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10 hrs ·
24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST
Issued at: 5:00 AM 11 March 2015
Issued at: 5:00 AM 11 March 2015
SYNOPSIS: Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon.
Forecast: Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan group of islands will experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Moderate to strong winds coming from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.
Pagtaya: Ang mga isla ng Batanes, Calayan at Babuyan ay makararanas ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahinang mga pag-ulan. Ang Metro Manila at ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magkakaroon ng bahagyang maulap hanggang sa maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong mga pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog.
Katamtaman hanggang sa malakas na hangin mula sa hilagang-silangan ang iiral sa Luzon at ang mga baybaying dagat sa mga lugar na ito ay magiging katamtaman hanggang sa 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: 01:50 PM yesterday ----- 32.0 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 05:00 AM yesterday ----- 20.7 ºC
Minimum Temperature: 05:00 AM yesterday ----- 20.7 ºC
Maximum Relative Humidity: 06:00 AM yesterday --------- 76%
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:50 PM yesterday --------- 34%
Minimum Relative Humidity: 01:50 PM yesterday --------- 34%
Low tide today: 06:30 AM --------- 0.23 meter
High tide today: 01:15 PM --------- 0.75 meter
Low tide today: 08:25 PM --------- 0.09 meter
High tide tomorrow: 02:24 AM --------- 0.40 meter
High tide today: 01:15 PM --------- 0.75 meter
Low tide today: 08:25 PM --------- 0.09 meter
High tide tomorrow: 02:24 AM --------- 0.40 meter
Sunrise today: 06:07 AM
Sunset today: 06:06 PM
Moonset today: 09:35 AM
Moonrise today: 10:33 PM
Illumination today: 80 %
Moonrise today: 10:33 PM
Illumination today: 80 %
For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.
March 11, 2015 (Wednesday) as of 6:00 A.M. - 7 :00 A.M.
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Cloudy in Lucena City
| Christian Church Coalition prays over President Aquino | |
| The Coalition of Christian Churches, composed of major religious and worship groups in the country, prayed over President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Malacañang grounds on Monday afternoon.“We, the members of the Coalition of Christian Leaders, are joined by our pastors and brethren, in praying for our nation and our leaders. For as it is written in Scripture: 'Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God',” the Coalition said in a joint statement, quoting a verse from Romans: 13 of the Bible. The group also prayed for the police commandos who died in the law enforcement operation to capture terrorist suspects, Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as Marwan, and Abdul Basit Usman. “We join in prayer and sympathy the families of our Philippine National Police Special Action Force who died in the line of duty in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last 25 January 2015. We call on the authorities to ensure that the ends of justice are served and that those accountable are prosecuted without fear or favor. We believe that the work of peace-building must be pursued and that our nation must continue to move forward toward inclusive economic growth and social justice for all,” the Coalition said in the statement. The prayer for the President was led by National Chairman of the Philippines for Jesus Movement and Spiritual Director of the Jesus Is Lord Church, Bro. Eddie Villanueva. Other religious leaders present were Bishop Leo Alconga, East Asia Director of the Biblica Ministry and National Vice Chairman of the Philippines for Jesus Movement; Dr. Andrew Luison, President of Cityland Development Corporation; Bishop Dan Balais, Chairman of the Intercessors for the Philippines; and Bro. Daniel Razon, President of Members Church of God International. They have shown support for the President and promised to continue to pray for him. For his part, President Aquino expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the different Christian groups. "Nagpapasalamat tayo sa ating mga kasama ngayon, ang mga pinuno ng iba’t ibang Christian groups sa pagbubuhos ninyo ng suporta sa ating agenda ng mabuting pamamahala. Talaga naman pong nakakapagpalakas ng loob ang pagkakataong ito na nagbubuklod-buklod tayo upang mag-alay ng panalangin para sa ating bayan," he said during his speech. "Sa ganito pong mga pagkakataon, kompiyansa ako na kahit mahirap ang ating trabaho, basta naroon kayo na nakikiisa at nagbibigay-lakas, madadaig natin ang puwersang naghahangad na ibalik ang dating sistema. Alam ko pong magiging makabuluhan ang ating pagsisikap upang mangibabaw ang ating kolektibong hangarin na higit na kaunlaran at kasaganahan," he added. Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the event was proposed after the President’s meeting with members of the Coalition in Malacañang three weeks ago. Secretary Coloma said that during that meeting, the President discussed with the church leaders the background of the January 25 law enforcement operation. PND (ag) | |
| Soldiers killed in battle against BIFF rebels to get benefits based on law, says Palace | |
| The Palace on Tuesday said soldiers killed in a recent battle against members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) will receive benefits based on the law. "Lahat ng benepisyo ay batay sa batas. Mayroong mga benepisyo ang wounded in action, mayroon din namang benepisyo ang killed in action, kaya’t ipatutupad naman ang mga benepisyong ito nang naaayon sa batas," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang. According to news reports, four soldiers, including a Scout Ranger captain, were killed as military operations against rebels continued at the borders of Mamasapano, Datu Piang and Shariff Saydona. At least 10 BIFF members were killed in Barangay Pusao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao, one of whom was wearing a uniform of the Special Action Force (SAF). Last January 25, 44 PNP-SAF members were killed in Mamasapano during a law enforcement operation to capture terrorist suspects Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman. This sparked the military operation against BIFF rebels who were reportedly among those responsible for the death of the police commandos. PND (ag) | |
| Palace: PNP Board of Inquiry did not mention the need to get the President’s statement | |
| Malacañang on Tuesday said the Philippine National Police’s Board of Inquiry (PNP-BOI) chief did not mention the need to get President Benigno S. Aquino’s statement regarding the Mamasapano incident.Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. noted that according to PNP Spokesman Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo, Jr., PNP-BOI head Director Benjamin Magalong only spoke about the board’s request for postponement of the submission of their report, during Monday’s press conference and never mentioned the need to get President Aquino’s statement on the January 25 mission that resulted in the death of 44 members of the police’s Special Action Force. “Ayon kay PNP Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo, Jr., who was present during the press conference, wala po siyang (Magalong) sinabi na kailangan pa talagang kausapin ng BOI si Pangulong Aquino,” Secretary Coloma told reporters during a press briefing. Coloma also said that he has no specific knowledge if there was a letter or a verbal request from the PNP-BOI to get President Aquino’s statement. President Aquino, he said, has already mentioned everything he knew about the Mamasapano incident in previous speeches, the latest of which was delivered before members of the Coalition of Christian Churches during a prayer gathering at the Malacañang grounds on Monday. The PNP-BOI report was supposed to be submitted last month but the schedule has been reset twice. PND (jm) | |
| Defense Department monitoring China's latest activity in West Philippine Sea, says Palace | |
| The Palace on Tuesday said that the Department of Defense is monitoring China's latest activity in the West Philippine Sea. "Mino-monitor po ng ating Department of National Defense ang mga pangyayaring ‘yan at patuloy pa rin naman tayo sa ating advocacy na dapat ay walang mga kilos na ganyan," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during the daily press briefing in Malacañang. "Dapat panatilihin ang status quo habang tinatalakay pa sa ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) ang Code of Conduct of parties involved in the maritime entitlement claims sa South China Sea o West Philippine Sea," he added. Secretary Coloma maintained that China's reclamation activities in the disputed territories is in violation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea. "Mayroon pong mataas na kamalayan ang daigdig hinggil dito. Pati ang ibang mga stakeholder countries sa Southeast Asia at East Asia ay nagpahayag na rin ng kanilang pagkabahala sa mga ginagawang aksyon na ‘yan at hindi naman po tayo nag-iisa doon sa panawagan na dapat itigil ang mga gawaing ito," he said. According to news reports, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has said that China was undertaking "necessary" construction at the South China Sea that was not aimed at any third party. "We are not like some countries which have carried out 'illegal building' in other people's home, and we won't accept unwarranted remarks about work on our own home," he said. On March 30 last year, the Philippines filed a memorial at the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) against China regarding its reclamation activities. The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan are laying claim to parts of the potentially resource-rich West Philippine Sea. PND (ag) | |
| President Aquino leads Presidential Security Group's 29th anniversary celebration | |
| President Benigno S. Aquino III led the 29th founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) on Tuesday, recognizing the organization's contribution to nation building. Since the PSG's creation in 1986, the group has evolved into a formidable and well-organized security organization for the President and his family, President Aquino said. "Ang layo na nga po ng narating ng Presidential Security Group sa loob ng halos tatlong dekada," he said, noting that when his mother, the former president Corazon Aquino, assumed power, the PSG had to begin from scratch. "Noong nag-umpisa ang PSG, noong panahon ng nanay ko po, pagdating dito, wala na pong itinira sa atin: ultimong mga jalousie, doorknob, pati nga po mismong punong nakatayo, binunot dahil sila daw ang nagtanim kaya dadalhin na nila pag-alis nila—lahat ng matatangay ay kinuha nila," the President said, recalling the excesses of the Marcos administration. In the past several decades, the PSG has become a reliable and more organized professional organization, he said. The President also praised PSG's successes and sacrifices, from an ambush during one of the attempted coups d’etat in the 1980s at the Malacañang complex, where he nearly died, to the provision of security now that he is serving as President. The PSG successfully secured him when he stayed in Zamboanga City during the Zamboanga siege in 2013, he said. He also recognized the successful work of the PSG during the visit of Pope Francis in the country last January. "Maski nga ho sa pagdating ng Santo Papa nitong Enero, sa kabila ng kagustuhan niyang makalapit sa napakaraming tao, nanatili siyang ligtas at naging matagumpay ang kanyang pagbisita," he said. "Malamang ang sinasabi ninyo ngayon: Di-hamak na mas madali akong bantayan kaysa sa Santo Papa." With the presence of groups sowing negativity and trying to destroy the unity between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the PSG could serve as an example and model, according to the President. The public, he said, must see the dedication of military and police personnel working together in a single command under the PSG to achieve national unity. In the remaining days of his administration, the President said he, together with the Filipino people, could accomplish a lot with the PSG's contributions. "Nasa huling yugto na tayo ng ating administrasyon, kompiyansa ako na dahil kasama ko ang PSG, mas marami pa tayong magagawa tungo sa katuparan ng ating nagkakaisang adhikain: Isang Pilipinas na huwaran ng kaunlaran, isang bansang mapayapa, at nagsisilbing bukal ng pagkakataon para sa ating mamamayan," he said. Former president Corazon Aquino disbanded the Presidential Security Command under the Marcos administration in 1986 and replaced it with a leaner PSG with then Army Col. Voltaire T. Gazmin as its chief. The PSG, which provides security to the President and his immediate family as well as visiting leaders, had to start from scratch because its headquarters was looted at the height of the EDSA People Power Revolution. "Kalasag Ng Pangulo: Kaagapay Tungo sa Pag-unlad at Malawakang Pagbabago" was the theme of the PSG's 29th anniversary celebration. PND (as) | |
President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) 29th Founding Anniversary
PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park, Manila
10 March 2015
Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat at happy anniversary sa inyong lahat.Twenty nine years na ho pala, palagay ko ‘pag tiningnan n’yo si Secretary Gazmin, ‘di natin malalaman na siya ang ating founding group commander. [Palakpakan] ‘Wag natin hamunan ng road run, baka maiwanan kayo. Si Ate Pinky lang ata nagpapakita ng kaunting pagdagdag ng edad, mga one year. [Tawanan]
Alam naman po ninyo, hindi biro ang responsibilidad na nakaatang sa balikat ng sinumang Pangulo. Tulad ng madalas kong sabihin: para kang pinanonood ng 200 channel ng telebisyon, sabay-sabay. Kailangan kong tunghayan at bantayan ang lahat ng nangyayari sa bawat panig ng ating bansa. Sagutin ko ang 100 milyon nating mga Boss, kasama na ang humigit-kumulang na sampung milyon na nasa labas ng Pilipinas. Anumang tensiyon, kaguluhan, o trahedya sa ibayong dagat at sa loob ng ating teritoryo, kailangan kong tutukan. Kailangan alam ko ang nagaganap at magaganap pa, dahil sa bawat sandali ay kapakanan ng ating mga Boss ang nakataya.
Sa akin nga po binabagsak ang problema, malaki man ito o maliit. Siyempre, sinasabayan din ito ng pinakamatitinding batikos, lalo na ang mga kathang-isip mula sa mga kulang sa pansin.
Alam n’yo po nang tinanggap ko ang atas na maging pinuno ng bansa, malinaw ang nilatag nating agenda: ituwid ang tiwali, panagutin ang mga nagkasala sa sambayanan, at palitan ang dinatnang status quo ng panlalamang sa bayan. May kasabihan nga po: Do not disturb the rice bowl, o ‘wag makialam sa pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng iba. Ang masakit po: ang pinagkukunan nila ay ang kaban ng bayan, at napapahamak ang lahat, iilan lang ang nakikinabang. Di po ako magbubulag-bulagan, at pilit nating itatama ang sistemang dinatnan. Samakatuwid, marami akong magagambalang mga rice bowl.
Aaminin ko po: May tapang ako, dahil ginagawa ko ang tama, at kung may kulang ako ay bahala na po ang Diyos doon, lalo na sa seguridad natin. Kung pupunta nga akong Darapanan sa Maguindanao, o sa anumang lugar, may katatagan ang kalooban kong may kasama akong propesyonal at maaasahang Presidential Security Group. Sa aking bawat aktibidad, nariyan kayo, handang magsakripisyo, handang makiramay sa trabaho abutin man ng pagod, gutom, o puyat; at talagang nakikiambag sa pagsusulong ng malawakang transpormasyon ng lipunan.
Diyan po sa gutom, may naalala akong kamakailan lang nangyari. Hinarap po nating mga pamilya ng mga namatay na miyembro ng SAF. Inabot po ng madaling-araw ‘yung unang pagtitipon noong Biyernes na ‘yon. At ang kaisa-isang naipakain sa ating mga kasamahan ay maliit na hamburger noong tanghalian, eh madaling-araw na po ito. Para makabawi sa pagod, nagyaya po akong kumain. At noong dumating nga ho ang ating mga kasamahan noong gabing ‘yon, tinanong ng ating Chief of Protocol, “Ano ba ang gusto ninyong kainin?” At ang sagot nila, “Light lang, ma’am.” Madaling-araw na kasi. So ang in-order po nila ay tortang talong, tortang giniling, at iba pang klaseng torta, fried vegetable lumpia, laing, at bikol express. Iyong pinuntahan po namin, bakahan at manukan. Noong napansin nilang gutom na gutom sila, um-order na rin po sila ng baka at saka manok. Ang problema ho, out of stock na noong nadesisyunan nilang kumain.
Kaya ko lang ho kinukuwento ito sa inyo, magdamag nga ho halos tayo doon sa Bicutan noong araw na ‘yon, walang laman ang ating mga bituka. Tapos dumating nga ng bawi na lang nung kinabukasan na, eh hindi pa na-order nang maayos. Pero wala ho tayong narinig na konti man lang [na] hinanakit. Bagkus, ang nakita natin mga ngiti, at nagtakahan sila bakit puro torta ang in-order nila. [Tawanan]
Ang layo na nga po ng narating ng Presidential Security Group sa loob ng halos tatlong dekada. Noong nag-umpisa ang PSG, noong panahon ng nanay ko po, pagdating dito, wala na pong itinira sa atin: ultimong mga jalousy, doorknob, pati nga po mismong punong nakatayo, binunot dahil sila daw ang nagtanim kaya dadalhin na nila pag-alis nila—lahat ng matatangay ay kinuha nila. Ang mga armas, nilimas din ng mga nauna sa atin dito sa Malacañan Park. Ang mismong security ng ating ina noong kasagsagan po ng kampanya, may dala-dalang clutch bag. Ang laman ay boteng binalutan ng tuwalya para magmukhang may bukol at may laman. Anim na buwan daw ngang presidente po ang ating ina, may ilan pa rin sa kanyang close in, dala-dala pa rin clutch bag at parehong bote ang laman dahil wala nga hong armas na dinatnan dito. Bawas na bawas din ang bilang ng inyong hanay nang itatag ang PSG sa pamumuno ng noo’y si Col. Gazmin. Bagong salta pa ang tropa. Di nga po kayo kinakatakutan o iginagalang ng mga nagtangkang magkudeta. Sa di-bababang siyam na coup noong panahon ng aking ina, sinubok ang PSG, at kayo ay nagpakitang-gilas. Nakita ang inyong tibay at nagapi ang kalaban. Sa huli, PSG ang natirang matibay, gumuho ang kalaban. [Palakpakan]
Kita naman ang husay ni Kalihim Gazmin noong siya ang inyong “Group”: Ang PSG, talagang ginagawa niyang “lean and mean.” Kayo nga po ang nagsilbing kaagapay at kalasag ng pangulo, ng ating bansa, at pati na ng aming pamilya. Nang ma-ambush nga ako sa harap ng St. Jude, nagbuwis ng buhay ang mga kasama kong PSG para mailigtas po tayo.
Ngayon ngang ako na ang namumuno sa ating bansa, lalong lumalalim ang paghanga at kompiyansa ko sa Presidential Security Group, mula sa bumubuo ng inyong liderato, maging sa inyong mga non-commissioned officers, hanggang sa mga karaniwan ninyong kasapi at kawani.
Sa pagpunta ko sa Zamboanga City noong 2013, sa pagmamando natin doon, at sa pagtungo sa mga lugar ng bakbakan, maski bago ang inyong commander noon, dahil maayos ang naging pamamalakad ng dati nating group commander na si Chito Dizon, nasiguro talaga ang seguridad ko at ng mga kasamahan natin. Sa pamumuno nga po ni Commander Raul Ubando, nagpakitang-gilas ang PSG at ang iba pang units sa ilalim ng kanyang operational control sa Zamboanga. Baka puwede ko ho idagdag: Dumating ang panahon dadalaw tayo doon sa Sports Stadium para makidamay sa lahat ng mga evacuees. Ang sabi po niya sa akin, trabaho po ng ating Group Commander, “Sir, marami nang tao diyan bago natin na-panel. Hindi na natin kaya i-panel. ‘Yung mga tao ho diyan, halo-halo na. Hindi natin sigurado kung sino ang nandiyan. At saka nandiyan ho sa mortar range ‘yang sports center na ‘yan.” Sabi ko, “Kailangan kong puntahan itong mga taong ito. Gawin mo ang magagawa mo. Buo ang kompiyansa ko sa inyo. Bahala na ang Diyos sa atin sa hindi natin kaya.” At talaga naman pong naging matiwasay at pinakita nga ho ng ating group commander, na noong panahong iyon ay dadalawang linggo pa lang yata sa puwesto ng PSG, ay handa anumang oras at anuman ang kakailanganin.
Dahil sa inyo, talagang nagawa ko ang aking tungkulin nang hindi ko iniisip ang aking kaligtasan.
Maski nga ho sa pagdating ng Santo Papa nitong Enero, sa kabila ng kagustuhan niyang makalapit sa napakaraming tao, nanatili siyang ligtas at naging matagumpay ang kanyang pagbisita. Malamang ang sinasabi ninyo ngayon: Di-hamak na mas madali akong bantayan kaysa sa Santo Papa. At nakita naman ng taumbayan ang husay ng PSG nga po noong naparito si Pope Francis. Ngayon, may makakapagsabi bang di kaya ng PSG ang anumang tungkulin?
Siyempre, hindi tayo kampante sa lahat ng ating tagumpay. Patuloy nating patataasin ang antas ng inyong kagalingan. Dahil napakalaki ng ginagampanan n’yong tungkulin, tinitiyak ko sa inyong nakaalalay kami sa lahat ng inyong gawain. Pati ang kapakanan ninyo at maski ng mahal ninyo sa buhay, sisiguruhin nating nasa maayos na kalagayan.
Sa atin nga po, may tinatawag na Central Leadership or a very strong Central Leadership, at ako ang nasa tuktok. Sagutin ko ang direksiyon, pagpapatakbo, tagumpay, at maski pagkabigo ng anumang tunguhin. Ang laki ng itinutulong ninyo sa pagpapagaan sa aking dalahin, dahil ginagampanan ninyo nang buong husay, katapatan, at propesyonalismo ang inyong trabaho. Idagdag ko na rin lang po: Noong PG Commander ang ngayo’y Gov. Ebdane, may panahong talagang nakakahuli siya ng natutulog sa puwesto. Ngayon, masasabi ko na sa loob ng higit apat na taon natin dito, ni minsan, wala akong nahuling natutulog sa pansitan o sa puwesto. Totoo po: Dahil sa PSG, may “peace of mind” ako. [Palakpakan]
Ididiin ko na rin po: Bilang mga tagapagtanggol ng bayan, bilang mga kasapi ng ating nagkakaisang AFP at PNP, tunay na mga propesyonal ang mga kasapi ng PSG. Sa araw-araw na pakikipag-ugnayan ko sa inyo, nakikita ko ang matibay na samahan ng AFP at PNP na bumubuo sa aking security detail at ng iba pang unit sa inyong grupo. Ngayon ngang may naglalayong buwagin ang matibay na samahan ng ating AFP at PNP, iisa lang ang tugon ko sa mga nagtatanim ng intriga at negatibismo: Tingnan ninyo ang PSG. Tingnan ninyo ang dedikasyon ng mga sundalo at pulis na nag-aambagan upang makamit natin ang ating inaasam-asam bilang isang bansa. Tingnan ninyo ang mga kasama kong nagmamalasakit sa bayan.
Nasa huling yugto na tayo ng ating administrasyon, kompiyansa ako na dahil kasama ko ang PSG, mas marami pa tayong magagawa tungo sa katuparan ng ating nagkakaisang adhikain: Isang Pilipinas na huwaran ng kaunlaran, isang bansang mapayapa, at nagsisilbing bukal ng pagkakataon para sa ating mamamayan.
Nang una akong humarap sa inyong buong hanay noong ika-25 anibersaryo ninyo, ang sabi ko, “While you stand tall, the country is stable and progressive.” Sinasabi ko sa inyo ngayon: Kayo ang nagpapatunay na matatag, buo, at di-mapapantayan ang paninindigan ng ating unipormadong hanay. Kayo ang tumitindig bilang solidong kalasag ng Pangulo at ng sambayanan. At sa bawat araw, kayo at ang milyon-milyon nating mga Boss ang nagpapatunay na hindi ako kailanman nag-iisa sa pagtahak sa tuwid na daan.
Sa inyong anibersaryo, tanggapin ninyo ang wagas na pasasalamat ng sambayanan para sa lahat ng inyong sakripisyo’t pagsisikap. Totoo po: Talagang ipinagmamalaki kong maging pinuno at commander-in-chief ninyo.
Maraming salamat. Maligayang anibersaryo po sa lahat.
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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GMA News TV / News To Go by Kara David
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10 March 2015
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| KARA: (coverage cut)Wala siyang sense of urgency kaugnay sa operasyon sa Mamasapano at that time? SEC. COLOMA: Ilagay natin sa konteksto, Kara. Ang pinaghugutan niyang katagang iyan ay labing-apat (14) na pahina na transcript. Ibig sabihin mahaba iyong salaysay. Para maging fair at para buo iyong pag-unawa. Kung sinuman ang nagtatanong at gustong unawain iyan, mainam basahin iyong buong transcript. Pero dahil kaunti ang ating panahon, ang antecedent lang niyan ay iyong tungkol sa pagkakaroon ng exchanges ng text messages. Dahil nga ininform (inform) ang Pangulo o nalaman niya nung binuksan niya iyong cellphone niya nung umagang iyon at about 7:00 to 7:30. Nalaman niya na naituloy na iyong operation at ito pala ay naisagawa—ang una palang text sa kanya ay dumating sa kanya ng mga 5:30 or 5:45. Pero iyong eksaktong portion na iyan ay patungkol doon sa pagkakaroon ng extraction operations. Dahil nga ang tinutukoy natin dito bakit nangyari na napakaraming nasawi na PNP-SAF. At ayon doon sa natanggap niyang text message, “extraction is ongoing.” Kaya nung nabasa niya iyon, ang larawan na nabuo sa kanyang isipan ay isinasagawa na ng aktibo iyong extraction operation. KARA: Kumbaga, mission accomplished? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi, or substantially being carried out, hindi ba, kasi ongoing eh, di ba. Kumbaga sa halimbawa, “oh nag-umpisa na ba iyong laro?” “Oo, ongoing na, second quarter na, third quarter na,” di ba. Iyon ang general idea kapag natanggap natin iyong ganoong klaseng mensahe. Kaya nga sabi niya in retrospect sana man lamang ang ginamit na salita ay “extraction imminent or extraction about to start.” Dahil nga batid natin, hindi naman na-carry out iyong extraction na iyon, until much later. Kaya iyon iyong kanyang paliwanag, kung bakit nung ganoong kaaga ay hindi siya nagkaroon ng pagkabahala o iyong iyong pag trinanslate na nga natin sa Ingles, on that particular point, wala pa siyang sense of urgency. Wala pang sense na malaking trahedya na iyong nagaganap. Dahil nga doon sa nakakalito o hindi klarong mensahe na extraction ongoing na hindi naman pala iyong pangkaraniwang pagkaunawa natin sa extraction ongoing ang tinutukoy. KARA: But he knew that this was a big operation. Kasi isang buwan before this ay nakipagpulong pa sa kanya si General Purisima at saka itong si Napeñas? SEC. COLOMA: Oo, Kara. Batid niya na malaking operasyon ito. Pero iyong actual na outcome nun o iyong actual na nagaganap, at that point, 7:00 in the morning, hindi pa klaro iyong impormasyon, aside from the initial information na napatay na nga si Marwan. Iyon naman ang naunang naibigay na impormasyon sa kanya. KARA: Okay, Secretary. Doon sa talumpati kahapon ng Pangulo. Mukhang malinaw na ibinubunton ng Pangulo ng sisi dito kay Napeñas. Sinasabi na binola siya, hindi siya binigyan ng tamang impormasyon at drawing daw, sa kanyang mga salita, drawing daw iyong mission, itong plano nitong si Napeñas. Pero, hindi yata nababanggit iyong si General Purisima. Kasi kung kakausapin natin si Napeñas, ang sasabihin nito, he is just taking orders from Purisima. Na sabi niya kasama si Purisima dito. So, where does Purisima figure out in this? SEC. COLOMA: Kara, iyong salaysay ng Pangulo ay bilang tugon doon sa tanong ni Pastor Ed De Guzman. Sinabi niya, “maari po bang malaman mula sa aming Pangulo mismo kung ano po ang mga tunay na kaganapan dito.” And that was the basis for the extended narrative. Ang pakay ng Pangulo ay ipaunawa yung context nung mga events, iyong para maunawaan ng ating mga mamamayan kung ano iyong mga circumstances that led to the deaths of 44 PNP-SAF. At kung titingnan natin iyong buong salaysay, na-point out ni Pangulo, sa pamamagitan ng pag-analisa, iyong mga weaknesses nung pag-carry out nung operation dahil marami ngang instances doon na sana ay nai-abort na. KARA: Right. SEC. COLOMA: Na-mention niya iyon. So, mahalaga iyon, Kara, para sa pag-unawa ng ating mga kababayan kung paano ba, to use the term “nabilad” iyong karamihan sa mga PNP-SAF. Wala namang pag iwas doon, soon sa role ni General Purisima. KARA: Pero kung sinisisi po niya si Napeñas for this, iyon iyong reading namin sa kanyang statements kahapon. Maari bang sabihin din na sinisisi rin niya in a way si Purisima dahil kasama naman. SEC. COLOMA: Kara, ang pangunahing layunin nung pagsalaysay ay hindi iyong pagbunton ng sisi kahit kanino man. Ngunit iyong pag-unawa o iyong pag-intindi kung ano talaga iyong mga naganap. Iyon ang kanyang pangunahing layunin. It’s not to heap blame, but to tell the story as it actually happened para maunawaan nung mga kababayan natin iyong buong kaganapan. That is why hindi naman niya pakay talaga doon na manisi. Pinapaliwanag lang niya iyong lahat ng circumstances. Marami siyang pino-provide na context. Halimbawa, sinabihan siya na 160, o bakit 160, eh samantalang ang estimate ng private armed groups plus MILF plus BIFF ay 4,000. In that long narrative, binibigyan niya ng konteskto iyong mga napulot niya o nakalap na impormasyon. Hindi naman ang point doon ay para manisi lamang. KARA: To put blame on someone. Alright. SEC.COLOMA: Oo, parang pinapunawa. Kasi nga maraming nuances. Napakakumplikado, napaka-risky nung operations at hindi tayo dapat din na mag-over simplify. KARA: All right. Maraming salamat po sa inyong oras, Secretary Sonny Coloma. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Kara. |
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center |
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| Ex-TESDA chief Syjuco faces more graft raps | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales ordered the filing of graft charges for violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act) against former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Augusto Syjuco, Jr., Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) Chairman Santiago Yabut, Jr., BAC Vice-chairman Clifford Paragua, BAC members Marjorie Docdocil, Brenda Furagganan, Ma. Lourdes Villanueva, Procurement and Supply Division Chief Juanito Belda and Senior Administrative Assistant III Glynis June Capoquian-Sionosa, and representatives of Grand C Graphics, Inc. (Grand C) Alfredo Ching, Jr., Nelson Ching, Rene Rufino and Fahmi Asuncion. The graft charges stemmed from the anomalous procurement of 250,000 copies of SALABAT for the Filipino Soul, a career guidance book for school children, amounting to P9,250,000.00 that did not undergo public bidding. The alternative mode of limited source bidding was resorted to when Syjuco and the BAC awarded the project to Grand C. The Commission on Audit (COA) noted that “there was irregular expenditure in the procurement for the printing of SALABAT” and was “disallowed in audit by COA-TESDA on 21 May 2008.” According to the COA, limited source bidding cannot be resorted to “since the printing of books is neither a highly specialized type of goods” and that “the requirement for resorting to limited source bidding was not complied with.” COA also questioned the processing of payment, delivery and inspection of goods which were completed only in one day. The charges for Falsification of Public Documents were dismissed for lack of probable cause. It will be recalled that in August 2014, Ombudsman Morales approved the filing graft charges against Syjuco and former Representative Judy Syjuco in connection the anomalous disbursement and use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) amounting to P20,000,000.00 which was coursed through the TESDA and released to and implemented by the Tagipusuon Cooperative, a Syjuco-founded NGO. Earlier in April 2013, graft charges were also filed against Syjuco, Jr. and several TESDA officials in connection with the irregularities in the implementation and disbursement of funds for the Ladderized Education Program (LEPTES) and the Nordic Development Fund-TESDA (NDFTES) projects. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Mineral, agro-based export products grow in January 2015, temper PH exports decline | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA— Philippine export of minerals and agro-based products registered strong growth in January 2015, but weaker demand in manufactures and lower sales from petroleum pulled down total exports, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that the country’s merchandise exports reached US$4.36 billion in January, a marginal drop of 0.5 percent from last year’s US$4.38 billion. This is despite the 34-percent growth in export of mineral products and 12.9-percent growth in export of agro-based products. “The decline is negligible as compared to most trade-oriented economies in selected East Asian countries that posted negative outturns in merchandise exports during the period. This is also in view of weaker demand conditions and fragile manufacturing sectors in some of our major trading partners, Japan, Korea, and Singapore,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. Among major commodity groups, higher shipments of copper metal, copper concentrates, and iron ore agglomerates pushed mineral products to grow to US$201.0 million in January 2015 from US$150.0 million in the same month last year. Likewise, export earnings from agro-based products grew to US$313.9 million in January 2015 from US$ 278.2 million in January 2014, due to increased outward shipments of other agro-based products, sugar, and coconut products. Meanwhile, gains from exports of manufactured goods declined by 1.6 percent from US$3.8 billion in January 2014 to US$3.7 billion in the same period last year. This is due to lower outbound sales of other manufactured goods, wood manufactures, electronic equipment and parts, and chemicals. Despite the slowdown, exports of electronic products continued to be strong with a 14.6 percent year-on-year increase in January 2015. This is largely backed by the 16.0 percent increase in outward shipments of semiconductors, which accounted for almost 69.0 percent of the country’s total electronic exports. Similarly, export receipts from petroleum products remain affected by the continued decline in global crude oil prices. “While the gains in mineral and total agro-based products were not enough to compensate for the lower overseas sales of manufactures and petroleum products, their strong performance for the period helped moderate the decline in our total merchandise exports,” he said. “We note that the slack performance for the period remains in line with the anticipated low demand due to seasonal factors,” added Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director-General. The Cabinet official also warns of risks along the fringes of a relatively well Philippine exports sector. “While the Japanese and Chinese manufacturing sectors slightly recovered in February, recent developments in the US manufacturing sector may further strain exports over the short-run. The composite index for the US manufacturing sector suggests a moderation in the next period, reflecting the downward trend in new orders and employment in the sector,” said Balisacan. “Based on general market consensus, commodity prices will also likely remain low for the entire 2015. On that note, revenue from major agro-based commodities such as coconut oil and copra may moderate given the stabilization of global supply. However, increasing demand for gadgets and smart technologies will continue to benefit the electronics sector,” he added. With these, Balisacan urges the government to fast-track the programs directed to support the industrial and manufacturing development of the country. “The full implementation of the Industry Development Program of the Department of Trade and Industry, which aims to enhance the competitiveness of key industries, should be supported. To complement this, gaps in infrastructure, including in energy and logistics, should also be addressed in order to enhance the competitiveness of Philippine exports,” he said. Japan remained as the country’s top export market for the period, with 20.3 percent share in the total exports, amounting to US$ 882.6 million, albeit lower by 23.2 percent year-on-year. The United States of America came in second with 15.9 percent share, amounting to US$ 693.9. This is followed by the People’s Republic of China with 10.2 percent or US$ 445.4 million worth of exports. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BSP rediscount rates for March 2015 and availments as of February 2015 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The BSP announced today the applicable Peso Rediscount Facility and Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF) rates for the month of March 2015 and loan availments as of end February 2015.
The Peso Rediscount Facility rates for Rediscounting Windows (RWs) I and II for March 2015 are as follows:
The Peso rediscount rates for RW I and RW II are effective starting 15 September 2014 up to the next policy rates revision and are based on the applicable BSP one-month repurchase rate and overnight reverse repurchase rate, respectively, plus term premia for longer maturities per Circular No. 806 dated 15 August 2013.
The following are the rates for the month of February for loans under the EDYRF:
The EDYRF rates are based on the respective 90-day London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 27 February 2015 plus 200 basis points plus term premia for longer maturities pursuant to Circular No. 807 dated 15 August 2013.
Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the total availments of thrift banks and a rural bank amounted to P70 million for the period 01 January to 28 February 2015, which is 75.2 percent lower than the P282 million total for the same period last year. Out of the aggregate availments for the period, 76.1 percent went to commercial credits and 23.9 percent to other credits consisting of housing (13.5 percent), CAPEX (8.2 percent) and permanent working capital (2.2 percent).
There was no dollar availment for the period 01 January to 28 February 2015 under the EDYRF in contrast to the US$0.8 million grants for the same period last year. There was likewise no Yen-denominated availment under the EDYRF in 2014 nor for the subject period in 2015.
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| FDI reach all-time high in 2014 at US$6.2 billion; Net Inflows in December increase more than five-fold | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Foreign direct investments (FDI) posted a record high of US$6.2 billion in 2014, increasing by 65.9 percent from the US$3.7 billion net inflows in 2013.1,2 FDI inflows remained robust, buoyed by strong investors’ confidence in the country’s solid macroeconomic fundamentals. Net equity capital infusion during the year rose by 206.7 percent to US$2 billion from US$664 million in 2013 on account of the 6.2 percent increase in equity capital placements coupled with the 67.8 percent decline in equity capital withdrawals. Equity capital investments came mostly from the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These were channeled mainly to financial and insurance; manufacturing; real estate; mining and quarrying; and wholesale and retail trade sectors. Moreover, investments in debt instruments (or intercompany borrowings), grew by 26.1 percent to US$3.3 billion. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings expanded by 94.8 percent to US$819 million during the year. For the month of December, FDI net inflows amounted to US$557 million, more than five-fold the US$102 million recorded in the same month a year ago. Net equity capital infusion contributed largely to the increase in FDI net inflows during the month as it reversed to US$482 million net inflows from US$60 million net outflows for the same period in 2013. The increase in net equity capital investments was brought about by the 1,465.7 percent expansion in equity capital placements and the 10.7 percent decline in equity capital withdrawals. The bulk of equity capital investments in December 2014—coming largely from the United States, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Republic of Korea and Singapore—was channeled to financial and insurance; mining and quarrying; real estate; manufacturing; and information and communication sectors. Reinvestment of earnings increased by 21.7 percent to US$56 million from US$46 million. Meanwhile, the decline in investments in debt instruments to US$19 million from US$116 million a year ago partially tempered the growth in FDI in December as significant repayments for intercompany loans (US$270 million) were made during the month. ----------------------- 1The BSP adopted the Balance of Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22 March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011 BOP statistics. On 21 March 2014, the BSP released the BPM6-based series from 2005-2013. The major change in FDI compilation is the adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents’ investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial assets/residents’ investments abroad (previously presented as negative entry under liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines). 2 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSP’s FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP’s FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the IPAs’ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DSWD intensifies program convergence to address poverty | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amid the rise in poverty incidence in the first half of 2014, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was cited by National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) head Arsenio Balisacan to have been instrumental in tempering poverty from rising any further. To support this observation, DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman shared that according to the 2014 World Bank Benefit-Incidence Analysis, Pantawid Pamilya has a positive effect on the poverty gap through increasing the income of partner-beneficiaries and moving them closer to the minimum income level needed to transcend poverty. “The positive observations are enough reason for us to intensify the implementation of the program and to also clean the list of cash recipients to ensure that only the rightful beneficiaries will get the assistance. This way, we can maximize our resources for those who are really in need,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Julian-Soliman said. DSWD is also looking into the possibility of increasing the amount of cash grants given, subject to the availability of funds. Increasing the cash grants will address higher inflation and rising food prices, thus protecting beneficiaries from sliding back into poverty. Sec. Soliman further explained that the temporary delisting of beneficiaries who are not complying with program conditions may have also lessened the number of families who have cash to spend, thus affecting the poverty incidence data, at least for the period that the study was made. To date, a total of 4,442,781 families are enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilya. Sustainable livelihood To safeguard the long-term growth of Pantawid Pamilya partner-beneficiaries, DSWD also provides livelihood and/or employment to poor communities through the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). SLP invests in building the capacity of people to engage in economic activities so they are able to stand on their own. The program has two tracks: the Micro-enterprise Development, wherein beneficiaries are given start-up capital to start a small business; and Employment Facilitation, wherein participants are provided with technical skills training, occupational guidance, and job referrals/placement. From January 2011 to November 2014, SLP served 464,190 families. Community-Driven Development Anchored on empowering the community, DSWD also implements the Kapitbisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community Driven Development program (KALAHI-CIDSS). Under this program, the people themselves decide on issues directly affecting them, as well as draw up solutions in partnership with the Local Government Units (LGUs). Through KALAHI-CIDSS, the people become part in the development of their communities and become active citizens. Since its launch in 2003, the program has funded a total of 9,812 sub-projects with 6,362 already finished and benefiting around 1.5 million household beneficiaries. Convergence strategy Pantawid Pamilya, KALAHI-CIDSS, and SLP are DSWD’s three core programs that contribute to poverty reduction. Each program responds to an aspect of poverty to ensure a comprehensive response, and when implemented together form the DSWD’s convergence strategy. “By 2016, we are aiming to raise 2.3 million households to a level of self-sufficiency through the convergence strategy,” Sec. Soliman stated. Knowing the real poor Sec. Soliman said that knowing the poor is the first step to providing appropriate interventions as well as ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and distributed equitably. To achieve this, DSWD uses the Listahanan or the National Household-Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR). The NHTS-PR is an information management system that helps the Department identify which communities in the country are most in need of government interventions. “It gives a face to poverty by enabling us to know the poor more personally – to know them by their names, where they live; know their families [through] data and [through] real relationships established,” Sec. Soliman said. DSWD conducted the first round of assessment in 2009 and will conduct the second round this year. Protecting the vulnerable groups Aside from the three core programs, DSWD also implements protective programs for vulnerable groups such as older persons, persons with disabilities, children in conflict with the law (CICL), and victims of human trafficking, among others. Programs for these groups are social pension for indigent seniors, supplementary feeding for children, community-based programs, and provision of temporary shelter, among others. She also added that the Department continues to strengthen its disaster management program through monitoring and intensified collaboration with the local government units to better respond to the needs of the public during calamities. DSWD remains committed to serving the poor, the vulnerable, and the disadvantaged through its social protection programs. The Department will further intensify its various programs in order to address poverty and improve the quality of life of the marginalized sector. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DSWD, ILO partner for sustainable livelihood | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) today strengthened its partnership and signed a grant agreement to support sustainable livelihood and community enterprise development in regions affected by Typhoon Yolanda. The grant agreement was signed today by DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson of the ILO Country Office for the Philippines. Under the agreement, the ILO will provide US$480,000 to DSWD to rebuild livelihood assets and to support community-driven enterprises. It will cover 36 municipalities affected by Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte; Northern Cebu; and Coron, Palawan. The partnership will assist 1,200 vulnerable workers and guarantee minimum wage, social security, health, and accident insurance coverage. Personal protective equipment such as masks, hats, gloves, boots, and protective clothing will also be provided to ensure safety at work. The ILO estimated that about 6 million workers were affected when Typhoon Yolanda struck the Philippines in November 2013. Of these, 2.6 million workers were already in vulnerable employment and living near or at the poverty line even before the onslaught of the storm. While much progress has been made in rebuilding lives and livelihood within the first year since Typhoon Yolanda struck, the country experienced Typhoons Ruby and Seniang in December 2014 which affected the same communities and thousands of vulnerable workers who still lack decent work and sustainable livelihood opportunities. This collaboration comes at an opportune time, when international humanitarian aid is dwindling and the focus of the response is shifting towards long-term development, with the government in the driving seat. “This partnership with ILO will provide ‘Yolanda’ survivors with sustainable and decent sources of livelihood to help them regain normalcy in their lives. By providing them with a sustainable source of livelihood, we are both ensuring that they can stand on their own feet and protecting them from being exploited,” Sec. Soliman said. The project, which will continue until June 2015, takes an integrated approach, using DSWD’s Cash for Building Livelihood Assets and the Community-Driven Enterprise Development approaches, while complementing ILO’s experience on placing decent work and livelihood at the forefront of disaster response and recovery. “We support the Philippine government in building back better through decent work and sustainable livelihood. Together, we will reach out to workers in vulnerable employment, who often have no choice but to accept or create whatever work is available in order to survive,” said Dir. Johnson. From the first day of the recovery efforts, the ILO has put livelihood at the forefront, working with different government and humanitarian partners to support sustainable livelihood through local resource-based rehabilitation works, skills, and enterprise development. To date, more than 15,300 individual workers or 76,500 family members were initially assisted through the ILO’s emergency employment program in Coron, Northern Cebu, Leyte, Ormoc, and Tacloban. Through medium-term local resource-based works, skills training, and enterprise development, the ILO and its partners assisted over 14,100 individual workers or 70,500 family members. DSWD’s community-driven approach to livelihood rehabilitation focuses on immediate cash transfer as an incentive for rebuilding community livelihood assets, skills training, and the provision of starter kits. The community-driven enterprise development work also recognizes that it is necessary to help families venture into alternative livelihood. The rebuilding of livelihood assets will provide short-term assistance to families while engaging people in community initiatives and strengthening the Filipino spirit of “Bayanihan” or citizenship. Rebuilding could include river dredging, restoration of farm-to-market roads, public markets, and preparation of communal farms. Using a participatory approach to the planning of projects will provide capacity building, equipping people with the technical know-how and starter kits to operationalize their choice of livelihood. Pooled resources and cooperative strategies will be encouraged. Micro-enterprises developed, guided, and monitored by DSWD could include fish culture, food processing, seaweed farming, small scale transportation services, and trade and commerce. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DOJ supports indexation of damages and fines | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department announced today its support for Senate Bill No. 2680, entitled "An Act adjusting the amount involved, value of property or damage on which a penalty is based and the fines under Act No. 3815, as amended, otherwise known as the Revised Penal Code (RPC)," recently filed by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon. "We are coordinating closely with the legislature to ensure that the work of the Criminal Code Committee is translated into policies and laws," said Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima. "It is acknowledged that our general criminal law needs to be reformed and updated. This indexation effort is a key component of the DOJ codification program," she added. SBN 2680 will amend Article 26 of the RPC and most of the threshold figures in Book 2 based on the proportionality of the crime to the prescribed penalty in relation to present values. "A scientific approach to criminal justice research starting with the proper indexation of crimes and penalties will close a major gap in our justice system. Since 1932, we have not done a simple yet comprehensive review of the RPC," said DOJ Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Chair of the Criminal Code Committee. "Laws need to be responsive to current situation. The value of 200 pesos eighty-three years ago is just different from its worth today," he said. The Criminal Code committee was established in 20 April 2011 to craft a modern, simplified, responsive and truly Filipino Criminal Code that will enhance access to justice by the poor and other marginalized sectors. Book 1 of the draft criminal Code was filed as House Bill. No. 2300 by Representative Niel C. Tupas, Jr., Chairperson of the Justice Committee. Book 2 on Crimes and Penalties was completed on 31 July 2014 and endorsed to the House Committee on August 2014. Books 1 and 2 were endorsed to Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III as Chairperson of the Committee on Justice on the same date. Copy of the draft Criminal Code is available at http://doj.gov.ph/criminal-code-committee.html SBN 2680 can be downloaded at www.senate.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CISI announces cooperation with Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) has signed a statement of intention to explore working with the Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The initiative, signed by CISI Chief Executive, Chartered FCSI Simon Culhane and Philippines SEC Economic Research & Training Department Commissioner, Dir. Virgilio V. Salentes in Manila acknowledges that CISI will share its global expertise in the areas of continuous learning and qualifications training. The SEC has agreed to explore the development of financial training programmes in areas including risk and compliance and to seek areas of cooperation to enhance professional financial services qualifications in line with global standards or best practices. With 40,000 members worldwide CISI is the professional body which sets examinations and offers qualifications for those working, or looking to establish a career in, the wealth management and capital markets industry. It has representative offices in financial centres including Dublin, Singapore, Mumbai, Colombo and Dubai and works in close cooperation with regulators, firms and other professional bodies globally. Simon Culhane, CISI CEO said: “We are extremely pleased to be exploring these opportunities for qualifications and training in Philippines. This year the global award winner for the highest score in the CISI Operational Risk exam was an employee at HSBC Electronic data processing facility in Manila.As the demand for our professional industry qualifications is increasing in Philippines we will be exploring the possibility of opening a CISI office in Manila.” Teresita J. Herbosa, Philippines SEC Chairman said: “We welcome the CISI initiatives in the Philippines and know that we will certainly benefit from these. The importance of training particularly in risk management and compliance is well-settled and will surely contribute to the improvement in professional financial services in our country.” | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baldoz seeks PE Singapore cooperation to raise dignity of HSWs | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The meeting last week between Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Antonio A. Morales and Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz was an occasion for the latter to discuss in detail with the former the progress of the reforms of the government, through the DOLE, to professionalize the ranks of household service workers; to provide them with stricter protection and enhanced welfare; and to raise their dignity as workers in the formal sector. “It is still fresh in my mind the incident of our Household Service Workers being displayed and advertised like commodities in a mall in Singapore which I considered an affront to their dignity. So let us work together to present to foreign employers the better side of our HSWs—that they are well-trained and trainable, educated and responsible, honest and trustworthy, and thus, they also contribute to the socio-economic well-being of the countries where they work,” Baldoz told the Philippine envoy. Noting that Lucky Plaza in Singapore is noted as a popular convergence destination of Filipinos during their off-days, Baldoz requested Ambassador Morales to assist the Philippine Overseas Labor Office to identify a location in Singapore where Filipino can spend their off-days more comfortably and productively. “A wholesome venue ideal for meetings or training is what I have in mind. I also envision this for other destination countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan,” Baldoz explained. Last year, Baldoz instructed Philippine Labor Attache Vicente Cabe to explore the expansion of the available space at the Filipino Workers Resource Center, or Bahay Kalinga, to accommodate more productive activities and events for OFWs, and to fast-track the repatriation of distressed domestic workers so that the FWRC can be transformed into a center of care and excellence pursuant to President Benigno S. Aquino III’s thrust under his 22-point labor and employment agenda. She also discussed with Ambassador Morales the DOLE’s ongoing efforts to align all POLO training with the skills assessment and certification program of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to increase and enhance the access of OFWs to higher level occupation and higher pay. “I really hope we can fast-track this in Singapore. We have begun this in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where over 100 OFWs, including HSWs, have undergone skills assessment and certification on-site. Our next target this summer is Hong Kong and, hopefully, Singapore,” explained Baldoz. She also revealed to the Ambassador that she is monitoring the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration’s compliance with to her earlier directive to develop and pursue the training module on transforming OFWs, particularly HSWs, to become ambassadors of goodwill. “This will imbue them with respect and high regard befitting OFWs,” she added. In view of the implementation of the PADS, she also requested the Ambassador to develop a country-specific module for OFWs as Ambassadors of Goodwill to Singapore. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baldoz announces 270 more job openings for Pinoy nurses in UK | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The demand for Filipino health care professionals in the United Kingdom continues to step-up as 270 more Philippine Overseas Employment Administration-approved job orders were received by a Philippine-based international manpower agency. Following her statement last month about the increased demand for Filipino nurses in the United Kingdom, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that Omanfil International Manpower Development Corporation has received 270 more job orders for nurses in three UK hospitals. “Apart from the 220 job orders for nurses we have reported in January this year, this latest overseas employment opportunity augurs well to our globally-competitive health care professionals,” said Baldoz. Omanfil Chairman Leonardo B. De Ocampo wrote Secretary Baldoz a letter saying the 270 openings with approved job orders by the POEA are for Whittington Health NHS Trust, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Omanfil International Manpower Development Corporation is a Presidential Awardee of Excellence and as a recipient of this distinction, its job orders are exempted from overseas labor office verification and approval. Recruitment agencies who are conferred with Presidential Awards of Excellence are exempted from evaluation in terms of volume and quality of deployment, technical capabilities, compliance with recruitment rules and regulations, welfare programs and allied services, human resources development plan, industry leadership, marketing capability, social awareness, and proof of responsibility. Baldoz said that with Omanfil’s credence, the overseas deployment of Filipino healthcare professionals will be in good hands. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DPWH-10 completes 3 major projects in CD | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three (3) additional infrastructure projects have been completed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Region 10 for Cagayan de Oro City costing P111 Million. In a report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 10 Director Evelyn T. Barroso cited the inauguration of recently completed flood control project (flood wall) along CDO River, Cathedral Section; access road leading to famous Dao Heritage Tree and Mapawa Nature Park; and road concreting and drainage project at Berjaya Resettlement Area. The biggest among the three (3) projects in terms of project cost, is the 1.9-kilometer tourism road with drainage and slope protection, leading to Dao Heritage Tree and Mapawa Nature Park. Costing P49 million, the road is now providing more efficient accessibility in mentioned tourist destinations, contributing to the boost of tourism industry in the city. Another project is the five (5) meters tall and 146 lineal meters long flood wall along CDO River, Cathedral section, in the amount of P48 million. The flood control project was accomplished in eight months, and is now protecting structures and residents within the vicinity from flood and overflow of CDO river. Also part of the 3 completed infrastructure is the concreting of 541-lineal meter circumferential road of Berjaya Resettlement Area in Barangay Camaman-an. This project is envisioned to provide all weather road and drainage system within the resettlement area for easy access of people, goods and services for the residents living in the vicinity. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roxas eyes mobile CCTVs for safer Metro Manila | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to procure mobile units with closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras to ensure peace and order during annual big events in the country. In a weekly command conference in Camp Crame, Roxas said that these mobile CCTVs will transmit images to the mobile command posts (e.g. buses) which will then send these images to either the district police offices or the National Headquarters of the PNP. He also said that this will enable the PNP to immediately address problems commonly encountered during the crowd-drawer events in the country such as the President’s State of the National Address (SONA), which under the 1987 Constitution is delivered every fourth Monday of July; the EDSA People Power Revolution every 25th of February; and the Feast of the Black Nazarene every ninth of January. During the meeting, Roxas reminded PNP officials that criminality should be solved using a “programmatic, deliberate, and sustainable” approach, which is not “bara-bara, kanya-kanya and ningas-kugon.” Roxas also ordered the installation of additional CCTVs in all 38 police stations in Metro Manila after tasking PNP officials to meet with officials from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to maximize the use of their 210 CCTVs installed in different areas in the metropolis. According to him, the coordinated efforts between the MMDA and the PNP can make for better and more effective customized police operations in high crime areas currently under Pasadya. Another project – the Metro Hawkeye – for the installation of CCTVs in crime-prone areas in the metropolis, is now in its post-qualification stage. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PNP opens bidding for 34 units HF/SSB base radio | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine National Police invites interested bidders to apply for a 34-unit HF/SSB Base Radio until March 25, 2015. With the General Appropriations Act of 2014 as basis, the PNP intends to apply the sum of Seventeen Million Pesos (Php17,000,000.00) being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) as payment for the said Base Radio units. A Pre-Bid Conference will be held on March 10, 2015 at 9:00 AM in PNP Main Conference Room, 3rd Floor NHQ Building, Camp Crame, Quezon City, which shall be open only to all interested parties who have purchased the Bidding Documents. Interested bidders may obtain further information from the Philippine National Police and inspect the Bidding Documents at the National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee, 2nd Floor, PNP-NHQ Main Building, Camp Crame, Quezon City during working days from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Bids must be delivered to the said address on or before March 25, 2015 at 9:00 AM. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by interested Bidders from March 3, 2015 to March 25, 2015 from the address below upon payment of a non-refundable fee in the amount of Twenty-Five Thousand Pesos (Php25,000.00). It may also be downloaded free of charge from the website of the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and the PNP Website, www.pnp.gov.ph, provided that Bidders shall pay the non-refundable fee for the Bidding Documents not later than the submission of their bids. According to Police Director Juanito B. Vaño Jr., the PNP Director for Logistics and Chairman of the National Headquarters Bids and Awards Committee, the bidding will be conducted through open competitive bidding procedures using a nondiscretionary "pass/fail" criterion as specified in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (lRR) of Republic Act (RA) 9184, otherwise known as the "Government Procurement Reform Act". “Bidding is solely for Filipino proprietorships, corporations, partnerships or organizations with at least sixty percent (60%) interest or outstanding capital stock belonging to citizens of the Philippines.” Said PDir Vaño. Bid opening shall be on March 25, 2015 at exactly 9:10 AM at the PNP Main Conference Room, Camp Crame. Bids will be opened in the presence of the Bidders’ representatives who choose to attend while late bids shall not be accepted. However, the PNP reserves the to accept or reject any bid to annul the bidding process, and to reject all bids at any time prior to contract award, without incurring any liability to the affected bidder or bidders. For further information, please refer to PNP Bids and Awards Committee c/o NHQ-BAC Secretariat, 2nd Floor, NHQ-PNP Main Building, Camp Crame, Quezon City with telephone number (02) 723-0401 local 3009 and telefax number (02)726-7218. (PNP-PIO) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Processing, issuance of DENR emission permits for new vehicles now available online | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is cutting back on red tape for automobile manufacturers, assemblers and importers securing emission permits for new motor vehicles, with the unveiling of its online processing service. The DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), is now accepting online applications for its Certificate of Conformity (COC) issued to new vehicles that complied with the numerical emission standards prescribed by the department. COC is a requirement for initial registration of new motor vehicles with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), an attached agency of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said the introduction of the electronic service was part of the department’s efforts to reduce administrative burdens and improve business regulation. He noted that the new system allows for a convenient and transparent process in securing permits from the EMB. “Going online is one way of reaching out to our stakeholders and making things easier and hassle-free for them,” Paje pointed out. “The public can expect more of such initiatives as we continue to improve our services by cutting red tape and reducing useless effort,” he added. Under the law, all new cars sold in the country must be certified to meet local emission standards. Section 22 of Republic Act 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, provides that “any imported new or locally-assembled new motor vehicle shall not be registered unless it complies with the emission standards set pursuant to the Act, as evidenced by a Certificate of Conformity issued by the [DENR].” Under the new system, registrants are provided an online account that allows them to access their personal information 27 hours a day, 7 days a week, using their username and password. From their account, they can verify activity details. To register, applicants may log on to the EMB’s official website (www.emb.gov.ph), and click on the icons “COC Online” or “HazWaste Online Registration” on the right hand corner of the page. An account can be created by designating an e-mail address and password. Requirements for COC include a detailed description of the vehicle and its engine, details of the fuel feed and emission control systems, and the vehicle type approval system test result of the DOTC and LTO. After submission, applicants can access their account to track the status of their application and obtain a copy of the certificate once approved. Applications can also be done anywhere with internet access, either via a computer or a mobile device. The EMB now also provides electronic registration for all hazardous waste generators, treaters and transporters. Upon submission of registration form, proponents will receive confirmation e-mail containing the requirements for registration as enumerated in DENR Administrative Order 2013-22, or the Revised Procedures and Standards for the Management of Hazardous Wastes. Payment can be made at the EMB Central Office, or EMB Regional Office where the project is located. Finally, a confirmation e-mail will be sent advising the proponent when the certificate will be issued. Lawyer Jonas R. Leones, a DENR Undersecretary and concurrent EMB Director, said the online processing for hazardous waste is currently on its initial phase. “Once in full operation, the system will allow us to easily track and monitor the movement of hazardous wastes as it is transported in various parts of the country,” Leones said. He likewise disclosed that the EMB will soon launch its online permitting system for the country’s Priority Chemicals List (PCL), Pre-Manufacturing and Pre-Importation Notification (PMPIN) and the checklist for Environmentally Critical Areas under the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) system. Since February 2, the EMB also opened its online service in securing a Certificate of Non-Coverage (CNC) under the Philippine EIS system. Those covered are projects referred to as “Category D” or those unlikely to cause adverse environmental impacts. Category D projects involve not more than one hectare land development, with no toxic or hazardous materials, substances and products, including those in the revised PCL and Chemical Control Order under RA 6969 or the Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DAR denies casting aspersions on motives | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) denied today that they made a list of Members of Congress opposed to House Bill (H.B.) No. 4296 on the basis of personal motives. DAR Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan admitted that the legislative liaison of the DAR was directed to come up with an analysis on who among the Members of Congress will possibly oppose H.B. No. 4296 in order to aid the agency to draw up a roadmap in marshaling legislative support for the passage of the bill. “The resulting list merely stated names of all the Members of the House of Representatives and their possible votes, nothing else. Contrary to reports, the list did not categorize the Members into who are the most powerful, the richest, and the most radical.” said Pañgulayan. Pañgulayan added, “We understand the legislative process and we recognize that the passage of any bill entail negotiations and discussions among the legislators and the stakeholders. The possibility of the passage of H.B. No. 4296 will not boil down simply to the wealth or status of the Members of Congress.” He then emphasized that the list and analysis is tentative and will continuously adjust as the legislative process progress.2 “Until Congress actually votes on this bill, there can be no official list of Members of Congress who are against the measure”, emphasized Pañgulayan. “The resulting list from the analysis was made as a guiding tool. It was not meant to be a propaganda piece, and we deny releasing that list to the media. There was also no intention or directive to list down Representatives who are anti-CARP”, Pañgulayan further stated. DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Jose Z. Grageda then reiterated that around 695,000 hectares of agricultural land are still to be processed for acquisition and distribution. Although most of these are already being processed, the DAR needs a law in order to acquire and distribute possibly 50,000 hectares of the abovementioned 695,000. The DAR thereafter repeated their full support for the extension or renewal of the authority of the DAR to issue Notices of Coverage and accept Voluntary Offers to Sell. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gov’t urge LGUs to lodge more projects under rural dev’t program | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| “The Department of Agriculture thru the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) may request additional funding from the World Bank as projects in the pipeline have already reached P13-billion (B),” according to Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala. “The approved projects have reached P5.3 B, and more local government units want to be included,” he said. “We still have to see, how much more will be needed by the LGUs based on their project proposals before we send our request to the WB,” he said. “We may be requesting not less than USD500 million from them.” The agri chief further stated that the WB was very happy with the turn-out of the PRDP, as it received a positive and very satisfactory review during a mission conducted in February. “We urge the LGUs to partner with us and submit a business plan of your priority commodity,” Alcala said at the sidelines of his field visit in Davao City on March 5, 2015. The Davao City government is currently preparing documents and other pertinent requirements in line with their commodity investment plan for cacao. "Maganda po itong proyekto na ito ng PRDP kaya marapat lamang na makilahok tayong lahat para naman po tayong lahat ay sabay-sabay na uunlad,” he added. PRDP, an off-shoot of the successful Mindanao Rural Development Program, seeks to bring agricultural innovations in communities across the nation, to improve the farming and fishing sectors, produce quality and competitive products and increase productivity and income of agricultural laborers. While in Davao, Alcala and Senate Chair for Agriculture and Food Cynthia Villar, distributed various farm machineries and equipment amounting to P127.4 million. The packages of assistance, distributed to organized groups and farm associations, are part of the government’s efforts to mechanize the rural agri sector in preparation for the upcoming integration under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). In his message, Alcala stressed “the government is serious in modernizing the farm sector to cope with the AEC and gain competitive advantage among other ASEAN regions.” Farm machineries distributed include mechanized threshers, tillers, hand tractors, combine harvesters, and corn shellers among others. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DA bars Washington and Idaho poultry products | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued an order prohibiting the importation of domesticated and wild birds and their products from Idaho and Washington, USA. A report of an outbreak of the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) virus in Canyon County, Idaho; and Clallam County, Washington from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to the Office of International des Epizooties (OIE) has prompted DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala to order the temporary ban. The National Veterinary Services Laboratories of the USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has confirmed the outbreak of HPAI serotype H5N2 affecting backyard flocks of geese, ducks and chicken in said counties. The agriculture chief has set the temporary ban to protect the health of the local livestock population and food safety in the country from the avian flu virus. The ban covers poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs and semen. Under the order, Secretary Alcala specified emergency measures such as the immediate suspension of the processing, evaluation of application and issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Import Clearance to import the aforementioned commodities from said location; and stoppage and confiscation of all shipments of aforementioned commodities from said locations, except heat-treated products. The Secretary also stressed that the importation of poultry and meat products is subject to the conditions provided in the applicable articles of the OIE's 2014 Terrestrial Animal Health Code. “Recently, there have been several avian flu outbreaks outside the country. But the public should not worry as we are strictly guarding our major ports against possible entry of infected products,” Alcala said. The OIE is an inter-governmental organization that inform governments of the occurrence of animal diseases and the ways to control such. It also coordinates studies devoted to the surveillance and control of animal diseases and harmonizes regulations to facilitate trade in animals and animal products. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Innovations and high morale result to peak in BI collections for 2014 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila, Philippines---The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reached its highest revenue collection in 2014, surpassing all collections since its inception in 1940. BI Commissioner Siegfred Mison credited the income of Php 3.022 billion to the increased and more professional workforce. “We will always be thankful to our Secretary of Justice, the Secretary of Budget and Management, and the President, for hearing out our need for additional personnel”, said Mison with gratefulness. In 2014, the BI implemented the one-way processing of visa transactions with specified timelines to avoid papers from going back and forth between offices; field offices were moved to malls for easier access to the clients; cashless payments were also allowed for the convenience of the transacting public. In terms of personnel, trainings (including values, leadership and customer service) were provided to personnel to equip them with the proper skills in dealing with clients’ needs; immigration officers and other employees were hired principally if not solely based on merit and fitness; and morale has been boosted due to Bureau-wide participation and engaging activities such as the flash mob, fun run, human flag formation, and the BI music video “Tara Na”. After more than three years of procurement activities, more than 200 passport readers and computer sets were likewise procured and installed at airport counters. The revenue in 2014 increased by Php 36.628 million from the Php 2.985 million in 2013. While being principally a law enforcement agency and not a revenue generating agency, the increase in revenue reflects the extent of the compliance of foreign nationals with our immigration and registration laws. Mison said the good revenue turnout gives momentum for the BI to further improve its services in 2015, and the increased budget allocation adequately supports this goal. BI was allocated a budget of Php 711.526 million for 2015 under the General Appropriations Act, Php 148 million of which is intended for procurement of IT equipment and vehicles, and construction and improvement of facilities. “As we enter our 75th anniversary in September with theme ‘Be Inspired, Be Innovative, Be Involved’, we commit to provide the best immigration experience to our clientele”, said Mison. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PPP Center boosts partnership with WB-WSP | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In line with its strategy to promote public-private partnerships (PPP) projects at the local level, the PPP Center found a formidable partner in the Water and Sanitation Program of the World Bank. The aim of the partnership is to provide local governments with the necessary technical assistance and capacity building opportunities that will contribute to the development of local water projects. The World Bank – Water and Sanitation Program (WB-WSP) is a multi-donor partnership that supports poor people in obtaining affordable, safe, and sustainable access to water and sanitation services. The Philippines is one of the countries that the World Bank identified requiring assistance in enhancing the delivery of equitable water supply and sanitation services. There still exists a conspicuous gap in the water sector in the country. Within the sphere of publicly financed networks, water systems piped into premises are limited in coverage, and service delivery is irregular at best. Local government units (LGUs) and water districts (WDs) struggle to expand their utilities, leaving their constituencies severely underserved. The WB-WSP has supported the capacity building program of the Center by providing technical assistance, learning opportunities and the strengthening of formal collaborative ties not only for Center staff, but also implementing/ regulatory agencies in the water sector and client-LGUs seeking to upgrade water service delivery in their localities. All current initiatives were borne out of capacity building activities, technical assistance and dialogues conducted among the PPP Center, the WB-WSP and its development partners. This collaborative ties is further strengthened and sustained in undertaking the following on-going initiatives: PPP Productization work The PPP toolkit includes a PPP marketing plan for Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) PPP Projects and several templates for project study such as terms of reference for the procurement of transaction advisory and water source assessment, and bid/ tender documents preparation such as Minimum Performance Specifications and Standards (MPSS) for physical works and Term sheet for concession agreement. The toolkit is integral to the PPP Center’s capacity building efforts for PPPs in the local water and sanitation sector. Through this, LGUs and WDs have the concrete means to readily adopt the PPP option to pursue their water infrastructure projects. Institutionalization of a PPP Technical Working Group (TWG ) for local water and sanitation projects The PPP Center, together with the Local Water Utilities Administration, National Water Resources Board, Philippine Association of Water Districts, and the Department of Interior and Local Government, is in the process of formalizing a cooperation to mutually support the advocacy, capacity building, technical assistance, and policy development assistance for local water projects undertaken by local government units and water districts. Formalizing this cooperation will essentially harmonize the existing capacity building and technical assistance efforts these government agencies extend to LGUs for local water projects. With this partnership, the TWG envisions to provide an integrated menu of services that can be accessed by LGUs and WDs. Mainstreaming capacity building assistance to actual local conditions Coming off from a successful staging of a Business Case Development Workshop conducted last year, the Municipality of Baggao (in Cagayan Province) and the Province of Davao del Sur approached the PPP Center, expressing their interest to pursue their water projects through PPP. In response, the PPP Center provided further capacity building support to these LGUs in the form of technical assistance and knowledge products (such as toolkits). The PPP Center, together with the World Bank – Water and Sanitation Program, is optimistic that through these interventions, these projects will blossom into full-fledged infrastructure projects capable of adequately delivering the needed water services to their respective localities. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Last Updated: 11 MARCH 2015
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 | 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) | ||
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