA in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Professional Regulation Commission and the Public Employment Service Office of the city. | |||||||||
| DILG advisory to the public | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||
| The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has received information about a certain PCI Princess Domingo a.k.a. Patricia Domingo and a certain Col. Grace Perez who, introducing themselves under the authority of this office and the PNP, are solicitng money to facilitate government transactions. DILG Secretary Mar Roxas warns the public that PCI Princess Domingo a.k.a. Patricia Domingo and Col. Grace Perez are in no way connected to this office. The DILG and the PNP do not sanction the solicitation of any person to facilitate transactions in these offices. An investigation regarding this incident has been ordered and is being conducted as of this date. In this regard, please take notice that any person who shall falsely misrepresent himself to be an officer, agent or representative of any department or agency of the Philippine Government shall be liable under the Revised Penal Code. Further, any person facilitating speedy completion of transactions for consideration shall be penalized under Republic Act 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 | |||||||||
| Roxas officially receives BOI report from PNP | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas officially received on Friday the signed copy of the report of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) on the Mamasapano Incident from Philippine National Police Officer-in-Charge (PNP OIC) Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina. During the turnover, Roxas said that the official copy was signed by members of the BOI led by Chairman Director Benjamin Magalong. Roxas was able to skim through an unsigned copy of the report last night after Magalong turned it over yesterday to Espina, who subsequently gave Roxas a copy. He said that the report was able to answer the core question that served as the primary rationale for the creation of the BOI. "Ano ba talaga ang nangyari dito?," Roxas asked. He also reiterated the questions that he posed prior to the release of the BOI report: 1. Matino ba ang pagplano nitong operasyon na ito? 2. Nagawa ba ang lahat at ginawa ba ang lahat para ma-secure ang kaligtasan ng ating mga troopers? 3. Sinunod ba ang atas at utos ng Pangulo na makipag-coordinate? 4. Mayroon bang partisipasyon ang mga Amerikano at kung mayroon, ano ang naging gawain nila? 5. Gumana ba ang equipment? "Nagpapasalamat ako sa BOI sa kanilang trabahong isinagawa rito," Roxas said, as acknowledgement of the fact-finding body after working on the report for more than a month using more than 300 sworn statements from pertinent sources. "Ginawa natin ito hindi para magturo o mambintang. Ginawa natin ito dahil 44 na SAF ang namatay," he stressed. Roxas said that he will immediately submit a copy of the report to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa in Malacanang for the President, to Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales for appropriate action. Roxas also announced that signed copies will be uploaded to a secure read-only website that will be made available to the public "no later than today." "Hindi ito itatago. Lahat, makakabasa nito para marating [ng mga tao] ang pagpapasya dito," he remarked. | |||||||||
| Secretary Del Rosario visits Tunisia, oversees repatriation of Filipinos out of Libya | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||
| 13 March 2015 - Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario visited Tunisia from March 12 to 13 to review and direct the implementation of the Philippine Government’s mandatory repatriation program for Filipinos in Libya. Tunisia neighbors Libya to the northwest and is the main exit point for Filipinos being evacuated out of Libya. At least 3,000 of the more than 4,000 Filipinos who have been repatriated since the Philippine Government started implementing mandatory repatriation in June 2014 transited through Tunisia. The Government has renewed its urgent call for Filipino workers in Libya to avail themselves of the program in view of the deteriorating situation in the country and following the abduction of seven Filipino nationals in two separate incidents in the past month. Secretary Del Rosario met with 41 Filipinos who recently left Libya and are scheduled to fly out of Tunis to the Philippines soon. Their evacuation was facilitated by the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli, Libya. Secretary Del Rosario appealed to them to urge their remaining Filipino friends and acquaintances in Libya to heed the government’s advice and come home. He also made calls to several Filipinos still in Libya representing various Filipino community groups to personally encourage them and their friends to join the others who have already left the country. While in Tunis, Secretary Del Rosario took the opportunity to meet with the Ambassadors of Austria, Bangladesh, and the Czech Republic, whose nationals were among those who were abducted following the attack on the Al Ghani oil field by an unknown armed group on March 06. The condition and whereabouts of the nine foreigners, including four Filipinos, remain unknown. The officials agreed to coordinate closely and create a crisis team to facilitate the search for their missing nationals. Secretary Del Rosario was accompanied by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns Rafael E. Seguis and Assistant Secretary for Middle East and African Affairs Julius D. Torres. They were assisted by the Charge d’Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Tripoli Adelio Angelito S. Cruz and the Philippine Honorary Consul in Tunis Sonia Ayed Sayah. There are an estimated 4,200 Filipinos remaining in Libya. The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli continues to encourage the remaining Filipinos to avail themselves of the mandatory repatriation program of the Philippine Government. | |||||||||
| Advisory on Ayala Bridge closure | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph | |||||||||
| Lane reduction at Ayala Bridge in San Miguel, Manila will be implemented during night time from March 13 to March 16, 2015 as the bridge shall undergo repair and rehabilitation. Department of Public Works and Highways - National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) Director Reynaldo G. Tagudando said that night time repair works involving gantry installation, side wall construction, blasting and other activities will be undertaken as part of the preparatory works for the Ayala Bridge rehabilitation that will necessitate total closure set on March 21 to April 20, 2015. Of the total 12 gantries, three (3) gantries have been installed last week, and installation will resume that will result to lane reduction during night time starting March 13, Friday at 10 PM to 5 AM of March 14, Saturday; March 14 at 10 PM to 5 AM of March 15, Sunday; and 10 PM of March 15 to 5 AM of March 16 Monday. Rehabilitation of Ayala Bridge to restore structural integrity including raising the bridge by .70 meters for navigational clearance of vessels passing Pasig River is being implemented on work stages to minimize impact to traffic. In the meantime, informative signs with alternate routes for motorists and commuters are installed at the following roads: España, A.H. Lacson, President Quirino Avenue, United Nations Avenue, Ayala Boulevard, Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard, Bustillos and Legarda Streets, P. Casal Extension, Claro M. Recto Avenue, Dapitan, Carlos Palanca Sr., Quezon Boulevard, Plaza Sta. Cruz, Carriedo, Padre Burgos, Andalucia and Lerma. This is to inform the motorists about the impending month-long full closure of Ayala Bridge from March 21 to April 20, 2015 where motorists will have to take alternative routes in going to and from their destination. Navigation of vessels will not also be allowed for 48 hours to be announced two (2) days prior to the actual date of lifting the bridge structure. The bridge will be partially closed east side on April 21 to June 14 but is open one-way northbound and partially closed west side on June 15 to July 20 but open one-way northbound. However, movement of trucks and buses will not still be allowed during the partial one-way opening. | |||||||||
| World Bank praises DENR’s work in developing budget program for climate change | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph | |||||||||
| The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been commended by the World Bank for its efforts to ensure public funding for the effective implementation of programs and projects relating to climate change. The World Bank, through its sector leader for environment and natural resources Christophe Crepin, cited in particular the DENR’s role in formulating a program budget approach (PBA) called Risk Resiliency Program (RRP). “I would like to commend the leadership that the [DENR] had provided in preparing a draft Guidance Document on the formulation of the 2016 Risk Resiliency Program (the Program Budget Approach of the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change), and on developing consensus in the Cabinet Cluster for its adoption,” Crepin said in a letter addressed to DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje. RRP aims to strengthen the resiliency of natural systems and urban built environment, as well as the adoptive capacities of vulnerable groups and communities to current and future risks and disasters due to climate change. Crepin said the DENR, which heads the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change, was also instrumental in establishing an inter-agency technical review committee and in identifying focal points in each agency at the Undersecretary level. “These are positive developments that highlights the importance and elevate the visibility of [RRP],” Crepin said, noting that the cluster’s guidance document envisions that the technical review committee be supported by a Secretariat housed in the Climate Change Office of the DENR. Thus, Crepin urged the agency to take the “necessary steps” in arranging with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the creation of the Climate Change Office within the DENR “to enable this supportive role, which would complement the positive steps that have already been taken.” As a response, Paje said the matter will be referred immediately to the DBM as the DENR places high priority on the creation of the Climate Change Office within the department. “The RRP provides an opportunity to strengthen and scale up government efforts to address climate change. It aims to boost coordination and convergence among national government agencies in the planning, budgeting and implementation of priority programs for climate change,” the environment chief explained. The Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation is chaired by the DENR Secretary with the Climate Change Commission functioning as Secretariat. Its members are the chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council; the secretaries of the Departments of Science and Technology, Public Works and Highways, Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Energy, and National Defense; and the chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. The cluster seeks to promote sustainable natural resource utilization, and climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies and measures among national government agencies, the local government units and their respective communities, the general public, and other stakeholders. It serves as an advisory committee to the Office of the President and as such, it recommends measures on policy and operational matters for final consideration of said office. Earlier, the World Bank cited the government’s commitment to address the climate change challenge in the Philippines, which is one of the countries most vulnerable to extreme weather events and sea level rise. It noted that the proposed 2015 program under the PBA of the Cabinet Cluster on Climate Change consisted of about four percent, or P107.3 billion of the entire 2015 national budget. This means that the government has scaled up such PBA by five-fold between 2013 and 2015. The World Bank also pointed out that President Benigno Aquino III’s budget message of 2015 highlighted the increased funding through the PBA and the government’s ability to more effectively monitor and account for climate spending using the climate expenditure tagging system. | |||||||||
| SSS covers 167 informal sector groups in South Luzon | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph | |||||||||
| Batangas City --- The Social Security System (SSS) has covered a total of 167 informal sector groups (ISGs) and associations, representing about 17,895 members in South Luzon under the agency's AlkanSSSya program as of year-end 2014. “More agreements with local government units and ISGs are in development with the necessary infrastructures now being put in place. We expect to generate improved collections from the AlkanSSSya program while we extend it across every economically vulnerable sector of the society,” SSS Assistant Vice President for South Luzon Virginia Cruz said. According to Cruz, the AlkanSSSya program, which enables informal sector workers to save part of their daily income for monthly contributions, has consistently complemented payments from self-employed and voluntary members (SE/VM) in the region, which climbed 14.9 percent from only P1.3 billion in 2013 to P1.4 billion in 2014. Informal workers, who are covered as self-employed members, paid more than P20 million in contributions last year. “SSS operations in South Luzon posted double-digit growth in contributions, of which a significant increase in SE/VM payments was observed. Total collections of SSS offices in the region reached P12.4 billion, 13.7 percent higher over 2013’s figure of P10.9 billion,” Cruz said. SSS likewise registered a rise of 13.6 percent in collections from the employed sector amounting to P10.9 billion or 88 percent of the total. In 2014, about 132,888 new members are accounted in South Luzon, consisting of 110,772 employees and househelpers, and 22,166 self-employed and voluntary members. During the same period, three full-service branches were opened to provide more service points to members particularly those residing in Dasmarinas, Cavite; Lemery, Batangas; and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. To date, there are 20 SSS branches, 12 service offices, and 7 representative offices in the region, which are accessible to its now more than 2.3 million members. As of December last year, SSS has 60 offices in the National Capital Region, 118 in Luzon, 41 in Visayas, and 43 in Mindanao. Meanwhile, SSS has also announced a modest growth of 5.5 percent in total benefit payments from South Luzon last year, amounting to more than P8.9 billion from P8.5 billion in 2013. Cruz said more than 80 percent of payments released by SSS in the region went to regular pensions at P7.8 billion. SSS also paid P27.9 million in lumpsum and initial payments for retirement, P383.5 million for funeral grants, P362 million for maternity, P223.3 million for death, P60.7 million for sickness and medical claims, and P52.3 million for disability. | |||||||||
| DA 11 to deploy plant pathologists to combat banana fusarium wilt | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | |||||||||
| The Department of Agriculture (DA) 11 will be deploying at least 10 plant pathologists to beef up control measures against banana fusarium disease. Three will be assigned in Davao del Norte, three in Compostela Valley, two in Davao City, and one in Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental respectively. Ma. Febe Orbe, DA 11 assistant regional director for operations in her message during the trainers training on fusarium management, said that the newly hired plant pathologists are expected to contribute to the success of combating fusarium wilt or commonly known as Panama Disease. The plant pathologists will be working with the LGU technicians in identifying infestation and in implementing control measures. They will also help in recommending alternative crops for farmers who might opt like to shift to other crops. The said training aims to orient newly hired plant pathologists on the management and eradication strategies against fusarium wilt including the application of biological control agents. It has also provided inputs on good agricultural practices on banana. “We hope that you could help us in this undertaking because DA is bent on controlling the disease since banana is a major dollar earner of the country second only to coconut,” Orbe said. With the threat of Fusarium wilt, Orbe said that,”banana is one of the major gainer agricultural product; we cannot afford to lose the market.” Orbe cited that based on the record of Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the banana production volume of the country in 2013 for all varieties reached to 3 million metric tons. The report added that Middle East and Southeast Asia remains to have high demands not only for fresh bananas, but also its by products. A total of 220,000 tons a day or 80 million tons per year is the worldwide consumption for banana. Aside from combating Fusarium wilt, Orbe also added that the challenges for the banana industry includes, pole vaulting and international standard and market compliance. “We need your cooperation in addressing all of these [bottlenecks] for our local banana industry to be more competitive especially our small players,” she said. Banana is a tropical plant growing in all regions of the Philippine. The soil and climate of the country is suitable for its commercial production. It is considered as table fruit of the Philippines, since some varieties are eaten as fresh fruit while others are cooked and processed into chips, powder, sauce and others preparations. | |||||||||
| 11th Philippines-India Policy Consultations and Related Meetings held in Manila | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | |||||||||
| 13 March 2015 - The Philippines and India conducted their 11th Policy Consultations and 2nd Strategic Dialogue at the Diamond Hotel in Manila on March 05 with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary for Policy Evan P. Garcia leading the Philippine delegation and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary (East) Anil Wadhwa heading the Indian delegation. Assistant Secretary Raymund Jose Quilop of the Department of National Defense co-chaired the Strategic Dialogue with Undersecretary Garcia for the Philippine side. During the Policy Consultations, the Philippine and Indian delegations held discussions on moving forward cooperation in the political, economic, academic, cultural and consular fields. Both sides reviewed progress in the implementation of projects and activities under the Joint Working Groups in health, trade and investments, science and technology, agriculture and renewable energy. They also agreed to map out a plan of action that will push the implementation of projects that would mutually benefit both sides. At the Strategic Dialogue, both sides discussed defense and security cooperation, covering issues such as transnational crime and counter-terrorism, as well as disaster management and maritime security cooperation. They also exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of common concern in the South and Southeast Asian regions. Prior to said meetings, the 2nd Philippines-India Joint Consular Consultations was also held at the Department of Foreign Affairs on March 04. The Philippine side was headed by DFA Executive Director for Consular Affairs Lilibeth Pono while the Indian side was led by MEA Passport Visa Director Dr. Sandip Halder. | |||||||||
| Statement of Secretary Mar Roxas on the Suspension Order for Makati Mayor Jun-Jun Binay | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||
| “Ang batas ay batas, at lahat tayo ay sakop ng batas,” ayon kay Kalihim Mar Roxas. Natanggap na ng DILG ang utos ng Ombudsman sa suspension ni Makati Mayor Binay at ng iba pang City Officials ng syudad. “Ang pinaka importante? sa akin ay ang tuloy tuloy , regular , walang patid? ?na paghatid ng? serbisyo sa mga mamamayan ng Makati , kaya sisiguraduhin ko po ito .” “Tulad ng iba pang mga utos ng mga nakatakdang awtoridad tutuparin po ng DILG ang? utos ng Ombudsman sa maayos, propesyonal at patas na paraan.” Ang Ombudsman? ang nagdesisyon na may sapat na ebidensya para sa pagsuspindi kay Mayor? Binay.? Wala tayong lahat magagawa kundi ito ay respetuhin at ang DILG naman ay napag utusan lang ng mga husgado na ipatupad ang batas dahil kabahagi yan ang trabaho ng ahensya. “Mahirap talaga ang sinapit ni Mayor Binay sa hagupit ng batas laban sa kanya – pero uulitin ko ANG BATAS AY BATAS, at LAHAT TAYO AY SAKOP NG BATAS.” “Kaya maipapayo ko na lang kay Mayor Binay ay bigyang panahon niya ang paghanda ng kanyang depensa.” | |||||||||
| DepEd gears up for K to 12 full implementation | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | |||||||||
| "On this 5th year of K to 12 implementation, we are running a marathon and I can already see the finish line. We are on our last mile," said Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC after presenting a midterm report to the 16th Congress on the K to 12 Basic Education Program. In his presentation, Luistro outlined developments in the implementation of the K to 12 Program, specifically, the provision of fundamental education inputs from 2010 to 2014. He asserted that, “All 220 divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) have finished planning and have figures on enrolment a year in advance. Plans were reviewed per division and against national figures then we [took results and] consulted with industry representatives.” Since 2010 to 2014, DepEd has filled 128,055 new teacher items and constructed a total of 88,805 classrooms. DepEd expects 1.2M to 1.6M students from public high schools to enter Grade 11 in 2016 and 2017. Of the 7,914 public high schools, DepEd identified 5,020 as potential Senior High Schools that are expected to accommodate 1.6M to 2.2M students. The remaining 800k to 1M students are expected to go to non-DepEd providers such as private high schools, private HEIs, SUCs and LUCs offering Senior High School. Amid criticisms, the education chief encouraged openness to dialogue and extended gratitude to partners in the legislative who were instrumental in creating the Enhanced Basic Education Act and ensuring that no learners are left behind. “The curriculum is done and it is the first time in history that it can be accessed in its entirety in the DepEd website,” Luistro said. He added that while it is complete, the Department welcomes feedback from the public. He maintains that education is everyone’s responsibility. Commenting on the strengths of the K to 12 Program, Luistro said, “We looked at the exits (of the K to 12 curriculum). Each Filipino should have skills in Information Technology, Learning and Innovation, Communication, and Life Skills. Mas importante po ang life skills, hindi lang ang nakukuha sa libro. Every Filipino will have the skills to be able to go to school, start their own businesses or be employed.” Amid claims that a number of teachers stand to be unemployed because of the K to 12 Program, Luistro gave his assurance saying, "The situation is manageable. We will be hiring an estimated 30,000 to 41,000 high school teachers for 2016 and 2017 and we will give priority to the displaced teaching and non-teaching staff." In his closing remarks, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. vowed to block attempts by Congress to suspend the K to 12 Program’s implementation saying, “We in Congress have given them the law and it cannot be suspended. Based on the discussion today, I think they [DepEd] are on the right track.” As of March 5, there are 1,116 private schools that applied for SHS permits for SY 2016. Luistro said, “By the end of March, we will be able to issue actual probationary permits (for these applicants).” | |||||||||
| BIR Quezon City padlocks catering service establishment | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | |||||||||
| A catering service establishment was padlocked by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) after it was found to have violated the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law for failure to register as VAT taxpayer and for failure to pay the corresponding deficiency VAT covering taxable years from 2011 to 2013. Records of the BIR showed that MARGIE & GIGI CATERING SERVICES, owned by Margarita Capus Tan with registered address at No. 4 Dao Street, Northview II, Batasan Hills, Quezon City, is a registered Non-VAT taxpayer and has been filing its monthly percentage tax returns. However, when its declared gross receipts from 2011 to 2013 exceeded the VAT threshold amount, said establishment persisted in filing its monthly percentage tax returns. Further, it did not register as VAT taxpayer as well as failed to comply with the corresponding VAT administrative requirements. The deficiency VAT liability of the establishment was estimated at P1.32 million for taxable years 2011 to 2013. The closure was effected after the subject taxpayer failed to comply with the requirements specified in the 48-hour Notice and the 5-day VAT Compliance Notice of the BIR and was implemented through a Closure Order signed by BIR Deputy Commissioner for the Operations Group Nelson M. Aspe. Revenue District Office No. 39, South Quezon City Revenue District Officer Florante R. Aninag said that he recommended the closure of the said establishment after it failed to rectify its violations and to settle its VAT liabilities despite repeated demands from his district office. The recommendation was concurred by the Regional Review Board of Revenue Region No. 7, Quezon City chaired by Regional Director Alfredo V. Misajon. The closure was made pursuant to the Oplan Kandado program of the BIR under the current leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. | |||||||||
| Good news for bio-ethanol distillery workers National Biofuels Board approves DOLE proposal to collect lien from bio-ethanol producers | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | |||||||||
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the National Biofuels Board (NBB) had approved the proposal of the DOLE to collect seven centavos (P0.07) per liter of molasses-based bioethanol from producers under the Social Amelioration and Welfare Program (SAWP) pursuant to Republic Act No. 9367, or the Biofuels Act. “This is good news for bio-ethanol distillery workers. The amount, to be held by the DOLE in trust, will be for socio-economic projects of bio-ethanol distillery workers and their dependents. They will have something to look forward to in case they would like to engage in livelihood to support their incomes from work,” said Baldoz after Undersecretary for Social Protection Ciriaco Lagunzad reported the approval of the proposal. Citing Undersecretary Lagunzad’s report, Baldoz said NBB approved the DOLE proposal the other day, with the amount estimated by the Sugar Regulatory Administration, or SRA, to run to P2.5 million annually. “Based on production capacity, about P2.5 million will be collected from bioethanol producers that use molasses as feedstock. The proposed implementing guidelines provides that the producers will remit their SAWP lien payment to a DOLE trust account with the Land Bank of the Philippines. This amount will be used to implement socio-economic projects to benefit bioethanol distillery workers and their dependents,” Baldoz said. She explained that initial project proposals to be funded out of the SAWP are livelihood assistance, training and education, social protection and welfare benefits, and emergency assistance. “All these will be up for discussion by the Tripartite Consultative Council for Bioethanol Sector and for final approval of the DOLE Secretary. The BWSC will prepare and submit the draft implementing guidelines for consideration of the Secretary once the NBB certificate or resolution is signed and received,” she said. As of 28 February 2015, the total SAWP fund deposited in the DOLE-LBP trust account is P20,962,094.11. Of this amount, P15,073,378.63 were collected for bio-diesel workers and P5,852,715.48 for sugarcane-based bioethanol workers. | |||||||||
| Camarines Sur is top tourist destination in 2012 | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph | |||||||||
| The province of Camarines Sur was the country’s top tourist destination in 2012, according to the latest edition of the Philippine Countryside in Figures. Camarines Sur had a record-breaking 2.5 million visitor arrivals in 2012. It was followed by Cebu and Aklan with arrivals numbering 2.2 million and 1.3 million visitors, respectively. Cebu province attracted the largest number of foreign travelers in 2012 with 997,303 foreign visitors. On the other hand, 42,094 overseas Filipinos preferred the province of Aklan as their vacation site. For domestic travelers, Camarines Sur was the top choice having recorded 2,005,609 domestic tourist arrivals. Other provinces that made it to the Top 10 tourist destinations include Zambales, Davao del Sur, Negros Occidental, Palawan, Benguet, Laguna and Iloilo. Meanwhile, the province of Western Samar recorded the highest growth rate in visitor arrivals at 605.1 percent reaching 32,167 visitors in 2012 of which 87.7 percent were domestic travelers. These statistics and other information on various economic and social indicators of the country’s 80 provinces can be found in the 2012 Philippine Countryside in Figures (PCIF) publication released today as prepared in 2014, by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PCIF is an annual publication that contains general information and statistical indicators for the country’s 80 provinces and top 10 key cities outside the National Capital Region. The 2012 edition contains 62 tables and 15 chapters on the following indicators: 1) general information on provinces, 2) governance, 3) income and expenditures, 4) labor and employment, 5) prices, 6) finance, 7) agriculture, 8) health, 9) education, 10) communication, 11) tourism, 12) infrastructure, 13) transportation, 14) energy and 15) public order, safety and justice. The compilation and publication of the PCIF is PSA’s response to the demand for relevant local-level statistics by its stakeholders and data users. Since its first publication in 1998 by the former National Statistical Coordination Board, the PCIF has been useful in discerning challenges and opportunities at the local level as well as in comparing the performance of provinces and key cities in different areas of interest. The PCIF particularly provides statistical information in support of bottom up development programs and policies whereby local communities can take charge of its future and define its development course. At the national level, the PCIF provides statistical information for effective implementation of national policies and programs at the provincial level through resource prioritization as well as in the differentiation of approach. The PCIF is also available online on the PSA website (http://www.nscb.gov.ph /countryside) to facilitate retrieval and browsing of local-level cross sectional and time series data. Corresponding metadata are also provided to users for better understanding of information about the data series. A distinctive and important feature of the PCIF is its ranking of the provinces for each indicator. For indicators where higher levels are desirable, such as employment rate and local government financial resources, provinces were ranked in descending manner from highest to lowest. On the other hand, indicators where lower levels are desired such as inflation rate and population density, provinces were ranked in ascending manner from lowest to highest. The motivation for ranking provinces is to arouse interest and evoke action by spurring policy change or, at the very least, sparking conversation about the meaning behind these rankings. | |||||||||
| Ex- Bulacan mayor convicted of graft for mulcting | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | |||||||||
| Ombudsman prosecutors successfully secured the conviction of former Mayor Edmundo Jose Buencamino of San Miguel, Bulacan for illegally collecting “pass way fees” and impounding the delivery trucks of a mining company in 2004. In a 27-page Decision penned by Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Napoleon Inoturan, Buencamino was found guilty of two counts of violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (Republic Act No. 3019). He was sentenced to suffer imprisonment ranging from six (6) years and one (1) month as minimum, to eight (8) years as maximum for each count and was perpetually disqualified from holding public office. The Decision stated that “Buencamino imposed and collected payment for pass way fee knowing fully well that he is without authority of law, decree, ordinance or resolution to do so.” Ombudsman prosecutors proved that Buencamino, through former barangay captain Robert Tabernero, started collecting P1,000.00 in 2004 from mining operators as so-called “pass way fee” for each truck traversing San Miguel. The collection was made despite the absence of any ordinance or resolution approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and without completely remitting the proceeds to the local treasury. The Sandiganbayan ruled that the undue injury is “the act of imposing tax on a subject that is outside of the legal authority of a municipality as provided under the Local Government Code of 1991” and that it was made “without any legal basis but upon his whims and caprices.” | |||||||||
| SSS opens 3rd branch in Batangas | |||||||||
| Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph | |||||||||
| The Social Security System opened its third branch in Lemery, Batangas on March 12, 2015 to serve its 25,000 members from 13 municipalities in the area. The Social Security System opened its third branch in Lemery, Batangas on March 12, 2015 to serve its 25,000 members from 13 municipalities in the area. To date, SSS has three branch offices in the province, namely: Batangas City, Lipa City and Lemery. It also has a service office in Balayan. “We are continuously opening new offices to reach out to our members. By making our services accessible, we hope to encourage membership among workers especially those in the informal sector,” SSS Assistant Vice President for South Luzon Virginia S. Cruz said. Located at the ground floor of Xentro Mall along Ilustre Avenue, SSS-Lemery will serve 2,295 employers, 9,313 employees, and 15,640 self-employed/voluntary members. It has 11 personnel led by Branch Head Jessica M. Agbay. The newest SSS branch in Lemery will cover the following municipalities: Agoncillo, Alitagtag, Balayan, Calaca, Calatagan, Lemery, Lian, San Nicolas, Sta. Teresita, San Luis, Nasugbu, Taal, and Tuy. The new office is a full-service branch which offers the issuance of SSS number; accepts and processes applications on benefit claims such as sickness, maternity, disability, funeral and death applications as well as UMID Data capture section. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Lemery is a first class municipality considered as the center of medical health in Batangas province with seven hospitals serving patients from nearby municipalities. The SSS will continue to open additional branches this year with five new branches and five service offices in the pipeline this year. As of December 2014, SSS has 262 offices across the Philippines located in NCR (60); Luzon (118); Visayas (41), and Mindanao (43). | |||||||||
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Last Updated: 12 MARCH 2015
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 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting on Typhoon Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 12). Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads his official family in prayer before presiding over the Cabinet Meeting on Typhoon Yolanda Updates at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (March 12). Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.; Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, Jr.; Education Secretary Armin Luistro; and Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11, 2015). Also in photo are Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Mohd Zamri Bin Mohd Kassim, Malaysian Ministry of Defence deputy secretary Suriani Binti Ahmad, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, National Security Council Director-General and National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, Jr. and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Linglingay Lacanlale. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein pose for a souvenir photo beside the portrait of former President Corazon Aquino during the courtesy call at the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Malaysian Defence Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Bin Tun Hussein during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (March 11). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Civilian Employee of the Year Award to Susan Tolentino during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Plaque of Appreciation to PCSUPT Pablo Francisco Balagtas during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Operational Controlled Unit Enlisted of the Year Award to CPO Aurelio Hernandez during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Organic Unit Enlisted Personnel of the Year Award to SSg. Celso Arellano during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Operational Controlled Unit Officer of the Year Award to Maj. Lourdes Imperial during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10, 2015). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Organic Unit Officer of the Year Award to LCDR Aniceto Medalla during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a Memento from PSG Commander Commodore Raul Ubando during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech at the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. Also in photo is PCOO Sec. Sonny Coloma.(Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | Presidential Security Group (PSG) celebrates its 29th Founding Anniversary at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech at the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the singing of the Philippine National Anthem during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. Also in photo are PSG Commander Commodore Raul Ubando and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. Also in photo are PSG Commander Commodore Raul Ubando and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 29th Founding Anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park in Manila City on Tuesday (March 10). This year's celebration has for its theme: “Kalasag ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-Unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago.” The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President of the Philippines and the First Family, as well as visiting Heads of States and diplomats. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | Jesus Is Lord Church spiritual director and Philippines for Jesus Movement national chairman Bro. Eddie Villanueva leads the congregation for a pray over to President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Malacañang Prayer Gathering at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (March 09). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions from the guests for the Presidential Hour during the Malacañang Prayer Gathering at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (March 09). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Malacañang Prayer Gathering at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (March 09). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Malacañang Prayer Gathering at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (March 09). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | Delegates attending the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies Meeting in Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City, Cavite gather for a group photo at the hotel's open terrace overlooking Taal Volcano on Thursday (March 5). | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Also in photo are PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño, Deputy General Marcelo Garbo Jr, chief of the PNP directorial staff, PNP Deputy Chief for Operation and OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Also in photo is Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III is introduced to PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño (second from left) by the newly newly installed PNP-SAF Director Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo (left), as Deputy General Marcelo Garbo Jr, chief of the PNP directorial staff, OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas look on during the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Lazo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates the newly installed PNP-SAF Director Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo as PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño (left) and PNP Deputy Chief for Operation, OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas look on during the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Lazo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | Group Photo Caption: Delegates from APEC member-economies, and multilateral and international institutions gather in Tagaytay City, Philippines for the 2015 Asia-Pacific Forum on Financial Inclusion. The Forum, which runs from 3-4 March 2015, seeks to discuss initiatives that may push forward the agenda of making financial products and services accessible to a wider range of people across the Asia-Pacific Region. | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing troop the line during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III bids farewell to The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing troop the line during the Departure Honors at the Malacañan Palace Main Lobby on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Raja (Grand Collar) on The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing the symbolic key of 700 newly constructed houses in Basey, Samar and Bantayan Island, Cebu donated by the Sovereign Order of Malta during the ceremonial turn-over at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III and The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing lead the ceremonial toasts during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
 | President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, Fra’ Matthew Festing delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
.@DepEd_PH affirms commitment to safe schools, highlights community participation at #WCDRR http://t.co/YqqyBKGH61 http://t.co/ap9eEjjvZg
Ano nga ba ang Bangsamoro Basic Law?
Alamin ang tungkol sa BBL dito: http://t.co/PCs9C3v7pIhttp://t.co/u76o8sl44O
Philippine Information Agency Region 1 and 3 others shared a link.
- Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Here's the link to the March 16 2015 Edition of One Luzon E-Newsmagazine
http://issuu.com/one_luzon/docs/vol.5_no.051
Maraming Salamat Po!
Official English translation of President Aquino's speech at the PMA's commencement exercises http://t.co/nOR2NVgQ6x |via @govph
Did you get married? Make sure your voter record reflects your new surname. Apply for a CHANGE OF NAME. #VoterReg2015http://t.co/KcpmonwMG8
ICYMI: The Top 10 cadets of the #PMA #Sinaglahi Class of 2015http://t.co/8ToPTcKl9k | via @PTVph
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