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| Malacanang welcomes
WHO’s comment on the country’s handling of MERS CoV |
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The Palace welcomed the statement of the World Health Organization, which
commended the Philippines for successfully handling the Middle East
Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS CoV) cases in the country.
There were two case of MERS-CoV in the Philippines—one when a Filipino nurse
from the Middle East arrived in the country with the disease and recently a
foreigner entering the Philippines was initially suspected to be infected
with MERS CoV.
“We have always stated that our Department of Health is ready to address all
these issues including MERS-CoV and it clearly showed,” Presidential
spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a radio interview on Saturday.
“We welcome the observation of the World Health Organization in the handling
of the MERS-CoV situation, and that is the commitment of this government,
that is the commitment of the Department of Health—that we will address all
concerns that may affect the health of the general populace.”
Although the foreigner, who is confined at the Research Institute for
Tropical Medicine (RITM), is cleared of the disease, Lacierda said the
government will continue monitoring the country’s entry points to detect
people having the MERS CoV.
“We’re always monitoring the situation and, like I said, the Department of
Health is always on the ball in addressing all these possible health
(matters) to protect our country,” he told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
The 36-year-old foreigner diagnosed with MERS CoV has already been cleared
of the disease, health authorities said on Friday.
The patient, who is from Finland, will be discharged from the RITM this
weekend. His close contact however, a 32-year old female, will remain at the
hospital to complete her 14-day quarantine period until July 18.
The foreigner had traveled from Saudi Arabia, passing by Dubai in the Middle
East, before arriving in the Philippines on June 19. PND (as) |
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| Palace hopes Indonesian government spares Mary
Jane Veloso’s life |
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Malacanang said it hopes the Indonesian government
will see the sincerity and determination of the Philippines on prosecuting
the people who were instrumental to putting Mary Jane Veloso in the death
row.
In a radio interview on Saturday, Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda
renewed the Philippine government’s determination to go after the recruiters
of Veloso to eventually convince the Indonesian government to spare her
life.
“Nag-file na po tayo ng kaso sa mga illegal recruiters. Ito po ang ating
commitment sa Indonesian government that as soon as we gather all the
evidence, we will file the necessary case against those who put Mary Jane
Veloso in a very difficult situation, where she is now,” Lacierda said over
dzRB Radyo n Bayan.
“And we hope that the Indonesian government will see the sincerity, the
determination of the Philippine government in our quest to find justice for
Mary Jane Veloso, including prosecuting those responsible for her present
situation right now.”
The Palace official also welcomed the help of Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao
in assisting Veloso achieve justice.
Lacierda said it will show the commitment of the Philippine government,
through Congressman Pacquiao, that the country is looking after the welfare
of its citizens, especially in the case of Veloso.
At the same time, Lacierda said the government is also committed to helping
all other Filipinos languishing in jail overseas.
Lacierda said the Department of Foreign Affairs has been quietly fighting
for the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The DFA officials and personnel deserve commendation for their hard works in
helping Filipinos incarcerated in other countries, he noted.
“Sila po (DFA personnel) ang nagbibigay ng mga legal counsel doon sa kanila.
So patuloy ang ating pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan na nape-preso for one
reason or another sa abroad.” PND (as) |
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| Good tie up between admin, Senators Escudero,
Poe, must continue, says Palace official |
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The administration and Senators Francis Escudero and
Grace Poe had a good coalition in 2013, which could be sustained until 2016,
a Palace official said.
It was reported that President Aquino met with Escudero and Poe this week
underscoring the importance of having a single candidate for the 2016
presidential polls.
“Maganda ‘yung coalition ‘nung 2013, bakit hindi natin ipagpatuloy ang
coalition on 2016?” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a radio
interview Saturday.
Lacierda was asked by reporters in an interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan if
it’s disadvantageous for the administration party’s pro-reform initiatives
if Poe and Escudero are not part of the coalition.
The President’s paramount concern is the continuity of the reforms that he
has started, Lacierda said.
“If you noticed the speeches that the President has been giving, he has
always emphasized the importance of continuing the reforms,” he said.
“And so I think that’s paramount in his consideration as to who he will
choose as his endorsee for the next presidential elections in 2016.”
The administration’s “daang matuwid” must continue and the President hopes
that everything that he achieved must be sustained, Lacierda added.
“Marami pa pong dapat gawin, hindi pa perpekto ang ating ginagawa, pero kung
patuloy po nating gagawin ito at i-fa-fast forward po natin ang daang
matuwid ay malaking tulong po ito sa ating sambayanan.”
The President said in his previous interviews that he will announced his
presidential bet for next year’s election after his state-of-the-nation
address (SONA) late this month. PND (as) |
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| President Aquino
leads Armed Forces change of command |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday led the change of command of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in
Quezon City.
Outgoing AFP Chief of Staff, General Gregorio Pio Capatang, Jr., passed the
armed forces leadership to Philippine Army Commanding General, Lieutenant
General Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iriberri.
During the ceremony, held at the Tejeros Hall of the AFP Commissioned
Officer’s Club in Camp Aguinaldo, the President conferred on Catapang the
Philippine Legion of Honor and presented him the AFP Command Plaque, encased
Philippine Flag, framed medals and Plaque of Honorable Service.
In his speech, President Aquino recalled the first time he met General
Catapang as an officer who stood against the dictatorship of former
President Ferdinand Marcos.
“Naaalala ko nga po nang una ko siyang makilala noong panahon ng EDSA
revolution: Isa siya sa mga pumanig sa ating mamamayan imbes na magtanggol
sa diktador,” he said.
The President noted that Catapang’s experience after serving a tour of duty
in Mindanao; leading the 7th Infantry Division of the Northern Luzon
Command; and serving as Vice Chief of Staff the AFP, gave him the skills and
deep understanding of the plight of the country’s uniformed men and women
that made him qualify to lead the AFP.
“Hindi po niya tayo binigo. Sa katunayan, lampas-lampas pa sa ating
inaasahan ang ibinigay niya sa atin,” he said, citing Catapang’s role in
implementing the Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan; in honing the
disaster preparedness of troops; in keeping the peacekeepers in Golan
Heights safe during the so-called “The Greatest Escape”; in maintaining the
good relations between the military and the police following the Mamasapano
incident; and in neutralizing high-value targets, among them leaders of the
Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters Basit Usman, Mohamad Ali Tambako, and
Abdulgani Esmael Pagao, as well as New People’s Army Commander Parago.
For his part, General Catapang said in his valedictory address that it has
been an “amazing journey, full of ups and downs”.
“Tomorrow, as I step into civilian life, I will awake to a new dawn
fulfilled and humbled, knowing that I leave behind a stronger, more credible
and more stable armed forces,” he said.
Catapang acknowledged his wife, Vilma, and their children for their support.
He also thanked the President and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for
their “trust and vote of confidence” in him.
Also present during the ceremony were former President Fidel Ramos, former
Chiefs of Staff, former defense secretaries, lawmakers, members of the
Diplomatic Corps, and Foreign Armed Forces attachés. PND (ag) |
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| President Aquino calls on new Armed
Forces Chief to help secure 2016 elections |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday challenged
newly installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff,
Lieutenant General Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iriberri, to continue the work of
his predecessors in raising the quality of service of the country’s military
personnel, and help ensure that next year’s presidential election would be
clean and fair.
“Alalahanin natin: Malapit na naman ang eleksiyon. Kasama sa inyong
tungkulin ang pagsigurong magiging mapayapa at malinis ang pagpili ng ating
mga kababayan ng susunod na pinuno. Sa ganitong paraan ninyo masusuklian ang
suporta at pagkalingang ibinigay sa inyo ng mamamayang Pilipino, ang ating
mga Boss,” he said in his speech during the AFP Change of Command ceremony,
held in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City.
The President lauded Iriberri’s excellent military record, which included a
stint as commander of the Philippine Army’s 503rd Infantry Brigade, 5th
Infantry Division, which was credited for the peaceful election in Abra
province in 2013.
“Ang balita ko, kahit sino man sa mga nakasama niya sa misyon, training, at
exercises ang tanungin ninyo, very good ang ibibigay na marka sa bago nating
Chief of Staff. Mula nga noong platoon leader pa lamang siya, basta siya
mismo ang nagmamando sa operasyon, walang casualty sa kanyang mga tropa.
Noong 2013 elections naman, nakadestino ang kanyang brigade sa Abra. Sa
ilalim ng kanyang pagbabantay at ng kanyang mga tauhan, sa kauna-unahang
pagkakataon ay walang barangay na nagdeklara ng failure of elections sa Abra,
at walang naitalang election-related violence sa lalawigan,” he said.
Meanwhile, in an open letter he read during the ceremony, General Iriberri
extended his gratitude to every military personnel for “the untiring,
selfless dedication that has become the hallmark of the Filipino soldier”.
“I write this letter of thanks to you, my dear soldier, because it has not
been said often enough, it has not been shown nearly enough. I write to say
thank you for doing a good job, and to say forward march and fight on; with
peace, secure the future,” he added.
He laid down five priorities he wished to address during his term as AFP
Chief of Staff -- winning peace; continuing the transformation made in the
Armed Forces; implementing national policies; preparing for the 2016
national election; and upgrading the capabilities of the AFP.
The new Chief of Staff also thanked the President for the modernization of
the AFP.
“Sa tagal ng panahon, ngayon lang uli nakahawak at nakagamit ang inyong
kasundaluhan ng mga bagong kagamitang pangdigma. Kaya dapat lamang na
suklian namin ng katapatan at serbisyong walang katulad ang ating bayan,”
Iriberri said.
Iriberri, who replaces General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., belongs to the
Philippine Military Academy’s (PMA) Matikas Class of 1983.
Prior to his appointment as AFP chief, he served as the 56th Commanding
General of the Philippine Army since February 2014.
Iriberri was commissioned in the AFP Regular Force in March 1983 after
graduating from the PMA. Although he was an infantry man, he also served in
other fields of the Army, such as in intelligence, public relations and
staff functions, and international peace support operations.
In his almost 31 years of active service, he served as commander of the Task
Group Panther “COMAG” of the First Scout Ranger Regiment in Central Mindanao
from 1995 to1996. The unit killed 10 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group during
an encounter in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato in 1996, without sustaining any
casualty on its side.
According to his profile, provided by the AFP, “he was instrumental in
hastening the healing process” between the AFP and members of the Young
Officers Union (YOU), the group of junior officers who prominently figured
in the 1989 coup, the bloodiest launched against the Cory Aquino government.
Iriberri holds a Master’s degree in Management and Defense Studies from the
University of Canberra in Australia. He is also a recipient of various
awards -- five Distinguished Service Stars Medals, an Outstanding
Achievement Medal, two Gold Cross Medals and numerous Military Merit and
Commendation Medals.
Iriberri is set to retire in April 2016. PND (ag) |
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| DSWD disaster teams remain on
alert for ‘Habagat’ |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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A total of 20,449 families or 101,360 persons from the National
Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, and Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) have been affected by heavy rains and
flooding brought about by ‘Habagat’ or the southwest monsoon
triggered by Typhoon Falcon, as of 8 am today.
Of this, 659 families or 2,424 persons are still staying in 29
evacuation centers opened and managed by local government units
(LGUs) in the three regions.
NCR, which is the most affected, has 11 evacuation centers
providing temporary shelter to 431 families or 1,405 persons.
The evacuation centers are located in the following areas:
- Caloocan: Barangays 171,175, and 176
- Quezon City : Batasan Hill, Novaliches Proper (Novaliches Bayan),
Dona Imelda, and Roxas
- Valenzuela : Colong, Vicente Reales, and Marulas
To date, concerned local government units in NCR have
distributed 3,502 family food packs worth around P1.3 million to
affected families.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that relief supplies
have already been prepositioned at the LGUs to augment their
resources.
DSWD disaster teams continue to be on alert to provide immediate
assistance to the LGUs and to assess the impact of the weather
disturbance. |
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| Roxas to reinforce Southern
Luzon PNP with 55 patrol jeeps |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
55 towns, 55 brand new patrol jeeps.
This will be another promise fulfilled by Secretary of the
Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas as he turns over the
keys of 55 brand new police patrol jeeps to all municipalities
in the provinces of Laguna and Batangas on Friday (July 10).
On that day, each of the municipality of the two provinces—24
for Laguna and 31 for Batangas—will be receiving a brand new
patrol vehicle, which will enhance their local police forces’
capacity in fighting crime.
According to Roxas, these patrol jeeps can be used not only for
anti-criminality operations, but also to respond to other
emergency situations such as medical emergencies and disaster
response.
He likewise stressed that each of all 1,490 municipalities in
the country will receive a patrol jeep, regardless of the
mayor's political affiliation.
"Siyento-por-siyento,?walang?pinili,?walang
chaleco,?walang?pulitika," Roxas would frequently say,
emphasizing the value of inclusivity under Daang Matuwid.
To date, 247 patrol jeeps have already been distributed to 19
provinces all over Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
During his visit, Roxas is also expected to meet with civil
society organizations (CSOs) from the provinces to discuss the
administration's reform agenda, shared by the Koalisyon ng mga
Mamamayan para sa Reporma (KOMPRe). |
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| From Pest to Pesos, thanks
to DOST |
| Source:
http://www.dost.gov.ph |
|
Australian scientists have called the water hyacinth “the
world’s worst aquatic weed,” clogging rivers, dams, lakes and
irrigation channels in every continent except Antarctica. It
destroys aquatic environments and costs billions of dollars a
year to control.
Yet, some sectors have found a use for the water hyacinths,
turning these aquatic pests into a worthwhile venture churning
out thousands of pesos. More specifically, they have made a
livelihood out of water hyacinth processing for products such as
classy wall coverings.
And thanks to the Department of Science and Technology-Forest
Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI), many
families living near the Laguna Lake have found an extra source
of income, as more and more livelihood coops in the area are
getting involved in water hyacinth processing.
FPRDI developed the Water Hyacinth Dryer which reduces the
drying time of water hyacinth stems from about a week to only a
few hours. This allows the stems to be better protected from
molds. At the same time, it allows small and medium-sized
businesses to maintain and even raise their production as they
are able to thoroughly dry their materials during the rainy
months.
“Mayor Bernardo San Juan, Jr. of Cardona, Rizal has reported
that using the dryer, the cooperative Samahang Kababaihang
Barangay Patunhay (KBP) plans to double their production
capacity to 50,000 stems per week,” said FPRDI’s Wency H.
Carmelo. “Most of the coop’s dried and pressed water hyacinth
stems are bought by the Magic Clean Company which turns them
into high-end wall coverings exported to 45 countries,” he
added.
To know more about the water hyacinth dryer and other FPRDI
technologies, contact FPRDI at (+6349)536-2586/
536-2360/536-2377 or visit the FPRDI booth at the National
Science and Technology Week Celebration at SMX Convention Center,
Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, July 24-28, 2015. Admission is
free. For more information, visit
www.nstw.dost.gov.ph
and like us on Facebook at nstw2015. |
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| DOST conducts nationwide Lean Startup training for IT and
Eng’g profs |
| Source:
http://www.dost.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Science and Technology-Information and
Communications Technology (DOST-ICT Office), in partnership with
Philippine Software Industry Association is currently conducting
a series of Lean Startup 101 Boot Camps in different locations
across the country to increase the capability of college
professors in mentoring their students on how to build
successful start-up companies.
The series kicked off last June 4 in Cebu City, followed by
Iloilo City last June 20, and most recently in Baguio City last
July 4.
The remaining leg will be on July 18 in Cagayan de Oro City,
July 21 in Quezon City, and July 25 in Davao City. This is the
second straight year that ICT Office is staging this series of
boot camps.
The workshops aims to help college professors, specifically in
IT and Engineering courses, to understand the basic principles
of “Lean Startup” - a business methodology that Facebook,
Instagram, and Dropbox used in their startup phase a decade ago.
Lean Startup Methodology helps start-up founders or
technopreneurs to adapt their business quickly to the present
needs of their target market based on feedback generated from a
small number of customers.
Lean Startup 101 Boot Camps also serve as preparatory events for
the 2015 Philippine Startup Challenge (PSC), a student startup
competition promoting "technopreneurship" among college
students. It dares students to create bolder, more creative
software and internet-based innovations that will solve real
problems and help improve the lives of individuals.
“One of DOST’s top priorities is to enable our Filipino students
to become major contributors in nation building at a young age
by encouraging them to actively be involved in creating more ICT
innovative ideas and to have an entrepreneurial mindset early
on. We consider professors/ teachers our best partners that we
can rely on to achieve these goals,” said Emmy Lou Delfin,
program manager for ICT Office’s e-Innovation Group.
“We are hoping that after conducting this kind of activity, our
country can produce skilled professionals, who can not only work
in local or multinational companies, but also capable of
building their world-class tech companies that can generate
career opportunities in their locality,” Delfin added.
Through the boot camps, participants will learn how to eliminate
wasteful practices and increase value producing practices during
the product development phase so that startups can have a better
chance at success without requiring large amounts of outside
funding or elaborate business plans.
Lean Startup 101 Boot Camps and PSC are both activities under
ICT Office’s Seed.Ph Program which promotes technopreneurship
thru e-commerce and technology startup businesses.
Seed.Ph is among the DOST programs that will be featured in the
upcoming 2015 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) from
July 24-28, 2015 at SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. For
more information, visit
www.nstw.dost.gov.ph
and like us on Facebook at nstw2015. Free admission.
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| Decommissioned MILF
weapons authentic, remain secure, says IDB |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
Cotabato City – Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB) member
retired Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Lieutenant General
Rey Ardo announced today that the weapons turned in by the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last June in Sultan Kudarat,
Maguindanao remain secure under the IDB's protection.
“Under the watch of the IDB, the decommissioned weapons of the
MILF have been placed in secure storage facilities and will
remain there until they are finally put beyond use,” said Ardo.
The decommissioning process is guided by the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the peace accord signed by
the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF in March
2014. The CAB stipulates that the MILF weaponry will be put
beyond use while the combatants will transition to civilian
lives in a gradual and phased process.
Ardo added that the decommissioned weapons are kept under lock
and key. “The weapons will remain where they are in the interim
period and there is no danger that they will fall in the hands
of lawless elements or will be dealt in the black market.”
Decommissioned weapons inspected by IDB
Senator Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. made public allegations that 28 of
the decommissioned MILF weapons contained paltiks or homemade
weapons. He also speculated that the rebel group was still able
to manufacture armaments through its weapons factory.
Ardo denied the allegation, saying that prior to the ceremonial
decommissioning, the MILF submitted to the IDB a list of the 75
crew-serve and high-powered firearms that were to be turned in.
The seven-man decommissioning body inspected all 75 weapons
prior to the ceremonial decommissioning held last June 16 at the
old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol. President Aquino, Cabinet
officials, regional and provincial government officials, and
members of the diplomatic community attended the event.
Ardo commented that “based on my experience and competency as a
retired general of the AFP, these are the original weapons used
by the MILF in their fight with the government.” He also noted
that the weapons "were clearly not manufactured for the sake of
the ceremonial decommissioning."
The IDB sent out invitations to members of the Philippine
government including all senators, civil society organizations
(CSOs), and other stakeholders to witness the ceremonial
decommissioning event. Unfortunately, Senator Marcos was unable
to attend due to unspecified reasons.
“He could have seen the weapons first-hand if only he attended
the decommissioning last June 16,” said Ardo.
Meanwhile, Government of the Philippines (GPH) Chief Peace
Negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer appealed to reporters
to undertake their own investigation or at least interview other
competent sources before reporting on mere statements.
“Responsible media would have checked the allegation (first),"
she tweeted.
Coordinate with security sector if necessary
The chief peace negotiator, moreover, suggested that those with
proof regarding claims that the MILF are manufacturing firearms
and weaponry should immediately coordinate with the security
sector or the government ceasefire committee.
“Tungkol po sa alegasyon na ang MILF ay gumagawa ng armas, ayaw
din po namin ng ganito kaya matagal na naming sinasabi na ibigay
po natin sa ating AFP at PNP o sa ating ceasefire committee ang
anumang impormasyon ukol sa sinasabi na weapons factory upang
ito po ay maaksyunan (With regard the allegation that the MILF
is manufacturing arms, we also do not want this to happen, so
those with information should report to the AFP and the PNP or
ceasefire committee so that we can take action),” said Ferrer. |
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| Visayas local execs indicted over
fertilizer fund scam |
| Source:
http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
|
Local officials from different municipalities in Visayas
face criminal indictments in connection with the fertilizer fund
scam.
In three separate Resolutions, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales
found probable cause for violations of Sections 3(e) and 3(g) of
the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act against the following:
Tuburan, Cebu
|
Rose Marie Suezo, former mayor
VirgiliaUndag, Municipal Accountant
Victoria Verano, Municipal
Agricultural Officer
Nicodemus Montecillo, Jr., BAC
Chairman
Chito Armecin, BAC member
Elsa Yosalina, BAC member
Marc Gulle, Representative of
Sikap-Yaman Foundation
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Maasin,
Iloilo
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Mariano Malones, Mayor
Cecilio Montefrio, Municipal
Accountant
Jimmy Borra, OIC-Accountant
Jose Barredo, Jr., representative of
Feshan Philippines, Inc.
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Himamaylan City,
Negros Occidental
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Jeremias Ban, ex-Punong Barangay
Danilo Lamason, Barangay Kagawad
Raymund Vincent Besa, Barangay
Kagawad
Manuel Tancinco, Barangay Kagawad
Nile Nelson Arroz, Barangay Kagawad
Adelino Plansa, Barangay Kagawad
Jonalyn Lauron, Barangay Kagawad
Efren Dela Rose, City Accountant
Jose Barredo, Jr., representative of
Feshan Phils., Inc.
|
Ombudsman Morales also ordered the dismissal from the service of
Undag, Verano, Montecillo, Jr., Armecin, Yosalina, Lauron and
Dela Rosa after finding them guilty of Serious Dishonesty, Grave
Misconduct, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the
Service.
The case stemmed from the unlawful disbursements of funds
amounting toP291.2M which formed part of the P728M
fertilizer fund allocated for the implementation of the Farm
Inputs and Farm Implements Program of the Department of
Agriculture (DA). The
subject fund was released to the DA by the Department of Budget
and Management on 3 February 2004 under
Notice of Cash Allocation No. 2222447-I.
Tuburan, Cebu
Records
show that in an unnumbered and undated Purchase Request, Mayor
Suezo approved the purchase of 250 bottles/liters of Foliar
fertilizers at P1,000.00
each from Sikap-Yaman through shopping as
recommended by members of the municipal BAC. On 08 February
2005, Gulle delivered the 250 bottles of Fil-Ocean liquid
fertilizer while payment amounting to P250,000.00
was issued by the municipality on the same day.
The
Commission on Audit (COA) issued an Audit Observation Memorandum
stating that the procurement was overpriced by as much as 426%
as the average price in the market was only P180.00/bottle,
no certification was issued by the BAC authorizing the resort to
shopping as the alternative mode of procurement, and the
supplier presented no license or authority to sell.
In
a 24-page Resolution, the Special Panel on Task Force Abono
Cases stated that respondents gave unwarranted benefit to
Sikap-Yaman and caused undue injury to the government when they
deliberately ignored the requirement of competitive bidding and
the conditions required under the Government Procurement Reform
Act (Republic Act [R.A.] No. 9184) in buying overpriced
fertilizers.
Maasin, Iloilo
On
14 April 2004, the municipality of Maasin represented by Malones
entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the
DA-Regional Field Unit VI for the purchase of “Bio-nature liquid
organic fertilizers” with an approved allocation of P999,000.00. Almost
two weeks later Feshan bagged the deal in a direct contracting
and delivered 666 bottles of “Bio-nature liquid organic
fertilizer” at P1,500.00/bottle.
Investigation disclosed several procurement violations
such as the resort to direct contracting to favor Feshan;
reference to brand names; and availability of other suitable
substitutes for Bio-Nature fertilizer being sold at lower
prices.
The 15-page Resolution approved by Ombudsman Morales
stated that “in the performance of his official duty, Malones
acted with manifest partiality when he dispensed with public
bidding and gave Feshan unwarranted benefit by directly
contracting it as the municipality’s fertilizer supplier.” It
explained that Malones and the other respondents conspired with
one other to facilitate the transaction favoring Feshan.
Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental
In 2004, a MOA
was entered into between Himamaylan City and the DA Regional
Office wherein P1,000,000.00
was allotted for the purchase of Bio-nature liquid organic
fertilizers.
Records show
that in an undated Purchase Request, Ban requested and approved
the purchase of 666 bottles of Bio-Nature liquid organic
fertilizer at P1,5000.00
per bottle. On
20 May 2004, after the purported bidding participated in by
three suppliers, Ban, et
al. awarded the contract to Feshan which on the same day
delivered the fertilizers costing P999,000.00.
The COA’s Audit Observation Memorandum dated 21 July
2004 stated that the procurement of the Bio-Nature organic
liquid fertilizers was grossly overpriced in the amount of P560,840.91
as the prevailing market price at that time was onlyP125.00/bottle. The
investigation also found that there was no actual bidding and
that there was reference to specific brand names, which acts are
violative of the procurement law.
The Office ruled that the evidence and circumstances
suggest that the respondents intended to pursue direct
contracting as the mode of procurement from the very beginning
and that the public bidding conducted at the ABC Hall was a
simulated one. It added that the naming of Bio-nature in the
Purchase Request is tantamount to branding which violates
Section 18 of R.A. No. 9184.
|
|
|
|
| Foreign Direct Investments post US$382
million Net Inflows in April 2015; January-April level reaches
US$1.2 billion |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
Foreign direct investments (FDI) continued to post net inflows
amounting to US$382 million in April 2015, as all FDI components
remained in positive territory during the month.1,2 However,
this was 43 percent lower than the US$671 million level a year
ago due mainly to the decline in non-residents’ net placements
in debt instruments. By FDI component, net equity capital
investments reached US$25 million—representing a 120.8 percent
increase from US$11 million recorded in April 2014—as placements
of US$39 million exceeded withdrawals of US$14 million during
the month. Equity capital placements emanated largely from
the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Germany, and
Luxembourg and were channeled mainly to real estate;
manufacturing; administrative and support service; financial and
insurance; and wholesale and retail trade activities.
Similarly, reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$81 million,
up by 3.4 percent from US$78 million recorded a year ago.
Meanwhile, net placements by non-residents in debt instruments
issued by their local affiliates settled at US$276 million in
April, lower by 52.5 percent relative to the level posted during
the same month last year.
On a year-to-date basis, FDI flows for the January-April 2015
period likewise remained positive at US$1.2 billion.
Nonetheless, this represented a 48.3 percent decline relative to
US$2.4 billion recorded a year ago. By FDI component, net
equity capital investments reached US$279 million as placements
of US$369 million more than offset withdrawals of US$90 million
during the period. Equity capital placements during the
first four months of the year were sourced mainly from the
United States, Japan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Spain.
These were channeled primarily to manufacturing; real estate;
electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply; financial
and insurance; and wholesale and retail trade activities.
Moreover, reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$266 million,
albeit lower by 20.4 percent than US$334 million posted in the
comparable period last year. Meanwhile, non-residents’ net
investments in debt instruments reached US$688 million in the
first four months of 2015.
-------------
1 Based on
the Balance of Payments and International Investment Position
Manual, 6th edition (BPM6) which uses the asset and liability
principle in the compilation of FDI statistics. Under the
asset and liability principle, claims of non-resident direct
investment enterprises from resident direct investors are
presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of
liabilities/non-residents’ investments in the Philippines
(previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th
edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents’
investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct
investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are
presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of
financial assets/residents’ investments abroad (previously
presented as negative entry under liabilities/non-residents’
investments in the Philippines).
2 BSP
statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could
be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and
borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment
data from other government sources, the BSP’s FDI data include
investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at
least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion
Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and
include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates
of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSP’s FDI data are
presented in net terms
(i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the
IPAs’ FDI do not account for equity withdrawals.
|
|
|
|
| BSP Rediscount Rates for July 2015 and
availments as of June 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 July 2015 and loan availments as of end June
2015.
The Peso Rediscount Facility rates for Rediscounting Windows
(RWs) I and II for July 2015 are as follows:
Loan Maturity
|
Rate (%)
|
RW I
|
RW II
|
30 days
|
6.1250
|
4.0000
|
90 days
|
6.1875
|
4.0000
|
180 days
|
6.2500
|
4.0625
|
360 days
|
n/a
|
4.1250
|
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 July for loans
under the EDYRF:
Loan
Maturity
|
Rate (%)
|
Dollar
|
Yen
|
1-90 days
|
2.28320
|
2.09929
|
91-180 days
|
2.34570
|
2.16179
|
181-360 days
|
2.40820
|
2.22429
|
The EDYRF rates are based on the respective 90-day London
Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 30 June 2015 plus 200
basis points plus term premia for longer maturities pursuant to
Circular No. 807 dated 15 August 2013.
Availments under the Peso Rediscount Facility and the EDYRF have
declined due to the increase in rediscounting rates and ample
liquidity in the financial system.
Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the total availments of
thrift and rural banks amounted to P189 million for the period
01 January to 30 June 2015, which is 74.3 percent lower than the
P735 million total for the same period last year. Out of
the aggregate availments for the period, 80.8 percent went to
commercial credits, 3.4 percent to production credits and 15.8
percent to other credits consisting of housing (9.2 percent),
permanent working capital (3.5 percent) and CAPEX (3.1 percent).
Under the EDYRF, total dollar availments of a universal bank for
the period 01 January to 30 June 2015 amounted to US$0.7
million and benefitted one exporter. This represents a 85.4
percent decrease in availments compared to the US$4.8 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.
|
|
|
| Decline in PH exports marks slowdown
of global economy |
| Source:
http://www.neda.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – Philippine merchandise exports registered its sharpest
drop since December 2011 as it declined by 17.4 percent in May
2015, according to the National Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA).
“The recent outturn of Philippine exports, as well as in many
Asian economies, reflects the general market outlook and
consensus in the near term, signaling a slowdown of the global
economy,” said NEDA Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Deputy
Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra.
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported today that total
revenue from Philippine exports reached US$4.9 billion in May
2015, down from US$5.9 billion in the same period last year. The
Philippines recorded the largest decline of export revenues
among major trade-oriented economies in East and Southeast Asia.
“Slowdown in global trade due to the weakening of China as well
as the fiscal crisis in the Eurozone will certainly spill over
globally, although the magnitude of the impact remains to be
seen. Policy makers should remain vigilant on the possible
outcome of these external developments and how they may impact
the trade competitiveness of the country as well as the domestic
economy,” the NEDA official added.
After two consecutive months of marginal increases, overseas
sales of manufactured goods registered its largest monthly
decline (9.5%) for the year, down to US$4.3 billion in May 2015
from US$4.7 billion in the same period last year. This can be
attributed to lower revenues from semiconductors, machinery &
transport equipment, wood manufactures, electronic data
processing, and other manufactures.
“Global output of manufacturing and services is currently weak,
trending slightly above expansionary levels amid the lackluster
global demand,” said Esguerra.
Similarly, exports of mineral products decreased by 66.5 percent
in May 2015, plunging to US$209.7 million in May 2015 from
US$626.8 million in May 2014 due to lower earnings from copper
metal, copper concentrates and other mineral products.
Furthermore, export revenues from agro-based products dropped by
32.3 percent in May 2015, a strong reversal from a 13.4 percent
year-on-year expansion in the same month of last year. This is
attributed to decreased earnings in coconut products, sugar
products, and fruits & vegetables such as bananas.
“The Philippines’ export performance is likely to remain
constrained by volatilities in the international markets
triggered by the Greek debt crisis and the slowdown in China.
Given that these external shocks cannot be prevented, government
measures to mitigate the possible negative effects should be
immediately implemented as warranted.” he said.
Thus, Esguerra stressed the need for strengthening the support
to the manufacturing sector in terms of increasing its
competitiveness and productivity, and ensuring safety nets for
vulnerable workers. He said initiatives to support agriculture
and its linkage with the manufacturing sector should be also
continued. These include infrastructure, financing, risk
mitigation, and business-continuity and contingency planning
“As the external environment continues to be unfavorable and
fragile, strengthening domestic demand should be a priority,” he
said. |
|
|
|
| Fragile global demand, dry spell
weaken manufacturing in May 2015 |
| Source:
http://www.neda.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – Weak global demand and the prolonged dry spell of El
Niño pulled down manufacturing production in May 2015, according
to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
In the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Monthly Integrated
Survey of Selected Industries or MISSI, the country’s
manufacturing sector contracted by 3.1 percent in May 2015 from
an almost flat growth in April 2015 and from last year’s
12.7-percent growth in terms of volume. Similarly, in terms of
value, the sector contracted by 7.3 percent in May 2015 from
11.4 percent growth in the same month in 2014.
“Despite this slowdown in manufacturing, businesses remain
optimistic. The low inflation environment, lower oil prices,
continued inflow of remittances, expected strong demand from
government expenditures, and the brisk business activity in the
nearing election season, will all help improve the sector’s
performance in the coming months,” said NEDA Officer-in-Charge
(OIC) and Deputy Director-General Emmanuel F. Esguerra.
Despite this continued downward trend of the sector’s value and
volume, its three-month moving average remains at a positive
position at 4.0 percent.
Also, the average capacity utilization of manufacturing firms
slightly grew to 83.3 percent year-on-year, with 25.4 percent
operating at full capacity (90-100%), 56.4 percent at (70-89%)
and 18.2 percent operating at below (70%) capacity.
“With the proper implementation of the Competition Law and the
Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, we expect improvement in
the business climate. Also, the Comprehensive Automotive
Resurgence Strategy will attract much needed foreign investments
and spur the growth of transport equipment sector as well as
textiles, glass, rubber and plastics, electronics and other
related products,” the NEDA official said.
Meanwhile, the food sub-sector took a double-digit year-on-year
drop of 13.1 percent in the production and net sales value in
May 2015 from last year’s 6.6 percent growth, with the sugar
industry taking the brunt of the drought during the period.
Petroleum’s production and net sales value also plunged by 23
and 29 percent, respectively, in May 2015.
“On a positive note, the sub-sector is expected to make a
rebound after the imminent operation of the Petron’s Bataan
Refinery Master Plan 2 by the end of the second quarter. The
facility will be the first to produce high value fuels in
compliance with the Euro-5 standard, which will augment both
local and export supplies,” said Esguerra.
Electrical machinery, the country’s top export product, also
contracted in both production and net sales value and volume due
to the decline in exports to China and Singapore.
“Efforts to pursue higher-value products and processes and new
markets must be encouraged to maintain competitiveness and to
compensate for the fragile export performance of the
manufacturing sector,” said Esguerra.
He added that small and medium enterprises should be enhanced to
enable them to participate in the global value chain, maximize
the benefits of free trade and minimize their vulnerability to
uncertainties in the global market, as well as take advantage of
the upcoming ASEAN economic integration.
“Long-term measures such as reliable water supply must also be
put into place to battle the possibility of another dry spell in
the second half of 2015. The integration of agriculture and the
manufacturing sectors, supported by efficient transport
infrastructure, will be needed to spur growth,” said Esguerra,
who is OIC of NEDA while Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M.
Balisacan is on official business abroad from July 3-12, 2015. |
|
|
|
| DSWD enumerates households in
urban barangays using tablet devices |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) through the National Household Targeting
System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) or Listahanan is
currently conducting tablet-aided enumeration in identified
pockets of poverty in 9,997 urban barangays nationwide.
The use of the mobile device as
a data collection tool is among the Department’s innovations for
the 2nd round of assessment.
“These tablet devices will
expedite the assessment process in urban areas since they can
automatically sync accomplished electronic family assessment
forms (FAF) directly to the server,” Secretary Soliman said.
To ensure the quality of data
that will be synced to the server, the Listahanan installed
validation routines to its mobile application, causing error
messages to appear whenever enumerators encode inconsistent and
incomplete data.
Aside from that, quality-control
measures are also being implemented at the field level.
Area supervisors re-interview
households whose names appear in a system-generated list of
those assessed using mobile devices. This is to check the
consistency and accuracy of the data gathered by enumerators.
The DSWD also conducts
unannounced spot checks to ensure the compliance of the field
staff to the assessment protocols and guidelines.
Around 11,000 enumerators are
being hired and deployed to cover the target of 5.6 million
families in urban areas.
Listahanan is an information
management system that identifies who and where the poor are. It
makes available to national government agencies and other social
protection stakeholders a socio-economic database as basis for
identifying beneficiaries of their programs and services.
|
|
|
|
| DSWD’s Kalahi-CIDSS the
featured Philippine program in a World Bank Asia Pacific publication |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – The Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and
Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) is one of
the programs featured in the World Bank publication entitled
“I’d Like You to Know” which shows the different stories of
people from across the East Asia and Pacific region whose lives
changed because of development projects.
The publication highlighted how the residents of the town of
Balangiga, Eastern Samar took advantage of the lessons they
learned in implementing Kalahi-CIDSS to follow a
community-driven development (CDD) strategy. Balangiga has been
implementing the program since 2003.
Community empowerment important in post-disaster recovery
Balangiga’s experience with implementing Kalahi-CIDSS helped
them recover in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda, said to be one
of the strongest typhoons to make landfall in the world. Mayor
De Lira was quoted, “The CDD setup made it easier to get
reliable information on the ground that was important for making
decisions… Here in Balangiga, our experience is different
because the people are empowered. The community is empowered.
People here are involved – something we learned in Kalahi-CIDSS”.
Balangiga was along the direct path of Typhoon Yolanda when it
hit the country on November 8, 2013. Even so, it was also one of
the quickest to begin post-disaster relief and recovery
operations.
The value of CDD in helping citizens in disaster risk reduction
and management has now been recognized because of the
experiences of towns such as Balangiga. Upon the scale-up of
Kalahi-CIDSS into a national CDD program, it was redesigned to
support post-disaster recovery and rehabilitation, a move
brought about by the impact of Typhoon Yolanda. Of its target
coverage of 847 municipalities, 554 are Yolanda-affected, one of
which is the town of Balangiga.
Beyond the numbers
“I’d Like You to Know” recognized CDD as an important
development strategy, which discussed how the strategy was used
in the Philippines, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Indonesia.
However, Kalahi-CIDSS is the only program in this country
showcased in the publication. Other programs that were featured
included the Solomon Islands Rural Development Program, the
electrification programs of Mongolia and Lao PDR, the Health
Equity Fund of Cambodia, and the Papua New Guinea Business
Coalition for Women.
In his message in the book, Axel von Trotsenberg, the Vice
President of the East Asia and Pacific Region of the World Bank,
said that the publication showed the stories behind the numbers
and statistics on people affected by poverty.
He said, “At the end of the day, the work we do in development
is not about numbers; it’s about supporting people to change
their own lives for the better, to build a future for their
children, and with a little help, to pull themselves out of
poverty”.
He continued, “I hope you remember the people you will meet in
the pages of this book. They put a human face on development
statistics”.
The World Bank has been a partner of Kalahi-CIDSS since the
program was piloted in 2002. |
|
|
|
| DOJ secures conviction of a German firm
officer for misuse of DENR project funds |
| Source:
http://www.doj.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Justice – National Prosecution Service has
scored another victory with the conviction of an officer of a
German firm engaged in a Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) forestry project for pocketing more than P1M in
project funds.
Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima hailed the prosecution team
for the conviction of Milagrena Baguio, Project
Coordinator/Secretary/Finance Manager of DFS Deutsche
Forstservice GmbH (DFS) for qualified theft (Art. 10 of the
Revised Penal Code).
In a 27-page Decision, Negros Oriental Regional Trial Court
Branch 39 Presiding Judge Arlene Catherine Dato sentenced Baguio
to reclusion perpetua and to pay the Community Based Forest and
Mangrove Management Project (CBFMMP) and DFS P1,083,986.94
representing the cash shortage of the project funds.
DFS is a German consulting company which manages the DENR’s
CBFMMP which aims at preventing the further degradation of
forest resources.
The Decision stated that during trial, the prosecution was able
to establish that Baguio, as secretary, was tasked to perform
the affairs of their office as well as coordinate with their
partner agencies: the DENR and Local Government Units. At the
same time, as Financial Manager, she was in charge with all the
company’s financial transactions. She was also the custodian of
the project’s funds.
However, due to reports of alleged irregularities committed by
Baguio in handling the project’s funds, Dr. Jurgen Schade, DFS
Managing Director and CBFMMP Chief Technical Adviser/Consultant,
secured the services of an external auditor – A.E. Ochoco and
Partners - to audit the financial statements and accounts of the
project.
The auditing firm found out that from July 1, 201o to May 6,
2011, there was a cash shortage of P1,083,986.94 in the project
funds.
The Decision stated that “the prosecution clearly proved and
established the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt in
the commission of the crime of qualified theft committed with
grave abuse of confidence.”
It said “It was clearly established during the trial of this
case that the accused took and appropriated for herself the
project funds of CBFMMP amounting to P1,083,986.94 for the
period from July 1, 2010 to May 6, 2011. These funds were
sourced out from remittances from Germany to be used for the
said project.”
De Lima stated that “With the conviction of the accused in this
case, it is hoped that the Philippine government will continue
to enjoy foreign institutions’ trust which is sometimes eroded
because of reports of alleged corruption or mishandling of
funds. This administration is committed to ensure transparency
in handling funds intended for government projects.” |
|
|
|
| Secretary De Lima hails
conviction of a rural bank president for falsification of documents,
violation of banking laws |
| Source:
http://www.doj.gov.ph |
|
Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima lauded the Department of
Justice – National Prosecution Service (DOJ-NPS) for securing
the conviction of a president of a Rural Bank in Manaoag,
Pangasinan charged for making untruthful statements in various
public and commercial documents to conceal the actual financial
conditions of the bank.
In a six-page Consolidated Decision, the Manaoag, Pangasinan
Municipal Trial Court found Ma. Cecilia Acuña, then
President/General Manager of Kaunlaran Rural Bank, Inc. (KRBI),
guilty beyond reasonable doubt for 49 counts of Falsification of
Public Documents (Article 172 [1] in relation to Article 171 [4]
of the Revised Penal Code).
Presiding Judge Giovanni Palma meted the penalty of imprisonment
from two years, four months and one day of prision correccional
as minimum to four years, two months and one day of prision
correccional as maximum, and to pay a fine of P5,000 for each
count against the accused.
In the Informations filed by the DOJ through Senior Assistant
State Prosecutor Lagrimas Agaran, Acuña was accused of
falsifying several public and commercial documents to make it
appear that 43 individuals obtained a loan from the bank in
amounts ranging from P450,000 to P1.5M “when in truth and in
fact the aforesaid individuals did not obtain or apply for a
loan or participate in the preparation of the documents.”
Six other Informations alleged that Acuña made untruthful
statements in KRBI’s Consolidated Statement of Condition (CSOC),
as of March 31, April 30, May 31, June 30, July 31, and August
31, 2009 by creating loan accounts with fictitious persons as
borrowers “to make KRBI appear solvent.”
The CSOC is a periodic financial report submitted by banks to
the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Judge Palma also found Acuña guilty beyond reasonable doubt for
six counts of Violation of Section 35 of Republic Act (RA) No.
7653 (The New Central Bank Act) and sentenced her to four years
imprisonment for each count.
In separate Informations, the Urdaneta City, Pangasinan Regional
Trial Court Branch 48 found Acuña guilty beyond reasonable doubt
for 49 counts of Violation of Sec. 55.1 (a) of RA 8791 (The
General Banking Act of 2000) in relation to Section 36 of RA
7653 for the same offenses.
Presiding Judge Gonzalo Marata sentenced the accused to two
years imprisonment for each count.
Acuña entered a plea of guilty to all cases. “It is settled that
a plea of guilty not merely joins the issues of the complaint or
information, but amounts to an admission of guilt and of the
material facts alleged in the complaint or information,” Judge
Palma said.
De Lima commended Agaran for successfully prosecuting the cases.
“This demonstrates our firm resolve to go after those attempting
to circumvent the law to the prejudice of government financial
institutions and the general public as well,” De Lima stressed. |
|
|
|
| Mobilize QRTs after ‘Egay’ clears; be
ready with cash-for-work, Baldoz instructs four regional offices |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday directed Regional Directors Grace Y. Ursua, DOLE
Regional Office No. 1; Sixto Rodriguez, DOLE Regional Office No.
2; John Jalbuena, DOLE Cordillera Administrative Region; and
Atty. Ana Dione, DOLE Regional Office No. 3, to mobilize their
respective region’s Quick Reaction Team (QRT) as soon as the
weather clears to assist workers and their families who may have
been displaced after Typhoon Egay hit Northern Luzon.
She also instructed the four regional directors to be ready to
implement emergency employment for the displaced workers under
the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program
(DILEEP).
“All the other DOLE regional directors should also be on alert
as this is the onset of the typhoon season,” reminded Baldoz,
saying lessons from past natural calamities should serve as
valuable inputs by the regional directors to their calamity
responses.
“Let’s prepare for some more typhoons. All regional personnel
should be ready to provide assistance to our workers, but they
should also secure themselves first. We all should take
precautions,” she added, as she received a report from Director
Ursua saying that 16 DOLE employees in the region have sustained
damages in their personal properties because of Typhoon Egay.
The DOLE compose and activate its QRTs to assess and evaluate
the extent of damage to firms and establishments once a calamity
has passed, and to provide DOLE’s package of assistance to
displaced workers.
A team within the DOLE, it is also activated to assist workers
displaced by business closures and retrenchments.
The QRT’s main responsibility is to deliver a package of
assistance which consists of the following: (1) profiling of
displaced workers; (2) employment guidance and counselling; (3)
facilitation of payment of separation pay; (4) employment
matching and referral for wage employment (using available
facilities, such as the PhilJobnet and jobs fair); (5)
information on and certification for SSS loan availment; (6)
referral to other DOLE programs; and (7) referral of qualified
displaced workers to other government and non-government
organizations for technical and financial assistance for
livelihood or self-employment.
Baldoz said workers who will be displaced from the closures of
firms and establishments in the regions that will be affected by
the typhoon will qualify for the package of assistance.
She also said several programs under the DOLE Integrated
Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, or DILEEP, can be
made available to worker-victims, including the Tulong
Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), where
workers in the affected areas are engaged in community and rural
rehabilitation work, specifically in de-clogging, clearing, and
cleaning of communities, schools, and evacuation centers; and
the Nego-Kart or Negosyo sa Kariton and Kabuhayan Starter Kits,
the DOLE’s livelihood enhancement program consisting of a
package of services that will enable the target beneficiaries to
quickly start livelihood undertaking and become self-employed to
recover lost incomes.
Baldoz issued her instructions after the Philippine Atmospheric,
Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA)
said another typhoon, Typhoon Falcon, is maintaining its
strength and beginning to move in a northwest direction, with
heavy to intense rainfall within a 300 km radius. While PAGASA
has not issued any public storm warning signal concerning
Typhoon Falcon (it is expected to be outside the Philippine area
of responsibility tomorrow), rains will affect the areas of
Ilocos Region, Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and
Mimaropa, threatening flash floods and landslides. |
|
|
|
| PHL calls for Post-2015 Development
Agenda to be responsive to poor and marginalized |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
10 July 2015 - The Philippines called for the post-2015
development agenda to be responsive to the needs of the poor and
marginalized, particularly in developing countries.
Speaking at the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable
Development (HLPF) on July 09 at the United Nations,
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director General of the
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Arsenio M.
Balisacan said much has been achieved over the last 15 years to
meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) but that “there is
a long path ahead.”
“Sustainable development has to be responsive to the essential
needs of developing countries, especially the poor, the
marginalized and the vulnerable. This means that we have to make
sure that our next steps will still prioritize those who are in
need. At the same time, we have to be mindful of the needs of
the future generations,” he said.
World leaders will gather at the UN in September to adopt a new
agenda for sustainable development as the MDGs reach their
deadline this year. The new development agenda will adopt
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and will guide global
policy and funding for the SDGs in the next 15 years.
Secretary Balisacan added that sustainable development also has
to do with managing the limitations that technologies and
societies bring upon the environment.
“Indeed, it is important to recognize the urgent need to build
resilience and improve the capacities of countries to prepare
for and recover from disasters. Almost two years ago, our
country was hit by Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest tropical
cyclone to ever make landfall in recorded history. Hence, I
would like to reiterate our call for a revitalized global policy
framework in disaster preparedness and response,” he said.
Moreover, the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary said the new
development agenda should strengthen the means for implementing
sustainable development, promoting investment in people and
natural capital, and building South-South cooperation.
“It is important that we prioritize pursuing green growth,
public–private partnerships, adequate financing, capacity
building, technology transfers, sustainable consumption and
production, data availability, and better accountability in
measuring progress. At the same time, we acknowledge the need to
strengthen global and regional partnerships to support countries
as they move towards sustainable development,” he said.
Secretary Balisacan reaffirmed the commitment of the Philippines
to actively participate in the process of both post Rio+20 and
the post-2105 development agenda.
The Rio+20 is the United Nations Conference on Sustainable
Development that took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in June
2012 which resulted in a focused political outcome document
containing clear and practical measures for implementing
sustainable development.
“We are happy that the draft outcome document puts people at the
center of sustainable development, incorporates the unfinished
business of MDGs, and recognizes the various challenges of the
UN Member States,” Secretary Balisacan added.
Secretary Balisacan was joined at the Forum by Ambassador
Lourdes O. Yparraguirre, Philippine Permanent Representative to
the United Nations, Assistant Director General Rosemarie Edillon
of NEDA, and officers and staff of the Philippine Mission.
Aside from the High Level Political Forum, Secretary Balisacan
will also present the Philippine report on its accomplishments
and recommendations in the implementation of the MDGs and in
managing the transition from the MDGs to the SDGs at the ECOSOC
Annual Ministerial Review today, July 10. |
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| Filipinos in Bahrain apply for
amnesty |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
10 July 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Manama reported that
close to 1,000 Filipino illegal/overstaying workers have already
come to avail of the amnesty offer of the Bahrain government
which took effect on July 01.
The amnesty program of the government through the Labor Market
Regulatory Authority (LMRA) allows illegal/overstaying workers
to be repatriated without payment of immigration penalties and
blacklisting, and with the option to return. It also provides a
chance for illegal workers to legalize their status and transfer
employment without the consent of their original sponsors.
Most of those who availed of the amnesty offer were Filipino
women deployed as household service workers (HSWs). They have
indicated their intention to legalize their status and transfer
employment to new sponsors. Only a few want to be repatriated,
citing the need for a steady source of income.
Majority of those who would like to stay do not have their
passports with them, as these were either lost or in the
possession of their employers or Bahrain agencies. Others lack
the proper documentation papers for the issuance of passports or
travel documents and have neither Bahrain nor Philippine
government-issued identification documents.
To enable these workers to benefit from the amnesty, the Embassy
has been conducting daily briefings on the LMRA guidelines,
assistance in the verification of the workers’ immigration
status, and in the renewal/issuance of passport or travel
document.
The Embassy continues to collaborate with the LMRA on the
translation to Filipino language of the LMRA Guide on the
amnesty requirements and procedures, for distribution to
concerned parties. Through POLO-OWWA, the Embassy has been
assisting in the retrieval of workers’ passports from employers
and agencies.
Volunteers from the Filipino community also continue to assist
the Embassy in spreading news about the amnesty, in attending to
the needs of the amnesty applicants who go to the Embassy for
passport services, and in providing other support services.
The Embassy has geared up to meet the expected surge of amnesty
applicants, setting up additional supplies, tents and fans with
mist sprayers, and emergency equipment. |
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| Successful examinees in the
Licensure Exam for Architects to present the OR/Certificate of
membership in the AIPO prior to registration as Architects |
| Source:
http://www.prc.gov.ph |
|
Manila, July 9, 2015 – The Professional Regulation Commission
and the Board for Architecture today announced that all
successful examinees in the licensure examination for
Architecture to present the official receipt/certificate of
payment of membership dues issued and signed by the authorized
officer of the United Architectures of the Philippines (UAP)
prior to registration as Architects.
The announcement was made in view of Board for Architecture
Resolution No. 05, series of 2015.
Failure to present the official receipt/certificate of payment
of membership dues issued and signed by the authorized officer
of the UAP will be a ground for the non-issuance of the
Certificate of Registration/Professional Identification Card of
the successful examinees |
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| PRC designates Tuguegarao City as
additional testing center for the July 2015 Licensure Exam for
Social Workers |
| Source:
http://www.prc.gov.ph |
|
Manila, July 9, 2015 – The Professional Regulation Commission
and the Professional Regulatory Board for Social Workers today
announced the inclusion of Tuguegarao City as additional testing
center for the July 2015 Board Licensure Examination for Social
Workers.
The announcement was made in view of Board for Social Workers
Resolution No.4, series of 2015.
Aside from the added testing center, the July 2015 Licensure
Exam for Social Workers will also be held simultaneously in the
cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan De Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo,
Legazpi, Lucena, and Zamboanga. |
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| Public schools along Valley
Fault System strengthen readiness for earthquake |
| Source:
http://www.deped.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Education (DepEd) is doing a series of
orientations on earthquake preparedness for principals and
school administrators from 1,134 public schools from the
National Capitol Region, Region IV-A, and Region III,
surrounding the Valley Fault System.
The orientation aims to equip school heads and administrators
with the right information to increase the level of preparedness
of schools not just for earthquakes but also for other possible
risks.
“There is no such thing as overdose of information. We need to
cascade this disaster preparedness information,” Noel Bagano,
Muntinlupa City Assitant Schools Division Superintendent (ASDS),
said.
DepEd Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO)
Project Officer Mariel Bayangos explained the comprehensive DRRM
in Basic Education Framework.
“Why is there a need for us to have a common framework? We need
to establish an overall strategy para kahit saan mang school
tayo magpunta, we have a common language,” Bayangos said.
The Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education is guided by education
outcomes and, at the same time, anchored in the four thematic
areas: prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response and
recovery, and rehabilitation. Specifically, DepEd has adopted
the Comprehensive Safe Schools Framework to align DRRM
implementation in basic education, which is presented in three
pillars: safe learning facilities, school disaster management,
and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in education.
Comprehensive DRRM in Basic Education Framework discussion
encompasses the structural and nonstructural measures such as
the adopted disaster resilient classroom design, the
strengthened construction monitoring process, enhanced design of
temporary learning spaces, the establishment of DepEd DRRM
offices nationwide, and the policy on student−led school
watching and hazard mapping.
Bayangos added that DRRM and CCA are already integrated in the K
to 12 curriculum and the DRR reference materials are being
uploaded in the learning portal.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
Geologist Mabelline Cahulogan also discussed geologic hazards
like the occurrence of ground rupture and liquefaction.
“We all know that the Philippines is situated at the Pacific
Ring of Fire and it is crucial for us to be disaster prepared,”
Cahulogan said.
“Everyday, our instruments at PHIVOLCS record at least 20
earthquakes. Hindi lang natin sila nararamdaman… We can live
with the fault as long as we are prepared and ready. Hindi po
natin kailangan mag-panic. Sa halip, kailangan lang po natin
maging prepared,” she added.
The geologic hazards discussion was followed by an open forum to
address questions from school principals and education
administrators relative to disaster preparedness.
Family earthquake preparedness
The orientation ended with the briefing on the Family Earthquake
Preparedness Homework in line with DepEd Order No. 27 entitled
“Promoting Family Earthquake Preparedness.” The homework
requires all students to answer a set of questionnaires with
their parents to assess their family preparedness before, during
and after an earthquake. The class advisers will discuss each of
the questions and shall tabulate and summarize the answers which
will be submitted to the school administration. The school heads
shall be the one to discuss the results to the Parents−Teachers
Association (PTA) and barangay officials.
Over 400 school principals, administrators and DRR coordinators
from six Metro Manila cities (Las Pinas City, Muntinlupa City,
Paranaque City, Pasay City, Taguig City, and Makati City) and
Region III (Norzagaray and San Jose del Monte, Bulacan)
participated in the five first batches of the said orientation.
The orientation on earthquake preparedness will continue
tomorrow at Jose Rizal Memorial School in Calamba City for those
school administrators, principals and DRRM coordinators from
Biñan, Carmona, Calamba, Rodriguez, San Mateo, San Pedro, Sta.
Rosa and Silang, Laguna. More than 200 participants are expected
to attend tomorrow. The last leg of the orientation on July 13
will be participated by principals from Manila, Navotas,
Caloocan, Malabon and Valenzuela cities. |
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| PDIC, KWF team up to educate and reach
out to more depositors |
| Source:
http://www.pdic.gov.ph/ |
|
To reach out to more Filipinos, the Philippine Deposit Insurance
Corporation (PDIC) has partnered with the Komisyon sa Wikang
Filipino (KWF) for the translation of information materials
under its flagship savings advocacy program, Be A Wise Saver
(BAWS), into Filipino and other major dialects including
Cebuano, Ilokano, Bikolano, Hiligaynon, Waray and Maranaw, to
make them more relevant and easier-to-understand.
The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement
(MOA) signed by PDIC President Cristina Que Orbeta and KWF Head
of Translation (Sangay ng Salin at Publikasyon), Dr. Benjamin
Mendillo, Jr. on June 19, 2015 at the PDIC Office in Makati
City. KWF is the only government agency for language mandated to
advocate the promotion, dissemination and preservation of the
Filipino language and other dialects in the Philippines.
The partnership bolsters the efforts of PDIC to reach out to
more depositors as it commemorated the 13th Depositor Protection
and Awareness Week (DPAW) on June 16 to 22, 2015 with the theme,
"Promoting Depositor Confidence through Public Awareness and
Financial Literacy". BAWS is a campaign aimed at equipping the
depositing public with basic information on saving and
responsible banking.
BAWS is supported by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and bank
groups namely Bankers Association of the Philippines, Chamber of
Thrift Banks, Rural Bankers Association of the Philippines and
Bank Marketing Association of the Philippines. It is
disseminated through lectures and roadshows to help increase
public awareness and provide relevant information to the public
and depositors through the 7 Habits of a Wise Saver.
PDIC is the government instrumentality mandated to provide
depositor protection and help maintain stability in the
financial system by providing permanent and continuing deposit
insurance. As deposit insurer, the PDIC believes that public
awareness and financial literacy are ways to protect depositors
and help them make sound and informed financial decisions. |
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| Pre-qualification set for
airport PPP projects |
| Source:
http://www.pdic.gov.ph |
|
Prospective bidders have until July 27, Monday, to submit
pre-qualification requirements for the bundled airport projects
under Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. Foreign and
local investors are invited to pre-qualify and bid in the five
regional airports PPP projects: Bacolod-Silay, Iloilo (Bundle
1), Davao, Laguindingan, and New Bohol (Panglao) (Bundle 2) with
an estimated total cost of Php 108.19 billion (USD 2.40
billion).
Since the projects were rolled out last December 15, 2014 by the
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), six
groups have applied to pre-qualify and bid:
1. GMR-Megawide
2. Metro-Pacific – JG Summit Consortium
3. Aboitiz Equity Ventures
4. San Miguel Corp.
5. Philippine Skylanders Inc.
6. Union Equities
These PPP projects involve the development, operations and
maintenance of the five regional airports. The private partner
will provide additional facilities and other necessary
improvements to enhance passenger safety, security, access,
passenger and cargo movement efficiency, and operational
efficiency as well as actively market the airports in order to
develop direct international passenger traffic and diversify
revenue sources. |
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the AFP
Change of Command 2015 |
| Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City |
10 July 2015
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Sa Daang Matuwid, malinaw po ang ating panata sa mamamayang Pilipino: Ang
mag-iwan ng isang Pilipinas na di-hamak na mas ligtas, mas mapayapa, at mas
maunlad kaysa ating dinatnan. Ngayong araw, nagbibigay-pugay tayo sa isang
indibidwal na ibinigay ang kanyang puso at isip upang makapag-ambag sa
layuning ito: Si General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.
Bibigyan ko po ng
diin: Ang ginagawa natin ay isang pagdiriwang, at hindi isang pamamaalam.
Nakaukit na sa kasaysayan ang kanyang mga naging kontribusyon sa ating
Sandatahang Lakas. Kaya nga kahit isasabit na niya ang kanyang uniporme at
ipinasa ang kanyang espada, laging ipapaalala ng kanyang estilo ng pamumuno,
ng kanyang pagmamalasakit sa ating mamamayan at mga sundalo, at ng kanyang
paraan ng pamumuhay: Sa Daang Matuwid, ang kawal disiplinado, bawal abusado,
dapat asintado.
Naaalala ko nga po nang una ko siyang makilala noong
panahon ng EDSA revolution: Isa siya sa mga pumanig sa ating mamamayan imbes
na magtanggol sa diktador. At sa pagpapatuloy ng kanyang karera, lagi niyang
tangan ang diwa ng EDSA: Nadestino man siya sa Mindanao; naging pinuno ng
7th Infantry Division ng Hukbong Katihan at Northern Luzon Command; o
nagsilbi bilang Vice Chief of Staff ng Sandatahang Lakas. Malinaw sa kanya:
Walang ibang dapat paglingkuran ang ating mga sundalo kundi ang ating
bandila at ang taumbayan.
Ang kanyang mahabang karanasan nga po ang
talagang humasa sa kanyang kakayahan at nagbigay sa kanya ng malalim na
pag-unawa sa kalagayan ng ating unipormadong hanay. Ito ang dahilan kung
bakit natin ipinagkatiwala sa kanya ang posisyon ng pangunahing tagapagtimon
ng AFP nitong nakaraang labindalawang buwan.
Hindi po niya tayo
binigo. Sa katunayan, lampas-lampas pa sa ating inaasahan ang ibinigay niya
sa atin. Mula sa pagpapatupad ng ating Internal Peace and Security Plan
Bayanihan, hanggang sa pagtatanggol ng ating teritoryo, buong sipag niyang
ginampanan ang kanyang tungkulin. Dahil matagal siyang nadestino noon sa mga
lugar na madalas binabaha, ginamit niya ang kanyang karanasan upang
patalasin ang disaster preparedness ng ating mga kawal. Nang malagay naman
sa alanganin ang ating mga peacekeepers sa Golan Heights, ang mahusay niyang
pagdedesisyon ang nagbigay-daan sa tinatawag ngayong “The Greatest Escape.”
Noong panahon ng pagluluksa ng sambayanan sa pagkasawi ng ating magigiting
na pulis, isa siya sa mga nagsigurong mananatiling maayos ang ugnayan ng
Philippine National Police at Armed Forces of the Philippines. Sa panahon
din ng panunungkulan ni Gen. Catapang, at sa pakikipagtulungan ng ating
kapulisan at iba pa nating kakampi sa pagpapatatag ng seguridad, maraming
high-value targets ang ating nasupil. Kabilang na nga po dito ang mataas na
opisyal ng BIFF na sina Basit Usman, Mohamad Ali Tambako, at Abdulgani
Esmael Pagao, pati na si Kumander Parago ng CPP-NPA-NDF. General Catapang,
sa ngalan ng sambayanang Pilipino, maraming-maraming salamat.
Ngayon
nga po, sa pakikiambag na rin ng bawat isang miyembro ng ating unipormadong
hanay, iiwan ni Gen. Catapang ang isang AFP na mas matatag, mas moderno, at
buo ang integridad. Nitong Mayo nga po, ginawaran ng Institute for
Solidarity in Asia ang AFP ng Silver Trailblazer Award, sa matagumpay nitong
pagpapatupad ng Performance Governance System. Patunay po ang pagkilalang
ito na hindi lang tayo puro salita sa pagpapatupad ng reporma sa ating
unipormadong hanay. Naglatag tayo ng malinaw na plano sa ating AFP
Transformation Roadmap; binibigyan natin ng sapat na kakayahan at kagamitan
ang ating mga kawal sa ilalim ng AFP Modernization and Capability Upgrade
Program; at sinisiguro nating ang lahat ng pamantayan ay sinusunod mula sa
pinakamataas hanggang sa pinakamababang antas ng ating Sandatahang Lakas.
Higit sa lahat, nagsagawa at nagsasagawa na rin tayo ng mga hakbang upang
matugunan ang mga pangangailangan sa hinaharap, at masigurong hindi na
magbabalik ang dating kalakaran.
Di po ba, parang kelan lang ay
napakatayog na pangarap para sa ating mga sundalo ang makakita man lang ng
modernong kagamitan. Ngayon, hindi lang nila nakikita, ginagamit na nila ang
BRP Gregorio del Pilar at BRP Ramon Alcaraz, pati na ang BRP Tagbanua na
kauna-unahang landing-craft utility na made in the Philippines; 3 AW-109
naval helicopters, 60 field ambulances; at 1 1/4 at 2 1/2 ton troop carrier
trucks. Dagdag pa diyan, may 36 na proyekto na nagkakahalaga ng P90.46
bilyon ang nakatakda nating i-procure. Kabilang na dito ang 12
Fighter/Surface Attack/Lead-in Fighter Trainer Aircraft (FA-50) and basing
support; 6 Close Air Support Aircraft; 8 Combat Utility Helicopters, 2 Long
Range Patrol Aircraft and basing support; 2 C-130 Aircraft; at 2 frigates.
Bibigyan ko lang ng diin: Hindi tsamba ang dahilan kung bakit may pambili
tayo ng mga iyan. Ginagastos natin nang tama ang pondo ng bayan kaya marami
tayong naibibigay na pakinabang.
Bukod nga po sa pagbili ng modernong
kagamitan, inasikaso din natin ang disenteng pabahay para sa inyo. Nitong
Marso, napirmahan ko na ang dagdag sa inyong subsistence allowance. Kasama
rin ang unipormadong hanay sa nakatanggap ng Productivity Enhancement
Incentive na nilagdaan ko naman noong Mayo. Nagtutulong-tulong na rin ang
DBM, DOF, DND, at DILG sa pagbubuo ng isang draft pension bill na maglalatag
ng mga hakbang upang masigurong mapopondohan nang tama at tuloy-tuloy ang
inyong mga benepisyo. Sa ganitong paraan, madaragdagan na rin natin ang
inyong bilang na sa mahabang panahon ay hindi nagbago kahit dumoble na ang
ating populasyon.
Malinaw po: Sa Daang Matuwid, ipinagkakaloob ang
nararapat lang sa inyong mga handang magbuwis ng buhay kapag tumama ang
sakuna, may banta ng terorismo, o nakahahawang sakit, at may gustong
umangkin sa ating teritoryo. Salamat dahil paulit-ulit din niyo itong
tinapatan ng higit na pagpapakitang gilas sa pagtupad ng inyong mga
tungkulin. Wala pong duda: Sa nagdaang mahigit limang taon ay lalo pang
tumibay ang pagkakaisa ng AFP at ng sambayanan.
Kasabay ng ating
pagpupugay kay Gen. Catapang, at pagdiriwang sa mga tagumpay ng AFP, malugod
din nating tinatanggap ang bagong mamumuno sa ating Sandatahang Lakas: Si
Lt. Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo A. Iriberri. Ang balita ko, kahit sino man
sa mga nakasama niya sa misyon, training, at exercises ang tanungin n’yo,
very good ang ibibigay na marka sa bago nating Chief of Staff. Mula nga
noong platoon leader pa lamang siya, basta siya mismo ang nagmamando sa
operasyon, walang casualty sa kanyang mga tropa. Noong 2013 elections naman,
nakadestino ang kanyang brigade sa Abra. Sa ilalim ng kanyang pagbabantay at
ng kanyang mga tauhan, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay walang barangay na
nagdeklara ng failure of elections sa Abra, at walang naitalang
election-related violence sa lalawigan.
Lt. Gen. Iriberri, ito ang
hamon sa iyo ngayon: Ipagpatuloy ang magandang nasimulan ni Gen. Catapang at
ng mga nauna sa kanya, at lalo pang itaas ang kalidad ng serbisyo ng ating
mga kawal. Alalahanin natin: Malapit na naman ang eleksiyon. Kasama sa
inyong tungkulin ang pagsigurong magiging mapayapa at malinis ang pagpili ng
ating mga kababayan ng susunod na pinuno. Sa ganitong paraan ninyo
masusuklian ang suporta at pagkalingang ibinigay sa inyo ng mamamayang
Pilipino, ang ating mga Boss.
Tunay nga po: Sa mahigit limang taon
lamang ng pagtahak natin sa Daang Matuwid, napakarami na nating
napagtagumpayan. Natakpan natin ang mga tagas sa ating mga sistema at
institusyon. Pinapanagot natin ang mga tiwali sa pinakamatataas na opisina
ng ating pamahalaan. Napaunlad natin ang ating ekonomiya, napalawak natin
ang ating mga serbisyong panlipunan, at nakakapagbukas tayo ng mas maraming
oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan. Nabawi na natin ang ating
pambansang dangal. Isipin na lang po ninyo ang kaya pa nating makamit kung
patuloy nating pipiliin ang matuwid.
Malinaw po: Ang dating kalakaran
kung saan puro mission impossible ang hinihingi sa inyo, ay napalitan na
natin ng kulturang naninigurong mission accomplished kayo. Sa ilalim ng
isang liderato na inuuna ang pangangailangan ng ating unipormadong hanay
imbes na ang sarili; sa pakikiambag ng ating non-commissioned officers; at
sa pagkakaisa ng mga sibilyan at militar: Mabibigyan natin ng pagkakataon
ang mga susunod na henerasyon na abutin ang mas matatayog pang pangarap, sa
isang lipunang mas mapayapa, mas ligtas, at mas kayang ipagtanggol ang
sarili.
Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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Radyo Singko / All Ready by Orly Mercado
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10 July 2015
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MERCADO: Secretary Sonny good morning.
SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga,
Orly.
MERCADO: Nakausap ko si Secretary Voltz just a few minutes ago.
And binibigyan kami ng update. Itong pinadala nating delegasyon eh meron
ding mga kumakantiyaw. Sinasabi na baka overacting daw ang Pilipinas at
malaki ang delegasyon natin at baka naman eh, ano lang iyan junket lang.
Sabi ni Secretary Voltz, “eh ni hindi ka nga makakilos doon dahil talagang
nakaupo ka roon at talagang magpapakita ka ng suporta, papaano magiging
junket iyan.” Anyway, ano ba ang paliwanag ng Palasyo tungkol dito?
SEC. COLOMA: Dahil napakahalaga ng usapin na ating idinulog sa Permanent
Court on Arbitration, Orly, kailangang ipakita natin iyong tinatawag na
“whole of government approach” - na nagkakaisa ang buong pamahalaan ng
Pilipinas at kabilang na dito ‘yung tatlong sangay, hindi lamang iyong
Ehekutibo kung hindi pati na rin iyong Lehislatura at ang Hudikatura. Kaya
nga nandoon din si House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., at sa panig naman
ng Hudikatura, sina Supreme Court Associate Justices Antonio Carpio at
Francis Jardeleza. Ginagawa lang natin, Orly, ang nararapat na angkop doon
sa kahalagahan ng usaping idinulog natin.
MERCADO: Alam ninyo, noon
nagkaroon ako ng kaunting karanasan when I was a Permanent Representative
doon sa ASEAN. Eh nasa diplomasya, kung sino ang pinadadala mo at kung ilan
ang pinadadala mo, malaking bagay iyan eh. Kung gaano ka-senior iyong mga
kausap mo, iyan ang nagpapakita ng kahalagahan ng isang bansa doon sa
pinag-uusapan, hindi ba?
SEC. COLOMA: Tama iyon, Orly. At ang mga
buong kaganapan naman nito ay hindi lamang doon sa hayag na petisyon (?).
Merong tinatawag na sidelines, at doon sa sidelines ay marami ding
makabuluhang interaction na nagaganap, dahil napapag-usapan iyong mahalagang
aspeto ng ating petisyon.
MERCADO: Sa ngayon eh iyon naman eh dapat
ay iyong ating mga hindi pagkakaunawan, dapat iyan nasa water’s edge lang
natin iyan. Pagdating po ng mga sigalot sa ibang bansa ay dapat eh
nagkakaisa tayo. Eh nagulat nga ako, mabuti naman at nabasa ko nga rito na
si Joma Sison na nasa Netherlands ay nagdedeklara na suportado niya ang
posisyon ng Pilipinas dito sa isyung ito?
SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga,
Orly. Dito rin sa ating bansa, iyong grupo ng Makabayan na sa maraming isyu
ay nandoon sila sa kabila. Eh dito ay nasa iisang panig lang po tayo, dahil
ang nakataya ay iyong mismong soberanya at karangalan ng ating bansa.
MERCADO: Saka maganda iyong kahapon, dahil sa nakatutok sa isa sa
pinaka-importanteng isyu, iyong environment, iyong pagkakawasak at patuloy
na winawasak ng Tsina ang kapaligiran ng South China Sea at maaring
permanent iyong mga damage. Gumagawa na sila ng mga istraktura na malamang
maging military structures.
SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga, Orly. Dahil isa sa
mga isyu diyan sa jurisdiction, hindi naman iyong teritoryo o iyong
kalupaan. Ang isyu diyan ay iyong konsepto ng maritime entitlement na
tinatawag. Dahil doon sa binuong United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea kinikilala iyong Exclusive Economic Zone, pati iyong continental shelf.
At batid natin dahil tayo nga ay napaligiran ng karagatan, nandiyan iyong
likas na yaman ng ating bansa. At sa kasawiang-palad dahil doon sa massive
reclamation hayag iyong naging pinsala doon sa coral reefs natin na
napakahalaga para sa kalusugan ng mga isda at yamang-dagat.
MERCADO:
Oo nandiyan iyong semilyahan ng mga isda at talagang traditional fishing
ground. Ang masaklap pa niyan, pati iyong mga pawikan, kahit na iyong mga
malilit na mga turtles ay talagang ano iyan. Isa sa mga isyu na maipapakita
natin na medyo talagang magkaisa ang Pilipino.
SEC. COLOMA: Tama
iyon.
MERCADO: Maiba ako ng usapan, Sonny. Ano ang balita doon sa
execution date ni Mary Jane Veloso na nasa Indonesia at hanggang ngayon eh
death sentence na nasa parang sword of Damocles na nasa ulo niya?
SEC.
COLOMA: Patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan ang ating Department of Justice sa
counterpart sa Indonesia, Orly, para alamin ang sitwasyon. Kung maalala
natin, iyong kahilingan ni Pagulong Aquino kay Pangulong Joko Widodo noong
ginanap ang ASEAN Summit sa Malaysia noong Abril ay batay doon sa konsepto
na si Mary Jane Veloso ay isang biktima ng malaking sindikato na nagsasagawa
ng human trafficking at illegal drug trade. Kaya’t kung nais ng bansang
Indonesia na mabuwag ang sindikatong ito, ang atensyon dapat ay doon sa mga
mastermind at doon sa mga malalaking tao na nagpapagalaw nito. Dahil doon sa
mga naipakita na natin, si Mary Jane Veloso ay isang inosenteng galing sa
lalawigan na naghahangad lang na makakuha ng hanapbuhay at iyong pagtungo
niya sa ibang bansa na nagdala sa kanya doon sa bansang Indonesia ay
kauna-unahang pagkakataon iyon na siya sumakay sa eroplano at nagpa-ibang
bansa. Wala talaga siyang...
MERCADO: Experience.
SEC. COLOMA:
Wala talaga siyang proyekto na lumabag sa batas o maging sangkot sa isang
malaking krimen. Kaya iyan po ang ating puntong pinapaunawa. At kaya nga po
nagsasagawa na ngayon ng pag-uusig doon sa alleged illegal recruiter, dahil
ito po ang nagpakilala kay Mary Jane doon sa mga nagpadala sa kanya ng
ilegal na droga.
MERCADO: So, hindi pa tapos ang mga efforts dito.
Dahil sa mukhang nandoon pa rin iyong death sentence at hindi pa
nako-commute iyon at hindi pa napa-pardon o anuman.
SEC. COLOMA: Kaya
nga, Orly ‘no, at masinsin iyong pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating Department of
Justice sa counterpart nito sa Indonesia.
MERCADO: Okay. So we are
all hoping na baka sakaling iyang si Mary Jane ay mailigtas at mai-alis na
doon sa listahan ng mga nakapila na bigyan ng death sentence.
SEC.
COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Orly.
MERCADO: Anyway, thank you very much
Secretary Sonny Coloma. Thank you very much for your time.
SEC.
COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Orly. |
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| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data
Processing Center |
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Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 AM
13 July 2015 
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM
13 July 2015 
Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure
Analysis 8 AM
13 July 2015 
Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis 8 AM
13 July 2015 
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