Re: Bagyong Domeng
-Nakikita natin sa track ng PAGASA ang unang posibleng tamaan ng bagyo sa unang landfall ay ang probinsya ng Surigao , tatawid ng Caraga at posibleng tamaan uli ang Bohol, tatawid ng Cebu hanggang sa Negros at Panay.
-Kahit ito ay isang Tropical Storm, pagtama nito sa may Caraga ang ulang dala-dala nito ang dapat paghandaan hindi ang hangin.
-Malakas ang mararamdaman ng ulan sa Eastern Visayas.
-Malawak ang dalang ulan, halos buong Mindanao papaulanin nito kasama na ang Northern at Central parts ng Mindanao.
-Sa Eastern Mindanao maaaring Lunes ng gabi o madaling-araw ng Martes (magsisimula ang pag-ulan) at maaaring Huwebes ng madaling-araw maglandfall dahil babagal ito habang nasa PHL Sea.
-Huwebes magla-landfall pero ýung ulan early as tonight o madaling-araw ng Martes mararamdaman na.
-Bohol, Negos at Panay maaaring Martes ng gabi (magsisimulang ulanin).
- Myerkules at Huwebes mararamdaman na sa Central Visayas ang ulang dala-dala ni Domeng.
-Kung hindi magbabago ang track nito, hindi natin ito mararamdaman sa Metro Manila.
-Mababa na ang tiyansang marere-curve ito o iiwas, tumaas na ang tiyansang tumama sa Eastern Mindanao.
April 7 , 2014 ( Monday ) as of 6:00-7:00 AM
CAVITE : Sunny
LAGUNA : Sunny
BATANGAS : Sunny
RIZAL : Sunny
QUEZON
: Partly Cloudy
Provincial Tourism Office, all set for
Veterans week and 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan
By: Ruel B. Francisco
Friday 4th of April 2014
TRECE MARTIRES CITY,
Cavite, April 4 (PIA) -- The Provincial Tourism Office announced the
preparation initiated by the provincial government in the observance of the
2014 Veterans Week and the 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan.
With this year
theme “Balik-tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago,”
Defense Undersecretary for Civil, Veterans and Reserve Affairs Eduardo G. Batac
together with Governor Juanito “Jonvic Remulla and other national and local
officials will lead in the wreath laying ceremony on Monday, April 7 at the
Filipino Heroes Memorial in Corregidor Island, Cavite City.
Veterans from
Cavite including Renalyn Ros Tiu, a student from Felipe Calderon Elementary
School in Tanza will lead the tolling of bells. A tribute to the bravery and
valor of our country's veterans will be delivered by Aviegail Bobadilla, a
student from the same school.
Governor Remulla
will deliver the welcome remarks and inspirational message and
Undersecretary Batac, guest of honor will deliver a message. (RBF,
PIA-Cavite)
4,600 kabataan, dumalo sa 1st Batangas Summer Youth
Leadership Camp at Youth Olympics
Friday 4th of April 2014
LUNGSOD NG LIPA,
Batangas, Abril 4 (PIA) --May 4,600 kabataan mula sa buong lalawigan ng
Batangas ang nakibahagi sa pagbubukas ng isasagawang Summer Youth Leadership
(SmYL) Camp at Summer Youth Olympics sa Fernando Air Base-Air Education
Training Command (FAB-AETC) Abril 1.
Sinabi ni MGen.
Raul Gabriel Dimatatac, commander ng PAF-AETC, na ang naturang aktibidad ay
binuo upang iiwas ang mga kabataan sa anumang bisyo partikular sa droga at
pagkalulong sa internet at computer games.
"Sa
pamamagitan nito, mahuhubog ang mga talento ng mga kabataan sa larangan ng
palakasan at pamumuno. Layon nitong maituro sa kanila ang tamang disiplina
na maaari nilang pakinabangan sa kanlang pakikisalamuha at pakikibaka pagdating
ng hinaharap," wika ni Dimatactac.
Ayon pa kay
Dimatactac, malaking pagbabago ang inaasahan nila sa mga kabataan
na makikibahagi sa aktibidad, sa pangkalahatang pagkatao
nila, lalong lalo na sa kanilang pisikal na lakas at pag-uugali.
"Nawa ay
maikintal sa kanilang isipan ang kahalagahan ng disiplina, pakikisama at
pakikipagkapwa tao,” sabi ni Dimatatac.
Ang mga
kabataang ay sasailalim sa iba’t-ibang sports tulad ng basketball,
swimming, gymnastics, taekwondo, baseball, football, volleyball, softball, at
lawn tennis habang matututunan naman sa leadership training ang map reading,
first aid, basic life support, at environmental protection.
Sa pagbubukas ng
programa, pinangunahan ni Philippine Azkals Chieffy Caligdong ang oath of
sportsmanship ng mga kabataan.
"Sana ay
matutuhan ninyo ang pagpupursigi at magsilbing hamon ang programang ito
upang matutuhan ninyong mahalin ang anumang laro na makakapagbigay
sa inyo ng kasiyahan," sabi ni Caligdong.
Matatapos ang
pagsasanay sa katapusan ng Abril, sasabak naman sa tournament
ang mga kabataan sa unang linggo ng Mayo.(MPDC-PIA Batangas
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Search continues to find abducted Chinese tourist, Filipino hotel employee from Sabah, says Palace | ||
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Palace hopes Santiago-Ferrer meeting could thresh out legality issue of Bangsamoro peace pact | ||
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Malacanang defends constitutionality of Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro | ||
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Singaporean leader donates $7.5 M to rebuild Visayan region | ||
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President Tan of Singapore sees bright future for the Philippines | ||
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Palace assures MRT commuters: Long-term solution is at hand | ||
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZRB Radyo Ng Bayan / Pilipinas, Pilipinas
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April 06, 2014
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| OPENING STATEMENT On Araw ng Kagitingan Celebration Sa darating na Miyerkules, ika-siyam ng Abril, ipagdiriwang ng bansa ang Araw ng Kagitingan. Sentro ng selebrasyon ang Mount Samat National Shrine sa Pilar, Bataan kung saan magtatalumpati si Pangulong Aquino upang itanghal ang kabayanihan ng mga sundalong Pilipino noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Magkakaroon din ng mga palatuntunan upang gunitain ang sakripisyo ng mga lumahok sa Death March na nagtapos sa Capas, Tarlac. Meron din pong ibang selebrasyon na idaraos sa Libingan ng mga Bayani at iba pang lugar. Patuloy na pinaghuhusayan ng Kagawaran ng Tanggulang Pambansa sa pamamagitan ng Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) ang paghahatid ng mga benepisyo sa mga beterano at sa kanilang mga pamilya sa pamamagitan ng mga sumusunod na benepisyo: · old age disability · total administrative disability (TAD) · death pension benefits · education · hospitalization · burial assistance benefits One of the milestone achievements of PVAO for 2013 was the payment of total administrative disability arrears in the amount of 2.877-billion pesos to 17,817 living World War II veterans covering the period (of) 1994 to 2002. The payment was charged against the pension gratuity fund of the 2013 General Appropriations Act. The payment of total administrative disability arrears materialized through the authority given by President Aquino last July 2013. This has brought the total payment for TAD arrears to 6.93-billion pesos as of this date, which demonstrates the government’s resolve to deliver its commitment as mandated in Republic Act 7696. For 2013, PVAO delivered pensions amounting to 10.225-billion pesos benefiting 199,000 pensioners, many of whom have one or more pension accounts. With this year’s theme “Balik Tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano: Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago”, the PVAO and DND aim to present our veterans as among the country’s national treasures and to revive the culture of heroism, which the Filipino race has been known for essentially because of our veterans’ valor and selfless sacrifices. Simula rin po sa Araw ng Kagitingan, ilulunsad ang Bayani Challenge para sa mga kabataang boluntaryong tutulong sa pagbabagong tatag sa mga lalawigang nasalanta ng bagyong ‘Yolanda’, ng lindol sa Bohol, at ng karahasan sa Zamboanga. Limang programa ang iasagawa: pagtatayo ng bahay, pagkumpuni ng mga paaralan, paghahatid ng serbisyong medikal, pagtatanim ng puno, at pagkalinga sa mga bata. Inaasahang lalahukan ito ng humigit kumulang isang milyong kabataang boluntaryo na tutungo sa Bohol, Zamboanga City, at sa mga lalawigan ng Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Cebu, Eastern Samar, Samar, Iloilo, Leyte, Palawan, at Negros Occidental. On the Last Day of Filing ITR Ipinapaalala natin sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na ang huling araw ng pagsusumite ng Income Tax Returns ay sa Martes, ika-15 ng Abril. Mahalaga ang pagbabayad ng buwis sapagkat ito po ang bumubuhay sa ating pambansang ekonomiya. ON BENEFITS FOR THE VETERANS Albert Sebastian: Yes, sir. In relation po doon sa minention (mention) niyo kanina, may panawagan din po si Vice President Jojo Binay ukol daw po doon sa request ng mga GOCCs para doon sa increase sa donation sa Veterans Memorial (Medical) Center, saka para din po doon sa mga Filipino war veterans po. SEC. COLOMA: Naaayon naman po sa programa ng administrasyon na makapaghatid ng mga makabuluhang benepisyo sa ating mga beterano at sa kanilang mga pamilya bilang pagkilala sa kanilang kabayanihan at paglilingkod sa bayan. Efren Montano: ‘Yung po dito sa Veterans hospital, ano po ba ‘yung matitiyak ng ating pamahalaan para madagdagan pa ‘yung (mga pasilidad at) ma-modernize itong mga facilities diyan sa Veterans Memorial (Medical) Center? SEC. COLOMA: Kasama nga po sa programa ng Philippine Veterans Affairs Office ‘yung paghahatid ng medical and hospitalization benefits. Ito po ang kanilang ulat: Sa pamamagitan ng Veterans Memorial Medical Center ay nakapaghatid po ng serbisyo sa 1,092 beterano at dependents noong nakaraang taon, at ang ginugol po sa kanilang hospitalisasyon ay lampas sa dalawang milyon, at ang specialized care for illnesses and other medical needs ay umabot po sa humigit kumulang 15-milyong piso. Ang mga serbisyo po na pinapayagan na magkaroon ng reimbursement kasama po diyan ‘yung angioplasty, hemodialysis, cataract surgery, at pagbili ng mga hearing aids at dentures para naman po ma-improve ang kanilang quality of life. Nagbibigay din po ng mga gamot, wheelchair, walker, at tungkod sa mga beterano sa pamamagitan ng outreach program. At isa pang mahalagang aspeto niyan, Efren, ay ‘yung pakikipag-ugnayan ng PVAO sa PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) natin para makapaghatid ng PhilHealth benefits para sa ating mga beterano at ito ay inaayos na nang masinsin para makinabang naman ang ating mga beterano sa mga PhilHealth benefits. Mr. Montano: Saka ‘yung isa pa ho, ‘yung tungkol sa endowment ng Veterans Memorial (Medical) Center sa mga institusyong katulad ng Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office na maayos para kung nangangailangan sila ng tulong ay pwede silang makahingi ng ayuda sa PCSO o ‘yung PAGCOR, katulad ng mga ganoong institusyon po. SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy po tayong nakikipag-ugnayan sa iba’t ibang mga ahensya ng pamahalaan para madagdagan po ang pagtulong sa ating mga beterano at sa kanilang mga pamilya, kabilang na ‘yung kababanggit mo lamang. Mr. Montano: Okay po. Malaking bagay po ‘yan dahil ‘yung ating namayapang ina ay malaki ang naitulong diyan ng Veterans Memorial (Medical) Center kaya hindi masyadong sumakit ‘yung ating ulo po diyan. SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga, Efren. Ipagpapatuloy ang pagpapahusay ng mga benepisyo. Vanz Fernandez: Sir, regarding that. Pag-aaralan kaya ng ating Pangulo na kung saka-sakali po ba ay daragdagan po ang mga benepisyo nitong mga beterano? SEC. COLOMA: Kababanggit ko lang, Vanz, na patuloy na sinisikap ng pamahalaan na mapalawig pa ang mga benepisyong inihahatid. Nabanggit ko doon sa unang bahagi ng aking pahayag na pinupunuan na ‘yung mga arrears o ‘yung mga backpay hinggil doon sa total administrative disability na medyo malaking halaga at nakakahabol na sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang administrasyon at patuloy pa itong pinupunuan. Marami ring mga nakahain na panukalang batas sa ating Kamara de Representantes at Senado hinggil sa mga dagdag na benepisyo at ito po ay tinutukan ng ating Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. ON THE MRT EXTORTION ISSUE Mr. Sebastian: Question po mula kay Gen Kabiling. Sabi niya, will the Palace ask the NBI to hasten its probe into the MRT extortion controversy to uncover the truth and hold accountable persons involved in the offense? SEC. COLOMA: Opo. Mr. Sebastian: Alright, follow up din po ni Gen, presidential sister Ballsy Cruz was earlier dragged into the alleged MRT extortion try. Will the NBI look into this angle as well? SEC. COLOMA: Pakiulit lamang. Mr. Sebastian: Opo, sabi ni Gen, presidential sister Ballsy Cruz was earlier dragged into the alleged MRT extortion try. Will the NBI look into this angle as well? SEC. COLOMA: Noon pa pong maagang bahagi ng pagsisiwalat nito ay nagkaroon na ng deklarasyon mula doon sa Ambassador ng Czechoslovakia na wala pong sangkot ang kapatid ng ating Pangulo diyan sa kasong ‘yan. Mr. Sebastian: Okay. Sir, question naman po mula kay Christian Esguerra ng (Philippine Daily) Inquirer. Sabi niya, when does PNoy expect to receive the report on the alleged extortion at MRT? How serious is he in getting to the bottom of the accusation, especially in light of all the complaints versus MRT service? SEC. COLOMA: Hihintayin na matapos ‘yung proseso sa NBI na naipaliwanag na ni Secretary Leila de Lima noong nakaraang araw. Hinihintay pa niya ito at lahat naman ng nararapat na aspeto na (dapat) tingnan dito ay tinitingan sapagkat ang dulo nga nito ay ‘yung mapahusay ‘yung serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan sa pamamagitan nitong MRT at LRT. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, question po mula kay Gen Kabiling. Sabi niya, on the MRT issue, do you think MRT manager (Al) Vitangcol and the Czech ambassador should attend the planned House inquiry on the matter? Will their attendance help shed light on the alleged extortion attempt? SEC. COLOMA: Proseso po ‘yan ng Kamara de Representantes at ng Kongreso. Iginagalang natin ‘yung pagiging hiwalay at independiyenteng sangay nila mula sa ehekutibo at iniiwasan natin ‘yung panghihimasok sa kanilang mga procedure. Kaya mainam na po sigurong kilalanin natin na ito ay separate na proseso. Tayo lang po ay magmamatyag at sana ay humantong ito sa pagsisiwalat ng katotohanan para sa kapakinabangan ng ating bansa at ng ating mga mamamayan. ON CHINA’S TERRITORIAL ADVANCES Ms. Fernandez: Yes, sir, from Butch Fernandez po. Will the Philippine government ask President (Barack) Obama when he visits for clearer indication on how exactly the US will help Manila against China’s territorial advances, not just under the Mutual Defense Treaty, but also the impending increased US rotational presence here? SEC. COLOMA: Hintayin na lang po natin na maganap ito at tiyak naman na sa lahat ng pagkakataon ay isinasaalang-alang ng ating Pangulo ang pambansang interes. Mr. Montano: Related din po diyan. Itong CPP-NPA-NDF, may statement po itong founding chairman ng CPP in the person of Professor Jose Maria Sison na sinusuportahan po itong kaso ng Pilipinas laban sa China, at sinasabi niya sa kanyang statement na: “By manifestations through writing and mass actions, the patriotic and progressive forces have stood for Philippine sovereignty and territorial integrity over the islands or islets in question in the sea west of the Philippines on the basis of UNCLOS and other international instruments”. Ito po ‘yung statement ni Ginoong Sison. Ano po ang reaksyon ng Palasyo ukol dito? SEC. COLOMA: Lahat po ng pagpapahayag ng suporta na nanggagaling dito sa ating bansa at sa labas ng ating bansa ay malugod pong tinatanggap at umaasa po tayo na lahat ng sektor ng ating lipunan at lahat ng ating mga kababayan ay makikiisa sa posisyon ng ating bansa hinggil dito. ON PNOY’S LENTEN PLANS Mr. Montano: ‘Yung tungkol naman po dito sa Lenten plan ni Pangulo, meron na po bang nalalaman tayo, at kung magkakaroon siya ng retreat para sa kanyang sarili at para rin sa official family ni Pangulo? SEC. COLOMA: Hintayin na lamang po natin ang mga anunsyo na ilalahad hinggil diyan. Sa ngayon ay wala pang ganyang impormasyon Efren. ON ZAMBO REFUGEES Mr. Sebastian: Sir, nagpahayag po ng pagkaalarma ‘yung United Nations ukol daw po sa kalagayan ng mga refugees po sa Zamboanga City doon sa nangyari pong bakbakan noong isang taon. Ano po ang masasabi natin dito? SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy pong inaalagaan, kinakalinga, at binibigyan ng karampatang tulong ng ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Department of Social Welfare and Development at ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Zamboanga City. ‘Yung sa aspeto ng pagbabagong tatag ng kanilang mga komunidad ay isinasagawa na ng Department of Public Works and Highways ang nararapat na rebuilding program. Hindi po nagpapabaya ang ating pamahalaan dahil mahalaga po sa atin ang kapakanan ng lahat ng ating mga mamamayan. Kung meron pong nakikitang kakulangan ang mga iba’t ibang pangkat, lokal man o pandaigdig, ay malugod pong tinatanggap ‘yung kanilang panukala at handa namang makipagtulungan sa kanila ang ating pamahalaan. ON ANGAT DAM Mr. Montano: On another topic po, ‘yung tungkol po dito sa Angat Dam, ‘yung rehabilitation ng Angat Dam. Magsasagawa po raw yata itong mga lawmakers diyan sa Central Luzon para sa isang congressional inquiry sa status ng Angat Dam rehabilitation project. Ano po ba ang take ng Palasyo ukol dito? SEC. COLOMA: Karapatan at tungkulin po ng ating mga mambabatas na alamin ang sitwasyon ng iba’t ibang pasilidad ng ating pamahalaan, lalong-lalo na kung patungkol ito sa mga pasilidad na maaapektuhan—kung saan maaapektuhan ang kanilang mga constituents. Kaya syempre po ay hinahangad lang po natin na maging matagumpay ang kanilang—(maging) matagumpay sila sa kanilang layunin. Mr. Montano: Opo. Kasi itong Angat Dam ay vital source ng water power for Metro Manila and Central Luzon. SEC. COLOMA: Kung sila po ay mayroong mga concerns at ito ay patungkol sa pagbabago ng umiiral na batas ay sila po ang mayroong pangunahing tungkulin hinggil diyan. Ang pamahalaan naman ay meron ding mga tungkulin para pangalagaan ang pasilidad at tiyakin na ito ay nagagamit sa tamang paraan at tinututukan po ang sitwasyon diyan hinggil sa supply ng tubig. At kapag dumarating ‘yung panahon ng pag-uulan ay mino-monitor din ‘yan para tiyakin na walang magiging panganib sa ating mga kababayan kapag ito ay lumampas na doon sa mga itinakdang water level. Kaya meron naman pong isinasagawa ang ating pamahalaan na mga bagay hinggil diyan, katulad na rin ng pagnanasa ng ating mga mambabatas na matiyak ang lubusang kapakinabangan niyang Angat Dam at mga iba pang pasilidad na tulad niyan. ON PDAF ISSUE Mr. Sebastian: Sir, question po mula kay Bernard Taguinod. Ang sabi niya, may assurance ba na ang mga sangkot sa pork scam na nasa labas maibabalik sila para mapanagot tulad ni Ruby Tuazon? SEC. COLOMA: Lahat ng dapat na managot ay papanagutin ng ating mga batas. Gagawin ng ehekutibo ang mga nararapat na pagkilos. At ‘yung iba pang mga kautusan para mapanagot sila, nasa kamay na ‘yan ng Ombudsman at ng ating hukuman, ang Sandiganbayan. Ms. Fernandez: Yes, sir. Nakalagay po dito na no political affiliation in probe, sabi po ni JV (Ejercito). Nanawagan daw po siya sa Ombudsman na ipagpatuloy ang imbestigasyon (ukol) dito sa PDAF. Kasi sinasabi niya na meron daw mga government agency na patuloy na… May mga involved po dito aside from malversation of government funds at sinabi po niya na hindi lamang po ang tinatawag na—‘yung tatlo lamang po ang involved dito. Aside from that meron din pong mga dapat imbestigahan na ibang senador na involved sa PDAF. SEC. COLOMA: Batid naman natin ang kabuuan ng mga nagaganap na, una, hindi lang naman ‘yung kaso ng tatlong senador at ng iba pa na kasama doon sa resolusyon na inilabas ng Ombudsman ang patuloy na pinag-aaralan at sinisiyasat. Meron pang isa pang kaso hinggil sa umano’y maling paggamit ng PDAF at ‘yung kaso hinggil sa Malampaya na naisumite na rin sa Ombudsman at hinihintay lamang natin ang progreso nito. Meron pang ibang mga usapin na patuloy pang sinisiyasat ng NBI at ng DOJ. At sa lahat naman ng mga kasong ito, iisa lang naman ‘yung batayang prinsipyo na mahalaga sa ating pamahalaan, alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Aquino at ‘yon ay ito: Dapat ang imbestigasyon ay sumunod sa direksyon na itinuturo ng ebidensya. Ms. Fernandez: Sir, pitong buwan na po (mula) nang sumuko si Janet Lim-Napoles sa Palasyo. Ngayon lang naglabas ng preservation order ang korte para sa lahat ng ari-arian ng pamilya ni Napoles. Now, sir, dapat siguro isapubliko ang mga ari-arian ng mga Napoles nang mahawakan ng gobyerno habang nililitis ang kasong pandarambong laban sa kanya. Ano po ang reaksyon ng Palace regarding this? SEC. COLOMA: Mayroong mga umiiral na proseso na naayon sa batas at ito ay isinasagawa na ng Anti-Money Laundering Committee at nagkaroon na rin ng pagpapasya ang hukuman hinggil diyan, Vanz. ON UNEMPLOYMENT Ms. Fernandez: Okay, sir. Sabi po dito, lumabas kamakailan ‘yung data ng (Department of) Labor and Employment statistics na sinasabing 36,639 na empleyado ang nawalan ng trabaho noong nakaraang taon. Dahil po dito, nagsara po ‘yung 1,925 na establishments kaya lumobo ang walang trabaho. Pero ayon po sa ating gobyerno, ginagawan niyo (daw) po ito ng paraan. Ano po ang masasabi ng Malacañang regarding this? SEC. COLOMA: Kung maaalala mo, Vanz, nagtungo sa Malacañang si Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz para ipaliwanag ‘yung iba’t ibang programa ng Department of Labor and Employment para makapagbigay ng sapat na oportunidad sa ating mga mamamayan na magkaroon ng disenteng trabaho, kaya patuloy na tinataguyod ang mga programang ito. ‘Yon namang pagre-report na mayroong mga nagsarang kompanya, bahagi din ‘yon sa mga tungkuling administratibo ng Department of Labor. ‘Yon naman ay bahagi ng pangkaraniwang takbo ng negosyo. May mga negosyong nagsasara, marami rin ‘yung mga nagbubukas. Kung gaano karami ‘yung nawawalan ng trabaho (dahil) sa pagsasara, dapat tukuyin din natin kung ilan naman ‘yung nakakuha ng trabaho dahil sa pagbubukas ng mga bagong negosyo, at sa pagdadagdag ng empleyado ng mga negosyong nagkakaroon ng expansion. Kaya dapat ay maging balanse ang pananaw natin hinggil diyan. ON MANILA QUAKE FEARS Mr. Montano: May pangamba po itong si Senator (Loren) Legarda ukol dito sa mga kalamidad, katulad nitong—huwag naman sanang mangyari—isang lindol na mangyari dito lalo sa Metro Manila. Ano po ba ‘yung Palace take ukol dito? Dahil sabi ni Senator Legarda ay itong Marikina valley fault, ayon na rin sa Phivolcs, ay hinog na raw for movement but no one can predict the exact time when it will move. So ano po ang masasabi ng Palasyo ukol dito? SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga’t noong nakaraang dalawang linggo yata ‘yon, Efren—hindi ko lang matandaan ‘yung eksaktong petsa—ay nagsagawa ng earthquake drill ang ating pamahalaan na pinangasiwaan ng National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), na pinapangasiwaan din ng Office of Civil Defense ng ating DND, sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa Metro Manila Development Authority. Malawakan ‘yung ginawa nilang ehersisyo at patuloy ‘yung pagsasagawa ng paghahanda para mas mapalakas ang kapabilidad natin na tumugon sa mga kaganapang ‘yan tulad ng lindol at mga typhoons at volcanic eruptions. Hindi po nagkukulang ang ating pamahalaan sa aspeto ng paghahanda. Mr. Montano: Opo. Kasi ang balita ko bawat lugar sa Metro Manila ay may kanya-kanyang paghahanda pero ano po mula sa Palasyo ang magiging panawagan natin sa publiko po ukol dito sa naturang aspeto? SEC. COLOMA: Pakiulit lang, Efren. Mr. Montano: ‘Yung atin pong panawagan sa publiko bilang paghahanda kung sakaling magkaroon ng ganitong mga kalamidad, mga lindol, o super typhoon at iba pang natural calamities. SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy ang panawagan ng ating pamahalaan sa lahat ng mamamayang Pilipino na maging alerto, mapagmasid, handa, at tumugon sa panawagan ng mga Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committees sa ating mga barangay, bayan, lungsod, lalawigan, at rehiyon para sa panahon ng kalamidad tayo ay mananatiling mahinahon, malinaw ang pag-iisip, at buo ang kahandaan na tumugon at mailigtas ang ating mga sarili at ang ating mga mahal (sa) buhay mula sa panganib, at makatulong din tayo sa pagliligtas ng ating kapwa, at sa pagbabagong-tatag ng ating mga komunidad pagkatapos ng mga kalamidad. ON OMBUDSMAN STYLEBOOK Ms. Fernandez: Sir, regarding po dito. Naglunsad po raw ‘yung Office of the Ombudsman ng stylebook na magsisilbing desk reference sa mga abogado at imbestigador ng ahensya bilang gabay sa grammar, punctuation, at principles tungkol sa legal administration. Dahil po dito matutuldukan na ‘yung pagsasamantala ng mga pulitikong corrupt na nagpapasasasa sa pera ng bayan. Sang-ayon po ba kayo dito sa inilunsad ng Office of the Ombudsman? ‘Yung stylebook. SEC. COLOMA: Sa pagkaunawa ko sa iyong sinabi, ito ay para sa kapakinabangan ng mga manananggol at ng mga mamamayan na magkakaroon ng ugnayan sa Office of the Ombudsman, na sa pangkalahatan naman ang layunin nito ay para mabigyan ng katarungan ang mga kaso sa umano’y mga anomalya at korapsyon sa pamahalaan, Vanz? Ms. Fernandez: Yes, sir. SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yon ang pagkaunawa ko diyan sa binanggit mong ‘yan. Hindi ko tiyak kung ‘yan ay tumutukoy sa tanong mo pero ‘yan ang pagkaunawa ko doon sa tanong mo. Ms. Fernandez: Yes, sir, sa mga abogado. Okay, sir, thank you po. CLOSING EXCHANGES Mr. Sebastian: So mukhang wala na tayong questions, Ka Efren? Mr. Montano: Opo. Siguro ‘yung parting statement po natin at hindi ko na itatanong ‘yung sa lighter side dahil hindi masyadong… Ms. Fernandez: Itanong mo na… (laughter) Mr. Montano: Dahil baka sabihin tayo ay tsismosa at alam naman natin ‘yung umuugong na balita diyan sa bunsong kapatid nitong ating Pangulo. SEC. COLOMA: Hayaan na po natin ‘yung mga mamamahayag sa entertainment section na tukuyin ‘yan. Parang wala po tayong competence diyan sa (tanong na ‘yan. Wala po) tayong tuwirang kaalaman at hindi naman tayo magiging kapakipakinabang sa mga naghahanap ng impormasyon (na ‘yan) dahil wala naman sa atin ang hinahanap nila. Mr. Montano: So ibig sabihin ang Pangulo ay focused naman sa mas importanteng problema ng bansa? SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon na nga ang tamang focus. Mr. Montano: Okay po. ‘Yung parting message na lang po natin, unless may mga pahabol pa, nasa inyo po ang pagkakataon sa Sunday habit ng Sunday group ng Malacañang Press Corps. SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat sa inyo Efren, Vanz, at sa lahat ng mga kagawad ng Malacañang Press Corps na lumalahok dito sa ating lingguhang pakikipag-ugnayan. Salamat at tayo ay nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na magpaliwanag hinggil sa mga mahahalagang isyu na may epekto sa buhay ng ating mga mamamayan. At patuloy ang panawagan natin na makilahok ang ating mga mamamayan sa mga programa ng pamahalaan dahil mahalaga ang kanilang paglahok at mahalaga rin na malaman ng ating pamahalaan ang kanilang mga saloobin. Mr. Sebastian: Sir, pahabol po. Isang linggo na lamang, sa susunod na linggo laban na po ni Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao. Any message po? SEC. COLOMA: Syempre kaisa po tayo ng lahat ng Pilipino na umaasa na magtatagumpay siya, at binibigay natin sa kanya ang ating taos-pusong pagsuporta, at kasama na po tayo sa panalangin na siya ay magwawagi sa kanyang laban sa darating na Linggo. **** |
| SOURCE: Presidential News Desk- Data Processing Center |
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| DOTC awards MCIA project to GMR-Megawide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dotc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Following
several months of reviewing various legal questions raised by a
bidder in connection with the Mactan-Cebu International Airport
project, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)
and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) finally
awarded the 25-year concession to the GMR-Megawide Consortium
yesterday, 4 April 2014. “Amidst all the noise drummed up in different forums the past few months, the DOTC has allowed nothing but the law and the country’s interests to matter in awarding the project. Finally, Cebuanos will soon get the world-class airport they deserve – one that will not only boost the province’s economy and tourism industry, but the whole country’s as well,” said DOTC Spokesperson Michael Arthur Sagcal. “This project should have been done at least a decade ago, so there is no more time to waste. We have resolved all issues, we are ready to defend our decision, and it is now time to push forward on Daang Matuwid by delivering our services to the people,” Sagcal added. In the bidding conducted in November last year, the GMR-Megawide Consortium proposed to undertake the project, which entails renovating the existing passenger terminal building (PTB), building a new one to service international flights, and operating the airport, at a premium of P 14.4 Billion. This offer bested those of six (6) other groups. GMR-Megawide will now have twenty (20) days to complete the post-award requirements, such as the submission of an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of P 180 Million, and the payment of the premium amount to government through the MCIAA. Once the requirements are satisfied, the concession agreement will be signed by the parties, paving the way for the implementation of the project over the next three (3) to four (4) years. |
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| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Dy vows support to GPBP LGU-Beneficiaries | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CITY OF ILAGAN
– Isabela Provincial Governor Faustino ‘Bojie’ Dy III promised to
extend full support to the 37 component cities and municipalities of
the province in the implementation of their respective anti-poverty
programs and projects at the grassroots level. “Asahan nyo ang tulong ng probinsiya (provincial government) at sana samahan nyo kami na gawing mas masaya, mas maunlad at mas mapayapa ang ating lalawigan,” the governor told local officials and functionaries representing the different city and municipal governments of Isabela. Dy appealed to the city and municipal mayors, sangguniang panlungsod/pambayan members who are chairmen of committee on appropriations, and members of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Teams (LPRATs) to speed up the realization this year of the different project proposals of their local government units (LGUs) which have been thoroughly reviewed and approved for funding under the national government’s Grassroots Participatory Budgeting Process (GPBP). “Hinihiling ko po sa inyo na paspasan at galingan nyo ang implementasyon ng inyong mga programa at proyekto,” he asked while challenging them to always adhere to the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo’s advocacy on ‘mahusay at magaling na pamamahala.’ The GPBP, formerly known as the Bottom- Up Budgeting (BUB) with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as the lead facilitating agency, promotes the Aquino Administration’s principle of inclusive growth and aims to alleviate poverty in the countryside. The local officials and functionaries, LPRAT members and City/Municipal Local Government Operations Officers of the DILG were in attendance during the “Orientation on the Guidelines for the Implementation and Monitoring of FY 2014 GPBP Projects” held on March 28, 2014 at F. N. Dy Hall, Capitol Building here. Spearheaded by the Regional Poverty Reduction Action Team composed of the different national government agencies and facilitated by DILG-Isabela, the activity served as an avenue for the discussion of GPB Process and Project Validation, Highlights of the National Budget Circular No. 121 dated March 18, 2014 re Guidelines for the Implementation and Monitoring of FY 2013 GPB Projects, and Projects for Replacement. Regional Director Isabel C. Taguinod of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Region 02 led in the discussion and presentation of agency policies as well as requirements to make the project proposals of the LGUs eligible for implementation and funding under the GPB Process. Aside from the DBM and DILG, the Departments of Agriculture, Social Welfare and Development, Agrarian Reform, Health, Education, Trade and Industry, Environment and Natural Resources, and Technical Education and Skills Authority, through their head and representatives, also presented their respective policy guidelines on the release of their fund support to GPBP LGU-beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Atty. Odilon L. Pasaraba, DILG OIC-Assistant Regional Director, said the GPB Process has been part of the reforms instituted to bring effective government services right at the doorstep of every constituent. He said the program recognizes the rights of the people to be informed of government programs and services, make the right choices and be heard, and be actively involved in community development. On the other hand, DILG-Isabela Provincial Director Elpidio A. Durwin shared his dreams that the first 17 recipient-LGUs of the GPB in the province would be able to complete the implementation of their programs and projects for CY 2014 and that all 37 cities and municipalities of Isabela Province to fully access the fund by 2015. He said, to fully access the fund, an LGU must be an awardee of the DILG’s Seal of Good Housekeeping, have a substantial progress in implementing its Public Financial Management (PFM), have the technical capacity to implement the project as prescribed by the national government agency, and have no unliquidated cash advances from the participating NGAS programs and budgets. |
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| Caritas Manila’s Social Entrepreneurship Program gets SSF from DTI | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI)-NCR Area 1 formally launched by way of a
blessing on 18 March 2014, at St. Joseph Parish Gagalangin, Tondo a
shared service facility (SSF) to support the sewing project of
Caritas Manila’s Social Entrepreneurship Program. The DTI-approved SSF consisting of 38 high-speed sewing machines and three leather stitching machines was turned over to Caritas Manila on 24 January 2014. This is intended to expand the Caritas Sewing Project that was started in 2011 with the Manila Australian Embassy’s donation of 12 high-speed sewing machines initially dedicated to San Pablo Apostol Parish Center in Magsaysay Village, Tondo, Manila, later to be shared with the Martha’s Vineyard Livelihood Center in Plainview, Mandaluyong City. From this SSF, the San Pablo Apostol Parish Center got 10 additional high-speed units and a leather stitching unit while Martha’s Vineyard Livelihood Center was assigned 8 high-speed sewing machines. The St. Joseph Parish Center, representing the sewing project expansion, got 10 high-speed units and a leather stitching unit, and St. Pius X Parish of Paco, Manila shall be assigned 10 high-speed and a leather stitching machines to start up a production center. The newly launched SSF will be used for bag-making. The products include ladies’ bags, school bags, totes, hygiene bags, first aid bags, relief bags, upcycled bags from used tarpaulin, used jute, canvas, used clothes, recycled paper and leatherette. Caritas targets members from marginalized families who are skilled or willing to be trained, even beyond 45 years of age, as indirect beneficiaries of the project. Direct workers currently include a total of 100 partner sewers, preferably with their own sewing machines from various parishes and areas. Their income is based on output on the average of P250 daily. With the SSF, more workers are expected to participate with the prospects of producing more so that their daily earnings may reach an average of P400. This is in keeping with DTI SSF program objective to boost the competitiveness and productivity of micro, small and medium industries by providing required equipment and other technical assistance they can otherwise ill afford. Caritas Manila, known for its advocacy of the urban poor, has been DTI partner dating back to 2009 when a DTI skills training grant of P2M provided the start-up for Caritas Manila’s Skills Training Program. To date, it has trained a total of 32,937 in livelihood skills from crafting fashion accessories, production of herbal soap, perfume, medical ointments, and homecare products to food processing and commercial cooking. Caritas Manila markets the products of its urban partners under the “Caritas Margins” label aptly coined from “marginalized”, referring to the neglected, deprived, ignored, in other words, poor. Caritas Margins label has been registered with the Intellectual Property Philippines (IPOPHL) since 1911. Caritas Margins products, aside from bags, cover paintings of still life, nature, and religious images by prisoners in the National Bilibid Prison; knotted rosaries made by the inmates of the same prison; bakya and sandals handcrafted from dried water lilies by women from Cupang, Muntinlupa; bead products fashioned into bags/wallets/coin purses, penholders and rosaries made by Tondo trainees; and homecare products such as dishwashing soap liquid, hand soap and detergent powder produced by Caritas Youth Servant Leaders and other partners under the supervision of a volunteer licensed chemist. Sales of Caritas Margins products has a reported increase of 55% from the P5,790,112.36 in 2012 to P9,489,386.99 in 2013. During the SSF launching, Fr. Anton Pascual, Caritas Executive Director expressed optimism that the volume of production would increase dramatically from an average of 300 pieces of bags per contract to as high as 5,000 pieces. This enthusiasm was shared by DTI-NCR Area 1 Director Emma C. Asusano, Caritas business consultant and entrepreneur Ernie Cruz, and St. Joseph Parish Priest, Fr. Nestor Gungon, who all graced the occasion. |
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| Inflation decelerates further to 3.9 percent in March | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Headline
inflation slowed down to 3.9 percent year-on-year in March from 4.1
percent in February. The March inflation reading was within the
BSP’s forecast range of 3.7-4.6 percent for the month. The resulting
year-to-date average inflation rate of 4.1 percent was also within
the Government’s inflation target range of 4.0 percent ± 1.0
percentage point for 2014. Core inflation—which excludes certain
food and energy items to better capture underlying price
pressures—decelerated to 2.8 percent in March from 3.0 percent in
the previous month. On a month-on-month seasonally-adjusted basis,
consumer price index went up by 0.1 percent. The continued deceleration of headline inflation in March was traced mainly to the slower increases in the prices of non-food items. This was attributed to the downward adjustment in electricity charges and price reductions in LPG and kerosene products. By contrast, food inflation increased slightly as most food commodities, particularly rice, meat, fruits, and oils posted higher prices due to limited domestic supply. Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said that the inflation print for March is in line with the BSP’s assessment of a manageable inflation environment over the policy horizon. Going forward, the BSP will remain vigilant in monitoring developments in both the global and domestic fronts, and stands ready to deploy appropriate measures as needed to ensure sustainable, non-inflationary, and inclusive economic growth. View Table |
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| Thousands of examinees to take CS eligibility exam | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.csc.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Close to
200,000 examinees will take the Career Service Examinations on April
6 in 52 testing centers nationwide. Metro Manila has the highest concentration of examinees with a total of 31,640. Other regions with large numbers of examinees are Southern Luzon (Region 4) with 28,404; Central Luzon (Region 3) with 13,500; SOCCSKSARGEN (Region 12) with 12,734; and Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9) with 12,553. 86.49 percent or 171,684 will take the Professional level while the rest will take the Subprofessional level. Examinees may inquire about their school assignments at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Regional or Field Office. CSC advises examinees to visit their assigned school at least a day before exam date. School assignments of examinees are also posted at the CSC website www.csc.gov.ph Reminders On exam day, examinees are required to bring the valid ID they presented during application, as well as the examination slip issued to them. Failure to take the test will mean forfeiture of examination slot. No refund and no request for reschedule will be allowed. Exam coverage The Career Service Examination is a general ability test which covers the following subject areas: vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, analogy, logic, and numerical reasoning for the Professional level. On the other hand, the Subprofessional level covers vocabulary, grammar and correct usage, paragraph organization, reading comprehension, numerical reasoning, spelling, and clerical operations. Both levels have general information questions on the Philippine Constitution, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (Republic Act No. 6713), peace and human rights issues and concepts, and environment management and protection. The Professional level is three hours and 10 minutes long with 170 items, while the Subprofessional level lasts two hours and 30 minutes with 165 items. Examinees need to obtain a rating of 80 percent to pass the exams. Eligible to enter the civil service Passers of the Career Service Examinations will be conferred an eligibility needed for permanent appointment in government positions. The civil service eligibility, however, does not apply to positions that involve practice of profession or are covered by special laws. The second written Career Service Examination for the year is scheduled on Oct. 26. Application will be from April 7 to Sept. 11 at any CSC Regional or Field Office. Qualification, application requirements, and other related information about the civil service exams are posted on the CSC website. CSC reminds the public that it does not produce any review material nor does it conduct or accredit any review center for the Career Service Examinations. |
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| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unkempt relief hub shown by TV network, not DSWD’s–Sec. Soliman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Department of
Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon
Juliano-Soliman clarifies that the warehouse shown in the video
taken by a television network and published on its online news
portal on March 27 is not the DSWD Relief Hub in Tacloban City. “Our hubs, especially the one in Tacloban City, are not in disarray. I know this because I was there on March 25 to accompany Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell and Spanish Minister Jose Manuel Garcia-Margallo,” Sec. Soliman stated. Sec. Soliman recalled that they even repacked goods at the hub. “The next day, representatives of the United Nations World Food Programme (UN-WFP) likewise visited there. Hence, it is impossible that you will find our hub to be disorderly. We in fact have Cash-for-Work (CFW) program for locals in the area to keep the hubs clean,” Sec. Soliman added. The video footages showed the ‘Yolanda‘ relief hub in Tacloban and then segued to snapshots of scattered and unkempt relief goods. DSWD has already requested the network to provide more information on where the warehouse is located so that corresponding investigation can be done. “For the sake of truth and our own information, we insist that they let us know where this is, so our Department can act on their allegations of mishandling of relief goods,” she said. She reiterated that DSWD has been conducting investigations on all reports about the relief goods distributed to ‘Yolanda’ survivors and the warehouses that it maintains. |
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| Capiz RTC convicts man for homicide | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Capiz
Regional Trial Court (RTC) sentenced an accused found to be
responsible for the death of Wilfredo Ocate of Sitio Boktot, Brgy.
Agcagay, Jamindan, Capiz. RTC-Mambusao, Capiz Branch 21 Judge Daniel Antonio Gerardo S. Amular found accused Arsenio Valzado guilty for homicide and meted him the penalty of indeterminate sentence of imprisonment from ten years and one day of the medium period of prision mayor as minimum to fifteen years, four months and one day of the medium period of reclusion temporal as maximum, together with the accessory penalties. Court records show that, on April 6, 2010 at around 8:40 in the evening, Wilfredo Ocate, upon hearing that their dog was barking intensely went out of his house. For no apparent reason, accused Valzado shot Ocate, who then shouted, "Why did you shoot me, Arsenio?" Accused presented the defense of denial and alibi. "Alibi is one of the weakest defenses that can be resorted to by an accused, not only because it is inherently weak and unreliable but also because it is easy to fabricate without much opportunity to check or rebut it," the Decision read. The Court believes that between denial and affirmative testimony, it has to rule in favor of the prosecution. "It is well-settled that positive declarations of a prosecution witness prevail over the bare denial of the accused. It cannot be given greater evidentiary evidence over convincing, straight-forward and probable testimony on affirmative matters," the Court explained. "With respect to the dying declaration of the deceased Wilfredo Ocate, it is presently recognized that while witnesses in general can only testify to facts derived from their own perception, a report in open court of a dying person's declaration is recognized an exception to the rule against hearsay if it is made under the consciousness of an impending death that is the subject of inquiry in the case. It is considered as evidence of the highest order and is entitled to utmost credence since no person aware of his impending death would make a careless and false accusation.” |
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| DTI-8 mobilizes Yolanda-hit SMEs to participate in Negosyanteng Bisaya Trade Fair | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 8, acting on the Philexport
Eastern Visayas Association, Inc. or PEVAI’s initiative to mount the
“Bangon Negosyanteng Bisaya - a Product Exhibit of Super-typhoon
Yolanda Survivors”, has recruited a total of 51 exhibitors from the
affected areas. The affair which is slated on 2-6 April 2014, at the
SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City, enjoys the support of Philexport-National
sponsors counting Buy Pinoy Foundation, Inc., Binay Foundation,
Congressional Spouses Foundation, Kababaihan Gabay ng Bayan, Air 21,
and other partners. The “Bangon Visayas” slogan has effectively moved 23 enterprises from Leyte, 10 from Samar, 4 from North Samar, 2 from East Samar and 3 from Biliran, all of Region 8 and 9 from Bohol, Cebu and Bacolod City or a total of 51 to cast their lot in this marketing activity. DTI has also committed assistance to the fair secretariat as well as providing space in its premises for storage of products prior to transport to Manila. It is also worth mentioning that 11 SMEs—four from Samar, another four from Leyte, one each from Biliran, East Samar, and South Leyte—had participated in the National Food Fair held on 26-30 March also at the SM Megamall. The local entrepreneurs are deeply motivated to rise above the ruins of the recent calamities and welcome every opportunity to showcase what they can offer in terms of Decors, Gifts and Housewares, Handicraft, Processed Food, Fashion Accessories, and Furniture. DTI 8 likewise has accepted the challenge to help propel these SMEs from the six provinces of the region along the road to recovery. |
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| Statement of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 April 2014 -
We have submitted our Memorial to the Arbitral Tribunal. We have
done so for reasons we have widely explained. To recall, we have done so primarily to seek clarification of China’s claim of indisputable sovereignty over nearly the entire South China Sea on the basis of their so-called “9-dash line” which is an excessive and expansive claim. This is in gross violation of international law. By going to arbitration, the Philippines has signaled its fidelity to international law. The Philippines, at this point, will not be able to reply to detailed questions regarding its submission to the Arbitral Tribunal since this matter is sub judice. Nevertheless, the Philippines makes clear that it will continue to exercise self-restraint and will not raise tension in the South China Sea. The Philippines is not the country that has greatly increased its naval and maritime presence in the South China Sea. Nor has it challenged freedom of navigation. Nor has it blockaded nor forcefully intimidated any other country in the South China Sea. Countries should be judged by their actions, not by their words. We reiterate that arbitration is a peaceful, friendly and a durable settlement mechanism under international law. With the submission of the Philippine Memorial and with the support of the Filipino people, we are defending what is legitimately and rightfully ours. |
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| Philippines welcomes “Philippine Charitable Giving Assistance Act” | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 04 April 2014 -
The Philippine Government welcomes the recent passage of the
Philippine Charitable Giving Assistance Act as this underscores the
importance the US Government places on the immediate recovery of
typhoon-devastated areas in the Philippines. The bipartisan bill is intended to spur donations to charitable organizations by allowing taxpayers who donate to the relief efforts now to receive benefits on their 2013 tax returns. This is an initiative of US lawmakers aimed at encouraging the American people to continue their contributions to the relief efforts and the early stages of the long-term rebuilding process. This law was introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) and was co-sponsored by 35 congressmen made up of 26 Democrats and nine Republicans. In the US Senate, it was sponsored by Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Dean Heller (R-NV), Harry Reid (D-NV) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ). The US House of Representatives unanimously passed HR 771 on 24 March 2014 and approved by Senate on 25 March 2014. The Senate passed its version (S 1821) on 6 March 2014. President Barack Obama signed the bill into law in the evening of 25 March 2014. |
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| MB places Gulf Bank (Rural Bank of Lingayen, Inc.)
under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid |
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| Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Monetary
Board (MB) placed the Gulf Bank (Rural Bank of Lingayen, Inc.) under
the receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC)
by virtue of MB Resolution No. 543 dated April 3, 2014. As Receiver,
PDIC took over the bank on April 4, 2014. Gulf Bank is a five-unit rural bank with Head Office located at No. 3 Avenida Rizal East St., Lingayen, Pangasinan. Its branches are located in Alaminos, Dagupan City and Mangatarem in Pangasinan; and in Baguio City. Latest available records show that as of December 31, 2013, Gulf Bank had 12,991 accounts with total deposit liabilities of P364.39 million. A total of 12,929 deposit accounts or 99.52% of the accounts have balances of P500,000 or less and are fully covered by deposit insurance. Total insured deposits amounts to P355.07 million or 97.44% of total deposits. PDIC said that upon takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. The state deposit insurer assured depositors that all valid deposits shall be paid up to the maximum deposit insurance coverage of P500,000.00. The PDIC also announced that it will conduct Depositors-Borrowers Forums on April 9 and 10, 2014 to inform depositors of the requirements and procedures for filing deposit insurance claims. Claim forms will be distributed during the Forum. The schedules and venues of the Forums will be posted on the bank premises and in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The claim forms and the requirements and procedures for filing are likewise available for downloading from the PDIC website. Depositors may update their addresses with the PDIC representatives at the bank premises or during the Forums using the Mailing Address Update Forms to be furnished by PDIC representatives. Duly accomplished Mailing Address Update Forms should be submitted to PDIC representatives accompanied by a photo-bearing ID with signature of the depositor. Depositors may update their addresses until April 10, 2014. Depositors with valid deposit accounts with balances of P50,000.00 and below need not file deposit insurance claims. But depositors who have outstanding obligations with the Gulf Bank including co-makers of the obligations, and have incomplete and/or have not updated their addresses with the bank, regardless of amount, should file deposit insurance claims. For depositors that do not need to file deposit insurance claims, PDIC will start sending payments by mail to their addresses based on bank records by third week of April 2014. For depositors that are required to file deposit insurance claims, the PDIC will start claims settlement operations for these accounts by fourth week of April. The schedule of the claims settlement operations will be announced through notices to be posted in the bank premises and other public places as well as through the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of December 31, 2013 filed by the Gulf Bank with the PDIC, the bank is owned by Myrna C. Lopez (27.37%), Vanessa L. Dapul (26.55%), Margarita C. Lopez (20.71%), Patricia C. Lopez-Torres (15.67%), Joseph T. Li (4.33%) and Claro A. Calaguio (3.63%). Its Chairman and President is Myrna C. Lopez. For more information, depositors may communicate with PDIC Public Assistance personnel stationed at the bank premises. They may also call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342), the PDIC Public Assistance Hotlines at (02) 841-4630 to (02) 841-4631, or send their e-mail to pad@pdic.gov.ph. |
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| On Cabotage and Bangsamoro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.pids.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| THE Philippine
Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) is pushing for a
comprehensive review and amendment of the Philippine Cabotage Law to
bring in competition in the local shipping industry to lower
shipping costs. PIDS president Gilberto Llanto and PIDS senior research fellow Adoracion Navarro believe that revisions to the Philippine Cabotage Law would bring down domestic shipping costs. A well-planned review and lifting of cabotage restrictions, Llanto and Navarro said, would help bring down domestic shipping rates in the country. Under the present Cabotage Law, only domestic shipping lines could serve domestic routes. Our present Cabotage Law only follows the Constitution that reserves certain businesses that can be owned only by Filipinos. According to PIDS, this has resulted in high Cabotage rates. The absence of competition has resulted in the high cost of transporting raw materials to manufacturing sites, finished products and agricultural goods to various destinations, and imported products to distribution areas, thereby increasing operational costs that are passed on to consumers as high prices study. The authors point out that the lifting of cabotage restrictions is timely because of the planned Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Single Shipping Market. PIDS cited a study of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines (JFCCP), which showed the high cost of domestic shipping compared with the cost of shipping via foreign transshipment. It is cheaper to send a container from Manila to Cagayan de Oro via Hong Kong or Kaohsiung (in Taiwan ) than to simply transport the cargo directly from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, according to the JFCCP. A 40-footer container shipped from Manila to Cagayan de Oro, costs $1,860, which is a lot more expensive than foreign transshipment via Hong Kong $1,144 and via Kaohsiung $1,044. A local trader could save approximately 43 percent in shipping costs via transshipment to Kaohsiung than by directly availing of domestic shipping services. The aging domestic fleet of the maritime transport industry is also a cause for concern. Domestic vessels for cargo in 2007 were generally 20 years old. Moreover, average age of passenger vessels in 2012 is higher compared to the average age of five to 10 years old in the late 1990s, it added. Even though the Philippines is the worlds fifth largest ship building country, domestic shipping lines continue to use smaller and even older vessels in transporting cargo, which are uncompetitive compared to those used by their foreign counterpartsthe small capacity of cargo vessels implies longer transit and more turnaround times in ports, resulting in higher shipping costs. For comparison, the study notes that the domestic shipping is dominated by vessels that have a capacity of 200 to 300 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) compared with those of foreign container ships that can carry as many as 5,000 TEUs. Thus, the need for the Maritime Transport Authority to examine very closely the likely effects of the removal of cabotage restriction on domestic shipping, trade, and movement of passengers and cargo. Several developed countries have moved toward a more liberal cabotage regime. In New Zealand , for example, 21 vessels were engaged in coastwise trade in 2000, 19 of which were flying foreign flags. Policymakers should seriously review and consider lifting cabotage restrictions, but in a phased-in and well-planned approach. Fears of foreign players immediately dominating the local shipping industry may be unfounded. The lack of familiarity with domestic markets may not allow foreign shipping companies to do business in all sectors of coastwise trade. The need for market adjustments by foreign competitors interested in engaging in coastwise transport will also give domestic shipping operators ample time to modernize their fleet and operations to be more competitive, the study said. Competition provides a credible threat to those who refuse to modernize and maintain efficient operation, Llanto and Navarro observe in their study. |
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| DPWH resumes EDSA reblocking, repair this weekend | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will continue with its
re-blocking and repair of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) this
coming weekend. DPWH National Capital Region (NCR) has secured clearance from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to undertake rehabilitation works on six (6) road sections along EDSA, from 10 PM of April 4 (Friday) until 5 AM of April 7, 2014 (Monday). Sections of EDSA which will undergo repair are as follows: •Between Roosevelt Ave. and East Lawin (Southbound,4th lane), Quezon City; •Along Balete Drive between Aurora Blvd. and Campanilla (1st lane), Quezon City; •Between Guadalupe Bridge and Ayala Avenue (Southbound, 1st lane), Makati City; •Between Reliance and Ortigas Ave. (Northbound, 1st lane of Shaw Blvd. tunnel); •Between Santolan and Ortigas Ave. (Southbound, 5th lane from Santolan to approach of Ortigas flyover and 1st lane of service road of Ortigas flyover; and •Between New York St. and Monte de Piedad (Southbound, 1st lane). These repairs are part of the EDSA road improvement project being implemented by DPWH NCR including concerned District Engineering Offices, in coordination with MMDA. |
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| Infra spending kicks off 2014 wirt 45.1% upsurge Y-O-Y; Total gov't expenditures also rose by 15.9% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Aquino
Administration’s continuing bid for economic expansion and inclusive
growth was off to an excellent start in 2014, as end-of-January
expenditures for infrastructure and other Capital Outlay (CO) surged
to P23.8 billion—a P7.4 billion or 45.1-percent increase—from the
P16.4 billion recorded in the same month last year.Overall, total
national government expenditures likewise registered a P25.1-billion
or 15.9-percent increase, from P157.9 billion in 2013 to P183
billion this year. Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad attributed the upsurge primarily to disbursements related to reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts on areas affected by calamities last year, most notably Super Typhoon Yolanda. “With new budget reforms in place, expenditures hit the ground running to post a strong start for government spending in 2014. These reforms—including the GAA-as-Release Document policy—helped spur faster disbursements for key programs, including those for post-calamity reconstruction and rehabilitation projects. What’s particularly notable is that we were able to ramp up expenditures to levels that would have been expected of election season, and we’re definitely a good way off from that. “The 75-percent expansion of our budget deficit also testifies to our commitment to accelerate spending at the start of the year. The front-loading of expenditures in the first semester also fits very well with our goal of sustaining the country’s growth trajectory this year,” Abad said. Abad further reported that 86 percent of the allotments for national government agencies and departments under the 2014 General Appropriations Act (GAA) have already been released through the GAA-as-Release Document policy. “The impact of budget reform on our spending performance cannot be emphasized enough. By aiming for swifter and more efficient fund releases, agencies can move quickly in obligating their allocations. What’s so important about this is that fast disbursements will naturally give way to the prompt delivery of public goods and services. Our aim is to meet the public’s expectations of our governance agenda, where transformative and efficient leadership can directly benefit the people,” he added.
HIGHLIGHTS: Expense Classes as of January 2014 Infrastructure and Other Capital Outlay (CO) were buoyed by the various projects of the DPWH and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), as well as the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health (DOH). The implementation of Grassroots Participatory Budgeting infrastructure projects (formerly Bottom-up Budgeting) under the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) and the Health, Education, Livelihood, Peace and Governance, and Synergy (H.E.L.P.S) programs in ARMM also contributed to the expansion. Personnel Services slightly grew by 2 percent year-on-year due to increase in pension claims, payment of deficiencies in GSIS premiums of government employees in the ARMM-DepEd, and the impact of the payment of salaries for positions of the DepEd and the Judiciary. Interest Payments rose by P1.6 billion or 3 percent because of the combined effect of the servicing requirements of domestic debt and increase in foreign debt. Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) slightly dipped to P28 billion, a P1.7 billion or 5.7 decrease from last year due to the decrease in disbursements from the Department of Social and Welfare Development’s (DSWD) Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program. |
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| E. Visayas local execs speak up on relief issues | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Manila,
Philippines – At least seven mayors from Eastern Visayas expressed
their contentment of how the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) has augmented their resources for relief efforts
in their respective towns in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda. This expression of support came amid various false accounts such as rotten goods being distributed to ‘Yolanda’ survivors, rotten rice being kept in a DSWD warehouse in Tacloban, and relief goods not reaching the survivors, are being hurled against the Department. The seven mayors, along with other local chief executives of other towns in the region participated in the recently concluded Leaders for Disaster Resilient Communities Seminar/Workshop organized by the Ateneo School of Government and the Kaya Natin! Movement . DSWD assistance To date, all the seven mayors said that their towns have received enough relief goods from DSWD. Mayor Edgar C. Boco of Hernani, Eastern Samar, said, “Hindi nagkulang ang DSWD sa pagbibigay ng relief goods (DSWD was not remiss in the provision of relief goods). We have enough food to last until May this year from the relief assistance provided by the DSWD.” “DSWD is doing all it can to respond to the problems, given the magnitude of the disaster,” Mayor Buco added. Mayor Daisy A. Lleve of Mahaplag, Leyte recalled, “In those days following the onslaught of ‘Yolanda’, only the DSWD was able to reach and provide us assistance. Most of the relief goods that we received were from DSWD.” “Our municipality is remote so even the NGOs had a hard time getting to our town. I am very grateful to DSWD and to Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman for all the assistance they have given, and still giving to us,” the lady chief executive said. Mayor Emiliana P. Villacarillo of Dolores, Eastern Samar, stressed, “DSWD has always been there for us, not only during disasters, but all times of the year. DSWD has the most effective tools in giving assistance to children and senior citizens.” “Thank you very much, for sharing your life with the people you helped,” the lady mayor relayed her message to DSWD. On the other hand, Mayor Manuel S. Que of Dulag, Leyte, emphasized, “We should not put political color in the distribution of relief goods so that the people will not be hungry.” “I am grateful to DSWD because they properly handled the disaster operations. Everyone was provided assistance,” Mayor Que stated. “Until now, we are still receiving relief goods, we are able to receive two kinds of canned goods and two tranches of rice, 25 kilos each.” “They did not forget their obligation in putting back the lives of the people,” Mayor Que stated referring to the DSWD staff who helped the survivors. Livelihood support The mayors also said that their municipalities are all beneficiaries of the Cash-for-Work (CFW) program implemented by DSWD to provide means of livelihood for the survivors. “In fact, before I left for Manila, I already signed the Memorandum of Agreement with DSWD for the implementation of the CFW,” La Paz, Leyte Mayor Lesmes Lumen stated. He also shared that with about 90% of the coconut trees destroyed in LaPaz, he encouraged his constituents to shift from coconut to rice farming, planting vegetables and cash crops. Meanwhile, Mayor Villacarillo expounded that 70% of the devastated islands of Dolores have already been rehabilitated. “We have distributed pump boats for the fishermen since the main livelihood here is fishing. We have also started a housing project for those left homeless by Yolanda,” the mayor said. Mayor Boco, on the other hand, added that Hernani is also on its way to recovery. “We have received bancas for our fishermen which they are now using for their livelihood.” He cited that farmers have begun planting crops that can be harvested in the coming months. Not of hunger but natural cause The mayors also disputed the claims of some activist groups that relief goods are not reaching the survivors causing hunger and death among them. Mayor Jaime S. Ty whose town of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar, was reported to have seven deaths due to hunger, underscored that there are no casualties in his town and “nobody’s complaining”. He further stated, “I have no problems with DSWD. The Department was able to assist the Yolanda victims in our municipality. “ Mayor Ty said that his constituents have enough supply of relief goods. “Katatangap lang nila ng rice packs at mga de lata. Sabi nga nila, may naipon pa silang isang sako ng bigas at apat na karton ng mga de lata. Kaya, paano sila magugutom (They have just received rice packs and canned goods. The survivors said that they still have one sack of rice and four boxes of canned goods, so how can they go hungry),” Mayor Ty related. On the spoiled goods, he admitted that they have a few spoiled sacks of rice but they did not distribute these. Barangay Chairmen Edmundo Mentes and Rosalinda Misagal of Liwayway and Danao, respectively, agreed with Mayor Ty, saying, “No one has died of hunger in our respective barangays. “ Mentes even said that he still has sacks of rice from his August 2013 harvest. Another resident, Antonio Millar, even showed his two sacks of rice hidden in his hut when they were visited by staff of the DSWD Field Office in the region. Mentes said that their town was spared from the storm surge. Mentes and Misagal admitted that the people identified by activitst groups, indeed, have died but due to natural causes and not of hunger. The natural causes of deaths were confirmed by their respective family members. DSWD staff even attended the wakes. From Brgy. Liwayway, the 3-month old baby died because she was born prematurely, Felisa Pantin died of old age, Anito Tisgado died of kidney failure, and Francisco Salico died in a motorcycle accident, Meanwhile, from Brgy Danao, the persons identified were Elizabeth Adonis who died of cervical cancer, Herminia Milar who was suspected to have died from “bangungot” or pancreatitis, and Daniel Lota who died of old age. The families and relatives of the deceased expressed their disbelief of the allegations. They are hurt and insulted that the names of their departed loved ones would be dragged into something as demeaning as this. For his part, Mayor Boco added that there was really no truth that DSWD has distributed rotten or spoiled goods nor that his constituents got hungry. Mayor Villacarillo stated, “I have no doubt about the efficiency of DSWD’s handling of the disaster operations.” On the alleged complaints of survivors that they are not receiving any kind of assistance since Yolanda struck, Mayor Villacarillo stated that “there are always gossip-mongers who spread inaccurate information.” “I did not hear any complaints from the people in our municipality,” she pointed out. “Also, there are some people who transfer from one barangay to another to double their ration, and when they are doubted since they are not residents of that area, they begin to talk against DSWD and the local government,” Mayor Vilacarillo further explained. Lesson learned For Mayor Alden Avestruz of Baurgo, Leyte, coordination among stakeholders played a big role in the overall disaster response saying that this should be sustained or better yet, strengthened. |
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