Dispatch for November 24 , 2014 , 2 Weather Watch ,1 Regional Watch , PNOY Speech , 17 Online News , 27 Photo Releases : NOV. 22

PCOO - Photo Releases

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast

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Issued at 5:00 a.m., 24 November 2014
Valid beginning: 5:00 a.m. today until 5:00 a.m. tomorrow

Predicted Mean Sea Level Pressure Analysis for 8 a.m., 24 November 2014

Predicted Mean Sea Level Wind  Analysis for 8 a.m., 24 November 2014

Satellite Image

Synopsis:

Tail-end of a cold front affecting Southern Luzon. Easterlies affecting the eastern section of Mindanao.

Forecast: 

Bicol Region and Samar Provinces will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Light to moderate winds coming from the northeast will prevail over the rest of Luzon and from the east to northeast over Visayas and Mindanao with slight to moderate seas.

Weather Watch

5 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Glaiza Escullar on DZMM:
-Apektado ng tail-end of a cold front o pagsasalubong ng mainit at malamig na hangin ang Southern Luzon.
-Dahil dito'y makararanas ng mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog ang Bicol region.
-Uulanin din ang mga probinsya sa Samar samantalang ang Metro Manila at nalalabing bahagi ng bansa, makararanas lamang ng pulo-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-pagkulog partikular sa dakong hapon o gabi.
-Sa Miyerkules o Huwebes pa muling lalakas ang Amihan na magbibigay ng mas malamig na panahon.
-Samantala, may namataang kaulapan sa may silangan ng Mindanao.
-Bagama't nananatili sa labas ng PAR, posible itong maging LPA sa loob ng 24 na oras hanggang 48 oras, at inaasahan ding papasok ng PAR.

November 24 , 2014 (Monday) as of 6:00-7:00 A.M. 

PIA4A/QUEZON  :  Partly Cloudy with Isolated Light rainshowers

PIA Regional Watch

November 21

PIA-4A/QUEZON- More than 700 students from different public elementary and high schools in the province converge at Atimonan Central School for the YES-O Camp 2014 from Nov 20-22, 2014. Part of the activity is an orientation on climate change and the DENR-PIA Climate Change Advocacy Campaign. The activity is a convergence effort of the DepEd-Quezon, DENR-4A, PIA-4A and Atimonan LGU.

PIA OFW Watch

November 21

ANC: The G20 countries had approved to cut their remittance fees. US, Saudi Arabia and United Kingdom are included in the G20 countries where many Filipinos are working. BSP said this is good news for OFWs and their families.

  

23 NOVEMBER 2014.
	Palace confirms another Abu Sayaff leader killed
	Palace extends well wishes to Manny Pacquiao in his latest match-up against Chris Algieri
	Palace joins nation in celebrating Manny Pacquiao's victory over Chris Algieri
	Malacañang renews commitment to justice and press freedom on 5th anniversary of 'Maguindanao massacre'

Palace confirms another Abu Sayaff leader killed   The ongoing pursuit against the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) resulted to the killing of another leader of the group, a Palace official confirmed on Sunday. In an interview over radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Sunday, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr., said the ASG leader Sihata Latip died in an encounter with the combined police force and the military Saturday afternoon. "Patunay lang po ito sa determinasyon ng pamahalaan na masabat at mapigil ang mga krimen na isinasagawa ng mga bandidong elemento katulad ng Abu Sayyaf Group sa lalawigan ng Sulu," said Coloma. According to Joint Task Group Sulu commander, Col. Alan Arrojado, the encounter happened Saturday at around 4:45pm in Baranggay Duyan Kaha, in Sulu when Latip resisted arrest. A soldier was also killed while another was wounded during the gunfight. Abu Sayyaf Group sub-leader Hairullah Asbang and eight other rebels were killed last November 14, after an encounter with government troops. Coloma also encourages Sulo residents to continue cooperating with authorities. "Hinihimok din natin ang kooperasyon ng ating mga mamamayan para mawakasan na po ang pag-iral ng krimen doon sa kanilang lalawigan," said Coloma. PND (ag) TOP Palace extends well wishes to Manny Pacquiao in his latest match-up against Chris Algieri   President Benigno S. Aquino III is one with the entire Filipino nation in wishing Sarangani Representative Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao the best of luck in his upcoming fight with American boxer Chris Algieri. Pacquiao is about to engage his younger and taller opponent in a 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title bout Sunday at the Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena. “Taus-puso ang ipinaaabot na pagbati at dasal ni Pangulong Aquino at ng buong pamahalaan para sa ating Pambansang Kamao, Congressman Manny Pacquiao, na sana’y mapagtagumpayan niya ang kanyang laban kay Chris Algieri,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told a radio interview hours before the match. Pacquiao is gunning for his 57th win in his professional boxing career after coming off a two-fight winning streak in his last two matches versus Brandon Rios and Timothy Bradley. Coloma said Malacañang would be releasing a statement shortly after the Pacquiao-Algieri fight as he urged the nation to keep praying for the victory of the People’s Champ. “Antabayanan po natin ‘yung laban ni Congressman Manny Pacquiao at ipanalangin po natin ang kanyang pagtatagumpay,” Coloma said. PND (hdc) TOP Palace joins nation in celebrating Manny Pacquiao's victory over Chris Algieri   Malacañang joined the entire Filipino nation Sunday in celebrating Sarangani Representative Emmanuel ‘Manny’ Pacquiao’s victory against American Chris Algieri following their World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight match in Macau. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. praised the “strength, grit, and courage” demonstrated by Pacquiao throughout the fight en route to a convincing win over his younger and taller opponent at the Venetian Macao's Cotai Arena. “With every punch that scored, millions of Filipinos cheered him to victory from all corners of the country and the world,” Coloma said in a statement sent to reporters, shortly after learning that Pacquiao emerged as the victor. Algieri proved to be no match for Pacquiao as all three judges who oversaw the fight rendered a lopsided decision in favor of the latter, scoring 120-102, 119-103, and 119-103 respectively. Coloma called Pacquiao “a worthy role model and wellspring of inspiration to all Filipinos, who are striving to improve their well-being and attain a prosperous future.” “Congressman Manny Pacquiao embodies and personifies the Filipinos’ outstanding qualities—audacious, tenacious and conscientious—persevering in advancing a worthy cause, and unwavering even in the face of danger and adversity,” Coloma said. Pacquiao’s victory over Algieri extends his winning streak to three over the last 12 months. It was also his 57th win in his 19-year professional boxing career. PND (hdc) TOP Malacañang renews commitment to justice and press freedom on 5th anniversary of 'Maguindanao massacre'   The Palace said on Sunday it was one with the nation in commemorating the death of 58 people, including 32 journalists, in the Maguindanao massacre that occurred five years ago. "Nakikiisa ang pamahalaan sa paggunita at pag-alala ng sambayanan sa 58 na nasawi sa tinaguriang Maguindanao massacre limang taon na ang nakalilipas," Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said in a radio interview with dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Secretary Coloma noted that the government is steadfast in its commitment to seek justice for the victims. "Tulad ng mga naipahayag na ni Pangulong Aquino, buo ang determinasyon ng pamahalaan na masaksihan ang paggawad ng ganap na hustisya," he said. “Patuloy pong sinisiyasat ang naganap na pagpaslang at ikinalulungkot po natin ang kaganapang ito dahil mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng mga credible witnesses bilang batayan ng kaso ng prosekusyon. Ginagawa po ng Department of Justice ang nararapat hinggil diyan, pati na rin yung pagsasailalim sa kanila sa witness protection program,” he explained. Coloma noted that according to the Justice Department, the case involves hundreds of witnesses, with the prosecution presenting 147 and the defense panel about 300. Quoting Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, he said that the Maguindanao massacre “is a litmus test of the Philippine justice system. It is the prosecution’s aspiration that we achieve convictions of at least the principal accused during this administration. That is the President’s challenge to the Department of Justice.” “Batid din natin ang kahalagahan ng pagsulong sa malawakan at makabuluhang reporma sa sistema ng hustisya sa bansa upang bigyang tuldok na ang pag-iral ng kasabihang ‘justice delayed is justice denied.' Hindi katanggap-tanggap sa ating mga mamamayan ang mabagal na pag-inog ng mga gulong ng hustisya,” he added. Coloma further reassured the public that the government will continue to uphold press freedom in the country. "Makakaasa din ang sambayanan na hindi titigil ang ating pamahalaan sa pagtataguyod at pagbibigay proteksyon sa malaya at masiglang pamamahayag na mahalagang sandigan ng isang makabuluhang demokrasya," Coloma said. On November 23, 2009, relatives of Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu, his supporters and members of the media were in a convoy of vehicles on their way to the provincial capital when they were ambushed. The governor’s wife, Genalyn, was to file a certificate of candidacy on behalf of her husband at the Maguindanao capital of Shariff Aguak. A total of 58 people were killed during the ambush, among them Genalyn and 32 journalists covering the supposed filing at the local office of the Commission on Elections. The ambush was reportedly ordered by Mangudadatu’s political foes, the Ampatuans. PND (ag) TOP

22 NOVEMBER 2014. Nation could emulate Araneta Center's success story, says President Aquino Palace renews commitment to serve justice to families of Maguindanao massacre victims Palace sees continues business confidence for Philippines Government to keep an eye on commodity prices, says Palace Nation could emulate Araneta Center's success story, says President Aquino President Benigno S. Aquino III attended Friday the 60th anniversary of the Araneta Center likening its success story to feats that the nation could achieve if Filipinos work together and love their country. In his message during the event, the President reminisced on his childhood experiences at the Araneta Center, where he and his family attended social and sports events. The President praised the Araneta family for their love of their property in Cubao, developing the Araneta Center into a major commercial and entertainment center instead of just concentrating on the family's agricultural business. He admired the visions and achievements of patriarch Don Amado Araneta. At the 60th anniversary of the Araneta Center, the President said the dreams of the new generations of Aranetas is not completed yet and there are many more to come. For instance, the family, together with its partners are building 18 towers of the Manhattan Garden City, with 10 already erected. They are also building the Novotel-Araneta Center Hotel, the more modern New Frontier Theater, a Civic Plaza and an Integrated Resorts Complex, which will complete the Araneta Center Cyberpark. With all these projects, 29,066 jobs could be created inside the 35-hectare Araneta Center, the President said. All these developments were built or will be built by the Araneta family because of their love for Cubao and their property there, according to the President. "Ang masasabi ko nga po, at ang personal kong nasaksihan mula kay Secretary Mar at sa kanyang pamilya: Nagbubukal po ang lahat ng proyektong ito mula sa isang bagay: Pagmamahal. Mahal po ng pamilya Araneta ang lugar na ito, at ang buong Cubao," he said. Filipinos can emulate the example by the Aranetas that if they love their country, they could realize their dreams, he said. "Ang dating liblib na lugar, maaaring maging moderno at progresibong sentro ng pagkakataon para sa napakaraming Pilipino," he said. "Kung nagawa nga po ito sa Araneta, tiyak ko po, kung tayo’y magkakaisa, kung tayo’y mangangarap at talaga naman pong magbubuhos ng lahat ng ating makakaya tungo sa katuparan ng mga pangarap na ito, makakamtan din ang malawak at positibong transpormasyon sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas." The Araneta Group is a progressive and diversified group of companies anchored on food, leisure and property development. It is composed of four business units: the Araneta Center Inc., Philippine Pizza Inc., Uniprom Inc. and Progressive Development Corp. PND (as) TOP Palace renews commitment to serve justice to families of Maguindanao massacre victims Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday that it will continue to do everything in its power to serve justice to the families of the victims of the Maguidanao massacre despite the mounting challenges. In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo Ng Bayan, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte expressed her support to the families of the victims noting that the Palace also wants a speedy trial for them to attain justice. "At nasa inyo po ang commitment ng pamahalaan na ginagawa ang lahat para hindi magkaroon ng delay sa kaso at hindi kami maging source ng delay," she said during the radio interview. "At katulad sa mga naging pagharap ng Pangulong Aquino sa inyo, noong bago pa siya maging Pangulo, at nang naulit ito doon sa nangyaring pag-uusap sa Malacañang, ay bukas ang Pangulo sa kahit ano pang tulong na pwedeng maibigay, lalo na doon sa inyong seguridad." The Palace official also recognized the extraordinary stumbling blocks ahead noting the complexity of the case. For instance, she said that even after several years of trial, there are new witnesses who have not been included in the government witness protection program. "But we assure you that the government is doing its best to push the interest of the state in this case," she said. Asked to comment on criticisms that the Aquino government is not acting fast enough to fast track the trial, Valte said the Palace wishes the case to close soon. "The executive is only part of the prosecution. Hindi po tayo ang dumidinig ng kaso, hindi po tayo ang gumagawa ng mga desisyon, at tumatanggap sa hukuman ng mga desisyong ito," she said. "Again, the executive branch is not the only branch in play here in the case, and we can assure you that our efforts have been concentrated on pushing the case forward." The country marks the fifth anniversary of the "Maguindanao Massacre" Sunday, which is considered as one of the worst election-related violence in the country. Fifty eight people, mostly members of the media, were killed on November 23, 2009 in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao. The victims were kidnapped before being brutally killed. PND (as) TOP Palace sees continues business confidence for Philippines The Palace said it expects business confidence in the Philippines to continue in the coming years after a new survey found high expectations for the Philippines. The survey shows a rosy picture of business confidence for the Philippines in the last quarter of 2014. "Nakita din natin itong survey na ito conducted by the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) at umaasa tayo na magpapatuloy ang kumpyansa ng ating mga negosyante dahil malaking bahagi rin po ang ating mga negosyante doon sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya," Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview Saturday. Valte also told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Philippines faired well in the recent anti-modern slavery index. In the 2014 Global Slavery Index (GSI), the Philippines placed first in Asia and third in the Asia Pacific region. It is ranked 29th globally among 167 countries covered by the GSI, Valte said. With the country's good standing, Valte said she expects the report to encourage the Inter-agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) to work harder. The IACAT is under the Department of Justice and the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other government agencies. PND (as) TOP Government to keep an eye on commodity prices, says Palace Malacanang assured the consumers that the trade department will monitor the prices of basic goods because some traders may jack up prices as the Christmas season approaches. The Department of Trade and Industry has released suggested retail prices for consumer goods but some quarters have expressed concerns on the how the government could monitor prices. "Very active naman po ang consumer protection ng ating DTI at ng kanilang mga monitoring teams," Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview Saturday to ease the public's concerns regarding the prices of goods. "In fact, halos araw-araw po nagpapadala sila ng report doon sa kanilang mga nagagawa at sini-share din nila sa publiko, at nagpapaikot na rin ng ‘Diskwento Caravan,'" she told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. The DTI has started its 'Diskwento Caravan’ to give consumers options on where to buy cheaper basic commodities, she said. With regards to security concerns of mall employees after the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority proposed a new opening and closing schedule, Valte said the MMDA will coordinate with the police. "I’m quite sure that MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino has already coordinated with the PNP (Philippine National Police) regarding the new opening and closing hours of shopping malls and that security arrangements will be made accordingly," she said. Mall operators have agreed to extend their operating hours to help ease traffic congestion anticipated to occur this coming Christmas season. Tolentino said almost all shopping mall operators along EDSA agreed to an "Open Late, Close Late" policy, meaning their operating hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. PND (as) TOP   21 NOVEMBER 2014. Palace renews commitment to fight terrorism Malacañang roots for Manny Pacquiao against American boxer Chris Algeiri Palace renews commitment to fight terrorism Following the release of the Global and Terrorism Index that ranked the Philippines at ninth place, Malacañang said it remains committed to preventing violence and terrorism. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during Friday’s press briefing that they have seen the report but want to know the details, so that the government could improve the country’s ranking. "We are trying to see what incidents have been counted, kasi nakita natin ang difference from the incidents in 2011, 2012, 2013 and ‘yung most recent year," Valte said. "We’d like to see what those incidents are and compare them with the data that our law enforcement agencies have. But certainly, everyone is unified in the goal that we want to lessen these incidents." In a study conducted by the London-based Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the Philippines ranked ninth out of 162 countries in terms of the level of terrorist activities in the world in 2013. The Global Terrorism Index 2014 showed 499 incidents in the Philippines, resulting in 292 fatalities, 444 injuries, and 184 damage to property. The index ranks countries according to the impact of terrorist activities as well as analyzes the economic and social dimensions associated with terrorism. Valte noted that President Aquino himself has recently been tackling the issue on the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). The Philippines, she said, is also coordinating and cooperating with neighbors to thwart ISIS recruitment in the country. “In fact, yesterday, we were asked about some information that a Filipino was involved in the beheading of some Syrians in the most recent ISIS video. The military is endeavoring to check the veracity of that particular video. But, so far, we still do not have any confirmation on the nationality of that person,” she said. Asked if the activities of the New People's Army could have contributed to the Philippines ranking high in the terrorism index, Valte said security forces are conducting operations against the group while the government is working to verify if atrocities committed by the NPA were considered by those who made the study. "But certainly, at the end of the day, our goal really is to lessen these incidents because we are looking at the safety of the people," she said. Valte further said that the administration continues to encourage the rebels to return to the negotiating table. “I would defer to (Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) Secretary Ging Deles to tell you more about those efforts as they can disclose at particular times. But certainly, there are efforts ongoing,” she said. PND (as) TOP Malacañang roots for Manny Pacquiao against American boxer Chris Algeiri Malacañang on Friday expressed its support for Manny Pacquiao as he defends his WBO Welterweight title against American boxer Chris Algeiri in Macao this Sunday. "As in past fights, obviously we root for the Pacman, lalo ho itong pagdating ng Linggo," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters during the daily press briefing at the Palace. Valte noted that it would be an interesting match. "Medyo maganda ang laban, kasi may reach and height advantage po ang kanyang kalaban. Maganda rin po ang record niya dahil undefeated at medyo bata-bata po ito. But we are confident that the Pacman will again bear the flag proudly this time," she said. Pacquiao is coming on a two-fight winning streak, having beaten Timothy Bradley to regain a welterweight title last April, and Brandon Rios in November last year. It will be the 64th bout of his career, which includes titles in eight divisions. PND (ag) TOP

19 NOVEMBER 2014 Nagpahatid ng pakikiramay ang Palasyo sa pamilya ng pinaslang na saksi sa ‘Maguindanao Massacre’ Tiwala ang Pangulong Aquino na makalalampas sa masusing pagsusuri ang kasunduang pantanggulan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Amerika Nakaaakit ng dagdag na mga imbestor sa Pilipinas ang mga repormang ginawa ng gobyernyo, sabi ng Pangulo Hiniling ng Pangulong Aquino sa mga kompanya ng Singapore na dagdagan pa ang mga puhunan nila sa Pilipinas Patuloy na pangangalagaan ng gobyerno ang karapatang pantao

Nagpahatid ng pakikiramay ang Palasyo sa pamilya ng pinaslang na saksi sa ‘Maguindanao Massacre’ Nagpahatid ng pakikiramay ang Malacanang sa pamilya ng pinaslang noong Martes na saksi sa Maguindanao Massacre. Tinambangan ng mga sandatahang lalaki Martes ang dalawang potensiyal na saksi sa nasabing 2009 massacre. Nasawi sa pamamaslang si Dennix Saksi, dating tsuper ng pangunahing pinaghihinalaan na naging Alkalde Andal Ampatuan, Jr. ng bayang Datu Unsay. Ang isa pang saksi, si Butch Saudagal, na sinasabing bagman ni Ampatuan, ay sugatan naman at kasalukuyang nakaratay sa hindi binanggit na pagamutan. “Nakikiramay kami sa kanilang mga pamilya. Ibig naming malaman ang iba pang bagay sa testimonya ng dalawang tinambangan kahapon,” sabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles. Tiniyak ni Valte sa madla na ang iba pang handang sumaksi sa kasong ito ay pangangalagaan. “Natitiyak kong si Kalihim Leila De Lima, habang nag-uusap tayo, ay gumagawa na ng hakbang para matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat ng iba pang mga saksing magsasalaysay sa panig ng pamahalaan,” pahayag pa ni Valte. Noong Nobyembre 23, 2009, ang mga kamag-anak ni Gobernador Esmael Mangudadatu ng Maguindanao, ang mga tagapagtaguyod niya at mga tauhan ng media ay sakay ng magkaka-sunod na sasakyan patungo sa kapitolyo ng lalawigan nang sila ay tambangan. Ang maybahay ng Gobernador, si Genalyn, ay siya sanang maghaharap ng katibayan sa pagkandidato ng kanyang kabiyak ng puso sa Shariff Aguak, ulung-lungsod ng Maguindanao, Kabuuang 58 katao ang napatay sa pananambang na ito, kabilang na si Genalyn at ang 32 mamamahayag na kukuha ng balita sa gagawin sanang paghaharap ng kandidatura sa tanggapan ng Komisyon sa Halalan sa naulit na lalawigan. Ang pananambang umano ay utos ng mga kalaban sa pulitika ng mga Mangudadatu, ang mga Ampatuan. PND(ag/zaf) TOP Tiwala ang Pangulong Aquino na makalalampas sa masusing pagsusuri ang kasunduang pantanggulan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Amerika (SINGAPORE) Nagtitiwala ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na makapapasa sa pinakamahigpit na pagsusuri ng hukuman ang Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng Estados ngayong sinimulan na ng Kataastaasang Hukuman ang oral arguments tungkol dito. “May kompiyansa kami na ang ginawa namin ay naaalinsunod sa ating Saligambatas at may pangangailangan dito. Ang kailangang talaga ng ating bayan ay ang ganitong klaseng kasunduan na dagdag lamang sa mga nauna nang kasunduan,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa mga reporter na buhat sa Maynila sa panayam sa kanya Martes ng gabi rito. Ang EDCA ay isang 10 taong kasunduang militar na nilagdaan nina Kalihim Voltaire Gazmin ng Tanggulang Pambansa at Embahador Philip Goldberg ng Estados Unidos sa Pilipinas noon pang Abril 26 nang magsagawa ng state visit ang Pangulong Barack Obama ng Estados Unidos sa Pilipinas. Ang pakay nito ay upang palakasin pa ang ugnayang panseguridad sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng Estados Unidos sa pamamagitan ng pagpapahintulot na makapagtalaga ng mga kawal Amerikano at magsagawa ng operasyon sa bansa nang hindi na maglalagay ng palagiang base rito. Inulit ng Pangulong Aquino na ang EDCA ay upang “ayusin” ang mga naunang kasunduan sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng Estados Unidos na tulad ng Mutual Defense Treaty at ang Visiting Forces Agreement. “Kaya kung tama ang dalawang iyon at itong EDCA ay parang paglilinaw nga ng mga detalye roon, bakit naman dapat maging salungat ito?” Pahayag pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Binanggit ng Pangulong Aquino na nakausap niya ang dalawa sa nagharap ng petisyon laban sa EDCA, bagaman hindi niya binanggit ang mga pangalan, at sila ay nagkaunawaan matapos na maliwanagan ang paninindigan ng bawa’t isa sa kanila tungkol sa bagay na ito. “Mga kakampi natin sila at tila para bang nagkaiba ang posisyon namin. Nagkausap kami. Ang sarap na pareho pa rin ang pananaw. At sabi nila, sana nagkausap tayo bago nasubo rito. Kailangang ituloy na lamang namin ito,” wika pa ng Pangulo. PND(hdc/zaf) TOP Nakaaakit ng dagdag na mga imbestor sa Pilipinas ang mga repormang ginawa ng gobyernyo, sabi ng Pangulo Patuloy na nagpapakita ng interes sa pamumuhunan o pagpapalawak ng puhunan sa Pilipinas ang mga dayuhang kompanya dahil sa mga repormang isinasgawa ng pamahalaang Pilipino, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Miyerkoles. Binigyang diin ng Pangulong Aquino sa mensahe pagdating niya buhat sa dalawang araw na pagdalaw sa Singapore na maraming mga negosyanteng nakausap niya sa Singapore ang nagagalak sa mga pagbabago sa Pilipinas na dahilan para mahimok silang mamuhunan sa bansa. Ang mga grupong nakausap ng Pangulo ay kinabibilangan ng Singapore Business Federation at ang mga chambers of commerce ng Europa, Great Britain, Estados Unidos, Hapon at India, gayundin ang Europe-ASEAN Business Alliance, International Enterprise Singapore at ang Philippine-Singapore Business Council. “Ang Keppel Offshore and Marine Ltd. na paggawa ng bapor ang industriya ay ibig ding maglagak ng salapi sa Pilipinas,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. “Hindi lamang po sila nakontento sa tagumpay ng naturang industriya. Balak pa nilang lalong mamuhunan sa atin. Patunay na rito ang paglalagay nila ng kauna-unahang oil rig sa bansa,” dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Binanggit din ng Pangulo na ang Singapore Airlines Engineering Company (SIAEC) na nasa larangan ng aircraft maintenance, overhaul at pagkukumpuni ay nais ding palawakin pa ang kanilang gawain sa Pilipinas. Noong 2005 nagsimula ang kompanyang ito sa Pilipinas at nakapaglagay na sila ng $25 milyon noong 2009 para palawakin ang operasyon nila. Sang-ayon sa Pangulong Aquino, kasalukuyang tinatapos ng SIAEC ang pangatlong hangar nito sa Pilipinas na nagkakahalaga nang halos $21 milyon at nagbabalak pa na magtayo ng dalawa pang hangar sa susunod na taon. “Bukod sa maghahatid ang mga ito ng dagdag na empleyado, pinatutunayyan nito na talagang world class ang manggagawang Pilipno. Ang pagpapatakbo nga sa ganitong mga pasilidad ay nangangailangan ng natatanging technical expertise para sa malalaking eroplano. Sa susunod na taon ay kasama na ang Airbus 330 at Boeing 777 sa maseserbisysuhan ng SIAEC sa ating bansa,” dagdag pa ng Pangulo. Sinabi ng Pangulo na aatasan niya ang Kagawaran ng Paggawa at Hanapbuhay, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) na makipag-ugnayan sa SIAEC para matiyak na masasamantala ng mga Pilipino ang pagkakataong makapagtrabaho sa kompanya ng Singapore ukol sa larangang ito. Iniulat din ng Pangulong Aquino na nakapulong niya noong Miyerkoles ang dalawa sa pinaka-malaking investment fund groups sa Singapore na Temasek at Government Investment Corporation (GIC). “Ang Temasek ay may puhunan sa iba-ibang industriya sa Pilipinas at inaasahang daragdagan pa nito ang isang bilyong dolyar na puhunan nito sa bansa sa lalong madaling panahon, samantalang ang GIC naman ay magdaragdag ng P17.6 bilyon sa kompanyang Pilipino na Emperador Inc.,” dugtong ng Pangulo. “Ang sabi nila sa atin, dati nga, intereado ang GIC sa imprastraktura, real estate at telekomunikasyon. Ngayon at maglalatag sila ng puhunan sa isang consumer-driven na kompanya, ipinamamalas nilang talagang ayos mamuhunan sa merkadong Pilipino,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. Binanggit din ng Pangulo ang pagpunta niya sa Jollibee sa Lucky Plaza sa Singapore kaugnay ng kanyang paglalakbay roon. Ang Jollibee, sabi ng Pangulo ay matagumpay sa naturang bansa at ang balak ng mga taga-Singapore na kasosyo ng kompanya ay magbukas ng sangay sa Malaysia. “Wala pong alinlangan. Ang dating itinuturing na 'Sick Man of Asia' ay aktibo at masiglang bahagi na ngayon ng paghahanda para sa ASEAN Economic Integration na magaganap sa taong 2015,” masayang pahayag ng Pangulo. “Dahil pangmatagalan ang hinahabol nating transpormasyon, tiyak na hanggang sa mga susunod na henerasyon, aanihin ng mga Pilipino ang bunga ng mga ipinunla nating binhi ng pagbabago,” mariing wika ng Pangulo.PND(as/zaf) TOP Hiniling ng Pangulong Aquino sa mga kompanya ng Singapore na dagdagan pa ang mga puhunan nila sa Pilipinas (SINGAPORE) Hiniling ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga pangunahing negosyante rito na samantalahin ang mga repormang pang-ekonomya ng kanyang pamahalaan na ipinatupad sa nakalipas na mga taon upang palakihin pa ang negosyo nila sa Pilipinas. “Para sa inyong tumaya na sa Pilipinas, hinihiling kong taasan ninyo ang inyong mga puhunan. At para naman sa mga gumagawa pa ng pag-aaral, ang masasabi ko lamang: ito na ang panahon,” wika ng Pangulo sa pakikipagpulong niya sa mga negosyante na idinaos sa Shangri-La Hotel dito. Ipinaalaala ng Pangulong Aquino ang una niyang pananawagan sa mga imbestor na taga-Singapore sa state visit niya rito noong 2011 nang ang pamahalaan niya ay nasa yugto pa lamang ng pagbalangkas ng mga reporma sa ekonomya. Binanggit niya ang maraming proyektong public-private partnership (PPP) na handa na para isubasta, ang pagbalangkas ng mga patakaran upang mapagaan ang pagpasok ng mga foreign carriers, ang pag-aayos ng aviation industry ng Pilipinas, gayundin ang pagbabagong ginawa sa pambansang badyet ng 2011 para dagdagan ang pondo ukol sa serbisyong panlipunan. Iniulat ng Pangulong Aquino na pagkalipas ng apat na taon, ang gross domestic product ng Pilipinas ay matatag ang pagsulong sa kabila ng mga kalamidad na sumagasa sa bansa tuwing magtatapos ang taon sa panahon ng panunungkulan nila. “Ngayon, kami na ang pangalawa sa pinakamabilis sumulong na ekonomya sa mga pangunahing bansa ng Asya. Ang GDP namin ay umabot sa 6.4 porsiyento sa ikalawang kuwarter ng taong ito na pangalawa sa Tsina at katulad ng sa Malaysia. Ang pananaw ukol sa ekonomya ng Pilipinas ay tunay na positibo dahil sa pag-unlad na natamo na namin hanggang sa panahong ito,” sabi ng Pangulo. Kung ihahambing sa mga sinundan niya na umasa lamang nang labis sa perang ipinauuwi ng manggagawang Pilipino na nasa ibang bansa, sinabi ng Pangulong Aquino na ang pag-unlad sa kasalukuyan ay bunga ng palaking pamumuhunan, kaya ang pananalapi ng bansa ay higit na balance at matatag. “Tulad halimbaswa ng ating isinusulong na mga proyektong PPP, bago kami nanungkulan, ito ay umabot lamang sa anim na proyekto sa ilalim ng nakalipas na tatlong administrasyon. Sa ilalim ng pamumuno namin, mayroon na kaming walo at 15 pa ang inihahanda, bukod sa dag-dag pang 30,” sabi ng Pangulo. Inulit ng Pangulo na ang gugulin sa imprastraktura ay mahigit na nadoble sa administrasyon nito. Ito ay buhat sa P200.3 bilyon noong 2011 ay naging P404.3 bilyon ngayong taong ito, at ang balak niya ay paabutin ito sa P787.19 bilyon pagbaba niya sa tungkulin sa 2016. Sumigla rin, sabi ng Pangulo, ang manufacturing industry, gayundin ang sektor ng business process outsourcing, semi-conductors at electronics, at ang turismo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulong Aquino na sa pamamagitan ng inilatag na Pocket Open Skies Policy naging magaan para sa mga imbestor na magsadya at dalawin ang Pilipinas maging ito man ay para sa pagnenegosyo o paglilibang. “Tunay na umangat ang aming ekonomya. Namamayani ang pag-asa sa aming paligid na hindi kailanman naranasan, at ang pag-asang ito ay magiging kongkretong benepisyo at pagkakataon para sa bawa’t isa sa aming mga kababayan,” wika pa ng Pangulo. “At sa napipintong integrasyon ng komunidad ng ekonomya ng ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), magiging ibayo ang sigla at lalawak ang pagkakataon para sa iba pa sa rehiyong ito,” dugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino. PND(hdc/zaf) TOP Patuloy na pangangalagaan ng gobyerno ang karapatang pantao Nananatiling matatag ang paninindigan ng pamahalaan na ibantayog ang pamamayani ng batas at pangalagaan ang karapatang pantao habang palapit ang pagdiriwang ng International Human Rights Day, sang-ayon kay Kalihim Herminio Coloma, Jr. ng Presidential Communications Operations Office Huwebes. “Determinado ang administrasyong Aquino na ipatupad ang batas at pairalin ang pagkilala sa mga karapatang pantao,” wika ni Kalihim Coloma sa pulong-balitaan Huwebes nang tanungin siya kung puspusang matitiyak ng administrasuon na iginagalang ang karapatang pantao sa bansa. “Ang ating Pangulo ay miyembro ng isang pamilya na tuwirang dumanas sa kanilang personal na kapasidad ng mga kahalintulad na human rights violations, kaya hindi makatuwirang sabihin na siya ay hindi tumatalima sa mga prinsipyo ng batas na nagbibigay ng proteksiyon sa mga karapatang pantao,” paliwanag ng Kalihim. Binanggit ni Coloma na sa ilang yugto ng kasaysayan, ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas ay napulaan dahil sa pagiging kasangkapan sa laganap na paglapastangan sa karapatang pantao, lalo na noong panahon ng martial law. Gayunman, malaking pagbabago na ang naganap sa nakalipas na mga taon, sabi ni Coloma, at idinugtong na ngayon, kinikilala na ng militar ang katutubong karapatan ng sino man sa ilalim ng batas. Tinukoy ng Kalihim na ang Hukbong Katihan ang nagtayo ng Aquino-Diokno Shrine sa kamponilangFort Magsaysay upang magsilbing tagapagpagunita na kinikilala ng militar ang halaga ng karapatang pantao. Sa Fort Magsaysay nakulong ang mga dating senador Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. at Jose Diokno na kumalaban sa martial law. Ayon pa kay Coloma, ginawa ng militar ang nasabing kulungan (detention facility) na isang dambana upang magsilbing tagapagpagunita sa sambayanang Pilipino ng halaga ng pakikibaka para sa karapatang pantao, lalo na ng ama ng Pangulo. Kung sakaling may lumalapastangan sa karapatang pantao, pagbibigay-diin ni Coloma, ang mga biktima ay maaaring dumulog sa angkop na ahensiya ng pamahalaan. “Umiiral ang demokrasya at umiiral ang rule of law sa ating bansa. Mayroong mga usapin na naiharap na laban sa mga nagsagawa ng mga tinatawag na extra-judicial killings. Mayroon tayong Komisyon sa Karapatang Pantao. Patuloy ang pagtalima natin sa mga pandaigdig na kasunduan at conventions on human rights bilang kasapi ng Bansang Magkakaanib,” paliwanag pa ni Coloma. Sinabi ni Coloma na hindi makatuwiran para sa isang tao o grupo ng mga tao na magsabing laganap ang paglabag sa karapatang pantao sa bansa. “Kailangang suriin ang kongkretong rekord bago gumawa ng ganyang mga pahayag,” sabi pa ni Coloma. PND(as/zaf) TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the 60th Anniversary of the Araneta Center

Ground Floor, Gateway Tower Bldg., Gen. Aguinaldo Ave., Araneta Center, Q.C.

21 Nov. 2014

Taong 1961 po nang lumipat ang pamilya namin sa Times Street, kaya dito na ako lumaki at nag-aral sa Quezon City. Bilang isang batang QC, nakita ko kung paano nagbago ang lugar na ito mula nang maitayo ang Araneta Center at mga karatig na negosyo at gusali. Noong mga panahong iyon po, Maynila talaga ang sentro ng komersiyo at entertainment, at talagang noong panahon pong iyon, out of the way ang Cubao. Halimbawa po, doon nagpupunta ang mga gustong manood ng sine, siyempre sa Maynila lahat ang sinehan, parang isa, dalawa ang nandito sa Quezon City. Pero nang magbukas ang New Frontier Theater, at later on ‘yong Nation, hindi na kailangang pong magbiyahe ng mga taga-Quezon City papunta ng Maynila. At siguro po, karamihan ng mga napupunta sa Maynila ay napuntang Quezon City dahil mas bago ang mga sinehan dito. Noon po, sumunod ang Makati, dadalawa–lumalabas na ho ang edad natin–dalawa ang sinehan doon eh. Pareho ho sa kanila ang wala ngayon. ‘Yong isa ho, simbahan na ho yata. Marami rin sa ating mga kababayan ang nagkaroon ng taunang ritwal nang magbago ang Cubao: bago magsimula ang pasukan ay namimili ng school bags at school supplies sa National Bookstore, pagkatapos dumidiretso sa tinatawag po ni Cabsec na ShoeMart–ako po ang alam ko diyan kasi SM–o kaya sa Marikina Shoe Expo para bumili ng mga bagong sapatos. Naaalala ko pa nga ang pagsalita o pagsigaw ng isang sales lady para ibaba ang kanilang mga sapatos. ‘Yung iba nga po, binabagsak, actually, parang may chute. Bata ka, “Uy, mayroong nagliliparan ditong mga sapatos.” Pinapanood mo, hahatakin ka naman ng ibang tindera dahil baka tamaan ka ng mga sapatos. ‘Yung conveyor belt ho yata ginagamit lang ‘ata kapag sinasauli ang mga maling sukat, pero ‘yung nagagamit ‘yung talagang–hindi naman ho binabato, pero binabagsak. Pagkatapos ng shopping, ‘yung parang pinaka-incentive ng aking ina, dadalhin kami mag meryenda, diyan po sa Marikina Shoe Expo, nakalagay ‘yung Nena’s bibingka ho yata, mainit na pandesal kasama ‘yung menudo. Ganitong-ganito po mismo ang ritwal namin noon ng aking pamilya kapag pumapasyal sa Araneta Center bago magpasukan. Marami pa po akong masasayang alaalang binabalik-balikan dito lalo na po sa Coliseum. Sa Big Dome, ako po ay nakapanood ng una ko pong live na boxing match. Doon ko rin yata nakilala si Tito Nene for the first time. Kasama ko po ang aking ama, o siguro ang tama doon ay sinama ako ng aking ama. Pagdating po ng paligsahan ng boxing, hinamon niya ako ng maliit na pustahan. Dahil galing po tayo sa Ateneo, hindi ko naman ho kilala ‘yong boksingero, grade school pa po ako noon, basta naka-blue na trunks, iyon po ang pinipili ko. ‘Yong hindi blue ang trunks, iyon ang pinili niya. [Tawanan] Suwerte ko naman ho, sa tatlong magkasunod-sunod na bakbakan, nanalo po lahat ng naka-blue na trunks, at bayad nang bayad ang tatay ko sa akin. Baka akala naman po n’yo malaki ‘yong sinusugal namin doon–tanda ko yata one peso per bout eh. Pero sa akin ho malaking bagay na ‘yon, dahil parang halos katumbas na ng allowance ko noon ‘yon eh. Pagdating po ng ikaapat na bout, hindi na ako tinanong ng aking ama kung magpupustahan pa kami. Eh natalo ho ang naka-blue na trunks. Nang natalo po ‘yong naka-blue na trunks, sinisingil ako ng tatay ko. Sabi ko, “Hindi mo naman ako hinamon ng pustahan dito.” Tapos, [sinagot ako], “Aba, hindi natalo ka. Magbayad ka.” Sabi ko, “Ganoon pala ‘yon ah.” Noong binabayaran ko na, sabi ni Tatay, “Hindi, binibiro lang kita.” Pagkatapos po noon, hindi na ako sinama ng tatay ko ulit sa boxing. Hanggang ngayon po, napapangiti pa rin ako ‘pag naaalala ko ‘yong mga panahong iyon. Para kaming ordinaryong mag-amang nagpapalipas ng oras nang magkasama. Talagang napakasimple po ng buhay noong panahon na iyon. Noong magtapos naman po ako sa grade school, tinanong ako kung saan ko gustong mag-celebrate. Balik ho tayo dito, nag-celebrate kami sa isang Japanese restaurant dito po sa Fiesta Carnival. Kasama na rin po ‘yong nakasakay pa rin tayo sa mga rides noong panahon na iyon. Naaalala ko rin po na may panahong nakapanood ng rodeo dito. Siyempre po, dito ko rin nakita kung gaano katindi ang rivalry ng Ateneo at La Salle. Kahit tapos na ang laban, hanggang sa parking area, meron pa ring tuksuhan. Hindi na po ako sumasali doon dahil mabait akong bata: umuuwi na po ako agad. [Tawanan] Napakalaki na nga po talaga ng pagbabago o pinagbago ng Araneta Center mula noong mga panahong iyon. Wala nang horseback riding dito sa tabi ng Araneta Center; ang mga lumang restaurant ay marami na hong nagsara at napalitan na mga mas bagong mga restaurant; at ang dati pong maliliit na establisimyento ay napalitan na ang high-tech at totoong world-class na mga opisina ng BPO. At kung babalikan nga po ang kasaysayan, makikitang ito talaga ang kuwento ng Araneta Center: Pagbabago, pagpupursigi upang marating ang mga nakikita sa maliwanag na abot-tanaw, at pag-aruga upang tumubo at maabot ang tunay at buong potensiyal. Siguro nga po, ang mga nauna sa akin, maaalala pa ang panahon kung kailan tahanan pa ito ng Radio Communication of America. Malawak na talahiban raw po ito noon, at walang ibang nakatayo kundi mga naglalakihang antenna. Isa po talaga itong liblib na lugar. Ang pamilya po nina Don Amado, ang lolo po ni Secretary Mar at ama ni Tita Judy, may kumportableng pinagkakakitaan sa agrikultura. Pero imbes na maging kampante at magpatuloy sa nakasanayan, itinaya nila sa isang pangarap ang kanilang bukas. Kung tutuusin, napakadali lang para sa kanya noon na ipagpatuloy na lang ang pagtatanim ng tubo at pagnenegosyo sa asukal. Malawak na ang kanyang karanasan, kaya sigurado na ang kanyang kikitain. Pero naramdaman niya na mas marami pa siyang puwedeng gawin; na puwede siyang maging tagapagsulong ng pagbabago. At ang desisyon niyang iyon ang nagsilbing binhi ng transpormasyong nasasaksihan natin ngayon. Ito po ang tinatawag na vision: Hindi ang magpadala lang sa agos ng panahon, kundi ang magtaya at isakatuparan ang planong magdadala ng pakinabang sa mas nakakarami. Gaya nga po ng isang halaman, maaaring hayaan lang tumubo ang isang bagay nang mag-isa: Bahala na ang mga elemento na ipaabot dito ang kanyang potensiyal. Sa kabilang banda, maaaring arugain ito: Bigyan ng pataba, diligan nang tama, iwasan ang mga peste, at talaga pong paghusayan ang pagsasaka. Ganyan nga po mismo ang ginawa ng mga tunay na visionary na tulad ni Don Amado at ng kanyang pamilya dito sa Araneta Center: Sa halip na magpatalo sa pagdududa, at ang talahiban ay ginawa nilang sentro ng komersiyo, ng kultura, at ng progreso; simbolo ng kinabukasang maaaring maabot ng bawat Pilipino. Iginuhit nila ang napakalawak nilang mga pangarap, at nagsikap sila upang maitawid ito sa realidad. Pagdating nga po ng 1960s, bago na ang mukha ng Cubao: At ipinatayo nilang Araneta Coliseum ang tinawag na “Biggest Covered Coliseum in the World,” samantalang naging pinakamalaking sinehan naman sa Asya ang New Frontier Theater. At hindi pa nga po tapos ang mga pangarap ng sumunod na henerasyon ng Araneta para sa lugar na ito. Labingwalong towers ng Manhattan Garden City ang makikita natin kapag natapos ito; sampu po rito ang natapos na. May Novotel-Araneta Center Hotel pa pong paparating. Ang New Frontier Theater, gagawing mas moderno at magbabalik ng dangal dito. Isang Civic Plaza, isang Integrated Resorts Complex, at ang pagkumpleto ng Araneta Center Cyberpark: Lahat po ng ito, darating dito sa Araneta, at magiging makabago at mas progresibong mukha ng isang lipunang hitik sa oportunidad. Isipin po ninyo: Sa loob ng 35 ektarya ng Araneta Center, 29,066 na trabaho ang malilikha mula sa lahat ng mga proyektong ito. Ang masasabi ko nga po, at ang personal kong nasaksihan mula kay Secretary Mar at sa kanyang pamilya: Nagbubukal po ang lahat ng proyektong ito mula sa isang bagay: Pagmamahal. Mahal po ng pamilya Araneta ang lugar na ito, at ang buong Cubao. Kung mapapansin po ninyo, habang ang ibang pamilya ay lumilipat na sa mas malalaking subdivision, o di kaya ay nagtatayo na ng sari-sariling mansyon sa malalayong lugar, sina Tita Judy, sina Gaita, Ria, Mar, Tita Baby, Tito Nene, buong pamilya, hindi po talaga umalis dito sa Cubao. At habang minamahal sila ng mga taga-Cubao at iba pang bumibisita sa Araneta Center, paulit-ulit nilang ibinabalik ang pagmamahal na iyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbubukas ng mas maraming oportunidad at pagpapaunlad ng kanilang mga serbisyo. Iyan nga po ang ipinakitang halimbawa ng Araneta Center at ng pamilya Araneta sa ating lahat: Kung ang lahat ng ating gawain ay nanggagaling sa pag-ibig sa lupang kinatatayuan natin; kung kaya nating palawakin ang ating mga pangarap at paunlarin ito; kung kaya nating sumabay sa pagbabago, o maging mismong bukal ng pagbabago na maaaring sundan ng ating kapwa, talaga pong walang imposible para sa ating lahi. Ang dating liblib na lugar, maaaring maging moderno at progresibong sentro ng pagkakataon para sa napakaraming Pilipino. Kung nagawa nga po ito sa Araneta, tiyak ko po, kung tayo’y magkakaisa, kung tayo’y mangangarap at talaga naman pong magbubuhos ng lahat ng ating makakaya tungo sa katuparan ng mga pangarap na iyon, makakamtan din ang malawak at positibong transpormasyon sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas. Magandang hapon po muli. Maraming salamat ho sa inyong lahat.

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22 NOV 2014 Sulu Sea to retain its name upon creation of Bangsamoro Benguet trading center to serve as model of value-chain approach to agribusiness dev’t—Alcala Widow endures difficult task of raising a family, cites big help of CCT, livelihood aid Roxas deploys 33 Engineers to aid Bohol recover from Quake Business confidence rises in Q4 2014 on expectations of stronger domestic demand Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas empowers MSMEs in Marikina PSA Press Conference on the 2014 Third Quarter Performance of the Philippine Economy DPWH-NCR November 21-24 road repair schedule PCSC hosts ASEAN conference on civil service examination Cops get early year end bonus Philippines signs MOU on establishing Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in China Jewish rescue in the Philippines explored in New York Film BI arrests Austrian fugitive BI nabs 11 illegal Chinese workers MMDA extends Pasig River Ferry operating hours starting December 1 PDIC to pay depositors of the closed Synergy Rural Bank, Inc. starting November 25 First ASEAN PPP Networking Forum set in Manila

Sulu Sea to retain its name upon creation of Bangsamoro

Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph

JOLO, SULU – The Sulu Sea, including the Moro Gulf, shall retain their names and shall neither be removed from the Philippine map nor be deleted from the history of the Philippines. This was emphasized by the Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer during the recent House of Representatives Special Ad Hoc Committee Public Hearing held at the Provincial Capitol Gymnasium in Jolo, Sulu, on November 19. “The Bangsamoro waters and the Zones of Joint Cooperation in the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf will not change the name of the Sulu Sea. It will not be eradicated from the map of the Philippines. In fact, it will be protected so that the people of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi will be the first to benefit from its resources,” clarified Coronel-Ferrer. This statement was issued in response to the concerns expressed by the people of Sulu who stand firm on their right over the Sulu Sea as it is the reflection of the long history and ancestral domain of the Tausug and Sama peoples. Coronel-Ferrer further explained that the “Bangsamoro waters is within the vast area of the Sulu Sea and shall not in any way diminish the territorial sea area.” She said that “the Bangsamoro waters and the Zones of Joint Cooperation in the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf merely ensure that the Bangsamoro people and other indigenous peoples in the adjoining provinces and the resident fishermen in the Bangsamoro shall have preferential rights over the resources from these seas and will benefit from the exploration and utilization of potential energy resources in the vast Sulu Sea.” Under the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which is the enabling law that shall pave the way for the establishment of the new autonomous region, “the Bangsamoro waters shall extend up to 22.224 kilometers (12 nautical miles) from the low-water mark of the coasts that are part of the Bangsamoro territory. The Bangsamoro waters shall be part of the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro political entity.” Beyond the 22.224 kilometers, an area will be designated as the Zones of Joint Cooperation control. These zones do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro but a joint body will be created to ensure the protection of the environment and of traditional fishing grounds, and to enhance the connectivity of the constituent units of the Bangsamoro. There shall be free movement of vessels, goods and people in these areas. Representative Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the HoR Ad Hoc Committee assured the close to a thousand Suluanos, including their local chief executives, who attended the House committee hearing that “the Sulu Sea will never be erased from the map of the Philippines. We [the House of Representatives] will not allow the derogation of the name of the Sulu Sea.” Sulu Representative Tupay Loong, said that no one can change history. “Sulu Sea has been the ancestral waters of the Sulu Sultanate. I will ensure you the rights of the Suluanos over the Sulu Sea are reserved during the deliberation on the BBL in Congress…We will benefit from potential economic activities in these waters,” said Loong. - See more at: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/milf/news/sulu-sea-retain-its-name-upon-creation-bangsamoro#sthash.sixinItF.dpuf

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Benguet trading center to serve as model of value-chain approach to agribusiness dev’t—Alcala

Source: http://www.da.gov.ph

The Benguet Agri-Pinoy Trading Center (BAPTC), which is expected to open first quarter next year, is seen by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as a pilot model of value-chain approach in developing and strengthening the agribusiness sector in the Philippines. The P655-million BAPTC, the biggest agricultural trading center to be constructed in the country, is being prepared to be a center of excellence and model of cooperation among stakeholders to further boost agribusiness. “The center will showcase a holistic approach in stimulating growth in the sector through value-chain analysis—that is, we do not stop at production, but we assist farmers in processing, value-adding and marketing,” DA Secretary Proceso Alcala said. BAPTC will be donated to the Benguet State University (BSU), which allocated a four-hectare lot in its campus where the infrastructure complex stands. The center will be managed by a project steering committee composed of representatives from the municipal and provincial government, DA, BSU and farmers’ organizations. The committee will as well provide the policy directions necessary to ensure good management and achievement of goals of the center. Secretary Alcala, during a meeting on November 20, 2014, highlighted that the center needs good management to efficiently handle both the prospects and challenges of the project to maximize its potential as catalyst of improving the lives of vegetable farmers in the Cordilleras. “This is important as the center will serve as a prototype for replication in other agribusiness hubs in the country. The meeting focused on the fine-tuning of the Memorandum of Agreement on the BAPTC that will be signed by the stakeholders before the opening of the center,” Alcala stressed. Alcala said that the center will be managed professionally. To ensure this, DA has commissioned the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) to craft the center’s operations manual, which DAP should have finalized by March 2015. He added that DA is also scouting for professional managers with skills that suit the demands of managing the BAPTC. As steward of the facility, BSU will assist in capacitating farmers to manage and self-police themselves, and will also offer professional services such as laboratory analyses of products coming out of BAPTC as part of its extension program. In turn, part of BAPTC’s revenues shall be allocated for the upgrading of BSU’s laboratories, among other relevant projects. The facility shall also cater to BSU students for their internships and on-the-job trainings. Alcala said that although BAPTC is not the first-of-its-kind facility in the country as a similar trading center in Sariaya, Quezon had already been established, BAPTC is the only trading center that will be co-operated by various stakeholders, including the academe and farmers’ organizations. “Multi-stakeholder partnerships like this will ensure that we arrive at sound decisions and plans, and we create a culture of cooperation that expedite our services to farmers,” Alcala said. Alcala added that DA will further enhance the project under the Philippine Rural Development Program (PRDP and will help in the re-development of La Trinidad’s old trading post for other agricultural purposes, such as the cutflower business, also a lucrative industry in Benguet. “DA is planning to put up a farmers’ market in Manila where products from the BAPTC and other future Agri-Pinoy trading centers will be delivered and sold at lower prices,” Alcala added. ### (Jan P. Dacumos , DA-AFID)

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Widow endures difficult task of raising a family, cites big help of CCT, livelihood aid

Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph

Widowed for nearly four years, Leonita Panoy, 51, a beneficiary of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from Payatas, Quezon City, was left to raise two children and grandchildren by herself. She confessed, “Hindi naging madali (It was never easy).” “Masasabi ko na bilang isang solo parent ay may mga pagkakataon talagang mahirap at maramingpangangailangan pero ang Pantawid Pamilya ang naging katuwang ko para malampasan ang mga pagsubok na ito at pagandahin at pahalagahan ang pagiging magulang (I can say that being a solo parent is not an easy task. At times, it has been difficult and demanding, but through the help of Pantawid Pamilya, I have weathered the rough times and enhanced my role as a parent),” Leonita shared in her testimonial in front of officials and staff of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Central Office, Batasan Hills, during the Department’s flag raising ceremony this week. Even now that her children have their own respective families, Leonita still helps them especially Annabelle, her 29-year old eldest daughter, who has two children. Annabelle’s children are under her custody, the reason that in 2008, Leonita and her family became beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya. Leonita’s two grandchildren are currently grantees of Pantawid Pamilya. “Sa lahat ng biyaya na natatanggap ng aking pamilya, ang prioridad ko ngayon ay mapagtapos ko rin ang aking mga apo. Nagbibigay ito ng kahulugan at kapayapaan dahil alam ko na handa sila sa kanilang kinabukasan (With all the blessings received by my family, I prioritize my grandchildren’s education. It gives me a deeper sense of fulfillment and peace, knowing that they are prepared for their future),” Leonita continued. Pantawid Pamilya is a human development program of DSWD that invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly of children 0-18 years old. When Leonita’s husband was still alive, the family’s source of income came from her husband’s salary as a utility worker and their small buy-and-sell charcoal business. This though was barely enough to feed and send their grandchildren to school. During lean seasons for their business, Leonita and her late husband tried very hard to look for other sources of income to meet the family’s needs. Things changed for the better when they became Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. They were able to save money to expand their buy and sell business and also send their two grand children to school. Livelihood assistance In 2011, Leonita was overcome with grief upon learning that her husband was killed at work. “Dumating ang oras na umiwas talaga ako sa tao at nagkulong sa bahay dahil sa awa ko sa aking sarili at lungkot. Akala ko wala na akong pag-asa na makabangon (There came a time that I became withdrawn and hopeless),” Leonita sadly admitted. The turning point in her life came when the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the DSWD was introduced in their barangay. She became one of the program partners. SLP’s Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program is a capability building program which aims to enhance the socio-economic skills of poor families through the organization of community-based associations for entrepreneurial development. Leonita immediately formed a group with ten members named “Pagatas” or “Pag-asa ng Payatas”. She was respected by her peers so she was chosen to become the group’s leader. Each of them was given P8,000 capital assistance to start their own business. “Agad ko naisip ang pagtatahi kasi medyo may alam naman ako dito (I immediately thought of sewing as my business because I’m good at it),” recalled Leonita. She then used the capital assistance to buy a sewing machine and materials for her small business venture. After a year, she was able to repay the capital assistance. Today, Leonita’s sewing business is thriving, enabling her to hire sewers in her dress shop. They make uniforms, jogging pants, ready-to-wear (RTW) dresses, and curtains, among other items. Leonita even revived her buy-and-sell charcoal business since she was able to set aside some money. Aside from fulfilling her family’s needs, Leonita also developed her leadership skills. She is actively involved in community activities. “Higit sa materyal na biyaya na tinatamasa namin ngayon, ang aking ipinagmamalaki ay ang aking personal na pag-unlad. Hindi naging hadlang ang pagiging mag-isa ko para mabago ang sitwasyon ng pamilya ko. (More than the material blessings we are receiving now, my personal growth is what I am proud. My being a single parent did not deter me to change our deplorable condition),” Leonita said. She still continues to think of her husband though, and how he would have been so happy about all these things. “Ang palaging sinasabi sa akin ng aking mga anak, na kung buhay lang ang kanilang ama ay sigurado na ipagmamalaki niya ako dahil sila mismo ay ipinagmamalaki ako (My children always tell me that if their father is still alive, he would be proud of me because they themselves are proud of me).”

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Roxas deploys 33 Engineers to aid Bohol recover from Quake

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL - Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas visited Bohol province earlier today to ensure that repairs and reconstructions of local government facilities damaged by the earthquake are on-schedule and on-track. “Nandito kami sa ngalan ng pamahalaang nasyonal para tumulong sa lahat ng kababayan natin na naapektuhan ng lindol. (We are here on behalf of the national government to help our countrymen who were affected by the earthquake),” the secretary said. Roxas brought with him 33 engineers (15 from the DILG and 18 from the Dept. of Public Works and Highways) to help in the rehabilitation efforts. The engineers will be tasked to assist the local government units (LGUs) in the preparation of the program of works (POWs), a requirement for public bidding and implementation of projects of LGUs. On October 15, 2013, more than a thousand government facilities were either totally or partially damaged by a 7.2-magnitude earthquake, severely affecting buildings and infrastructures in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol. The National Government has allotted almost P2.4B through the DILG as part of the Bohol Earthquake Assistance (BEA) fund for Bohol province. Of the amount, more than P351M was allotted for the provincial government; more than P1B for the 1st District; more than P666M for the 2nd District; and more than P334M for the 3rd District. The BEA-DILG Fund was established to provide technical and financial assistance to affected LGUs for the reconstruction of the damaged facilities with due considerations on Build Back Bohol Better (BBBB) designs for disaster-resilient public infrastructures. Also present during the event were Bohol Gov. Edgar Chatto, Quezon City Rep. Kit Belmonte and DILG Regional Director Ananais Villacorta, who accompanied the secretary in his inspection of DILG's Sagana at Ligtas na Tubig Para sa Lahat (Salintubig) project in the Municipality of Albuquerque.

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Business confidence rises in Q4 2014 on expectations of stronger domestic demand

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

Business sentiment improves Businesses’ outlook on the economy turned more upbeat in Q4 2014, with the overall confidence index (CI) rising markedly to 48.3 percent from 34.4 percent in Q3 2014. This quarter-on-quarter uptick in the CI—the highest since Q1 2010—indicates that more businesses are optimistic about the country’s economic prospects in Q4 2014 compared to that of the previous quarter. The confidence index is computed as the percentage of firms that answered in the affirmative less the percentage of firms that answered in the negative with respect to their views on a given indicator. Respondents cited the following factors for their more optimistic outlook: (a) expected increase in consumer demand during the Christmas and main palay harvest seasons; (b) sustained increase in orders and projects leading to higher volume of production; (c) expansion of businesses and new product lines; and (d) introduction of new and enhanced business strategies and processes. Their more positive outlook was further driven by expectations of an acceleration in the roll-out of infrastructure and other development projects under the public-private partnership (PPP) program and the favorable macroeconomic conditions in the country, particularly stable inflation and low interest rates, sustained foreign investment inflows and the steady stream of overseas Filipinos’ (OFs) remittances. The sentiment of businesses in the Philippines mirrored the more favorable outlook in Canada, New Zealand and Hong Kong SAR, but was in contrast to the weaker outlook of businesses in the US, UK, Germany, China, Singapore and India. For the next quarter (Q1 2015), business outlook turned less optimistic, with the CI at 43.1 percent. The next quarter CI suggests that the optimists continued to outnumber the pessimists but the number of respondents with favorable views declined relative to the previous quarter’s survey results. Respondents attributed their less sanguine outlook for Q1 2015 to the typical downturn in demand after the holiday season. Other reasons cited by firms were concerns over the backlog in deliveries caused by the port congestion problem and a looming power crisis as well as uncertainties in the global economy, particularly emanating from Europe and Japan. Optimism of international trading firms rises The outlook of international trading firms was more upbeat in Q4 2014. Importers showed the biggest improvement in sentiment, with expectations of strong domestic demand. Importers also indicated that their improved outlook was due to continuous business expansion, new product launches and system upgrades. Dual-activity firms were likewise bullish as they anticipated an increase in volume of orders, continuing projects, more infrastructure development (i.e., power generation), declining oil prices and gains from their participation in international trade fairs and outbound and inbound trade missions. Exporters were more optimistic, as they cited abundant raw materials, increase in orders during the holiday season, transfer of production operations to the Philippines (i.e., from China and Thailand) and expectations of more projects to be awarded (for power generation) as reasons for their outlook. For the next quarter (Q1 2015), the outlook of dual-activity firms was more buoyant. Meanwhile, importers and exporters’ outlook turned less sanguine. Business confidence across sectors is more favorable Confidence readings in Q4 2014 were higher across all sectors, indicating broad-based improvement in economic activities. The wholesale and retail trade sector was the most bullish in the current quarter, driven by expectations of generally more robust domestic demand during the Christmas season. The services sector likewise was more upbeat during the quarter. Among its sub-sectors, financial intermediation posted the highest confidence index, with respondents attributing their optimism to the opening of new bank branches due to the BSP’s recent liberalization of branching regulations, increase in demand for credit by consumers and higher remittances from overseas Filipinos during the holiday season. The sentiment of the hotels and restaurants sub-group was the most improved as firms anticipated brisker business in the last quarter of the year (known as the “convention season”). Construction firms’ outlook edged higher relative to that a quarter ago as respondent firms expected the acceleration of construction activities (both public and private) in the last quarter of the year. Industry firms’ outlook turned more upbeat across sub-sectors, citing the ongoing infrastructure projects/programs and continuation of existing projects/order bookings as reasons for their optimism. The outlook on volume of business activity and total orders is bullish The overall sentiment of firms on their own operations was favorable in the current quarter (Q4 2014) as indicated by the more positive outlook on the volume of business activity and total orders. Likewise, the outlook on volume of total orders was also more robust across sectors, except for the construction sector which remained steady. Looking ahead to Q1 2015, the outlook on the volume of business activity turned less upbeat relative to a quarter ago. The number of firms with expansion plans decreases and capacity utilization remains steady Investment intentions in the industry sector declined, with 32 percent of firms indicating expansion plans compared to 34.2 percent in the previous quarter. Among sub-sectors, only mining and quarrying recorded stronger expansion plans. Meanwhile, the average capacity utilization for the current quarter remained steady at 76.9 percent from 76.5 percent registered a quarter ago. Firms expect less tight financial conditions and easy access to credit Firms that expected tighter financial conditions continued to outnumber those that said otherwise. Businesses were also of the view that their financing requirements could be met through available credit as more respondents continued to report easy access to credit compared to those that said otherwise. Inflation is expected to be within the 3-5 percent target range Respondents who expected inflation to go up continued to outnumber those that held the opposite view in the current and next quarters, but the number that said so declined relative to the previous quarter. Businesses expected that the rate of increase in commodity prices is likely to remain well-anchored at 4.3 percent in both Q4 2014 and Q1 2015. This was, however, slightly higher than 4.2 percent in the previous quarter’s survey results. Nonetheless, these continue to be within the 3 to 5 percent target range in 2014. Meanwhile, more respondents expected the peso to appreciate in Q4 2014 and Q1 2015. Interest rates were also expected to increase in the current and next quarters. About the Survey The Q4 2014 BES was conducted during the period 1 October – 13 November 2014. There were 1,518 firms surveyed nationwide. Respondents were drawn from the combined list of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Top 7,000 Corporations in 2010 and Business World’s Top 1000 Corporations in 2012, consisting of 604 companies in NCR and 914 firms in AONCR, covering all 17 regions nationwide. The survey response rate for this quarter was slightly lower at 84.1 percent (from 84.3 percent in the previous quarter). The response rate was slightly lower for both NCR and AONCR at 80.8 percent and 86.2 percent, respectively (from 80.9 percent and 86.6 percent, respectively, in the previous quarter).

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Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas empowers MSMEs in Marikina

Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

On the 24th of November 2014, the City Government of Marikina and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), together with the partner institutions and participating cooperatives, will formally launch the Marikina City Credit Surety Fund (CSF) at the BSP Assembly Hall, BSP Complex, A. Mabini corner P. Ocampo Streets, Malate, Manila. The CSF Program is an advocacy of the BSP and is essentially a public-private partnership which links the key players of the economy for the purpose of empowering the MSME sector. Marikina City CSF is a trust fund generated from cash contributions of participating cooperatives, the Marikina City government and partner institutions such as the Industrial Guarantee and Loan Fund, Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines. It aims to help cooperatives and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) gain access to credit from banks. The Fund will be used to secure the loans of MSMEs obtained from the banks in lieu of the required hard collaterals. Through the CSF, entrepreneurs in Marikina City who want to expand their business operations with viable business plans can now avail of loans from banks even without collaterals. The event will be highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement among stakeholders of the Marikina City CSF headed by BSP Monetary Board Member Alfredo C. Antonio, Marikina City Mayor Del R. De Guzman and representatives from cooperatives and partner institutions. With the CSF’s capability training component, the internal capacity of participating cooperatives and their MSME-members in the areas of credit, finance and risk management will be enhanced to develop their credit consciousness and managerial skills. The BSP allows the rediscounting of loans granted under the CSF program to encourage banks to lend more to the MSME sector.

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PSA Press Conference on the 2014 Third Quarter Performance of the Philippine Economy

Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph

EVENT: PSA Press Conference on the 2014 Third Quarter Performance of the Philippine Economy SPEAKERS: Hon. Arsenio M. Balisacan, NEDA Director General Hon. Lisa Grace S. Bersales, PSA National Statistician DATE: November 27, 2014 (Thursday) at 10:00 a.m. VENUE: PSA-NSCB Operations Room, 5th Floor Midland Buendia, Bldg., 403 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announces the holding of a Press Conference on the 2014 Third Quarter Performance of the Philippine Economy on November 27, 2014 (Thursday) at 10:00 a.m. at the PSA-Makati Operations Room, 5th Floor Midland Buendia, Bldg., 403 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City. National Economic and Development Authority Director General Arsenio M. Balisacan and PSA National Statistician Lisa Grace S. Bersales will be the resource persons for the event. The press conference will be streamed live on the Internet through the USTREAM channel http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nscb. Highlights of the press conference will be tweeted live all throughout the duration of the press conference through the Twitter account @NSCBPhilippines. The hashtag to be used is #PHGDP.

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DPWH-NCR November 21-24 road repair schedule

Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will undertake reblocking and road repair effective 10 PM of November 21, Friday to 5 AM of November 24, Monday on the following roads in Quezon City: 1.Along Fairview Avenue from Camaro St. to Peacock St. (3nd lane, South bound); 2.Along Mindanao Avenue from St. Charbel St. to Tandang Sora Ave. (2nd lane, South bound) and Road 8 to North Ave. (3rd lane, South bound); 3.Along Commonwealth Avenue from Bicol-Leyte St. to Pedestrian Overpass of Batasan Rd. Litex to Residential Vulcanizing (2nd lane, South bound); 4.Along Araneta Avenue from Quezon Ave. to Maria Clara St. (3rd lane, North bound); 5.Along C.P. Garcia Avenue from University Ave. to Maginhawa St. (3rd lane, North bound); 6.Along Quirino Highway from Camachile St. to Teacher’s Bliss(1st lane, North bound); 7.Along Batasan Road from Civil Service Commission to Filinvest II (2nd lane, East bound); 8.Along Congressional Avenue from Sinagtala St. to Mindanao Ave. (2nd lane, East bound); and 9.Along Congressional Avenue Extension from Salinghali St. to Luzon Ave. (2nd lane, East bound).

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PCSC hosts ASEAN conference on civil service examination

Source: http://web.csc.gov.ph

Representatives of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) civil service bodies will gather for a five-day capacity-building event to learn and share lessons on effective examination and testing processes in the civil service. To be held on November 24 to 28 at Astoria Plaza, Pasig City, the Conference-Workshop on Examination and Testing aims to provide a venue for information exchange and assist ASEAN Member States establish or enhance their recruitment/selection and promotion system based on effective examination and testing. The event is hosted by the Philippine Civil Service Commission (PCSC) through its Examination, Recruitment and Placement Office. It is in line with the action plan of the ASEAN Conference on Civil Service Matters (ACCSM), a sectoral committee under ASEAN, to strengthen the capacity of Member States and learn from each other’s best practices. In the same event, the PCSC will train delegates of CLMV countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Vietnam) in test development, test administration, and competency-based recruitment and selection. PCSC Chairman Francisco Duque III said, “We are honored to host this learning activity for our ASEAN counterparts. This will be instrumental in the alignment and improvement of examination and testing standards within the region. The PCSC is also grateful for this opportunity to share the Philippines’ expertise in administering competitive examinations.” As an expert in the subject matter, the PCSC has been named the ASEAN Resource Center on Examination and Testing and, as such, has taken the lead in providing trainings and promoting information exchange in the field of recruitment/selection, promotion, and examination processes within the ASEAN region since 1995. The PCSC is the constitutional body mandated to uphold the principle of merit and fitness in appointments in the Philippine civil service. It regularly conducts examinations, of which passers are conferred career service eligibility which is a minimum requirement for permanent appointment in the civil service.

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Cops get early year end bonus

Source: http://pnp.gov.ph

Consistent with the earlier announcement by Malacañang on the release this week of yearend bonuses for government workers, the Philippine National Police has released P1.8-billion for the year-end bonus of its 150,000 active duty personnel. The PNP Directorate for Comptrollership released Php1,837,449,867.23 through the PNP Finance Service and subsequently credited to the individual ATM payroll accounts of active-duty PNP uniformed and non-uniformed personnel. According to Chief Supt. Felixberto Lagiwid, Director of the PNP Finance Service, PNP members who are not yet enrolled in the ATM payroll system will receive checks thru the Regional Finance Service Offices (RFSO). Lagiwid explained, the year-end bonus represents 50 percent of the 13th month pay and other cash benefits mandated by law for all government workers. The first tranche of the 13th month pay for this year was released by the PNP in May 2014. PNP Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wilben M Mayor said, as an administrative policy, release of the 13th month pay to PNP personnel with pending administrative and criminal cases is deferred. (PNP-PIO)

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Philippines signs MOU on establishing Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank in China

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

21 November 2014 - Department of Finance (DOF) Undersecretary Gil S. Beltran represented the Philippines during the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) among Prospective Founding Members, held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 24. Other prospective founding members include Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. The AIIB, an initiative of China which was announced on separate occasions by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang in October 2013, is envisioned to be an inter-governmental regional development financial institution which aims to support infrastructure and regional economic development. The prospective founding members will work towards concluding the Articles of Agreement (AoA) and, thereafter, the development bank’s start of operations in 2015.

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Jewish rescue in the Philippines explored in New York Film

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph

21 November 2014 - The Filipino and Jewish communities alike were treated to an enlightening history class on their shared past during a film-viewing-lecture entitled “An Open Door: Jewish Rescue in the Philippines” November 17 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center in New York. Organized by the Philippine Consulate General, in cooperation with the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the Filipino American National Historical Societies (FANHS) of New York and of New Jersey, the event featured a 35-minute preview of the film “An Open Door,” which is directed by Noel Izon and documents the story of Jewish rescue in the Philippines during the Holocaust, when President Manuel Quezon and US High Commissioner to the Philippines Paul McNutt devised a plan to bring 1,305 Jews from Nazi Germany to safety in the Philippines. Personal testimonials of four Jewish survivors, original footage, photos and article clippings brought to life some of the untold stories of the Philippines’ heroic act and of the subplots during the Holocaust and World War II. Filipino-American professor, author and historian Sharon Delmendo, whose research work on this piece of history inspired the film, gave a talk on her findings and her ongoing study. She shared her strong belief that this story must be shared and brought to the attention of the international community so that the world may know about the role of the Philippines during the Jewish rescue. She entertained questions from the audience – such as how the escape was carried out, other characters that could have conspired with President Quezon and High Commissioner McNutt, and profiles of the survivors. Professor Delmendo told the audience that more information will be discovered and will be revealed once her research is completed and the full-length film is finished. Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon expressed his gratitude for the work of Professor Delmendo and acknowledged the support of the Jewish community in cultivating the people-to-people relations between Filipinos and Jews that are firmly founded on their shared history and values. The evening ended with representatives from the AJC, FANHS NY and NJ giving their insights on Filipino-Jewish history.

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BI arrests Austrian fugitive

Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph

Bureau of Immigration (BI) intelligence agents apprehended yesterday an Austrian fugitive wanted for internet fraud. Austrian national Wolfl Andreas was arrested with the assistance of agents of the Philippine National Police and Austrian police agents in an operation conducted at Subic, Zambales after months of information gathering and investigation. "Mr. Wolfl was issued a summary deportation order in January this year based on his involvement in internet fraud", said BI spokesperson Elaine Tan. Wolfl has an outstanding European warrant of arrest issued by the regional court of Vienna, Austria for fraud and receiving of stolen property. "We are coordinating with the Austrian government to facilitate a smooth implementation of the deportation order", said Tan.(30)

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BI nabs 11 illegal Chinese workers

Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph

MANILA, Philippines – Bureau of Immigration (BI) operatives apprehended a group of foreign nationals who were caught in flagrante working in a metal fabrication company without the necessary permits. Armed with a Mission Order dated November 18, 2014, BI Intelligence Division chief Atty. Jose Carlitos Licas on the same date led an operation at the Greenmiles former SLA Compound, Barangay Sta. Rosa 1, Marilao, Bulacan where they found 11 Chinese nationals in the act of supervising and assisting in the operation of metal moulding and metal fabricating without the necessary visas for engaging in the said acts. The BI agents immediately effected a warrantless arrest on the foreign workers who were identified as Wang Zhiming, Chen Zhongji, Sze Chun Ni, Sze Mang Hung, Liu Song, Zheng Kang Yan, Wang Fanjiang, Guo Guosen, Li Chunjia, Wu Hongshun and Chen Jian Shi. The rounded up foreign nationals were brought to the BI Main Office for further verification, booking and proper disposition.

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MMDA extends Pasig River Ferry operating hours starting December 1

Source: http://www.mmda.gov.ph/

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today announced the extended operating hours of the Pasig River ferry system starting December 1 to accommodate more passengers, particularly shoppers going to Divisoria and Escolta in Manila. According to MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, the Pasig River ferry will operate from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. or an additional one hour from the previous schedule. "We are doing this in anticipation of the Christmas rush. I am optimistic this will help ease traffic jams, specifically in areas where shopping malls and bazaars are located," Tolentino said. In addition, the operating hours of the ferry system will be further extended starting December 16, the start of the traditional Simbang Gabi, to service passengers who will attend masses at the Sta. Ana and Sta. Cruz churches in Manila. "The ferries will start its operations as early as 4 a.m by December 16 to offer traffic-less transportation to churchgoers," Tolentino said. Currently, the Pasig River ferry system has nine boats which can accommodate a maximum of 30 passengers each. Fare ranges from P30 to P50 depending on the distance travelled. The ferry service, which was revived last April, has six stations from Pinagbuhatan in Pasig City to Intramuros in Manila.

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PDIC to pay depositors of the closed Synergy Rural Bank, Inc. starting November 25

Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph

The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) will service the deposit insurance claims of depositors of the closed Synergy Rural Bank, Inc. on November 25 to 26, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m at the bank's premises located at No. 5 Kap. Simeon Luz St., Brgy. 4, Lipa City, Batangas. Depositors with valid deposit balances of P50,000 and below, with complete mailing address found in the bank records or updated through the Mailing Address Update Form, and without any outstanding obligation with the bank do not need to file claims. Depositors whose accounts have balances of more than P50,000, and those with outstanding obligations with the closed Synergy Rural Bank, Inc. or with incomplete mailing address, or those who maintain the account under the name of business entities, regardless of type of account and account balance, are required to file their deposit insurance claims. The announcement on the claims settlement operations of Synergy Rural Bank, Inc. is posted at its office and in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. When filing deposit insurance claims, depositors are advised to personally present their duly accomplished Claim Form, original copy of evidence of deposit such as Savings Passbook and Certificate of Time Deposit, and two (2) valid photo-bearing IDs with signature of the depositor. Depositors may also file their claims through mail and enclose the same set of documentary requirements. Depositors who are below 18 years old should submit either a photocopy of their Birth Certificate issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or a duly certified copy issued by the Local Civil Registrar as an additional requirement, with the Claim Form signed by the parent and the other requirements. Claimants who are not the signatories in the bank records are required to submit an original copy of a notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA). In the case of a minor depositor, the SPA must be executed by the parent. The procedures and requirements for filing of deposit insurance claims are posted in the PDIC website, www.pdic.gov.ph. The Claim Form and format of the Special Power of Attorney may also be downloaded from the PDIC website. Depositors who are not able to file their claims during the claims settlement operations period may submit their claims either through mail to PDIC or personally at the PDIC Office, 4th Floor, SSS Bldg., 6782 Ayala Avenue corner V.A. Rufino Street, Makati City starting on December 8, 2014. In accordance with the provisions of the PDIC Charter, the last day for filing deposit insurance claims in the closed Synergy Rural Bank, Inc. is on November 7, 2016. After this date, PDIC as Deposit Insurer, shall no longer accept any deposit insurance claim. The PDIC said that all valid claims will be paid. For deposits to be considered valid, it must be recorded in the bank's records and must have evidence of inflow of funds, based on the results of PDIC examination. PDIC, as Receiver, has the authority to adjust the interest rate on unpaid interests on deposits of a bank if such rate is deemed unreasonable. For more information, depositors may contact the Public Assistance Department at telephone numbers (02) 841-4630 to 31, or e-mail at pad@pdic.gov.ph. Depositors outside Metro Manila may call the PDIC Toll Free Hotline at 1-800-1-888-PDIC (7342).

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First ASEAN PPP Networking Forum set in Manila

Source: http://ppp.gov.ph

The Philippines will be hosting the first ASEAN Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Networking Forum in Manila this December 2014. The forum will bring together members of the ASEAN Connectivity Coordinating Committee (ACCC), national coordinators, PPP focal points and officials responsible for infrastructure projects from the ten ASEAN Member States (AMS). Organized by the Permanent Mission of the Philippines to ASEAN led by Her Excellency Elizabeth P. Buensuceso, with support from ACCC, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) Division and the PPP Center of the Philippines. The forum, sponsored by Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) and ASEAN Regional Integration Support from the EU (EU ARISE), will be held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel from December 16-17. The forum aims to be a venue for sharing experiences on PPP of every member countries. It will tackle challenges, opportunities, and innovative PPP practices as well as insights from the private sector. It will also facilitate dialogue about a proposal for an ASEAN Guidelines/Principles on PPP that expects to harmonize policy, institutional, and regulatory frameworks of AMS with the view to further enhance the economic integration and global competitiveness of the region. This also aims to establish a network of PPP units or similar institutions that will be a venue for regular interaction of member countries. Representatives from the private sector, financing institutions, and development partners will also be in attendance which is an opportunity for ASEAN countries to pitch in their pipeline of projects and development support requirements. Earlier this month, President Benigno Aquino III made the announcement of the country’s hosting of the said forum to fellow ASEAN leaders and top business officials during the ASEAN Business Advisory Council (ABAC) dialogue, which was part of the recently-concluded 25th ASEAN Summit in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. “The forum will take stock of the outcomes of recent PPP initiatives in ASEAN and will serve as an avenue for exploring the future direction of PPP efforts in the ASEAN region,” President Aquino said during his intervention at the ABAC dialogue. “In this way, with both the public and private sectors working together, we will sooner realize our vision of an inclusive, interconnected, and progressive region, one that serves as a wellspring of opportunity for all our peoples,” he added.

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Last Updated: 22 NOVEMBER 2014
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			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 60th anniversary celebration of Araneta Center at the Gateway Tower in Cubao, Quezon City Friday (November 21). Also in photo is Jorge Araneta. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III with Araneta Center partners during the 60th anniversary celebration Friday (November 21) held at the Gateway Tower in Cubao, Quezon City. With the president are Manny Pangilinan, Andrew Tan of Mega World, Teresita Sy-Coson of SM, Jorge Araneta , Alfredo Ramos of National Bookstore and Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco and daughter Zenaida Tantoco of Rustans. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III congralates the Araneta's during the 6oth anniversary celebration of Araneta Center at the Gateway Tower building in Cubao , Quezon City Friday, November 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea /Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 60th anniversary celebration of Araneta Center at the Gateway Tower in Cubao, Quezon City Friday (November 21). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III after unveiling of Gateway Tower marker and the Bencab Triptych, with (from left) DILG Sec. Mar Roxas, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, National Artist Ben Cabrera, Judy Araneta Roxas, Jorge Araneta and wife Stella, Baby Araneta, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Congressman Sonny Belmonte, during the 60th anniversary celebration of Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City Friday (November 21). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III during a visit to Jollibee Singapore at the Lucky Plaza Mall on Wednesday afternoon (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III orders his food during a visit to Jollibee Singapore at the Lucky Plaza Mall on Wednesday afternoon (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanging pleasantries with Temasek chairman Lim Boon Heng during a business meeting at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) as part of his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Temasek chairman Lim Boon Heng in business meeting at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III with Singapore Airlines Engineering Company president and chief executive officer William Tan Seng Koon in meeting at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. Also in photo is Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Singapore Airlines Engineering Company president and chief executive officer William Tan Seng Koon at the State Room, Valley Wing of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. With the President are Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the open discussions at the roundtable meeting with business executives at the Hibiscus of the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore on Wednesday (November 19) during his official visit to Singapore. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III in an interview with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). The President had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior executives from business, government and academia who attended the prestigious event. "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner series is an annual event in which The Economist Magazine invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Lauro Montellano,  Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III in an interview with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). The President had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior executives from business, government and academia who attended the prestigious event. "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner series is an annual event in which The Economist Magazine invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III in an interview with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). The President had the opportunity to share his thoughts on the Philippines’ future trajectory with senior executives from business, government and academia who attended the prestigious event. "The World in 2015" Gala Dinner series is an annual event in which The Economist Magazine invited luminaries share their predictions for the year ahead. (Photo by Lauro Montellani Jr / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III shake hands with The Economist Executive Editor Daniel Franklin during "The World in 2015" gala dinner at the Four Seasons Hotel on Tuesday (November 18). This is the first time that a Philippine president will keynote the said event since its inception in 2009. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces luncheon hosted by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam at the Yusof Room of the Istana main building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam during the luncheon at the East Drawing Room of the Istana main building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the visitors book at the President’s Lounge of the Istana main building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a courtesy call at the West Drawing Room of the Istana main building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Singapore President Tony Tan Keng Yam, during the luncheon at the East Drawing Room of the Istana Main Building during his working visit on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III signs the Visitors Book at the President’s Lounge of the Istana Main Building during working visit to the Republic of Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). Singapore is the Philippines’ 4th largest trade partner in 2013, the 4th largest export market as of January 2014, and has become the 7th largest source of visitors, with a total of 148,215 Singaporean tourists arriving in the country in 2012. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges views with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during a courtesy call at the West Drawing Room of the Istana Main Building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(SINGAPORE) President Benigno S. Aquino III greets Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the courtesy call at the West Drawing Room of the Istana Main Building for his working visit to Singapore on Tuesday (November 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., reviews the honor guards during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II on Tuesday (November 18) for his 2-day working visit to Singapore. The President is a keynote speaker during "The World in 2015 Gala Dinner" by The Economist. Aside from a series of corporate business group meetings, he is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with top business executives from the Singapore Business Federation and foreign chambers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Tuesday (November 18) for his 2-day working visit to Singapore. The President is a keynote speaker in "The World in 2015 Gala Dinner" by The Economist. Aside from a series of corporate business group meetings, he is also scheduled to participate in a roundtable discussion with top business executives from the Singapore Business Federation and foreign chambers. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Robert Viñas / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shakes hands with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, during the joint press statement at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for his official visit to the the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III listens as Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey delivers his remarks during the joint press statement at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the latter's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, witness the signing air services agreement at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace during the latter's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace during the latter's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu signs the Palace guest book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Mnister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, lead the ceremonial toasts during the luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the Prime Minister's official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the luncheon at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace for the official visit to the Philippines of Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, on Monday (November 17, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III exchanges pleasantries with Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey at the Music Room, Malacañan Palace during his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, of Turkey, enjoy the cultural presentation during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Also in photo are Madame Sare Davutoglu and Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Exequiel Supera / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III introduces to Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu of Turkey, members of his official family during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his official visit to the Philippines on Monday (November 17). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, honor the colors during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for the Prime Minister's official visit the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Turkey was established with a Treaty of Friendship in June 1949. Friendly and problem-free relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Economic relations have gained momentum in recent years despite the geographical distance. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu upon arrival during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his official visit to the Philippines on Monday(November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly and problem-free relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, signs the Palace Guest Book at the Reception Hall of the Malacañan Palace during his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III receives His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace during his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, to the Malacanang Palace after the welcome ceremony at the Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. Also in photo is Presidential sister Maria Elena “Ballsy” Aquino-Cruz. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III guides His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, to the Malacanang Palace after the welcome ceremony at the Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III and His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, review the honor guards during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes His Excellency Ahmet Davutoglu, Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey, upon arrival during the welcome ceremony at the Malacañan Palace Grounds for his Official Visit to the Republic of the Philippines on Monday (November 17). Diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Philippines have been established with the Treaty of Friendship signed on 13 June 1949. Friendly relations between Turkey and the Philippines constitute a solid basis for the development of bilateral relations. Currently, approximately 5,000 Philippine citizens are living in Turkey and there are approximately 200 Turkish citizens living in the Philippines. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Gil Nartea / by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and views the exhibit on the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). Also in photo is Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and views the exhibit on the 75th Founding Anniversary Celebration of the Department of National Defense at the AFP Theater in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Monday (November 17). With the theme, "75 Taong Sandigan ng Mamamayan, Tapat na Naglilingkod sa Bayan,” the DND celebration highlights its commitment to honor the past, secure the present and plan for the future. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
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