Daily Weather Forecast
Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow
Synopsis:
Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) affecting Northern Luzon.
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 a.m. 13 May 2015 |
 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 a.m. 13 May 2015 |
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Forecast:
Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms will be experienced over Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
Light to moderate winds blowing from the east to southeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and coming from the east over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate.
ABS-CBN:
Patuloy pa rin na binabantayan ng PAGASA ang Tropical Storm Dolphin sa
silangang bahagi ng bansa. Sa Linggo inaasahang papasok ito sa PAR at
tatawaging Egay.
At least 68 dead in Nepal as of Tuesday after another major earthquake at magnitude 7.3 hit the country | @cnn
BREAKING: Strong offshore earthquake registering magnitude 6.6 hits northern Japan, no danger of tsunami. | @AFP
ABS-CBN:
Nakalabas na ng PAR ang bagyong Dodong. Hindi na rin ito makakaapekto
sa anumang bahagi ng bansa bukas kaya balik na naman sa napakainit na
panahon, lalo na at mayroon ridge of high pressure na nakakaapekto sa
Northern Luzon. Magdadala ito ng mas mainit na panahon. Kanina 34
degrees Celsius ang maximum temperature sa Metro Manila at ang heat
index ay umabot sa 38 degree Celsius. Patuloy namang binabantayan ang
isa pang bagyo sa Pacific Oceran ito ang tropical storm na may
international name na Dolphin.
May 13 , 2015 ( Wednesday) as of 10:00 AM
PIA4A / PIA QUEZON : Partly Cloudy in Lucena City
CAVITE
1. Carmona
RHU, Jollibee ties-up for blood donation mission
·
May 12,
2015
CARMONA,
Cavite, May 12 (PIA) — At least 94 local government employees and service crew
of five branches of Jollibee here participated in the just concluded
blood-letting activity initiated by the Municipal Health Office and Cavite
Blood Council.
Held
at the Penthouse located at the municipal town building, said activity aimed to
ensure that enough supply of blood will be available to those in need not only
in the town of Carmona but also in cities and municipalities of the province.
This
is one of the priority programs initiated by the local government through the
Municipal Health Office (MHO) in cooperation with the Cavite Blood Council and
its private partner to make sure that the health and well-being of the
community are properly addressed.
The
blood collected will be brought to Saint Like’s Medical Hospital to undergo
blood matching and laboratory testing and will be stored made available at the
Cavite Blood Bank in General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital in Trece
Martires City. (Ruel
Francisco, PIA-Cavite/Carmona PIO)
BATANGAS
1. Tagalog
news: Pagtatayo ng 'Go Negosyo Centers' isinusulong ng DTI
- May 12, 2015
LUNGSOD
NG BATANGAS, Mayo 12 (PIA) — Patuloy na isinusulong ngayon ng Department of
Trade & Industry o DTI ang Go Negosyo Centers sa mga lalawigan, lungsod at
munisipalidad sa buong bansa.
Kugnay nito
ay nagkaroon ng orientation para sa RA 10644 o Go Negosyo Law sa lungsod na ito
na dinaluhan ng ilang estudyante, guro, kawani ng gobyerno, samahan ng
kababihan at ibang negosyante sa lungsod.
Layunin ng
nasabing orientation na mapalawig at mabigyan linaw ang kahalagahan ng
pagtatayo ng isang negosyo center.
Target ng
DTI na ilunsad sa Batangas City ang Go Negosyo Center ngayon buwan na siyang
magiging pilot city sa ibang bayan.
Ang
pasilidad nito ay nakakonekta sa Philippines Business Registry System (PBRS)
upang maging maalwan at mapabilis ang pagrerehistro ng mga negosyo sa local
level.
Nakaugnay
din sa nasabing pasilidad ang lahat ng serbisyo ng mga ahensyia may kinalaman
sa business registration tulad ng Security and Exchange Commission, Bureau of
Internal Revenue, Social Security System at iba pa.
Nagbibigay
din ang Go Negosyo Center ng iba pang serbisyo sa mga Micro, Small & Medium
Enterprise katulad ng technology transfer, production, management training
programs, at marketing assistance mula sa mga kaugnay na ahensiya.
Sinabi naman
ni Mayor Eddie B. Dimacuha na ang pagpapatayo ng Go Negosyo Center sa lungsod
ay napapanahong programa na makakatulong sa paglago ng ekonomiya ng bansa.
Malaking
tulong din ito aniya, sa mga naghahangad makapagsimula ng kanilang sariling
negosyo. Hinihikayat din niya na ang mga entrepreneurs sa lungsod upang
makagawa ng mas maraming trabaho. (LIZA PEREZ DE LOS REYES/PIO Batangas City/
PIA-BATANGAS/ PIA-4A)
- See more
at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/681431407526/tagalog-news-pagtatayo-ng-go-negosyo-centers-isinusulong-ng-dti#sthash.gbZcLljP.dpuf
2. Tagalog news: Batangas City gov't humiling ng
ordinansa hinggil sa expropriation ng mga bahaging babagtasin ng konstruksiyon
ng ikatlong tulay
·
May 12,
2015
LUNGSOD
NG BATANGAS, Mayo 12 (PIA) — Bilang paghahanda sa nalalapit na konstruksiyon ng
ikatlong tulay sa lungsod na ito, humiling si Mayor Eduardo Dimacuha sa mga
miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlungsod ng isang ordinansa hinggil sa expropriation
ng mga pribadong ari-arian sa mga barangay ng Gulod Labac at Ferry kung
saan nakatakdang itayo ang nasabing tulay.
Ang
nasabing ordinansa ay nakabase sa Section 19 ng Local Government Code na siyang
magtatakda ng kapangyarihan sa pamahalaang lokal upang kuhanin ang isang
pribadong lugar para sa kapakanan ng nakararami.
Kinakailangang
i-expropriate ng pamahalaang lungsod ang ilang bahagi ng Barangay Gulod Labac
at Ferry, Kumintang Ibaba na pag-aari ng Ibaan Rural Bank Inc. upang magamit sa
bridge approach at road widening na isasagawa bago masimulan ang ikatlong
tulay.
May
kaukulang kumpensasyon naman na ibibigay para sa mga maaapektuhan ng naturang
expropriation proceedings.
Ayon
kay City Assessor Judy Tumambing, halos lahat ng lupa na dadaaanan ng mga
approaches at kalsada sa Sitio Ferry at Gulod Labac ay pag-aari ng pamahalaang
lungsod maliban sa isang lote na pag-aari ng Ibaan Rural Bank Inc.
Sinabi
ni Tumambing na ang lugar na ito ang pinakamagandang tayuan ng nasabing tulay
dahil sa ito ay nasa sentro at halos lahat ng lote na gagamitin ay
pag-aari na ng pamahalaang lungsod.
Magugunita
na inatasan na ni Mayor Dimacuha ang Technical Working Group para sa
paunang disenyo ng itatayong tulay bilang paghahanda sa Terms of Reference
(TOR) ng winning contractor. Ito ay nagkakahalaga ng P350M at
pupunduhan mula sa pautang ng Land Bank of the Philippines sa
pamahalaang lungsod.
Ayon
kay Engr. Adela Hernandez, ang tulay ay isang suspension o hanging bridge na
walang poste na itatayo sa ilog. Ito ay may habang 100 metro. Bukod
dito ang approaches o abang sa bawat dulo ay tig 20 metro bawat
isa.
Babagtasin
ng itatayong tulay ang Ferry Road kanto ng P. Herrera St. katabi ng City
Engineer’s Office patungong Calumpang River at dudugtong sa Gulod Labac na ang
approach ay magsisimula sa may Top Steel kanto ng Lobo -Tabangao National
Road.
May
kabuuang 140 metro ang haba ng nasabing tulay kasama ang mga approaches nito.
(JERSON J. SANCHEZ/LETTY C. CHUA-PIO Batangas City/PIA Batangas/PIA-4A)
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Malacañang extends its condolences for the passing of Representative Enrique Cojuangco | ||
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Government’s investment in social services paying off | ||
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| Malacañang extends its condolences for the passing of Representative Enrique Cojuangco | |
| The Palace extended its condolences to the family of Tarlac First District
Representative Enrique Cojuangco, who passed away Tuesday morning. The Office of the Speaker of the House of Representatives announced Representative Cojuangco’s demise on Tuesday morning. "We convey our deepest condolences to his bereaved family. Representative Cojuangco served for two terms and was known and admired for his professionalism and dedication to public service," Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a statement Tuesday. Cojuangco, 74, succumbed to aneurism early Tuesday at The Medical City.He was president of the Nationalist People’s Coalition and chairman of the House committee on economic affairs. Cojuangco was an uncle of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the brother of business tycoon, Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco. Before becoming a member of Congress, he served as vice chairman of San Miguel Corporation. PND (as) |
|
| Government’s investment in social services paying off | |
| The Palace has attributed the survey results showing a
drop in the number of Filipino families experiencing involuntary hunger in
the past quarter to such government initiatives as the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program and the expansion of PhilHealth coverage, saying the
administration’s investment in social services is paying off. “The welfare of the Filipino people has always been at the front and center of the Aquino administration. Under Tuwid na Daan, various agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, and Department of Health continue to pursue initiatives like the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, the K to 12 reform in basic education, and the expansion of PhilHealth coverage,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement released on Tuesday. “All these contribute to a better quality of life for our people, equipping them to find better opportunities to lift up their families and, ultimately, the nation. The administration’s investment in social services—in the form of budget increases—is truly paying off,” he said. A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from March 20 to 23 among 1,200 respondents nationwide, found 13.5 percent, or an estimated 3 million families, experiencing involuntary hunger at least once in the past three months. This marks a 3.7-point decrease from 17.2 percent, or about 3.8 million families, recorded in December 2014, the lowest in 10 years since May 2005, when it was at 12 percent. The SWS defined “involuntary hunger” as having had nothing to eat at least once in the past three months. “This 3.7-point drop translates to an estimated 800,000 families no longer experiencing involuntary hunger,” said Lacierda. “Rest assured that in the remaining months, we will continue our vigorous efforts to empower our citizens to achieve the Filipino dream,” he added. Some 36.6 percent of the P2.606 trillion national budget for 2015 has been allocated to social services, such as education, health care and social protection. Under the 2015 national budget, P62.3 billion has been allotted to support 4.3 million poor families under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, while P37.1 billion has been earmarked for the health insurance benefits of 15.4 million poor and near-poor families. To support the K to 12 Basic Education Program, the budget has set aside P53.9 billion for the construction of 31,728 classrooms, and P3.5 billion for the purchase of 70.5 million textbooks and other instructional materials. PND (ag) |
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| Manufacturing output rebounds in March 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| MANILA – The manufacturing sector’s output recovered in March 2015 as both production volume and value bounced back and recorded significant growth during the period, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Registering significant gains for the first time in 2015, the Volume of Production Index (VoPI) posted a double-digit year-on-year growth at 13.6 percent, while the Value of Production (VaPI) recovered from its negative position with a 7.4 percent in the same period. “This growth is fueled by the strong production performance by the majority of the sub-sectors led by the double-digit growth of tobacco, basic metals and petroleum,” said Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan. “This rebound in March suggests a promising first quarter manufacturing performance. The Philippine business sector maintains expectations of favorable performance in the near term and growth drivers in the past year are expected to perform positively in the next period,” he added. For consumer goods, production value of tobacco and beverages continued to be vigorous all through the first quarter, which is attributed to the implementation of uniform excise tax on local and foreign cigarettes. For intermediate goods, production values in all except for wood products expanded year-on-year, driven by petroleum, chemicals, and textile. Petroleum posted a 60-percent growth in production value and a 95.9-percent growth in production volume. For capital goods, growth in basic metals and transport production, particularly in non-ferrous metals, iron and steel was able offset the performance of fabricated metal products and machinery including electrical. “The growth in transport is mainly due to the government’s re-fleeting program which amplified the demand from the public utility sector,” said Balisacan, who is also NEDA Director General. Moreover, growth in chemicals, leather products, tobacco manufactures and chemical products boosted the Value of Net Sales (VaNSI) in March 2015, offsetting the performance of printing, beverages and petroleum products. Meanwhile, the average capacity utilization rose in March 2015 to 83.5 percent, higher than the first quarter average in the previous year of 83.1 percent and the overall 2014 average of 83.4 percent. “The rise in average utilization levels this month may be a result of increased activity in manufacturing and construction,” the Cabinet official said. Overall, bright prospects are seen on the back of this first quarter recovery in manufacturing. “Robust private consumption fueled by continued inflow of remittances will thrive in the current low inflation environment. The low global oil prices sustaining low inflation as well as Philippine business optimism will drive businesses to capitalize on low cost of production,” said Balisacan. Nonetheless, he said that the government will continue to pursue efforts to improve the investment climate to attract business expansion as well as new investments in the manufacturing sector. He added that the pursuit and full implementation of government efforts to resolve supply chain gaps and integrate sectors through the Comprehensive National Industrial Strategy will contribute to the realization of the potential of manufacturing. “Diversification of products and market is vital to maintain our presence globally amidst the low demand from the country’s major trading partners,” said Balisacan. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SSS covers members from three coops | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Social Security System (SSS) will have 1,800 new members every year from three cooperatives that it recently accredited as partner agents in collecting member’s contributions and providing other social security services. “We are continuously accrediting cooperatives to reach out to our Informal Sector Workers.” Ma. Nympha M. Ragel, Department Manager III of Cooperatives and Informal Sector Department said. The three new accredited cooperatives are the Maragusan Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MAGROW MPC) in Compostela Valley; Abra Diocesan Teachers and Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ADTEMPCO) in Abra; and Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD), Inc. in Laguna. In total, these three cooperatives have 956,581 members that SSS aims to cover as self-employed members. The cooperatives are authorized to collect social security contributions, member loan and housing loan amortizations, miscellaneous payment as well as screen registration documents for SSS applications of their members. For the three newly-accredited cooperatives, SSS will collect P6.5 million in contributions annually. “SSS follows stringent accreditation procedures for partner agents. They must be duly registered with the appropriate regulatory body or government agency and passed the financial criteria set by SSS. We require a minimum of at least three years of operation prior to the date of filing of application for accreditation and they should also be registered with SSS as employer-member,” Ragel said. The SSS Account Officers regularly monitor and check the performance of the accredited cooperatives to ensure that the contributions of their members are properly remitted and reported to the SSS every month. As of December 2014, SSS has already inked partnerships with 30 cooperatives as partners in collection and non-collection services with a total collection of P19.28M covering 55,438 members. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DSWD, NCFF join global community celebrate International Day of Families | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF) chaired by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) leads the nation as it celebrates the International Day of Families with the rest of the world on May 15. The International Day of Families is celebrated yearly in accordance with the Proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. The event is a reflection of the importance of families to the international community. It also provides an opportunity to promote awareness on issues and concerns relating to the family. This year, the theme for the celebration is ”Men in charge? Gender equality and children’s rights in contemporary families.” In line with this, DSWD will hold a forum tomorrow, May 13, with around 200 policy makers and family advocates from the different NCFF member-agencies such as Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), National Youth Commission (NYC), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and civil society organizations like the Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints, and Pro-Life, among others. This will be held at the Cultural Hall of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Cubao, Quezon City. Topics for discussion during the forum are: Complementary Roles of Men and Women, Mothers and Fathers in Contemporary Families by Atty. Jo Aurea Imbong of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); Children’s Rights in Family Laws by Atty. Jeremy Gatdula of the University of the Asia and the Pacific; and, How Millennials see the Family in the Age of Social Media by NYC Commissioner Earl Saavedra. “Families are important to our society. They are the foundation of a strong nation. We must work hard to strengthen our families especially that issues and challenges continue to surface and threaten family unity such as human trafficking, migration, and intergenerational poverty, among many others,” DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| BSP rediscount rates for May 2015 and availments as of April 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The BSP announced today the applicable Peso Rediscount Facility and Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF) rates for the month of May 2015 and loan availments as of end April 2015.
The Peso Rediscount Facility rates for Rediscounting Windows (RWs) I and II for May 2015 are as follows:
The Peso rediscount rates for RW I and RW II are based on the applicable BSP one-month repurchase rate and overnight reverse repurchase rate, respectively, plus term premia for longer maturities per Circular No. 806 dated 15 August 2013. These rates have been in effect since 15 September 2014 and will remain until the policy rates are revised.
The following are the rates for the month of May for loans under the EDYRF:
The EDYRF rates are based on the respective 90-day London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 30 April 2015 plus 200 basis points plus term premia for longer maturities pursuant to Circular No. 807 dated 15 August 2013.
Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the total availments of thrift and rural banks amounted to P80 million for the period 01 January to 30 April 2015, which is 86.0 percent lower than the P572 million total for the same period last year. Out of the aggregate availments for the period, 66.4 percent went to commercial credits, 6.4 percent to production credits and 27.2 percent to other credits consisting of housing (11.8 percent), permanent working capital (8.2 percent) and CAPEX (7.2 percent).
Under the EDYRF, total dollar availments of a universal bank for the period 01 January to 30 April 2015 amounted to US$0.7 million and benefitted one exporter. This represents a 75.0 percent decrease in availments compared to the US$2.8 million grants for the same period last year. There was no Yen-denominated availment under EDYRF for the subject period in 2015, nor for the same period last year.
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| Financial Literacy Summit 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. highlights the importance of financial literacy for millennials during the Financial Literacy Summit on 15 April 2015 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Millennials, those aged 15-34 years old, make up 35% of the Philippine population and 47.8% of the workforce. Financial capability for this generation is important as they are and will be moving to be key decision makers in business and industry. Forming the panel with the Governor are (from left) Canada’s Financial Consumer Agency Commissioner Lucie Tedesco; Australia’s Parliament Secretary, Honorable Steven Ciobo MP; and Haiti’s Banque de la République d'Haiti (Central Bank of Haiti) Executive Board Member Georgette Jean-Louis. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The National Prosecution Service warmly welcomes the appointment of Eighty-Five (85) new prosecutors | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The National Prosecution Service warmly welcomes the promotional and original appointments of eighty-five (85) prosecutors by President Benigno S. Aquino III. The appointment papers of the said prosecutors were received by the Department last 8 May 2015. Once again, the President was able to appoint prosecutors in almost all of the National Prosecution offices in the entire country. This latest batch of appointments to prosecutorial positions again underscores the administration's commitment to strengthen the prosecution service. In fact, the effects of the earlier appointments made by His Excellency are already being felt by the National Prosecution Service, as the redistribution of the gargantuan workload of the prosecutors is already taking place. As always, we eagerly anticipate the release of the other appointments of prosecutors, to further enable the NPS to achieve the Department's Zero Backlog Policy. To view or download the complete list of appointments, please click the link below: files/PR-DOJ%20Welcome%20the%20Appointment%20of%2085%20New%20Prosecutors%20Attachment.pdf | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Ombudsman files forfeiture proceedings against former Pasay City Treasurer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Office of the Ombudsman ordered the filing of forfeiture proceedings against a former Pasay City treasurer and concurrent OIC-Regional Director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), Region VII, and her children. In a recent joint resolution, the Ombudsman found prima facie evidence to charge public respondent Concepcion C. Daplas (Mrs. Daplas) and her children Dominador C. Daplas (Mr. Daplas) and Marie Anne C. Daplas for violation of Section 2 of Republic Act No. 1379. Consequently, the Anti-Graft Body ordered the filing of the corresponding petition for forfeiture of ill-gotten wealth before the Sandiganbayan. Section 2 of RA 1379 presumes prima facie that a public officer has acquired unlawfully a property if at the time of the acquisition of the said property the public officer’s salary and his other lawful incomes are manifestly out of proportion to the property’s price. It may be recalled that in its complaint the Department of Finance Revenue Integrity Protection Service (DOF RIPS) questioned the shareholdings of the Daplas couple and their children in KEI Realty and Development Corporation. The DOF RIPS alleged that Mrs. Daplasowned 15,000 shares of stocks, valued at 1.5 million pesos, and her late husband, 70,000 shares of stocks, valued at 7 million pesos. At the time of incorporation, the former paid P800,000.00 and the latter, one million of the subscribed capitalization. However, Mrs. Daplas did not report the said shares of stocks and participation in the management of the corporation in her 1997 SALN and subsequent SALN thereof. Subsequently, the Ombudsman sided with the DOF RIPS. It refused to believe respondents’ arguments that the initial capital of KEI Realty was pooled from the financial resources of the Daplas siblings. First, the Ombudsman found that at the time KEI Realty’s incorporation Marie Anne Daplas was only twenty years old, with no proof of financial capability to acquire shares of stocks. Second, the Ombudsman held that Mr. Daplas’ statements, that he and Madeleine D. Saquing were both working, are self-serving because Mr. Daplas did not present any solid evidence to support his claim. Because respondents failed to convince the Ombudsman of their defense, the Ombudsman held that the total amount of P2.7 million capital infusion of the Daplasfamily to KEI Realty is presumed sourced from Mrs. Daplas, but its ownership concealed in the names of her husband and children as a subterfuge of Mrs. Daplas’ ill-gotten wealth. And if the huge capital infusion is provided by Mrs. Daplas, whose monthly salary at that time was only P27,722.00, the anti-graft Body opined that a prima facieevidence exists that the same had been unlawfully acquired, because it is manifestly out of proportion to her salary as a public officer and to all other sources of her income, pursuant to RA 1379. In the same resolution, the Ombudsman found probable cause to file information against public respondent Mrs. Daplas before the Sandiganbayan for six counts of violation of Section 8 of Republic Act No. 6713. The Ombudsman held that Mrs. Daplas violated the said provision when she failed to disclose her 1992 Mitsubishi Galant in her 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003 SALNs and when she did not report in her 1997 SALN her business interest in KEI Realty. Mrs. Daplas’ failure to reveal the same business interest in KEI Realty has also prompted the Ombudsman to indict her for one count of perjury as defined and penalized under Article 183 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC). The Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) is the anti-corruption arm of the DOF. Under the banner of “Daang Matuwid” of the present Aquino Administration, RIPS investigates allegations of corruption in the DOF and its attached agencies (the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Bureau of Customs, the Bureau of Local Government Finance, Bureau of Treasury, Central Board of Assessment Appeals, the Insurance Commission, the National Tax Research Center, the Fiscal Incentives Review Board, and the Privatization and Management Office). RIPS calls on the public to report through “Pera ng Bayan” website (www.perangbayan.com) public officials and employees under DOF and its attached agencies who engage in graft and corrupt practices. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| At CBA signing in PASAR, Baldoz notes positive impact of reforms in labor-management relations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz chose the signing of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Philippine Associated Smelter and Refining Corporation (PASAR) and its union, Concerned Organization of PASAR Progressive Employees for Reform (COPPER), on the eve of Labor Day to highlight the positive of impact of DOLE reforms on the changing landscape of labor-management relations. Speaking at the CBA signing at the Radisson Blu in Cebu City, Baldoz said she noticed there is now a commendable culture of cooperation between labor and management, a new level of maturity that is beginning to show in many unionized establishments in the country. “What we see now, such as an in the case of PASAR, is more productive dialogue, more collaboration, and more openness that could only lead to harmonious labor-management relations, which in turn will result to enterprise stability, productivity, competitiveness, and growth,” Baldoz said. PASAR owns and operates the only copper smelter and refinery in the Philippines. Last week, PASAR management and COPPER, the workers’ sole and exclusive bargaining unit, signed their 2015-2017 collective bargaining agreement without third party intervention, a first in the company’s 39-year history. “PASAR has a long and turbulent history with COPPER. In the past, Collective bargaining negotiations have always been problematic,” said Director Feliciano Orihuela Jr. of the National Conciliation Mediation Board. The last CBA negotiations in PASAR were concluded in 2012 after the management and the union filed with the DOLE West Leyte Field Office a request for assistance under the DOLE’s Single Entry Approach, or SEnA mechanism, a reform initiated by Secretary Baldoz that provides a 30-day mediation-conciliation of any dispute that prevents it from ripening into a formal labor case. The SEnA is now a law. Baldoz said it is not a surprise that both parties were able to conclude their latest CBA without any help from the DOLE. “Labor-management cooperation (LMC) is working—and produced this result—in PASAR. It is working and producing results in many other companies,” said Baldoz, as she commended both parties for displaying a new level of maturity and responsibility that enabled them to bridge their differences without resorting to third party intervention. At the CBA signing attended by PASAR President and Chief Executive Officer Adam Purkis, Arthur Estrera, COPPER Union President, and other PASAR executives, union, and DOLE officials, Baldoz said the successful conclusion of the CBA between the two parties should strengthen some more the mutual trust, respect, and cooperation between the management and the workers. “We have now sound and sustainable industrial relations atmosphere which is very encouraging and conducive for foreign investments,” Baldoz said, after noting that PASAR is now in the midst of an expansion in its plant in Isabel, Leyte. “In fact, with the fast conclusion of your CBA without our intervention, I don’t mind that you render us irrelevant,” Baldoz quipped. Purkis, on his part, expressed appreciation to Secretary Baldoz for taking time off to witness the CBA signing. “Thank you Secretary Baldoz. We appreciate your coming. This occasion is not just a CBA signing. It’s a contract of commitment that as partners, the management and union will keep communicating, keep talking, in a very honest, very open manner,” Purkis said. Union president Estrera likewise expressed his thanks to the management and the DOLE, saying union members will enjoy more socio-economic benefits because of the union’s cordial and open partnership with PASAR management. Also with Baldoz witnessing the signing of the CBA were Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad III, Assistant Secretary Katherine Brimon, Regional Office No. 8 Director Elias Cayanong, and Regional Office No.7 Director Exequiel Sarcauga who, before Dir. Cayanong, was the DOLE regional director in Eastern Visayas. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Philippines resilient against external risks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purisima: We are less vulnerable, but we will not be complacent 11 May 2015– The Philippines today stands to be one of the most resilient countries in the region, with ample safeguards against shocks in a volatile global environment. As many anticipate the impending normalization of interest rate conditions planned by the United States Federal Reserve, the Philippines’ high level of resiliency against external risks is expected to be a boon to the country’s fiscal footing. Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said, “We have built ample buffers that strongly position the Philippines to weather changes in the external environment. We are less vulnerable to external risks, but we will never be complacent. We continue with our relentless pursuit of meaningful reforms to accelerate fiscal sustainability, strengthen governance, and boost our competitiveness. We refuse to be Asia’s sick man once again: expect that the virtuous cycle we are enjoying will be leveraged to forge brighter paths ahead.” Taking advantage of strong domestic liquidity, the Philippines’ increased reliance on peso funding also bolsters debt sustainability. As a consequence, vulnerability to foreign exchange risk is tempered with the country’s heavy bias towards local currency. Moreover, interest payments have been locked at low rates with the country’s debt portfolio predominantly in fixed terms. The external debt of the national government has gone down to 15% of GDP, or 0.5x of FX reserves—one of the lowest levels in Asia. Moreover, only 4% of external debt will be maturing within a year, reflecting an average residual maturity of over 11 years. Recent improvements in domestic liquidity conditions has allowed increased reliance on peso funding, tempering vulnerabilities to foreign exchange risk and bolstering debt sustainability. Interest rate exposure is also limited by a portfolio composition that is 98% on fixed-interest terms. The Philippines also benefits from sustained current account surpluses that began in 2003. Forex reserves have grown and remained at formidable levels behind the strength of the business process outsourcing industry and steady remittance flows. Meanwhile, an improved export manufacturing sector have narrowed the trade deficit further easing balance of payment pressures. On the domestic front, the Philippines’ buoyant economy provides a solid line of defense against events and actions that increase external risks. The country’s fiscal position remains formidable with 2014 deficit only amounting to 0.6% of GDP following continued positive trajectories in revenue collections, leaving ample resources to accelerate productive spending particularly for infrastructure to get greater traction. Purisima stressed, “We are confident that our consistent and measured approach at buttressing against global volatility will reap great returns each time the country confronts global economic forces, ensuring that the Philippines stands on solid footing. We will continue taking actions to confront external headwinds and stay the course on our path of sustained, higher and inclusive growth. We remain committed to our focus on fortifying economic fundamentals we have built over the past 5 years.” Purisima noted that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has been particularly proactive in ensuring expectations remain well-anchored and that inflation is maintained within the target band of 2-4%for 2015 to 2016. Liquidity is well-managed to support favorable alignment of inflation and broad-based growth. “Following improvements in our investment ratings, we continue to diversify our investor base. Investor sentiments reflect increasing demand for exposure for Philippine debt papers as seen in this January’s successful $2 billion issuance amid global financial volatility,” Purisima noted. “We expect fiscal headroom to be further scaled-up with growth enhancing revenue reforms to support long-term growth. We continue to expand our fiscal space to accommodate public investments in infrastructure and social services, and to provide social safety nets for the vulnerable. To expand our tax base, as well as to create a more efficient and equitable tax structure, we will work closely with Congress for the passage of key legislation to further boost our economic standing,” Purisima added. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Award of livelihood grants, diskwento fair, and issuance of Certificates of Compliance highlight Caraga’s commemoration of 2015 Labor Day | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DOLE Regional Office No. 9 headed by DOLE Caraga Regional Director Atty. Johnson G. Cañete yesterday reported to Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz about the success of the regional celebration of Labor Day last week, highlighted by the 2015 Labor Day Job Fair which he said saw1,231 jobseekers participating, 769 jobseekers of whom were qualified, and 265 hired-on-the-spot, or a HOTS rate of 34 percent. The 113th Labor Day was commemorated last Friday nationwide on the theme, Disenteng Trabaho at Kabuhayan, Alay Natin sa Bayan, with a simultaneous conduct of a Job and Livelihood Fair. In Caraga, the job and livelihood fair was held at the Almont Inland Resort in Butuan City. But other than the job and livelihood fair, Director Canete reported that DOLE Caraga also highlighted the celebration with the awarding of livelihood grants to two women’s groups who have the courage and foresight to venture into livelihood for their members. The DOLE Caraga awarded P88,607 in livelihood grant to the Rural Improvement Club Women’s Association of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, for its chorizo-making business, and another grant of P80,000 to the Brgy. 6 Women’s League, also based in the same town, for members to start a dress- and curtain-making business. “Labor Day is as good as any to assist these women’s groups, but there is great significance in awarding them their livelihood on this special occasion,” Canete said. Present on the job and livelihood fair is the TESDA CARAGA Region with trained personnel from Butuan Manpower Agency. Around 112 participants gladly received the services they offered. Also during the commemoration, the DOLE, in cooperation with the Caraga Regional Tripartite Wage Board mounted a diskwento fair where basic commodities were sold at manufacturers’ prices. Minimum wage earners spent who went to the diskwento fair spent over P21,000 in buying basic commodities. And as a boost to the DOLE’s new Labor Laws Compliance System, the DOLE regional office also made use of the occasion to award Certificates of Compliance on General Labor Standards and Occupational Safety and Health to some 86 establishment and three Tripartite Certificates of Compliance with Labor Standards under the DOLE Incentivizing Compliance Program. Also during the event, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offered job and livelihood fair participants free manicure, pedicure, foot spa, and massage services. The DOLE regional office also put up PhilJobNet Job Search Kiosks at the Robinson’s Mall Butuan; Capitol Hill, Tandag City; Provincial Government Office, Patinay, Agusan del Sur; and Provincial Government Office, San Jose, Dinagat Island to provide jobseekers easy online access to employment opportunities; labor market information, and information on DOLE programs and services. DOLE Caraga’s private sector partners also joined the celebration by mounting meaningful activities to celebrate the workers’ day. Philsaga Mining Corporation, based in Agusan del Sur, held a 30-day sports fest for its employees and initiated a mangrove reforestation program at Wakat, Barobo, Surigao del Sur. In Claver, Surigao del Norte, various mining companies, such as celebrated the Labor Day with a mass and motorcade. Mining companies, such as Taganito Mining Corporation; Platinum Group Metals Corporation, and Taganito HPAL and Adnama Mining Resources Inc. led in a motorcade and oriented their workers on basic labor laws and standards. Secretary Baldoz commended the regional office for the successful commemoration of Labor Day, saying: “You have once again showed that during this special day, you have taken the opportunity to offer our workers more programs and services. I challenge you continue working on efforts to provide our fellow Filipinos more decent and productive jobs and livelihood so they may improve their economic condition.” | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Growing global SMEs a priority; DTI advances SME Action Agenda in APEC MRT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Consistent with the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 theme, "Building Inclusive Economies, Building a Better World," the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) moved to mainstream the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and micro enterprises (MEs) in the Second APEC Senior Officials' Meeting (SOM2) which will be held from 10 to 21 May and in the First Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) Meeting from 23 to 24 May on the island of Boracay, Aklan. DTI-Industry Development Group (IDG) Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. and APEC 2015 Philippine MRT said that the MRT Meeting will focus on the Philippines’ priorities on continuing initiatives to SMEs and MEs through its APEC SME Action Agenda. Chaired by DTI Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, the MRT meeting will have Trade Ministers exchanging views on important trade and investment issues, which include trade and investment liberalization and facilitation and economic and technical cooperation to promote APEC’s 2015 theme of inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region. “The APEC Action Agenda on Growing Global SMEs calls for economic cooperation in APEC for inclusive growth through fostering participation of SMEs and MEs in regional and global markets. Emphasis will be on initiatives that are geared on the development and integration of micro, small, or artisanal enterprises into the trading system. Putting the interests of micro and small enterprises on top of our economic priorities is what the DTI under the leadership of Secretary Gregory Domingo is advocating We are working towards galvanizing support of member economies to utilize trade facilitation, trade finance, and e-commerce as a means to develop dynamic and global SMEs and MEs,” Cristobal said. He added that because “SMEs as part of Global Value Chains (GVCs)” have already been receiving a lot of attention from governments, and most especially from the large businesses, it is very important to include MEs and the artisanal in their focus. In the Philippines, SMEs and MEs represent 98% of all registered businesses in the country, employ about 60% of the workforce, and accounts for about a third of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). According to Cristobal, the Philippine proposal contained in the APEC Action Agenda on Growing Global SMEs takes into account APEC’s work on SME capacity building and internationalization/participation in global value chains (GVCs), and tries to build on this by now focusing APEC work towards SMEs as direct participants of cross-border trade. The Agenda proposes prioritizing actions on the simplification of procedural and documentary requirements for SMEs and MEs; identifying initiatives that will allow them to take advantage of e-commerce platforms and training; encouraging trade through the online publication of trade and tariff procedures and requirements; discussing ways on how to encourage their participation in Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and trusted trade programs; exploring innovative financing options; as well as strengthening institutional support. The Second APEC SOM or SOM2, on the other hand, will convene senior officials from each member economy to continue discussions in developing each technical working group’s key priorities and concrete deliverables leading up to the MRT. Senior officials, who participated in the APEC SOM1 held at Clark, Pampanga in February this year, expressed their broad support of the Philippines’ priorities and initiatives –including building the competitiveness and productivity of SMEs and MEs. “Trade should be convenient, efficient, and attractive not only for medium and large business, but also for micro and small enterprises. It should result into more productive employment opportunities, sustainable and inclusive economic growth, and for its benefits to be spread more widely. That’s why we want to ensure that the outcome for APEC 2015 involves our trade facilitation priorities and, at the same time, be beneficial to all participants. Ultimately, we want to bridge the gap between developing and developed APEC economies by further opening trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific Region,” explained Cristobal. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PNP seeks DOJ evaluation of gun law violations in Jolo Revilla shooting | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team PNP bagged the overall championship title in the just-concluded National New Face of the Year Taekwondo Championship over the weekend (May 9-10). The 64-member Team PNP harvested 11 Gold, 14 Silver, and 20 Bronze medals in the different individual categories against some 1,100 other “Jins” who participated in the 2-day national sports event. According to PSSupt Roberto Fajardo, Program Director of PNP Taekwondo and Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) Director, the team is planning to expand Taekwondo training to all PNP units and offices to promote camaraderie, discipline and other positive values which is considered as essential elements for effective law enforcement. “Hopefully we can produce more black belters and instructors, and provide more training to our uniformed and non-uniformed personnel. Sa pamamagitan nito, mailalapit natin ang PNP sa interes ng ating mga kababayang nasa larangan ng palakasan.” PSSupt Fajardo added. The PNP Taekwondo Program is supported by the Philippine Taekwondo Association that aims to promote world class combat sport training for police personnel. (PNP-PIO) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DepEd publishes partial list of schools that will offer SHS nationwide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Pasig City – As part of the continuous preparations for the full implementation of the K to 12 program, the Department of Education (DepEd) released the initial list of Senior High Schools (SHS) online, comprised of DepEd and non-DepEd schools, higher education institutions (HEIs), technical vocational institutions (TVIs), state universities and colleges (SUCs). DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said that “the 2014 and 2015 budgets already have allocations for 30,000 classrooms for SHS.” He also mentioned that the initial target for the proposed 2016 budget, which is subject for approval, is over 20,000 classrooms for SHS. The government shall further allocate investments for SHS. The partial list shows 3,839 public schools that were submitted to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for funding and to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for bidding and construction. Also included is the initial list of the 1,866 non-DepEd schools, which include private schools, HEIS, TVIs, LUCs, and SUCs that have been cleared to offer SHS come June 2016. There are still applications being processed. The list may be viewed at www.deped.gov.ph/datasets. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deles hopes Congress will fulfill promise of meaningful autonomy for Bangsamoro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
QUEZON CITY – As members of the House of Representatives Ad Hoc Committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) cast their votes on the draft law, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles today called on legislators to fulfill their historic role in bringing good governance, peace, prosperity and security in Mindanao through the passage of the BBL.
“The Philippines is faced with the historic opportunity to finally fulfill the Constitutional mandate and promise of true autonomy; bring to an end four decades of violent conflict in Mindanao; install and strengthen democratic institutions to overcome deprivation and lawlessness; and collectively embrace and celebrate the richness of our multiple identities, cultures, and narratives,” Deles said.
Ad Hoc Committee chair and Cagayan de Oro second district Representative Rufus Rodriguez said the three-day voting on the BBL will start today and it is expected that by Thursday, May 14, the committee will be able to endorse the measure to the plenary for floor debates and a final vote.
Rodriguez added that the committee will vote section by section on all the 244 sections of the BBL and assured the public of the transparency on the manner of voting.
House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte had earlier expressed confidence that the committee will be able to pass the proposed measure as scheduled.
Secretary Deles pointed out that fulfilling the promise for a genuine autonomy in the Bangsamoro is an opportunity given to the members of the House in their lifetime.
“I hope and pray that our legislators will wholeheartedly claim - and not deny nor squander - their key role in fulfilling this opportunity that may not come again within our lifetime,” the peace adviser said.
She also emphasized that the constituencies in the Bangsamoro need a law that will embody their best hopes for the future of their children.
“We need a BBL that will embody our best hopes and not give in to our worst fears. In the coming vote on the BBL, please let the children be the focus of attention and concern - their lives, their future - the children of Mamasapano equally with the children of Metro Manila,” Secretary Deles said.
Various civil society organizations (CSOs) and peace advocacy groups have also trooped to the HOR to lobby Congress to pass the BBL.
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| SSS covers JOs and contractual employees of MMDA and MIAA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.sss.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Social security coverage of more than 5,000 job order (JOs) and contractual employees of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIIA) will now be ensured after the Social Security System (SSS) forged partnerships with the two government agencies. MMDA currently employs around 3,667 job order and contractual employees while MIIA has a total of 1,800 workers on job order status. “This agreement institutionalizes a mechanism that would make the registration process and remittance of SSS payments easier and more convenient for them by saving them the hassle of going to our branches and taking time off work,” SSS Senior Vice President and Head of Account Management Group Judy Frances A. See said. See explained that all JOs and contractual hires who are not covered under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) are eligible to register in the SSS as self-employed members. “With their SSS coverage and active membership, these workers can have access to financial assistance in the form of benefits or loans when a contingency or emergency need arises,” See said. Under the agreement, the MMDA and MIIA will ensure that their job order and contractual employees are registered as self-employed members. They will also facilitate the monthly deduction of contributions and loan payments from their salaries and regular remittance to SSS or any of its accredited collection partners. See, however, clarified that the two agencies have no obligation to pay the employer counterpart of the SSS contributions of their job order and contractual personnel. The SSS, on the other hand, will conduct on-site registration and enrollment for the Unified Multipurpose Identification card, provide free information seminars, and assist the respective liaison officers of the MMDA and MIIA with other SSS needs. The MMDA accounts will be handled by SSS Guadalupe Branch while the MIIA accounts will fall under SSS Pasay-Taft Branch. These branches will coordinate with the government partner agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the Agreement. “We hope that this continue to set the pace for other government agencies that share a collective interest in ensuring the effective social security coverage of their JOs and contractual personnel.” See said. The SSS has also signed similar agreements in the past with the Department of Interior and Local Government for local government units and the Department of Social Welfare and Development. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DFA conducts annual visit to the Republic of Palau | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 May 2015 – Republic of Palau Vice President and Minister of Justice Antonio Bells expressed his desire for the Philippines and Palau to become closer friends. Vice President Bells conveyed this sentiment to Honorable Minda Calaguian-Cruz, Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for the Office of Asian and Pacific Affairs, during the latter’s annual official visit to the Republic of Palau on March 11-13. Vice President Bells and Assistant Secretary Calaguian-Cruz discussed ways for the Philippines and Palau to cooperate in various areas. This includes protecting the well-being of the over-4,000 Filipinos living and working in Palau; facilitating cooperation in the access of social security benefits of pensioners residing in the Philippines; exploring tourism cooperation; and fisheries. The Philippines also offered several technical and capacity-building training programs to Palau in the areas of health, entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation. Assistant Secretary Calaguian-Cruz also met with other Palauan officials, including Minister of State Mr. Billy Kuartel; Minister of Natural Resources, Environment and Tourism Mr. Umiich Sengebau; Republic of Palau Social Security Administration (ROPSSA) Administrator Ms. Ulai Teltull; and Senator Hokkons Baules. Among the topics she discussed with the above officials were the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Policy Consultations; crafting of a more responsive bilateral policy for labor cooperation; solving the difficulties faced by Palau’s Social Security pensioners residing in the Philippines; and technical capacity-building programs for Palauan women and officials. Assistant Secretary Calaguian-Cruz also briefed the above-mentioned officials on the status of the Philippine arbitration on the West Philippine Sea. Apart from meeting with Palauan officials, Assistant Secretary Calaguian-Cruz conducted a candid and informal open forum with members of The Filipino Community in Palau (TFCP). TFCP members took the opportunity to raise various issues, including labor and social security concerns, that they encounter in Palau. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Filipino Talents shine in Malaysian Puppet, Jazz Festivals | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 May 2015 – Filipino talents again shone bright in the Malaysian stage as they participated in festivals around Kuala Lumpur during the past weeks. Internationally-recognized Filipino puppeteer Juancho “Wanlu” Lunaria wowed audiences at his show the recently-held Malaysia International Puppetry Festival held last April 29 at the KL Performing Arts Centre. Together with his puppet, Niccolo, Wanlu was able to impress the crowd with his talent in puppetry. He performed using a marionette, a couple of ventriloquist's dummies, and "human puppets" which brought laughter to the crowd. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Alvin Malasig and his wife, Carol Ramoran-Malasig were part of the audience during that show. Wanlu is an internationally-recognized puppeteer and is scheduled to perform once again at the World Puppet Carnival which will be held in September in Kazakhstan. Meanwhile, jazz duo Nicole and Carlo David with RSDC band represented the Philippines during the World Youth Jazz Festival held at Jalan Mesui from May 01 to 03. Winning the honor to represent the country at the Boy Katindig Jazz Festival, the group performed before jazz enthusiasts as the penultimate act in the International Stage on May 02. Third Secretary and Vice Consul Johann Veronica Andal caught their performance. The group also paid a courtesy call at the Embassy and was received by Deputy Chief of Mission and Consul General Medardo Macaraig on May 03. Mr. and Ms. David are children of popular Filipino jazz singer Mon David. Performing together for almost five years, they have enthralled their audience with unique renditions of popular tunes, classics and jazz standards. Currently enjoying the receptive and pleasant response they received for their newly-launched CD “Simula” (Beginning), the siblings continue to tell stories about their journey as siblings, artists and musicians through their original compositions – songs that evoke feelings of yearning, adventure, hope, joy and love Meanwhile, RSDC is an instrumental quartet comprising of Juni Sitaca, Migs Raneses, Gabe Cabonce and Given Bacani on keyboards, guitar, bass and drums, respectively. RSDC was formed with the intent of combining each member’s passion for different styles of music. Their sound can be described as a fusion of jazz, rock, funk and pop. All members of RSDC are professionally involved in the Philippine music scene—Messrs. Sitaca and Rameses are teachers in local music schools while Messrs. Cabonce and Bacani are full-time session musicians. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DOTC eyes airport buses to boost access for airline passengers | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Routes to Link Airports with Visitor Destinations, Central Districts Commuters to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other airports in the country will soon have the option of taking modern bus services apart from regular and accredited taxis, according to a new public utility vehicle (PUV) classification created by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). “For arriving airline passengers, the first trip is getting from the airport to their homes, hotels, and business centers. We are expanding their options to modern buses, so they will not have to rely on taxis alone. This is part of our bus reform program, which will improve passenger safety and convenience,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya. “These higher-capacity vehicles will benefit not only travellers and tourists, but also airport employees and greeters. We hope that with more efficient use of road space, this will help ease traffic congestion around airports as well,” he added. Under this new category which the transport agency will publish later this week, airport buses will be required to comply with improved service levels, such as being equipped with on-board closed-circuit television cameras, global positioning system (GPS) devices, automated bus arrival electronic displays, cashless or automated fare collection systems, and free wi-fi. Airport buses will be required to follow scheduled trips and designate off-street stops for loading and unloading to avoid obstructing the roads. Booking offices will also be required. Technical features such as low floor height within a range of 0.28 to 0.38 meters, as well as appropriate luggage compartments, will be required for passenger convenience. In line with environmental sustainability, airport buses should be compliant with Euro V emissions standards or better, or run on clean alternative fuels such as electric or hybrid vehicles. Apart from airport buses, the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system will also be recognized as a new classification of PUVs. "We can boost mobility by promoting high-quality systems that efficiently transport large volumes of passengers. These new bus categories are cost-effective solutions that can cut down travel time, aid in decongesting clogged streets, and enhance passenger experience through scheduled trips and orderly boarding and alighting procedures,” the transport chief remarked. The DOTC and the Land Transportation Franchising & Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have begun increasing service level standards for existing public utility buses (PUBs) as well, such as by phasing out buses older than 15 years, and requiring the installation of GPS devices later this year, which will improve the regulators’ ability to monitor and penalize erring PUBs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Roxas to address Dental Practitioners at PDA Convention | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas believes that good health care services, such as dental services, are indicators of economic progress and inclusive development in the Philippines. This will be the core message of his keynote speech during the Philippine Dental Association (PDA)'s 106th Annual Convention this afternoon at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. According to Roxas, keeping Filipino workers healthy is tantamount to keeping them productive and valuable to the country's fast growing economy, coupled with policies and programs pursued by President Aquino's Daang Matuwid. Given this, Roxas also believes that there are many economic opportunities that Filipinos across all professions can now explore. With the theme "Emerging Trends in Oral Health Care in Philippine Dentistry," the PDA has invited Roxas to speak before 6,000 health care professionals, particularly dental practitioners. PDA is a non-stock, non-profit association involved in various community outreach programs and projects that improve the dental health of the residents in different areas in the Philippines. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DOE Asst. Sec. dismissed over P1.3M solicitation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Department of Energy (DOE) Assistant Secretary Matanog Mapandi was dismissed from the service, for soliciting money amounting to P1,338,500.00 from CHA Construction (CHA) in connection with the solar street lighting project in Magarao, Camarines Sur. Mapandi and his consultants Myrna Almonte and Francisco Merilles also face charges of multiple counts of Estafa before the Sandiganbayan.
The 13-page Joint Resolution narrates that in November 2009, Mapandi informed the local government of Magarao, Camarines Sur that the request for solar street lighting was approved by the DOE. Complainant, Elizabeth Sibulo of CHA narrated that on several occasions, Mapandi through consultant Almonte, demanded money totaling to P1,338,500.00 in exchange for the award of the solar street lighting project. In September 2010, a Notice to Proceed was issued in favor of CHA. The project was, however, shelved during the change of administration in the DOE. Nonetheless, Mapandi assured Sibulo that the site of the project will be transferred to Sorsogon City. In February 2011, upon query, Sibulo was informed by the DOE that the project had long been disapproved. When confronted, Mapandi assured Sibulo that all the advances and other expenses incurred by CHA for the botched project will be returned. In April 2011, Almonte and Merilles met Sibulo, handing over three post-dated checks amounting to P15 million as reimbursement for the advances and expenses, which checks were dishonored due to lack of funds.
Records show that from 2009 to 2010, the following deposits were made by Sibulo to the Landbank account of Mapandi:
The Joint Resolution pointed out that the circumstances of the case reveal that the “fraudulent misrepresentations made by Almonte and Merilles were undertaken under his direct instructions” and Mapandi “clearly used his position as Assistant Secretary to misrepresent and solicit money from complainant with the promise of awarding a street lighting project.” It added that the “Office cannot give credence to respondent’s bare assertions, since the bank deposit slips in favor of Mapandi are damning evidence that he received the money.“
Civil service laws prohibit a public officer from receiving for personal use of a fee, gift, or other valuable thing in the course of official duties or in connection therewith when such fee, gift, or other valuable thing is given by any person in the hope or expectation of receiving a favor or better treatment than that accorded to other persons.
Aside from dismissal from the service, Mapandi was also meted out the accessory penalties of cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement benefits, and perpetual disqualification from holding public office.
The charges against Administrative Assistant Grace Toledo were dismissed due to lack of evidence. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PhilHealth supports reforms to simplify business registration processes | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) supports the government in its effort to simplify the process of applying for business registration in the country. With the collaboration of different agencies namely, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Internal and Local Government, Securities and Exchange Commission, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Social Security System, PhilHealth, Home Development Mutual Fund, LandBank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, National Competitiveness Council Philippines and the Quezon City government., the business registration process at the SEC for new corporations, partnerships and non-stock corporations were streamlined to six (6) steps and eight (8) days, down from the previous 16 steps and 34 days starting April 15, 2015. Online transactions for payroll-related payments to PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG shall also be in placed to reduce the number of payments from 36 to 13 annually. These said reforms are expected to boost the country’s rankings in the global competitiveness reports that will similarly impact heavily on the development of the capacity of the local micro, small-and medium-sized enterprises. “Streamlining the process of business registration shows government’s effort to bring quality service to the people. On PhilHealth’s part, we are strongly encouraging employers to pay their premium contributions at any accredited collecting agent through online facilities. Even the reporting system for the formal economy will be done electronically. With this move, we are making PhilHealth transactions easier for them,” said Padilla. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| PDIC’s race to raise funds for Lawaan a success | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), in partnership with Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc. (GK), with the support of Miss Earth Foundation, successfully spearheaded the benefit run "Takbo 2: Tungo sa Kalusugan, Para sa Kalikasan" on May 10, 2015 at the CCP Grounds, Pasay City. Miss Earth Philippines 2015 candidates and actor, rapper and TV host Carlos Agassi joined more than 2,000 individuals in PDIC's race to raise more funds for survivor-families of typhoon Yolanda and to promote environment protection and the balanced development of communities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. Takbo 2 had four race distances: 1km, 3km, 5km and 10km, which catered to all types of running enthusiasts. Winners of each race category received gold, silver and bronze medals for the first, second and third placers, respectively. Gold medal winners in the 3km, 5km and 10km categories also received gift certificates from Saucony. Special individual awards included the Most Senior Runner and Most Junior Runner who received special gift packs from event partners and PDIC. Group awards including the Biggest Corporate Contingent and the Biggest PDIC Sector received trophies and special gift packs from event partners. Guitar, Universal Robina Corporation, Del Monte Philippines, Brooks, Tobys/Runnr and The Generics Pharmacy also gave gift packs for race winners, special awardees and raffle prize winners. Proceeds from the benefit run will be turned over to GK for the construction of additional houses in the PDIC-GK Village in Lawaan, a fifth class municipality in Eastern Samar located between Guiuan and Tacloban City, Leyte. Isolated for days after Yolanda struck, Lawaan was also battered by a storm surge, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall. Other sponsors of the event were Appebon Kids Syrup, Jack 'n Jill Pretzel Crisps, Magnolia Purewater, Philippine Postal Corporation, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines, St. Luke's Medical Center and United Laboratories, Inc. Registration and event partners were Chris Sports and Metro Ad-vantage Media Marketing Services. Media partners included ABS-CBN Sports+Action, Lifestyle Network, BusinessWorld, HerWord.com, Manila Bulletin, Mellow 94.7 and DZRH. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ‘POGI’ towns receive agri-fishery aid | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.da.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The island municipalities of the Polillo Group of Islands—also known as “POGI”—in the province of Quezon received about ten-million-peso worth of agriculture and fisheries production assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA). The production assistance were distributed to the LGUs and qualified farmer organizations in a series of forums with DA Secretary Proceso Alcala dubbed as “Talakayan kay Sec. Procy” conducted in the municipalities of Jomalig, Patnanungan, Burdeos, Polilio and Panukulan. Secretary Alcala personally handed tractors and other farm machineries; knapsack and power sprayers; fertilizers; high quality palay, corn vegetable seeds; draft animals; and fishing equipment to the beneficiaries. But more than the distribution of assistance, the Secretary consulted with farmers and fisherfolk what additional interventions their respective localities need to ensure increased agricultural production and food security in the islands. Secretary Alcala said that DA has now been reaching out more to island municipalities such as those in the POGI as their needs, as well as potentials, had barely gained attention in the past. “Island municipalities are very vulnerable to the effects of climate change, hence we must provide them with more assistance not only to increase their productivity but more importantly, to make them better at adapting to the challenges of climate change,” Alcala said. “If we make them more productive and resilient, plus effectively link them to the agricultural value chain, then we could employ their potential to contribute to the overall economic growth of the country,” Alcala added. The Secretary said that collaboration efforts among the municipalities of Polilio, Burdeos and Panukulan, and the DA under the Philippine Rural Development Project (RPDP) are now in place for the realization of the proposal on the construction of concrete farm-to-market roads connecting the three municipalities. Alcala explained that an improved road network would enable farmers and fisherfolk increase the volume of products they sell to the mainland. “Increased volume of products would lead to the re-opening of the RORO in the Polillo port, hence making the POGI area more economically dynamic,” Alcala said. He added that this would be most opportune with the opening of the Infanta trading center, and the Real fishing port, the construction of which would start soon. In his dialogues with the POGI farmers and fisherfolk, Alcala again stressed the need for them to organize to access assistance from the government. The Secretary also encouraged them to venture into other farming systems such as intercropping coconut with coffee, cacao and corn to increase and diversify yield per unit area of land. Likewise, he promoted value-adding of products such as kornik production for corn farmers and coco water, coco flour and coco milk production for coconut farmers, whom he emphasized not to solely rely on copra production. The DA will send a technical team this week to further discuss with stakeholders in the island municipalities their proposed projects, validate the suggested sites, and prioritize what projects to implement first based on economic feasibility, among other criteria. A similar activity was also held in the mainland town of Real, a key port area connecting the POGI municipalities to the mainland market. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Last Updated:
11 MAY 2015
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President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his arrival statement at the NAIA (Terminal 2) in Pasay City on Monday (May 11) from his successful working visit to the US and state visit to Canada. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by his official family led by DND Secretary Voltaire Gazmin upon arrival at the NAIA (Terminal 2) in Pasay City on Monday (May 11) from his successful working visit to the US and state visit to Canada. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) members of the Filipino community wave miniature Philippine flags during the President Aquino's meeting with them at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Premier Christy Clark of British Columbia during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the West English Bay Ballroom of the Vancouver Convention Center, as part of his statfob isit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Philippine and Canadian officials upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III disembarks the plane upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Justin Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with the Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne (Liberal Party) during the courtesy call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(VANCOUVER, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the Distinguished Visitors Book during the meeting at the Pacific Rim of the Pan Pacific Hotel, as part of his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno Aquino III meets with top
business leaders of Toronto in a forum organized by the Asia Pacific
Foundation of Canada on Friday (May 8).(Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the Premier
of Ontario Kathleen Wynne during the courtesy call at the Fairmont
Royal York Hotel during his state visit to Canada. (Photo by Gil
Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Justin
Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party of Canada during the courtesy
call at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his State Visit to
Canada. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with members of
the Philippine media delegation covering his State Visit to Canada
while on board flight PR 001 of Philippine Airlines from Ottawa
bound to Toronto Friday (May 8). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang
Photo Bureau)
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada during the reception at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the reception hosted by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in honor of President Aquino and the Filipino community at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, acknowledge the cheers of the crowd during the reception in Honor of President Aquino and the Filipino Community at the Roy Thomson Hall as part of the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(TORONTO, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by the officers and staff of the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto upon arrival at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel during his State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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(OTTAWA, Canada) President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hand with the Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper following the Joint Press Conference at the Parliament Hill during the President's State Visit to Canada. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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