Dispatch
for January 9 ,
2014 ( Thursday ), 2 PIA Calabarzon PR , 4 Weather Watch ,
3 Reg’l. Watch
, 2 OFW Watch , 1 PNOY Speech , 15
Online News , 38 Photonews
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Tropical Cyclone Update
As of today, there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
As of today, there is no tropical cyclone existing within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
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Weather Watch
January 8 , 2013 ( Wednesday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Sunny
LAGUNA : Sunny
BATANGAS : Sunny
RIZAL : Fair Weather
QUEZON
: Partly Cloudy
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1. PIA Regional Watch
PIA-4A/QUEZON: The DepED-Quezon
through the Quezon science High School is scheduled to screen grade 7
applicants for school year 2014-2015. The first screening/examination is on
February 8 and the second examination is on February 22. Interview of
applicants is on April 1-3, 2014.
2. PIA Regional Watch
PIA4-A/CAVITE: The Provincial Task
Force on Relocation of Informal Settlers was created to carry the purpose of
the recently approved Executive Order No. 1 Series of 2014 aimed to uplift the
living conditions and general welfare of the underprivileged and need to
provide the informal settlers access toland and housing at affordable cost and
with provisions for basic services such as water and electricity. The are about
22,000 informal settlers in theentire province living in said perilous areas,
thus endangering their lives and the general public as well.
3. PIA Regional Watch
PIA4-A/CAVITE: The Department of
Public Works and Highways has moved the deadline for the final bidding of the
Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) project from Jan. 20 to April 21 this year.
The said extension is in response to bidder's requests. CALAX is the third
Public Private Partnership project of th e DPWH to be bid out under President
Benigno S. Aqjino III's administration. It is so far the biggest PPP project in
terms of project cost amounting to Php34.5 billion.
1. PIA OFW Watch
DZBB: 2,600 na mga Pinoy ang naiipit
pa rin sa kaguluhan sa Syria at patuloy na hinihikayat ng pamahalaan na
lumikas. Sinabi ng DFA na ang bilang ng mga Pinoy sa Syria ay estimate batay sa
database ng PHL Embassy sa Damascus at batay sa listahan ng Syrian Ministry of
Social Affairs and Labor.
2. PIA OFW Watch
ABS-CBN: Napilitang magsara ang
ilang mga negosyo ng Pinoy sa Amerika, partikular na sa New Jersey, dahil sa
matinding lamig doon. Apektado rin ang ilang OFW na nahihirapang pumasok sa
trabaho.
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| President Benigno S. Aquino III"s Speech at the Launching of the new MMDA Signalization System and the Command and Control Center |
| MMDA Command & Control Center, Orense St., Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City |
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08 Jan. 2014
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Magandang hapon po, maupo po tayong lahat. Chairman Francis Tolentino, Secretary Mario Montejo, Secretary Sonny Coloma, Congresswoman Sol Aragones, Congressman Bolet Banal, Congressman Winnie Castelo, Congressman Abet Garcia, Mayor Junjun Binay, Mayor Len Len Oreta, Mayor Tony Calixto, Mayor Jimmy Fresnedi, Mayor Joey Medina, Mayor Guia Gomez, Mayor Herbert Bautista, Mayor Maribel Eusebio, Governor Ed Chatto, Police Director-General Alan Purisima, private partners of the Metro Manila Development Authority, fellow workers in government, honored guests, mga minamahal ko pong kababayan, magandang araw po muli sa inyong lahat. Siyempre, pagkarating ko dito, sabi ko “Francis, saan nanggaling itong building na ‘to?” [Laughter] Savings raw ho pala. Mukhang masinop ang ating Chairman. At nakita ko pa si Bea, sabi ko “Sino kaya kaibigan dito ni Bea? Si Francis, si Junjun, o si Bistek?” [Laughter] Anyway, alam po ng marami sa atin ang kasaysayan ng jeepney. Mula sa surplus ng Amerikano noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig, ginawa itong pampasaherong sasakyan ng mga Pilipino. Daig pa nga po yata ang jeep, dinaig niya si Dracula—dahil ilang pagkamatay at pagkabuhay na ang dinaanan ng mga sasakyang ito, at hanggang sa ngayon po, palagay ko po’y, may makikita pa tayo na pumapasada na nung brand new po si MacArthur pa yung dumarating pa sa Pilipinas. Palagay ko lahat naman ho tayo nakaranas na—‘yung sasakyan namin ni Francis noong panahon namin sa college ay brand new; sa bagay, mga isang dekada pa lang kami naggraduate, nasa kalsada parin ho. Hindi rin po maikakaila sa ating mga Pilipino: Kapag nagkaroon ka ng sariling kotse, talagang buong-sikap mo itong aalagaan. Dahil hindi naman mura ang presyo ng sasakyan, gagawa ka ng paraan para pahabain nang pahabain ang buhay po nito. Ito nga lang po ang nabuo nitong problema ngayon: Dahil dumadagsa ang mga bagong sasakyan, at ang mga luma naman ay hindi nagreretiro, parami nang parami ang mga behikulong pumupuno sa ating mga kalsada. Nitong 2013, umabot na sa mahigit dalawang milyon ang rehistradong sasakyan sa National Capital Region. Ang resulta: matinding traffic. Hindi lang po sakit sa ulo sa mga biyahero ang dulot nito—apektado rin ang ating ekonomiya dahil sa sinasayang nitong oras, pera, gasolina, at pagkakataong maging produktibo, na umaabot sa halagang halos dalawa’t kalahating bilyong piso kada araw, ayon po sa NEDA. Alam po ninyo, iyong two million na sasakyan, 7.6 million total registered vehicles sa Pilipinas, so roughly around 26 percent, close to 30 percent, of all vehicles in the Philippines are plying the NCR’s roads. Ang kasaganahang dapat sana’y atin nang nakakamit, ay tila naiipit din sa gitna ng traffic. Mula’t sapul pa lang po ay katuwang na natin ang MMDA sa paghahanap ng solusyon upang maibsan ang traffic sa Kamaynilaan. Iba’t ibang usapin at konsepto na po ang umusbong. Ang isa po rito: dagdagan natin ang mga kalsada—puwedeng nga hong elevated na gaya ng mga flyover, o sunken na tulad ng mga underpass. Ang sabi ko po, puwede nga naman nitong mapaluwag ang trapiko. Iyon nga lang, dahil sa lumalago nating ekonomiya, dadami rin ang mga sasakyan, at mahihirapang sabayan ang paggawa ng mga bagong kalsada. Sa totoo lang po, para doon sa SLEX-NLEX connector, ay binili ulit ng gobyerno iyong tinatawag na air rights ng PNR na ibinenta na dati. Bakit ho natin binili ang air rights? Dahil lalagyan po ng elevated portion iyong kalsada. Eh, kung hindi tayo in possession of these air rights, hindi natin puwedeng lagyan. So mayroon ka nang upgrade na itinatawag: iyong ground level, may under, may over—eh baka wala na ho tayong mapaglalagyan kung magiging flyover upon flyover upon flyover. Baka mahilo na ho, at baka kailangan na ng oxygen iyong ating mga naglalakbay na kababayan. Hindi po natin puwedeng paabutin ang patong-patong, o pailalim ng pailalim, dahil ‘yung basement parking baka may limitasyon rin po ‘yan. May isa pa pong kaisipan: hangga’t walang maasahang rapid transport system, public rapid transport system, na tayong ipatatayo o palalawakin na magsisilbing alternatibo sa pribadong behikulo—tulad ng ating pong LRT Line 1 South Extension, LRT Line 2 East Extension, at MRT Line 7, ay pupunuin at pupunuin lang din ng mga sasakyan ang mga daan dahil wala nga pong alternatibo. Ang kailangan naman nating isaalang-alang dito: ang gabundok na gastos, at tagal ng panahon bago ito magawa at mapakinabangan. Patuloy po nating pinag-aaralan ang mga hakbang na magpapaginhawa sa daloy ng trapiko, lalo na po sa Kamaynilaan, kasabay ng mga inisyatibang ating isinasakatuparan. Tignan po natin ang Metro Manila Integrated Transport System. Para hindi na makipagsiksikan ang provincial buses sa EDSA, magkakaroon tayo ng mga terminal sa mga bungad ng Metro Manila. Panalo po ang lahat dito—layunin nitong paluwagin ang traffic sa Kamaynilaan, at pabilisin at gawing mas ligtas ang biyahe ng mga bus. Bukod pa ito sa mga inisyatibang katuwang ang iba pang mga ahensya tulad ng Uniform Ticketing System, Truck Ban, flood control, rerouting at road reblocking. Kung iisa-isahin pa po natin ang listahan ng mga nagawa ni Chairman Tolentino, baka senyasan na rin po tayo niya at sabihin “tama na po,” at alam na nating lahat ang mga nagagawa ni Chairman, sampu ng ating Metro Manila Council at iba pang katuwang na ahensya. Nagtitipon po tayo ngayong hapon upang ilunsad ang isa pang inisyatiba upang tugunan ang hamon ng traffic sa Kamaynilaan: Ang New Traffic Signalization System, na magkakaroon ng tahanan sa isang—napapansin naman po ninyo—makabagong Command and Control Center. Parang first time ako nakapasok ng MMDA facility na bago. [Laughter] Lalo pag tinignan natin yung mga pumping station. Alam po ninyo, nung dinalaw natin yung pumping station, parating tinitignan ko, sabi ko “ito kayang mga gumawa nung mga pump na ‘to ay nakatayo pa ang mga kumpanya o talagang tayo lang sa Pilipinas ang magaling talagang, masinop, magalaga ng gamit?” Matagal nang nawala iyong kompanyang gumawa at tumatakbo parin ‘yong makinarya. Anyway po, Phase 1 pa lang po ito na nagkakahalaga ng mahigit 295 million pesos. Masusi po nating inilatag ang mga susunod pang hakbang na kukumpleto sa proyekto; kung saan target nating matapos ang pinakadulo: Phase 3 sa taong 2016. Baka po may magtatanong: Bakit ba natin kailangang baguhin ang lumang sistema sa pamamahala ng trapiko? Alam po ninyo, nasa labing-apat na taon na po ang sistemang pangkomunikasyong ginagamit ng pamahalaan para sa signalized intersections sa Metro Manila. Kaya naman, marami sa mga kagamitan nito—tulad ng mga computer para sa tinatayang 424 intersections—ay nasagad na ang gamit, at kinakailangan nang palitan para maging kapaki-pakinabang. Hindi pa kasama rito ang palyado nang traffic lights at loop detectors, na sa halip na maging instrumento ng kaayusan at kaligtasan, ay nagiging sanhi pa ng kapahamakan kung minsan. ‘Yung digitization na binabanggit, [marami] po tayong equipment na analog na hindi na raw maaccomodate ng ating TELCOS. May computers pa ba kayo dito na floppy disk na literal? [Laughter] ‘Tsaka printer na dot matrix na—anyway. Palagay ko mayroon pa rin, may nakita nga ako mga ilan. Pinuntahan natin ‘yun, Francis, doon sa integrated terminal, sa dispatch, dot matrix pa nga. ‘Tsaka colored po ‘yung kanilang monitor: Green. Buti nalang ho malinaw ‘yung mata ng nagooperate. May mga paunang hakbang na tayong naisagawa, tulad ng ilang traffic lights na may may countdown timer na ngayon at inaasahan nating madadagdagan pa ‘yon. Hatid nito ang impormasyon, at ngayon, sa ilang lokasyon ay kalkulado na ang bawat segundo bago muling gumalaw ang trapiko, o kung kailangan mo nang huminto. Ang resulta: Mas epektibong sistema. Ilang ulo na kaya ang napalamig nito sa daan? Ilang aksidente na kaya ang ating napigilan? Kasabay po ng pagpapabuti natin sa mga mekanismong direktang gumagabay sa mga motorista, tinututukan din natin ang mas malaking sistemang kokontrol sa lahat ng mga ito. Ang makabagong Command and Control Center pong ito ang magsisilbing utak sa pagmonitor at pagkilos ng MMDA sa masusing pangangasiwa ng sitwasyong pang-trapiko, at magiging pang-kalamidad at pampublikong seguridad. Bukod sa mas mabilis na teknolohiyang pangkomunikasyon nito, kaya nitong pangasiwaan ang mahigit sa 400 na intersection sa Kamaynilaan. Kabilang sa mga kagamitang kaakibat nito ay ang upgrading ng traffic signal facilities sa 85 prayoridad nating intersections, kasama na ang installation ng 25 high-definition CCTV cameras sa mga stratehikong lokasyon. Francis tinitignan ako ng pinsang kong si Mayor Ureta ng Malabon. Sana kasama raw sila doon sa 85 na priority, at may traffic rin daw po sila galing Caloocan. [Laughter] Uulitin ko lang po: unang bahagi pa lang po ito ng proyekto, at sisikapin nating dagdagan at paunlarin pa ang mga kagamitang ito. Bibilis at mas magiging tiyak na po ang ating pagresponde sa kalye. Halimbawa: Kung nakita sa CCTV camera na puno ng sasakyan sa isang kalsada, at maluwag naman sa kabila, maaaring kontrolin mula sa Command and Control Center ang tagal o bilis ng pag-ilaw ng green at red lights sa mga intersection, upang mapaluwag ang mga daan dahil magiging mas-efficient ang pagdaloy ng trapiko. Sa madaling salita: makakatulong ang bagong sistemang ito sa MMDA upang mas mabilis at mas angkop na makapagbigay-aksyon tungo sa mas maaliwalas na daloy ng trapiko sa lansangan. At hindi lamang nito mapapaginhawa ang biyahe’t kalakal sa Kamaynilaan—mapapaigting din nito ang seguridad at kaligtasan ng mamamayan. Naniniwala pa rin po tayo: Sa mga komplikadong problemang tulad ng traffic sa Metro Manila, ang pinakamainam na solusyon ay dapat nakaayon ang pondo, kakayahan, at panahon na mayroon tayo. Sa pagtugon sa traffic, ang kailangan natin ay isang epektibong sistema kung saan mas magiging proactive po tayo, kaysa reactive lamang. Sa isyu pa lamang ng traffic, nagkaka-ideya na tayo sa hirap ng trabaho ng MMDA, at sa kung papaano sila nagsisikap upang makapaghatid ng pagbabago sa Metro Manila. Ang malungkot nga lang po: Kapag nagkakaroon ng traffic, agad na buntunan ng sisi ang MMDA. Buti na lang po’t may taga-timon ang MMDA—uulitin natin—tulad ni Chairman Francis Tolentino [Applause], na kayang kaya po ang mga problemang ito: kita naman po niyo, itim pa ang buhok malago pa. [Laughter] Sa kabila ng kanyang dambuhalang responsibilidad at kabit-kabit na tungkulin, kailanman ay hindi siya nagpatinag sa anumang hamon sa ahensya. Lagi siyang kargado ng pasensya, at parang laging naka-full tank sa sigasig at enerhiyang makapaghatid ng serbisyo sa kanyang kapwa at bandila. ‘Di po ba’t sa panahon ng kalamidad, kahit pa sa labas ng Maynila, ay nasasaksihan din natin ang wagas na serbisyo ng mga taga MMDA? Noong bagyong tulad ng Pablo at Sendong, isa sila sa mga nakibalikat para makalap ang mga katawan ng nasawi sa trahedya. Miski wala po iyan sa job description ng MMDA o ni Chairman Tolentino, buong-pagkukusa pa rin nila itong ginawa para maibsan ang paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan—at pasasalamatin ko na rin po ang Metro Manila Council sa pagaadopt n’yo ng ating mga kababayan at mga bayan at lungsod na nasalanta ni Yolanda. Sa kabila ng kanilang paglilingkod, may mga naririnig pa rin tayong insidente kung saan napapagbantaan o napapahamak ang ilang kawani ng MMDA. Ngayon na po siguro ang panahon at pagkakataon upang muli nating iangat ang kultura ng pagkakilala at pagtanaw ng utang na loob. Kaya naman, kay Chairman Francis Tolentino at sa buong puwersa ng MMDA, ako na po ang magpapaabot sa inyo, mula sa sambayanang Pilipino: maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong serbisyo. [Applause] Sa mga kababayan naman natin, ipapaalala ko lang din po: nata-traffic din ako. Kahit pa may estimated time kada biyahe, naglalagay pa rin ako ng allowance, dahil sumusunod tayo sa batas-trapiko, at umaayon din sa kondisyon ng kalsada. Tulad ninyo, ang ibig-sabihin din po sa akin ng green ay “go,” at ang red ay “stop,” at hindi “go faster.” Kahit may pribilehiyo po tayong maging prayoridad sa daan, pinipili ko pa ring hindi gumamit ng wang-wang. Alam kong hindi lang pansariling oras ang mahalaga, kaya nagbibigay-daan tayo at nirerespeto ang oras ng iba. Pero hindi po ibig-sabihin niyan na ipinapasa na natin ang pribilehiyong ito sa iba. Kasi, alam po ninyo, wala pa rin pong lisensya ang sinuman na pairalin ang utak wang-wang, at maghari-harian sa daan. Ang pakiusap ko po sa ating mga kababayan: sana naman ay magkaroon tayo ng disiplina sa daan. Kahit pa minsan, natutukso tayo—dahil na rin siguro sa init ng ulo o sa inip sa kalsada—huwag sana natin itong gawing dahilan upang baluktutin ang batas, o lusutan ang sistema. Para rin naman ito sa kapakanan ng bawat isa sa atin, ‘di po ba? Kaya de-kotse ka man, de-motor, o tumatawid lang sa pedestrian lane—sumunod nawa tayong lahat sa mga patakaran. Huwag na nating hayaang mahuli pa tayo ng opisyal o ng camera, at humarap sa parusa, bago matutong sumunod sa batas at sistema. Alam po ninyo, madalas—hindi naman po ganon kadalas, pero maraming na rin pagkakataon—kami po’y naghihintay ng pagpapalit ng ilaw: pula, edi nakahinto kami. Nung go na ho kami ayaw po huminto nung aming katapat sa intersection. At may mga araw na sabi kong kailangan yata na ako na rin ang manghuhuli dito, dahil head naman tayo of the Executive Department. So iyo po ang ibig kong sabihin pag sinabing hindi po natin pinapasa ang yung pribilehyo natin. Sana po kung kaya natin sumunod, lahat naman po tayo dapat sumunod. Gaya nga po ng sabi ko, nasa last two minutes na tayo ng ating paglalakbay upang marating ang malawakang transpormasyon ng lipunan. Ngayon pa lang, naipakita na natin na kaya ng Pilipinong lampasan ang mga dambuhalang pagsubok, at nararating na rin natin ang mga hangaring noon ay inakala nating imposible. Tara na po at sulitin ang pagkakataong ito. Isang bansa nating iarangkada ang Pilipinas—mula sa daang matuwid, diretso sa daang maaliwalas, sagana, at maunlad. Magandang hapon po, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. |
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| Customs reform takes off with new hires; Abad: Improvement in revenue collections eyed |
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph |
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The Department
of Budget and Management (DBM) has given the go signal for the
Bureau of Customs (BoC) to fill vacant and funded positions in the
bureau’s central office, ports and collection districts. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said that the urgent need to fill the vacant positions also coincides with the continued implementation of customs reforms aimed to boost revenue collections and further enhance the country’s global economic competitiveness. This is also in view of the ongoing expansion of existing and opening of new international airports, in line with the Aquino Administration’s tourism development agenda. “Considering that the ongoing revamp in the Bureau of Customs are in full swing, we gave the Customs bureau the proper authority to fill several key positions that would support the efficient and improved collection of customs duties, taxes, fees and penalties. As we remain committed in giving our international airports a much-needed facelift, we also recognize the need to hire additional customs personnel to ensure the smooth operations of the bureau and improve its collection services,” DBM Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. “More important, however, is the reform component in supporting the BOC’s staffing requirements. By filling up vacancies and finding the right talent to fill some very important positions in Customs, the bureau can bring greater momentum to their efforts at reforming itself,” he added. The DBM’s approval—which was made in December 2013—was in response to the BOC’s request to fill a total of 2,823 funded technical and support-to-technical positions. The DBM approved the request provided that the bureau has sufficient funds under Personnel Services (PS) and would not entail additional budgetary release. “Our growing investments in infrastructure and our efforts at advancing economic expansion is in keeping with our thrust for inclusive growth, as well as our broader strategy for creating more development opportunities in the country. As part of our economic development plan, we are steadfast in heeding the call of the people for more job opportunities and sustainable livelihood,” Abad said. Vacant positions include those for customs collectors, who will be responsible for the assessment and collection of lawful revenues from imported articles and all other dues under the existing tariff and customs laws. There are also vacant positions for special investigators, police and intelligence officers who will be tasked to gather crucial information related to customs and economic activities, among others. Also covered are positions for accountants, computer maintenance staff, computer programmers, and information technology (IT) officers. Hiring activities for qualified statisticians and lawyers have also been given the go signal. |
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| 2013 average inflation is within government target |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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Year-on-year
headline inflation for the whole year of 2013 averaged 3.0 percent,
within the Government’s inflation target range of 4.0 percent ± 1.0
percentage point for the year. This is the fifth consecutive year
that the average inflation rate has been within the announced
government target. Inflation in December rose further to 4.1 percent
from 3.3 percent in November, and was likewise within the BSP’s
forecast of 3.8-4.7 percent for the month. Similarly, core
inflation—which excludes certain food and energy items to measure
generalized price pressures—increased to 3.2 percent in December
from 2.8 percent in the previous month. Month-on-month headline
inflation was higher at 0.7 percent from 0.4 percent in November. The uptick in headline inflation in December was driven largely by higher prices of food, electricity, and domestic petroleum products. Food inflation went up as prices of key food items, particularly rice, meat, fish, milk, fruits, and vegetables rose due to holiday season demand coupled with tight domestic supply conditions. Likewise, the upward adjustment in electricity rates as a result of the scheduled maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya natural gas facility as well as the higher gasoline, diesel, LPG, and kerosene prices contributed to the increase in non-food inflation for the month. Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said that the December inflation reading continues to support the BSP’s assessment of a manageable inflation environment over the policy horizon and affirms the appropriateness of the current monetary policy stance. Looking ahead, the BSP will remain vigilant in monitoring possible price pressures and stands ready to deploy appropriate measures as needed to ensure price stability conducive to a balanced and sustainable economic growth. |
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| Baldoz lauds DOLE-NCR and other DOLE employees for starting the year right |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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In DOLE’s first
flag-raising ceremony in 2014 Baldoz lauds DOLE-NCR and other DOLE
employees for starting the year right Elated over the large number of officials and employees who attended the DOLE’s first flag-raising ceremony for the year last Monday, Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz lauded the officials and employees who religiously observed the flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies every Monday and Friday, respectively, in 2013, even as she commended the DOLE-NCR for its achievements during the past year.“Attendance to the flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies is a sign of respect for the Philippine tri-color. It is a patriotic duty and it is when we are constantly reminded of how we must conduct ourselves as public servants,” Baldoz said. Secretary Baldoz, who was cited last year by the DOLE Human Resource and Development Service as one of those who had the most number of flag-raising ceremonies attended, said the unusually large number of attendees for the first flag-raising ceremony is a good and happy sign. “It is a good way to start the New Year,” she observed. Other DOLE officials, who the HRDS cited were also regular attendees of the flag- raising and flag-lowering ceremonies in 2013, were Undersecretary Ciriaco Lagunzad III; Assistant Secretary Gloria Tango; Directors Lily Pearl Guerrero of the Administrative Service; Katherine Brimon of the Human Resource and Development Service; Cristina Quismundo of the Internal Audit Service; Nicon Fameronag of the Labor Communication Office; and OIC Director Teresa Peralta of the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics. Flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies are pursuant to Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which requires all government offices to observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday and the flag-lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. Attendance to the flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies is provided under Section 10 of DOLE Administrative Order 476, Series of 2010, which states that “DOLE officials and employees shall honor the flag and are encouraged to regularly attend the flag-raising ceremony every Monday, as an expression of respect and loyalty to the Department and to the country.” For the first DOLE flag raising ceremony in 2014, the DOLE-NCR, headed by Regional Director Alex Avila, stood as host and showcased its accomplishments for 2013 in a video presentation accompanied by live music from the DOLE-NCR Chorale. Noting the large number of DOLE-NCR employees at the ceremony, Baldoz said it was an indication that 2014 is off to a good start. “This also poses a challenge to other agencies hosting the ceremony to top the record number of attendees,” she said. “From the looks of it, it seems all the DOLE-NCR personnel are here,” Baldoz observed. |
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| As part of DOLE reforms to transform FWRCs into centers of care and excellence In Riyadh, POLO increases Bahay Kalinga budget from SR2,500 to SR4,500 per week |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
| Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said over the weekend that the budget for the provision of basic necessities of distressed overseas Filipino workers housed at the Filipino Workers’ Resource Center (FWRC), also called Bahay Kalinga, in Riyadh has been increased to SR4,500 per week from the previous SR 2,500 per week, or roughly P53,622 a week. Baldoz, citing a report from Labor Attache Rustico dela Fuente, who is POLO Riyadh head, said that the increase in the FWRC budget was based on the assessment by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) of the specific needs of the distressed OFWs. “As earlier planned, and based on the assessment of specific needs, the POLO in Riyadh has started the delivery on a weekly basis of provisions of basic necessities for the OFWs sheltered at the Center,” said Baldoz. Labor Attache Dela Fuente reported that the POLO last 15 December already delivered additional 250 gallons of drinking water; 480 kilos of rice; 70 foam mattresses; 155 pillows; 156 jackets; and 156 jogging pants to the FWRC. He said other food supplies, such as fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables, cooking oil, and sugar, will be augmented in appropriate quantity in the coming weeks. “We have already organized a purchasing system and delineated and enhanced the kitchen chores for better management with the assistance of “kubol” coordinators, or kitchen representatives,” Dela Fuente reported. The POLO official assured Secretary Baldoz that the POLO will also provide jackets and sleeping pants for the distressed OFWs for the winter. “Most of the newly deployed workers at the Bahay Kalinga have no prior idea how cold the winter is in Riyadh. They do not have means to provide clothes for this kind of weather,” said Dela Fuente. He added that the purchase of foam mattresses and pillows is expected to complete the bedding supplies, particularly for those occupying spaces outside roof-covered areas. Dela Fuente further said that the POLIO is now regularly providing medical services to OFWs sheltered at the FWRC, including medicines. |
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| DFA forges partnership with Araneta Center, DFA NCR-Northeast soon to open in Ali Mall, Cubao |
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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08 January 2014
– Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario and Mr. Jorge L. Araneta, Chairman and President of Araneta
Center, Inc., signed on 07 January the Memorandum of Agreement on
Araneta Center’s hosting of a DFA Satellite Office at Ali Mall in
Araneta Center, Cubao, under the Public-Private Partnership
arrangement. The signing, which took place at the DFA Main Building in Pasay City, is in line with the Department’s objective of decongesting the DFA main passport processing facility at the ASEANA Business Park in Parañaque. The opening of DFA NCR- Northeast at the Ali Mall Government Center, Level 2, Ali Mall, Cubao in February 2014 will complement the four (4) other DFA satellite offices serving the residents of Metro Manila and neaby cities and municipalities. |
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| Second Ambassador Reyes Invitational Chess Cup held at Philippine Embassy in Rome |
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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08 January
2014- The Filipino European Migrants International Chess Academy or
FEMICA in cooperation with the Philippine Embassy in Rome held the
“2nd Ambassador Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. Invitational Cup— Open Rapid
Chess Tournament” at the Embassy Social Hall in on December 15,
2013. Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio A. Reyes, Jr. led the ceremonial moves which marked the official opening of the tournament. A total of 50 players – Filipinos, Italians, and children participated in the tournament. In their respective messages, Ambassador Reyes and FEMICA President and International Chess Master Virgilio Vuelban highlighted the academic and social benefits of chess to children as proven by many scientific studies and research. The Ambassador further encouraged all the youth and second-generation Filipinos as well as their parents to continue with this activity provided by the Philippine Embassy and FEMICA. Mr. Merol Delco won the Ambassador’s Cup, while Catreyell Dolor won the Cup’s Children’s Category. |
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| End-December 2013 GIR closes at US$83.7 billion |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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Preliminary
data showed that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR)
increased by US$0.1 billion to US$83.7 billion as of end-December
2013 from the end-November 2013 GIR level of US$83.6 billion, Bangko
Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr.
announced today.1 At this level, reserves can adequately cover 12
months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and
income. The GIR is also equivalent to 8.4 times the country’s
short-term external debt based on original maturity and 5.8 times
based on residual maturity.2 Contributing to the increase in reserves were the foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad of the BSP as well as foreign currency deposits by the Treasurer of the Philippines (TOP). These inflows were partially offset by revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings and payments by the National Government (NG) for its maturing foreign exchange obligations. Net international reserves (NIR), which refer to the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also increased by US$0.1 billion to reach US$83.7 billion as of end-December 2013, compared to the end-November 2013 NIR of US$83.6 billion. ----------------- 1 The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSP’s website under the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS). If the 19th day of the month falls on a weekend or is a non-working holiday, the release date shall be the working day nearest to the 19th. 2 Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months. |
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| Updates Re: Atimonan Rubout Case |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
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It is not true
that the prosecutors failed to attend the first hearing in the
multiple murder case filed against PSupt. Hansel Marantan and twelve
(12) other Philippine National Police (PNP) officers/personnel, now
pending before RTC-Gumaca, Quezon. The first hearing was held on 27 September 2013, wherein the motions filed by the prosecution, namely, the Motion for a Hold Departure Order (HDO) against all the accused and the Motion for Reconsideration on the non-issuance of a warrant of arrest against accused PSInsp. Timoteo Orig, as well as various motions filed by the accused, namely, Motion for Reconsideration on the issuance of warrants of arrest as to the other accused, Motion for Judicial Determination of Probable cause filed by accused Orig and Motion for Inhibition of the Judge, were jointly tackled. Prosecutors Cesar Angelo Chavez and Jayvee Bandong of the DOJ-NPS Main Office, and Prosecutor Jose Federico Gendrado of the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor of Quezon (OPP-Quezon) were in attendance. The latest hearing was held last 29 November 2013 for the submission of oppositions to the motions filed by the accused. Said opposition were filed by the DOJ prosecutors even before the scheduled hearing. Prosecutors Gendrado and Nalyn Mesa of OPP-Quezon attended said hearing. The Judge already denied the Motion for Inhibition filed by the accused against her. The other Motions are pending resolution. The next hearing is on 17 January 2014. |
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| No probable cause against former Vice Governor Recto in connection with the bombing incident at Batangas City |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
|
In a Resolution
dated 26 December 2013, Senior Deputy State Prosecutor (SDSP)
Theodore M. Villanueva, upon the authority given by the Prosecutor
General, resolved the Motion for Reconsideration filed by Respondent
Richard "Ricky" Recto (RECTO), former Vice Governor of Batangas,
assailing the resolution of Cagayan City Prosecutor Fidel Macauyag (MACAUYAG)
finding probable cause against him, co-respondents Atty. Christopher
Belmonte, Christina Antonio, Betina Balderama, Lt. Angelbert Gay,
2Lt. Aldrin Baldonado, LTJG Kiram Sadava, and several John Does for
the crimes of murder, frustrated murder, and damage to property.
Accordingly, City Prosecutor MACAUYAG filed the Informations in the
court of competent jurisdiction. It may be recalled that on 01 June 2006, a bombing incident transpired at the Provincial Capitol of Batangas City which resulted to the serious physical injuries sustained by then Batangas Governor, and now deceased, Armando C. Sanchez (SANCHEZ), the death of his driver, Luisito Icaro (ICARO), and closed-in-security escort, PO2 Eric Landicho (LANDICHO), and the destruction of the Humvee Jeep of SANCHEZ. SDSP Villanueva resolved that, after an assiduous evaluation of the facts of the case and the evidence submitted against Respondent RECTO, he found the "non-existence of probable cause to hold him for trial for the crimes committed”; that a perusal of the statements submitted by the investigating police authorities show that "there was never any meeting of the minds, no concrete agreement or plan was arrived at, no conspiracy was ever established, no definite personalities were identified that would be the subject and as to who would effectuate such plans were discussed"; that "all statements given by the military officers are based on hearsay evidence as told to them allegedly by their co-respondents"; and that since the investigating police authorities were not present during the actual planting of the bomb, we cannot properly attribute a crime committed to someone based on their statements alone. The Senior Deputy State Prosecutor then cited the hornbook doctrine of evidence that "a witness can testify only to those facts which he knows of his personal knowledge, which means those facts which are derived from his perception". The Resolution also stated that the "evidence presented shows that no one among the military officers conspired to assassinate then Governor Sanchez. It is either they plan or case the latter but never did they have any concrete conspiracy to effectuate their plan nor performed overt acts to achieve their goal. The evidence on hand points that the bombing could have been perpetrated by any other individual." Pursuant to said findings, and since the Revised Penal Code does not penalize the mere act of conspiring to commit a crime, with the exception of Articles 115, 136, and 114, SDSP Villanueva recommended that the case against Respondent RECTO be dismissed for lack of evidence. |
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| CCT beneficiaries from ‘Yolanda’-hit areas now in M. Manila to still get cash grants |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
The Department
of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that survivors of
Typhoon Yolanda from Western, Central and Eastern Visayas who are
beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program will continue
to receive their cash grants even if they are now living in Metro
Manila or in other neighboring provinces. DSWD advised the beneficiaries to coordinate with the Municipal or City Links at the local Social Welfare and Development Office where they are currently staying for validation and updating of their household profiles for the processing of their cash grants. The beneficiaries need to present any of the following documents to the Municipal or City Links: Pantawid Pamilya identification (ID) card, cash card, or DSWD agreement. Those who cannot present the required documents will be validated against the Central Office database of beneficiaries. To date, Municipal and City Links are conducting validation to identify the number of Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries who left their typhoon-hit towns. As of December 28, 2013, there are 23,489 individuals and 5,572 families from ‘Yolanda’-hit areas who arrived at the National Capital Region. Pantawid Pamilya provides education and health cash grants of as much as P1,400 to a family with three qualified children provided they send their children to school and to health centers for check-ups, and attend Family Development Sessions. To date, Pantawid Pamilya benefits 3.94 million families and 8.92 million children nationwide. |
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| Sugar Tripartite Council approves P14-M for emergency employment of sugar worker-survivors of Typhoon Yolanda |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, who is the
chairperson of the Sugar Tripartite Council, or STC, yesterday
announced that the Council has unanimously approved the release and
use of P14 million in Sugar Amelioration Program (SAP) Fund for the
emergency employment of sugar workers affected by Typhoon Yolanda in
Regions 6, 7, and 8. The approval of the emergency employment program came in the form of a resolution unanimously-approved by members of the STC during its meeting last week at the DOLE in Intramuros, led by Secretary Baldoz, and attended by Sugar Regulatory Administration Deputy Administrator Aida F. Ignacio, of the government sector; Attys. Orlando Aquino and Atty. Augusto Araneta, Jr., representing the planter sector; Atty. Custodio Parlade and Renato Cabati, representing the miller sector; Atty. Zoilo Dela Cruz and Melliemoore Saycon, representing the field workers; and Gerard Seno and Rupert Bragado, representing the mill workers. "I am happy that the Sugar Tripartite Council is fast to respond to the need for sugar workers to be able to stand up on their own again. The emergency employment program is a post-calamity strategy that provides income support to calamity victims," Baldoz said. The labor and employment chief said the P14 million will be sourced out from the Socio-economic Project Fund (SEPF) of the SAP--P4 million--and the balance of P10 million from the Sugar Workers' Fund. "The release of the funds shall be in accordance with the provisions of DOLE D.O. 35-02, DOLE guidelines in the implementation of the emergency employment program, and prescribed government accounting and auditing procedures," Baldoz explained. Resolution No. 8, Series of 2013 states that the typhoon's wrath did not spare the sugar milling districts in Regions 6 (Lopez, Sagay, and Victorias); 7 (Bogo-Medellin), and 8 (HISUMCO-Kananga), destroying sugar mills, sugarcane crops, infrastructure, and houses of sugar workers. "The employment/livelihood and income of sugar workers in these affected sugar milling districts have suffered because of the stoppage in milling operation and farming activities, not to mention losses in personal properties of the workers," it said. The STC said it has found the emergency employment project proposed by the DOLE's Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns acceptable as it will provide affected sugar workers with alternative employment and income to meet their basic food requirements during the calamity situation. "It will also assist in the immediate restoration and rehabilitation of affected sugarcane milling districts, and support the national government in its implementation of its rehabilitation plan for the areas damaged by the typhoon," the STC resolution further stated. The SAP is provided for under P. D. No. 621 and enhanced under R. A. No. 6982, which expands sugar workers' benefits and established the tripartite mechanism for planters, millers, and workers to participate in policy decision-making in the sugar industry and seeks to uplift the living conditions of sugar workers and their families. Administered by the DOLE, the SAP is financed by a lien of P10 collected per picul (or 63.25 kilograms) of sugar produced. The 80 percent portion of the lien is distributed as cash bonus to workers, while the 20 percent is utilized for the implementation of related socio-economic programs such as maternity benefit, death benefit, and socio-economic project assistance. |
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| Implementing Rules and Regulations of the 2013 Philippine Statistics Act Took Effect on 29 December 2013 |
| Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph |
|
Fifteen days
after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation on 14
December 2013, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of
Republic Act No. 10625 took effect on 29 December 2013. The IRR was
approved by the PSA Board on 11 December 2013 after going through
deliberation and discussion during the 06 December 2013 meeting of
the PSA Board. Currently, processes are in place toward the
implementation of the law and its IRR. It may be recalled that President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10625 “An Act Reorganizing the Philippine Statistical System, Repealing for the purpose Executive Order 121, entitled Reorganizing and Strengthening the Philippine Statistical system and for other purposes” on 12 September 2013. The Act, also known as the Philippine Statistics Act of 2013, was finally passed by both the Lower House and the Senate on 06 June 2013. Under the Act, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), the National Statistics Office (NSO), the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) and the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) will be merged into one statistical agency to be called the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA is comprised of the PSA Board and offices on sectoral statistics, censuses and technical coordination, civil registration and central support and field statistical services. The PSA Board will serve as the highest policymaking body on statistical matters in the country. The PSA will be primarily responsible for all national censuses and surveys, generation of sectoral statistics, consolidation of selected administrative recording systems and compilation of the national accounts. The data produced by the PSA shall be the official and controlling statistics of the government. It shall serve as the central statistical authority of the Philippine government on primary data collection and administer civil registration functions in the country as provided for in Act No. 3753, otherwise known as the Civil Registry Law. A National Statistician (NS) with a rank of Undersecretary will head the PSA. The NS must possess at least a Master’s Degree in Statistics and shall be appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines from among a list of nominees submitted by a Special Committee consisting of representatives from the Philippine Statistical Association, Inc., the University of the Philippines’ School of Statistics, the University of the Philippines-Los Baños Institute of Statistics, the Department of Economic Statistics of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The NS will be supported by three Deputy National Statisticians in carrying out the powers and functions of the agency. The law also seeks the transformation of the Statistical Research and Training Center (SRTC) into the Philippine Statistical Research and Training Institute (PSRTI). The PSA and the PSRTI will be attached to the NEDA for purposes of policy coordination. |
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| Government builds temporary shelter at reduced cost |
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
The Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) assured that the construction of
temporary shelters for typhoon “Yolanda” affected families in
Eastern Visayas are not overpriced. DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson said that bunkhouses constructed in identified sites by concerned Local Government Units (LGUs) comprising 24 units for same number of families were completed at a cost of P836,017.00 which is lower than the original estimated cost of P959,000.00. Singson explained that the DPWH was able to cut down the construction costs of bunkhouse which includes common wash and toilet area with the contractors generously waving the profit margin and overhead expenses. Bunkhouses are temporary shelters, a decent dwelling for families left homeless, since it will take time to construct the required permanent housing, said Singson. With thousands of families with totally damaged houses and nowhere else to go, our government has to act and address immediately the need for temporary shelter of homeless families, added Singson. As DPWH has set the specifications for the construction of bunkhouses made of wooden frames, GI Sheet roofing, plywood walls and raised flooring, and cement footing, Singson said that contractors will not be paid if they fail to comply the specified standards unless they correct the defects. “If found that materials used were substandard and unless contractors make appropriate corrections, government will not pay any amount and it may be better for them to just donate the structure”, added Singson. To further improve living condition and in addressing clamor for space constraint for 24 units/families per bunkhouse, Singson said that the DPWH in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and LGUs will reduce to 12 family units per bunkhouse by removing partitions from the original 24 families per bunkhouse. |
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| Norwegian Foreign Minister to visit the Philippines |
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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06 January 2014
– Foreign Minister Børge Brende of Norway will undertake an official
visit to the Philippines from January 7 to 9 and will be welcomed by
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario. This will be
Minister Brende’s first official visit to the country. The two officials will meet in Manila to take stock of bilateral relations and find new ways of expanding areas for cooperation in the fields of trade, investments and maritime cooperation. They will also discuss Norway’s participation in the country’s recovery from Typhoon Yolanda. Minister Brende will visit Tacloban and Basey in Samar province to see first-hand the Norwegian humanitarian operations and assistance to victims in calamity stricken areas. Minister Brende will also meet Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Teresita Deles to discuss Norway’s current role as third country facilitator for peace talks with the communist groups and its participation in the International Monitoring Team in Mindanao. Minister Brende has also been a member of the Norwegian Parliament for the Conservative Party for more than 10 years. In the period 2003-2004, he was Chairman of the UN Commission on Sustainable Development. In 2009, Brende became Secretary General of the Norwegian Red Cross until 2011 when he was appointed Managing Director of the World Economic Forum in Davos with responsibility for the Forum’s policy initiatives and engagement in non-business constituents. In the first Philippines-Norway bilateral consultations, improvement in trade and investments flows between the Philippines and Norway will also be discussed aside from the reconstruction program and the peace processes. The Philippines’ good economic performance has been noted as positive factor for trade and investments opportunities. Norway is the Philippines’ 61st export market in 2012 and Norwegian investments are mostly in maritime and power sectors. Norwegian ship owners employ more than 20,000 Filipino seafarers. Norway actively supports and provides technical assistance to the Philippines’ compliance with international maritime standards. Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Norway were established in 1948. There are an estimated 17,400 Filipinos in Norway as of June 2013, working as nurses, nursing aides, caregivers, engineers and housekeepers. |
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Last
Updated:
08 JANUARY 2014
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| Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy | |
| Please click on thumbnails to magnify | |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Lithuania to the Philippines, His Excellency Egidijus Meilunas, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Independent State of Samoa Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Leiataua Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Eteauati, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Zambia Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Miles Kaweche Banda, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sudan to the Philippines, His Excellency Khalid Abdelgadir Shukri, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Portuguese Republic Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Joaquim Alberto de Sousa Moreira de Lemos, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Botswana to the Philippines, His Excellency Jacob Dickie Nkate during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the Philippines, His Excellency Dr. Dibaba Abdetta during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also I n photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares to receive the credentials of non-resident ambassadors in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with Ambassadors Khalid Abdelgadir Shukri of Sudan; Jacob Dickie Nkate of Botswana; Titi Amina Pardi of Suriname; Dr. Dibaba Abdetta of Ethiopia; Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario; Joaquim Alberto de Sousa Moreira de Lemos of Portugal; Miles Kaweche Banddo of Zambia; Egidijus Meilunas of Lithuania; and Leiataua Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Eteauati of Samoa for a group photo souvenir during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Lithuania Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Egidijus Meilunas, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Independent State of Samoa to the Philippines, His Excellency Leiataua Tuitolova’a Dr. Kilifoti Eteauati, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zambia to the Philippines, His Excellency Miles Kaweche Banda, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Sudan Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Khalid Abdelgadir Shukri, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Portuguese Republic to the Philippines, His Excellency Joaquim Alberto de Sousa Moreira de Lemos, during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Republic of Botswana Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines, His Excellency Jacob Dickie Nkate during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Philippines His Excellency Dr. Dibaba Abdetta during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Suriname to the Philippines Her Excellency Titi Amina Pardi during the presentation of credentials at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). Also in photo are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Chief of Presidential Protocol Ambassador Celia Anna Feria, prepares to receive the credentials of non-resident ambassadors in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (January 08). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III does a high five with Miriam College High School Grade 11 students during the courtesy call at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 07). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III expresses his views during the courtesy call of Miriam College High School Grade 11 students at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 07). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III expresses his views during the courtesy call of Miriam College High School Grade 11 students at the Heroes Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (January 07). Also in photo is Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath during the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) wiith the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III troops the line during the military honors accorded to him upon arrival for the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas." (Photo by Gil Nartea Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the flag raising ceremonies for the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.” (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III offers a wreath during the commemoration
of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal
Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with
the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas." (Photo by Benhur
Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista and National
Historical Commission of the Philippines Chairperson Maria Serena Diokno,
offers a wreath during the Commemoration of the 117th Anniversary of the
Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac
City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon
Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.” (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo
Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the flag raising ceremonies for the commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas." (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista, troops the
line during the military honors accorded to him upon arrival for the
commemoration of the 117th anniversary of the martyrdom of Dr. Jose
Rizal at the Rizal Park in Toledo Street, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday
(December 30) with the theme: “Rizal: Inspirasyon Noon, Ngayon, at Bukas.”
(Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III prepares for a photo opportunity with child star Ryzza Mae Dizon, nephew Joshua Aquino and James "Bimby" Yap Jr. and sister Kris after watching the "My Little Bossings" where his nephew Bimby and sister Kris Aquino are lead stars in the said movie. According to MMDA report, "My Little Bossings" leads the box office race in terms of ticket sales for the opening day. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III with nephews Bimby and Josh and sister Kris celebrate the Christmas Day (December 25) by watching the "My Little Bossings" where his nephew James "Bimby" Yap Jr. and sister Kris Aquino are lead stars in the said movie. According to MMDA report, "My Little Bossings" leads the box office race in terms of ticket sales for the opening day. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with outgoing People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing during her Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (December 23). In photo are Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission Sun Xiangyang and Political Counsellor Wu Zhengping. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets outgoing People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing during her Farewell Call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (December 23). (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Chinese Embassy in the Philippines Deputy Chief of Mission Sun Xiangyang during the Farewell Call of outgoing People’s Republic of China Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (December 23). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III poses with Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago and Binibining Pilipinas Charities, Inc. chairperson Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta for a photo souvenir during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was crowned during the 53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 17, 2013. It is the 5th Miss International crown for the Philippines. Stella Marquez-Araneta was the first Miss International in 1960. (Photo by Rodolfo Manabat / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) | ||
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Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago took a selfie with President Benigno S. Aquino III during her courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was crowned during the 53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 17. It is the 5th Miss International crown for the Philippines. Santiago bested 66 candidates from countries around the globe. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago poses during her courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was crowned during the 53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 17, 2013. It is the 5th Miss International crown for the Philippines. Santiago bested 66 candidates from countries around the globe. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Miss International 2013 Bea Santiago during her courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañang Palace on Monday (December 23). She was crowned during the 53rd edition of the pageant held at the Shinagawa Prince Hotel Hall in Tokyo, Japan on December 17. It is the 5th Miss International crown for the Philippines. Santiago bested 66 candidates from countries around the globe. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Inauguration of the Tarlac City-Gerona-Paniqui Section of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La union Expressway Project at the Toll Operation center in Barangay San Pascual, Tarlac City, Tarlac on Monday (December 23). Once completed, it will cut travel time from Tarlac to La Union to only an hour. Also in photo are Tarlac 1st District Representative Enrique Cojuangco, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, San Miguel Corporation president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang and Tarlac Governor Victor Yap. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) | ||
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