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Puspusang hinaharap ng gobyerno ang mga usaping
ukol sa paglabag sa 'human rights'—Aquino |
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(BRUSSELS, Belgium)—Tiniyak ng Pangulong Benigno S.
Aquino III sa komunidad na pandaigdig na puspusang hinaharap ng pamahalaang
Pilipino ang mga usaping may kinalaman sa karapatang pantao upang malapatan
ng karampatang parusa ang mga nalapatang nagkasala sa pagmamalabis at sa
extrajudicial killings.
Binigyang diin ng Pangulong Aquino sa talumpati sa Egmont Institute dito na
ang kanyang administrasyon ay gumawa ng mga hakbang upang bigyang tingkad
ang karapatang pantao sa bansa at papanagutin ang mga lumalapastangan dito.
“Nagtatag kami ng task force na ang pangunahing sagutin ay asikasuhin ang
lahat ng mga extrajudicial killing, pati ang mga umano ay extrajudicial
killings upang madakip ang bawa’t pinaghihinalaang may kagagawan nito kahit
sila ay media man, aktibista o sino mang tao,” wika pa ng Pangulo.
“Ito ay dahil sa aming bansa, kapag gumawa ka ng krimen, kailangang matiyak
ang iyong parusa at iyan ang pinagtutuunan namin ng pansin,” sagot ng
Pangulo nang tanungin tungkol sa kalagayan ng karapatang pantao sa Pilipinas.
Tahasang sinabi ng Pangulo na hindi patakaran ng administrasyong Aquino na
himukin ang sino man na labagin ang batas.
“Ito ang dahilan kaya totohanang pagsisiyasat ang iniutos naming gawin
tungkol sa mga alegasyong ito,” sabi pa ng Pangulo.
Isa sa mga kasong tulad nito ang kay retiradong Heneral Jovito Palparan na
nadakip ng mga alagad ng batas noong Agosto 12 sa Sta. Mesa, Maynila
pagkaraan nang halos tatlong taong pagtatago, dugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino.
“Nahaharap siya sa kasong kaugnay ng pagkawala ng dalawang mag-aaral ng
Pamantasan ng Pilipinas noong 2006." PND (co/zaf) |
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Nagkaisa ang Pilipinas at Pransiya na patuloy na
harapin ang 'Climate Change' |
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(PARIS, Pransiya) Nagkaisa ang Pilipinas at ang Pransiya
na dapat puspusang magtulungan para maging kapaki-pakinabang ang mga
pag-uusap at pagtugon sa mga suliraning may kinalaman sa pagbabago ng klima.
Sa pag-uusap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ng Pangulong Francois
Hollande ng Pransiya na ginanap dito Miyerkoles, nangako ang dalawang lider
na magkatuwang silang magpapatupad ng bagong kasunduang angkop para sa lahat
ng bansa sa idaraos na 21st Conference of the Parties to the Framework
Convention of the United Nations on Climate Change na ang magiging
punung-abala ay ang bansang Pransiya.
“Sapagka’t kailangan ang angkop at responsableng aksiyon, ako at ang Pangulo
ay nag-usap tungkol sa banta ng pagbabago ng klima at ang kailangang gawing
tamang hakbang na magreresulta ng mabisang paraan para sa pulong tungkol sa
klima,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa pahayag pagkatapos ng pulong nila ng
Pangulong Hollande.
Pinagtibay ng dalawang lider ang halaga ng mga patuloy na pagsisikap upang
tugunan ang pagbabago ng klima na ang pangunahing pakay ay huwag lumampas sa
2 degrees Celsius ang temperatura ng daigdig. Inulit ng dalawang Pangulo ang
paanyaya sa lahat na nakahandang mag-ambag sa kasunduan na gagawin sa
pagtatapos ng unang kuwarter ng 2015.
Binigyang diin sa pag-uusap ng Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Hollande ang
halaga ng pagsasagawa at makabuluhang pagpapatupad na dapat gawin ng mga
bansang higit na nanganganib dahil sa pagbabago ng klima.
“Naninirahan tayo sa iisang planeta at tungkulin nating lahat—lalo na ng mga
bansang nasa higit na kalagayan upang makapag-ambag nang malaki sa pagsugpo
sa pagbabago ng klima, na gumawa ng pakikinabangang mekanismong tutuparin ng
bawa’t bansa, bawa’t korporasyon at bawa’t tao,” dagdag pa ng Pangulong
Aquino.
“Ang Bagyong Haiyan ay hindi dapat malimot. Sama-sama nating saguting
tiyaking ang iiwan nating daigdig sa susunod na saling lahi ay isang mundong
higit na ligtas, higit na nagtutulungan at higit na matatag,” sabi pa ng
Pangulong Aquino.
Tinalakay rin sa pulong ng dalawang Pangulo ang ginawa ng Agence Francais de
Development (AFD) sa pagsuporta sa pagsisikap ng Pilipinas na paglaban sa
pagbabago ng klima, pagtulong upang pangalagaan ang kapaligiran at
pag-aambag sa programa ng patuloy na kaunlaran at mga dapat unahing
makabubuti sa bansa.
Inalala ng Pangulong Aquino ang malawak na pinsalang idinulot ng napakalakas
na Bagyong Haiyan (Yolanda) sa Pilipinas noong Nobyembre 2013. Nagpasalamat
ang Pangulong Aquino sa ngalan ng sambayanang Pilipino sa tulong ng
pamahalaang Pranses, gayundin ng mga non-government organizations, mga
pribadong kompanya at mga taong tumulong sa mga biktima ng bagyong nasabi.
Hinggil naman sa pagsisikap na pagbabagong tatag ng sinalanta ng bagyo,
nagpahayag ng nagkakaisang hangarin ang dalawang lider sa patuloy na
pagtulong ng Pransiya sa pagbabagong tatag at rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na
sinalanta ng bagyo na ang tutukoy ay ang pamahalaang Pilipino.
“Katungkulan nating lahat na tiyaking an gating ipamamanang daigdig para sa
susunod na saling lahi ay higit na ligtas, higit na nagdadamayan at higit na
matatag, sabi ng Pangulo. PND (jb/zaf) |
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Nilagdaan ng Pilipinas, pransiya ang mga
'bilateral agreement' para tumibay pang lalo ng magandang ugnayan nila |
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(PARIS, Pransiya) Ibayong pagtutulungan at magandang
ugnayan ang bubuklod sa Pilipinas at Pransiya matapos lagdaan ng dalawang
bansa ang mga kasunduang ukol sa trasportasyon at komunikasyon, gayundin sa
kultura at edukasyon.
Sa pahayag pagkatapos ng pulong nila ng Pangulong Francois Hollande, sinabi
ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na ang mga kasunduang ito ay
“magpapabilis na lalo ng makabuluhang pag-uusap at mabungang ugnayan ng
dalawang bansa.”
Isa sa mga nilagdaang kasunduan ay ang tungkol sa air services na ang
lumagda ay si Kalihim Joseph Emilio Abaya sa panig ng Pilipinas at Ministro
Laurent Fabius ng Ugnayang Panlabas at Pandaigdig na Kaunlaran.
Sinaksihan ng Pangulong Aquino at ni Pangulong Hollande ang simpleng
seremonya ng paglagda na ginanap sa Elysee Palace.
Kaharap din ang dalawang Pangulo nang lagdaan ang memorandum of
understanding ng Ecole Nacionale d’Administracion at ng Development Academy
of the Philippines tungkol sa training and exchanges na pakikinabangan ng
mga tauhan ng pamahalaan sa Pilipinas,” wika ng Pangulong Aquino.
Idinugtong ng Pangulo na sa larangan ng pagtutulungang pangkalinangan ay
magsusulong ng pangangalaga sa mga kamanahan ng lahi, pagsasanay sa wika at
sining, gayundin sa kultura na mahalagang sangkap ng ibayong pagkakaunawaan
at mabuting samahan ng mga mamamayan ng dalawang bansa.
Nagpahayag din ng kagalakan ang Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Hollande sa
gagawing paglagda nina Kalihim Voltaire Gazmin ng Tanggulang Bansa ng
Pilipinas at ni Ministro Jean Yves Le Drian ng Tanggulan ng Pransiya sa
inayos na Philippines-France Arrangement on Defense Cooperation.
“Nakagawa tayo ng mahahalagang pasulong na hakbang upang ayusin ang
Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement. Ang Pilipinas ay kasalukuyang
nagsasagawa ng modernisasyon ng ating Sandatahang Lakas at pinabubuti ang
ating kakayahang pantanggulan. Naniniwala kami na ang Pransiya ay ating
maaasahang kabalikat sa mga bagay na ito,” sabi ng Pangulo. PND (co/zaf) |
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Nakipagpulong ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga
pangunahing korporasyong Pranses |
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(PARIS, Pransiya) Nakipagpulong ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ang
opisyal na delegasyon niya sa mga pangunahing korporasyong Pranses na mga
mamumuhunan sa Pilipinas.
Unang nakapulong ng Pangulong Aquino pagdating niya rito Miyerkoles sina
Pierre Jeffre, pangalawang pangulong tagapagpaganap para sa Asya Pasipiko.
At Pierre Lanore, pangalawang pangulo ng Philippine Airbus kung saan sinabi
ng dalawang negosyante na patuloy silang lalahok sa AFP Modernization
Program. Nag-alok pa ang dalawa ng isang bagong desenyong eroplanong
magagamit sa disaster management.
Ang Airbus Helicopters Philippines, Inc. ay noon pang 1978 nasa Pilipinas
bilang service facility para sa helicopter maintenance at sentrong sanayan
ng mga technician.
Ang Airbus din ang nagbibigay ng tulong teknikal sa Civil Aviation
Organization of the Philippines (CAAP) sa matagumpay na pagsisikap nitong
matugunan ang pamantayang pangkaligtasan ng International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO) na naging daan upang maalis ang “ban” (pagbabawal) na
ipinataw ng European Union sa Philippine Airlines at Cebu Pacific.
Tinutulungan din ng Airbus na magawaran ang Kalakal at Industriya sa
promosyon na ang Pilipinas ay sentro ng pagawaan ng mga piyesa ng eroplano
at sa pagkukumpuni, pangangalaga at overhaul services.
Nakipagpulong din ang Pangulong Aquino sa Schneider Electric na nag-aalok ng
maraming mga pagbabago sa larangan ng pagtitipid ng enerhiya na malaking
bagay ang magagawa para lumiit ang konsumo ng koryente, gayundin ng mga
solusyon sa enerhiya ng iba-ibang malalaking proyektong planta ng koryente
sa buong Pilipinas.
Ang Schneider Electric ay nasa Pilipinas na noon pang 1995 sa pamamagitan ng
apat na pasilidad nito sa manufacturing na ang empleyado ay aabot sa 3,000.
Mayroon din itong shared service center for human resources and finance.
Ang kompanyang Teleperformance naman na nakipag-usap din sa Pangulong Aquino
ay kilala sa larangan ng industriyang BPO.
Ipinaalam sa Pangulo ni Daniel Julien, board chairman at tagapagtatag ng
Teleperformance, na balak ng kanilang kompanya na doblehin ang bilang ng mga
kawani nila mula sa 26,000 ay gawing 50,000 sapagka’t ang Pilipinas ay isang
strategic location para sa mga kompanyang pinagsisilbihan nila sa Estados
Unidos, United Kingdom at Canada, kabilang ang mga pinakamalalaking
multinationals sa nasabing mga bansa.
Pinuri ni Julien ang mga Pilipinong manggagawa ng Teleperformance na tinawag
niyang ‘mga bayani sa bansa nila’ dahil sa pambihirang ugali ng mga ito sa
pagtatrabaho at sa pagiging tunay na bihasa sa kanilang gawain.
Kasama ni Julien sa pakikipagkita sa Pangulong Aquino sina Allan Truitt,
pangulo para sa global business development ng kompanya at si David Rizzo,
pangulo para sa Rehiyon ng Asya-Pasipiko. PND (jb/zaf) |
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Hindi tinatantanan ng gobyerno ang pagbabantay sa
presyo ng mga bilihin |
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Hindi tinatantanan ng Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya
ang pagsubaybay sa halaga ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa bansa, ayon kay
Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte Huwebes.
“Walang tigil ang Consumer Protector Group ng DTI sa pagsubaybay sa halaga
ng mga bilihin,” wika ni Valte sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang.
Binigyang diin ni Valte ang bagay na ito sa liwanag ng mga balita na umabot
na sa P200 isang kilo ang baboy at P300 naman ang isang kilo ng bawang.
“Kapag nakikinig tayo ng radyo tuwing umaga, napapakinggan nating bumababa
ang presyo, bagaman kung minsan mayroong tumataas,” paliwanag ni Valte.
Sinabi ni Valte na tumaas nang bahagya ang halaga ng sardinas at ang
katuwiran ng mga gumagawa nito ay ang mga latang easy-open pull-tab na mas
mahal ang ginagamit nila.
Gayunman, tiniyak ni Valte na hindi nagtitigil ang DTI na alamin ang presyo
ng mga pangunahing bilihin para magawa agad ang hakbang na dapat gawin
tungkol dito. PND (ag/zaf) |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's
Statement at the Joint Press Conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany
Berlin, Germany
19 Sept 2014
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Chancellor Angela Merkel, members
of the press, ladies and gentlemen:
Chancellor Merkel, please accept my gratitude for the hospitality you have
extended to me and my delegation on my very first visit to Germany. I find
this occasion all the more meaningful, as our nations commemorate two
important occasions—first, the 60th anniversary since the establishment of
diplomatic relations, and second the 25th year since Germany graciously
hosted my mother, Corazon C. Aquino during her visit to your country in 1989.
Then as now, Germany and the Philippines have stood side by side in upholding
our shared values and principles—our adherence to democracy, human rights,
inclusive growth and development, and the rule of law.
Germany is a key ally, a strategic partner, and a reliable friend of the
Philippines. With this visit, we reaffirm the deep partnership between our
countries. By focusing on our mutual interests and our common aspirations and
concerns, we are given the opportunity to propel our already robust
relationship to even greater heights.
Madam Chancellor, our meeting today reaffirms that strong bond we share. Our
deep relations without doubt span a broad range of issues of mutual interest,
such as: labor, maritime cooperation and training, environment and natural
resources management, defense and security training, manufacturing, the
IT-BPM sector, and healthcare, among many others.
We recognize the strong bonds that tie us politically. We appreciate and
thank all the German foundations who are active in the Philippines—the
Friedrich Neumann Foundation, which is a partner of the party I lead; the
Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the Friedrich Egbert Foundation, and the Hanns
Seibel Foundation, which worked with the foundation put up by my mother to
represent and continue on their work on microfinance, human rights formation,
and cooperatives development.
We also share the belief that the primary duty of government is to advance
the welfare of its citizens. We also believe that the Philippines’ economic
resurgence and Germany’s economic strength can only further expand the
horizon of opportunities for our peoples.
Today, the Philippines and Germany will sign two important documents—the
Social Security Agreement between the Philippines and Germany, and the
Memorandum of Understanding between the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) and the Federal Institute for Vocational
Education and Training, or BIBB. Our two countries will also undertake
greater cooperation in trade through the exchange of drafts that will
formally establish the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in
Manila.
The Social Security Agreement will contribute to providing a context of
equality of treatment in the workplace. It will also improve the processing
of claims and prevent dual coverage. This will consequently redound to the
benefit of both Filipino and German nationals.
On the one hand, the Cooperation between TESDA and the BIBB will
institutionalize regular dialogue and sharing of best practices between the
Filipino and German policymakers and experts, and will provide an
institutional foundation to expand practical cooperation between our
respective ministries as well as with the private sector. I am told that German
technical expertise were instrumental in the development of the Philippines’
“Dual Training System Act of 1994”, and we continue to harness those
expertise towards our mutual gain.
On the other hand, the exchange of drafts on the establishment of the
German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a welcome sign,
especially now since the Philippines is indeed more open for business. With
this development, we can see enhanced trade and investments, especially among
the German Mittelstand; it will also establish the cooperation arrangements
with, and between, local German Chambers in Germany and the Philippines.
These documents underscore our common vision to build a Germany and a
Philippines where equitable prosperity and shared development are realities
enjoyed by our peoples. It is this very context that informs our collective
resolve to deepen relations, at a time when we are confronted by complex
challenges and needs that require not only the cooperation and understanding
between our two countries—but that of the entire community of nations.
On this note, as regards the territorial and maritime disputes in Southeast
Asia, the Chancellor and I share the conviction that these must be settled
peacefully and should be based on international law.
This commitment to upholding the welfare of peoples of goodwill is also
reflected in our shared determination to address the worsening effects of
climate change. Typhoon Haiyan showed that, now more than ever, the
cooperation between developed and developing nations is an imperative. For
our two nations, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response are essential
components of our cooperation. This morning, we took an even more promising
step in discussing how our partnership can be enhanced through building
climate-resilient communities.
As we work to build back better, Germany continues to extend its generous
assistance to my people. On behalf of my countrymen, I thank the Federal
Republic of Germany once more for being a true friend to our people. Indeed,
your nation’s clear expression of solidarity with my countrymen will always
be remembered and appreciated.
Chancellor Merkel, our meeting today was indeed historic, insightful, and
significant—one that embodies our common values and shared aspirations. We
had the opportunity to deepen the relations between our countries, and
discuss our strategic vision for the future of the Philippines-Germany
relationship—a relationship that has spanned 60 fruitful years—one which has
grown into a strong, comprehensive, and pragmatic partnership that allows us
to effectively address common challenges, and harness shared opportunities
for the benefit of our peoples, our regions, and the larger community of
nations.
Thank you. Good day.
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's
Statement Speech at the Policy Forum Organized with Koerber Stiftung and
Asia-Pacific Committee of German Business
Berlin, Germany
19 Sept 2014
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On March 21, 1887, a novel
entitled “Noli Me Tangere” or in English, “Touch Me Not,” was published here
in Berlin. It was written by a then-27-year old Filipino doctor, artist, and
visionary named Jose Rizal. Dr. Rizal spent two years in Germany. Short on
funds, he rationed his biscuits for meals; to stave off loneliness, he wrote
poems about the flowers of Heidelberg, translated Schiller’s William Tell
into his native Tagalog, and drew ideas from Berlin’s libraries. Along with
his fellow Filipinos, he engaged in discourse with the intellectuals of
Europe, applying the ideas of the Enlightenment to his own context back home,
and pursued discussions about their shared values and their aspirations for
humanity.
Noli Me Tangere was Dr. Rizal’s first novel. It offered a candid look at the
ills of Filipino society under colonial rule. It shed light on the abuses of
the colonizers, and on our people’s collective longing for freedom and
dignity. Scholars consider it the first articulation of a Filipino national
consciousness. The novel eventually earned the ire of the authorities. After
some time in exile, Dr. Rizal would be arrested and martyred by firing squad
on the 30th of December, 1896.
Dr. Rizal’s ideas, works, and, ultimately, his death, sparked a revolution
for Philippine independence. Since then, the world has recognized Rizal’s
greatness; in fact, my second official function during this European trip was
to lay a wreath at a monument for Dr. Jose Rizal built by the Spanish
government in Madrid. Today, more than 127 years after the Noli Me Tangere
emerged from a Berlin press, I stand before you as President of the first
democratic and constitutional republic in Asia, one in which every generation
has been challenged by Rizal’s words, “There can be no tyrants where there are
no slaves.” In our generation, we have rearticulated this challenge in a
battle cry that resonated in our last Presidential elections wherein we said,
“Where there is no corruption, there is no poverty.”
From the beginning of my term, we have stayed true to our promise. We have
brought the moral imperatives of justice, transparency, and accountability
back into the equation of governance. We have plugged bureaucratic leakages
and strengthened public institutions. A good example of our reform efforts is
our overhaul of the Philippine budgeting process. Our administration has
adopted what we call the zero-based budgeting, which involves reviewing all
government projects, axing the ones that provided little to no benefit to our
countrymen, while keeping and even strengthening the ones that had great
positive effect.
We pursued all those who committed wrongdoing, regardless of their wealth or
influence. When evidence of plunder and electoral sabotage were found against
my predecessor in the Presidency, corresponding charges were filed, and now,
she is under hospital arrest, waiting to face due process of our court
systems. When it was proven that the sitting Chief Justice of our Supreme
Court failed to declare 98 percent of his assets in his Statement of Assets
and Liabilities, as our Constitution requires him to do, like-minded
reformists in Congress removed him from office, by following
constitutionally-ordained proceedings. These instances, among others, sent a
clear message: The rule of law applies to all.
We cannot stress enough the importance of adhering to the rule of law. A
nation’s law, after all, encapsulates that nation’s set of values and
aspirations. This same idea applies to international law, which reflects the
collective values and aspirations of humanity, and is meant to guarantee that
relationships are established and dictated not through might, but through a
commonality in values, and a recognition that we are all inhabitants of one
world.
We are all aware that tensions in the South China Sea have created
uncertainty in our region. This uncertainty poses threats to the rule of law.
My country stands firmly in the belief that the only sustainable, peaceful,
and dignified resolution to any debate lies not in belligerence, deception,
displays of military might, or surreptitious actions meant to shape the
situation in the waters, but in reasonably laying out our arguments before an
impartial arbiter. As descendants of the seafaring Austronesian peoples,
Filipinos have, for millennia, viewed the South China Sea as a region vital
to the livelihood, security, and cultural identity of those who live around
it. It is thus an imperative for us to oppose by every peaceful, legal, and
diplomatic means possible, any attempt by any country to claim these waters
solely as their own.
To this end, we are taking two tracks: first, we continue to promote the
formulation of a binding code of conduct for the South China Sea; and second,
we are pursuing arbitration to clarify the maritime entitlements for all
countries concerned; this a mechanism embedded in the United Nations
Convention on the Law of the Sea. We continue to invite other claimant
countries to join us, so that together we may expand the avenues to arrive at
a peaceful resolution to this long-standing dispute.
Ladies and gentlemen, if it is true that international law embodies our
consensus as co-inhabitants in a single, global community, then it stands to
reason that violating it means flouting not just a single nation, but the
entire community of nations. Conversely, observing international law
strengthens a dynamic harmony among nations, which then could be harnessed to
uplift the lives of all. I believe that the heads of government whom I have
had the honor of meeting on this particular trip have reaffirmed these ideas
as they manifestated their support for the peaceful resolution of disputes in
the South China Sea.
The maintenance of stability creates an environment conducive to unhampered
and inclusive growth. Today, my country is on the cusp of an era of even
greater potential for progress. By 2015, or next year, the Philippines will
be hitting a demographic sweet spot, which means that majority of our
population will be of working age. Studies show that countries who hit this
sweet spot grow by an average of 7.3 percent over the ten years that
immediately follow.
This is why we continue investing heavily in areas that will increase
opportunities for all our countrymen. Our administration’s commitment to
transparency and accountability has allowed us to unlock resources, which we
have spent on improving the lives of our people. Perhaps the most prominent
example of this is our Conditional Cash Transfer program, the recipients of
which we increased from less than 800,000 households in 2010 to more than
four million this year. The idea is simple: As long as their children are
sent to school and vaccinated, and as long as pregnant mothers get regular
health check-ups, then they will receive a regular cash grant from the
government. The program ticks all the boxes. It gives those in the margins
additional resources to get by, it ensures that they remain healthy, and it
allows their children to receive a more complete education. In fact, this
year, we have further expanded this program to include households with
children aged 15 to 18. This decision came about because of a study conducted
by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, which revealed that high
school graduates make about 40 percent more than those who only get to finish
elementary years.
Of course, we are matching these efforts with significant improvements in our
system of education. Since entering office, we have addressed the 2010
backlog we inherited in classrooms, which amounted to 66,800 units, and we
have done the same with the backlogs in textbooks and school seats. We have
likewise passed a law updating our basic education cycle to be at par with
global standards.
To equip our people with the skills to take advantage of the opportunities
that arise, we have empowered agencies such as the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority, which spearheads the skills-training and
livelihood initiatives of government. For example, TESDA’s Training for Work
Scholarship Program alone has benefited 632,105 graduates as of June 2014. A
recent study shows that 68.5 percent of the Program’s 2012 graduates found
employment within six months. The rest, meanwhile, are being assisted by the
agency in their search for employment.
Protecting the interests of the people, of course, also involves securing
them in times of disaster. We are determined to confront the new normal of
climate change with foresight. Our country is hit by an average of 20 storms
a year, which is why, from the beginning of our administration, we have
upgraded our technological capacities to allow us to better prepare for
incoming storms. We have installed several Doppler radars in strategic areas
around the archipelago, enabling us to better estimate rainfall amounts; we
have used LiDAR technology to map the topography of our river systems; and as
part of a project named NOAH, we have put up a website through which anyone
with an internet connection can access real-time weather information. With
the technological wherewithal we now have, we are able to better position
personnel, rescue equipment, and relief goods in the event of natural
disaster, and of course, to move populations to safer areas.
However, one of the hardest lessons my administration has learned is there
are times when no amount of preparation is enough. In November of last year,
44 out of 81 of our provinces were ravaged by Typhoon Haiyan, which,
according to some, was the strongest storm to ever make landfall in recorded
history. Indeed, it was a storm on a scale that we had never seen before. It
swept away many of the goods we had prepositioned, much of the necessary
equipment for relief operations, and even some of our first responders, among
them our Secretaries of Defense and of the Interior and Local Government, who
flew into areas in the typhoon’s path the day before it made landfall were
put in danger.
I am thankful for the solidarity of the international community, who helped
us get back on the road to recovery sooner rather than later. Germany was one
of those that extended significant aid to my people. In the wake of the
typhoon, we received a significant amount in aid and assistance from the
German public. It was, I am told, the highest recorded amount of donations
given by German citizens to a foreign country. In fact, we also have to thank
the German government. Truly, Filipinos will never forget your kindness and
compassion.
The task at hand for us now is clear: We must not allow ourselves to be mired
in a vicious cycle of destruction and mere reconstruction. We have to build
back, and we have to build back better. This means constructing more
resilient infrastructure and communities in more strategic areas, so that we
can minimize the impact of future disasters. Moving forward, we are likewise
seeking to foster more vibrant and more inclusive economies in the area. We
are also taking long-term measures to address climate change: As early as
now, we are taking steps to embark on a low emission development strategy. I
am certain that everyone here recognizes the challenge of utilizing such technologies.
After all, Europe, and in particular, Germany, is one of the leaders in
renewable energy, and you know how costly and complex such a strategy is.
This is why, today, I am also hopeful that we can find partners in this
particular sector who can find methods to pursue energy production that is
clean, efficient, and affordable.
Addressing our people’s vulnerabilities, investing in their strengths, and
reforming the way our government works, are vital cornerstones of our
development strategy. This strategy is working, and the world has taken
notice. In 2013, the Philippine economy grew by 7.2 percent, making us one of
the best performing economies in Asia. Average GDP growth from 2010 to 2013
stands at 6.3 percent; a significant increase from the 4.3 percent recorded
from 2006 to 2009. Furthermore, since my administration took office, we have
received 20 positive credit rating actions from agencies around the world,
the most significant of which were granted last year, when Moody’s, Standard
& Poor’s, and Fitch unanimously declared us investment grade. This took
place when global economy was in turmoil, and the credibility of the ratings
agencies was being questioned. Even if they took a very conservative approach
to evaluating risk, they still deemed upgraded us.
There is no doubt in my mind that our two countries are more than capable of
mutually beneficial engagement. Germany is our biggest trade partner in
Europe, and German investments are well represented in many major sectors. I
am certain many Filipinos, and perhaps many Germans as well, are expecting
even greater things from a strengthened partnership, as we build new
platforms to deepen our economic and people-to-people ties. These include the
so-called Triple Win Project we signed last year, which facilitates the entry
of Filipino nurses into Germany. We also have the Social Security Agreement
we concluded this morning.
We have gone a long way in the past few decades. In 1986, my mother, Corazon
C. Aquino was catapulted to the Presidency through the bloodless EDSA People
Power Revolution. Just three years after that, she visited Germany in July of
1989; a few months later, the Berlin Wall fell. It was a time when our two
countries, both having suffered through dictatorships, could recognize and
celebrate the values that we share: freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
Just one generation removed from my mother’s visit, the Philippine resurgence
is now in full swing. The empowerment of the people in 1986, most profoundly
manifested then in our newfound freedoms, now finds new meaning in the
economic empowerment being engendered in our society. We have recovered from
the scourge of the dictatorship and from periods of self-serving leadership,
and have fostered a positive shift in the national psyche. Optimism among the
Filipino people and the international community is very high, opportunities
are expanding, and our government continues to move towards progress with the
interest of the Filipino people as its north star.
I am extremely confident that, if we continue nurturing our shared values and
deepening our engagement, we can look back generations from now and see this
meeting in Berlin as yet another turning point: the moment when the world
ignited new dynamic synergies, to bring about mutual success and prosperity
that is felt by more and more citizens of a world where, indeed, no one will
be left behind.
Thank you and good afternoon.
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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech
at the Forum Organized by the French Institute for Internatiional Relations
Paris, France
18 Sept 2014
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Separated though we are by great
distances, France and the Philippines have a strong and enduring connection:
the shared value we give to democracy and to defending it. The battle cry of
your own revolution, “Liberté, egalité, et fraternité!” spurred thousands to
action around the world—including a Filipino clerk named Andres Bonifacio,
whom we honor as the Father of the Philippine Revolution.
The links between our countries did not end with our respective revolutions;
they would emerge stronger after a dark period in my country’s history. My
parents were among those who fought against the Marcos dictatorship, and for
that, my father, Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr., gave his life. After his
death, my mother, Corazon C. Aquino, and the rest of the nation collectively
took on the fight for the future of the Philippines. Like their compatriots
in France many years ago, millions of Filipinos took to the streets—this
time, armed with only prayers and songs—in protest against their oppressor.
Through the will of the people, democracy was reclaimed for the Philippines.
A true champion of democracy, France was one of the first countries that
recognized the newly-formed democratic government of the Philippines after
the peaceful People Power Revolution. Recognizing her achievements, and more
importantly, the achievements of our countrymen, your government conferred on
my mother the Legion of Honor.
A generation later, we are engaged in a different kind of fight: one against
poverty and corruption; inequality and injustice; and the other threats that
keep us from realizing in full the promise of democracy. As France proved
herself a reliable friend in the days when the Filipino people most needed
it, so too, do I believe that we can move forward and fight these new battles
together, as partners focused on the well-being of our respective peoples.
After all, the fundamental principles we share—the values of democracy, the
respect for the rule of law, the promotion of human rights, and the
attainment of social justice—have likewise been the principles that have
allowed my administration to turn the tide in the Philippines. Perhaps you
will allow me to share with you our transformation from a country mired in
apathy and hopelessness, to a nation with a dynamic, emerging economy, whose
people have a newfound hope and optimism.
When my administration came into office, we found a government in shambles
and a people devoid of hope. Businesses were loath to invest in the
Philippines because of the unpredictable environment. Economic and industrial
growth were sluggish—if at all, and our countrymen believed that they had no
choice but to seek greener pastures abroad. The root of the problems: a
corrupt and inept government.
We knew that to move forward, we had to plug all the leaks and vastly
minimize waste. In some agencies, the process was fairly straightforward.
Secretary Rogelio Singson in the Department of Public Works and Highways
implemented simple but crucial reforms. For instance: By cutting down the
required documents for bidders from 20 to 5, opportunities for corruption
were minimized; by removing the requirement to submit a Letter of Intent,
collusion was eliminated because bidders did not know who they were competing
against and thus could not rig the bidding; ultimately, by demanding
professionalism at all levels and at all times, we were able to get what we
refer to as the 5 R’s—the right projects, implemented by the right people,
for the right quality and the right price, implemented right on time, if not
earlier. On a larger scale, we found it necessary to re-examine our budget.
We could not allow the continuous funding of projects which had questionable
or zero results. As such, we employed zero-based budgeting so that each and
every peso would have an equivalent and tangible benefit on the lives of our
countrymen.
Together with ensuring that government would no longer be a party to wasting
our people’s hard-earned money, we introduced landmark reform to agencies
once known as hotbeds of corruption. For instance, our Bureau of Customs was
given a fresh start through the appointment of a new Commissioner and Deputy
Commissioners. Such reforms made its way to the rank and file of the agency:
we kept closer watch especially for those on the frontlines, previously
security guards used to act as cashiers, and warehousemen became examiners—a
sure recipe for thievery.
As we maximized the state’s resources by improving our systems and empowering
the bureaucracy, we also put an end to the era of impunity, by making sure
that those who committed wrongdoing in office will be held to account,
regardless of how lofty their positions were. In fact, my predecessor in the
Presidency, who was accused of crimes against the nation, is under hospital
arrest right now as she faces two unbailable charges.
Our commitment to good governance is now bearing fruit. Money that once went
to the corrupt now goes to massive investments into the Filipino people—as
exemplified by our budget for Social Welfare, Health, and Education, amongst
others, increasing in multiples.
The scope of our national health insurance program, or PhilHealth, was
expanded, especially for the poorest of the poor. This means that they have
access not only to treatment for common ailments, but for catastrophic ones
as well—diseases like leukemia and breast cancer, for instance.
The number of households enrolled in the Conditional Cash Transfer Program,
our flagship poverty reduction initiative, has grown by leaps and bounds:
from covering less than 800,000 households when we assumed office in 2010, to
more than 4 million households today. More recently, we expanded this to
include households with children not only in the elementary ages but up to
those studying high school. We did this because a study revealed that high
school graduates earn up to 40% more than those who finished just the
elementary level. For each of these four million households, the primary
conditions asked of them was simple: keep your children in school. In
exchange, they will receive support in the form of regular cash grants.
Filipino schoolchildren now have access to stronger foundations for learning,
thanks to the K to 12 program, which puts our educational system at par with
international standards. Enriching the quality of our basic education system
includes meeting logistical needs: our administration has effectively
addressed the inherited backlog in school seats, classrooms, and textbooks
left to us by our predecessors. All this, of course, is in preparation for
the education they will receive from universities, colleges, and technical
and vocational institutions, which are all empowering our countrymen to be
increasingly employable, and as industry and government cooperate to ensure
that the courses students take will match the actual skills needed in the job
market.
We are seeing our reforms bearing fruit. Look at the numbers: From April 2013
to April 2014 a study has shown that 1.65 million more Filipinos hold jobs.
From 2012 to 2013, 2.5 million people have moved above the poverty line. Our
first task was to help the poorest of the poor overcome poverty. Now, we are
also capacitated to help those within the “near poor,” meaning those who have
barely moved out of the poverty line. By addressing their vulnerabilities,
they, and we hope, need not fear that a catastrophic event such as a major
illness or a natural calamity will pull below the poverty line again.
All these investments were made to ensure that the Filipino people, who are
our greatest competitive advantage, are enabled to make the most of
opportunities borne of renewed confidence in our country. Indeed, good
governance has redounded to a more capable and more active citizenry full of
hope and optimism, and the combination of an increasingly-competitive
population and a sustainable, prudently-run economy, has gained global
notice.
This was affirmed by the three major credit rating agencies in the world—Moody’s,
Fitch, and Standard and Poor’s—which gave the Philippines investment grade in
2013, the first time ever in our country’s history. Your own French Export
Credit Agency also upgraded our country’s risk rating; and most recently,
Korea’s National Information and Credit Evaluation Ratings, Inc. raised us to
investment grade. All this happened at a time when agencies have been very
conservative with their evaluations, due to an uncertain global economic
climate. In fact, even in a period when various countries were being
downgraded, the Philippines emerged as the world’s most upgraded sovereign.
On top of this, since we took office, we have consistently climbed global
rankings of competitiveness. Most prominently perhaps, from 2010 to 2014, we
went from 85th in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report,
to 52nd, making us the most improved country in that span.
It is clear: good governance is good economics. Again, let me emphasize that
this is not an empty pronouncement. Our Business Process Management Sector
continues to mark impressive growth; manufacturing has rebounded
impressively; and tourists all over the world are flocking to our beaches and
cities, seeing for themselves how truly it is more fun in the Philippines.
Given the unprecedented confidence enjoyed by our country, we expect 2015 to
be a banner year. After all, the factors that can allow us to build on our
momentum are in place. We will be entering a demographic sweet spot by 2015,
which will last for around 35 years. We have been investing in our greatest
resource—our people, resulting in an expanding, productive labor force now
even more prepared to seize all the opportunities. We have a strategic
location, and vast potential to be a crucial hub of trade, investments, and services.
Our economic turnaround is especially significant, in light of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations formally integrating as an economic
community in 2015. This is a milestone in the evolution of ASEAN as we pursue
the common prosperity of our peoples and foster the peace and stability
fundamental to continued development. Naturally, this opens doors of
opportunity to our European friends as well. As a leader in many cutting-edge
industries, such as renewable energy, public transport, and aerospace,
France, for instance, together with EU member states, will find far greater
potential for enhanced engagement with our country and our region. This is a
timely development; given the recovery of markets in the Western Hemisphere,
increased cooperation can only redound to a healthier global economy, and the
promise of further growth and development for all.
As individual nations in a diverse world, we have everything to gain when our
relations are characterized by harmony and a healthy respect—not only for
each other, but more importantly, for the rule of law. This is in line with
what my father once said, and if I may paraphrase his thoughts: if you
tolerate the abuse of the rights of one, it sets the stage for the abuse of
your own rights. As responsible members of the international community, it is
our duty to uphold the rule of law in every instance, and to reject might and
power when they seek to subvert the rule of law.
The Philippines has consistently expressed its concern on rising tensions in
our part of the world, due to maritime and territorial disputes in the South
China Sea. As has been reported by international news agencies the world
over, there is an emerging pattern of aggression bent on establishing new
realities at sea and in the air. These violations of international law pose a
danger not only to claimant countries, but also to the entire international
community, since freedom of navigation and unimpeded lawful commerce are
threatened.
This is why we are advocating a peaceful resolution of the dispute. To do
this, we are taking two tracks: first, through promoting the formulation of a
binding code of conduct, and second, through arbitration—a mechanism which is
embedded in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We continue
to invite other claimant countries to join us, to accelerate the resolution
of this very long standing dispute, which has lately caused much tension in
our region.
The international community as a whole stands to gain when the rule of law is
upheld—for only through such legal mechanisms can a truly just and stable
world order be ensured. I believe that I share this idea with the European
Union authorities and heads of government I have had the honor of meeting,
who have manifested their support for the peaceful resolution of disputes
based on the rule of law.
Indeed, history has shown us how events halfway around the world can have a
profound effect on our shores; no one can deny that our destinies are
intertwined. It is therefore in all our best interests to take an active role
in forging partnerships that ensure that our peoples are not left behind on
the march to progress, and in so doing, perhaps create opportunities for
other peoples as well.
France has displayed a keen understanding of this belief, most recently and
prominently in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan—recognized by some to be the
strongest typhoon to ever make landfall and devastate a country. It left a
large part of our country in shambles; lives were lost, families separated or
displaced. The need for both immediate and long-term recovery was enormous.
And in the face of that enormous need, the entire world, France included,
gave an overwhelming response. All levels of society—from the French
government, down to companies and nongovernment organizations, to ordinary
French citizens—demonstrated their generosity to their Filipino friends, and
we are truly grateful for this solidarity.
Ladies and gentlemen, climate risk and threats to the rule of law are only
some of the challenges that today’s world sets before us. Whether in the
experience of our forebears in the French and the Philippine
revolutions—whether in our People Power Revolution, or the relief and
recovery efforts immediately after Typhoon Haiyan, it has always been clear to
me that our efforts are stronger, and that the opportunities we create are
vaster, deeper, and have a greater impact when we find ways to increase
cooperation. Whether in the political or economic sphere, we continue to find
new avenues of positive engagement that may help us confront the challenges
of the future. This is true in our work to promote inclusive growth and
sustainable development; to enhance peace, security, and the rule of law in
inter-state relations; and to combat climate change.
As a global community, we have a choice: Either we combine our strengths and
tackle our shared challenges together, or fall individually to the problems
that threaten all of us. Asia, Europe, and the rest of the world need to work
together to ensure a stable environment and a brighter future. I believe that
a reinvigorated Philippines-France relationship can contribute greatly to
achieving this endeavor.
As partners who have worked together, though perhaps indirectly, for
centuries, to preserve democracy and its fruits, the Philippines and France
can continue to stand together, working towards the benefit of our citizens
and of the entire world, through a renewed commitment to the values our
nations hold dear: liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Thank you for your attention. Good evening.
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| BSP conducts learning outreach
activities in Baguio City |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will conduct the fourth leg of
its Economic and Financial Learning Program (BSP-EFLP) for 2014 in
Baguio City on 30 September – 3 October 2014. The BSP-EFLP
consolidates the learning outreach activities of the BSP under one
flagship program. It includes a series of learning sessions that aim
to promote greater public awareness and understanding of key
economic and financial issues. The EFLP also embodies the goal of
the BSP to promote economic and financial education among its
stakeholders, who can then become more effective partners of the BSP
in safeguarding price stability and in ensuring a stronger and safer
banking and payments system.
The following programs will be conducted:
“Be up to SPeed on BSP,” Information Campaign on the Role of the BSP
in the Economy, 30 September 2014, Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(module for professionals), and 1 October 2014, Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.
to 12:00 noon (module for students), Grand Ballroom, The Golden Pine
Hotel, Baguio City;
Financial Education Expo for the Working Sector, 1 October 2014,
Wednesday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Santorini Grand Ballroom, Hotel
Elizabeth, Baguio City;
“Paghahanda sa Kinabukasan,” Financial Learning Campaign for
Overseas Filipinos and their Beneficiaries, 2 October 2014,
Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Grand Ballroom, The Golden Pine
Hotel;
Financial Education Expo for Students and Members of the Academe, 2
October 2014, Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Santorini Grand
Ballroom, Hotel Elizabeth; and
Users’ Forum on BSP-Produced Statistics, 3 October 2014, Friday,
8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Grand Ballroom, The Golden Pine Hotel.
The “Be up to SPeed on BSP” information campaign will cover recent
economic developments and the role of the BSP in the economy, with
emphasis on the three pillars of central banking, i.e., price
stability, financial stability and efficient payments and
settlements system. Two sessions will be conducted: one for
professionals (including representatives from government agencies,
business sector, and banking community), and another for students
and members of the academe.
The “Paghahanda sa Kinabukasan” Financial Learning Campaign for
Overseas Filipinos and their Beneficiaries (FLC-OF), which is
organized in coordination with the Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA), aims to educate participants on the
importance of using remittances to build up savings and directing
these into investments in financial products and business ventures.
Through this learning advocacy, the BSP hopes to help overseas
Filipinos and their beneficiaries achieve financial security, bring
them into the fold of the formal financial system, and enable them
to participate more meaningfully in the country’s economic
development. Officials from the BSP, as well as from the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA)
will give briefings on topics such as the importance of remittances,
financial planning, investment/business options and agri-business
opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Financial Education Expo offers various financial
education activities for students, professionals and others from the
public and private sectors. It features learning booths with
audio-visual presentations, graphic displays and interactive
activities that will help participants become self-reliant in
promoting their financial welfare. Two separate sessions of the
Financial Empowerment Course, which is an integral part of the Expo,
will also be conducted for students and members of the work force.
The learning sessions will present the importance of financial
education, the Philippine financial system, basics of budgeting,
saving, investing and borrowing, financial planning for life-cycle
events, and credit card awareness.
Lastly, the Users’ Forum on BSP-Produced Statistics is being
conducted as part of the BSP’s celebration of the National
Statistics Month this October. It will cover topics on monetary and
financial statistics, balance of payments and external sector
accounts, expectations surveys and leading indicators, as well as
regional economic developments.
Interested parties may contact Ms. Michelle N. Andres at telephone
number: (+632)306.2707, or email address: aandres@bsp.gov.ph. |
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| DSWD continues to assist ‘Mario’ evacuees |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
Tropical Storm Mario may now be on its way out of the Philippine
Area of Responsibility, but it left some 189,608 families or 797,729
persons from nine regions, including Northern Luzon, reeling from
its aftermath, as of 4 am today.
Of this, a total of 36,268 families or 161,745 persons are still in
380 evacuation centers.
In NCR, 59 evacuation centers continue to provide temporary shelter
to 6,349 families or 28,071 persons. The number of temporary
shelters here have gone down to almost half since the onslaught of
‘Mario’ as evacuees started to return home.
Northern Luzon, on the other hand, just started to open 33
evacuation centers serving 1,003 families or 3,833 persons.
In Central Luzon, 17,294 families with 79,315 persons still remain
in 114 evacuation centers.
Southern Luzon still has 127 evacuation centers housing 10,551
families or 45,860 persons with Rizal Province having the most
number.
As of press time, DSWD has distributed some 45,371 family food packs
worth P20.1 million as resource augmentation to affected local
government units (LGUs).
Members of the Social Welfare and Development Teams who continue to
assess the extent of ‘Mario’ in the affected regions reported some
863 damaged houses of which 117 were totally destroyed while 746
were partially damaged. |
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| PO2 Angel to be charged for Murder of Enzo
Pastor; recantation rejected by the Investigating Prosecutor
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| Source:
http://www.doj.gov.ph |
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In a Resolution dated 12 September 2014 which was released today,
Assistant State Prosecutor Susan T. Villanueva resolved the
complaints filed by the Philippine National Police – Criminal
Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDU) and private complainant
Tomas Pastor ("TOMAS"), for the crimes of murder and frustrated
murder in connection with the killing of Mr. Ferdinand Pastor y
Salas, a.k.a. "ENZO" and the wounding of Paolo Salazar ("SALAZAR"),
respectively, against Respondent PO2 Edgar Angel y Ybanes ("PO2
ANGEL").
It appears that on 26-27 August 2014, Respondent PO2 ANGEL, assisted
by Atty. Cecilio Lumantao of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines
(IBP) - Quezon City Chapter, gave his voluntary extra-judicial
statements before PO2 Alvin Quisumbing of the PNP-CIDU. Respondent
PO2 ANGEL disclosed that Domingo de Guzman, a.k.a. "SANDY”, and
Dahlia Guerrero Pastor ("DAHLIA"), ENZO's wife, masterminded the
plan to kill the victim by contracting him to be the gunman for a
fee of one hundred thousand pesos (Phpl00,000.00).He also elaborated
on other circumstances that led to the death of ENZO.
During the inquest proceedings, PO2 ANGEL affirmed the contents of
his two (2) separate statements, and thereafter, with the assistance
of his counsel, executed a waiver of the benefit of Article 125 of
the Revised Penal Code. On 08 September 2014, Respondent PO2 ANGEL
submitted his counter-affidavit with a complete recantation of his
earlier statements before the police authorities. He claimed that
his illegal arrest was actually effected at Metrowalk, Pasig City;
that he was later brought to Camp Karingal where he received bodily
blows; that after which, he was brought to a stage-managed
"buy-bust" operation in Libis, Quezon City; that he was tortured and
blackmailed into admitting his complicity in the death of ENZO and
the wounding of SALAZAR; that the adverted extra-judicial statements
were signed by him under duress; and that his alleged statements
were already prepared and the details made-up by the police
authorities.
Resolving the subject complaints, the Assistant State Prosecutor
observed that the first two statements were executed at the office
of the IBP, Quezon City, and in the presence of lawyer, which, "on
its face is presumed valid", and thus, is "admissible in evidence
against [Respondent PO2 ANGEL]"; and that Respondent PO2 ANGEL's
previous declarations were further bolstered by the fact that he
allowed himself to be interviewed on national television where he
categorically and unequivocally affirmed his narrations and even
gave justifications for what he did.
In ruling against the credibility of Respondent PO2 ANGEL's third
statement during the stage of preliminary investigation, the
Assistant State Prosecutor maintained that "the presumption of
voluntariness weighs heavily on him, because to begin with, he is
not an ordinary individual in contemplation of the law. He is an
active member of the [PNP] who has been exposed to and is presumably
aware of the effects and consequences of his extra-judicial
confessions". Taking guidance from Philippine jurisprudence,
"recantations do not necessarily cancel an earlier declaration"; and
that like any other testimony, the test of credibility must be
utilized to determine which of the contradictory testimonies
represents the truth. The Resolution went on further stating that
"these qualifications can only be arrived at during a full-blown
trial on the merits and not during preliminary investigation".
After a careful evaluation of all facts presented before her, the
Assistant Prosecutor resolved that all the elements of the crime of
murder were found to be present.
Anent the presence of the qualifying circumstance of evident
premeditation, the Assistant State Prosecutor stated that "it was
clearly proven that during the last week of February 2014, when
[Respondent PO2 ANGEL"] saw the picture of ["DAHLIA"] with bruises
on her face and arms, he decided to kill the victim." Respondent PO2
ANGEL's acceptance of the initial payment of Php50,000.00 from SANDY
and his receipt of the motorcycle and gun to be used to commit the
crime, coupled with the regular and constant communication
manifestly indicated that Respondent PO2 ANGEL clung to his
determination to kill ENZO. The decision of Respondent PO2 ANGEL to
kill ENZO was a result of meditation, calculation, and reflection
given that he had ample time, from his first meeting with SANDY on
the second week of November 2013 up to June 2014, to think about his
decision.
Moreover, the Assistant State Prosecutor found that the qualifying
circumstance of treachery attended the commission of the crime
because of the presence of the following: (1) the means of executing
the crime, that is, by shooting, did not give ENZO an opportunity to
defend himself nor retaliate; and (2) that the means of killing ENZO
was deliberately and consciously adopted by Respondent PO2 ANGEL.
As to the complaint for frustrated murder, the Assistant State
Prosecutor resolved that "the same cannot be considered absent such
proof, i.e., medical records showing the extent of injuries
allegedly suffered" by Enzo's helper, Paolo.
In view of the foregoing, the following actions were recommended:
1. The Information for violation of Article 248 (Murder) of the RPC
be filed against Respondent PO2 ANGEL; and
2. The complaint for violation of Article 250 (Frustrated Murder) be
dismissed, without prejudice, for insufficiency of evidence. |
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| Revenue Integrity Protection Service
performance at all-time high |
| Source:
http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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Carag: RIPS to continue to root out corruption and reform government
The Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) has achieved its
highest performance in its 11-year history.
A marked improvement in 2014 with 85 investigations initiated over
the eight-month period from January to August represents a 45%
increase compared to the previous highest record of 58 attained in
2013.
RIPS’ accomplishment in the Successful Decisions category also
increased by 116%, where for the period of January to August 2014 it
attained 13 favourable decisions compared to the previous record of
6 successful decisions set during the same period in 2011.
Successful decisions refer to cases resolved in RIPS’ favor, usually
resulting to suspensions, dismissals, penalties, and or criminal
convictions. Out of the 13 resolutions, 6 of them imposed the
penalty of dismissal from the service. This is a marked improvement
from the period of 2003-2013, when the average dismissal from the
service attained by RIPS was 1 dismissal per year.
Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Carlo A. Carag of the
Revenue Operations and Legal Affairs Group said, “This is the best
performance RIPS has registered in history. These are encouraging
numbers as we continue to investigate and crack down on erring
public officials in our campaign to root out corruption and reform
the government.”
Ephyro Amatong, Chair of the DOF Regulatory Compliance and
Anti-Corruption Cluster, welcomed the news, saying, “The measurable
improvements by RIPS to date reflect the Aquino Administration’s
continuing resolve to combat corruption. We will carry this fight
for good governance to the very last stretches.”
The DOF notes that the total number of cases filed against erring
government officials, including Bureau of Customs (BOC) collectors,
increased from only five cases in 2010 to 101 by June 2014. During
the current Administration, a total of 108 personalities have been
charged at the Office of the Ombudsman (76) and at the Civil Service
Commission (27), while five personalities were referred to the
concerned agency for formal filing of charge.
Notable RIPS cases include Paulino C. Elevado IV, a Porsche-driving
BOC messenger found guilty of serious dishonesty, falsification of
public documents, and dishonest declarations in his Statement of
Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) by the Office of the
Ombudsman. Spouses Marlon and Emma Pascual, former revenue officers
in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), were dismissed for
acquiring assets that are disproportionate to their salaries, while
another case involving former customs examiner Ana Marie Maglasang,
who was convicted of five counts of perjury, saw RIPS’ first prison
penalty in history.
Launched in 2003, RIPS seeks to eliminate corruption in the
Department of Finance and its attached agencies by investigating
allegations of wrongdoing and filing cases with the appropriate
government agencies. |
|
|
|
| Industry Voluntary Codes of Good
Practices reach 134 |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
| Senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) in Hagonoy, Davao
Del Sur will in the next month start to earn income from their
livelihood project awarded by the DOLE under the Grassroots
Participatory Budgeting (GPB) Program. This was the report of DOLE
Regional Office No. 11 Director Joffrey Suyao to Labor and
Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz shortly after the
regional office released to the local government unit of Hagonoy a
total of P1,871,155 for the training and livelihood of senior
citizens and PWD in the municipality. "A total of 408 senior
citizens and PWDs in Hagonoy will benefit from the GPB Program
funding," Suyao said. As part of our social protection mandate, all
the beneficiaries are covered with a one-year accident insurance
package," he added. According to Suyao, the first to benefit from
the DOLE livelihood funds will be the senior citizens of the town
who plan to sell ready-to-wear (RTW) clothes and apparel. Part of
the amount will also go the purchase of massage equipment and
supplies for Hagonoy's PWDs, and prescribed and non-destructive
fishing gear for marginal fisherfolks in the town. The DOLE regional
office, in cooperation with the LGU, will also train non-working
mothers to enhance their skills on food processing, before they are
given cooking equipment for their trade. It will also train some
unemployed locals, and provide funds for the business of the members
of the Guihing Aplaya Motorcycles Trimotors Operators and Drivers
Cooperative (GAHAMOTODCO). DOLE Davao del Sur field office head
Henry O. Montilla said the DOLE approved the proposal of the LGU for
GPB funding because the projects covered cater to a wide range of
informal sector beneficiaries. "It's a good proposal because senior
citizens and PWD were given priority and it also improves the
employability of the local citizens," he said. He cited the
GAHAMOTODCO project, saying it will eliminate the prohibited open
umbrella-type “tri-motors”, thus ensuring the safety of the riding
public. On the other hand, procurement of prescribed fishing gear
supports the government's protection and conservation efforts for
mangroves and marine habitat and enforces the local government's
fishery laws and coastal management programs. Regional Director
Suyao said he expects the projects to take off since it was the
beneficiaries themselves who proposed these small livelihoods. "I am
confident the projects will improve the economic status of the
beneficiaries," he said. |
|
|
|
| In Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, DOLE
grants P1.8-M in livelihood to senior citizens |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
A boost to industry self-regulation and voluntary labor laws
compliance
Industry Voluntary Codes of Good Practices reach 134
From 120 at the end of 2013, fourteen (14) more Voluntary Codes of
Good Practices by various industries have been formulated, signed,
and adopted from January to June this year, bringing the total
number of VCGPs operating to 134.
This was the gist of the report of the Bureau of Labor Relations to
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday,
as it said the DOLE, through the Bureau, continues its campaign for
the adoption of VCGPs to boost industry self-regulation and
voluntary labor laws compliance.
VCGPs are aimed at promoting a culture of voluntary compliance with
labor laws among industries toward enhanced productivity, decent
work, industrial harmony, and increased competitiveness.
A reform measure of the DOLE, the formulation and forging of VCGPs
are based on Department Order No. 115-11, Series of 2011, or the
Guidelines on the Implementation of the Incentivizing Compliance
Program (ICP), which Baldoz issued on 6 May 2011. The National
Tripartite Industrial Peace Council (NTIPC) supports the reform.
“The additional 14 Voluntary Codes of Good Practices is an active
indication that the culture of voluntary compliance is being
successfully imbibed by our industries and its link to corporate
social responsibility practices is significantly changing for the
better workplace relations," said Baldoz by way of comment to the
report.
"Industry self-regulation and voluntary compliance to labor laws and
occupational health and safety raise the bar of competitiveness of
the Philippine economy,” she added.
Together with convergence to revitalize and reorganize
industry-specific tripartite councils, or ITCs where the tripartite
sectors are fully represented, the formulation of voluntary codes of
good practices is in pursuit of the President’s 22-point labor and
employment agenda calling for the DOLE to work with the private
sector to strengthen tripartite cooperation and promote industrial
peace based on social justice.
She said voluntary compliance is an effective alternative to
state-imposed regulation, for this makes private companies
competitive and encourage workers to be socially-responsible and
productive and promotes high standards of efficiency and ensure
better service delivery.
The BLR said the 14 new VCGPs have been adopted in the following
industries: four (4) in hospital, education, an milling industry in
Region 3; two (2) in construction and transportation industry in
Region 7; one (1) in education in Region 9; one (1) in the
plantation industry in Region 12; and five in education,
construction, transportation, and mining in the Caraga Region.
The regions with the most number of VCGPs adopted in the first six
months of 2014 are Caraga Region, with five VCGPs; Region 3, with
four; Region 7, with two; and Regions 1, 9, and 12, with one VCGP
each.
The VCGPs existing since Secretary Baldoz started the reform program
in 2013, in coordination between DOLE regional offices and industry
tripartite councils nationwide, cater to the following industries:
National Capital Region--education (academic); hospital; bus
(transport); broadcast; and cargo handling and logistics;
CAR--academe; hotel and restaurant; manufacturing; and wholesale and
retail; Region 1--hotel and restaurant; transport; and construction
industry; Region 2--security and janitorial services; hotel and
restaurants; resorts; and hospital; Region 3--hotel restaurant and
tourism; resorts; BPO; academe; construction; and aviation and
mining;
Region 4-A--electronics and semiconductor; transport and maritime;
subcontracting; and sugar; Region 4-B--tourism; security; academe;
domestic shipping; and mining;
Region 5--power; and hotel and restaurant; Region 6--BPO; hospital;
hotel; manufacturing; land transportation; and academe; Region
7--school institutions; hotel, restaurant and tourism; BPO; and
maritime, shipbuilding and ship repair; Region 8--power; hotel,
restaurant and tourism;
Region 9--fishing and canning and construction; hotel and
restaurant; maritime; and rubber; Region 10--banana; pineapple;
sugar; construction; private and public schools; maritime; bus
transport; coconut; and BPO; Region 11--banana; academe;
construction; maritime; and BPO; Region 12--banana; fishing; rubber;
pineapple; abaca; hotel and restaurant; academe; and tourism; Region
13--mining; wood-based; eco-tourism; plantation; and maritime. |
|
|
|
| ASEAN builds regional and National Trade
Repositories |
| Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
Traders often find it difficult to access information about permits
and licenses they need to comply with to export or import a product.
A Trade Repository (ATR), a web portal that provides all the
information needed by a trader to conduct his business, particularly
trade-related measures, is in the process of construction for
member-states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
“Integration efforts in the ASEAN region will harness technology to
support the goals of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). Trade
repositories help facilitate the free flow of goods and services
among member-states, and address ease of doing business issues
across the region,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Undersecretary Adrian Cristobal Jr said.
ASEAN, with the support of the European Union-ASEAN Regional
Integration (ARISE Project) together with the DTI will conduct a
“National Workshop on the ASEAN Trade Repository (ATR)/National
Trade Repository (NTR)/Non-Tariff Measures (NTMs) and Notification
Procedure under the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA)” in
Manila this week. The activity is intended as a capacity building
workshop for member-agencies of the Ad-Hoc Technical Working Group
on the Philippine Trade Repository. The group is tasked to establish
the Philippine Repository. The lead agency for the undertaking is
the DTI-Bureau of Import Services (BIS).
The highly technical two-day workshop will bring together mid- to
senior-level officials of relevant government agencies working on
trade in ASEAN. The officials will discuss issues on the development
of the ATR including alignment with the member-state’s NTR, IT
interface, definition of a Standard Classification System for the
ATR, and standardization of notification forms.
In the Philippines, efforts to build the National Trade Repository
is being led by the Department of Trade and Industry, as chair of
the Committee for the ASEAN Economic Community (CAEC). The Committee
is chaired by Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. of the
Industry Development Group (IDG) of DTI. |
|
|
|
| Initiatives to strengthen trade
with key ASEAN partners gaining momentum |
| Source:
http://www.dti.gov.ph |
|
After the visit of Indonesian Vice Minister for Commerce Bayu
Krishnamurti, Vietnam’s Ministry of Trade Vice Minister Tran Tuan
Anh arrived last week to meet with trade officials from the
Philippines.
“We have been actively engaging our key ASEAN partners to provide
greater market access for our exporters and SMEs. Our dialogues with
Vietnam focus on expanding our market access particularly for flour
and processed fish,” Undersecretary for Trade and Industry Adrian
Cristobal Jr said.
Vice Minister Tran underscored the need to enhance trade,
investments, and economic cooperation between the two countries. He
welcomed the prospect of increased trade relations with the
Philippines. He said Vietnam is interested in importing more
industrial products from the Philippines, including electronics,
chemicals, and fertilizers. The Vietnam visit also aims to promote
exports of rice, textile garments, seafoods and agricultural
products to the Philippines.
Vietnam’s almost 100M population is an attractive market for the
Philippines. Philippine top exports to Vietnam include fertilizers,
electronic micro assemblies, vegetable oils from coconut and copra,
and smart cards. Philippine companies located in Vietnam include
Unilab (United Pharma Vietnam Inc.), San Miguel Brewery Vietnam, San
Miguel Haiphong Glass Co. Ltd., Universal Robina Corporation,
Jollibee Foods, Splash International, Century Tuna, Rebisco Group,
Royal Cargo, and Manila Water.
Vietnam is keen to explore investment opportunities in energy,
processing, transportation, and agriculture in the Philippines.
“The work that we have been doing in the Philippines since 2010
provides the leverage to better collaborate with other member-states
towards the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community. The
economic argument for closer regional ties in ASEAN is convincing.
The formation of a well-functioning, seamless market is expected to
deliver economic efficiencies and attract the investments to better
serve the growth prospects of ASEAN economies,” Cristobal added.
Cristobal spoke on behalf of Philippine companies trading with and
those currently located in Vietnam. He raised the problems faced by
Philippine firms regarding unclear Vietnamese trade and business
regulations. Vice Minister vowed timely action on the issues raised.
Both parties agreed to convene soon the 2nd Joint Trade Committee to
discuss further areas of bilateral cooperation and to continuously
support each other on both regional and multinational levels.
Together, the ASEAN member-states comprise a powerful economic bloc
with a market of 608M people, a combined income of USD 2,327B and
exports to the world reaching USD 1,263 in 2012. |
|
|
|
| Pagtugon ng LGUs, Nat'l Gov't sa mga
lugar at pamilyang biktima ni Mario mabilis; pagkain, tubig sapat -
Roxas |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Pinamunuan ni Interior at Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas ang
inspeksyon sa mga lugar na higit na nasalanta ng Bagyong si Mario sa
Metro Manila dala ang relief goods mula sa Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Maagang inikot ni Roxas ang mga evacuation centers para siguruhin
ang maayos na kalagayan ng mga pamilyang inilikas at namigay ng
relief goods para sa mga pamilyang nasa ibat-ibang evacuation
centers.
Kasama sa inspeksyon sina Secretary Edwin Lacierda, tagapagsalita ng
Malakanyang, Social Welfare representatives, National Capital Region
Police Command Police Office Director Gen. Carmelo Valmoria at mga
kagawad ng Philippine National Police at Bureau of Fire Protection,
LGUs representatives ng mga lugar na binisita at kawani ng DILG.
“Inatasan tayo ng Pangulong PNoy na nasa opisyal na biyahe sa
Berlin, Germany na iparating sa ating mga kababayan na kahit nasa
ibang bansa ito ay nasa mga kababayan natin lalo na iyong mga
nasalanta at nasa evacuation centers ang kanyang nasa isip. Gusto ng
pangulo na siguruhin na ang lahat ay may pagkain at inumin at higit
sa lahat ay nasa maayos na kalagayan,” pahayag ni Roxas sa kanyang
pagbisita at inspeksyon sa ibat-ibang evacuation centers.
Ito rin aniya ang dahilan kaya noong Biyernes maging si Executive
Secretary Pacquito Ochoa ay nasa National Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting kasama ang iba pang kalihim ng
pamahalaan para personal na maipa-abot sa pangulo ang ginagawa ng
pamahalaan para aksyunan ang epekto ng bagyo.
Pinuri ni Roxas ang maayos at mabilis na sistema ng lokal na
pamahalaan ng Marikina City sa paglilikas sa mga residente nito na
nasa apektadong lugar dahil sa pag-apaw ng Tumana River na umabot ng
16 millimeter ang taas ng tubig noong kasagsagan ng Bagyong Mario
noong araw ng Biyernes.
Ayon kay Roxas kapuri-puri ang sistema ng Marikina dahil sa
institutionalize na sistemang ginawa nila matapos ang nangyaring
trahedya noong 1999 na ginawa ng Bagyong Ondoy.
“Magmula noong sa Ondoy hanggang sa ngayon nakikita natin na every
year lalong gumaganda, lalong nagiging maagap iyong kanilang
pagkilos kaya nailalayo natin sa kapahamakan ang mga kababayan natin
dito,”
Ipinagmalaki din ng kalihim na sa Marikina sa pangunguna ng kanilang
alkalde, Mayor Del de Guzman ay naipatupad ang gustong mangyari ng
National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRMMC) na sa
unang 24-oras ang first responder sa kalamidad ay ang lokal na
pamahalaan ang namamahala at saka lamang papasok ang national
government sa ika-2 araw para mag-augment ng tulong.
Sa Pasig City mayroong sistema ng data banking ang lokal na
pamahalaan kaya mabilis na matukoy ang mga lugar at pamilyang nasa
danger zone. Samantala sa Quezon City mayroon din kalembang warning
na ipinatutupad sa pagitan ng lungsod at Montalban para tiyak na
makaka-alis ang mga residenteng nasa panganib mula sa bagyo at
pagbaha.
Sa Malanday, mahigit 2,500 na pamilya ang inilikas; sa Nangka,
Marikina 990 pamilya ang nasa evacuation center, samantalang sa
Pasig City 748 na inilikas at sa lungsod ng Quezon 900 pamilya naman
ang inilikas.
Inihayag din ni Roxas na nagsasagawa na rin ng aerial inspection ang
Office of the Civil Defense at NDRRMC upang matukoy naman ang dami
ng tubig na binitbit ni Ondoy mula sa National Capital Region
patungo sa mga lalawigan ng Zambales, Bataan, Isabela at mga
lalawigan sa Ilocandia.
Ikinumpara din ni Roxas ang tubig na ibinuhos ng Bagyong Mario sa
dami ng tubig ulan na nilikha ng Bagyong Ondoy.
“Matindi itong bagyong ito pero nakita natin sa awa ng Diyos,
although trahedya pa rin ito sa indibwal na mga pamilya, apat ang
casualty o namatay. Talagang malaking bawas kumpara noong
kapanahunan ni Ondoy na kung maalala natin iyong datus, itong si
Mario at iyong habagat at least 60 percent ng Ondoy ang dumating
dito sa Kamaynilaan nitong nakaraang dalawang araw. Ang Ondoy nasa
460 mahigit na millimeters, ito ay halos 300 – 360, mga 60 percent
ng Ondoy ang dumating dito pero nakita naman natin na ang pinsala
hindi ganun katindi,” paglilinaw nito.
Ayon pa sa kalihim magpapatuloy ang pamimigay ng national government
ng relief goods hanggang hindi tuluyang nakakabalik sa kanilang
bahay ang mga nasa evacuation centers. |
|
|
|
| Peaceful Scottish referendum provides
lessons for PH - Ferrer |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – Government of the Philippines (GPH) chief negotiator Prof.
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer noted the peaceful conduct of Scotland's
independence referendum, saying that it provides many insights for
the Philippines to learn from in the establishment of the Bangsamoro.
"The political predicament (in Scotland) was settled through the
vote. People’s support were courted through reason and arguments,"
Coronel-Ferrer said. "To be sure, the campaign went full swing with
all the trappings of a political contest. But balloons and
barn-hopping, not bombs and bullets marked the campaign. Debates and
dialogues brought forth the best arguments for and against
independence."
On Sept. 19, Scotland voted no to independence from the United
Kingdom of Great Britain in a historic referendum that has been
dubbed on the world stage as a "peaceful revolution" and a "triumph
of democracy."
According to Coronel-Ferrer, "either way the vote may have turned
out, the point is that in expressing nationalist aspirations for
independence and determining the will of the people in and of
Scotland, nobody had to kill nor to be killed."
The chief negotiator noted that the peaceful process the Scottish
referendum was conducted provides an invaluable lesson as the
Philippine Congress now moves towards legislating the Bangsamoro.
"More than 100,000 people had to die and millions of people
displaced in the course of the armed conflict propelled by Moro
nationalism. May this violence be truly a thing of the past," she
said.
On Sept. 10, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the turnover
ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to the leaderships of
both houses of Congress. The BBL is the legal translation of the
Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by the GPH and the
Moro Islamic Liberation Front on March 27.
Win-win solution
Coronel-Ferrer noted that in the Scottish referendum, "nobody lost,
everybody won, since the equation is not reverting to the status quo
now that the co-existence has been reaffirmed. Isn’t this the same
win-win solution that we signed on to in the CAB?"
The result of the Scottish referendum opens the door for what UK
Prime Minister David Cameron termed as "a new and fair settlement"
which is the government’s bold offer for more devolution,
specifically on the issues of tax, spending and welfare.
In the Philippine setting, the chief negotiator underscored that the
"proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law is intended to provide for more
devolved powers to the Bangsamoro, in order to enable meaningful
self-governance of the people in the upcoming autonomous region
while remaining part and parcel of national politics and society." |
|
|
|
| SSS to launch new contact center for OFWs |
| Source:
http://www.sss.gov.ph |
|
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will have easier means to
benefit from the programs and services of the Social Security System
(SSS) with the launching of the newly created OFW Contact Center
Unit (OFW-CSU), starting October this year.
SSS Senior Vice President and International Operations Division Head
Judy Frances A. See said the new unit will handle direct contact
points for OFWs to allow for a more differentiated servicing and
faster resolution of their SSS concerns.
For its initial operations, the OFW-CSU will provide dedicated
e-mail support and local call services from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm on
weekdays.
In addition, a special assistance desk will be available at the SSS
main office in Diliman, Quezon City for walk-in transactions of
OFWs, such as registration and issuance of SS numbers, enrollment in
Flexi-fund Program, and verification of SSS records. It will also
provide OFW members assistance in filing their loans, benefit claims
and other SSS applications.
“We understand the unique circumstances of our Kababayan abroad, and
so we continue to find ways to make the SSS more accessible to them.
The creation of a specialized contact unit for OFWs will enable us
to identify their distinct needs and address them accordingly. It
will also help us manage the level of transactions with other member
service facilities more effectively,” See explained.
OFWs and their families in the Philippines can reach the OFW-CSU by
e-mail at ofw.relations@sss.gov.ph or through their service
hotlines, (02) 364-7796 and (02) 374-7798.
See added that additional channels and service facilities have been
lined up for implementation to fully complement the unit's
operations.
“We will open international toll-free numbers so OFWs across the
globe can call us without having charges on their end. OFW-CSU's
operating hours will also be extended to 24/7 once the required
systems are in place,” See said.
Other services that will be rolled out soon include online contact
points that utilize VoIP and instant messaging platforms.
“This is still part of our campaign to reach out to Filipino workers
here and abroad and ensure their continuing coverage under the SSS.
We want not only to increase SSS membership of OFWs but also to
ensure active membership. Considering the voluntary nature of their
coverage, we can only achieve both by giving them a consistent good
experience with our services,” See said.
The SSS reported a total of 983,262 OFW members as of June 2014.
Based on the 2013 POEA Compendium of OFW Statistics, more than
1.8-million OFWs were deployed in 2013, of which 464,888 were new
hires. |
|
|
|
| Paje urges support for Mindanao's 'Treevolution' |
| Source:
http://www.denr.gov.ph |
|
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje has
urged the people of Mindanao to throw their full support behind the
region’s bid to break a Guinness World Record for the most trees
planted simultaneously in various locations.
Dubbed “TreeVolution: Greening MindaNOW,” the massive tree planting
activity slated on September 26, 2014, seeks to plant in one hour
some 4.6 million trees in 9,200 hectares in various parts of
Mindanao.
Paje said more than breaking the world record, the initiative serves
as an opportunity for Mindanao residents to take part in a larger
effort to reforest the region, which has been suffering from serious
deforestation during the last decades.
“We are urging Mindanao residents to turn out in full force, and
actively participate in tree planting as this is in support of the
National Greening Program of the government,” the environment chief
said.
“It would be a great achievement to break the Guinness record, but
the primary focus is to reforest a large portion of the region to
restore the integrity of the environment and enhance our efforts
against the negative impacts of climate change,” he added.
The “TreeVolution” is organized by the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA),
in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Department
of the Interior and Local Government.
The simultaneous tree-planting activity will take place on September
26 in designated areas in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, the Caraga and the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, mobilizing an estimated
230,000 planters from various sectors of society.
A resolution passed by the Confederation of Provincial Governors,
City Mayors and Municipal League Presidents of Mindanao or Confed-Mindanao
indicated that each municipality or city local government unit will
contribute five hectares each for planting sites.
The current record for the said category was set by India in 2011
with a record of over 1.9 million trees planted by 340,200
participants in 408 locations.
NGP is the Aquino administration’s flagship reforestation program
that seeks to plant some 1.5 billion trees covering about 1.5
million hectares by 2016. It aims to achieve poverty alleviation,
food security, biodiversity conservation, environmental stability,
and climate change mitigation and adaptation. |
|
|
|
| TESDA and Germany pact focuses on
research, training |
| Source:
http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
The governments of Philippines and Germany vowed to increase
cooperation and intensify their technical vocational education and
training (TVET) program to prep skilled graduates for employment.
In Europe with President Benigno Aquino III, Secretary Joel
Villanueva, Director General of the Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority (TESDA) signed a Cooperation Agreement with
Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) for
collaborative research and development of TVET and further promotion
of the dual training system (DTS).
Villanueva also witnessed the signing of a joint declaration of
intent between the Philippines and Germany focused on "furthering
technical vocational education and training through consultancy,
technical assistance, exchange of information, experiences, best
practices, joint research, study tours and expert meetings.
Both initiatives are seen to boost TVET so that it could provide the
skills needed by the graduates and make them eligible for work,
thereby reducing unemployment and underemployment.
"In Germany, many students take vocational training, and for those
not yet ready, an intensive pre-apprenticeship program backs the
youth. Their government has been investing massive amounts of talent
and money on TVET, and it is paying off," VIllanueva said.
"The challenge we face in skills development is the need to increase
permeability of TVET. Since the issues in TVET are now global in
nature, the more we should consider external support in the design
of our training programs," he added.
With the signing of the cooperation agreement, Villanueva said that
TESDA will embark on the next step of identifying concrete actions
for capability-building, research and development and dual training.
The TESDA chief acknowledged the need to strengthen the Philippine
TVET research, and stressed that the cooperation agreement with the
BIBB can open up channels to fund research projects in the country.
According to Villanueva, the outputs from research and development
can address not only the current needs of the labor market, but also
future needs such as technologies, markets and development
strategies changes.
The German model of the dual training system has also served as an
exemplar of DTS in the Philippines.
Dual training involves classroom instruction and hands-on training
within an enterprise. This ensures that the graduates are job-ready
with the knowledge and skills required by the industry.
"Each year, some 60 percent of German school-leavers choose to enter
the dual system, ensuring that in Germany young people are
integrated into the labor force with a degree of success almost
unparalleled in Europe," Villanueva said.
"We hope to beef up our DTS and make it a sustainable program
especially for the youth. We will attain this by strengthening our
advocacy and encourage more TVET institutions and companies to adopt
this system,” he said.
The TESDA chief said that the cooperation agreement and the Joint
Declaration of Intent came just at a time when the government was
working towards reforms in the education and training sector,
particularly the Philippine Qualifications Framework and the K to 12
basic education program.
"Germany can help us ensure that we are doing thing right,"
Villanueva said.
The cooperation agreement, he said, can boost the image, quality and
relevance of TVET in the country, adding that it can even be used in
the promotion and marketing of tech-voc.
"With occupational standards and qualifications aligned with
Germany, Filipino workers who desire to work in Germany can have
better competitive advantage," Villanueva said.
"Quality tech-voc education will result in quality skilled
workforce, which will serve as great incentives to German and other
foreign direct investors and domestic investments," he added.
The BIBB is a national and international center of excellence for
research on initial and continuing vocational education and training
and the progressive development of vocational education and training
in Germany.
Villanueva is expected to join the President in a series of
activities and in meeting with Filipino communities.
On September 21 in France, he will sign a Memorandum of
Understanding on cooperation in technical vocational education and
training between TESDA, the Association of Carriers and Equipment
Lessors represented by its president, Lito Garcia, and the
Assistance Formation Conseils aux Enterprises Group. |
|
|
20 SEPT 2014
|
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|
The Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) has already provided P5.18 million-worth of relief
assistance to local government units (LGUs) affected by Tropical Storm Mario,
as of 4 am today.
This includes 9,180 family food packs for the affected LGUs in the National
Capital Region (NCR) and 4,170 packs for Southern Luzon. Boxes of bottled
water and pieces of used cloths were also given to the evacuees from Rizal
Province.
As of reporting time, some 132,850 families or 600,606 persons from NCR,
Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Bicol Region, and Central Visayas have been
affected by ‘Mario’.
Of this, a total of 45,004 families or 205,304 persons are inside 404
evacuation centers.
In NCR, some 186 evacuation centers remain open serving 19,852 families or
86,459 persons. Valenzuela City posted the most number of evacuation centers
with 39 providing temporary shelter to 2,318 families or 8,963 persons.
In Central Luzon, some 14,013 families or 68,160 persons are staying in 61
evacuation centers.
In Southern Luzon, 133 evacuation centers are providing shelter to some
10,613 families or 48,063. Specifically in Rizal which suffered massive
floods due to heavy rainfall, some 116 evacuation centers continue to serve
10,335 families or 46,587 persons.
The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) also reported 72 family-evacuees
or 302 persons now staying in four evacuation centers around the region.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman was at the National Resource
Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City yesterday to monitor the disaster
operations.
She has instructed all DSWD-Field Offices to continue to be on alert to
monitor and assess the extent of the disaster, and to coordinate with LGUs
for additional assistance that they need.
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As heavy rainfall brought about by
Tropical Storm Mario continues, there are now 146 evacuation centers
providing temporary shelter to 13,247 families or 61,167 persons from Central
and Southern Luzon, Bicol Region, Central Visasyas, and the National Capital
Region (NCR), as of 3 pm.
In NCR, from 16 evacuation centers this morning, there are now 113 evacuation
centers providing temporary shelter to 10,320 families or 51,772 persons.
Twelve of the 17 local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have
evacuation centers. Cities of Quezon, Caloocan Marikina have the most number
with 22 each.
n Central Luzon, 16 evacuation centers are open serving 963 families or 3,629
persons.
In Southern Luzon, seven evacuation centers are now providing shelter to
1,762 families or 5,360 persons.
Bicol Region has five evacuation centers serving 164 families and Central
Visayas also has five serving 38 families.
To date, some 2,700 family food packs have been provided to Quezon City;
2,000 to Marikina City; 1,500 to Caloocan City; and, 1,000 to Manila.
Likewise, 850 family food packs were extended to Rodriguez and 700 packs to
San Mateo both in Rizal province.
DSWD social workers continue to assist LGUs in the management of evacuation
centers.
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Legazpi City, Albay - The
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has provided P6.6 million
worth of assistance to the province to meet the needs of families who fled
their homes due to the increasing unrest of Mt. Mayon.
This includes essential kits, family food packs, assorted food items, and
non-food items.
Likewise, the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) in Pasay City
delivered to DSWD-Field Office V food and non-food items worth P8,501,350
consisting of 1,890 sacks of NFA rice; 10,000 pieces of malong; 10,000 pieces
of mosquito nets; 10,000 pieces of plastic mats; and, 10,000 pieces of dust
masks.
NROC is the command center and national warehouse of DSWD where disaster
operations are monitored, and relief goods are stored and re-packed.
As of 3 pm, some 29 evacuation centers remain open serving 7,394 families or
32,333 individuals.
Members of the Social Welfare and Development Teams continue to work with
disaster risk reduction management councils and local government units to monitor
the situation and to assist in the management of evacuation centers.
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Families nationwide are urged to
celebrate the National Family Week from September 20-26.
“This is an opportune time to strengthen family unity and relationships
especially for those families who went through difficult times because of the
series of disasters,” Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary
Corazon Juliano-Soliman said.
The National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF), chaired by DSWD and
composed of member-agencies of the government, non-government organizations,
and faith-based groups, will spearhead the celebration.
This year’s event carries the theme “Celebrating the Filipino Families:
Resilient and Caring” which gives recognition to the Filipino families’
indomitable spirit and compassion, to which the Philippines is globally known
for.
The event is a yearly celebration in accordance with Presidential
Proclamation No. 60 signed on September 28, 1992 and Executive Order No. 241
dated June 9, 1995.
The NCFF has lined up various activities to mark the weeklong event.
In recognition of the emerging issues being faced by the Filipino family,
DSWD will conduct the 3rd Family Conference on September 24 in Valenzuela
City. Family advocates from different government agencies, local government
units, and civil society organizations will come together and discuss issues
such as family disaster preparedness, child pornography, and influence of
drugs in the family, among others.
Also a highlight of the Family Week celebration is the program recognizing
model Filipino families through the Huwarang Pamilyang Pilipino Awards to be
held on September 26 at Valenzuela City.
Culminating the event is a Family Day Caravan on September 28 (Sunday) at the
Philippine Sports Arena, Pasig City from 10:00am-12:00nn.
The caravan, with the theme “Sama-samang Pagdiriwang ng Magandang Pagbabago
sa Buhay ng Pamilyang Pilipino” is a simultaneous gathering of
family-beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from different
regions nationwide.
It pays tribute to the resilient Pantawid Pamilya families who never lost
hope amid challenges, proving that poor families when given the opportunity
can indeed help themselves improve their lives.
The NCFF also supports the observance of the “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga
Day”every 4th Monday of September as declared by Presidential Proclamation
No.326 signed by President Benigno S. Aquino in January 2012. This enjoins
all families to spend meal times together with their members.
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As Tropical Storm Mario continues
to batter Central Visayas and expanded its reach to Luzon including Metro
Manila, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recorded
94,747 families or 436,539 persons affected by the weather disturbance.
As of 10 am, some 25 evacuation centers are open providing temporary shelter
to 1,276 families or 6,406 persons.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), there are 16 evacuation centers of
which ten are in Quezon City serving 317 families or 1,583 persons, four in
Manila housing 410 families or 2,050 persons, and two in Marikina with 126
families or 630 persons.
In Rizal Province, four evacuation centers are operational serving 385
families or 1,925 persons.
In Central Visayas which experienced heavy rainfall since yesterday, five
evacuation centers remain open.
More evacuation centers will open as reports from local government units
(LGUs) will come in.
DSWD-Field Offices along ‘Mario’s’ path are on alert status with standby
funds amounting to P35 million for the purchase of emergency relief supplies.
Some 91,531 family packs are also prepositioned in these Field Offices ready
to augment resources of affected LGUs.
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that members of the Social
Welfare and Development (SWAD) Teams continue to coordinate with LGUs to
determine the extent of the disaster and to identify other appropriate
services needed by affected families.
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Change in schedule of release of the
BOP, external debt, and final GIR/NIR statistics
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In view of the suspension of work
in government offices in Metro Manila and other areas affected by heavy
rainfall and widespread flooding brought about by tropical storm ‘Mario’, the
release of the following reports and data will be moved to Monday, 22
September 2014:
1. Balance of Payments (BOP) Report and Statistical Tables 2nd Quarter 2014;
2. External Debt Report and Statistical Tables as of end-June 2014;
3. Final Gross International Reserves (GIR) as of end-August 2014; and
4. Overall BOP Position for August 2014.
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Baldoz emphasizes public-private
partnership in employment facilitation
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Labor and Employment
Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday underscored the importance of
a dynamic public-private partnership to provide effective employment
facilitation in the country, as she lauded five E-PhilJobnet partners which
have agreed to improve the Phil-Job.Net system, and expand access to career
guidance and labor market information.
“The active participation of the private sector is of key importance to reach
our objectives which is to vigorously address the pressing issue of job-skill
mismatch in the country,” said Baldoz during the signing of the Memorandum of
Understanding between the DOLE, through the Bureau of Local Employment, with SFI
Group of Companies; Career Hub Network Corp.; JobStreet Select, Inc.; Quantum
X, Inc.; and The NowGroup at the OSEC Conference Room, DOLE Building in
Intramuros, Manila.
“I am confident that with the support of our private partners, which support
this MOU firms up, responsive LMI, not only within the Philippines, but even
at the ASEAN and the Asian regional level and, hopefully, the global level,
will be made available to the public,” said Baldoz.
In emphasizing active private sector participation private sector to address
the job-skill mismatch, Baldoz said: “The government needs your active
engagement for us to succeed. We can make a difference by working together to
enrich the DOLE-business community partnership towards decent and productive
employment for all,” said Baldoz.
As partner organizations, the said companies have agreed, under the MOU, to
provide the best career and employment opportunities for jobseekers free of
charge, as well as facilitate the search for qualified manpower of employers
through the Enhanced Phil-Job.Net (E-PJN).
“With the support of our private partners, the DOLE will continue to improve
the enhanced Phil-Job.Net System to enable registered jobseekers to reach
more employment opportunities at no charge to them,” said Baldoz.
Under the MOU, the SFI Group of Companies, a private conglomerate of six
affiliated corporations which has various job site facilities, including
online platforms, shall:
1. Provide a grant to DOLE consisting of five thousand (5,000) free Hirelabs
Employability/21st Century Skills Assessment Units for the Phil-Job.Net
Applicant Assessment in conducting the pilot implementation of the programs
in Learning to Earning, Career Mapping, Talent Mapping, and Capacity Building
of Guidance Counselors;
2. Provide technical assistance in the rebranding and market strategy to
generate more users and registrants of the Phil-Job.Net website;
3. Provide capacity building/training and learning sessions to DOLE’s
Networks of Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates (NGCCAs) using Career
DNA as an assessment tool, particularly test administration protocols, and
scoring and interpretation of results;
4. Place the Phil-Job.Net logo at the SFI Group website’s homepage a
hyperlink to Phil-Job.Net website; and
5. Support the publication of news articles and social media campaigns
regarding the Program
Careerhub Network Corp., an online job portal that caters to the Information
Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry, has agreed to:
1. Provide the DOLE and selected institutionalized PESOs access to use
Virtual Solutions for free during employment facilitation activities;
2. Share with the DOLE the database and demographics/profile of BCH
registered users that may be relevant in the development of research studies
about the IT-BPM industry;
3. Assist the DOLE in disseminating announcements through social media sites,
BCH website, as well as through electronic mail and SMS blasts;
4. Share links from its website to provide DOLE access to career information
resources in IT-BPM;
5. Provide career speakers for DOLE career guidance advocacy activities and
other related events;
6. Allow directed PJN registered users to view job details of vacancies
posted by employers and other career information resources (i.e. career
assessment tools, and videos) in the BCH website without any cost on their
part; and
7. Place the DOLE and PhilJob.Net logos at the BCH website
JobStreet Philippines, which operates the online job search portal,
JobStreet.com, has agreed to support DOLE-LEES and JobsFit Labor Market
Information Report 2013-2020 and shall:
1. Promote the DOLE-LEES video series and JobsFit Report to the public by
email blast; e-news article written by JobStreet.com; uploading a homepage
web banner or LiNa Banner; posting at social media website; and conduct a
Jobstreet.com Coffee Break Special at Facebook;
2. Provide DOLE with labor market information via the Jobstreet.com system;
and
3. Arrange for a joint press launch for a Special Local Employment Promotions
Campaign.
To help provide information to tech-savvy job searchers/applicants, Quantum X
shall:
1. Develop a co-branded DOLE/JobOpenings.ph mobile application for iOS and
Android which will show job search and job vacancy results from
www.phil-jobnet.dole.gov.ph and from www.jobopenings.ph; schedule of job
fairs; and existing DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) publications
available in the BLE website; and
2. Maintain and update the mobile application in the Apple App Store and
Google Play and, jointly with the DOLE, disseminate information and marketing
communications on BLE programs.
The NowGroup shall:
1. Provide a platform for free; redesigning the Phil-Job.Net interface and
integrate new functional content; incorporate better Search Engine Optimization
(SEO) practices in the system; hosting, maintaining, and updating the new
Phil-Job.Net system; provide technical assistance in migrating applicants’
profile from the DOLE’s Skills Registry System to the new Phil-Job.Net
platform and development of the DOLE inter-agency data sharing
system/verification of applicants’ education, training and professional
accreditation;
2. Promote the Phil-Job.Net to the public via SMS blast; upload of homepage
web banner ; and promote partnership between DOLE and iTrabaho on Facebook
and Twitter; and
3. Provide technical and users’ training to Bureau of Local Employment staff.
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Labor and Employment
Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday lauded the Philippine Overseas Labor
Office in Singapore for successfully rescuing 12 stranded OFWs. “The 12 OFWs
were detained by officers of the Airport Police Department of the Changi
International Airport last 5 September 2014. They were bound to work as
domestic workers in various Middle East countries and made a stop-over in
Singapore,” Baldoz said, citing the report of Labor Attache Vicente Cabe of
POLO Singapore. Cabe said in his report the 12 OFWs were not allowed to board
their connecting flight due to questions about their plane tickets which were
purportedly purchased through fake credit cards. “They were turned over to
the Airport Police Department, which contacted us in the POLO,” Cabe said.
Upon knowing of the plight of the 12 OFWs, staff of POLO Singapore
immediately proceeded to the Changi Airport and interviewed the 12 OFWs. They
made them accomplish the Workers’ Intake Sheet for documentation purposes.
Thereafter, they contacted the OFWs’ respective agencies and asked the
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to verify if their
deployment were legitimate. After the POEA responded in the positive, POLO
Singapore then asked the 12 OFWs to decide whether to pursue their employment
abroad. Eight of the workers decided to proceed to their respective
employers, while the other four decided to return back to the Philippines.
Their respective agencies provided them with tickets, both for those bound to
the Middle East and for the other four back to the Philippines. The four
domestic workers arrived in Manila on 9 September 2014. The 12 OFWs and their
destinations were as follows: (1) Venus Galve, bound for Kuwait; (2) Noraisa
Gumbay, bound for Kuwait; (3) Stella Marie Aragon, bound for Qatar; (4) Gina
Dela Cruz, bound for Jordan; (5) Jubaina Maula, bound for Jordan; (6)
Rochelle Rueda, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (7) Mary Jane Agnes, bound
for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (8) Merygen Manangan, bound for Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia; (9) Sarah Cano, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (10) Jenilyn Magpayo,
bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (11) Joan Gilleran, bound for Riyadh, Saudi
Arabia; and (12) Jade Angelique Trogon, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Baldoz instructed POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac to look more closely into
the case and determine if there was fault in either of the parties. POEA’s
finding will define whether an appropriate sanction will be issued against an
erring party. “We cannot just play easy on the lives and safety of our OFWs,”
Baldoz said. "Prospective OFWs must be mindful of their rights and
obligations. There are numerous cases of OFWs’ terrible experiences here and
abroad, from illegal recruitment to physical abuse. We have to continue to
work hard to decrease, if not prevent, these welfare concerns of our OFWs,”
Baldoz added.
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DSWD preps relief for Mayon evacuees
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Legazpi City, Albay – The
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and concerned local
government units (LGUs) are closely monitoring the increased volcanic
activities of Mt. Mayon following its Alert Level 3 status.
As of 4 am, some 4,742 families or 21,092 individuals from the municipalities
of Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malilipot, and Ligao, and Tabaco City are now
staying in 18 evacuation centers.
DSWD already provided a total of P735,172 worth of family food packs,
assorted food items, and assorted non-food items to the Province of Albay.
DSWD-Field Office V had already prepositioned 2,000 family packs for
augmentation to areas that may be affected by the eruption of Mt. Mayon. It
also has standby funds amounting to P5,165,014.43 for the purchase of
emergency relief supplies.
Moreover, some 119,726 assorted food items worth P4,039,345.70 and other
non-food items worth P14,807,887.73 are being earmarked and are ready to
augment resources of LGUs, if needed.
Governor Joey Salceda has requested for augmentation assistance from DSWD
that includes 8,964 bags of rice to feed some 10,546 families for 17 days.
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PSA, WB hold launching Forum on the
Philippine Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (PhilWAVES)
Project
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The Philippine Statistics
Authority and the World Bank will hold a launching forum on the Philippine
Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (Phil-WAVES) Project
today at 9:00 A.M. at the Bahia Rooftop, 14th Floor, InterContinental Manila
in Makati City.
The inception forum aims to raise awareness on the Phil-WAVES project and its
program components and to solicit preliminary feedback from the participants
which include representatives from the national government, the private
sector, academe, and the media.
The WAVES is a World Bank-led partnership that helps countries incorporate
the value of natural capital in national accounts. The Philippines is one of
the core implementing countries that will embark in programs that aim to
compile accounts for natural resources following the United Nations System of
Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 Central Framework and experimental
accounts for ecosystems.
For more inquiries, please contact Director Raymundo J. Talento at telephone
number 895-2481 or e-mail address rj.talento@nscb.gov.ph.
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Illegal plywood trader faces smuggling
raps
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A trading firm engaged in the
importation of various goods into the country and its licensed customs broker
face smuggling-related charges for the unlawful importation of plywood worth
an estimated P30-Million. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed charges against
Michaela Ante, sole owner and proprietress of Bandini Trading and customs
broker Anna Marie Vallespin before the Department of Justice for the illegal
importation of plywood from China.
In the BOC’s complaint-affidavit, Vallespin brokered the entry of 43 40-foot
container vans of what was declared as “ordinary plywood” that arrived in
seven batches at the Port of Subic from June 17 to July 13, 2014. The
shipments issued Alert Orders following derogatory information received by
the BOC from the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI). Subsequently, it was found that Bandini submitted fake
Conditional Release Permits (CRPs), a document issued by BPS required for the
customs clearance of goods that are required by law to undergo mandatory
product testing at the BPS.
Republic Act 4109 (Bureau of Product Standards Law) requires mandatory
product certification from BPS, the country’s National Standards Body (NSB),
for importers and manufacturers of covered goods which include plywood and
other constructions materials prior to product distribution and sale.
Products that comply with Philippine National Standard (PNS) requirements
will be issued a Philippine Standard (PS) license and Import Commodity
Clearance (ICC) certificate
Information from BPS further revealed that Bandini is not a registered PS
License holder for any wood products covered by mandatory certification nor
did the firm apply for or obtained the required ICCs or CRPs from the DTI-BPS
for the subject shipments.
“This is a very clear case of unscrupulous traders who choose to ignore our
laws. We cannot put the lives of our people and public safety at risk from
construction materials that were never certified for safety or product
quality. Let this be a warning to those in the business of trading
construction materials that we are strictly implementing a ‘no permit, no
entry’ policy,” said Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla.
Ante and Vallespin face charges of violating Republic Act 4109 (Bureau of
Product and DTI Department Order No. 5, series of 2008 for failure to obtain
PS License and product certifications; Sections 3601 and 3602 of the Tariff
and Customs Code of the Philippines for unlawful importation and the
fraudulent filing of import documents; and Article 172 of the Revised Penal
Code of the Philippines for falsification of public documents.
The DTI is also investigating Bandini Trading for allegedly submitting fake
Conditional Releases which were allegedly signed by the current BPS
Director-in-Charge Atty. Ann Claire Cabochan to discharge the imported
plywood.
Last month, the BOC and BPS warned the public to be vigilant when buying
plywood. In a joint statement, the two agencies said that of the 31,077 tons
of plywood imported into the Philippines in July 2014, about 69% was released
without the required clearances from BPS and another 27% released which the
BPS is still verifying whether the appropriate clearances were issued.
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BOC-MICP surpasses 2014 auction revenue
target by 261%
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The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Manila
International Container Port (MICP) Collection District earned over
P469-Million from the conduct of public auctions on illegally imported goods
forfeited in favor of the government from January to September 16, 2014. The
figure includes the P12.065-Million winning bid a shipment of smuggled garlic
sold through public auction yesterday (Tuesday, September 16).
From January to September 16, 2014, the BOC-MICP District Office successfully
conducted 14 public auctions of some 1,319 container vans with forfeited
shipments, generating a total of P469.052-Million, 261% over its full-year
2014 auction revenue target of P130-Million. The significant jump in the
district’s auction proceeds stem from its sale of 315 container vans of
glutinous and white rice last September 11, 2014 which earned over
P393-Million.
“More than raising revenues for the government, the aggressive disposition of
forfeited goods has also helped decongest the Manila International Container
Terminal and sent a strong message to our stakeholders that we are committed
to implementing customs laws and policies to the letter,” said BOC-MICP
District Collector ElmirDela Cruz.
On top of the public auctions, the BOC-MICP also condemned 1,091 container
vans of seized goods that can neither be sold through public bidding nor
donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These include
pirated or fake goods, food items and medicines that are expired and have no
permits from the Food and Drug Administration.
Garlic auction grosses P12-M
In a public auction yesterday (Tuesday, September 16), the BOC-Manila
International Container Port successfully sold an estimated 486,870 kilograms
for P12.065-Million, or about P24.78 per kilo, to CH Sta. Fe Corp.
Four bidders submitted bids for 17 container vans of garlicthat arrived from
Shandong, China last June 2013. The shipment was seized from MC Jayson
International Trading for lack of Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) Import
Clearance from the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Under the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978lawor the Presidential Decree No. 1433,
importations of garlic require an SPS Clearance from the agriculture
department.
AUCTION
RESULTS:
Lot
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Volume
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No. of ContainerVans
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Min. Floor Price
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Min. Floor Price per kg of rice
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Winning Bidder
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Winning Bid Price
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Winning Bid Price per kg of rice
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No. of bids
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White Garlic from China
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486,870 kg
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17 x 40 foot container vans
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P12,013,517.25
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P24.67
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CH STA. FE CORP.
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P12.065-Million
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P24.78
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4
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Roxas willing to undergo Lifestyle
Check
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Interior and Local Government Sec.
Mar Roxas will require all police officers to undergo a lifestyle check.
In a press conference at Camp Crame, Roxas expressed his willingness to go
through the lifestyle check, “Syempre hindi ko ilalabas itong Memo Circular
na ito na hindi ako mismo kasama sa lifestyle check.”
He said under the law, all government officials and employees are mandated to
live simple lives. He added that if this is violated, then a punishment is in
order.
Roxas mentioned that there are already ongoing coordination with the Internal
Affairs Service (IAS), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), the Bureau of
Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Office of the Ombudsman for the proper conduct
of the investigation.
According to the DILG Chief, the investigation should be impartial and
objective. It should not only target certain officials, so it will be
orderly.”
He said the BIR may help with the Income Tax Returns (ITRs) of the police officers,
and the Ombudsman, with the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth
(SALN). “If their wealth is questionable, then it may be a basis for the
conduct of a lifestyle check,” he said.
He said those with star rank will be the first to undergo the investigation.
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Interior and Local Government Sec.
Mar Roxas today reached out with the Metro Manila Mayors in an effort to
enjoin them in the anti-criminality efforts of the Philippine National Police
to effectively curb peace and order issue in their respective local
communities.
During a meeting with metro mayors, including Metro Manila Development
Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, Roxas said that the DILG will
furnish all MM mayors with a scorecard starting next month.
The scorecard contains data regarding the crime situation in every city or
municipality in MM, and the interventions undertaken by the Philippine
National Police (PNP).
The said data from the scorecard will help MM local chief executives to
determine how they fare in solving crimes. “Sometimes when faced with a
challenge, the most important thing is to know where you are. Next is what is
your plan,” he said.
Roxas said when the mayors are equipped with this knowledge; they will be
able to plan their actions better to lessen crime incidents in their areas of
jurisdiction.
The DILG chief said that the data in the scorecard will come from the
Incident Report Forms (IRF) to be filled up by the different police stations.
The IRFs are envisioned to take the place of the traditional blotter system
which is prone to inaccuracy and human error. It will also serve as the basis
for the projected crime map which aims to show information on the types of
crime being committed in a particular area at any given time.
Roxas said this will help the PNP determine the proper deployment of police
personnel.
Earlier, Roxas directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to
enjoin all chiefs of police and station commanders to regularly comply with
the directive to submit IRFs.
He assures that the data to be furnished to the mayors are accurate and
reflect the true crime situation in their locality.
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No
let up
in purging DPWH erring employees - DPWH chief
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“I won’t hesitate suspending or
terminating erring DPWH personnel who are members of the Bids and Awards
Committees (BACs) conniving with contractors or with unscrupulous individuals
found to be “fixing” the biddings in the Department.”
This is the statement of DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson after receiving
reports that activities such as “fixing” the biddings done in the DPWH
offices are still on-going despite the suspension of some BAC members who
were found culpable of violating the provisions of RA 9184, otherwise known
as Procurement Act.
Secretary Singson said that he continues to monitor the results of biddings
for DPWH projects conducted by the Central, Regional and District Engineering
Offices. “From the data alone, we can conclude that some contractors are
favored in some of these offices. There are also patterns wherein same
contractors are joining in the bidding process where winning bidders are
rotated among them,” said Secretary Singson.
It is reported that there are “fixers” roaming around DPWH offices in the
country who peddle projects and contractors by showing copies of the Special
Allotment Release Orders or SAROs issued by the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM) for DPWH projects. Names of individuals are being monitored.
“This also means that there are DPWH “insiders” who are involved in this
practice of “selling” SAROs to contractors,” said Secretary Singson.
The “modus” is, with a copy of the SARO issued by DBM, fixers approach
contractors with a promise of winning the bidding in exchange for 10%-15% of
the contract. “This shows that these fixers obviously have strong connections
with DPWH officials or employees, more often than not, the BAC members.”
“These fixers even get a copy of the SAROs before we officially receive them
from DBM”, he added.
Secretary Singson has already ordered a thorough investigation on these DPWH
officials or employees as well as names of alleged fixers.
“Violations of RA 9184 and other procurement laws will be dealt with swiftly,
as in recent situations were district engineering employees were suspended,”
added Secretary Singson.
The DPWH Chief is appealing to contractors to participate in DPWH biddings in
an open and competitive manner whereby savings that will be derived from this
process shall be used to fund other DPWH projects to benefit the people.
Secretary Singson further warned the contractors found to be involved in
collusion and fixing the biddings will be immediately suspended or worse,
blacklisted from future biddings of the DPWH.
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President
Aquino pushes for PPP projects in Belgium
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Moving forward with the
administration’s core infrastructure projects, the Philippine government, led
by the President Benigno S. Aquino III promoted Public-Private Partnership
(PPP) projects to investors and partners in Belgium, inviting them to see for
themselves why it is "more fun in the Philippines".
“We are privileged to be joined by President Aquino in promoting PPP
projects, which are anchored on the key pillars of his administration such as
transparency, accountability and good governance,” Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said.
The President keynoted the event dubbed as "The PPP Conference on
infrastructure Development in the Republic of the Philippines" last 16
September at the Sofitel Brussels Europe in Belgium. The conference also had
presentations by key government officials, as well as a networking reception.
The conference is organized by the DTI through the Philippine Trade and
Investment Center (PTIC) in Brussels, the PPP Center, and the Philippine
Embassy in Belgium, and in cooperation with the Association of European
Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Friends of Europe (Les Amis de l’
Europe).
Domingo said that the conference will bring foreign investors to see
infrastructure development opportunities with PPP projects. It will provide
an overview of the various PPP projects, the bidding process, the legal
framework, and related policies governing these projects.
The PPP has been the seal of the government’s agenda in the development and
implementation of its infrastructure program. From the time of its launch,
the program continues to attract both local and foreign investors. Currently,
it has over 50 projects in the pipeline, with an estimated investment
requirement of about USD 20B. A number of these infrastructure projects such
as water facilities, rails, airports are ready to be rolled out in the next
12 months.
“With the President speaking before European companies and financial
institutions, I am optimistic that this conference will bolster previous
interest on PPP projects by European businesses and draw more investments in
these projects,” Domingo said.
Domingo noted that these PPP projects will likewise be pushed in various fora
of the France and Germany leg of the President’s trip to Europe from
September 13 to 20.
“We are hopeful that we are able to draw snowballing interest from potential
participants on PPP projects as well as provide an opportunity to partner
with local companies,” Domingo said.
From Belgium, the President is set to visit France and Berlin.
“After these series of trips promoting investments, particularly PPP projects
in the Philippines, we expect that we will able to relay and instill to
potential European foreign investors that the country enables business that
cultivates fair and transparent dealings,” Domingo said.
In Spain, the President conducted a series of dialogues with leading
infrastructure development business leaders and shared future projects for
bidding in the PPP program.
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DTI, Cavite State University launch
coffee service facility
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The Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) and the Cavite State University (CvSU) launched on Tuesday a
shared service facility (SSF) for the coffee industry.
While the Cavite Coffee Growers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CCGMPC) is the
direct beneficiary, the P350,000-worth of multi-range, the automatic packing
machine is setup at the university where the National Coffee Research
Development and Extension Center (NCRDEC), an extension service of CvSU
created to promote the development of the coffee industry in the country, is
based.
CCGMPC is composed of 60 farmers from the 9 upland municipalities in Cavite:
Amadeo, Alfonso, Maragondon, General Aguinaldo, Magallanes, Mendez, Tagaytay
City, Silang, and Naic while NCRDEC is an extension service of CvSU created
to promote the development of the coffee industry in the country.
The launch coincided with the fifth year celebration of the university’s
Research, Extension, Continuing Education, and Training Services whose theme
is “Addressing Food Security and Climate Change”.
Speaking at the launch, DTI regional director for Calabarzon Marilou
Quinco-Toledo said that food security could be addressed through the industry
clustering approach.
“We identify the gaps of the industry through studying their respective
supply and value chains in consonance with the coffee stakeholders, that is,
the private sector, the local governments, the regional government agencies, and
the academe,” Toledo said.
“Usually, it is only the exporters that gain considerably while the producers
only earn the meager amount. What we want instead is all the players in the
chain will profit so that inclusive growth will be achieved," Toledo added.
DTI Cavite Provincial Director Noly Guevara said that the SSF project, with
an aim is to mechanize production to achieve higher levels of productivity,
quality and competitiveness, is the answer to the call of the President for
inclusive growth.
By processing own harvest, farmers can earn more through ground coffee that
would sell in the range of P500 to P1,200 per kilo, more profitable than
selling coffee beans to big coffee manufacturers where prices are only at P90
to 100 per kilo.
According to Guevara, with the new equipment, processing from roasting,
grinding, packing and labeling is now complete and have enough processing
capacity for the province’s coffee industry.
The packing machine is capable of filling and packing 30ml to 100ml of ground
coffee into 80mm to 150mm by 70mm to 115mm packs at a speed of 35 to 75 bags
per minute.
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DAP list detail-rich for public
scrutiny
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Countering claims that details in
the recently published list of Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP)
projects were “sanitized,” the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
emphasized that the list of legislator-nominated projects supported through
the spending acceleration program contains the pertinent details of
DAP-supported projects, in line with the agency’s initiatives to make the
budget more transparent to the public.
According to the DBM Chief Information Officer Richard E. Moya, the newly
released list—which includes a column identifying project proponents—supplies
the necessary information on DAP-supported projects and the names of
legislators that endorsed the initiatives.
Besides furnishing the names of lawmakers who endorsed specific projects, the
updated list gives details on the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO)
number for each project, the dates the SAROs were issued, project
descriptions, and actual output per project, among other information.
“The list was designed to be as exhaustive as possible, given the sheer bulk
of the information we were dealing with. We need to be very transparent with
information like this so that the public can demand greater accountability
from the government. This is all consistent with our work of making the
budget more transparent and open to the citizens,” Moya said.
“It is not in the interest of DBM to ‘sanitize’ this list. What we actually
want is to give citizens an opportunity to study the data and form
conclusions based on that. The purpose here is to clear the air over the DAP
and to make sure that all budget processes are accounted for,” he added.
“Any mischief insinuated is just that: an insinuation,” the Chief Information
Officer emphasized.
The DBM was earlier criticized for the “sanitation” of the DAP list that
Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad submitted to the House of Representatives
this week. According to the allegations, the report provided insufficient
information on projects supported through the DAP and their respective
proponents in the Lower and Upper houses.
“The list has been rendered so it is accessible and easier to understand. It
is out, open, and based on official records. We’ve posted all the details we
have on the projects and, where it applies, their respective endorsers,” Moya
said.
The list has been made available on the DAP portal in the DBM’s official
website. It is accessible via a downloadable PDF link labeled “List of DAP
Projects with Proponents.” To view the page, please go to
http://www.dbm.gov.ph/?page_id=9796.
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Cebu-based company participates in Moscow
International Food Show
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18 September 2014 - MIESTO
International Foods Corporation, a Filipino company from Cebu, participated
in the 23rd World Food Moscow - International Food and Drinks Exhibition held
at the Moscow Expo Center from September 15 to 18.
Represented by its President, Mr. Ernesto Dacay, MIESTO is one of the
Philippines’ top manufacturers and exporters of ice pops, jellies and juice
drinks. Since 1987, it has been exporting its products to the United States,
Canada, UK, Ireland, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand,
Singapore, the Caribbean and the Middle East. MIESTO is part of the Dacay
Group of Companies.
MIESTO has chosen MELADA Sweets Trading Company, represented by company
director Ms. Maria Zapatero, as their local distributor in the Russian
Federation and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region. Ms.
Zapatero shared her excitement over carrying MIESTO’s products in the Russian
and CIS market.
Representatives of the Philippine Embassy in Moscow visited MIESTO’s booth on
September 16 and discussed with Mr. Dacay and Ms. Zapatero their existing
partnership as well as other opportunities for cooperation between Philippine
and Russian companies.
The annual World Food Moscow is one of the biggest food and drinks
exhibitions in Russia.
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(BOSTON, Massachusetts) President Benigno Aquino III greets members of
the Filipino Community at the Heights Room of Boston College. The
President came to the college Campus on Sunday (September 21) following
his arrival for a five-day working visit to the United States. (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BOSTON, Massachusetts) President Benigno Aquino III graces the
convocation and the presentation of the recipients of the Benigno and
Corazon Aquino Scholarship held at the Boston College Robsham Theater.
The President Aquino visited the Boston College on Sunday (September 21)
as well as met with the Filipino-American community here. President
Benigno S. Aquino III arrived Saturday evening for a five-day working
visit to the United States. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo
Bureau) |
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(BOSTON, Massachusetts) President Benigno Aquino III meets American
Ambassador to the Philippine Philip S. Goldberg at the St. Ignatius
Church, Boston College Campus where he attended mass with Filipino
community Sunday. The President arrived here Saturday evening (September
20) for a five-day working visit to the United States. (Photo by Robert
Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BOSTON, Massachusetts) President Benigno Aquino III delivers his speech
during the convocation and the presentation of the recipients of the
Benigno and Corazon Aquino Scholarship held at the Boston College
Robsham Theater. The President Aquino visited the Boston College on
Sunday (September 21) as well as met with the Filipino-American
community here. President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived Saturday evening
for a five-day working visit to the United States. (Photo By Ryan Lim /
Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III visits a Berlin train
station Saturday, (September 20) as part of his European tour. Among the
President's delegation are PPP project investors. (Photo by Gil Nartea /
Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BOSTON, Massachusetts) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is welcomed
by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia upon arrival at the Boston Logan
International Airport here on Saturday (September 20). Photo by Robert
Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BOSTON, Massachusetts) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is welcomed
by Permanent Representative to the United Nation upon arrival at Boston
Logan International Airport here on Saturday (September 20). (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BOSTON, Massachusetts) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is welcomed
by Defense and Armed Forces Attache Capt. Elson Aguilar upon arrival at
the Boston Logan International Airport here on Saturday (September 20).
(Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno Aquino III delivers his message
during the awarding ceremonies held at the Philippine embassy here on
Saturday (September 20). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno Aquino III receives the Freedom
Medal award from Friedrich Naumann Foundation Chairman Dr. Wolfgang
Gerhard during awarding ceremonies held at the Philippine embassy here
on Saturday (September 20). Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III answers questions
during the Coffee with Media held at the Maritem Hotel. The President
arrived here on Friday (September 19) for the last leg of his
four-nation tour of Europe to meet top Geman officials and business
executives. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the fellowship
of the Filipino community held at the Maritem Hotel. The President
arrived here on Friday (September 19) for the last leg of his
four-nation European tour to meet top German officials and business
executives. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Sikatuna
Award to Honorary Consul General a.h. Dr. Gerhard Zeidler during the
meeting with the Filipino community held at the Maritem Hotel Berlin.
The President arrived here on Friday (September 19) for the last leg of
his four-nation European tour to meet top German officials and business
executives. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech at
the fellowship of the Filipino community held at the Maritem Hotel. The
President arrived here on Friday (September 19) for the last leg of his
four-nation European tour to meet top German officials and business
executives. (Photo By Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno Aquino III answers questions from
the audience during the Policy Forum at the AXICA Gehty lounge event
organized by Koerber Stiftung and the Asia Pacific Association. The
President arrived here on Friday (September 19) for the last leg of his
four-nation European tour to meet top German officials and business
executives.(Photo By Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno Aquino III delivers his policy
speech at the AXICA Gehty lounge event organized by Koerber Stiftung and
the Asia Pacific Association. The President arrived here on
Friday(September 19) for the last leg of his four-nation European tour
in Europe to meet top German officials and business executives. (Photo
by Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN,Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Schloss
Beilevue and is welcomed by the Federal President Joachim Gauck for a
meeting along with his Cabinet Secretaries and their counterparts. The
President arrived here on Friday (September 19) for the last leg of his
four-nation European tour to meet top German officials and business
executives. (Photo By Robert Vinas / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Federal Chancellor
Dr. Angela Merkel deliver their statements during the joint press
statement at the Federal Chancellery on Friday (September 19). (Photo by
Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at Federal
Chancellery for a joint press statement together with Federal Chancellor
Dr. Angela Merkel on Friday (September 19). (Photo by Ryan Lim /
Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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(BERLIN, Germany) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Federal
President Joachim Gauck as he arrives at the Schloss Bellevue (the
official residence and presidential Palace) Friday (September 19).
President Aquino III and his delegation is in Berlin, Germany for a
series of official talks on state agreements and understandings. (Photo
by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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Please email us at
pcoo.edp@gmail.com
if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of
PNOY
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