Dispatch for January 24 , 2014 ( Friday ) , 3 PIA Calabarzon PR , 4 Weather Watch , 6 Reg’l. Watch , 3 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15 Online News , 48 Photonews (Jan.23)

.

1. WeatherWatch
24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Note: Please refresh the page to ensure that the information is up-to-date.   Issued At: 5:00 a.m., 24 January 2014 Valid Beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 24 January 2014 Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind Analysis for 8 a.m., 24 January 2014 Satellite Image for 5:32 a.m., 24 January 2014 Synopsis: Northeast Monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Forecast: The Regions of Caraga and Davao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and of Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. The rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the northeast to north over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.
2. WeatherWatch    GALE WARNING GALE WARNING NO. 35 For: Strong to gale force winds associated with the surge of Northeast Monsoon. Issued at 5:00 a.m. today, 24 January 2014 Strong to gale force winds is expected to affect the seaboards of Luzon, the eastern seaboard of Visayas and the northern and eastern seaboards of Mindanao. SEABOARD WEATHER WIND FORCE (KPH)/(KNOTS) SEA CONDITION WAVE HEIGHTS (meters) THE NORTHERN AND EASTERN SEABOARDS OF MINDANAO (Agusan del Norte, Surigao, Davao Oriental, Dinagat Island and Siargao) Cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms (52- 68 /28 - 36) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 5.0 THE EASTERN SEABOARDS OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN LUZON AND OF VISAYAS (Aurora, Camarines Provinces, Catanduanes, Eastern coasts of Albay and of Sorsogon, Eastern coast of Quezon including Polillo Island, Samar and Leyte) Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains (52- 68 /28 - 36) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 5.0 THE SEABOARDS OF NORTHERN LUZON, THE WESTERN SEABOARD OF CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN LUZON AND THE SOUTHERN SEABOARD OF SOUTHERN LUZON (Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, Cagayan, Ilocos, Isabela, La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Cavite, Mindoro, Palawan, Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Masbate, Burias Island, Southwestern coast of Albay and of Sorsogon and of Camarines Sur, Southern coast of Quezon and of Batangas) Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with light rains (52- 63 /28 - 34) Rough to very rough 3.4 to 4.5 Fishing boats and other small seacrafts are advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels are alerted against big waves. The next update will be issued at 5:00 p.m. today.   3. Weather Watch Tropical Cyclone Update As of today, there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).       4.  Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo. 4 hours ago 24-Hour Public Weather Forecast Issued at: 5:00 AM 24 January 2014 Synopsis: Northeast monsoon affecting Luzon and Visayas. Forecast: The regions of CARAGA and Davao will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon and of Visayas will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains. The rest of Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms . Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and coming from the northeast to north over Mindanao. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough. Over Metro Manila: Maximum Temperature: 1:50 Pm Yesterday --- 27.6 ºc Minimum Temperature: 6:00 Am Yesterday --- 19.7 ºc Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 Am Yesterday --- 87 % Minimum Relative Humidity:12:00 Nn Yesterday --- 52 % Low Tide Today: 8:42 Am …..……….. 0.17 Meter High Tide Today: 3:58 Pm …..……….. 0.68 Meter Low Tide Today: 11:17 Pm …..……….. 0.28 Meter High Tide Tomorrow: 3:41 Am …..……….. 0.36 Meter Sunrise Today: 6:25 Am Sunset Today: 5:51 Pm Moonset Today: 11:32 Am Moonrise Tomorrow: 12:28 Am Illumination Tomorrow: 42 % For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph. Like · · Share         1. PIA Regional Watch 18 hours ago   PIA-4A/QUEZON: DOLE-Quezon provincial office has awarded the total amount of P394,000.00 to Candelaria Coconut and Other Products Manufacturer's Association, Inc. as working capital of said association in making coco based products. The group which is composed of 68 members and beneficiaries of DTI's shared service facility program manufactures 31 coco based products. 2. PIA Regional Watch 20 hours ago PIA-4A/QUEZON: The San Narciso municipal police station launched 'police caravan' and 'oplan katok' in order to promote peace and order in the said town. The 'oplan katok' aims to lessen and control spread out of unlicensed firearms. 3. PIA Regional Watch 21 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Ang pamunuan ng Malvar Municipal Police Station ay namamahagi ng pito(whistle) sa kanilang nasasakupan na isang mabisang paraan upang tumawag ng pansin kapag may kalamidad o anumang pangyayaring kaugnay ng seguridad. 4. PIA Regional Watch 21 hours ago PIA-4A: His Majesty Carl XVl Gustaf, King of Sweden is expected to visit Mount Makiling in Los Banos on Saturday morning (Jan. 25/14) to meet scouts and scouters from Luzon and other regions including other participants in the conduct of the 3rd one regional scout jamboree to be held on January 23-28 at BSP site in Mt Makiling, Los Banos. 5. PIA Regional Watch 22 hours ago PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isang joint medical-dental mission ang isinasagawa ngayon ng AFP at PNP sa Brgy.Balatbat sa bayan ng Lobo na naglalayong makatugon sa pangangailangang medikal ng mga mamamayan dito. 6. PIA Regional Watch 22 hours ago PIA-4A/LAGUNA: Artists and art enthusiasts will join the scientific community at the IRRI Headquarters in Los Banos, Laguna on January 29, 2014 to commemorate National Artist Vicente Manansala's 104th birth anniversary through a series of activities that include a special viewing of his painting, symposium on the artist's life and work, and special exhibit. 1.  PIA OFW Watch 15 minutes ago DZBB: Umaasa ang Palasyo na hindi magkakaroon ng lamat ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Malaysia sa inihahandang diplomatic protest kaugnay ng pang-aabusong sekswal, pananakit at hindi makataong pagtrato sa mga naarestong OFW sa Malaysia. Sinabi ni PCOO Sec. Coloma na malalim at mahaba na ang kasaysayan ng pagkakaibigan ng Malaysia at Pilipinas. 2. PIA OFW Watch 2. PIA OFW Watch 26 minutes ago Philippine Embassy to Thailand, Consul General Edgar Badajos on ANC: Re: Situation of Filipinos in Thailand -We are looking on the situation on the ground. -The difference now is with the declaration of state of emergency, the possible of more violence around the streets are higher. -We would like to say to all Filipinos here in Thailand to monitor, be vigilant and prepare for any possibilities. -Alert level four is evacuation, alert 3 is relocation. -Our contingency plan includes every possible that could happen even the possible evacuation of Filipinos if necessary. -We have the resources. -We have already contact with some companies and individuals who can provide necessities for us if evacuation is needed. -We have not received any calls from Filipinos here for help. 3. PIA OFW Watch 40 minutes ago DFA Asec. Raul Hernandez on GMA News TV Re: Situations of Pinoy in Thailand -Nakataas na ang alert level 2 doon. Iwasan muna ng ating mga kababayan doon ang mga non-essential movement, pagpunta sa public places lalo na sa may mga kilos-protesta at maghanda sa posibleng evacuation kung kakailanganin. -Para sa mga nagbabalak pumunta sa Thailand, kung hindi naman kailangan ay ipagpaliban muna hangga't maari lalo sa Bangkok at surrounding areas. -We have constant contact to our Ambassador and Embassy there. Re: Malaysia crackdown vs. illegal foreign workers - Bina-validate ng ating Embahada na may nahuli ng mga kababayan natin doon. -Kahapon may natanggap na reklamo ang ating Embahada galing sa isang Pilipino na inabuso sa Kota Kinabalu. -Handa ang ating Embahada na gumawa ng reklamo dito at iparating sa Malaysian authorities para hindi na maulit ito at para yung mga kababayan natin na naaapektuhan ng crackdown ay tratuhin ng maayos.   Weather Watch January  24 , 2013  ( Friday )     as of 6:00-7:00 AM CAVITE             :  Sunny  LAGUNA          :  Cloudy  BATANGAS    :   Sunny  RIZAL                :  Fair Weather    QUEZON           :  Mosty Cloudy  ==============================================================    DTI Quezon nagkaloob ng pagsasanay ukol sa bamboo processing Monday 20th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 GUMACA, Quezon, Enero 20 (PIA) --Matapos pagkalooban ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ng iba't ibang kagamitan ang Gumaca Woodcraft Multi-purpose Cooperative sa ilalim ng shared services facility (SSF) program, isang pagsasanay ukol sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ang ipinagkaloob naman ng DTI-Quezon. Nagsilbing tagapagsanay si G. Eduardo J. Yabut, Jr., isang dalubhasa sa bamboo technology at sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ukol dito mula sa Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC). Ang tatlong araw na pagsasanay mula Enero 13 hanggang Enero 15 ay ginanap sa pagawaan ng nasabing kooperatiba na dinaluhan ng 22 katao mula sa ibat-ibang grupo ng mga gumagawa ng Bamboo Hut at bamboo furnitures. Ang Gumaca Woodcraft ay gagawa ng mga laminated bamboo slats kung kaya ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang kiln dryer, circular saw cutter, bamboo slat cutter at laminating machine. Samantala, ang iba pang mga grupo ay bibigyan ng mga makinang ukol lamang sa pag-gawa ng bamboo furnitures habang sila ay makakagamit din ng makinarya ng Gumaca upang higit na makamit ang mataas na antas ng kalidad para sa kanilang mga produkto. Samantala, isa pang pagsasanay tungkol sa bamboo lamination ay inihahanda ng DTI Quezon sa pamamagitan ni Ginang Graciela Ledesma sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Provincial Director Marcelina Alcantara. Ang mga nakahandang pagsasanay ay kinabibilangan ng mga sumusunod:  ‘raw materials selection & harvesting’, ‘primary processing and sorting’, at ‘treatment, preservation and proper storage’. Isa sa pinaka-tampok na produkto sa pagsasanay ay ang pag-gawa ng ‘engineered bamboo’, isang mas matibay na tabla yari sa pinagdikit-dikit o pinagsapin-sapin o paglalamina ng manipis na mga bahagi ng kawayan. Maari itong gamitin na upuan sa mga paaralan at iba pang uri ng mga muwebles. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/Pablito Budoy, DTI Quezon) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631390198699#sthash.NfuxAYv3.dpuf DTI Quezon nagkaloob ng pagsasanay ukol sa bamboo processing Monday 20th of January 2014   GUMACA, Quezon, Enero 20 (PIA) --Matapos pagkalooban ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) ng iba't ibang kagamitan ang Gumaca Woodcraft Multi-purpose Cooperative sa ilalim ng shared services facility (SSF) program, isang pagsasanay ukol sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ang ipinagkaloob naman ng DTI-Quezon. Nagsilbing tagapagsanay si G. Eduardo J. Yabut, Jr., isang dalubhasa sa bamboo technology at sa paggamit ng mga makinarya ukol dito mula sa Cottage Industry and Technology Center (CITC). Ang tatlong araw na pagsasanay mula Enero 13 hanggang Enero 15 ay ginanap sa pagawaan ng nasabing kooperatiba na dinaluhan ng 22 katao mula sa ibat-ibang grupo ng mga gumagawa ng Bamboo Hut at bamboo furnitures. Ang Gumaca Woodcraft ay gagawa ng mga laminated bamboo slats kung kaya ipinagkaloob sa kanila ang kiln dryer, circular saw cutter, bamboo slat cutter at laminating machine. Samantala, ang iba pang mga grupo ay bibigyan ng mga makinang ukol lamang sa pag-gawa ng bamboo furnitures habang sila ay makakagamit din ng makinarya ng Gumaca upang higit na makamit ang mataas na antas ng kalidad para sa kanilang mga produkto. Samantala, isa pang pagsasanay tungkol sa bamboo lamination ay inihahanda ng DTI Quezon sa pamamagitan ni Ginang Graciela Ledesma sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Provincial Director Marcelina Alcantara. Ang mga nakahandang pagsasanay ay kinabibilangan ng mga sumusunod:  ‘raw materials selection & harvesting’, ‘primary processing and sorting’, at ‘treatment, preservation and proper storage’. Isa sa pinaka-tampok na produkto sa pagsasanay ay ang pag-gawa ng ‘engineered bamboo’, isang mas matibay na tabla yari sa pinagdikit-dikit o pinagsapin-sapin o paglalamina ng manipis na mga bahagi ng kawayan.                                                                                               Maari itong gamitin na upuan sa mga paaralan at iba pang uri ng mga muwebles. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon/Pablito Budoy, DTI Quezon)    Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification Thursday 9th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Twenty provincial offices have passed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration from the international certifying body for their excellence in quality management system. The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014. The newly ISO certified offices are the following:  Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety,  Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office. Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents. ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services. The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office. The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012. The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification Thursday 9th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Twenty provincial offices have passed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration from the international certifying body for their excellence in quality management system. The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014. The newly ISO certified offices are the following:  Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety,  Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office. Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents. ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services. The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office. The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012. The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf Provincial gov’t offices receive ISO certification Thursday 9th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan. 9 (PIA) – Twenty provincial offices have passed the ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration from the international certifying body for their excellence in quality management system. The awarding of ISO 9001:2008 certificate of registration held Monday, January 6, at the provincial gymnasium during the first flag-raising ceremony for the year 2014. The newly ISO certified offices are the following:  Provincial Administrator for Internal Affairs, Provincial Accounting Office, Provincial Budget Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office, Provincial Health Office, Cavite Office Of Public Safety,  Provincial Information Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Provincial Cooperative Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Office, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Jail, Provincial Legal Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Population Office, Provincial Housing Development and Management Office, Provincial Youth and Sports Development Office, Provincial Tourism Office and Cavite Quality Management Office. Governor Jonvic Remulla reminded the employees of the provincial government to live the ISO culture and exert all efforts to maintain the certification and constantly improve service delivery to constituents. ISO 9001:2008 is a set of standards and requirements for the development of a quality management system commonly applied by private corporations and organizations to help ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are adequately and consistently met. These standards also enable organizations to develop mechanisms for continual improvement of products and services. The province adopted the principle of instituting quality management system particularly in the four core offices of the provincial government (which was ISO certified almost two years ago) namely the Treasury, Assessor’s Office, Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Office of the Provincial Governor together with three support offices – the Human Resource management Office, Information Technology Division and the General Services Office. The Anglo Japanese American (AJA) Registrars granted the Certificate of Attestation to the Provincial Government last May 3, 2012. Later, Cavite was awarded as the first ISO 9001:2008 certified provincial government in the Philippines and in South East Asia on June 12, 2012. The event was attended by the members of Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Gov. Jolo Revilla, Dir. Josefina Castilla-Go, regional director of DILG Region IV, Dir. Fernando Mendoza, assistant regional director of the Civil Service Commission Region IV-A, harity Arevalo, field director Region IV-A, Paul Bagatsing of AJA Registrar’s Inc., Jesus Barrera, quality management representative, division and department heads and employees of the provincial capitol. (PICAD/RBF, PIA-Cavite) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=671389253131#sthash.cELm3Ykk.dpuf    No measles outbreak in Calabarzon Monday 13th of January 2014  2  0  0  0  0 CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Jan 13 (PIA) --While the Department of Health (DOH) declared measles outbreak in some cities of the National Capital Region (NCR) early this month, there was no reported occurrence of outbreak in Calabarzon as of this time. But Calabarzon was not spared from the rising cases of measles in the Philippines. Last year, the total number of laboratory-confirmed measles cases in the region was 458, which was 288 percent higher compared with the 159 confirmed cases in 2012. Dr. Nestor F. Santiago, Jr., regional director, DOH - Regional Health Office (DOH-RHO) 4A, said there was an increase in measles cases last 2013 in three provinces in the region, namely: Laguna, 259; Batangas, 88; and Cavite, 57. The cities with the highest number of measles cases were: 1) Sta. Rosa City, 119; 2) Lipa City, 42; and 3) Bacoor City, 23. Since May 2013, the health workers in these areas have already conducted outbreak response immunization for children 6 months to 59 months old to complete the 2 doses of measles vaccination and ensure increase in the immunization coverage. Dr. Santiago stressed that significant activities have already been undertaken by the DOH-RHO 4A, in coordination with the local government units, such as: massive information dissemination campaign; delivery of Measles vaccines (MV) and Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccines (MMRV) to different provinces to ensure availability of logistics; surveillance of all reported cases; and inventory of cold chain facilities. Moreover, he said, health advisories have also been sent to local government units, to remind them to mobilize their respective local health workers to conduct catch-up and follow-up immunization of drop-outs and missed children, to ensure high immunization coverage. (MTYMalubag, DOH RHO4A/PIA4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=631389601198#sthash.rIIraTU7.dpuf    P10.5M halaga ng isda sa lawa ng Taal, apektado ng malamig na panahon Tuesday 21st of January 2014   TALISAY, Batangas, Enero 21 (PIA) --Tinatayang may 120 toneladang isda na nagkakahalaga ng P10.5M ang naapektuhan sa nangyaring fish mortality sanhi ng malamig na panahon. Sinabi ni Vic Mercado ng Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB) na nangyari ang insidente sanhi ng sulfur upwelling sa lawa ng Taal a siyang naging dahilan ng fish mortality sa mga barangay na kinabibilangan ng Aya, Quiling, Tumaway at Sampaloc na sakop ng bayang ito. Aniya, ang fish mortality ay dulot ng pag-overturn ng lawa at sulfur upwelling na dala ng napakalamig na panahon. Ito ay karaniwang nangyayari kapag ang malamig na tubig ay nagiging mabigat at bumabagsak sa ilalim na nagiging sanhi naman ng pagtaas ng mainit na tubig na kakaapekto sa mga isda. May 51 fishcages sa kabuuang 2,000 ang naapektuhan sa bayan ng Talisay. Patuloy din ang monitoring ng Task Force Taal Lake, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at lokal na pamahalaan ng Talisay upang masiguro na hindi na ito muling mauulit. Pinayuhan din ang mga operators ng mga fishcages na anihin na ang mga isdang maaaring maibenta upang maiwasan ang pagkalugi.(PIA Batangas)   Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo By: Gideon Gapayao Friday 10th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 10 (PIA) --The Antipolo City Business and Permits and Licensing Office is currently implementing its annual Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) activity helping local entrepreneurs fast track their business registration processing. Requirements for new applications are SEC/DTI registration, barangay business clearance, community tax certificate/corporate tax certificate, contract of lease (TCT), 3R photos of the applicant, zoning clearance, environmental permit to operate, sanitary permit, fire clearance, homeowner’s endorsement (if applicable), authorization letters (if sending a representative) and other national agency clearances depending on the nature of the business. Renewal of businesses have similar requirements together with the old mayor’s permit complete with attachments and the previous year’s audited gross sales report. BOSS 2014 is ongoing from January 2-20 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City. (GG-PIA4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261389320169#sthash.MyOxQH2c.dpuf Business One-Stop Shop 2014 ongoing in Antipolo By: Gideon Gapayao Friday 10th of January 2014  New  0  0  0  0 ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 10 (PIA) --The Antipolo City Business and Permits and Licensing Office is currently implementing its annual Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) activity helping local entrepreneurs fast track their business registration processing. Requirements for new applications are SEC/DTI registration, barangay business clearance, community tax certificate/corporate tax certificate, contract of lease (TCT), 3R photos of the applicant, zoning clearance, environmental permit to operate, sanitary permit, fire clearance, homeowner’s endorsement (if applicable), authorization letters (if sending a representative) and other national agency clearances depending on the nature of the business. Renewal of businesses have similar requirements together with the old mayor’s permit complete with attachments and the previous year’s audited gross sales report. BOSS 2014 is ongoing from January 2-20 at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City. (GG-PIA4A) - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2261389320169#sthash.MyOxQH2c.dpuf  Rizal gov’t signs agreement for Hinulugang Taktak development Monday 20th of January 2014 ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, January 20 (PIA) --A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the co-administration and co-management of the Hinulugang Taktak Protected Landscape (HTPL) was signed recently between the provincial government of Rizal and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon Region recently. Governor Nini Ynares representing the Rizal Provincial Government (RPG) signed the MOA along with DENR Calabarzon Region regional executive director Reynulfo A. Juan and Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares. Under the agreement, the DENR through the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the HTPL, chaired by RED Juan and co-chaired by Gov. Ynares shall oversee the active participation of all concerned and other stakeholders in the protection and management of the abovementioned natural resources. “It is high time that we bring back the glory of one of the most iconic waterfalls in the province and the whole country. I assure our constituents that more environmentally sound projects are in the pipeline,” remarked Gov. Ynares. The governor has always been a strong advocate of a sustainable development and protection of the environment. Her flagship project YES to Green (Ynares Eco System) program which has three components: cleaning, greening and recycling, has been successfully launched and supported by all the municipalities and one component city in the province. The HTPL is a priority project under the YES Program. The Hinulugang Taktak waterfalls with an area of 3.2 hectares was declared under the category of protected landscape through Proclamation No. 412 to ensure its protection, sustainable development and rehabilitation. (Rizal PIO/PIA-Rizal) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx   22 JANUARY 2014. Aquino joins People Asia awarding rites; thanks foreign dignitaries for continuing support President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will be completed by 2017 President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will create 18,000 jobs Palace: Reforms in GOCC system to keep bonuses of executives from getting too high President Aquino welcomes US Senator Marco Rubio in Malacanang President Aquino creates an Inter-Agency Committee for the Philippine hosting of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation Administration unfazed by recent attacks, says Official Aquino joins People Asia awarding rites; thanks foreign dignitaries for continuing support President Benigno S. Aquino III once again expressed his gratitude to foreign dignitaries who assisted the Philippines following the devastation of major calamities last year. “Here, we have the ambassadors and heads of mission who represent countries that have proven to be friends of the Filipino people—countries who have shown their support and solidarity with the Philippines in the wake of recent calamities,” the President said during the People Asia’s People of the Year Awards 2014 held in Makati City Tuesday night. “I ask you to join me in thanking them once more tonight. Excellencies, may I ask you to receive the applause—the gratitude and the friendship of our country.” The country was hit by major disasters in 2013 most notably the earthquake in Bohol and Cebu and the super typhoon Yolanda that devastated the Visayas region. The President said that Tuesday’s event is a celebration of a life dedicated to the pursuit of excellence that has tangible effects on others. Tuesday’s event recognized the recipient of People Asia’s highest honor, Mrs. Socorro C. Ramos, the founder and general manager of National Book Store. For 14 years, People Asia magazine has annually recognized people who have inspired others by exhibiting competence and excellence in their chosen fields. “Whether in business, media and entertainment, medicine, or the many other sectors represented here today, our awardees for 2014 have indeed accomplished so much, and in so doing, have brought honor to the Philippines. To all of you: my sincerest congratulations,” the President said of the awardees. Among this year’s People of the Year are Miss World 2013 Megan Young, actress and singer Nora Aunor, Rizal Banking Commercial Corp. chair Helen Yuchengco Dee, five-time PBA coach of the year Chot Reyes, film director Brillante Mendoza, actor Coco Martin, Shell Philippines country chair Edgar Chua, ABS-CBN channel head Cory Vidanes, Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, pop divah Kuh Ledesma, fashion designer Criselda Lontok, prosthodontist Dr. Steve Mark Gan, education advocate Fr. Gerard Deveza and Australian hotelier Thomas Meyer of Raffles and Fairmont Hotel. PND (as) TOP President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will be completed by 2017 President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 that will connect South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) is expected to be completed by 2017. In his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia-end of the elevated section of the Skyway System in Makati City, the Chief Executive said the project aims to decongest traffic in Metro Manila. "Hudyat ang paglulunsad nating ito ngayon sa pagsisimula na ng kostruksyon, na ayon kay Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya ay talagang raratsada naman pagdating ng Abril ng taong ito. Inaasahan natin ang tuluyang pagkumpleto ng proyekto sa 2017—at malamang mamamasyal kami ni President (Fidel) Ramos ‘pag ito po ay nakumpleto na—samantalang mayroon naman pong accelerated construction target para sa June 2016," the President said. The Skyway Stage 3 elevated expressway starts at the end of Skyway Stage 1 along Buendia Avenue, running the length of Osmeña Highway, Quirino Avenue, Paco, Sta. Mesa via the Nagtahan flyovers, traversing Aurora Blvd and Araneta Ave. up to Sgt Rivera Road and A Bonifacio Ave. toward North Luzon Expressway. "Sa halagang mahigit 26 na billion piso, ikokonekta po ng lampas labing-apat na kilometrong kalsadang ito ang Buendia at Balintawak," he said. The 14.8 km 6-lane elevated expressway will help decongest the major thoroughfares of Metro Manila, particularly EDSA and C-5, the President said. "Tinatayang 55,000 sasakyan araw-araw ang ikaluluwag ng mga kalsadang ito. Siguro rin po, karamihan sa atin, dumaan na sa matinding kalbaryo ng pagbibiyahe mula Buendia hanggang Balintawak," he said. The skyway will reduce the travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from two hours to 15 to 20 minutes, the President said. After the project launching, the Citra Central Expressway Corporation will start mobilizing for its advance works along Osmeña Highway in Manila. The project aims at improving the accessibility, mobility and connectivity in and out of the metropolis via 8 strategic access points. It provides an alternate route to decongest EDSA and the major thoroughfares around its vicinity. PND (js) TOP President Aquino says Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will create 18,000 jobs President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday the P26.7-billion Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project will create some 18,000 jobs. "Makakapaghatid ang proyektong ito ng halos 6,000 na direktang trabaho, at karagdagang 10 hanggang 12 libong indirect jobs sa panahon ng kostruksyon," the Chief Executive said in his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia-end of the elevated section of the Skyway System in Makati City. The project is expected to attract more investments not only to Metro Manila but also in the CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Central Luzon, the President said. The project will enhance the economic interaction of the CALABARZON, Metro Manila and Central Luzon that contribute to over 60% of the country's gross domestic product. "Sa totoo lang po, hindi madali ang pinagdaanan natin para marating ang araw na ito. Isipin po ninyo: Dekada 70 pa nang ilatag ang planong noo’y tinawag nilang Manila North at Manila South Expressways," the President said. "Makalipas po ang mga dekada, ngayon pa lang tayo maglulunsad ng ikatlong bahagi Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan noong dekada 90. Isa pong malinaw na dahilan: ang Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines noon, na ngayo’y Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), ay kulang sa kakayahang gawin ang proyekto," he said. "Sa harap po ng constitutional at legal issues na ito, malinaw po ang ating ginawa: Humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa lahat ng batas, lalo na sa Saligang Batas. Kinausap natin ang mga katuwang na kompanya upang magkasundo sa implementasyon ng proyektong ito, at para hindi na maipit pa ang benepisyong ihahatid nito sa mamamayang Pilipino," President Aquino stressed. The Citra Central Expressway Corporation will start full-scale construction this April and complete the project in 36 months. Team Skyway Stage 3 will exhaust all efforts to keep motorists, commuters and workers safe and the traffic moving at all possible time, especially in the vicinity of its work sites. The Stage 3 alignment will mostly use existing road medians and, as much as possible, utilize Indonesia's unique construction method of "Sosrobahu," a frictionless rotating pierhead device, which allows for the construction of the elevated road without major traffic disruption. "Sa atin pong mga kababayan, humihiling naman po ako ng kaunting pasensya at pang-unawa...Mahalaga po ang pakikiisa ng lahat sa anumang adjustment na ating gagawin para mabigyang-daan ang kostruksyon nito. Hinihiling ko rin ang suporta’t kooperasyon ng ating mga LGUs, partikular na sa isyu ng right of way," the President said. "Taos-puso ang pasasalamat natin sa bawat indibidwal at ahensiyang nakiambag sa tagumpay na ito—mula sa ating national agencies, local government units, hanggang sa pribadong sektor na naghahanda ng kanilang kapital, sa kabila ng mga naranasang pagsubok, dahil desidido silang makatulong," he said. PND (js) TOP Palace: Reforms in GOCC system to keep bonuses of executives from getting too high Malacañang on Wednesday reassured the public that reforms in the rules in the operation of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) will prevent the bonuses and other incentives of the GOCCs’ executives from getting too high. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda also said GOCCs are now more transparent as they are mandated to list the details of bonuses given to officials on their websites. "If you compare, under the previous administration... the highest you can get under the previous administration is (between) P1.8 to P13.5 million. Under this administration, the GCG (Governance Commission for GOCCs) Law (the highest) incentive is only P3 million," Lacierda said at a media briefing. He also said the GCG continues to improve its rules based on information and complaints from the public. Also, he said the GCG's own website can give the public an idea of incentives and bonuses GOCC executives can get. "It's no secret to the public as all these bonuses and incentives are posted. We have basis how much each director received," he said. PND (jl) TOP President Aquino welcomes US Senator Marco Rubio in Malacanang President Benigno S. Aquino III met with US Senator Marco Rubio in Malacanang on Wednesday to discuss financial and security issues. Rubio, who arrived on Tuesday, paid a courtesy call on the President at the Music Room of Malacanang. In a statement, Rubio underscored the importance of Asia to the economic and security well-being of America and said he hoped that the “rhetoric” about the increased presense in the region “does not come at the expense of enduring alliances and challenges in other parts of the world.” Joining the Senator were US Ambassador to the Philippine Philip Bradley, Consul for Foreign and International Security Affairs Jamie Fly and the Senator’s Chief of Staff, Cesar Conda? “For the Philippines, there are two main issues that we’ll talk about, one is the South China Sea issue,” Conda said. “We want to learn more about China’s activities there and what the Philippines is doing and how the United States can help.” Conda said Rubio is also set to discuss economic issues with Aquino to strengthen the existing close trading relationship between the two allies. Joining the President in welcoming Senator Rubio were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras and Rosalita Prospero of the Department of Foreign Affairs. PND (rck) TOP President Aquino creates an Inter-Agency Committee for the Philippine hosting of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the creation of an Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) to organize and implement activities for the hosting of the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Technology and Innovation for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation on September 8-9, 2014. The directive was issued by virtue of Memorandum Circular No. 61 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. last December 23. The AIC will be co-chaired by representatives from the Department of National Defense, Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of Foreign Affairs and Office of European Affairs. Representatives from the Department of Science and Technology, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Economic and Development Authority, Department of Trade and Industry and Climate Change Commission will participate in the committee as members. The inter-agency committee shall formulate a work program and budget plan for the hosting of the Conference. It shall implement the work program, and supervise and monitor all activities relevant thereto. The IAC shall engage the support, assistance, and cooperation of ASEM member partners, regional, inter-governmental, and non-governmental organizations and the private sector and/or entities in the preparations and conduct of the Conference and its related activities. It shall enter into agreements and contracts to implement this Circular, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations; and undertake measures necessary for the successful conduct of the Conference. The funding requirement for the preparation and conduct of the Conference, amounting to P8,670,750.00, shall be charged against the International Commitments Fund subject to applicable government accounting and auditing rules and regulations. The President directed all other government agencies to cooperate with the IAC and provide full support to activities related to the ASEM Conference. Relative to the performance of its mandate, the IAC, through the co-chairs, shall submit a report to the President within 30 days after the completion of the Conference, or as often as may be required by the President. Unless otherwise ordered by the President, the IAC shall cease to exist thirty (30) days after the submission of its report. The circular shall take effect immediately. PND (js) TOP Administration unfazed by recent attacks, says Official The Aquino administration will continue to work to improve the lives of Filipinos despite the current attacks by some lawmakers. Sen. Ramon Revilla accused the President this week saying the chief executive tried to influence him during the Corona impeachment trial. The President denied the allegations. In a press briefing in Malacanang Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said politicians from other parties are attacking the President may be because of the 2016 presidential election. Some people are trying to discredit him knowing that his endorsement for a presidential candidate is crucial in the election, Lacierda said. “Whoever the President will endorse… The power of the President’s endorsement is lethal. It is effective and that's the reason why the—whoever the President would anoint, would certainly have an advantage. So why are people doing this? There are a number of reasons,” Lacierda said. “That’s understandable for those who are not on his camp. But, as far as we are concerned, we're going to continue this because this is an obligation of the President to the Filipino public to improve their lot in life and to allow inclusive growth,” he added. Lacierda also said that the administration has maintained its course in the righteous path and will continue to do so. The President also maintains high approval rating from the people, as evidenced by recent surveys. “Way past midterm, his numbers are still in the 70s. If you look at other heads of states, past midterm, their numbers are already in the 40s. It shows that the President has the trust of the people, has the faith of the people, and has the people behind him,” Lacierda said. PND (as) TOP   22 ENERO 2014 Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa People Asia awarding rites; pinasalamatan ang patuloy na suporta ng foreign dignitaries Lilikha ng 18,000 trabaho, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino, ang gagawing ‘Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project’ Tiniyak ng Palasyo ang reporma sa 'GOCC system' para hindi masyadong lumaki ang bonus ng mga pinuno Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang si Senador Marco Rubio ng Estados Unidos Nilikha ng Pangulong Aquino ang 'Inter-Agency Committee' sa pagiging punung-abala ng Pilipinas sa 'Asia Europe Meeting' Hindi inaalintana ng administrasyon ang mga pagtuligsa rito Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa People Asia awarding rites; pinasalamatan ang patuloy na suporta ng foreign dignitaries Muling nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa patuloy na pagdamay ng mga foreign dignitaries matapos salantain ng mga kalamidad ang bansa noong isang taon . “Kapiling natin ngayon ang mga embahador at puno ng misyon na kumakatawan sa mga bansang tunay na mga kaibigan ng sambayanang Pilipino—mga bansang nagpamalas ng kanilang suporta at pakikiisa sa Pilipinas sa gitna ng dinanas na kalamidad kamakalan,” wika ng Pangulo sa idinaos na “People Asia’s People of the Year Awards 2014” naginanap sa Lungsod ng Makati Martes ng gabi. “Ipinakikiusap ko sa inyo na makiisa sa akin upang minsan pa, pasalamatan sila ngayong gabi, mga Kabunyian, tanggapin po ninyo ang kanilang palakpakan na sagisag ng pagtanaw ng utang na loob at pakikipagkaibigan ng aming bansa,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. Malubhang sinalanta ng matitinding kalamidad ang bansa noong 2013 tulad ng lindol sa Bohol at Cebu, gayundin ang napakalakas na bagyong Yolanda na sumalanta sa Rehiyon ng Kabisayaan. Sinabi rin ng Pangulo na ang pagtitipon Martes ay pagdiriwang ng buhay na iniaalay sa pagtataguyod ng pinakamainam na magkakaroon ng makabuluhang epekto sa ibang tao. Tumanggap ng pinakamataas na karangalan ng People’s Asia ay si Gng. Socorro C. Ramos, ang nagtatag at pangkalahatang tagapamahala ng National Book Store. Sa loob ng 14 taon, ang People Asia magazine ay taunang pagkilala sa mga taong nagsilbing ispirasyon ng ibang tao dahil sa ipinamalas na kakayahan at pambihirang husay sa mga larangang kani-kanilang napili. “Maging sa negosyo, media at entertainment, medisina o iba pang sektor na may kinatawan dito ngayon, ang mga tumanggap ng gawad para sa 2014 ay talaga namang napakaraming nagawa na naging dahilan ng pagbibigay nila ng karangalan sa Pilipinas. Sa inyong lahat, ang aking taos-pusong pagbati,” dugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Sa mga tumanggap ng gawad na People of the Year sa taong ito ay kabilang sina: Megan Young, Miss World 2013; ang artista at mang-aawit na si Nora Aunor; Tagapangulong Helen Yuchengco Dee ng Rizal Bankming Commercial Corp., Chot Reyes, limang taong napiling PBAS coach of the year, ,direktor ng pelikula Brillante Mendoza; artistang si Coco Martin, Edgar Chua, country manager ng Shell Philippines; Puno ng ABS-CBN Cory Vidanes; Gobernador Jonvic Remulla ng Cavite; tanyag na mang-aawit Kuh Ledesma; fashion designer Criselda Lontok; parthodentist Dr. Steve Mark Gan, education advocate Gerard Deveza at Australian hotelier Thomas Meyer ng Raffles and Fairmont Hotel. PND (as/zaf) TOP Lilikha ng 18,000 trabaho, sabi ng Pangulong Aquino, ang gagawing ‘Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Project’ Lilikha ng 18,000 trabaho ang P26.7 bilyong Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project,” alinsunod sa Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III. “Magkakaloob ang proyektong ito ng halos 6,000 direktang trabaho at karagdagang 10 hanggang 12 libong indirektong hanapbuhay sa panahon ng kostruksiyon nito,” sabi ng Pangulo sa kanyang talumpati nang ilunsad ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 na nasa dulo ng nakaangat na seksiyon ng Buendia na bahagi ng Skyway System sa sakop ng Lungsod ng Makati. “Inaasahang makaaakit ng maraming mamumuhunan ang proyektong ito, hindi lamang sa Metro Manila, kundi pati sa CALABARZON (Kabite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal at Quezon), gayundin sa Gitnang Luzon,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino. Malaking bagay ang magagawa ng proyektong ito sa ekonomya ng CALABARZON, Metro Manila at Gitnang Luzon na sa kasalukuyan ay nag-aambag ng 60% sa gross domestic product ng bansa. “Sa totoo lamang po, hindi madali ang pinagdaanan natin para marating ang araw na ito. Isipin po ninyo, Dekada 70 pa nang ilatag ang planong noon ay tinawag nilang Manila North at Manila South Expressways,” wika ng Pangulo. “Makalipas po ang mga dekada, ngayon pa lamang tayo maglulunsad ng ikatlong bahagi ng Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan noong dekada 90. Isa pong malinaw na dahilan: ang Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines noon, na ngayon ay Philippine National Constrruction Corporation (PNCC), ay kulang sa kakayahang gawin ang proyekto,” paliwanag ng Pangulo. :Sa harap po ng mga isyung kostitusyonal at legal na ito, malinaw po ang ating ginawa: Humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa lahat ng batas, lalo na sa Saiigambatas. Kinausap natin ang mga katuwang na kompanya upang magkasundo sa implementasyon ng proyektong ito nang hindi na maipit pa ang benepisyong ibibigay nito sa mamamayang Pilipino,” pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Sisimulan na ng Citra Central Expressway Corporation ang puspusamg kostruksiyon sa Abril at mayayari ang proyektong ito pagkaraan ng 36 na buwan. Gagawing lahat ng Team Skyway Stage 3 upang matiyak na ligtas ang lahat ng motorista, mga pasahero at manggagawa at patuloy ang pagdaraan ng mga sasakyan sa lahat ng oras na maaari itong gawin, lalo na sa pook na nasa palibot ng proyektong ginagawa. Gagamitin ng Stage 3 alignment ang lahat ng umiiral na road medians at ang Sosrobahu, ang pambihirang paraang Indones kung saan maaaring gawin ang elevated road nang walang malaking problemang nalilikha sa trapiko. “Sa atin pong mga kababayan, hinihiling ko po naman ang kaunting pasensiya at pangunawa. Mahalaga po ang pakikiisa nang lahat sa ano mang pagbabago nating gagawin para mabigyang daan ang kostruksiyon nito. Hinihiling ko rin ang suporta at kooperasyon ng ating mga lokal na pamahalaan, lalo na sa isyu ng right of way,” dugtong pa ng Pangulo. “Taos-puso ang pasasalamat natin sa bawa’t indibiduwal at ahensiyang mag-aambag sa tagumpay na ito—mula sa ating mga pambansang ahensiya, lokal na pamahalaan hanggang sa pribadong sektor na naghahanda ng kanilang kapital sa kabila ng mga naranasang pagsubok dahil desidido silang makatulong,” dagdag ng Pangulo. PND (js/zaf) TOP Tiniyak ng Palasyo ang reporma sa 'GOCC system' para hindi masyadong lumaki ang bonus ng mga pinuno Tiniyak ng Malacanang sa madla na magkakaroon ng reporma sa mga tuntunin sa pagpapalakad ng mga Korporasyong Pag-aari at Kontrolado ng Pamahalaan (GOCCs) upang maiwasang maging napakalaki ng mga bonus at iba pang insentibo ng mga pinuno nito. Sinabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na higit na transparent ngayon ang mga GOCCs sapagka’t inatasan silang ilagay sa kanilang website ang detalye ng mga bonus na ibinigay sa kanilang mga pinuno. “Kung ihahambing ninyo sa ilalim ng nakalipas na administrasyon, ang pinakamataas na maaring makuha sa nagdaang administrasyon ay nasa pagitan ng P1.8 milyon hanggang P13.5 milyon. Sa ilalim ng administrasyong kasalukuyan nakalagay sa Batas ng Governance Commission for GOCCs na ang pinakamataas na insentibo lamang ay P3 milyon,” paliwanag ni Lacierda sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Idinugtong pa ni Lacierda na patuloy ang GCG sa pag-aayos ng mga tuntunin salig sa impormasyon at mga sumbong buhat sa publiko. Ayon pa kay Lacierda, ang sariling website ng GCG ang makapagbibigay sa madla ng idyena tungkol sa insentibo at bonus na nakukuha ng mga pinuno ng GOCC. “Hindi kaila sa madla na ang lahat ng bonus at insentibong ito ay nakalagay sa website. May batayan tayo kung magkano ang natatanggap ng bawa’t direktor,” dugtong ni Lacierda. PND (js/zaf) TOP Tinanggap ng Pangulong Aquino sa Malacanang si Senador Marco Rubio ng Estados Unidos Nakipagpulong ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III kay Senador Marco Rubio ng Estados Unidos sa Malacanang Miyerkoles tungkol sa mga bagay na may kaugnayan sa pananalapi at kapanatagan. Dumating si Rubio sa Pilipinas Martes at nagbigay-galang sa Pangulong Aquino sa Music Room ng Malacanang Miyerkoles. Sa isang pahayag, binigyang diin ni Rubio ang halaga ng Asya sa kabuhayan at kapanatagan ng Amerika at sinabing umaasa siya na ang “sali-salitaan” tungkol sa pamamalagi ng Amerika sa rehiyon “ay hindi magiging daan upang matayo naman sa alanganin at pagsubok ang mainam na pakikisama sa iba pang panig ng daigdig.” Kasama ni Senador Rubio nang magsadya sa Malacanang si Embahador Philip Bradley ng Estados Unidos sa Pilipinas, Konsul Jamie Fly ng Foreign and International Security Affairs at ang Chief of Staff ng Senador na si Cesar Conda. “Tungkol sa Pilipinas, dalawang mahalagang isyu ang pinag-usapan at isa na riyan ang isyu ng South China Sea,” sabi ni Conda. “Ibig naming malaman ang mga ginagawa ng China doon at kung ano ang ginagawa naman ng Pilipinas at kung paanong makatutulong ang Estados Unidos,” dagdag ni Conda. Sinabi ni Conda na pakikipag-usapan din ni Rubio sa Pangulong Aquino ang tungkol sa isyung pangkabuhayan upang mapalakas na lalo ang larangan ng kalakalan sa pagitan ng magkapanalig na bansa. Kasama ng Pangulo sa pagtanggap kay Senador Rubio sina Kalihim Albert del Rosario ng Ugnayang Panlabas, Kalihim ng Gabinete Rene Almendras at Rosalito Prospero ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas. PND (rck/zaf) TOP Nilikha ng Pangulong Aquino ang 'Inter-Agency Committee' sa pagiging punung-abala ng Pilipinas sa 'Asia Europe Meeting' Nilikha ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) na maghahanda at magpapatupad ng mga kailangan sa pagiging punung-abala ng Pilipinas sa Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Technology and Innovation for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation na gaganapin sa Setyembre 8-9, 2014. Ang kautusan ay salig sa Memorandum Circular No. 61 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Disyembre 23. Magiging ka-tagapangulo ng AIC ang mga kinatawan ng Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Bansa, Office of Civil Defense, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas at Tanggapan ng European Affairs. Mga kagawad naman ang mga kinatawan ng Kagawaran ng Agham at Teknolohiya, Kagawaran ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan, Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran, National Economic and Development Authority, Climate Change Commission, at Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya. Ihahanda ng Inter-Agency Committee ang programa at panukalang guguling tinatayang aabot sa P8,670.750.00 para sa pagiging punung-abala ng bansa sa naturang Kapulungan. Ang halagang ito ay kukunin sa International Commitment Funds. Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang lahat ng ahensiya ng pamahalaan na tumulong sa IAC at suportahan nang lubos ang mga nakatakdang gawaing kaugnay ng nasabing ASEM Conference. Tatlumpung araw pagkatapos ng kapulungan, ang IAC ay maghaharap sa Pangulo ng isang ulat tungkol sa kaganapan sa Conference. Mabubuwag na ang IAC tatlumpung araw matapos iharap nila ang karampatang report sa Pangulo. PND (js/zaf) TOP Hindi inaalintana ng administrasyon ang mga pagtuligsa rito Patuloy na ibubuhos ng administrasyong Aquino ang pagsisikap na mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino sa kabila ng mga kasalukuyang pagtuligsa rito ng ilang mambabatas. Sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles, sinabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na hindi tinatantanan ng mga pulitikong kaanib sa ibang partido ang pagtuligsa sa Pangulo dahil sa halalang pampanguluhan sa 2016. Magugunitang pinaratangan pa ni Senador Ramon Revilla ang Pangulo na nagtangka umanong kumbinsihin siya noong panahon ng “impeachment” ng dating Punong Mahistrado Corona. Pinabulaanan naman ito ng Pangulo. Sinabi ni Lacierda na may mga taong nagnanais siraan ang Pangulo dahil napakahalaga ng pag-endorso niya sa sino mang kandidatong pangulo sa nalalapit na halalan. “Sino man ang iendorso ng Pangulo, malaking bagay ito. Matindi ang dating ng pag-iendorso ng Pangulo at iyan ang dahilan kaya sino man ang katigan ng Pangulo sa halalan, tiyak na malaking bagay ito para sa kandidato. Bakit ginagawa ng ilang tao ang bagay na ito? Napakaraming dahilan,” wika pa ni Lacierda. “Iyan naman ang dapat asahan sa mga hindi kapanalig niya. Sa ganang amin naman, itutuloy lamang namin ang pagsisikap na mapabuti ang buhay ng mga Pilipino na sagutin ng ating Pangulo, lalo na ang malawakang pagsulong ng bansa, kaya ito ang pinagtutuunan namin ng panahon,” dugtong ni Lacierda. Binigyang diin ni Lacierda na patuloy ang administrasyon sa pagtalunton sa tuwid na daan at ito ang lagi nilang gagawin. Ang Pangulo ay patuloy na nakatatanggap ng mataas na “rating” sa mga ginanap na “survey” kamakailan. “Kahit lampas na ang kalahatian ng termino niya, ang numero niya ay nasa 70s pa. Kung titingnan ninyo ang ibang naging puno ng bansa, kalahatian pa lamang ng termino, bagsak na sa 40 ang rating nila. Samakatuwid, patuloy ang tiwala ng sambayanan sa Pangulo at nasa likuran niya ang taong bayan,” dugtong ni Lacierda. PND (as/zaf) TOP     President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 Buendia - End of the Skyway Stage 1, Makati City 22 Jan 2014 Magandang umaga po. Maupo ho tayo. President Fidel Ramos; Secretary Babes Singson; Secretary Jun Abaya; Secretary Arsi Balisacan; Chairman Francis Tolentino; of course, Mr. Ramon Ang; Attorney Luis Sison; Mr. Shadik Wahono; one of my mother’s favorite generals, Jose Magno; Mr. Dodick Marceno Utomo; Mr. Robert Vergara; Congresswoman Monique Lagdameo; Mayor JunJun Binay; Mayor Herbert Bautista; Mayor Edwin Olivarez; Mayor Oscar Malapitan; Secretary Ping de Jesus; Project Team of the Metro Manila Skyways Stage 3; other government officials present; honored guests; mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Muli, magandang umaga po sa inyong lahat. Ngayong umaga, sama-sama po nating inilulunsad ang isang proyektong pihadong maghahatid ng ginhawa sa mga kalsada sa lungsod: ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 or MMS 3. Bahagi po ito ng tinatawag nating Metro Manila Skyway System, kung saan sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatayo ng elevated expressways, ay maikokonekta na natin ang SLEX at NLEX, o ang katimugan at hilagang bahagi ng kalakhang Luzon. Sa halagang mahigit 26 na billion piso, ikokonekta po ng lampas labing-apat na kilometrong kalsadang ito ang Buendia at Balintawak. Hudyat ang paglulunsad nating ito ngayon sa pagsisimula na ng konstruksyon, na ayon kay Secretary Jun Abaya ay talagang raratsada naman pagdating ng Abril ng taong ito. Inaasahan natin ang tuluyang pagkumpleto ng proyekto sa 2017—at malamang mamamasyal kami ni President Ramos ‘pag ito po ay nakumpleto na—samantalang mayroon naman pong accelerated construction target para sa June 2016. Oras na makumpleto, ano po ba ang maaasahan nating benepisyo mula sa Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 na ito? Maliwanag po: mababawasan ang traffic sa EDSA at sa iba pang pangunahing kalsada sa kalakhang Maynila, dahil madaragdagan ang kalsadang puwedeng tahakin patungo sa katimugan at hilagang bahagi ng Luzon. Tinatayang 55,000 sasakyan araw-araw ang ikaluluwag ng mga kalsadang ito. Siguro rin po, karamihan sa atin, dumaan na sa matinding kalbaryo ng pagbiyahe mula Buendia hanggang Balintawak. ‘Di po ba, halos dalawang oras, ‘pag minalas, ang inaabot nito dahil sa siksikan sa mga kalsada? Kapag nabuksan na po itong MMS 3, papatak na lang sa 15 hanggang 20 minuto ang biyaheng iyan. Ang good news pa: Makakapaghatid ang proyektong ito ng halos 6,000 na direktang trabaho, at karagdagang 10 hanggang 12 libong indirect jobs sa panahon ng konstruksyon. Sa inisyal pong traffic na posibleng maidulot nito, malamang po ay may mga nag-aabang na ring kritiko na kokontra at magiging negatibo sa proyektong ito. Pati po sila, mukhang mabibigyan na rin ng trabaho. [Laughter] Sa totoo lang po, hindi madali ang pinagdaanan natin para marating ang araw na ito. Isipin po ninyo: Dekada 70 pa nang ilatag ang planong noo’y tinawag nilang Manila North at Manila South Expressways. Dapat po, aabot sa Carmen, Rosales, sa Pangasinan, at Lucena sa Quezon ang mga kalsadang kaakibat nito. Hindi pa naman po yata malabo ang paningin ko, pero wala pa po tayong nadadatnang expressway sa Rosales, at wala pa rin sa Lucena. Makalipas po ang mga dekada, ngayon pa lang tayo maglulunsad ng ikatlong bahagi Metro Manila Skyway na inumpisahan noong dekada 90. Ang tanong po: Bakit nga ba napurnada nang ganito katagal ang planong ito? Isa pong malinaw na dahilan: ang Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines noon, na ngayo’y Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC), ay kulang sa kakayahang gawin ang proyekto. Siyempre, kailangan nang maghanap ng iba pang katuwang upang matuloy ang pagpapatayo nito. Yun nga lang, may mga barikadang humarang sa katuparan nito—ang Presidential Decrees 1113 at 1894—mga batas na, ayon sa mga salitang ginamit ng Pangulo noong mga panahong iyon, ay tila isinasaad na isa ang PNCC sa mga dapat maging palagiang partner sa konstruksyon ng proyekto. Ang masaklap pa nito: magdugtong ka lang ng kahit isang dipang kongkreto sa orihinal na kalsada, mabibigyan ka na ng panibagong 30 taon na prangkisa nang wala nang partisipasyon o pahintulot ng Kongreso. Sa harap po ng constitutional at legal issues na ito, malinaw po ang ating ginawa: Humanap tayo ng solusyon na alinsunod sa lahat ng batas, lalo na sa Saligang Batas. Kinausap natin ang mga katuwang na kompanya upang magkasundo sa implementasyon ng proyektong ito, at para hindi na maipit pa ang benepisyong ihahatid nito sa mamamayang Pilipino. Ayaw na po nating ipasa sa susunod na administrasyon ang suliraning ito, at iparanas pa sa kanila ang kalbaryong ating pinagdaanan dahil sa probisyon ng mga naturang batas. Sa kabila naman ng mga lubak at harang na kinaharap natin upang marating ang araw na ito, hindi tayo natinag upang sama-samang humakbang pasulong. Talaga naman pong sulit ang anumang tagumpay na makakamit, lalo na kung pinaghihirapan. Kumbinsido tayong makakamtan natin ang patong-patong na positibong bunga ng yugtong ito ng Skyway—mula sa masusulit na oras, pera, at gasolina, hanggang sa dagdag-trabaho at pag-arangkada ng komersyo’t pambansang ekonomiya. Sa huli, tinutumbok nito ang ating layunin: ang itaguyod ang mga daan sa Kamaynilaan bilang daluyan ng kaunlaran. Taos-puyso ang pasasalamat natin sa bawat indibidwal at ahensiyang nakiambag sa tagumpay na ito—mula sa ating national agencies, local government units, hanggang sa pribadong sektor na naghahanda ng kanilang kapital, sa kabila ng mga naranasang pagsubok, dahil desidido silang makatulong. Patunay kayo sa positibo at mabungang resulta ng pag-aambagan ng pampubliko at pribadong sektor. Nawa’y patuloy tayong magbayanihan para iangat ang iisang bayan na ating ginagalawan, at ipakitang nasa loob o labas ka man ng Kamaynilaan, bahagi ka ng isang malawakang stratehiya para siguruhing walang Pilipinong maiiwan, sa ating biyahe tungo sa malawakang kaunlaran. Sa atin pong mga kababayan, humihiling naman po ako ng kaunting pasensya at pang-unawa. Malaking imprastraktura po ito. Sa pagtulog natin sa madaling araw, wala naman pong dambuhalang helicopter na biglang susulpot sa kalangitan at ilalapag na lang ang Skyway na ito sa kalsada, at paggising natin ay kumpleto na ang proyekto. Mahalaga po ang pakikiisa ng lahat sa anumang adjustment na ating gagawin para mabigyang-daan ang konstruksyon nito. Hinihiling ko rin ang suporta’t kooperasyon ng ating mga LGUs, partikular na sa isyu ng right of way. Para naman sa mga paulit-ulit na nagtatanong, at sinasadyang magbulag-bulagan sa mga nararating na nating tagumpay: Ito po ang daang matuwid. Hindi pinanday ng pantasya, at mas lalong hindi gawa-gawa na parang eksena sa isang pelikula—totoo at kongkretong mga proyekto ang hatid ng ating tuwid at mabuting pamamahala para sa kapakanan ng sambayanang Pilipino. Anumang pilit ng ilang magpapogi at magpabida para sa pansariling interes lang, ay wala pa ring makakapigil sa kolektibo nating pag-arangkada bilang isang bayan. Bawat hakbang sa tuwid na daan ay nakatuon lamang sa direksyon kung saan higit na maiaangat ang buhay ng mga kababayan nating matagal nang naetsapuwera’t napag-iwanan. Ito ang buong-sigasig na isinusulong ng inyong pamahalaan—sama-sama ang lahat sa pagsulong, at walang Pilipinong maiiwan. Magandang umaga po. Maraming salamat po sa lahat. [HOME] INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR. UNTV / Get It Straight w/ Daniel Razon January 22, 2014 RAZON: Sir, good morning po! Welcome back, sir. SEC. COLOMA: Magandang umaga. RAZON: Sir, let’s get it straight. Alam ko, marami kayong dapat na talagang ipaliwanag sa mga nagtatanong, iyong mga nag-uusap-usap. Pero sino po talaga ang nag-initiate doon sa usapan ng Presidente at saka ni Senator Bong Revilla? SEC. COLOMA: Ayon po sa salaysay ni Secretary Roxas, nagkaroon sila ng pag-uusap ni Senador Revilla, at merong mga usaping nais talakayin si Senador Revilla sa Pangulo. Kaya siya ay gumawa ng paraan na magkausap si Pangulo at si Senador Revilla. RAZON: So, it was initiated by Senator Bong Revilla, ganoon po ba? SEC. COLOMA: Ang batayan ko lang, Daniel, ay iyong tuwirang salaysay ni Secretary Roxas. Hindi ko puwedeng sabihing categorically in-initiate niya; isinasalaysay ko iyon ayon sa kaniyang pagpapahayag. RAZON: Ano po ang sabi sa inyo ng Presidente? Kinausap na po ba kayo tungkol po dito? Bri-nief (briefed) na po kayo with regard to ano iyong talagang posisyon n’ya po dito? SEC. COLOMA: Ang Pangulo po ay nakipagpulong kay Senador Revilla dahil sa mga umuugong na ulat nung panahong iyon na may mga interest groups na nais mag-impluwensiya sa kahihinatnan ng impeachment trial. At batid naman natin na malaki ang nakataya doon sa usaping iyon, sapagka’t ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na nilitis ang isang punong mahistrado. At hindi rin lihim o lingid sa kaalaman ng ating mga mamamayan ang paninindigan ng Pangulo hinggil diyan na sa makailang pagkakataon, bago pa man ma-impeach ang punong mahistrado, isinaad na niya iyong dahilan kung bakit sa kaniyang palagay ay dapat papanagutin si dating Chief Justice Corona. Kaya ang nais lang niyang iparating kay Senador Revilla ay iyong kahilingan na sa harap nitong mga maimpluwensiyang ito, kung maaari’y magpasya siya batay sa merito ng kaso. At ayon na rin sa salaysay ng Pangulo, ipinarating niya ito hindi lamang kay Senador Revilla, kung hindi sa iba pang miyembro ng senado para lang sabihin sa kanila na kung kayo ay kumakaharap sa matinding pressure, hindi naman kinakailangang isipin na walang puwedeng sumuporta sa inyo para makapagpasya kayo sa tamang paraan. RAZON: So, ang Presidente po ang may gustong makipag-usap kay Senator Bong Revilla. Kasi dito lang po ako nagkaroon bigla ng ano—dahil nung maglabas kayo ng statement after po ng privilege speech ni Senator Bong Revilla, nagpahayag din naman si Secretary Mar Roxas. Pagkatapos may lumabas din pong balita – hindi ko lang ho nadinig ng personal pero I am sure nadinig din ninyo – na merong sinabi naman din si Secretary Butch Abad na parang ang sinasabi yata ni Secretary Butch Abad ay hindi nangyari iyong meeting na iyon. Tapos si Secretary Mar Roxas naman ang nag-initiate na lumalabas ay si Bong Revilla, Senator Bong Revilla dahil sa parang gusto niyang makipag-usap about cityhood. Iyon po ang statement ni Secretary Mar Roxas, cityhood at saka itong tungkol doon sa pagiging presidente niya ng partidong LAKAS. Samantalang kayo naman, doon sa statement naman ninyo, which iyon naman ang naka-ugma doon sa sinasabi ng Presidente na talagang ito ay something to do with the rumors na nadidinig nga ng Presidente na may mga pressure na nangyayari dito sa mga senador. And he wants to talk about that para sabihin lang na, ‘Teka muna, baka puwedeng humatol kayo ng matuwid na paghatol.’ Kaya ho parang gusto ko lang mai-reconcile. Nag-usap ba kayo ni Secretary Mar Roxas? Papaano ba ang—parang nagkalihis-lihis yata iyon. SEC. COLOMA: I beg to differ, Dan. RAZON: Opo, please, please, please. SEC. COLOMA: Sa palagay ko, wala namang pagkakalihis. Unang-una, kinumpirma ni Pangulong Aquino na merong pagpupulong na ganoon. Kinumpirma niya na nag-usap sila hinggil sa impeachment. Kinumpirma din ni Secretary Abad – ito ay nakita ko sa kaniyang pahayag ‘no sa isang television network – na nandoon siya sa pagpupulong na iyon. Kinumpirma din ni Secretary Roxas na kasama siya doon sa pagpupulong; ipinagmaneho niya si Senador Revilla. Kaya wala pong ikinaila na naganap ang meeting na iyon, at meron silang tinalakay na isa doon ay tungkol sa impeachment. Kung pagsasama-samahin lang po lahat ng mga elemento ng inyong sinabi, eh magkakatugma naman po iyon; wala naman pong nagko-contradict na elemento doon sa salaysay na iyon. RAZON: Ang tinitingnan ko lang po ay doon sa anggulo na si Secretary Mar Roxas kasi, ang sinasabi niya na siya talaga ang gumawa ng paraan dahil ang gustong makipag-usap ay si Senator Bong Revilla on the grounds na meron siyang gustong i-discuss with the President doon sa cityhood at saka doon sa sinasabi na pagiging presidente niya ng LAKAS. Samantalang ang Presidente, ang sinasabi nga niya eh, ang gusto niya talagang liwanagin eh iyong tungkol dito sa isyu na ito. So, parang ano ba talaga iyong naging point ng meeting? Kasi kasagsagan ito ng impeachment trial, parang dun pumapasok iyong duda, hindi ba? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi naman mutually exclusive iyon ‘no. Halimbawa, nagkita tayo, Daniel, puwera na lang siguro kung matindi ang poot natin sa isa’t-isa na sabihin, ‘Hindi puwede, iisa lang ang agenda natin,’ di ba? Parang wala naman sa naturaleza ng tao na masyado namang iku-confine lang iyong discussion. RAZON: But the agenda of the President is tungkol doon sa impeachment, hindi ho ba? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga ‘no. At ang tinutukoy naman ni Senador Revilla sa kaniyang talumpati ay tungkol nga doon ‘no. Iyon iyong usapin na tinatanong niya ‘no, ‘Bakit kinakailangang magkaroon ng partisipasyon ang Pangulo dito?’ Iyon ang kaniyang inilahad na isyu sa bayan, at meron siyang implication na siya ay ginagamitan ng panggigipit o ng persecution. Iyon ang mga katagang mga ginamit niya. RAZON: Exactly. Pero hindi po ba nakikita ito ng Palasyo at ng mga nasa gabinete na improper kung—kasi iyon po ang nagiging tendency ngayon, proper ba iyan na sa kasagsagan ng impeachment trial ay ipatawag ang isang senator-judg, or kung hindi man, pagkatapos ay kausapin with regard to this? Hindi ba ito isang form ng pang-iimpluwensiya? SEC. COLOMA: Ang political process po natin ay may dynamics. At kasama sa dynamics talaga iyong pag-iimpluwensiya kasi nga magkakaroon iyon ng outcome, ‘di po ba? At pansinin natin iyong term na ginagamit, “senator-judges”. Iyong pagiging hukom po nila ay patungkol lamang sa impeachment trial dahil hindi naman talaga sila likas na hukom. Ang primary function po nila ay mambabatas. At katulad po ng Pangulo, meron silang political mandate, meron silang tuwirang pananagutan sa mga humalal sa kanila. Kaya doon po sa aspeto na iyon, pareho po silang political leaders ‘no; pare-pareho silang political leaders involved in a political process. At meron na rin naman pong ibang nagsabi na sa kanilang pananaw, hindi naman ito katulad ng sa isang hukom talaga ‘no o isang korte. Sapagka’t meron talagang political element dahil ang Senado ay isang political forum. RAZON: So, parang lumalabas po na talaga bang inimpluwensiyahan ng Presidente si Senator Bong Revilla sa desisyon niya na ito? SEC. COLOMA: Ang impluwensiya po na pinag-usapan doon, ang elemento po ng impluwensiya ay doon sa aspeto na hiniling ng Pangulo kay Senador Revilla na magpasya on the basis of the merits, even in the face of iyong mga binabanggit nga na pressure din from other interest groups. At ang tugon po ni Senator Revilla ay malinaw. Galing po sa kaniyang bibig, doon sa kaniyang privilege speech. Ang sabi niya sa Pangulo, “I will do what is right.” At tunghayan po natin ang kaniyang talumpati noong siya ay bomoto, sinabi niya, ‘Ako ay bumoboto dahil doon sa aking pagtuklas na ang Chief Justice ay hindi matapat sa pagdi-disclose ng kaniyang ari-arian sa kaniyang Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth.’ Nandoon po iyon sa kaniyang talumpati; iyon ang kaniyang batayan. At sinabi din niya na siya ay nagdasal, nanalangin, humingi ng Divine Guidance bago siya humantong sa kanyang pagpasya. Kaya po siguro, dapat din nating tanungin: Pumunta ba siya doon sa Bahay Pangarap nang labag sa kaniyang kalooban? Nagdesisyon ba siya nang labag sa kalooban? Iyan po siguro ang mahalagang tukuyin para maunawaan natin ang usaping ito. RAZON: Anong assurance ho ang binigay naman ng Presidente sa kaniya doon sa pagpe-pressure na ginagawa kay Senator Bong Revilla na kung, halimbawa, apparently merong pressure sa kanila para ‘Ito, ‘wag ninyong iko-convict.’ At pagkatapos ang Presidente naman ay sasabihin, ‘Huwag kayong magpa-pressure sa ganyan.’ Anong aspeto naman, nagbigay ng assurance ang President na para ‘Oh, hindi ka maapektuhan niyang ganyan.’ SEC. COLOMA: Kasi nga po sa political dynamics, kung mayroong sector na nag-e-exert ng pressure, meron silang pinanghahawakang impluwensya. Sinasabi rin naman ng Pangulo, eh kung tayo naman ay magkahanay dito, meron din naman akong base ng suporta. Meron naman po siyang konkretong batayan dun. Malinaw at matibay naman ang kaniyang pananalig na suportado siya ng taumbayan. At ito naman po ay pinatunayan ng iba’t ibang opinion survey na ginanap pagkatapos ng impeachment trial, na nagpapahiwatig na mas marami po sa ating mga kababayan, mayorya ng sambayanang Pilipino, ang sumasang-ayon sa naging paghatol ng Senado sa pagtanggal kay dating Chief Justice Corona. At sa mga sumusunod pong panahon, lumitaw naman po na patuloy at matibay po ang suporta ng taumbayan kay Pangulong Aquino. Kaya may batayan naman po iyong sinasabi ng Pangulo, ‘Hindi kayo dapat maligalig. Kung merong umiimpluwensya sa inyo, hindi naman absolute iyong kanilang kapangyarihan, meron din naman akong pinanghahawakang suporta ng taumbayan.’ RAZON: So, parang sinasabi po ba na iyong suporta ng taumbayan sa Pangulo ay hindi mawawala naman din sa inyo dahil kung kayo naman ay sasang-ayon naman sa gusto kong mangyari, ganun ho ba? SEC. COLOMA: Real politics ito, Daniel. Kung ikaw ay senador, paano ka buboto doon sa impeachment trial? ‘Di ba’t iisipin mo: Paano kaya ang iniisip ng mayorya o nakararaming Pilipino dito sa isyung ito? Dahil sa pagdating ng panahon, haharap din ako sa kanila, kung hindi man for election, for election to another position or to a higher position. And in the final analysis, accountable naman ako sa mga naghalal sa akin. Dapat lang malaman ko iyong saloobin nila; dapat lang timbangin ko na iyong aking magiging pasya ay para sa kanilang kapakanan at mauunawan nila na ganun nga ang naging batayan ng aking pagpapasya. RAZON: Bakit ho si Secretary Abad ang kasama doon sa meeting na iyon? SEC. COLOMA: Sila pong tatlo ay lider ng Liberal Party. Si Pangulong Aquino po ang Titular Head dahil siya ang Pangulo. Si Secretary Roxas, president on-leave of the Liberal Party. Si Secretary Abad, secretary general on-leave of the Liberal Party. Kung ang pag-uusapan po ay galaw ng pulitika, hayag po na sila ang mga lider ng Liberal Party. Si Senator Revilla naman ang Pangulo ng Lakas Party. RAZON: So, wala hong kinalaman sa pagiging DBM Secretary niya iyong presensya ni Secretary Butch Abad doon? SEC. COLOMA: Pulitika nga po ang agenda dun eh, na pinag-usapan, ayon na rin po sa salaysay ni Secretary Roxas. RAZON: Ito hong mga scenario po na nakapaloob dito sa meeting po na ito, at sinasabi nga na haharapin naman ng Presidente kung may mga gustong mag-file ng impeachment sa kaniya dahil merong mga pananakot na ganun at merong mga isyu na lumilitaw na ganito. Iyon hong salita ng Presidente na suporta na hinihinga niya kay Senator Bong Revilla na ipinangako sa kaniya noon na susuportahan siya, ano ho ba iyong hiningi niyang suporta kay Senator Revilla noong nag-meeting sila, kung meron po? SEC. COLOMA: Hiniling lang po niya na magpasya si Senador Revilla nang naaayon sa merito ng kaso. Iyon lang po. Wala po siyang—hindi po totoo iyong sinasabi na ‘ibalato mo na’ ‘no. Kahit sino naman pong nakakakilala sa Pangulo, hindi maniniwala dahil hindi po iyon ang linggwahe ng Pangulo. RAZON: So, walang termino si Presidente na ‘ibalato mo na’? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi po niya ginagamit iyon sa kaniyang mga pangungusap. RAZON: Hindi na niya klase iyong ganun ano? SEC. COLOMA: Kahit po mga reporter ng Malacañang ang magsasabi na hindi iyon ang pangkaraniwang linggwahe ng Pangulo. RAZON: Ano po ang tinitingnan ninyo ngayon dito, ahead, sa mga lumabas po na ganitong mga pangyayari na parang may direktang banggaan ngayon dito sa—kasi lalabas ay hindi lang partido ito dahil lumalabas na isyu, 2016 ang pormahan. Parang ito na ho iyong—sinasabi kasi ni Senator Bong Revilla na kung kaya daw na impluwensyahan ng Presidente ang mga senador na kagaya niya ay maaari ding gawin ito sa Ombudsman, sa kung anupaman na, apparently, has something to do with the case naman na sinasabi sa kaniya against dito po sa pork barrel ano, dahil may sinasampa sa kaniyang kaso. SEC. COLOMA: Ang pananaw namin diyan, Daniel, ay ang pangunahing isyu na dapat harapin ay iyong paggamit ng PDAF. At hindi dapat ilihis diyan sa mga sidebar na iyan hinggil doon sa impeachment dahil matagal nang tapos iyon. Nagpasya na ang Senado. Mismo iyong mga senador, pinaninindigan na tama ang kanilang desisyon. Pansinin din natin, Daniel, kailan ba naging pinakamataas ang approval rating ng Senado? Kailan naging pinakamatayog ang respeto sa kanila ng taumbayan? ‘Di ba’t pagkatapos ng conviction ni Chief Justice Corona, pagkatapos ng impeachment trial. Dahil nakita ng taumbayan na makatuwiran iyong kanilang ginawa; fair iyong proseso; walang kinikilingan; hinayaan ang paglalahad ng lahat ng katunayan o ebidensya. At kailan naman naging mababa ang pagtingin sa kanila? Di ba’t ito’y pagkatapos nang pagbunyag hinggil sa diumano’y maling paggamit ng PDAF. Kaya kung sila po ay sensitibo sa public opinion, mauunawan po nila na humihingi ng paliwanag ang ating taumbayan. Hindi po dapat ilihis iyong usapin at sabihing pulitika, 2016. Nasa 2014 po tayo, ang pinag-uusapan ay iyong ginawa nila sa pondo mula 2007 to 2009. Malinaw po ang pananaw ng Pangulo diyan: Let the evidence point the direction of the inquiry. Ni kailan man po, hindi po niya binanggit ‘no ang pangalan ng mga sangkot dito. Sinasabi lang niya na dapat ang katibayan ang maging gabay natin kung paano tayo uusad dito sa kasong ito. Kaya’t dapat lang po ay harapin ng mga lider na merong dapat ipaliwanag iyong usapin. At iyon lang naman po ang hinihintay ng ating mga mamamayan. RAZON: Na-identify na po ba ninyo, Secretary, kung sinu-sino talaga iyong mag senador na kinausap ng Pangulo? Before you answer that, sir, we’ll pause for a break. RAZON: Sir, sino sino na po iyong mga kinausap talaga ng Presidente na mga senador? SEC. COLOMA: Ayon po sa Pangulo kahapon binanggit po niya, ang mga pangalan nina Senador TJ Guingona, Ralph Recto, Jinggoy Estrada, at si Senador Bong Revilla. RAZON: Puro ho ba pi-nick up iyon? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi ko po alam. RAZON: Bakit ba kailangang pick-up-in? Bakit kailangang—parang pa-sneak in iyong ano, parang iyong lang ho ang isang nagbigay ng duda. Parang pasikreto iyong pagkakadala sa kanya. Kasi kung kakausapin lang naman ng ano, and then it has nothing to—parang there is nothing wrong with that. And then, bakit hindi sa isang pormal na paanyaya at hindi parang patago? SEC. COLOMA: Tatanungin ko rin, Daniel. Si Senador Revilla ba ay pinilit, ginamitan ba siya ng dahas? Labag ba sa kalooban niya iyong pagpunta roon? Sa aking palagay ay hindi rin niya masasabing labag sa kalooban niya iyon. Medyo mayroon lang mga litrato sa loob ng SUV, pero ni minsan hindi ko narinig iyong sinabi niyang pinilit ako, ginamitan ako ng dahas. Sino naman po ang makakapaniwala na basta-basta lang na mapapapunta iyong isang senador kung ayaw niya talaga. RAZON: Bakit kaya may picture na paganoon? SEC. COLOMA: Eh, hindi ko na po alam iyon. Ang mahalaga lang po sa akin lang personal na pananaw ay pumunta po siya doon ng maluwag sa kanyang kalooban. Hindi po labag sa kalooban niya. Number two po, ang Bahay Pangarap po ay opisyal na tahanan ng Pangulo ng Republika ng Pilipinas. Nagdaraos din po diyan ng cabinet meeting. Hindi po iyan madilim na lugar sa isang tagong lugar na inililihim. Hayag po iyan. Property po iyan ng Republika, public property po iyan, kaya hindi ko po maunawaan iyong mga nagku-kuwestyon kung bakit doon nagpulong. RAZON: Pero bakit daw lumabag sa protocol. Parang pinutol iyong ano ng protocol ng—kasi siyempre may security ang Presidente, at mayroon din namang parang appointments din dapat ang pakikipag-usap sa Presidente kung kakausapin ang Presidente, hindi po ba, lalo na doon sa opisyal niyang tahanan? SEC. COLOMA: Hindi po ako sang-ayon diyan. Hindi naman po makakapasok doon ang kahit sino. At batid po ng tao kung sino po sila. Secretary po ng gabinete, senador iyong isa, wala naman pong nakakubli doon. Baka naman po masyado tayong nagpo-pokus sa mga detalye, at nawawala iyong malaking larawan. RAZON: Ano ho ba ang malaking larawan talaga na tinitingnan ninyo dito sa senaryong ito? Bakit ito kailangang pumutok ng ganito? Kasi, of course, iyong mga sisilip po talaga ay hahanapin nila kung saan iyong punto wherein kagaya nga niyan, bakit may pictures iyon ang inilabas, iyong mga litrato, at pagkatapos iyong pagpasok ng— mayroon pa nga hong isyu di ba tinanggal na raw iyong plaka. Naipaliwanag na naman ni Secretary Mar Roxas iyon, dahil parang pinalitan iyong plaka at inalis para—pinayuko pa yata may istorya pang ganoon para huwag makita ng ano. Ano ho ba ang malaking larawan dito, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Sa mga nakaraang buwan po, iisang isyu lang ang pinakamalakas ng impact sa taumbayan. At iyan po ay diumano’y maling paggamit ng pondo ng bayan. Nagkaroon po ng million people’s march, nagpahayag po ng galit ang taong bayan. At dahil diyan, ang mga kagawad ng Senado at ng Kamara de Representantes ay narinig ang tinig ng bayan. At maging ang ating Korte Suprema ay nagpasiya na iyong PDAF ay unconstitutional. Iyan po ang malinaw. Ang isyu po nito ay accountability of public officials. Kung ikaw ay pinagkatiwalaan ng pondo ng bayan dapat ay panagutan mo ito, ipakita mong tama ang paggamit nito, hindi mo ito ililihis at hindi ito napariwara, hindi nalustay ang pondo ng bayan. Iyan po ang isyu dito na dapat talakayin. RAZON: So, ito ho ngayong mga pangyayari na ito, Secretary, papaano makakasiguro ang taumbayan na hindi naman kakausapin ng Presidente ang Ombudsman, ang Sandiganbayan justices para sabihin na, ‘o kailangang magpasiya kung papaanong sinabi ni Senator Bong Revilla. SEC. COLOMA: Ibatay na lang po natin sa pagtitiwala ng taumbayan sa Pangulo. Ibatay po natin iyan sa track record. Mabanggit ko Daniel, halimbawa, doon sa aspeto ng Reproductive Health Bill, dalawang beses inanyayahan ng Pangulo ang mga kagawad ng Kongreso, ang mga miyembro ng House of Representatives sa Malakanyang , dalawang beses siyang nakiusap sa kanila na talakayin na iyong panukalang batas, tapusin na iyong kanilang deliberations. Ni minsan hindi niya sinabing bumoto kayo para dito. Ni minsan hindi niya ginawa iyon. At ibang iba itong senaryong ito doon sa mga nakita nating senaryo noong nakaraang panahon. Hindi ko na babanggitin, baka malihis din ang ating usapan. Pero malinaw po sa ating mga kababayan na iba po ang ating Pangulo doon sa aspeto ng paggalang sa integridad ng mga institusyon. Iyan din po ang dahilan kung bakit taliwas sa mga inuudyok ng iba’t ibang sektor. Atubili po ang Pangulo sa papggamit ng kanyang power na magsertipika, halimbawa, ng mga batas kung hindi naman as urgent dahil very limited lang naman iyong power na ito under the Constitution At doon naman po sa aspeto ng paggalang sa hudikatura, nandoon po iyong pagkilala ng Pangulo na ito ay separate and independent branch. Batay na rin po sa personalidad na kanyang hinirang sa posisyong ito, ang taumbayan na rin ang maaaring magpasiya. Ito bang Ombudsman natin ngayon, si Retired Justice Conchita Carpio Morales ay isang taong may integridad? Palagay ko malinaw naman ang katugunan diyan at naipahayag na rin ng ating mga kababayan sa iba’t ibang opinion surveys. Kaya nga po sa kahuli-hulihan, ang talaga namang magpapasiya sa lahat ng bagay na ito ay ang mga mamamayang Pilipino. At sa aking palagay naman, ang ating mga mamamayan ay matalino, hindi po sila malilinlang, sila po ay maalam sa mga kaganapan sa ating lipunan. At wala naman pong puwedeng ikubli sa kasalakuyang panahon; lahat naman po ng kilos ng mga public officials ay subject to scrutiny dahil na nga po sa makabagong media. Pati po kung ano ang ginagawa ng mga mamababatas habang nagtatalumpati iyong kanilang kapwa mambabatas nakukunan po ng larawan ng mga ordinaryong mamamayan from the gallery. RAZON: Having said that, wala ba sa plano talaga na mailagay na urgent sa ating mga panukalang batas iyong FOI Bill? SEC. COLOMA: Ang mga prinsipyo po ng FOI ay matagal ng ipinapatupad ng pamahalaan. Iyon pong 15th Congress, nagsumite po ng version ang administration. Batid po ito ng mga mambabatas. Iyong 15th Congress po, naipasa na po ito ng senado. Ang hinintay lang ay iyong house of representatives. Ngayong 16th Congress umabante na rin po sa senado iyon, hinihintay pa rin iyong house of representatives. Dapat po kasing kilalanin natin na tayo ay nasa isang representative democracy. Ito pong pinag-uusapan natin ay batas. Iyong batas po ginagawa ng mga mambabatas na kinakatawan ang mga pananaw ng kani-kanilang mga constituencies. Pero sa aking palagay kung magiging masigasig ang mga nagtataguyod nito, katulad noong nagtataguyod dati noong milyon people march, kung talagang ipaparinig ng taumbayan iyong kanilang tinig, hindi naman siguro magbibingi-bingihan ang ating mga mambabatas, at gagaawin nila iyong nararapat. Kaya sa kabila ng mga bagay na ito, itinuloy na po ng administration ang mga maaaring gawin para mabigyan ng konkretong katibayan iyong Freedom of Information. Katulad nga po noong open data na lahat ng relevant information about government transactions, ilalabas na po doon sa isang portal. RAZON: That’s very commendable, Secretary, iyong open data. SEC. COLOMA: Marami pong procurement sa gobyerno ngayon, dapat ay through the electronic procurement na hayag sa mga mamamayan. Bawa’t ahensiya po mayroong Citizen’s Charter, bawat ahensiya mayroong Performance-Based Bonus. Hindi po makakatanggap noon kung hindi nagkaroon ng seal of transparency, o kung hindi inihahayag sa ating mga kababayan iyong mga mahalagang element ng kanilang serbisyo publiko. Kaya for all intents and purposes, nandiyan na po iyong mga manifestasyon at iyong konkretong pagpapatunay sa pagbibigay ng information, ayon sa prinsipyo ng openness, transparency, and accountability of public officials. Siyempre po ang concern ng marami sa ating mga kababayan, eh, paano na kapag hindi na si Pangulong Aquino ang pangulo? Kinakailangan pa rin natin ang batas, sangayon po kami diyan. Kaya dapat lang po siguro ay maging mas masigasig ang mga nagtataguyod nito at iparamdam sa ating mga mambabatas ang urgency nitong panukalang batas na ito, na kung saan naman po ay buo ang suporta namin sa mga batayang prinsipyo nito. RAZON: But from the part of the President, hindi ho ninyo iniisip na necessary na ito ilagay sa priority bills ? SEC. COLOMA: Maaari naman pong ma-consider iyan, dahil iyong proseso po ay iyong LEDAC process. At maaari naman pong maisama iyan, katulad din po noong nangyari doon sa pagsama sa Reproductive Health Bill sa priority measures. Pero ang tinitimbang po ng ating Pangulo dito ay iyong kagustuhan ng ating mga mamamayan na kailangan pong iparating din nila sa kanilang kinatawan sa Kamara de Representante. RAZON: Nakumusta pala po ba ninyo kung ano ang mga preparations na dapat ninyong gawin sa paglabas ninyo ng desisyon ng Korte Suprema, in case dito ho sa pagiging constitutional at unconstitutional nito pong DAP? SEC. COLOMA: Matibay po ang aming paninindigan na wala pong nilabag na batas, hindi po nilabag ang Constitution, sapagkat iyong DAP ay description lang naman ng isang prosesong matagal ng nagaganap na regular at normal na proseso sa ating pambansang pamahalaan. At ito iyong realignment of savings, hayag naman po iyan. Sa takdang panahon ay ilalahad ng gobyerno kung saan po kinuha iyong mga pondo, ano ang pinaglaanan, at ano iyong awtoridad mula sa batas. Dahil doon po sa concept ng realignment, puwede pong mag-realign, puwedeng mag-augment from savings ng mga items na mayroon ng pintuan o mayroon ng kategorya doon sa General Appropriations Act. At lahat naman po nito ay sinunod doon sa proseso ng realignment of savings. Nagkaroon lang po ng tatak na ang tawag ay Disbursement Acceleration Program, pero wala pong pagkaiba doon sa mga ginawa na noong nakaraan pang mga administrasyon na realignment of savings. RAZON: At kung ito po mapahinto, gaano kalaki po magiging impact nito, Secretary, sa palagay po ninyo? SEC. COLOMA: Kahit po sa anumang organisasyon, private sector ‘no para maka-relate naman po iyong wala sa gobyerno . Hindi po ba normal, regular, at natural na binibigyan ng kapangyarihan iyong chief executive officer na gamitin iyong mga pondo sa pinaka-kapaki-pakinabang na paraan? Dahil mangyayari naman po talaga na sa daloy ng panahon, mayroong mga proyekto na mas mabagal kaysa doon sa iba, mayroong contingencies na lulutang, halimbawa, mga kalamidad, iyong mga emergency, at kinakailangan naman iyong konting flexibilities sa paggamit ng mga pondo. Mahihirapan po ang sinumang administrador. Ang Pangulo po ang punong tagapagpaganap ng pinakamalaking korporasyon, pinakamalaking organisasyon sa ating bayan. Kung iyong mga mas maliliit na organisasyon kinakailangan flexibility, eh, ano pa po kaya iyong sa ating pambansang pamahalaan? RAZON: So, ito ho ay aabangan na lang natin kung saka-sakali naka-ready naman po para makapag-adjust tayo sa magiging situation. Kasi parang , of course, there will be anticipations and while you are confident na ito ay hindi naman maaalis sa atin. Of course, we also have to prepare it in case na ang maging desisyon ay hindi sang-ayon doon sa ating inaasahan. Iyong ating ika nga ay paghihigpit ng sinturon, pag-a-adjust doon sa—kasi hanggnag 2016 pa po rin itong ating tinitingnan sa pamamahala ng Presidente, Secretary? SEC. COLOMA: Ang prinsipyo naman dito ay hiwalay na mga kapangyarihan. Ang atin pong batayan ay iyong ating pag-unawa sa batas. Iyong batas ay ginagawa ng Kongreso; ang Korte Suprema ang interpreter ng ating batas. Kaya iyan po ang dahilan ng ating demokrasya kung magkakaroon ng interpretation na labag sa batas o ang unconstitutional kinakailangang gumawa ng adjustment doon sa batas at sa patakaran. Katulad nga ng naganap dito sa PDAF ruling ng Supreme Court, kailangan pong tingnan ng ating mga mambabatas kung ano ang mga kaparaanan para maisabatas iyong mga prinsipyo ng pamamahala. Iyon naman pong sa ehekutibo, tungkulin lang naman po namin na ipatupad ang batas. Kaya tumatalima po tayo kung anuman ang umiiral na batas dahil iyong batas ang expression po ng collective sentiment ng ating mga mamamayan, kaya nga po hinahalal iyong mga mambabatas. Kasama naman po iyan sa kasiglahan at sa kalusugan ng ating demokrasya. RAZON: Secretary, kung papalit po ang nakaupo dito ngayon, si Senator Bong Revilla, what did you tell him? SEC. COLOMA: Pare-pareho tayong mga Pilipino na ang ninanais ay pag-asenso, pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Sa pagtamo noong inaasam nating kaunlaran, kinakailangan ay maging bukas tayo sa mga mamamayan, handa tayong magpaliwanag ng ating mga opisyal na aksiyon/ At lalung-lalo na sa paggamit ng pondo ng bayan, kinakailangan ay maging tapat tayo: tapat sa aspeto ng pagasasabi kung saan aito ginamit; tapat sa aspeto ng pagtalima sa batas na ito ito ay gagamitin lamang sa tamang paraan. Sa aking palagay naman ay naniniwala ang ating mga senador , kabilang na si Senator Revilla, sa ganyang mga prinsipyo. At dahil diyan, hindi naman kinakailangang magkahiwalay ng landas kung pare-pareho namang nananalig sa mga prinsipyo ng ating demokrasya. RAZON: May possibility pa po bang to sit down again with the President si Senator Bong Revilla after his privilege speech? SEC. COLOMA: Wala naman pong personal na alitan na sangkot dito. Wala naman pong ill-will ang ating Pangulo kahit kaninuman. Siya po ay Pangulo ng lahat ng Pilipino, kaya bukas naman po siya na makipag-usap, makipagtalakayan kahit sinuman. RAZON: Maraming salamat po, Secretary, for your time, and we appreciate it. SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data Processing Center [HOME] 23 JANUARY 2014 'Goodbye TIGDAS' targets over 2 million children aged 6 months to 3 years from January 23 to February 3 in Metro Manila and 7 provinces Over 15,000 ‘Yolanda’ survivors avail of DSWD’s cash-for-work DepEd boosts awareness for children with special needs DepEd sends out guidelines for private schools wishing to offer senior high school KMP misfires again with Aquino, Abad plunder charges Water flows in Lake Sebu irrigation project PHL exports growth accelerated by end-2013 No Malampaya Funds Used By Present Administration – DAR Swedish King to Visit the Philippines as Guest of Honor of Phl Boy Scouts Centenary Celebration Philippine Ambassador Hosts ASEAN Women’s Circle in Jakarta TESDA Online Program clicking with students Opening Statement of GPH Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the 43rd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks DOTC celebrates 115th anniversary with start of 2 major infra projects DSWD releases over 70,000 relief packs to LGUs in ‘Agaton’-hit areas Press Conference on National Accounts of the Philippines slated on January 30 'Goodbye TIGDAS' targets over 2 million children aged 6 months to 3 years from January 23 to February 3 in Metro Manila and 7 provinces Source: http://www.doh.gov.ph Secretary Enrique T. Ona urged mothers to bring all children aged 6 months to 3 years to their nearest health centers for measles vaccination. Dubbed 'Goodbye TIGDAS', the campaign is an expanded catch-up campaign aimed at preventing measles outbreaks and at the same time vaccinating every child who missed their routine measles immunization. Routine measles vaccination requires two doses of measles-containing vaccines: starting at 9 months-11months and again at 1 year. The campaign will cover over 2 million children aged 6 months to 3 years in Metro Manila and 7 provinces: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Bulacan and Pampanga. These areas were targeted because of increasing number of measles cases or deaths among children 3 years and under, contiguity with areas with reported outbreak (several areas in metro Manila), several communities with low vaccine coverage, high population density, and high population mobility. All health centers in these areas will ONLY give FREE measles vaccines from Monday-Friday, 8:00am-12:00pm, from January 23-February 3. Vaccination is limited at Health Centers so that LGUs can maximize time with available health center staff. More importantly, mothers can also seek other health services for their families. Participating 'Goodbye TIGDAS' LGUs can still opt to deploy teams to areas where there will be low turnout at health centers. The Health Chief meanwhile urged ALL local governments in the country to beef up routine child immunization, not just for MEASLES. "A NATIONWIDE mass measles and oral polio vaccination c?mpaign for 13 million children aged 9 months to 4 years will be conducted by September or earlier, this year," Sec. Ona announced. |TOP| Over 15,000 ‘Yolanda’ survivors avail of DSWD’s cash-for-work Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Some 15,188 survivors of Typhoon Yolanda from Eastern Visayas benefited from the Cash-for-Work (CFW) Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that started on November 24 and is still on-going. DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said, “The CFW program is part of our early recovery efforts to introduce normalcy to affected families in the region.” She added that more than the relief distribution, those who are able are being engaged in the important work of rebuilding the area. Prior to the CFW, DSWD initially implemented Food-for-Work (FFW) from November 10 – 23 where beneficiaries were given food packs in exchange of helping in repacking and distributing relief goods. Under the CFW, the beneficiaries are given work according to their capacity such as loading and unloading of relief goods, repacking of goods, food preparation, cleaning of debris, coastal clean-up, canal dredging, and communal gardening, among others. Other ‘Yolanda’ victims assisted in the inventory of damaged properties. Qualified beneficiaries are those 18 years old and above, able and willing to be assigned where they will be needed the most. Areas of assignment are in the different relief and rehabilitation hubs of the Department in Tacloban City, Isabel, Ormoc City, Catbalogan and Guiuan, as well as at community projects in Basey in Western Samar and Burauen in Leyte. Each worker is paid daily an average of P260 for eight hours of work. To date, DSWD has released P22,055,766 for the implementation of the program. CFW of other groups Sec. Soliman also cited other organizations implementing CFW programs to affected families in the region. Among these are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), whose CFW Program targets to cover around 200,000 beneficiaries and the Tzu Chi Foundation, which gave P500 to each of its CFW beneficiaries. |TOP| DepEd boosts awareness for children with special needs Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph QUEZON CITY—The Department of Education (DepEd), through the support of the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and the Philippine Association of Children with Developmental Learning Disabilities, Inc. (PACDLD), recently concluded the first part of its Awareness-raising Campaign on Educational Assessment for Children with Special Needs last Tuesday, January 21. The seminar was held in line with the celebration of the 18th National Autism Consciousness Week at the DepEd-NCR office, with teachers, parents and students with special needs as participants. DepEd-NCR Regional Director Luz Almeda opened the program with the reminder that “physical disabilities do not hinder a person; we cannot lose hope, nor stop being convinced of the enormous opportunity for anyone to step up and weather any storm. Through education, we set up channels to equal opportunities; formal, non-formal, or special education is treated in the same footing. Inclusive education promotes the welfare and development of all the various sectors in the society.” A presentation of the best practices in Special Education (SPED) took the most part of the symposium, highlighting methods on how to elicit attention, longer tolerance to delays, and prompt response to instructions from persons with Autism. Questions were raised regarding the accessibility of diagnostic assessment in SPED programs, SPED Division Senior Education Program Specialist Nancy Pascual said that “we are looking into having resident psychologists per DepEd division, but while that still remains to be seen, we are organizing events like these to train teachers how to informally assess children with special needs. We are aware that diagnostic assessments are particularly important in preparing students’ progressive reports and action plans. Rest assured we are looking into the prospect’s feasibility.” This Awareness-raising Campaign will continue until January 24 with seminars simultaneously conducted in elementary and secondary schools across Metro Manila. |TOP| DepEd sends out guidelines for private schools wishing to offer senior high school Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph PASIG CITY -- Private high schools and other non-Department of Education (DepEd) schools that wish to offer senior high school (SHS) under the K to 12 Basic Education Program may refer to the guidelines sent out recently by DepEd. The guidelines are for the national implementation of the senior high school program in non-DepEd schools starting school year 2016-2017 and onwards under Republic Act No. 10533 or the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013. SHS (grades 11 and 12) allows students to choose among four tracks – Academic, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood, Sports, and Arts & Design – which are designed to help learners prepare for higher education, employment, or entrepreneurship. Education Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said the release of the guidelines is pursuant to Section 30 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10533.“We are sending out these guidelines to help interested private institutions that wish to be a part of this innovative thrust to upgrade Philippine basic education,” he added. DepEd Memo No. 4 series of 2014 has identified 3 categories for institutions which may wish to offer senior high school. Category A pertains to private schools recognized by DepEd to offer secondary education (Year I- IV) and private schools that have been granted at least Level II accreditation by any accrediting agencies of the Federation of Accrediting Agencies of the Philippines (FAAP). Category B refers to non-DepEd schools that have been issued permits by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to offer any training courses or by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to offer any higher education program. This category also includes schools that have been granted at least Level II accreditation by any accrediting agencies of the FAAP. Also under this category are other non-DepEd schools which have been granted at least Bronze accreditation status by the Asia Pacific Accreditation and Certification Commission. Category C includes other individuals, corporations, foundations and organizations recognized by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Application to offer SHS will only be accepted by email at kto12@deped.gov.ph addressed to the DepEd Secretary. A copy of the application [EIU1] should also be sent to the office of the concerned DepEd regional director on or before April 15, 2014. More information can be obtained from the K to 12 Secretariat at telephone numbers 631-5057 and 638-3703 or email at kto12@deped.gov.ph. |TOP| KMP misfires again with Aquino, Abad plunder charges Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph Responding to reports that the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) had filed plunder charges anew against President Benigno S. Aquino III and Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, the DBM Public Information Unit (PIU) today slammed the militant group’s move to implicate Aquino and Abad in the alleged misuse of P125 million in Malampaya Funds, which KMP said were released by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to dubious non-government organizations (NGOs).“The charges that the KMP have yet again leveled against President Aquino and Secretary Abad can only be the product of either shoddy research or a hyperactive imagination. To begin with, the Malampaya Fund releases in question were actually made in 2009, under the administration of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. It would be another year before President Aquino would assume leadership of the country, and another year before Secretary Abad would helm the budget department,” the DBM PIU said. According to DBM records, the only Malampaya Fund release to DAR was made on November 19, 2009, with P900 million provided to the agency for “support services to the Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs),” particularly for recovery projects/programs in the wake of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Since the beginning of the Aquino administration, however, all Malampaya Fund releases authorized by President Aquino have been directed to energy or energy-related projects, including those for securing or defending the country’s energy resources. “Under this Administration, the DBM has helped ensure that Malampaya Funds are used exactly for their mandated purpose. If fund misuse is indeed suspected in the utilization of Malampaya Funds in 2009, we join the citizens in demanding accountability from all responsible parties. Meanwhile, however, we suggest that the KMP first get the facts straight before filing other poorly supported complaints in the Office of the Ombudsman,” DBM PIU head Charisse Paderna said. MALAMPAYA FUND RELEASES FY 2011 Agency Purpose Release Date Amount National Power Corporation (NPC) For the fuel requirement of NPC – Small Power Utilities Group 2/25/2011 P2,000,000,000 Department of Energy For the Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP) – Pantawid Pasada 4/20/2011 300,000,000 Department of the Interior and Local Government For the Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP) – Pantawid Pasada 5/5/2011 150,000,000 Department of National Defense (DND) – AFP – General Headquarters For the acquisition/transfer of a USCGC Hamilton for the protection and security of the Malampaya Natural Gas-to-Power (MNGP) Project 4/13/2011 423,063,900 NPC To cover the fuel requirement (P1.322 B); genset lease/rental  (P0.14B); and half of capital expenditure requirements (P0.16B) of NPC – Small Power Utilities Group 8/26/2011 1,624,500,000 DND-AFP To support the upgrading of its capability requirements for 2011 relative to the security and protection of the MNGP Project 9/12/2011 4,954,580,167 National Electrification Administration For Sitio Electrification Project 9/15/2011 814,411,357 NPC NPC’s short-term loan facility with LBP (Missionary Electrification) 12/22/2011 3,000,000,000 TOTAL FY2011 RELEASES P13,266,555,424 “Key to this Administration’s reform agenda is the vigilant engagement of all citizens and concerned groups, particularly with respect to demanding accountability from government officials. But in filing yet another weakly supported plunder complaint, KMP have made it clear that accountability is not as much their priority as attracting undue attention is. To date, their energies have been devoted entirely towards discrediting the current Administration, all with little to no regard for the truth or the interests of the farmers they claim to represent. It’s increasingly obvious to us that KMP will do most anything to make themselves heard—even if their arguments are no longer based on fact—if only to further their own agenda,” Abad said. “I cannot emphasize enough the valuable role that various groups and people’s organizations have played in our good governance campaign. We thus urge the KMP to make good use of their influence and reach as a militant farmers’ group by resorting to fruitful action that will actually benefit the communities around them,” Abad added. |TOP| Water flows in Lake Sebu irrigation project Source: http://www.da.gov.ph Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala inaugurated the P34-million communal irrigation system in Barangay Talisay, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato which aims to provide constant water supply to more than 100 farmers living in the upland village of the town. The project, which was turned over to its beneficiaries on January 17, 2014, is comprised of two stream check diversion structures with 120 canals stretching to 5.6 kilometers. “This will serve 100 hectares (has) of existing farm areas and 100 has of new areas more,” the agri chief said. Alcala, in his message, urged the farmer-beneficiaries who are also members of the Talisay Irrigators’ Association to strictly implement and follow house rules related to the management of the irrigation project. “Pangalagaan po ninyo ito,” he said. While inspecting the project, he encouraged the farmers to plant fruit-bearing trees and raise livestock animals along the watershed to maximize area and double their income. He added that the fruits of these trees will be sold to give additional income to the farmers. “Ang itatanim po natin dito ay sampalok na maasim dahil malaki ang requirements para dito, lalo na sa Amerika at Europa,” Alcala announced. He added that with over 10 million Filipinos abroad, the produce already have a market to serve. Aside from sour tamarinds, Alcala added that the Department will be dispersing coffee seedlings to be planted in the watershed area. “This effort will be a partnership of DA and the local government, pagtutulungan po namin ito,” he said. In line with the national government’s mission to uplift the agri sector in the countryside, the DA Office in Region XII, headed by Director Amalia Jayag-Datukan, will conduct farmers’ field schools in the community to train farmers and provide them technical skills on improved technology to enable them to attain high quality and sustainable supply of produce. |TOP| PHL exports growth accelerated by end-2013 Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph Philippine exports of goods and services in 2013 are seen to have grown by nearly 10% from those in 2012, thus outpacing the prior year’s increase on the back of strong outsourcing and tourism performance as well as a preliminary recovery in merchandise shipments, the Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Export Trade Promotions (DTI-BETP) said last January 10. Total exports likely ended 2013 with at least a 5.8-% growth or as much as a 7.2-% increase based on the amount ranging from USD 74.8B to USD 75.8B, with the high end of the forecast topping the 6.7% hike in 2012, according to BETP estimates. This comes as services have bolstered the export tally by growing more than a fifth to USD 21.6B at the close of the year from USD 18.6B in 2012. Meanwhile, merchandise export receipts last year have slightly topped the USD 52.099-B record high posted in 2012 based on the recently released November results. Full-year merchandise export growth is seen at 2.2% to 4.1% for 2013. “I am confident merchandise exports will be at least close to 2012 levels,” BETP Director Senen M. Perlada said, noting the performance in November so far. Already, the 11-month merchandise export tally has hit USD 49.4B, a 2.6-% increase from a year ago according to official data. The latest results sustain the performance first posted in October when year-to-date merchandise exports swung to growth from a contraction recorded earlier in the year. Exports in November alone have surged by 18.9% amounting to USD 4.3B compared to the same month last year. The improved January to November results came on the back of robust automotive and consumer electronics growth which has helped temper the contraction in semiconductors sales. The modest growth so far is also attributed to the double-digit surges in shipments primarily of mineral products, food, construction materials, chemicals, furniture, fixtures and home decor. Moving forward, the same bright spots are seen to drive exports growth in 2014. Growth in Information Technology-Business Process Outsourcing (IT-BPO) industry is expected to continue this year on the back of expansion into non-voice services, for instance. Merchandise export growth, meanwhile, will be driven by automotive and consumer electronics, woodcraft and furniture, processed food and beverages, and chemicals, the BETP Director said. |TOP| No Malampaya Funds Used By Present Administration – DAR Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) yesterday denied that the present leadership of the agency was involved in any Malampaya fund misuse. DAR Undersecretary Anthony N. Paruñgao, in a statement, said that the DAR has not received any portion of the Malampaya funds since the present administration started. He issued this denial in connection with the plunder case filed by the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP). The KMP last tuesday charged President Aquino, DAR Secretary de los Reyes, DBM Secretary Abad and nine others with plunder before the Ombudsman for allegedly using the Malampayang funds to purchase farming products. He said that a cursory look at the timelines of the Malampaya fund infusion to the DAR shows that the fund was released to the DAR and was used in 2009, which was prior to the transition of administration in mid-2010. Paruñgao then stated that the present DAR administration in fact took the initiative to look into the apparent exploitation of the funds even before it came out in the news. “After receiving reports that some of the supposed beneficiaries of the Malampaya fund denied having received any financial assistance or support from the DAR back in 2009, the Office of the Secretary directed its Internal Audit Service on November 2012 to conduct an investigation, which began the following month.” Paruñgao accounted. He then recounted that the DAR turned over copies of the documents it has collected both to the Commission on Audit, which conducted its own special investigation on the matter, and the National Bureau of Investigation. “The DAR has shown its readiness and willingness to cooperate in any investigation on the Malampaya fund issue, and it will continue to do so as the processes progress.” Paruñgao said. “Incidentally, there were fund releases back in 2011. These however did not emanate from the Malampaya funds. As early as July 2012 though, the DAR has started investigating these supposed inappropriate releases, more than a year ahead of it coming out in the media sometime in the last quarter of 2013. The DOJ has already been furnished copies of reports and documents that we have collected for deeper investigation. We are also ready and willing to cooperate in any investigation on this matter.” Paruñgao added. |TOP| Swedish King to Visit the Philippines as Guest of Honor of Phl Boy Scouts Centenary Celebration Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 23 January 2014 – The Department of Foreign Affairs has announced that Sweden’s reigning monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf, is visiting the Philippines from January 24 to 26 as Guest of Honor at the Invitational Peace Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in their centenary year. This is the first visit of a Swedish monarch and Head of State of Sweden to the Philippines. His Majesty will call on President Benigno S. Aquino III, who is the country’s Chief Scout by virtue of Republic Act 7278. Vice-President Jejomar C. Binay, concurrently the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, will fête the King of Sweden for dinner together with officials of the World Organization of the Scout Movement and the World Scout Foundation. Vice-President Binay led the Philippine delegation to Sweden when it hosted the World Scout Jamboree in 2011. The Swedish monarch will visit the projects of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in Tacloban in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and other related projects of the Swedish Government implemented through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA). His Majesty’s commitment to the Boy Scout movement has been lifelong. From being a scout himself as a young man, His Majesty has served as the Honorary Chairman of the World Scout Foundation (WSF) since 1977. The WSF raises funds for various scouting projects worldwide, including the Ticket to Life project in the Philippines. Aside from the WSF, King Carl XVI Gustaf is actively involved in issues related to nature and the environment, personally instituting the King Carl Gustaf Environmental Competition and the “Royal Colloquium," an international environmental symposium held annually in Sweden with participants from all over the world. The King has been chairman of the Swedish branch of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) since 1988. King Carl XVI Gustaf is one of the longest serving monarchs in Europe, having celebrated the 40th anniversary of his accession to the throne in 2013. Under His Majesty’s reign, the Swedish monarchy has evolved to be seen as the world’s most modern monarchy. King Carl XVI Gustaf is second cousin to Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and is related to the reigning monarchs in Europe. He is married to Queen Silvia Sommerlath and has three children: Crown Princess Victoria, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine. |TOP| Philippine Ambassador Hosts ASEAN Women’s Circle in Jakarta Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 23 January 2014 - Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Maria Rosario Aguinaldo hosted on 20 January at her residence the first ASEAN Women’s Circle (AWC) Contact Morning for the year. The highlight of the event was a slide presentation on the World Heritage Sites of the Philippines. The Ambassador spoke on the two Natural Heritage Sites: the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park and on the Cultural Heritage Sites: the Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, the Baroque Churches of the Philippines and the Historic Town of Vigan. The guests found the Tubbataha Marine Park and the Rice Terraces impressive and appreciated the opportunity to obtain insights into the interesting sites in the Philippines. A few were quick to express their keen interest in visiting these two sites. To complete the presentation on the Philippines, the guests were treated to Philippine songs performed by the Filipino band “Aksento,” a Filipino brunch and a raffle of Philippine handicrafts. Mrs. Sranya Natalegawa, spouse of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, is the Chief Patron of the ASEAN Women’s Circle. She delivered remarks as did Datin Rusnah Binti Ismail, current AWC President and spouse of the Malaysian Permanent Representative to ASEAN. Over forty members of AWC attended the Contact Morning, among them, Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Elizabeth Buensuceso. Members of AWC are ASEAN lady Ambassadors and Permanent Representatives to ASEAN; spouses of ASEAN Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, other diplomats; officials of the Foreign Ministry and of the ASEAN Secretariat. Membership is also open to women from the ASEAN community in Jakarta and to the spouses of Ambassadors of ASEAN Dialogue Partners. The ASEAN Women’s Circle was established in 1975 for the purpose of promoting “mutual understanding and cooperation among ASEAN Women and to acquaint its members and the general public of the high ideals and aims of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.” The gatherings of AWC are intended to promote ASEAN friendship through socio-cultural and other related activities. The contact morning, hosted by rotation, is intended to promote the country and culture of the host through various forms of presentations. |TOP| TESDA Online Program clicking with students Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph Filipinos on the lookout for training and jobs through the Internet have helped propel the page views of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Online Program to a level high. Data from Google Analytics showed that page views for http://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/ reached 5,117,681 since it went online in May 2012, up to January 15, 2014. The website has 499,533 unique visitors, according to the data. To date, the TESDA Online Program (TOP) also recorded a total of 25,631 students enrolled in various courses. Users from the Philippines top those accessing the website, followed by those from Saudi Arabia, United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Qatar, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and others. TOP was designed to make technical vocational education and training (TVET) more accessible to potential trainees through the use of Internet technology. "Technical vocational education and training has become an appealing option to many Filipinos, but for some, the necessity to be physically present in a classroom has become a barrier," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general said. "TOP shattered the boundaries that hinder access to TVET because there is now the Internet. Now, even overseas Filipino workers, who want to specialize in a course can take the training and have a National Certificate after passing the assessment" Villanueva added. The online courses are free, but registration is required to be able to access the courses. As of January 15, 2014, total number of registered users of the TOP website has reached 156,565, of which 22 percent are located overseas. To date, the e-TESDA project management office has developed and published the following courses: Basic Computer Operation; Computer Hardware Servicing; Game Programming NC III; Web Development; Waiter Servicing; Valet Servicing; Bus Boy Servicing; Room Attendant Servicing; Guest Room Attendant Servicing; Cleaning the Premises; Laundry Servicing; Cellphone Servicing; Fruit Grower; Diesel Engine Tune Up; Packaged Air Conditioner Unit Servicing; and, Curriculum Development. But while the online courses bring all the necessary flexibility and comfort, Villanueva advised the students to invest time and discipline in their studies so they could complete their respective courses. "Some say that online education is not for everyone. The students have to be determined to do it. They have to finish the course because it's important to them, it could be the key to jobs or to another level in their career," he said. Aside from the courses, one can also find useful data and information in the TOP website such as the latest news releases, a section on Frequently Asked Questions, and a link to the official website of TESDA http://www.tesda.gov.ph/. |TOP| Opening Statement of GPH Panel Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on the 43rd GPH-MILF Exploratory Talks Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Assalam Alaikum, good morning to everyone. In behalf of the members of the government delegation present here today, the members of our Panel: former Secretary Senen Bacani, Undersecretary Yasmin Busran-Lao, Undersecretary Zenonida Brosas, Undersecretary Chito Gascon; our consultant, Assistant Secretary of the Department of National Defense, Dan Francia; the members of our legal team and our secretariat; we are pleased to be here today. As the good facilitator has said, in this round, we are burdened with great expectations. So good morning again to everyone, Tengku Datu Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed and the Secretariat of the Malaysian facilitator led by Madam Che. Our good counterparts led by Panel Chair Mohagher Iqbal, Professor Abhoud Syed Lingga, Mr. Abdulla Camlian, Datu Kinoc, the lawyers and the consultants of the MILF; and the members of the Central Committee, we are pleased to meet you, perhaps personally for the first time; of course, including Ustadz Ibrahim Ali who has been joining us for many many rounds now, it’s our pleasure to be personally engaged with you for this round. And certainly I have not forgotten the members of the International Contact Group - from Japan, Mr. Yudai Ueno; from Turkey, Mr. Ahmet Doğan; from United Kingdom, Mr. Tom Phipps and his companion. And from NGOs, Conciliation Resources, Emma Leslie; Center for Humanitarian Dialogue, Ali Saleem; Community of Sant’Egidio, Professor Alberto Quattrucci; and tomorrow, Dr. Sudibyo Markus from Muhammadiyah. We have with us today members of the civil society groups whom we have invited or have asked to be with us and we have willingly agreed to welcome their presence: an old friend, Professor Octavio Dinampo from Mindanao State University (MSU) in Sulu, Datu Hussayin Arpa of the Philippine Council for Sama and Bajau Inc. I think Pastor Reu Montecillo is not yet here with us, also from the MPC based in Lanao del Norte. The presence of the members of the press, the first ever – again, as Tengku has noted, when the media was invited to the opening ceremony; the larger than usual number of legislators from the Senate and the House of Representatives who will be joining us in the next days, along with Cabinet secretaries, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles and Edwin Lacierda, and the guest of the Panel members from civil society are the telltale signs. They manifest the unusually high note of anticipation that we will produce in this round the last of the four Annexes that we had pledged to accomplish in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro. In addition, we are expected to closethe Addendum to the Annexes on Power Sharing and Wealth Sharing that the GPH and the MILF panels subsequently agreed to add. To think that we are so close to closing the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and we still call this round “Formal Exploratory Talks” – the 43rd to be precise. It makes one wonder when we will ever get to the next higher stage of formal talks. But it is probably the beauty in the word “explorations” and “exploratory” that has allowed us to creatively think, to push and pull here and there, consider and reconsider, to argue and compromise, to add and subtract with net positive results. In effect, to reach this far in our forward march toward the peaceful resolution of the armed conflict between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Indeed, we have gone deep into defining and structuring Bangsamoro autonomous governance – how in effect fiscal and political autonomy shall be realized. Moreover, we are coming to terms with the bigger project of “normalization” with its diverse components -- socio-economic, transitional justice and reconciliation, and security. The security aspect alone is made up of several elements – disbandment of private armed groups, decommissioning of MILF combatants and weapons, redeployment of the AFP from or within the Bangsamoro as the security situation improves, a halt to the proliferation of loose firearm, and transitional security arrangements that will see the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) collaboratively keeping the peace on the ground. As with all explorations enthusiastically pursued and assiduously followed by the numerous stakeholders and supporters, the expectations as to what the process will deliver are enormous. Foremost expectation is the end to the armed conflictsin Muslim Mindanao, and a halt to the recurrence of violence involving the various armed groups. Certainly, this is an expectation not only for those that will fall inside the Bangsamoro but those areas which would co-exist side-by-side the Bangamoro such as Zamboanga City and the rest of the Zamboanga peninsula, North Cotabato, and Lanao del Norte. We take special note of Zamboanga City which has yet to fully recover from the trauma resulting from the siege launched by a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front. In this regard, we ask the MILF leadership to ensure that their ranks refrain from any provocative acts that generate distrust among the populace. Secondly, the public expects that the new set of institutions will bring about meaningful autonomy, yes. But even more important, they need to see that these new institutions decisively result in good governance, nurture public trust, and secure the rights and welfare of all (especially the minorities among the minorities, the poorest of the poor, and other disadvantaged segments of society). Equally important, these institutions must serve as the functional channel for peaceful political contestation among politicians and would-be politicians from non-traditional sectors including from those in the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). In all, the public expectation is that these, our efforts, wouldtruly make a difference. A difference for the better. A difference that is sustainable. A difference that will unite rather than divide. A difference that will bring about a sense of wellbeing andnot stoke the fears and insecurities of the populace. To meet these expectations, we’d need to put the right people and appropriate mechanisms in place, the benchmarks on which to measure our progress, and the protocols that will guide our actions, and instill discipline among our ranks. We must be able to sustain the integrity of our peace process. We must intensify our “convergence efforts” among the Bangsamoro and with other non-Moro indigenous peoples (IPs). In particular, we ask you, our negotiating partners, to show the goodwill and benevolence in extending the hand of friendship with your other fellow Moros and fellow indigenous peoples, especially those, who like you, historically descended from ancestors who have called Mindanao their home. At the same time, we need to be realistic enough to know we will also make mistakes. That we will not be able to bring everybody on that board. That we will suffer delays. That there will be naysayers, recalcitrants and breakaways, as well as corrupt andabusive members of our respective organizations. That some will feel left behind while others will abuse and take more than their just share. That there will be opportunists and misfits for the opportunities that will be opened. We come here as skeptical and realistic as anyone else. But these dangers never stopped us from cumulatively achieving consensus and inching our way forward. Why should these stop us now from moving on to the next stage of our work for peaceful change and reforms? The many pages of the texts that we have initialed and will be initialing soon will have to come alive in the form of real-life changes. Very soon the main challenge would be to make this difference manifest, in the lives of our people, especially of those in Mindanao; in our institutions, especially those of government at different levels; in our mindsets and norms, especially that of our leaders in politics and society. For this reason, we cannot afford to lose more time at the expense of the bigger task of implementation, and of the considerable progress we have already gained. The time to conclude the formal exploratory talks is now. Let us enable ourselves to move forward 100 percent to the next stage of implementation. Call it exploratory implementation if you like. After all, there is no ready-made template to these kinds of endeavors. However, from experience, we learned that a successful peace process usually requires larger doses of goodwill, determination and faith. These crucial elements, fortunately, are aplenty. They abound between and among the two parties and all the friends of this process. Thank you very much. |TOP| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph |TOP| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph |TOP| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph |TOP| DOTC celebrates 115th anniversary with start of 2 major infra projects Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) celebrates its 115th founding anniversary this week with the start of two (2) major infrastructure projects: the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 (MMS 3) project and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 Rehabilitation. “We are very happy to celebrate the DOTC’s anniversary with the start these major works. These are our gifts to the public,” said DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Aguinaldo Abaya. A groundbreaking ceremony for the P 26.59 Billion MMS 3 project was held today, 22 January 2014. This project entails a 14.82-kilometer, mostly 6-lane elevated highway extension of the Skyway from Buendia, Makati to Balintawak, Quezon City. It is expected to decongest traffic on EDSA and other major thoroughfares in the metropolis by about 55,000 vehicles daily, and cut travel time from Buendia to Balintawak from almost two (2) hours to only twenty (20) minutes. Construction will begin in April 2014, and will be completed by April 2017. Another major project is the much-awaited P 1.3 Billion NAIA-1 Rehab, which is also beginning this week. This project involves the structural retrofitting, improvement of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire (MEPF) protection facilities, and architectural works of the decades-old terminal building. D.M. Consunji, Inc., which was awarded the contract to undertake the rehabilitation works by the transport agency last December, will have until January 2015 to complete the project. This will mean that over the course of its implementation, certain areas of the terminal building will be closed for renovation. These closures will be done in six (6) phases of sixty (60) days each, and will be overseen by the DOTC and directly supervised by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). Preparations are now underway at NAIA Terminal 1, with affected concessionaires already clearing the area covered by Phase 1 of the project. Passengers will feel its impact beginning tomorrow, 23 January 2014, when the initial areas will be boarded up and actual rehabilitation works begin. “We appeal for patience and cooperation from passengers taking Terminal 1. These minor inconveniences will result in a much-improved NAIA, with better facilities and services for the public, in a year’s time,” added Abaya. |TOP| DSWD releases over 70,000 relief packs to LGUs in ‘Agaton’-hit areas Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph Although Tropical Depression Agaton has dissipated, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remains on alert to augment the relief resources of local government units (LGUs) in meeting the needs of families displaced by the nearly two-week weather disturbance that affected most parts of Mindanao Region. To date, DSWD has distributed 62,022 family food packs worth P15.5 million to affected LGUs in Davao Region while 14,912 food packs amounting to P4 million have been given to CARAGA Region. An additional 5,000 family food packs will be delivered anytime to San Francisco, Esperanza, Rosario, and Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur. DSWD-Central Office has released additional P10 million stand by funds to its Field Office in CARAGA for the purchase of more emergency relief supplies. As of 6 a.m., a total of 408 evacuation centers in the affected areas are still open providing temporary shelter to 35,122 families or 160,629 individuals while 47, 708 families composed of 293,288 individuals are still staying at their relatives’ or friends’ houses. |TOP| Press Conference on National Accounts of the Philippines slated on January 30 Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph The Philippine Statistics Authority-National Statistical Coordination Board (PSA-NSCB) announces the holding of a Press Conference on the 2013 Fourth Quarter and 2013 Annual Performance of the Philippine Economy on January 30, 2014 (Thursday) at 10:00 a.m. at the NSCB Operations Room, 5th Floor Midland Buendia, Bldg., 403 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. National Economic and Development Authority Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan and OIC National Statistician Carmelita N. Ericta will be the resource persons for the event. The press conference will be streamed live on the Internet through the USTREAM channel http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nscb. Highlights of the press conference will be tweeted live all throughout the duration of the press conference through the Twitter account @NSCBPhilippines. The hashtag to be used is #PHGDP. |TOP|   Last Updated: 23 JANUARY 2014 Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy Please click on thumbnails to magnify Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City on Thursday (January 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson stresses a point on rehabilitation work in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) during a forum in Makati City on Thursday (January 23). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes US Senator Marco Rubio during a courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) Foreign Affair Secretary Albert Del Rosario greets US Senator Marco Rubio upon arrival at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace for a courtesy call on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) US Senator Marco Rubio, escorted by US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 22). (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching ceremony of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and CCEC director Dodik Marseno. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the project launch of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia end of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Philippine National Construction Corporation president and chief executive officer Atty. Luis Singson, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono, San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, former President Fidel Ramos and CCEC director Dodik Marseno. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the project launch of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia–end of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, former President Fidel Ramos and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, presses a button to lead the project launch of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia end of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are former President Fidel Ramos, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation (CMMTC) president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, CCEC director Dodik Marseno, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, former President Fidel Ramos, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson and former President Fidel Ramos. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 at the Buendia – End of the Skyway Stage 1 in Makati City on Wednesday (January 22). The P26.59-B major infrastructure project is intended to decongest traffic along Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon Avenue, Araneta Avenue, Nagtahan, and other major thoroughfares by about 55,000 vehicles daily. Also in photo are Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino, CCEC director Dodik Marseno, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, former President Fidel Ramos, San Miguel Corporation president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corporation president and chief executive officer Shadik Wahono and Philippine National Construction Corporation president and chief executive officer Atty. Luis Singson. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo is Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to National Bookstore founder Socorro “Coring” Ramos during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are PeopleAsia Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., PeopleAsia president Kevin Belmonte, and publisher Jose Manuel Romualdez and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21).p with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., PeopleAsia president Kevin Belmonte, Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, and publisher Jose Manuel Romualdez and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Grand Ballroom, Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are PeopleAsia president Kevin Belmonte and Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to National Bookstore founder Socorro “Coring” Ramos during the People Asia Magazine’s People of the Year Awards Night 2014 at the Raffles and Fairmont Makati in Makati City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “Fourteen Glorious Years of Exceptional People.”  Since 2004, the “People of the Year” has been recognizing outstanding individuals in business, entertainment and advocacies, among others. Also in photo are PeopleAsia Editor-In-Chief Joanne Rae Ramirez, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., People Asia president Kevin Belmonte and publisher Jose Manuel Romualdez. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, the enterprise continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo is Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc during the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo is Insurance Deputy Commissioner Vida Chiong. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau / Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc upon arrival for the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 65th Anniversary of the Insurance Commission at the Parking Lot, Insurance Commission in United Nations Avenue, Ermita, Manila City on Tuesday (January 21) with the theme: “IC at 65, Breaking New Boundaries.” From its birth as an independent office in 1949, IC continuously faced the seemingly insurmountable challenge of providing each Filipino an opportunity to secure financial protection and stability for themselves. Also in photo are Insurance Deputy Commissioners Ferdinand George Florendo and Dorothy Calimag, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc and Deputy Commissioner Vida Chiong and Finance Undersecretary Jeremias Paul, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is Nanaa’s parents Adla and Mohammad Ghias Nanaa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Order of Sikatuna with a rank of Maringal na Lakan (Grand Officer) on Philippine Honorary Consul General in Aleppo, Idlib, Hana, and Latakia, Syrian Arab Republic Mohamad Wassim Nanaa in a ceremony at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 21). The Order of Sikatuna is conferred upon individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Republic of the Philippines. Also in photo is Nanaa’s mother Adla Nanaa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the National Day of Prayer at the Malacañan Palace Grounds on Monday (January 20). With the theme: “One Nation in Prayer: Isang Bansa, Isang Panalangin.” President Aquino joins the nation in offering prayers for the victims of last year’s tragedies that include the failed Zamboanga City siege in September, the magnitude-7.2 quake in Central Visayas in October, and super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November, and also to seek divine intervention for the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano Jr,/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to government officials in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commander Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (January 20). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Lauro Montellano Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III receives from His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait a commemorative olympic logo during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Royal Highness Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah of Kuwait during a courtesy call Thursday (January 16) at the Music Room in Malacanang Palace. The Sheikh is the President of the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committee. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo) President Benigno A. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 63rd anniversary celebration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Thursday, (January 16) at the department's central office in the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The President is the guest of honor to the 63rd anniversary celebration of DSWD with the theme "DSWD @ 63: Kaagapay sa Pagbangon at Pagbabago". (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo ) President Benigno A. Aquino III views the exhibition of artworks at the compound of Department of Social Welfare and Development central office at the Batasan Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. The President is the guest of honor to the 63rd anniversary celebration of DSWD Thursday, (January 16). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo Butreau) President Benigno A. Aquino III, assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, presents the Award of Recognition to Danny Franco B. Bitara, one of two helicopter crash survivors in Leyte during the Yolanda relief operations. The recognition was given in time with the 63rd anniversary celebration of the agency Thursday, (January 16) at the DSWD central office in Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Butreau) President Benigno A. Aquino III, assisted by Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon "Dinky" Soliman, presents the Award of Recognition to Noemi P. Mongaya, one of two helicopter crash survivors in Leyte during the Yolanda relief operations. The recognition was given in time with the 63rd anniversary celebration of the agency Thursday, (January 16) at the DSWD central office in the Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacanang Photo Butreau) Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma delivers his keynote speech on the second Salubungan Workshop themed "Tatak EPPN Ako, Ito Ang Taya Ko!” held in Malacanang Kalayaan Hall Thursday Jan. 16, 2014. (PHOTO BY: LUISITO L. IGLESIAS) Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma receives Certificate of Appreciation from EPPC commissioner Anton Lim, Cesar Sarino and commissioner Milagros Kilayko  on the second Salubungan Workshop themed "Tatak EPPN Ako, Ito Ang Taya Ko!” held in Malacanang Kalayaan Hall Thursday Jan. 16, 2014. (PHOTO BY: LUISITO L. IGLESIAS) President Benigno S. Aquino lll attends the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of "Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement" at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). Also in photo are from left, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas II, DOJ Secretary Leila De Lima, DBM Secretary Florencio Abad, Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras, Central Bank Governor Amando Tetangco, Presidential Legislative Liason Officer Manuel Mamba. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll receives from Citibank Corporate and Investment Banking Vice Chairman Jay Collins and Citibank CEO Philippines Batara Siantun an enlarged cashless purchase card, during the ceremonial turn-over of the Cashless Purchase Card System at the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of " Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement " at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the Good Governance Summit 2014 with the theme of "Good Governance through Open Government and Sustainable Procurement " at the Philippine International Convention Center, CCP Complex in Pasay City on Wednesday (January 15). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Ryan Lim/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of San Gabriel Power Plant Project in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City Tuesday, January 14, 2014 as Francis Giles Puno, President and COO of First Gen Corp., Batangas Governor Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto, DOE Secretary Jerico Petilla, First Gen Vice President Richard Tantoco, Mr. Oscar Lopez of Lopez Griup of Company and Ernesto Pantangco also of First Gen listen. First Gen operates the San Gabriel Power Plant and is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the ceremonial laying of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project time capsule in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City on Tuesday (January 14). with the President Chair and CEO of First Gen Corp Federico Lopez which operates San Gabriel Power Plant is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the ceremonial laying of the San Gabriel Power Plant Project time capsule in Brgy. Sta Rita, Batangas City on Tuesday (January 14). Assisting the President are Federico Lopez, Chair and CEO of First Gen Corp.; Lopez Group of Company; Emiritus Oscar Lopez, DOE Sec. Jerico Petilla, Batangas Governor Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto, Richard Tantoco, Exec. Vice President, First Gen Corp. and Francis Giles Puno, President and COO First Gen Corporation First Gen Corporation First Gen operates San Gabriel Power Plant and is the leading clean and renewable energy company in the Philippines with an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts. (Photo by Ryan Lim/Malacanang Photo Bureau) Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma presents Minister Yoshitaka Shindo of Japan Internal Affairs and Communications with token of appreciation during their bilateral meeting Monday (January 13) held at the Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City. (Photo by Luisito L Iglesias / NIB) Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY ============================================================