24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at 5:00 a.m., 04 March 2015
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 04 March 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 04 March 2015 |
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Synopsis:
Weak northeast monsoon affecting Extreme Northern Luzon.
Forecast:
The whole archipelago will experience partly cloudy to at times cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.
Light to moderate winds coming from the east to northeast will prevail over Northern and Central Luzon and from the northeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.
March 4 , 2015
( Wednesday ) 6:00-7:00 AM
PIA-4A:
According to Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, there are some rural
areas in the country that have very limited venues which can be used by
savers and borrowers. In line with this, Usec. Beltran added that by
nature, banks cannot make it to the most rural areas of the country but
these smaller rural communities have cooperatives owned by the savers
and borrowers themselves which financial inclusion also aims to
strengthen.
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
May 32 kagawad ng barangay sa bayan ng Lucban ang nagtapos sa farmer's
field school on climate change sa barangay Ayuti na pinangasiwaan ng
tanggapan ng panlalawigang agrikultor. Layunin nito na makapagbigay ng
makabagong kaalaman sa mga kagawad ng barangay upang mapataas ang
kanilang kaalaman sa climate change.
PIA-4A/QUEZON:
May 45 municipal agriculturist mula sa iba't-ibang bayan ng Quezon ang
sumailalim sa pagsasanay sa Ouans worth farm, Lucena City noong
nakaraang linggo. Sinabi ni panlalawigang agrikultor Roberto Gajo na
ipinatutupad ang programa sa layuning mabigyan ng pansin ang crop damage
assessment at reporting system ng sektor ng agrikultura.
PIA OFW Watch
22
hrs ·
DZMM: Malugod na ibinalita ng DOLE na nangangailangan ang
Qatar ng tinayatang mahigit 100,000 skilled workers dahil sa kanilang
paghahanda bilang host country sa FIFA World Cup 2022. Ayon kay DOLE Sec.
Rosalinda Baldoz, ilang development projects na ang sinimulan tulad ng
pagtatayo ng samu't saring imprastraktura. Pero paalala ng DOLE, pawang mga
lisensyado at skilled workers lang ang tatanggapin kaya siguraduhing accredited
ng POEA ang papasukang recruitment agency.
PIA OFW Watch
PIA-NCR: DFA warned Filipino nurses against scammers offering non-existent jobs in Ontario, Canada.
LAGUNA
Calabarzon region sets new record by posting highest in business name registration
- March 03, 2015
This year, Calabarzon (Region 4A) already recorded the highest number business name registrations with 8,728 new and 1,392 renewal transactions, or 18 percent and 16 percent respectively of the total registrations.
NCR placed second with 5,453 new registration (12%), and 771 renewals (9%) while Central Luzon (Region 3) ranked third with 4,175 new registrations (9%) and 963 renewal transactions (11%).
Terrado noted this is the first time in the history of DTI’s online business name registration system (BNRS) that the largest number of registration was recorded outside of NCR.
DTI Calabarzon Regional Director Marilou Quinco-Toledo said that Cavite posted the most number of business name registrations (25%) then followed by Laguna (21%), Batangas (19%), Rizal (12%) and Quezon (8%).
Toledo added that the Calabarzon Regional Office through its National Economic Research and Business Action Center (NERBAC-Calabarzon) in Calamba contributed 15 percent of the regional registrations.
On the national scale, there were 29,854 business registrations by females or 54% of the total sole proprietorship business name registrations.
Female empowerment was largely felt in Calabarzon with 6,332 registrations (21% of total registrations), followed by the National Capital Region with 3,530 registrations (12%), and Region 3, with 2,782 or 9%.
Terrado noted there is a more optimistic outlook by women entrepreneurs about the business environment in the countryside as denoted by the increase in number of female business registrants for January this year.
“We are pleased that our goal to equally drive business opportunities in the country’s regions is now being realized,” Terrado said.
DTI will rollout more online initiatives that would integrate ‘business registration-related processes’ across ‘business registration agencies’ to facilitate ease of doing business, promote transparency, curb corruption, and reduce red tape in the bureaucracy, in line with its steadfast drive to promote inclusive growth and boost economic activities in the countryside. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI-Calabarzon / DTI-KMIS/PIA-4A)
- See more at:
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/631425436316/calabarzon-region-sets-new-record-by-posting-highest-in-business-name-registration#sthash.etxX9U8m.dpuf
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| Finance official invites Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation delegates to enjoy Tagaytay City | |
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(TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, in his keynote
speech at the opening session on financial inclusion here in Tagaytay City,
invited APEC delegates to enjoy what the city has to offer. "I hope you will find time to go around Tagaytay and enjoy the famous Taal Volcano and its lake, cool weather and the warm hospitality of the local people," Beltran told APEC delegates and stakeholders gathering at Taal Vista Hotel here. At the same time, he thanked all the co-organizers and sponsors who made the forum on financial inclusion possible this year. "I wish us all a fruitful interaction in the next two days," he added. Marciano Paynor, the Secretary General of APEC Philippines 2015 National Organizing Committee, said the objective was to promote the Philippines' different locations for tourism and investments that's why they are holding APEC's initial meetings in different locations in the country. These meetings are run up to the APEC Leaders' Meeting in November. Tagaytay City, dubbed as the country's second summer capital because of its cool climate, is a favorite gateway spot and tourist destination in the country. It provides an amazing view of the Taal Volcano nested in the Taal Lake. The city hosts an array of places to visit as well as local dishes for visitors to enjoy. Tagaytay City is part of Cavite province and has a total land area of 6,500 hectares. It is approximately 60 kilometers away from Metro Manila and it takes about one hour travel from the metropolis. PND (as) |
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| Annual discussion on financial inclusion in APEC meeting has regional importance, says Finance Undersecretary Beltran | |
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(TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The Asian Pacific Economic
Cooperation's yearly discussion on financial inclusion have regional
significance because stakeholders learn from each other and apply them in actual
financial transactions that impact on different economies, a finance official
said on Tuesday. "This yearly forum is important because it brings together public and private sector, financial regulators, policymakers, multilateral institutions, industry organizations and private foundations," Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said in his keynote address during the opening session on financial inclusion at Taal Vista Hotel here. "We continue to learn from each other," he added. In the next two days, Beltran said he expects delegates to venture into advancing lending infrastructure to promote inclusive financial systems that in turn improves lending on low income vulnerable households and small enterprises. There will be a review of policy recommendations on financial inclusion to assess the extent to which they have been adopted by APEC economies and identify what challenges remain for their implementation, he said. Mexico, Vietnam and Papua New Guinea will share their experiences to add to the vast knowledge of APEC economies experiences from previous fora. "This exercise is important because it shows the different levels of development for financial inclusion in the region. Definitely, we also learn from our differences," Beltran said. Also in the agenda for discussion include digital finance as well as how digital financial service providers can improve customer centricity. And to solve the asymmetric information problem in financial inclusion, credit information systems will be examined with high emphasis on private credit bureau and public credit registry and how they can complement each other. Making public and non-bank data more accessible to private bureaus will also be discussed to improve efficiency. "We are also pushing on how to assist SMEs more access to credit by creating more credit reporting products for them," Beltran said underscoring the importance of SMEs, which serve as the backbones of APEC economies. SMEs creates jobs and APEC members must support SMEs in every way possible, he noted. Reforms in the legal and regulatory regimes are also needed to improve the security transactions of SMEs, Beltran said adding that talks about commercial law reforms are also being discussed. "We are aiming to build supportive operational infrastructure for secured finance with particulars on the practical infrastructure needs of the secured lending sector for secured financing to the mid-market," he said. Finance officials are also looking at the possibility of an initiative aimed at supporting the acceleration of reforms in participating APEC economies where reforms have been introduced, Beltran added. The two-day forum on financial inclusion has strong relevance to the general theme of the country's hosting of APEC Summit this year. Philippines APEC 2015 carries the theme “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”. PND (as) |
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| Malta’s Prince lays wreath at Rizal Monument | |
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The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of
Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing offered a wreath before the monument of Philippine
national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal at the Luneta Park in Manila on Tuesday, the
third day of his seven-day official visit to the country. Fra’ Festing arrived at the park at 10:20 a.m. and was welcomed by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who escorted him as he laid the wreath at the foot of the Rizal monument. After the ceremony, Mayor Estrada presented Fra’ Festing the symbolic Key to the City of Manila. The Maltese Prince then proceeded to Malacañang Palace for his courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III. PND (ag) |
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| Malta’s Prince presents symbolic key of houses donated to typhoon victims | |
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The Prince and Grandmaster of the Sovereign Order of Malta
Fra’ Matthew Festing on Tuesday presented to President Benigno S. Aquino III the
symbolic key of the 700 new houses donated by Malta to the victims of Typhoon
Yolanda. The handover ceremony was held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang Palace following Fra’ Festing’s courtesy call on President Aquino. The houses in Basey, Samar and Bantayan Island, Cebu were built through Malteser International, the worldwide relief agency of Malta. Malteser International was among the few international aid agencies that were on ground zero days after Typhoon Yolanda struck central Philippines in November 2013. Fra’ Festing said they provided medicines, food, relief goods, hygiene kits, seeds, tools for farmers, and other much needed supplies when they arrived. “We stand by our commitment to work with your people accompanying the delivery of goods and the construction of infrastructures with solidarity and brotherhood embodied in our shared values. Our best wishes for the people who will live there in peace, harmony and security,” he said. For his part, President Aquino said the turnover of the symbolic key illustrates Malta’s generosity. “This complements our own government’s plan to build back better: to break the vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction by emphasizing long-term resilience in our reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts,” he said. The President also welcomed the news that Malteser International plans to establish a regional office in Southeast Asia. “Its physical presence in our part of the world will certainly benefit Asian countries by allowing more effective coordination and execution of relief activities, and facilitating our increased cooperation in areas of mutual benefit,” he said. Fra’ Festing’s official visit marks the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Malta established in 1965. PND (ag) |
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| Output of APEC-Tagaytay meetings to be part of Cebu Action Plan in September, says DFA spokesman | |
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(TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The output of the ongoing
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings here will form part of the
Cebu Action Plan that will be launched during the APEC Finance Ministers Meeting
in September in Mactan, Foreign Affairs Spokesman Charles Jose said in a
statement on Monday. The Department of Finance is hosting a series of related meetings this month in Tagaytay City. Among them are the Asia-Pacific Forum on Financial Inclusion which starts Tuesday, March 3; the APEC Public Private Partnership (PPP) Experts Advisory Panel Meeting (March 4); the Asia-Pacific Infrastructure Partnership Meeting (March 4); and the APEC Finance and Central Bank Deputies’ Meeting (March 5-6). Held under the APEC Philippines 2015 theme of “Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World”, these meetings aim to promote discussions on various financial policies and programs affecting the 21 APEC member economies, as well as the regional network. Specifically, delegates will tackle issues on financial inclusion, financial transparency, and financial resiliency, among others. In keeping with the three APEC pillars of trade and investment liberalization, business facilitation, and economic and technical cooperation, these meetings are targeted toward the development of a more integrated financial network within the Asia-Pacific region. In line with the outcome of the meetings in Tagaytay, Jose said the Cebu Action Plan envisions an APEC community that is more financially integrated, transparent, and resilient. The plan proposes the harmonization of APEC economies’ policies, rules, and practices to facilitate free trade and the free flow of cross-border investments. It wants to ensure good governance that results in sustainable and inclusive economic growth and rapidly growing and robust financial markets that offer diversified financial instruments. "It is within this context that the series of meetings in Tagaytay will take place, with the aim of promoting a more open and accessible financial environment in the region," Jose said in the statement. PND (as) |
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| APEC meetings on financial inclusion target the poor, says finance official | |
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(TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) delegates and stakeholders who gathered here Tuesday to discuss financial
inclusion want to target the poor to encourage them to participate in the
financial system, in the hope of spurring economic growth and eventually lifting
them out of poverty. "The target of financial inclusion is the poor because right now, they have very limited access and encouraging them to gain access would lead to more growth, more savings, more investments for all the countries in the region," Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said in a press briefing at the Summit Ridge Hotel here. The Department of Finance is hosting the two-day discussion on financial inclusion at the Taal Vista Hotel. "The main objective of all these things is to increase trade, investment, employment generation and of course raise incomes," Beltran said. He explained that the goal of the meetings is to share information and knowledge on financial inclusion as stakeholders try to set up programs that would encourage poor people to participate more actively in the financial system. "Get them to save, borrow, invest and of course use the money to make their lives better so that they could actively participate in the growth of the economy," he said. The exchange of views, he said, will cover such areas as policies, strategies, and practices that lead to financial inclusion. Many of these will involve regulators, service providers, policymakers and private non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that lend to the poor, Beltran noted. Exchanging ideas would mean giving ordinary people more options on what the system can do to encourage more financial sector development, he said. The meetings, which will run until Wednesday, March 4, will try to find ways to develop more products, additional financial outlets so that these products are made available to all, he added. Beltran estimated the number of meeting participants at 130. It is a big gathering for this kind of meeting, he said, adding that the huge number of participants means that APEC member economies are showing an increasing interest in financial inclusion. The event was organized by the APEC Business Advisory Council, and the Foundation for Development Cooperation, in partnership with Citi Foundation and in collaboration with GE Capital, the International Finance Corp. (IFC), the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Policy and Economic Research Council (PERC). The APEC Advisory Group for Financial Systems Capacity Building has been convening the Asia-Pacific Forum on Financial Inclusion since 2010 to provide policymakers and regulators with priority recommendations in relation to financial inclusion. PND (as) |
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| Cooperatives and non-governmental organizations are major tools in encouraging poor to participate in financial system | |
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(TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite) The government and other
stakeholders will use non-governmental organizations (NGOs), small cooperatives
and other ordinary lenders to reach the poor and involve them in the financial
system, a finance official said here Tuesday. In a two-day discussion on financial inclusion, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said one of the tools is to use digital finance to encourage the people's participation in the financial system. More people could be reached through the use of techology because “there are a limited number of venues that could be used by savers and borrowers," Beltran said in a press briefing at the Summit Ridge Hotel. For instance, he said, the number of banks is limited and if the government wants to reach the farthest corners of the country, it cannot be expected for banks to set up branches in small and faraway towns. Although some areas have no banks or will never be penetrated by banks, they have NGOs engaged in lending and cooperatives that are working to reach the people, he noted. There could be mutual benefit associations being set up, and these are the ones that really get more participation than banks, he added. "By their very nature, banks cannot get into the rural areas, into the farthest corners of the country, because they have to make money and they are regulated," he explained, noting that NGOs and cooperatives are thus the financial institutions “that will get us into more financial inclusion". With NGOs and other lenders, the number of financial institutions reaching the people increases six times compared to banks, he said. The Department of Finance is hosting the meeting on financial inclusion at the Taal Vista Hotel here, as part of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The event was organized by the APEC Business Advisory Council, and the Foundation for Development Cooperation, in partnership with Citi Foundation and in collaboration with GE Capital, the International Finance Corp. (IFC), the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and the Policy and Economic Research Council (PERC). PND (as) |
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| President Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna on Prince Fra’ Matthew Festing of Malta | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday conferred the
Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Raja or Grand Collar, on the Prince and
Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing. “As a gesture of appreciation for all the support we have received from the Order, we will confer upon His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Raja,” President Aquino said. “This is the highest order of diplomatic merit our people can bestow upon the leader of a sovereign state; may it stand as a symbol of our gratitude for the Order’s friendship and assistance throughout the last half century,” he added. Fra’ Festing was honored for his “invaluable support” to the Philippines during times of national calamities, particularly Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in 2009, Sendong in 2011, Pablo in 2012, and Yolanda in 2013, as well as the earthquakes in Bohol and Cebu, through the facilitation of humanitarian assistance programs. He earlier presented to President Aquino the symbolic key of the 700 new houses donated by Malta to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda. In 1979, the 77th Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Angelo de Mojana di Cologna received the same order of diplomatic merit when he visited the Philippines. Fra’ Festing, the 79th Grand Master, in return conferred on President Aquino the Collar of the Order of Merit, Pro Merito Melitensi in recognition of “a pursuit that gives honor and prestige to the Sovereign Order of Malta”. During his toast at the luncheon in honor of Fra’ Festing, the President said the conferment of the order by the Sovereign Order of Malta was meaningful to him. “On a personal note, the Sovereign Order of Malta has long been part of my family’s history. My maternal grandparents, Jose and Demetria Cojuangco, and my paternal grandmother, Aurora Aquino, were members of this noble order,” he said. “I accept the conferment of this order on behalf of the Filipino people, as a symbol of our shared commitment to serve the poor,” President Aquino added. Fra’ Festing meanwhile conveyed his “deepest appreciation for the warm welcome, which we have received here in Manila." PND (ag) |
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| Philippines welcomes Malteser International’s plan to open office in Asia | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III has said the Philippines
welcomes Malteser International’s plan to put up a regional office in Southeast
Asia. Malteser International, the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid, has offices in the United States and Germany. In a speech delivered during the courtesy call of Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta Fra’ Matthew Festing in Malacañang Palace on Tuesday, President Aquino said the physical presence of Malteser International “in our part of the world will certainly benefit Asian countries by allowing more effective coordination and execution of relief activities, and facilitating our increased cooperation in areas of mutual benefit”. During the courtesy call, Fra’ Festing turned over to President Aquino the symbolic key to the doors of the 700 new houses donated by the Sovereign Order of Malta to people affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in Basey, Samar and Bantayan Island, Cebu in 2013. As a gesture of gratitude for all the assistance extended by the Sovereign Order of Malta, President Aquino conferred to Fra’ Festing the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Raja or Grand Collar. In turn, Fra’ Festing awarded the Collar of the Order of Merit, Pro Merito Melitensi to President Aquino. In his speech, Fra’ Festing noted that Malteser International, which reached the Philippines within three days after Typhoon Yolanda struck, and the Philippine Association of the Order of Malta “worked extremely well together and succeeded in introducing a very good result”.“The Order of Malta intends to strengthen our collaboration and our relations with the Republic of the Philippines in the short term future. We are discussing the possibility of a cooperation agreement and indeed the elaboration of what we have been doing here so far,” he said. The Philippines and the Sovereign Order of Malta are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations this year. PND (jm) |
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| Energy Department has made ‘proactive’ preparations to deal with possible power crisis, Palace says | |
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Having made “proactive” preparations, the Department of
Energy (DOE) is confident that it would be able to deal with the impending power
shortage, even without the special powers sought by the government, a Palace
official said on Tuesday. In a press briefing in Malacañang, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the DOE has begun making preparations in August to September last year. “Inasahan nga sana natin na mas maaga ang pagbibigay ng emergency powers para mas malawak sana ang mga opsyon. Ngayon at limited na ang mga opsyon, makikita na rin naman natin na nakabuo na rin naman ng kahandaan ang DOE sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa pribadong sector, dahil marami nang mga kumpanya ang nagpahayag ng kanilang kahandaan na gamitin ang kanilang mga sariling generator sets,” Secretary Coloma said. He further said that the department has already begun campaigning for the use of energy conservation measures, and has been monitoring the maintenance schedules of power plants. “Kaya sa pangkalahatan, ayon sa latest projection ng DOE, nakikita nilang minimal ang maaaring maging shortage o power supply deficiency,” he said. Congress has yet to pass a law granting President Benigno S. Aquino III special powers to avert the projected power shortage during the upcoming summer months. PND (ag) |
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| Palace optimistic Bangsamoro Basic Law would get enough votes in Congress | |
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The Palace is optimistic that the proposed Bangsamoro
Basic Law (BBL) would get enough votes from Congress leaders, Communications
Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. has said. “Ang aming pinagbabatayan ay ang commitment ng liderato ng magkabilang Kamara at sa aming pagtaya, karamihan naman sa ating mga mambabatas ay nananalig at naninindigan para sa kapayapaan,” Secretary Coloma told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday. While there is resistance in the passage of the BBL because of the Mamasapano incident, Coloma said this is understandable. “Nauunawaan natin na nagkaroon ng agam-agam at pagdududa dahil nga sa mga naging kaganapan sa Mamasapano. Pero habang nagkaroon na ng kaliwanagan hinggil dito at habang nauunawaan din ng ating mga lider ang kahalagahan ng prosesong pangkapayapaan, tumitibay ang kumpiyansa na marami sa kanila ang maninindigan din para sa kapayapaan,” he said. The executive and legislative branches of the government will coordinate to ensure the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, he said, noting that Congress has already conducted about 36 public consultations on the bill. “Ayon sa pahayag ni Congressman Rufus Rodriguez, ang tagapangulo ng ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law, mayroon siyang kumpiyansa na maipapasa nila ito sa committee level, even within the March session, para pagdating ng May to June session ay pwede na itong maihain sa plenaryo,” he said. Coloma further said that the ideal situation when the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was formed was for the early passage of the BBL to allow those working in the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority to demonstrate their abilities and to show how qualitatively different the Bangsamoro is, compared to the system of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “Kaya lang realistiko tayo, kinailangan ang mas mahabang panahon ng konsultasyon doon sa Bangsamoro Basic Law bago pa man naganap ang insidente sa Mamasapano. Kaya't iginagalang naman natin ang prosesong pinagdaanan nila dahil sinikap talaga nilang makuha ang pananaw ng malawak na stakeholder-based,” Coloma explained. He said those who have reservations in the BBL could study the provisions. “Kaya ang mga nagpapahayag ng reserbasyon, mainam siguro pag-aralan nilang mabuti ang mga probisyon dahil ito ay dumaan na rin sa masusing pag-aaral ng maraming mga eksperto, maraming mga dalubhasa at mismong ang mga members ng 1986 Constitutional Commission na nagbuo ng 1987 Constitution ang nagsasabi sa atin na sa kanilang pananaw, tumatalima ang Bangsamoro Basic Law sa mga probisyon at prinsipyo ng 1987 Constitution,” he said. PND (jm) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino
III's Press Statement during the Official Visit of His Most Eminent Highness
Fra' Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of
Malta
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Reception Hall area, Malacañang
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03 March 2015
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Your Most Eminent Highness, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is fitting that we have, as our guest, His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, Most Humble Guardian of the Poor of Jesus Christ. This year is a historic milestone in our partnership, as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Sovereign Order of Malta. The strength of our partnership comes as no surprise. After all, we share many of the same values, especially given our common Roman Catholic heritage. In particular, we admire your Order’s commitment to its mission: “Tuitio fidei et obsequium pauperum” (Twi-syo fide-hi et ob-sekium paw-perum): nurturing, witnessing, and protecting the faith and serving the poor and the sick representing the Lord. Over the years, we have witnessed you carry out this mission in many instances through your charitable works. From the humanitarian relief assistance you extended in the aftermathof the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991, to the 700 new homes you constructed for those who were affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, youhave consistently helped us alleviate the suffering of our countrymen in the soonest possible time. Today’s ceremonial handover of the symbolic key to these houses further illustrates the Order’s generosity towards their fellowmen. This complements our own government’s plan to build back better: to break the vicious cycle of destruction and reconstruction by emphasizing long-term resilience in our reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts. We also welcome the news that Malteser International, the relief and humanitarian arm of the Order, plans to establish a regional office in Southeast Asia. Its physical presence in our part of the world will certainly benefit Asian countries by allowing more effective coordination and execution of relief activities, and facilitating our increased cooperation in areas of mutual benefit. As a gesture of appreciation for all the support we have received from the Order, we confer upon His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing, Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta, the Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Raja. This is the highest order of diplomatic merit our people can bestow upon the leader of a state and may it stand as a symbol of our gratitude for the Order’s friendship and assistance throughout the last half century. These positive developments instill me with confidence that, moving forward, our bilateral relations will grow further, on the foundations of our shared values, beliefs, and decades of friendship. I, thank you. |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's
Remarks during a Toast at the Official Luncheon in honor of Prince and Grand
Master Fra' Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta
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President's Hall, Malacañang
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03 March 2015
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Please sit down. His Most Eminent Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing; distinguished members of the delegation of the Sovereign Order of Malta; His Excellency Guiseppe Pinto, Papal Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps; Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman and other members of the Cabinet present; Ambassador Odelia Gregorio-Arroyo; Ambassador Mercedes Tuason; fellow workers in government; honoured guests; ladies and gentlemen: The Sovereign Order of Malta has the distinction of being the oldest order of chivalry, an association defined by a religious, moral, and social code. As an order, however, it was unique in the sense that it began as a hospice founded in 1050 in Jerusalem, by Italian merchants dedicated to the care of Christian Pilgrims. To this day, it remains true to its beginnings: an order exemplifying valor, charity, and devotion. The Sovereign Order of Malta had a presence in the Philippines even before the Second World War. Prominent members of society began to be received into the Order in 1948, and the Philippine Association was officially established in 1957. Diplomatic relations between our states were officially established in 1965. In all that time, the Filipino people have been a witness to the commitment the Sovereign Order of Malta has displayed to its mission: how you have fulfilled your responsibility to serve the poor and nurture the sick. The most recent example of your work in our country is seen in communities affected by Typhoon Haiyan, or Yolanda as it is locally called, for whom you have built new homes for families who survived the calamity. For this, and the many years of devoted service in our country, allow me to convey the sincere gratitude of the Filipino people. As an expression of our nation’s gratitude, we conferred earlier upon Your Highness the Order of Sikatuna, with the rank of Raja, or Grand Collar. Conferred once before on His Highness Fra’ Angelo de Mojana di Cologna (ko-lon-ya) in 1979, our order of diplomatic merit is conferred on true friends and partners who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines. As the fifty years of our diplomatic relations had been characterized by Christian brotherhood, so too may we take even greater strides forward, sharing the goal of uplifting the poor and the suffering. On a personal note, the Sovereign Order of Malta has long been part of my family’s history. My maternal grandparents, Jose and Demetria Cojuangco, and my paternal grandmother, Aurora Aquino, were members of this noble order. This makes your conferment of your Order of Merit Pro Merito Melitensi all the more meaningful to me. Your Highness, I accept the conferment of this order on behalf of the Filipino people, as a symbol of our shared commitment to serve the poor. At this point, I invite everyone to raise their glasses: To the good health, happiness, and success of Your Highness; To the enduring ties between the Philippines and the Sovereign Order of Malta; And to the continued success of the Sovereign Order of Malta: may it remain a strong and faithful witness of our faith, bringing the charity and mercy of our Lord to the lives of millions across the world. In the Philippines, we say: Mabuhay! |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanique
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03 March 2015
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ALAN: Secretary Coloma, sir. Magandang umaga po. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga sa ating mga taga-pakinig at sa iyo rin, Alan. ALAN: Yes, sir. Dito po sa huling mga developments sa both Houses ng Congress natin ay may mga nagsasabi ho na posibleng maihabol pa bago mag-Hunyo itong pagpasa ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Meron din naman nagsasabi na baka hindi umabot ng Hunyo, pero posibleng maipasa within the present administration. Ano po ba ang latest sa pakikipag-ugnayan po ng ating mga Congress leaders sa inyo po sa Malacañang, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Sa atin pong nakita ay nakikiisa ang mga lider ng Kongreso sa panawagan ni Pangulong Aquino hinggil sa pagsulong sa prosesong pangkapayapaan at ginagawa nila ang nararapat para maipagpatuloy iyong pagtalakay sa Bangsamoro Basic Law. Iyon naman pong itinakda nilang timetable ay naayon din sa timetable ng kanilang session. Dahil iyong kasalukuyang session ay magtatapos na sa kalagitnaan ng buwan at magkakaroon sila ng recess at magreresume ito ng May 4. At iyong session nila sa May 4 ay hanggang June 11. At pagkatapos noon ay meroong mahaba-habang recess na hanggang pagbubukas muli ng Kongreso sa pagsasalita ni Pangulong Aquino sa kanyang pinakahuling State of the Nation Address, at ito ay gaganapin sa huling Lunes ng Hulyo. Kaya iyon po ang tinitignan nilang mga time frame dahil iyong sa loob nga ng buwan ng Marso ay ilang araw na lang ang natitira. Kaya baka mas reyalistikong makita ang pagpasa nito doon sa nalalabing session na mula Mayo hanggang Hunyo. Iyan ang pagkaunawa namin sa timetable na nailatag ng mga lider ng Kongreso. ALAN: Ayon. At meron po bang feedback din na pinarating sa mga Malacañang, halimbawa meron daw ilang mga provisions based doon sa initial draft ng Bangsamoro Basic Law na maaring mabago o ma-amyendahan, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Malinaw naman iyong posisyon ng pamahalaan diyan at ang sinabi ni Pangulong Aquino sa mga lider ng Kamara nung sila ay nakipagpulong sa kanya noong nakaraang linggo. Sinabi niya ay kailangang maipasa ang Bangsamoro Basic Law at nanawagan siya na kailangan din namang nandoon iyong sustansiya na hinahanap natin. Dahil kapag ito ay masyadong diluted ay hindi na nito taglay iyong diwa ng pinagkasunduan. Ang mahalaga ay merong mga batayang prinsipyo na nakatalaga diyan na sana naman ay kilalanin ng ating mga mambabatas. Doon sa aspeto na pag-i-introduce ng mga amyenda, kinikilala din naman ng ating pamahalaan na ito ay bahagi ng proseso ng pagsasagawa ng batas. Ang importante lang naman dito ay iyong paulit-ulit nating naririnig sa ating mga mambabatas na kinakailangang tumalima sa Konstitusyon ang nilalaman ng Bangsamoro Basic Law. Hinggil naman diyan ay nagpahayag na ang labing-apat (14) na miyembro ng 1986 Constitutional Commission na bumuo nitong 1987 Constitution at nagpahayag sila ng kanilang pananaw na ito naman ay tumatalima sa ating Saligang Batas. ALAN: Okay. Sec. Sonny, sir sa ibang usapin pa rin po. May kaugnayan pa rin sa ating mga lawmakers ano ho. Diyan sa Senado ay aprubado na itong panukalang pagkalooban ang Pangulong Noy ng mga special powers para matugunan itong problema sa enerhiya lalo’t higit ngayong papalapit na po ang summer, Secretary Coloma, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Iyon nga ang ating matagal nang hinihintay at habang binubuo pa nila ito ay nagkaroon na ng inisyatiba ang Department of Energy na paghandaan iyong maaring maging kakulangan sa supply ng kuryente. Kaya umaasa tayo na kapag nagtulungan ang lahat - kabilang na ang pribadong sektor, sektor ng mangangalakal, ang mga may ari ng mga electric power plants, sa mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng energy conservation measures - ay maari nating maibsan iyong posibleng kakulangan sa supply ng kuryente sa kasagsagan ng panahon ng tag-init. ALAN: Okay. Earlier din, sir, may initial announcement si Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras na okay na, wala na tapos na iyong problema natin, iyong port congestion dito po sa Port of Manila, Sec. Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Iyan po ay produkto ng mahabang panahon ng pagtutulungan ng iba’t-ibang stakeholders. Pinagtulungan po iyan ng pambansang pamahalaan, ng mga grupo ng mga mangangalakal, ng mga Chambers of Commerce, ng City Government of Manila. Lahat po ng mga stakeholders, iyong mga trucking industry, shipping industry, importers, Customs brokers. Marami pong nag-ugnayan para pagtulungan iyong malaking problema na kinaharap natin ilang buwan ang nakakaraan hinggil sa malubhang problema ng port congestion at dahil diyan ay nabigyan po ng mainam na solusyon ang problemang iyan. ALAN: Opo. Ngayon pong Marso ay Women’s Month, Secretary. At kasabay po nito ay may magandang balita para sa atin sa Pilipinas. Isa po ang Pilipinas sa apat na best country sa buong mundo para daw sa mga kababaihan lalo ito ay pagdating po sa trabaho. Secretary Sonny, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Sorry, Alan. Kung puwede lang pakiulit. Hindi masyadong malinaw iyong dating nung huli mong tanong. ALAN: Yes, sir. Dito po sa pagpasok ng Women’s Month ngayong Marso ay may magandang balita rin para sa ating bansa, napili ang Pilipinas bilang isa sa apat na pinaka-best country sa buong mundo para sa kababaihan lalo na sa larangan po ng pagtatrabaho ng mga kababaihan, Secretary, sir? SEC. COLOMA: Mainam pong balita iyan at iyan ay nagbibigay-diin doon sa pagkilala natin sa kahalagahan ng pagpapahusay ng kalagayan ng kababaihan sa ating bansa. Dahil sila nga ang bumubo ng malaking bahagdan ng ating populasyon, utang po natin ang ating buhay sa ating mga Ina, sa ating mga tiya at ate sa kanilang pagibibigay ng kalinga at pagtulong sa atin. Kailagan eh sa lahat ng aspeto ng ating buhay ay bigyan natin ng pagpapahalaga ang estado at kalagayan ng kababaihan sa ating lipunan. ALAN: Opo. Secretary Coloma, sir, muli salamat po ng marami for the updates from the Palace, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan. |
| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center |
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| CSC revises guidelines on filing of SALN | ||||||
| Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph | ||||||
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Government employees should indicate the exact location of real
properties in their Statement of Assets, Liabilities and
Networth (SALN). This was clarified by the Civil Service Commission (CSC) as it recently issued Resolution No. 1500088 or the revised guidelines on the filing of SALN to clarify provisions on the disclosure of property and on the proper repository agencies where the SALN should be filed. The CSC said that declaration of real properties shall now include the “exact location” of the property and not merely “location”. The property’s description, kind, year and mode of acquisition, assessed value, fair market value, acquisition cost of land or building, including improvements made should also be indicated. The 2015 guidelines also provide a complete and more explicit list of where public officers and employees should submit their SALNs. The table below illustrates the differences between the old and new guidelines, particularly on which government officials and employees should file their SALN with the Office of the President:
The CSC hopes that clarifications made in the 2015 guidelines
would ensure the filing of complete, detailed, and accurate
SALNs to the proper repository agencies.
The Commission also reminds public
officers and employees that their SALN covering the period
January to December 2014 should be submitted to the
administrative or personnel units of their respective agencies
not later than April 30, 2015. The deadline for agencies to
submit the SALNs of their respective officials and employees to
the proper repository agency is on June 30, 2015.
Failure to file SALN is punishable by suspension for one month and one day up to 6 months for the first offense, and by dismissal from the service for the second offense. CSC Memorandum Circular No. 3, s. 2015 re: Amendment to CSC MC No. 2, s. 2013 (Revised SALN Form) can be accessed here. |
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| Dismissal awaits drug users in public service | ||||||
| Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph | ||||||
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Government employees who will test or have tested positive for
use of dangerous drugs face the risk of being dismissed from
public service. The Civil Service Commission (CSC) warned that under Section 46 (19) of Book V of Executive Order 292, public servants who will test positive for use of dangerous drugs shall be subjected to disciplinary/administrative proceedings with a penalty of dismissal at first offense. The Commission issued Memorandum Circular No. 13 in 2010 pursuant to Republic Act No. 9165, otherwise known as the “Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. CSC MC No. 13 was issued to “ensure that only those qualified shall be screened and recruited to prevent the detrimental effects (e.g. lower productivity; poor decision-making; increased accidents; more compensation claims; and reduced team effort) which drug use and abuse may cause in the workplace.” Heads of agencies were also urged to ensure that drug-free workplace program especially in the prevention and control of dangerous drugs are in place. Activities include organizing orientation and education programs for all officials and employees to increase awareness on the harmful effects and dangers of drug use and drug abuse in the workplace, as well as regular conduct of random drug testing. CSC also reiterated that Memorandum Circular No. 34, s. 1997 requires the conduct of mandatory drug test for pre-employment. All officials and employees entering government service must undergo drug test in centers accredited by the Department of Health. |
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| 2016 Budget call includes 2-tier project review, less lump sums; Abad: Budget reforms integral in national budget process | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||
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With the release of the 2016 Budget Call by the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM), the Administration plans to sustain
the momentum of their reforms even as they embed the culture of
good governance, anti-corruption, and disaster risk adaptation
in government bureaucracy. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said, “We are constantly building on the strengths of previous budgetary reforms so as to create a national budget that is truly responsive to the needs of our countrymen. And more than deepening the budget reforms, we are aiming to make these reforms an integral part of the national budget process.” The Budget Call for FY 2016 (National Budget Memorandum No. 123) prescribes specific guidelines and procedures for government agencies and departments as well as Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) as they craft their budget proposal documents. As such, the National Government wants agencies and departments to focus on the following principles while preparing the 2016 National Budget. These principles include: aiming for the 5 Key Areas of the Social Contract; the disaggregation of lump sum funds in the agency budget; total resource budget; use of performance-based approaches; provision of strategic support for Private-Public Partnership (PPP) projects and activities; and program or horizontal/convergence budgeting. To help in the preparation of the 2016 National Budget, the DBM is implementing a Two-Tier Budgeting Approach (2TBA) introducing separate reviews for on-going/approved programs vis-à-vis new or expanded ones to give better focus on each type of program. The 2016 Budget Preparation will also aim for a lesser number and magnitude of Special Purpose Funds (SPFs) by incorporating these lump sums into the agency budgets (e.g. provisions for new positions, pensions and gratuities). Abad said, “As we have pushed for disaggregating lump sum funds in the past, we are taking it further in the 2016 National Budget. In addition to our commitment for greater transparency, credibility, and accountability, this is in response to the clamor of civil society organizations (CSOs) and other stakeholders.” To help keep track of the new budget, the use of the Unified Accounts Code Structure (UACS) will be strictly enforced this year, especially for the actual expenditures of 2014. The National Government uses the UACS to classify appropriations, allotments, obligations, and disbursements. Likewise, the Administration will push Bottom-up Budgeting (BUB) to the next level via greater involvement of local government units (LGUs) and communities in the planning and implementation of anti-poverty and basic public projects in their localities. Abad said, “The UACS, together with a stronger monitoring and evaluation system, will ensure better tracking of financial information that will result in improved government spending. Combine this with the participative budgeting of the BUB to strengthen the capacity of LGUs and we’ll have a national budget created by the people and for the benefit of the people.” At the beginning of the budget preparation year, the DBM regularly issues the National Budget Call to all agencies, which includes state universities and colleges (SUCs). Aside from policy guidelines and procedures in the preparation and submission of agency budget proposals, these also include budget parameters such as macroeconomic and fiscal targets as well as the agency budget ceilings. |
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| DOJ: Beware of Sextortion | ||||||
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph | ||||||
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) released today an Advisory
warning the public of the growing problem of "sextortion" and
providing basic prevention and handling guidelines. "Sextortion", derived from the words "sex" and "extortion", occurs when an offender tries to extort money from his victim, with the threat of publishing the victim's nude photo or video of sexual activity if the money is not paid. An increasing number of individuals is being victimized. "More internet users are subscribing to social media websites without protecting their personal information and allowing online strangers into their network," said Secretary of Justice Leila M. De Lima. "This type of crime in cyberspace is as real as any real world extortion," she said. In an 8-page Advisory dated 02 March 2015, the DOJ reminded users that personal information should always be safeguarded. With the widespread use and availability of the internet, it is important to understand that cybercrime can be committed against anyone online. The DOJ also advised victims not to give in to the demand of the extortionists and criminal syndicates, and to contact law enforcement authorities for guidance when crime incidents happen. "The old adage of 'don't talk to strangers' continues to be relevant in modern times," said Assistant Secretary Geronimo L. Sy, Head of the Office of Cybercrime (OOC). "Any photo or video will always be accessible on the web. Prevention is the key to avoid being extorted," he said. The highlights of the Advisory include: 1. The public to be cautious in sharing private information online and to watch out for suspicious social media accounts. 2. School authorities and parents need to be vigilant to guard minors from the dangers of the internet and to educate them. 3. Any person with knowledge of sextortion violations are requested to immediately report to law enforcement authorities. 4. The private sector should play an active role in preventing the commission of sextortion. 5. Internet service providers (ISPs) and telecommunication companies (telcos) should cooperate with law enforcement authorities to prevent and investigate cybercrimes. A copy of the Advisory is enclosed. Can also be downloaded at www.doj.gov.ph ADVISORY ON SEXTORTION INTRODUCTION This Advisory is issued to increase awareness on the growing problem of "sextortion" and to the public on how to avoid being victimized and what to do when the crime happens. It is an emerging issue following the large number of complaints received and results of the enforcement operations conducted by the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), and the Department of Justice-Office of Cybercrime (DOJ-OOC), in coordination with INTERPOL, against organized crime groups involved in sextortion. The modus operandi of sextortion offenders is to assume fake identities before engaging a victim. Upon gaining the victim's trust, the offender lures the victim to perform a sexual act and secures a picture or a video of the sexual conduct. The offender then threatens to circulate the material unless the victim pays a certain amount of money. "Sextortion" is a crime committed in cyberspace where the offender obtains nude pictures or videos from victims, and then blackmails them for money to avoid the publication of the nude material. The threat to publish the victim's nude picture or video on the internet if no payment is made is the crime of "grave threats." RELEVANT LAWS 1. Act No. 3815 or “The Revised Penal Code” Sextortion is defined and penalized under paragraph 1 of Article 282 of Act No. 3815 or The Revised Penal Code, as amended (RPC). The provision defines "grave threats" as a crime having the following elements: first, that the offender threatens another with the infliction of a wrong upon his person, honor, or property; second, that such wrong amounted to a crime; and third, that the offender made the threat demanding money or imposing any other condition. Should the offender succeed in extorting the victim and is actually paid with the amount demanded, the crime committed is "robbery", defined and penalized under Articles 293 and paragraph 5 of Article 294 of the RPC. The following are its elements: first, that there is personal property belonging to another; second, that there is unlawful taking of that property; third, that the taking is with intent to gain; and lastly, that there is violence against or intimidation of persons. Intent to gain is presumed from the overt act of taking the property of another, unless special circumstances reveal a different intent. If the demand is satisfied by the payment of the victim, the crime is transformed from "Grave Threats" to "Robbery with Intimidation of Persons". Intimidation is defined in Black's Law Dictionary as unlawful coercion; extortion; duress; putting in fear. In "Robbery with Intimidation of Persons", the intimidation consists in causing or creating fear in the mind of a person or in bringing in a sense of mental distress in view of a risk or evil that may be impending, real or imagined. Such fear of injury to person or property must continue to operate in the mind of the victim at the time of the delivery of the money. 2. R.A. No. 10175 or the "Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012" The commission of sextortion in cyberspace is also punishable under Republic Act No. 10175 or the "Cybercrime Prevention Act". Section 6 of the law imposes a penalty one degree higher to that imposed by the Revised Penal Code if the crime is committed by, through and with the use of information and communications technologies. As the offender in sextortion consummates the crime of "grave threats" (or "robbery", if the victim actually paid the extorter) through the use of a computer system, he can be prosecuted for violation of the Cybercrime Law. This is without prejudice to the offender's liability under the Revised Penal Code or other special laws. Sextortion offenders may also be held liable for content-related offenses. For example, if the commission of the unlawful or prohibited acts under the Anti-Child Pornography Act are done through a computer system, the penalty to be imposed is one degree higher. Higher penalties for cybercrime offenses such as sextortion are justified because the offender can easily evade identification and is able to reach far more victims or cause greater harm. 3. R.A. No. 9995 or "the Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009" Sextortion also falls under the crime of "Photo or Video Voyeurism". Under the law, the mere taking of a photo or a video coverage of a person or group of persons performing a sexual act or any similar activity, or the capturing of an image of a person's private area without the consent of the person involved and under circumstances in which the person/s has/have a reasonable expectation of privacy is punishable Consent is irrelevant and the offender is liable if the photo or video coverage or recording is published through the internet. 4. R.A. No. 9775 or the "Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009" If the victim involves a minor, the offender may also be held liable for "Child Pornography". The law punishes the inducement of a child to perform in the creation or production of any form of child pornography. "Child pornography", as defined, refers to any representation, whether visual, audio, or written combination thereof, by electronic, mechanical, digital, optical, magnetic or any other means, of a child engaged or involved in real or simulated explicit sexual activities. Mere possession of any form of child pornography is punishable. If the crime is carried out by a group of three (3) or more persons conspiring or confederating with one another, the crime is syndicated child pornography and the penalty imposed by law is higher. ADVISORY In view of the foregoing, the following points are stated: 1. THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE CAUTIOUS IN SHARING PRIVATE INFORMATION ONLINE AND SHOULD WATCH OUT FOR SUSPICIOUS SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS. The cyberspace is pervasive and complex. The public should be reminded that any kind of data or information voluntarily entered or uploaded online, can be viewed, read, or used by any person who may or may not be allowed access to such. It is important to exercise due diligence in online dealings and activities and to be proactive in protecting one's own privacy. Although one of the purpose of social media sites is to connect and socialize with people, internet users are encouraged to avoid online connections with people they do not know. Growing trust and comfort with online connections can place a person in a compromising situation. Legitimate intentions are rare in cyberspace where fake identities are easily manufactured. Given the nature of the internet and online social media, the public should keep personal information confidential, or limit its disclosure. Unregulated internet presence poses serious danger as it provides insight into the victim, his family, and his friends, which can be used by the offender in committing sextortion. Self-regulation is the best way to avoid becoming a victim of sextortion. In using social networking sites, internet users should learn to properly utilize privacy settings and use of these security measures to prevent the commission of sextortion. There are signs that reveal a suspicious internet user. Extorters typically use attractive profiles and are persistent in showing interest in the victim to lure him into adding the extorter to his network. They can have random people in their network and public interactions with strangers to fake authenticity. They use multiple social media platforms .(Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Instagram, etc.) to gather information from their targeted victims. Further, they initiate lewd conversation to entice their victim into sexual conduct. Never trust these anonymous individuals. Adding strangers to one's network permits access to user-generated content and other information that can be used against the potential victim. Anyone is a potential target. It is good practice to decline friendly requests of unknown identities to prevent becoming a sextortion victim. 2. SCHOOL AUTHORITIES AND PARENTS SHOULD GUARD MINORS FROM THE DANGERS OF THE INTERNET AND EDUCATE THEM OF INTERNET ETIQUETTES. In Vivares et. al. vs. St. Theresa's College, the Supreme Court recognized the need for monitoring the cyber activities of minors, to wit: "Responsible social networking or observance of the 'netiquettes' on the part of teenagers has been the concern of many due to the widespread notion that teenagers can sometimes go too far since they generally lack the people skills or general wisdom to conduct themselves sensibly in a public forum." Minors are the ones most vulnerable to become victims of sextortion because of their general trait of curiosity and gullibility. In view of the risks that minors are exposed to in their online activities, school authorities and parents having custody or control over them carry a burden to exercise proper supervision over them and to educate them on proper net etiquette. Minors should be made aware of the nature of online social networks. Any information uploaded on these websites are left permanently in the provider's databases and are beyond the control of its users. This digital footprint left online impacts on their future reputations. Privacy tools is also not an assurance of safety because it is easy for other users to share content of another uploader. Given the above, schools should incorporate lessons on proper online conduct in their curriculum. They should make sure that minors are aware of the dangers of the internet and the repercussions of improper online activities. They should also have very strict rules that is properly implemented and they should know how to deal with cybercrimes should it occur. . Parents and guardians should also involve themselves in the interpersonal relations of minors. They should discuss internet usage freely with their child/ward, without making it appear that they are monitoring them, and suggest to them safety measures to prevent becoming a victim of cybercrimes. Minors are generally incapable to pay extorters as they have no source of income. They are also in the age when they feel pressured to be accepted by society. When minors become victims of sextortion, they are at risk of doing the extreme to prevent the distribution of their lewd picture or video, and would go as far as taking their own lives to avoid its social stigma. Parents and guardians thus have the responsibility of giving support to minors who have been victims of sextortion, and assist them in reporting the crime to law enforcement authorities. 3. ANY PERSON WITH KNOWLEDGE OF SEXTORTION VIOLATIONS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPORT AND ASK FOR THE ASSISTANCE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES. A victim of sextortion starts to become aware that he/she has been victimized when after exposure or the performance of a sexual activity, communications with the extorter is suddenly cut-off. In the event that this happens, it is recommended that the victim preserve all computer data he/she can, and ask for help from his/her family, friends, and/or law enforcement authorities. Sextortion violators are usually part of an organized group who can victimize more if their criminal activities are not addressed. Victims of sextortion should refuse to pay extorters and instead report the commission of the crime to law enforcement authorities. There is no assurance that the extorter will delete the compromising photo/video if the victim pays the amount demanded. Hence, prompt report is important so that the crime will be quickly investigated and data that may serve as evidence may be preserved. Sextortion can have a strong emotional impact upon victims. There are victims who go as far committing suicide. The public is advised to take the effects of sextortion seriously and create a culture of acceptance to victims who ask for their support. The public is urged to contact appropriate government agencies, such as the PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group at (02) 723-0401 local 5313, NBI-Cybercrime Division at (02) 523-8231 local 3455, or DOJ-Office of Cybercrime at (02) 523-8481 local 222 to report any cybercrime violations such as sextortion. 4. INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES SHOULD COMMIT TO PRESERVE COMPUTER DATA AND COOPERATE WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES IN THE PROSECUTION OF SEXTORTION OFFENDERS. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and telecommunications companies (telcos) should take note of their responsibilities under the law to preserve and retain computer data. It is essential that they cooperate with concerned government agencies and provide the necessary assistance in the investigation and prosecution of offenders. The following are the basic steps in the complaint process of sextortion, which is the same procedure as to other cybercrimes: 1. The commission of the crime is reported by the victim or the informant to law enforcement authorities (DOJ-OOC/ PNP /NBI): 2. The law enforcement authorities will contact the complainant and gather evidence. 3. If the information provided and evidence gathered are sufficient, preservation order will be sent to the concerned ISP, copy of which is furnished to the DOJ-OOC. 4. Once data are preserved by the ISP, law enforcement authorities should then apply for a court warrant for its disclosure. 5. Law enforcement authorities will verify the information obtained from the ISP, and gather additional evidence for the application of search warrant. 6. Once a search warrant is issued, law enforcement authorities will submit pre-operation report to the Office of Cybercrime prior to the conduct of search and seizure operations. 7. If digital evidence is seized/found, proper incident response procedure will be followed and post-operation report will be submitted to the Office of Cybercrime. 8. The law enforcement authorities will then conduct forensic analysis on the digital evidence, and proceed with the filing of cases against the offenders. The vast reach and effects of the internet makes it necessary to cooperate and collaborate with all stakeholders to combat cybercrimes, which has transnational dimension. Violators are finding new and more elaborate ways to commit the crime. Thus, a holistic response and mutual assistance is necessary, not just between local counterparts but also with the international community. "Sextortion" is only one form of cybercrime. There are multiple crimes embodied in the "Cybercrime Prevention Act" that can be committed using a computer system. Each sector of the community should be watchful and vigilant of violators, in fulfillment of the goal to eradicate cybercrimes and protect persons from online abuse. This Advisory is issued by the DOJ-OOC in line with its mandate to provide legal advice and information on cybercrimes. All are enjoined to disseminate and faithfully observe this Advisory. (sgd) LEILA M. DE LIMA Secretary |
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| Pantawid Pamilya: Money for nothing? – Written by Karin Schelzig | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||
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More than 4.4 million poor Filipino families receive regular
cash grants from the government to help them make ends meet. But
they aren’t getting money for nothing—there is a catch: families
only get the cash if their children go to school and get regular
health check-ups, and if the parents go to family development
sessions every month. Family development sessions cover a diverse range of topics from nutrition and hygiene to disaster preparedness and active citizenship. From small beginnings in 2008, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has grown to become the 3rd largest conditional cash transfer program in the world, after Brazil and Mexico. The name loosely translates to building bridges for Filipino families, implying temporary support to help poor families cross over to a life of self-sufficiency. Is it working? In a word, yes. The verification system shows that families are complying with the conditions, which are sometimes also called co-responsibilities. In other words, they are holding up their end of the bargain. The most recent impact evaluation compared families just below the poverty line (who receive Pantawid grants) with families just above the poverty line (who don’t receive the grants). In most other respects these families are fairly similar. By comparing these two groups, we can see that Pantawid improves children’s access to health services, keeps children in school, and reduces child labor in terms of the number of days they work. Also, the Pantawid parents surveyed were more optimistic about their children’s future than then non-Pantawid parents. And yet there are some vocal critics in the Philippines who seem to think that the cash transfers are overly generous politically motivated hand-outs that which encourage people to be lazy. We have clear evidence from here, and from more than 50 other countries with similar programs, to show this is not true. So what is going on? Maybe some people don’t understand what kind of money we are talking about. It is not actually very much, and it is definitely not enough to make people kick back, stop working, and enjoy the good life. Families get 500 pesos ($11.40) per month for meeting the health conditions. For meeting the education conditions, they get 300 pesos ($6.80) per month for each child in preschool or elementary, and 500 pesos for each child in high school, for up to three children during the 10 months of the school year. While a family with two children in high school and one in elementary could receive up to 19,000 pesos ($431), a young family with a pregnant mother and a toddler would receive at most 6,000 pesos ($136) per year. In 2014, the average family right at the poverty line received about 9,400 pesos ($213). That clocks in at only about 7% of their total annual spending. Pantawid families can’t afford to be lazy, and the evidence confirms this: Pantawid adults are actually more likely to be looking for additional work than adults from near-poor families that don’t get the grant. Maybe some people don’t understand why poverty rates have not come down very much if the government is spending all this money on Pantawid Pamilya. It turns out that while the cash transfers are reducing the poverty gap—which measures the depth of poverty—they are not high enough to actually lift many people over the line. In other words, poor people are becoming less poor, but they are not becoming non-poor. This has a lot to do with the fact that the value of the benefit hasn’t changed since the program started in 2008. Inflation has made the grants worth a lot less today than they were then. At the beginning, average transfers were about 20% of families’ annual spending, making the support much more significant than the 7% we see today. Benefit levels ought to be increased at least to keep pace with inflation, as recently happened in Indonesia. Despite the erosion in value, the regular cash support is helping poor families make sure that their children are healthier and more educated so that they have a shot at a better future. I would call that money well spent. This article was originally posted on the Asian Development Blog and containing a hyperlink (http://blogs.adb.org/blog/pantawid-pamilya-money-nothing) to the original. |
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| DTI sets new record for business name registration outside NCR | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||
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In its steadfast drive to promote inclusive growth and boost
economic activities in the countryside, Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) recorded an increase in the number of businesses
registrations outside the National Capital Region (NCR). “We are pleased that our goal to equally drive business opportunities in the country’s regions is now being realized,” DTI Management Services Group (MSG) Undersecretary Nora K. Terrado said. Terrado noted this is the first time in the history of DTI’s online Business Name Registration System (BNRS) that the largest number of registration was recorded outside NCR. For this year, Region 4A already recorded the highest number business name registrations with 8,728 new and 1,392 renewal transactions, or 18% and 16% respectively of total registrations. NCR placed second with 5,453 new registration or 12%, and 771 renewals or 9%. Region 3 ranked third with 4,175 new registrations or 9%, and 963 renewal transactions or 11%. On 24 November 2014, DTI launched the online early renewal of business name registration through the Business Name Registration System’s (BNRS) website at bnrs.dti.gov.ph. This initiative allows sole proprietors to process renewal of business name registration three months before its expiration. Within the said period, online updating of business profile is allowed and free of charge. In the old manual system, change of business name information can only be done through DTI tellers for a fee of P65.00 per transaction. Since the launch of the online early renewal of business name registration, a total of 4,757 online early renewal transactions were processed. That is 475 for December last year, 3,003 for January 2015 and 1,279 as of 23 February 2015. Terrado also noted that women entrepreneurs are more optimistic about the business environment in the countryside with the increase in number of female business registrants for January this year. Female business registrations are at 29,854 or 54% of the total sole proprietorship business name registrations. Female empowerment was largely felt in Regions 4A with 6,332 registrations or 21% of total registrations, followed by National Capital Region (NCR) with 3,530 registrations or 12% and Region 3 with 2,782 or 9%. “The DTI intends to rollout further online initiatives that would integrate business registration-related processes across business registration agencies to facilitate ease of doing business, promote transparency, curb corruption, and reduce red tape in the bureaucracy,” Terrado said. |
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| Zambo exporters laud EU-GSP+; exporters and SMEs gearing for EU market | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||
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Exporters and businesses in Region 9 are set to take advantage
of the European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus
(EU-GSP+). At a briefing held recently in this city by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on “Doing Business with the EU using the GSP+,” Permex Producer and Exporter Inc. President Edgar Lim acknowledged the work of DTI in obtaining market access for Philippine exporters to Europe. “The ball is on our side. It’s there – more than 6,200 products that we can export to EU at zero tariff. It is up to us to deliver and to take that opportunity,” Lim said. Permex is one of the leading canned tuna and canned sardines producers in the country. Some 80 exporters, SMEs, and members of the academe based in Region 9 and coming from as far as Tawi-Tawi participated in the “Doing Business with the European Union (EU) using the GSP+” information session held here in Zamboanga City last 24 February 2015. The Philippines was accepted as an EU-GSP+ beneficiary country last December 2014. DTI projects that with the implementation of the EU-GSP+, exports to EU may increase by as much as 10 percent. The agency also said that more than 200,000 jobs will be created. Among the major products of Region 9 are marine and coconut products, which stand to gain the most from the EU-GSP+. Fishery products, for example, are eligible for duty free export to EU under the scheme. Prior to the EU-GSP+, fishery products were levied as much as 24% tariff. Other products that may avail of duty free access to EU include processed fruit, prepared food, animal and vegetable fats and oils, textiles, garments, headwear, footwear, furniture, umbrellas, and chemicals. “We’ve already had initial discussions with businesses who plan to expand their operations in the region. The EU-GSP+ is a developmental tool which helps the country generate additional revenue and new jobs critical to economic growth,” he said. Rodolfo also cited the competitive advantage of the Philippines vis a vis its neighbors as the Philippines is the only ASEAN country granted EU-GSP+ status. During the information session, DTI officials explained the nature of the preferential tariff scheme and the opportunities for Philippine export products. Albin Ganchero of the DTI Export Marketing Bureau provided indepth information on the EU market and its requirements. Citing food products as an example, Ganchero said “There are important food safety issues that have to be addressed when exporting to the EU. Adhering to food contamination requirements is crucial“. Exporters and SMEs were also provided market information on consumer spending trends in the EU. Meanwhile, exporters cited the need for policy support to facilitate their entry to the EU market. In particular, the private sector said that there is a need to develop an international port in Zamboanga. Without an international port in Zamboanga, exporters are forced to ship their products to the ports of Manila, Davao or Cagayan de Oro resulting in “double handling” or more costs. They also said that it would be to the advantage of businesses in the regions to transact with a local customs office instead of going all the way to Manila to obtain export permits. |
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| Qatar’s needs are for more skilled and professional workers, Baldoz said, as she urges OFWs to train | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||
| Qatar may need 100,000 to 150,000 overseas Filipino workers until 2022 when it hosts the FIFA World Cup, but these will be more in skilled and professional field. “We at the DOLE don’t advise the untrained, unskilled, or even the domestic Filipino workers, and other related vulnerable workers to try their luck in Qatar, or anywhere else. We urge them to get qualified by continuous training, so they can command better pay,” said Baldoz yesterday after she received a labor market information report from Doha-based Labor Attache Leopoldo de Jesus. “Better yet, get certified first through our national certification system being administered by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. I also encourage our workers to obtain sufficient experience before going abroad because the possession of such—as well as the necessary skills—ensure added protection,” she said, noting that overseas employers require a minimum of two years of experience for migrant workers. In his report, de Jesus said the growth in demand for migrant workers in Qatar will be triggered by the Qatari government’s huge investment in infrastructure development as part of its massive preparation for the official hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. “These would include projects for transport, road development and sewerage, and real estate development. This growth will be fuelled also by energy sector-related projects,” de Jesus said. Qatar is one of the world’s leading producers of natural gas. According to de Jesus’ report, Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup places Qatar’s public and private expenditure to hover around US$125 billion and an estimated need for a million overseas workers. Given Qatar’s huge development projects, it would need 100,000 to 150,000 OFWs if the current labor market share of Filipino workers is sustained,” said Baldoz who, in November last year met with Qatari Social Affairs and Labor Minister Mohammad Al Khulaifi to discuss bilateral labor issues between the Philippines and Qatar. It was Minister Khulaifi who informed Secretary Baldoz that Qatar is overhauling its healthcare system and consequently, building more hospitals and other health care facilities. According to the labor and employment chief, the increase in demand would be for various job categories, such as engineers, architects, master electricians, tile setters, technicians, operators, nurses, doctors, dentists, hotel and resort workers, carpenters, accountants, service crew for food and coffee shops, waiters and waitresses, heavy equipment drivers and mechanics, and safety officers. Labor Attache de jesus reported that of the 19 new health care enters to be built, six are already being constructed. “Thus, more healthcare professionals are being hired to meet Qatar’s healthcare target of reaching out to more people when the population is expected to rise by more than 30 percent. In fact, the Supreme Council of Health is now recruiting staff nurses and dental assistants from the Philippines,” he said. Qatar, de Jesus further reported, plans a US$40 billion national integrated rail network together with a new US$11 billion airport and US$5.5 billion deep-water seaport. “The railway project alone will employ 20,000-35,000 workers. The Hamad International Airport is now completed, but service crews, such as cleaners, are still needed for airport facilities. The Red Line phase of the Metro rail has been awarded and construction is ongoing. The accommodation for the workers, built on international standards, has just been inaugurated. It could house around 3,000 workers according to its camp manager,” de Jesus said. He also said the Qatar Tourism Authority has been reported to invest US$20 billion in tourism infrastructure development, with the budget going to the construction of 45,000 additional hotel rooms to ensure that it meets the FIFA’s room capacity requirement of 60,000 rooms. He further said Qatar’s Public Works Authority will invest US$30 billion in buildings and infrastructure projects in the next 5-7 years. These include a crossway which links Hamad International Airport to West Bay; the Lusail Expressway; drainage and sewerage projects, 216 roads, 240 major intersections, 120 public buildings, including hospitals, educational institutions, municipality buildings, and religious endowment projects. Qatar’s US$4 billion stadium-building program will see the construction of nine new eco-friendly, cutting-edge football fields and the expansion of three existing stadia. “Meanwhile, the country is now seen as the top IT market in the Gulf Cooperation Council region until 2017. With its booming economy and ambitious ICT investment, it is expected to be the fastest-growing IT market in the Gulf,” he said, adding: “The Grand Mall of Qatar is set to open this year. It will need sales assistants, service crew, and security guards, and maintenance crew.” | ||||||
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| DSWD assists families displaced by armed conflicts in Mindanao | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has
provided a total of P4.85 million-worth of food packs, and other
food and non-food items, as augmentation assistance, to the
local government of Datu Salibo, Maguindanao, for the families
displaced by the ongoing clash between the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF)
which started on February 27. DSWD is assisting 2,090 families or 10, 450 persons who have been affected by the armed conflict. They are now staying in the six evacuation centers set-up by the local government unit (LGU). As of today, the DSWD-Field Office XII has a stockpile of 70,000 family food packs worth P25.2 million and assorted food and non-food items worth P17.5 million ready for distribution to evacuees when necessary. Likewise, a standby fund of P2 million is also available for the purchase of emergency relief supplies. Meanwhile, DSWD also continues to assist the families displaced by the ongoing clash between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and BIFF in Pangalungan in Maguindanao and Pikit in North Cotabato. The LGU of Pangalugan received an augmentation assistance of P679,010 worth of food packs and other food and non-food items. A total of 1,820 families or 9,100 persons have been affected by the armed conflict in the said town. Of these, 1,733 families or 8,665 persons are staying in the eight evacuation centers set-up by the local government. In Pikit, DSWD has given P1.3-million worth of family food packs and malong to the local government. The armed conflict in this town has displaced some 3,169 families or 15,845 persons. They are now staying in 13 evacuation centers. DSWD is working with the Social Welfare and Development Department of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) in delivering the goods to the LGUs. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that DSWD-Field Office XII continues to coordinate with concerned LGUs to determine other interventions and services needed by the evacuees. |
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| PHL recourse to settle dispute in West Philippine Sea consistent with principles of UN Charter | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||
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03 March 2015 - The Philippines told the United Nations (UN)
that its recourse to settle THE dispute in the West Philippine
Sea is a testament to the country’s commitment to the principles
of the UN Charter. Speaking at the Security Council Open Debate on the theme, “Maintaining International Peace and Security: Reflect on History, Reaffirm the Strong Commitment to the Purposes and Principles of the Charter of the United Nations” on February 23, the Philippines reaffirmed its strong commitment to promote global peace and security by resolving conflicts at home and in the region. The Open Debate was convened by China, in its capacity as President of the Security Council for the month of February. The Security Council is the UN body primarily responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security. “The Philippines believes that the promotion of global peace primarily starts at home. The international community has witnessed our unwavering commitment and tireless efforts to bring and build peace in Southern Philippines… we are facing an equally challenging task of resolving tensions in our regional seas,” Philippine Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York Irene Susan B. Natividad told the forum attended by several Foreign Ministers of Security Council members including Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. “The Philippines has resorted to the rule of law in trying to resolve these tensions and believes that the core instrument for resolving maritime disputes is the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Deputy Permanent Representative Natividad said. She added that the Philippines has apprised the international community of its position on and developments in the peaceful settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea as it is an issue of global concern. “The Philippines has resorted to arbitration to clarify maritime entitlements and settle maritime disputes peacefully through UNCLOS. Arbitration is fully entrenched in Chapter VI, Article 33 of the UN Charter on the pacific settlement of disputes,” she expounded. Deputy Permanent Representative Natividad also reiterated the Philippines’ strong call for a stop to all reclamation activities in the disputed areas and the acceleration of talks on a legally-binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. “Massive reclamation is a direct threat to the Philippines and other claimant States and should be considered a great concern for all States as it threatens the security and overall peace and stability in the region. Moreover, the massive reclamation that is causing widespread destruction of the region’s biodiversity will also irreparably damage the entire ecological balance in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea. Such irreversible damage will have long-term effects on all the peoples across geopolitical boundaries who have depended on the sea for their livelihood for generations,” she said. Moreover, she said that it is equally incumbent upon the international community to ensure the safety of those “who have been peacefully, sustainably, and legitimately pursuing their livelihood” in the contested areas. “Those whose actions endanger the lives of these people and those who do not heed the call for restraint are not being true to the cause of peace,” Deputy Permanent Representative Natividad said. The Open Debate is one of the many meetings and events planned for 2015 when the UN celebrates the 70th year of its establishment. |
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| Seafood Philippines 2015 joins largest seafood expo in North America | ||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||
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03 March 2015 – The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C.
announced last February 27 that eight Philippine seafood
companies, with the support of the Philippine government, will
be participating in this year's Seafood Expo North
America/Seafood Processing North America in Boston,
Massachusetts—the largest seafood exposition in North America. The Embassy said that this trade show, previously named International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS)/Seafood Processing America, will be held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center from March 15 to 17. The participation of the eight Philippine companies in Seafood Expo North America is hosted by the Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. According to Philippine Agriculture Attaché to the United States Dr. Josyline Javelosa, the participating companies will showcase products such as milkfish (fresh, frozen, processed plain/ marinated and deboned “bangus”), tuna (fresh/chilled), shrimp (frozen), octopus (frozen), dried fish products, canned sardines, canned tuna, shrimp paste (bagoong), and sweet & spicy chicharon (salmon skin). The “Seafood Philippines 2015” Pavilion will be in Booth No. 2585 and will be shared by exhibitors from Brand Exports Philippines Inc., FRI Seafood Trading, Kai-Anya Foods, Inc., Nuevo Fresco Marine Trading Corp., Permex Producer and Exporter Corp., Sikat Araw Trading Corp., RDEX Food Int’l Phils. Inc. and D&L Seafoods. Organizers of Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America said that the show attracts 20,000 buyers and suppliers of fresh, frozen, and value-added seafood products, equipment and services. Media representatives and other seafood-industry professionals will be present as well. Attendees from 100 countries will come to the seafood show to meet, network and do business. A survey from past expositions indicates the importance of this annual trade show: 79% of surveyed attendees said that they influence or are involved in purchasing decisions, 86% found new products or companies, 52% of surveyed buyers found new suppliers and 68% met with their current supplier. The Philippine Embassy is inviting buyers to visit the Philippine Pavilion at the Boston Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall Booth No. 2585. For meeting requests with participating Philippine companies, please e-mail seafoodexpona.phl@gmail.com. |
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| UN commends Ph for climate change effort | ||||||
| Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph | ||||||
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The United Nations has acknowledged the efforts of the
Philippine government to address climate change. In a bilateral meeting held Friday at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Quezon City, Environment Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje discussed with UN Environment Program (UNEP) Executive Director Achim Steiner the various programs being implemented by the agency to increase the country’s natural defenses and resiliency. Steiner applauded the leadership of the Philippines within the climate change convention and the innovation it has demonstrated at the national level. “Ahead of the Call to Action, we are already doing our share to address climate change. The directive of President Aquino is to improve our natural defenses and to significantly increase the resiliency of communities,” Paje said. He cited the National Greening Program, log ban in natural forests, geohazard assessment and mapping program and clean air as among the priority programs being implemented by the DENR to mitigate the impact of climate change. Steiner, accompanied by UNEP Regional Director and Representative for Asia and the Pacific Kaveh Zahedi, met with DENR officials to discuss potential cooperation on renewable energy and climate change. According to Paje, the UN official also expressed hope the Philippines will be among the first 50 countries to ratify the Minamata Convention and give it the legal identity it needs in order to become effective. "The Minamata Convention is a worthy cause and it calls for leadership, so that it does not linger in the drawers of international conventions," Paje quoted Steiner as saying. The Minamata Convention was signed by Paje, who was given full powers by President Aquino to sign the treaty on behalf of the Philippines, during a conference organized by the UNEP in Kumamoto City, Japan, on October 10, 2013. The pact will take effect 90 days after ratification by at least 50 countries. Paje likewise offered for a potential presence of UNEP in the Philippines as a way to reciprocate the UN agency’s continuing commitment in providing support to various environmental programs and projects. According to the environment chief, there are currently seven projects being implemented by the DENR funded by UNEP. These projects include invasive species management, monitoring of persistent organic pollutants or POPs, implementation of the strategic action programme for the marine and coastal environment of the South China Sea, ozone depleting substance (ODS) and the HCFC Phaseout Management Plan. Other areas of cooperation discussed by the two officials were on the following: • Support to the Philippines to increase investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency, including the development and implementation of green energy policies; • Work together on the valuation and integrated management of ecosystems, including through the Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystems Services (WAVES) program as well as work in the marine and coastal ecosystems through the Coral Triangle and other programs; • Strengthen collaboration between UNEP and the Philippines, including scaling up joint work under the Global Environmental Fund 6 cycle; and • Strategic partnerships to help support the broader ASEAN region in partnership with the Philippines. |
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| PDIC to continue processing claims of Cooperative Bank of Tarlac depositors | ||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | ||||||
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The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) announced
that it will continue to receive and process deposit insurance
claims from depositors of the closed Cooperative Bank of Tarlac
at the PDIC Claims Counter, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala
Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City until October 27,
2016. Claims may also be filed through mail. The PDIC reported that a total of P154.3 million in insured deposits covering 598 accounts was paid during the onsite claim settlement operations (CSO) while filing of claims for 1,496 accounts representing accounts with balances of P50,000 and below was waived. Payments for these accounts amounting to P4.8 million were made thru postal money orders sent via registered mail. Cooperative Bank of Tarlac, which was ordered closed on October 27, 2014, has P200.5 million in total estimated insured deposits involving 3,856 accounts. As of November 19, 2014, PDIC has yet to receive deposit insurance claims for P39.4 million covering 1,580 accounts. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the said bank is on October 27, 2016. After said date, PDIC shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original evidence of deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature. The same set of documents must be enclosed when claims are filed through mail. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement, with the Claim Form signed by the parent. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney. In the case of a minor depositor, the Special Power of Attorney must be executed by the parent. The procedures and requirements for filing deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers  (02) 841-4630 to 31,
or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila
may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC FREE (7342). |
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Last Updated:
03 MARCH 2015
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| Alternative photo archive with high resolutions | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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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. | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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) | ||
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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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President Benigno S. Aquino III and 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 arrive for the official luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines of on Tuesday(March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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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 delivers his remarks during the joint press statement with President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday(March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prince and Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta share a light moment following the conferment ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as The Prince and Grand Master Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta 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 Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Official Luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines of 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 on Tuesday (March 03). This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and SOM. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prince Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta arrive for the official luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines of on Tuesday (March 03). This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Sovereign Order of Malta. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides Prince Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). His Highness Festing is the second Prince and Grand Master to visit the Philippines following the visit of Fra’ Angelo de Mojana di Colognain February 1979. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Fra’ Matthew Festing of the Sovereign Order of Malta at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the welcome ceremony for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). He is the second Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta to visit the Philippines, following the visit of Fra’ Angelo de Mojana di Colognain February 1979. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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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 Malta (Sovereign Order of Malta), Fra’ Matthew Festing review
the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace
Grounds for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March
03). His Highness Festing is the second Prince and Grand Master of
the Sovereign Order of Malta to visit the Philippines, following the
visit of Fra’ Angelo de Mojana di Colognain February 1979. (Photo by
Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III receives the Order Pro Merito Melitensi, Grand Collar from The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (Sovereign Order of Malta), Fra’ Matthew Festing during the conferment ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). His Highness Fra' Matthew Festing is the second Prince of the Sovereign Order of Malta to visit the Philippines, following the visit of Fra’ Angelo de Mojana di Cologna in February 1979. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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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 Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (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 Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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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 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 on Tuesday (March 03). His Highness Fra’ Matthew Festing is the second Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Order of Malta to visit the Philippines, following the visit of Fra’ Angelo de Mojana di Cologna in February 1979. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malta Prince Fra’ Matthew Festing review the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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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 singing of the Philippine and Malta National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with 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). This visit affirms the commitment of the Philippines and the Sovereign Order of Malta in further strengthening bilateral relations at the highest level, especially as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Fra’ Matthew Festing signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). This visit affirms the commitment of the Philippines and the Sovereign Order of Malta in further strengthening bilateral relations at the highest level, especially as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes The Prince and Grand Master of the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (Sovereign Order of Malta), Fra’ Matthew Festing upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the welcome ceremony for the Official Visit to the Philippines on Tuesday (March 03). This visit affirms the commitment of the Philippines and of the Sovereign Order of Malta in further strengthening bilateral relations at the highest level, especially as this year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Officials and Delegates, led by ALA president Indonesian Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 27). A non-government organization, ALA brings together under one roof all the different branches of the law profession – judges, law teachers, law practitioners and government lawyers. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr, / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Officials and Delegates, led by ALA president Indonesian Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali, during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 27, 2015). A non-government organization, ALA brings together under one roof all the different branches of the law profession – judges, law teachers, law practitioners and government lawyers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the ASEAN Law Association (ALA) Officials and Delegates, led by ALA president Indonesian Chief Justice Dr. Hatta Ali, for a snap shot during the courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Friday (February 27). A non-government organization, ALA brings together all the different branches of the law profession – judges, law teachers, law practitioners and government lawyers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano Jr. /Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as French President François Hollande, delivers his message during the State Dinner at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the State Dinner at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines of His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, President of the French Republic, witness the signing of agreements at the Malacañan Palace Grounds by the Balete Tree during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, listen to the speech of Senator Loren Legarda and actress Marion Cotillard as they led the launch of the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change at the Malacañan Palace Grounds by the Balete Tree during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, share a light moment following their joint press statement at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande, lead the launch of the Manila Call to Action on Climate Change at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartaea/ Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III French President François Hollande, witness the signing of agreements at the Malacañan Palace Grounds during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, sign the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr, / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with French President François Hollande during the expanded bilateral meeting at the Aguinaldo Room of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano Jr,/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, to the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace for the courtesy call during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday(February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Robert Viñas/Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, lead the singing of the Philippine and France National Anthem during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). (Photo by Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26, 2015). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Robert Viñas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency François Hollande, President of the French Republic, upon arrival at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the welcome ceremony during the State Visit to the Philippines on Thursday (February 26). The State visit is a first by an incumbent President of France to the country since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Holy Mass during the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Edsa Main Chapel in EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Holy Mass for the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution at the Shrine of Mary Queen of Peace, Our Lady of Edsa Main Chapel in EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath at the EDSA People Power Monument as part of the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III watches unity walk of the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument during the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument as part of the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25, 2015). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. Also in photo are EPPC commissioner Herminio “Ogie” Alcasid, Jr., Executive Secretary and EDSA People Power Commission chairperson Paquito Ochoa, Jr. and EPPC commissioner Cesar Sarino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremony at the EDSA People Power Monument as part of the commemorative activities of the 29th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in White Plains Avenue corner EDSA on Wednesday (February 25). This year’s theme is “Ituloy ang Pagbabago.” The 1986 peaceful and bloodless uprising ousted the dictatorship and led Corazon C. Aquino to the Presidency. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) awardees for a snap shot during the awarding ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. Also in photo are TAYO Awards Foundation president Aika Robredo, National Youth Commission chairman Gio Tingson, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan, TAYO Awards founding president Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, National Youth Commission commissioner and TAYO Awards Foundation chairman Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines vice chairman Juan Ramon Felix. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) Awarding Ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) awarding ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III to present the TAYO award during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) Awarding Ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. Also in photo are TAYO Awards founding president and Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan and Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines vice chairman Juan Ramon Felix. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines vice chairman Juan Ramon Felix and president Cecile Alcantara present the Coke Barkada award to Red Cross Youth and Junior Rescue Team during the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations Year 12 (TAYO 12) Awarding Ceremonies at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 24). Since 2002, TAYO Awards recognizes and supports the outstanding contributions of youth organizations to the country. Also in photo is Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization Francis Pangilinan. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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