| DPWH further streamlines
eligibility processing of bidders |
| Source:
http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
|
Procurement process at the Department of Public Works and
Highways has further simplified with prospective bidders or
contractors no longer compelled to submit at least three (3)
requirements during the Opening of Bids for eligibility
processing.
Secretary Rogelio L. Singson has directed the Bids and Awards
Committee (BAC) in all DPWH Regional and District Engineering
Offices to stop requiring contractors to submit original
Contractor Registration Certificate (CRC), Contractor’s
Information (CI), and Class “A” documents enumerated in Section
23.1 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 9184
(Government Procurement Reform Act) as part of the technical
envelope.
Singson said that this development was a result of the updates
in the DPWH Civil Works Registry (CWR).
The CWR provides a computerized database of contractors being
used for objective, standardized, transparent and efficient
processing of interested contractors for DPWH civil works
contracts during the eligibility process conforming to existing
laws and regulations.
This database is being used to register contractors and
determine their eligibility to bid for a project they intend to
participate in.
In the updated CWR, the DPWH BAC can now view the Contractor’s
authorized Liaison Officer through the CWR’s Contact Person
Verification function. This will prevent unauthorized submission
of bids by some unscrupulous individuals posing as Contractor’s
representatives or Liaison Officers.
An updated version of the CWR v3.5.2 has also been deployed in
DPWH Regional and District Engineering Offices, allowing them to
print the CI of prospective bidders after eligibility, for
evaluation purposes. These prospective bidders need not to
submit hard copies of CRC and CI thus preventing the submission
of spurious or fake CRC and CI.
Additionally, a new version of CWR will also be deployed wherein
Contractors will be able to view their information online.
DPWH projects for bidding are posted in the DPWH and PhilGeps
website wherein prospective bidders can download bidding
documents and pay at any DPWH offices nationwide. |
|
|
|
| BBL remains top priority of Aquino
administration |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
Manila – In his last State of the Nation Address (SONA),
President Benigno S. Aquino III trumpeted the Bangsamoro peace
process as one of the successes and legacies of his
administration and renewed his call on Congress to pass into law
the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“May mga batas na nais kong ilapit upang maipasa sa loob ng
kasalukuyang Kongreso. Pangunahin dito: ang Bangsamoro Basic Law
(There are legislative measures which I want to put forward to
the current Congress. Foremost of these is the Bangsamoro Basic
Law),” said Aquino.
The BBL, which was based on the Comprehensive Agreement on the
Bangsamoro (CAB) -- the peace settlement signed by the
Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) -- aims to establish a parliamentary political system
that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao (ARMM).
He challenged critics of the BBL to offer an alternative that
could be passed into a law. Otherwise, the President added, the
critics only mean to preserve the current status in Mindanao
where armed conflict plagues its citizens’ lives and its
economy.
“Ilang buhay pa ang kailangang ibuwis para magising ang lahat sa
obligasyong baguhin ang sirang status quo sa Muslim Mindanao
(How many lives have to be offered for everyone to see the
obligation to change the broken status quo in Muslim Mindanao)?”
asked Aquino during his speech.
Aquino has been pushing for the Bangsamoro peace process since
he assumed office in 2010. It would be remembered that one of
his first steps into forging the CAB was a meeting between him
and MILF chair Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim in 2011.
The President also lauded OPAPP Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles
and GPH Peace Panel Chair Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and
thanked them for their efforts in working toward a peaceful
country.
For her part, Deles noted: "Mula sa simula ng administrasyong
ito, talagang pursigido ang ating Pangulo sa pagkamit ng
kapayapaan at seguridad para sa Mindanao at sa buong bansa. Kaya
patuloy tayong nagpapasalamat sa suporta ng taumbayan sa
adhikaing ito. At nagpapasalamat din ho tayo sa suporta ng
liderato ng Kamara at Senado. (Since the start of this
administration, the President has been resolute in his quest for
peace and security for Mindanao and the entire country. That is
why we continue to thank the Filipino public for their support
in this endeavor. We also thank the leaderships of the House of
Representatives and the Senate for their support.)
"Sana'y tuluyan na ngang maipasa ang BBL para tuluyan na nating
makamit ang kapayapaan na matagal nang hinahangad ng ating mga
kababayan sa Bangsamoro (I hope the BBL will be passed soon so
that we can achieve the peace that our people in the Bangsamoro
have been hoping for)," she added.
BBL to determine 2016
In a televised interview prior to the President's SONA,
government chief peace negotiator Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer
discussed the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in connection to the
legacy of President Benigno S. Aquino III, adding that the peace
process could spell the difference between winning and losing
for 2016 hopefuls.
“Mga tatlong milyon ‘yan (sa Bangsamoro) na inaasahan natin na
voting population. May ganyang bilang tayo na mga tao na
sumusuporta dito. At make or break yan kung sino man tatakbo sa
Senado, sino man tatakbo sa Presidential election kung ganyang
klase na pagsuporta na makukuha sa mga tao na sumusuporta dito
sa pagtatayo ng Bangsamoro Basic Law (We have at least 3 million
people (in the Bangsamoro) who are eligible to vote. We have
that kind of support. That could make or break whoever is
running for Senate, whoever is running for the Presidential
election if that kind of support can be secured from the people
who are supportive of the Bangsamoro Basic Law),” explained
Ferrer.
Four years into Aquino’s presidency, the GPH and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed the Comprehensive
Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the historic negotiated peace
settlement that aims to respond to the legitimate historic
socio-political grievances of the Bangsamoro people by
establishing a parliamentary government that will replace the
current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
The Bangsamoro political entity, furthermore, introduces
significant structural and operational changes to the ARMM that
will provide the regional government with more fiscal and
political autonomy. “Malaking bagay iyan para sa pangmatagalang
kapayapaan at kaunlaran dito sa bahagi ng Mindanao. Sana makita
iyan ng lahat ng tatakbo sa Presidente. Ayaw naman siguro nila
na pagdating ng 2016 ay mamana nila ang problema. Mas maganda
kung mamana na nila yung solusyon (That is a big deal to achieve
lasting peace and development in that part of Mindanao. I hope
that is clear to all aspiring would-be presidents. I think they
don’t want, come 2016, to inherit problems. It would be better
if they would inherit solutions).”
Improvements from past agreements
Ferrer pointed out that the various provisions in the BBL
reflected President Aquino’s instruction to the panel since the
start of negotiations to “learn from the lessons of the past”.
“[A]ng talagang gusto nating mangyari dito ay magkaroon ng tunay
na empowerment yung mga tao through parliamentary system na
magtutulak sa kanila na magtayo ng political parties nila na
lalahok sa regional elections dito sa Bangsamoro (What we really
want to happen here is for people to have genuine empowerment
through the parliamentary system that will compel them to
establish political parties that will compete during the
regional elections in the Bangsamoro).
“Hindi yan magiging batayan ng patronage na nanggagaling,
halimbawa, sa national government papunta sa regional
government; kung hindi isang free and fair election na maaaring
makalahok lahat: MILF ka, MNLF(Moro National Liberation Front)
ka. Hindi dahil ikaw ang pinapaboran ng kung sino mang
Presidente, ikaw na ang maluluklok diyan. (That will no longer
be the source of patronage, for instance, from the national
government to the regional government; but a free and fair
election wherein everyone can participate: regardless if you are
MILF or MNLF. And not because you are being favored by whoever
is the President, you will be automatically elected),” added
Ferrer. |
|
|
|
| Afghanistan learns from PH
experience in peace talks |
| Source:
http://www.opapp.gov.ph |
|
MANILA – The Philippines will provide technical assistance to
Afghanistan in its own peace talks with its local Islamic rebel
group Taliban by sharing lessons of its own peace process,
primarily in its successful peace talks with the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF).
A delegation from Afghanistan is currently on a three-day visit
to the Philippines to learn from the country’s peace process,
especially in terms of promoting women empowerment in peace
talks.
The delegation is composed of 16 out of 70 members of the
Afghanistan High Peace Council (HPC), which was created last
June 2010 and is composed of government officials, former
Jihadist leaders, peace activists, and women. The HPC aims to
accelerate the process of peace reconciliation and reintegration
of elements of the Taliban and other armed military groups in
Afghanistan.
“I am very happy that the Afghanistan peace council’s delegates
are coming here to learn from the Philippine experience about
the peace process,” HPC Secretary and head of delegation Shaila
Samimi said.
“We need to learn how women’s roles have been defined and
recognized within the peace process in the Philippines,” she
related, adding that the meeting with Philippine officials will
provide a good opportunity for ”experience-sharing and exchange
of information.”
The delegation was received and briefed on the Philippine peace
process by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita
Quintos Deles, OPAPP Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Gettie
Sandoval, government peace panel chair Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer,
and government peace panel member and former Agriculture
Secretary Senen Bacani. During the meeting, the delegation
indicated interest in OPAPP’s experience in effective advocacy
techniques aimed at promoting gender equality and women
empowerment in the peace process, and in responding to
gender-related issues and problems within peace negotiations.
Last May 2015, the HPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
with UN WOMEN to enhance capacity building and women’s
participation in the peace process, emphasizing that the role
women play is significant in achieving a just and lasting peace.
Part of the MoU’s activities include cross-learning experiences
with countries that have a history of successful peace and
reconciliation process with a gender perspective such as
Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines.
Samimi thanked the peace officials for discussing the
Philippines’ experience in peace talks, saying “it was a very
constructive session, very important, and we learned a lot, so
it was a very happy session.”
“It was very useful for us,” she added.
Dr. Socorro Reyes of the Center for Legislative Development,
which coordinated the visit of the Afghan delegation, also
highlighted the importance of the meeting with OPAPP officials
in helping Afghanistan’s own peace initiatives.
“It was very enriching… [we] covered a lot of topics that [the
HPC] has always been trying to get answers on and would help
them in their own peace negotiations in Afghanistan,” Reyes
said.
Deles for her part emphasized that the Bangsamoro peace process
has gained much by learning from the experiences of other
countries, and said that the Philippines is ready to give back
and share its own experience with other countries working on
their own peace talks.
“Our own peace process gained a lot from exchanges with other
countries and support from other countries so we are happy to
share what we can and continue to learn from your experiences as
well,” she said.
Women leading PH peace talks
The Bangsamoro peace process has received national and global
acclaim for its gender-inclusive thrust. Just this month the New
York-based International Peace Institute (IPI) recognized both
Deles and Ferrer as ideal women peacemakers, saying that “based
on their (Deles and Ferrer) experiences in helping to bring
about the Comprehensive Agreement, women will likely have more
contributions to make in this journey toward peace.”
The report also noted that for the Bangsamoro peace process,
“direct participation at the negotiation table was combined with
official consultations, a transition commission, and mass
action.”
“Women negotiators united across the table, both to promote
gender issues and to push the overall process forward. They
emphasized the importance of this united approach when
presenting to the media throughout the talks. They worked to
demonstrate progress and build support for the peace process,
and to persuade the public that continuing the negotiations was
a smarter, better approach than returning to violence,” the
report added.
During the meeting Sandoval recognized the crucial role of women
in the Philippines’ peace process, and noted that the government
continues to actively encourage women’s participation in the
peace talks.
“The Philippines, in terms of participation of women in the
peace process, has also been very active and has encouraged
women to actively sit, actively participate either as formal
negotiators, as part of the formal negotiations, or as part of
the civil society supporting the peace process,” Sandoval
explained.
“Women have journeyed with these processes all along…women play
key roles in the peace processes in the country,” she
emphasized, noting that in total there are 48 women leaders in
the peace talks being conducted by the government.
The Philippines is recognized as being the first in the world to
have a major peace agreement signed by a woman chief negotiator,
Ferrer, under the purview of a peace process chief who is also a
woman, Deles. |
|
|
|
| It’s All Systems Go For
Tomorrow’s Metro Shake Drill, 1-M Men and Women Have Applied as
Volunteer Earthquake Rescue Workers with MMDA, And Counting . . . |
| Source:
http://www.mmda.gov.ph |
|
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today
announced it’s full steam ahead for tomorrow’s metro-wide shake
drill even as it reported a heavy turnout of men and women who
have applied as members of the Metro Manila Rescue Volunteer
Corps to help government efforts cushion the impact of a killer
earthquake should it hit the National Capital Region (NCR).
MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, in a press briefing held at the
MMDA headquarters in Makati City where remedial measures and
rescue efforts were finalized for the Metro-Wide Shake drill on
July 30, said that from a handful of applicants who initially
applied as volunteer rescue workers when the agency first
launched its “Be Prepared Website” several weeks ago, a total of
one million people, with their complete profile in tow, have all
signified to join the drill and in fact have started to undergo
rescue and recovery training to qualify them disaster response
reservists in times of calamities and other exigencies.
Tolentino said this heavy turnout of volunteer rescue workers,
and counting . . ., clearly indicates that the government has
successfully instilled in the minds of the public the
consciousness and culture of disaster preparedness and have
little by little erased the state of panic in the event of a
strong earthquake.
“There is now a new shift of attitude or reorientation of values
of our people towards civic or social responsibility. Although
the July 30 drill is far from perfect, we are overwhelmed by the
fact that different sectors of the society have united to drum
up support for the project, and as such, I am confident that the
event is going to be epic ” he said.
Tolentino also expressed the MMDA’s deepest appreciation for the
full support and cooperation of both the public and private
sector, especially the volunteer rescue workers without whom he
said the drill cannot achieve success.
“It is through their efforts that the seed {shake drill) was
planted and we hope to be able to complete what we have started
with success,” he said.
Apart from the thousands of organizations which have signified
their intent to participate in the drill, public and private
schools, universities, hospitals, religious sectors, business
process outsourcing firms, business groups, malls, transport
groups included, the Iglesia ni Cristo has likewise committed to
participate in the drill, according to the MMDA chief. |
|
|
|
| No Stoppage for MRT, LRT; DOTC
Issues Road Safety Tips |
| Source:
http://www.dotc.gov.ph |
|
Railway operations will not be affected by the Metro Manila
Earthquake Drill tomorrow, July 30, although personnel of the
Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Lines 1 and 2 will participate in the drill. The LRT-2 Depot in
Santolan will also serve as one of the evacuation camps for the
East quadrant, where mock exercises will be held.
Apart from observing the 45-second “duck, cover, and hold”
procedure once sirens sound off tomorrow, employees of the
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and its
attached agencies have been implementing measures to ensure the
safety and welfare of passengers, if and when the “Big One”
strikes.
For the past weeks, airport personnel have been conducting table
top exercises for earthquake protocols. Tomorrow, the Manila
International Airport Authority(MIAA) will distribute
information campaign materials to passengers at all the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals, although airline
operations will not be interrupted.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Manila Team will deploy one
search and rescue vessel, fifty (50) rescue personnel, five (5)
rubber boats, medical teams and divers during the drill
exercises. While the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Offices
and Manila Port Operators will also participate in the drill and
assure passengers that minimal interruption in port operations
will be felt.
Safety Tips for Motorists
Those on the road during the drill are expected to stop for 45
seconds once Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic
enforcers give the signal that the drill is in full swing.
However, those plying along and below flyovers and in tunnels
must keep driving, in order to avoid being caught or trapped in
these risk areas.
According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, a driver will feel flat
tires in a real earthquake. Once this happens, drivers must pull
to the side of the road, preferably near an open space and away
from tall structures, and stay inside the vehicle until the
quake is over.
Railway operations will not be affected by the Metro Manila
Earthquake Drill tomorrow, July 30, although personnel of the
Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) and the Light Rail Transit (LRT)
Lines 1 and 2 will participate in the drill. The LRT-2 Depot in
Santolan will also serve as one of the evacuation camps for the
East quadrant, where mock exercises will be held.
Apart from observing the 45-second “duck, cover, and hold”
procedure once sirens sound off tomorrow, employees of the
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and its
attached agencies have been implementing measures to ensure the
safety and welfare of passengers, if and when the “Big One”
strikes.
For the past weeks, airport personnel have been conducting table
top exercises for earthquake protocols. Tomorrow, the Manila
International Airport Authority(MIAA) will distribute
information campaign materials to passengers at all the Ninoy
Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals, although airline
operations will not be interrupted.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Manila Team will deploy one
search and rescue vessel, fifty (50) rescue personnel, five (5)
rubber boats, medical teams and divers during the drill
exercises. While the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Offices
and Manila Port Operators will also participate in the drill and
assure passengers that minimal interruption in port operations
will be felt.
Safety Tips for Motorists
Those on the road during the drill are expected to stop for 45
seconds once Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic
enforcers give the signal that the drill is in full swing.
However, those plying along and below flyovers and in tunnels
must keep driving, in order to avoid being caught or trapped in
these risk areas.
According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology
(PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, a driver will feel flat
tires in a real earthquake. Once this happens, drivers must pull
to the side of the road, preferably near an open space and away
from tall structures, and stay inside the vehicle until the
quake is over. |
|
|
|
| P3-T 2016 budget to spur broader
growth; Abad: Legislation to ensure good governance beyond 2016 |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
President Benigno S. Aquino, III—through the Department of
Budget and Management (DBM)—today submitted the proposed
P3.002-trillion 2016 National Budget to Congress, as the
Administration continues to expand the national economy and
sustain governance and budget reforms instituted over the last
five years.
The proposed 2016 National Budget is double the budget of the
past six years, from P1.541 trillion of the 2010 General
Appropriations Act (GAA) to the P3.002 trillion planned for next
year. This is also 15.2 percent higher than the 2015 enacted
budget. On the other hand, the GDP share of 19.5 percent in 2016
will take up a larger share of the economy as compared to 18.7
percent of the GDP in 2015 and 16.4 percent of the GDP (actual
obligations) in 2010.
“The National Budget is one of our major
instruments in creating truly inclusive growth. Our spending
blueprint for 2016 will therefore be integral in the
administration’s continuing journey on Daang
Matuwid. With this budget, the
National Government will try to widen its reach so that the
benefits of our economic development will truly be felt by as
many of our countrymen as possible,” Budget Secretary Florencio
“Butch” Abad said.
“Our proposed spending program will also help us consolidate and
sustain the reforms we’ve instituted in the past five years in
the pursuit of good governance. We set our targets high, but we
were able to prove that honest and effective management of
public funds leads to real benefits for our people,” said Abad.
“Now we want to ensure the 2016 budget can sustain the reforms
of the past years so that transparency, accountability, and
citizen empowerment will last beyond this administration. This
means supporting legislation that would push for better public
financial management. Besides that, we also need to introduce
greater openness and transparency in government by championing
the Freedom of Information bill,” Abad added.
Allocation by Sector
Social services will
have the biggest budget allocation of P1.1059 trillion, which is
36.8 percent of the proposed budget.Covering education,
healthcare, housing, and social welfare and employment, this
allocation received a 16.1-percent expansion from the 2015
allocation of P952.7 billion. The proposed allocation also
supports the implementation of the Department of Education’s (DepEd)
K-12 program, as well as housing programs and health care
projects for poor Filipinos.
Economic services took
the second largest budget allocation with P829.6 billion—27.64
percent of the proposed budget—which had increased by 17.3
percent from its 2015 allocation of 27.13 percent. Transport and
communications infrastructure will get the bulk of the budget
and bring expenditures to infrastructure to 5 percent of the
GDP. As such, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
will receive P391.2 billion to enable the agency to complete the
pavement of all national arterial and secondary roads.
Lastly, Defense received
P129.1 billion, which increased by 11.5 percent as compared to
last year’s allocation. This allocation will fund the
modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in
light of the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
“We’ve already laid down measures to help agencies make optimal
use of their allocations so that they can focus on the prompt
delivery of public services. That’s why we’re confident that the
implementation of the proposed 2016 budget will not only provide
inclusive development for all Filipinos, but will likewise make
this growth sustainable past 2016,” Abad said.
SECTORAL ALLOCATION
PARTICULARS
|
LEVELS (P Billion)
|
BUDGET SHARE
|
Increase/(Decrease) 2015-2016
|
2015
|
2016
|
2015
|
2016
|
P Billion
|
Rate
|
|
Economic Services |
707.0 |
829.6 |
27.1% |
27.6% |
122.6 |
17.3% |
|
Social Services |
952.7 |
1,105.9 |
36.6% |
36.8% |
153.2 |
16.1% |
|
Defense |
115.8 |
129.1 |
4.4% |
4.3% |
13.3 |
11.5% |
|
General Public Services |
431.1 |
517.9 |
16.5% |
17.3% |
86.8 |
20.1% |
|
Debt Burden |
399.4 |
419.3 |
15.3% |
14.0% |
19.9 |
5.0% |
|
Interest Payment |
372.9 |
392.8 |
14.3% |
13.1% |
19.9 |
5.3% |
|
Net Lending |
26.5 |
26.5 |
1.0% |
0.9% |
0.0 |
0.0% |
|
Total |
2,606.0 |
3,001.8 |
100.0% |
100.0% |
395.8 |
15.2% |
DEPARMENT ALLOCATION
|
TOP TEN DEPARTMENTS UNDER THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH (In
Billion Pesos) |
|
Department |
2015
|
2016
|
Growth
|
|
|
Budget
|
Rank
|
Budget
|
Rank
|
Amount
|
%
|
|
DepEd |
377.7 |
1 |
435.9 |
1 |
58.2 |
15.4% |
|
DPWH |
304.1 |
2 |
394.5 |
2 |
90.4 |
29.7% |
|
DND |
154.1 |
3 |
172.7 |
3 |
18.6 |
12.1% |
|
DILG |
147.2 |
4 |
154.5 |
4 |
7.3 |
5.0% |
|
DOH |
102.6 |
6 |
128.4 |
5 |
25.8 |
25.1% |
|
DSWD |
108.3 |
5 |
104.2 |
6 |
(4.1) |
-3.8% |
|
DA |
90.2 |
7 |
93.4 |
7 |
3.2 |
3.5% |
|
DOF |
16.9 |
11 |
55.3 |
8 |
38.4 |
227% |
|
DOTC |
59.4 |
8 |
49.3 |
9 |
(10.1) |
-17.0% |
|
DENR |
21.7 |
9 |
25.8 |
10 |
4.1 |
18.9% |
|
DOST |
18.0 |
10 |
18.6 |
15 |
0.6 |
3.3% |
|
TOTAL |
1,383.3 |
1,614.0 |
230.7 |
16.7% |
1. Budget levels include allocations from PGF and MPBF as
well as budgetary support to GOCCs.
2. The total for 2016 does not include DOST while total
for 2015 does not include DOF.
|
|
|
|
| MRT holdings must drop case vs.
new train cars |
| Source:
http://www.dotc.gov.ph |
|
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) is
demanding that the Sobrepeña-controlled MRT Holdings, Inc.
(MRTH) drop its bid to stop the addition of 48 new train cars to
the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3) system.
Following President Aquino's State of the Nation Address
yesterday, in which he took note of MRTH's failure to add trains
despite its contractual obligation having long passed without
action, government is reiterating what MRT-3 commuters are
calling for: no more delays to the addition of train coaches to
the system.
"The riding public deserves a much better MRT-3 than what the
private owner is providing. That is why we exercised political
will to add new train cars ourselves. Not only did MRTH fail to
add them, they even filed a case to stop us when we did," said
DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.
"MRTH's case against DOTC is a case against new trains. It is a
case against the public. So we are fighting this case for the
public interest," he added.
MRTH, which used to manage the affairs of MRT-3's contractual
owner MRT Corporation and is now its controlling shareholder,
filed a case for the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order
and a permanent injunction against the DOTC to stop the latter
from adding new trains to the system back in February 2014.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Makati initially issued a TRO,
but eventually sided with the DOTC and ruled against MRTH.
According to the RTC, apart from the fact that only the Supreme
Court may enjoin such a project, public interest must prevail in
this case.
MRTH, however, appealed its case to the Court of Appeals (CA),
which also sided with the DOTC and the public by denying the
same. The case is still pending with the CA as MRTH is seeking a
reconsideration of the appellate court's decision.
With the public clamoring for new trains, and MRTH being a
private company that earns at the expense of ordinary Filipinos,
government has been vocal in defending the rights of the riding
public while organized groups have been silent on the topic. |
|
|
|
| Baldoz commends DOLE
Central Office, 14 regional offices for setting-up lactation
stations |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday lauded the Department’s Central Office and 14 of its
17 regional offices practicing Section 11 of the Expanded
Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 and DOLE Administrative
Order No. 385 Series of 2012 which requires all DOLE offices to
set up a lactation station in the workplace.
“I commend the officials and staff of the DOLE Central Office
and the 14 regional offices for setting themselves as examples
to DOLE offices and ensuring that their mother-employees are
provided with safe and healthy working conditions on account of
their maternal duties,” said Baldoz.
Baldoz, citing a report of Director Liwayway Ilo of the HRDS,
said that of the 14 regional offices which already have
lactation stations, seven have complete facilities and supplies,
while the other seven are still putting together their supplies
and facilities.
The DOLE regional offices which already have complete supplies
are Regions 3, 5, 9, 11, 12, and Caraga. Those office which
still have incomplete facilities and supplies are Cordillera
Administrative Region, 1, 4-A, 4-B, 6, 7, 8, and 10.
The DOLE Regional Office No. 2 has not yet set-up its lactation
station because it is set to transfer to a new office. The DOLE
National Capital Region and its field office will set-up their
lactation station this July.
Rule 1960, Occupational Health Services, of the Occupational
Safety and Health Standards, as amended, provides that “every
employer shall establish in his place of employment occupational
health services in accordance with established regulation and
guidelines.”
The said rule apply to all establishments, whether for profit or
not, including the government. On the other hand, Republic Act.
No. 10028, or “An Act Expanding the Promotion of Breastfeeding,
Amending for the Purpose R.A. No. 7600, Otherwise Known as “An
Act Providing Incentives to all Government and Private Health
Institutions with Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Practices and for
Other Purposes”, mandates the establishment of lactation
stations in all health and non-health facilities,
establishments, or institutions with adequate equipment and
facilities, such as lavatory for hand-washing; refrigeration or
appropriate cooling facilities for storing breastmilk;
electrical outlets for breast pumps; small table; comfortable
seats; and other appropriate items.
Earlier, the DOLE’s Human Resource and Development Service
(HRDS) developed a tool which will monitor lactation stations at
the Department. An advisory was also issued on 1 July 2015
defining the operation, including the rules and regulations, of
the lactation station at the DOLE Central Office. |
|
|
|
| Baldoz lauds five
establishments awarded with Service Quality Seal of Recognition in
Region 12 |
| Source:
http://www.dole.gov.ph |
|
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz
yesterday lauded five establishments in SOCCSKSARGEN which have
been awarded the Service Quality Seal of Recognition by the
Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB).
“I congratulate these five companies for successfully
implementing and sustaining their respective service quality
productivity improvement program resulting to more satisfied
clients and increased profit, thus, providing bigger incentives
to their workers,” said Baldoz
Citing a report of DOLE Regional Director Ofelia B. Domingo,
chairperson of the RTWPB 12, Baldoz said the five companies
which were awarded the Service Quality Seal of Recognition were
Cinco Niñas Resto, Paraiso Verde Resort and Water Park, Inc. in
Koronadal City; Dolores Farm Resort in Polomolok; Dolores Lake
Resort in Lake Sebu; and Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos City.
The awarding took place at the Greenleaf Hotel in General Santos
City on July 20.
The SQ Seal of Recognition is aimed at recognizing
establishments that have successfully implemented and sustained
SQ-PIP as a means to ensure service quality among standard
hotels, accommodation, and restaurants.
The SQ-PIP, on the other hand, is a quality improvement and
management system which is intended to help an enterprise
deliver “error-free” service to its clients by inculcating a
client-centric attitude among its workforce. It contains the
specific areas for improvement, objectives, strategies/actions.
Domingo said the installation of Service Quality Productivity
Improvement Program (SQ-PIP) in the said companies resulted to
decrease in the number of client complaints; increased sales;
and improvement in the capacity to provide incentives to their
workers. The said companies were also awardees of the
Certificates of Compliance on General Labor and Occupational
Safety and Health Standards.
The Regional Board has also issued Resolution No. 4, Series of
2015 forwarding the list of awardees to the Training and
Technical Services Division (TTSD) of the National Wages and
Productivity Commission (NWPC). The NWPC-TSSD is the official
repository of the list of companies with SQ Seal of Recognition. |
|
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|
| PHL Embassy in Brunei conducts
lecture-forum on health consciousness |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
29 July 2015 - The Philippine Embassy in Brunei Darussalam
sponsored a Lecture-Forum on Health Consciousness on July 24 at
the Chancery, as part of its Gender and Development (GAD)
program. One hundred sixty nine (169) participants composed of
110 females and 59 males participated in said event.
The lecture-forum provided an opportunity for the Filipinos in
Brunei to gain awareness and deeper understanding of ailments
affecting many Filipinos like prostate cancer, sexually
transmitted diseases, breast and ovarian cancers. The
participants also had a chance to have their blood tests for
hemoglobin, blood typing, blood pressure and blood donation
conducted by Jerudong Park Medical Center (JPMC).
The lecture-forum was conducted in coordination with Dr. Joseph
D. Castro, Dr. Ma. Theresa C. Castro, and Dr. Maria Susie J.
Magpusao of the Ministry of Health in Brunei Darussalam, who
acted as speakers.
Because of the good reception and feedback from the
participants, the Embassy plans to undertake similar events in
the future. |
|
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| Philippines expands Air
Services Cooperation with Russia |
| Source:
http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
|
29 July 2015 - A new round of Air Services Talks between the
Philippines and Russia was held from July 22 to 23 in Moscow.
The Philippine head of delegation, Transportation and
Communication Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla, and his
counterpart, Mr. Sergey Seskutov of the Ministry of Transport
signed an amendment to the 2009 Philippine-Russia Air Services
Agreement that further enhanced civil aviation cooperation
between the two countries.
In his closing statement, Undersecretary Lotilla said that, “the
two sides worked very hard in these two days but I feel that we
were able to come to an understanding that is mutually
beneficial and one that significantly expands cooperation
between our countries.”
The new arrangement allows Philippine carriers to conduct
operations between any point in the country and three
destinations in Russia, including Moscow. Also, travelers
between the Philippines and Europe / North America will benefit
from faster and more competitively-priced direct flights with
the use of Russian airspace.
Major Russian carriers such as Aeroflot will also be able to
market the Philippines as a destination using their wide
networks and alliances, which will potentially increase further
the number of Russian tourists visiting the country. “We are
confident that the new arrangements will help us meet our
targets for Russia and the CIS,” Philippine Tourism
Undersecretary Bengson said. About 40,000 Russian tourists visit
the country every year while more than two million travelers
from Russia and the CIS visit the other ASEAN countries. With
the new arrangement, the Philippines will have an increased
chance of getting a bigger share of the market as tourists from
the region will gain better access to its world-class
destinations.
Another key benefit is the potential development of the
Philippines as a destination by Russian cargo liners, providing
a boost to trade and economic relations. Philippine Ambassador
to Russia Carlos Sorreta expressed his satisfaction over the
outcome of the talks: “The discussions covered a wide range of
issues in our civil aviation cooperation. We are pleased with
the way our relationship with Russia is developing and this was
reflected in the last two days’ discussions.”
Members of the Committee on Transportation of the House of
Representatives, namely Representative Cesar Sarmienta
(Chairman, Catanduanes), Representative Alfredo Benitez
(Vice-Chairman, 3rd District of Negros Occidental) and
Representative Raneo Abu (2nd District of Batangas) participated
in the proceedings. The panel also included representatives from
the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism and the
Civil Aeronautics Board. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific
officials attended as industry observers. |
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| Nueva Ecija Credit Surety Fund
Launched Today |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the Provincial Government
of Nueva Ecija and other stakeholders will seal today a social
covenant that will bring Nueva Ecija’s micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) to economic progress. The signing of the
Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) creating the Nueva Ecija Credit
Surety Fund (Nueva Ecija CSF) as the 40th CSF established
nationwide will be held at the Harvest Hotel, Cabanatuan City,
Nueva Ecija. This will be led by BSP Monetary Board Member
Felipe M. Medalla and Nueva Ecija Provincial Governor Aurelio M.
Umali, together with the participating cooperatives and partner
institutions such as the Development Bank of the Philippines
(DBP), Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and the Industrial
Guarantee and Loan Fund (IGLF).
The CSF is a credit enhancement scheme that aims to help
cooperatives and MSMEs in the province gain access to bank
credit even without hard collaterals. The Program is essentially
a public-private partnership which links the key players of the
economy into a unified purpose of empowering the MSME sector. As
of 31 May 2015, total accumulated loans approved by lending
banks under the CSF Program amount to P1.74 billion of which
P1.47 billion have already been released to around 15,000
MSMEs/cooperatives.
The Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija pledged to contribute
P5.0 million while twenty-five (25) cooperatives in the province
committed an aggregate of P5.0 million to the Fund. The IGLF,
DBP and LBP will likewise contribute to the Nueva Ecija CSF.
Aside from credit enhancement, the CSF Program also provides
trainings to participating cooperatives and MSMEs to strengthen
their capabilities in the areas of financial and risk
management, entrepreneurship and business management, credit
appraisal and monitoring and other related trainings. Moreover,
to ensure continuous flow of credit to the countryside, banks
may rediscount with BSP, all loans granted under the CSF
program. |
|
|
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| TBs' NPL Ratio Remains Manageable |
| Source:
http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
|
The gross non-performing loans (NPLs) of thrift banks stood at
4.54 percent of the banks’ total loan portfolio (TLP) of Php
600.98 billion at end-March 2015.
The first quarter figure slightly increased from the 4.40
percent gross NPL ratio registered a quarter earlier. The banks’
NPL rose by 7.56 percent to Php 27.29 billion in March from Php
25.37 billion recorded at end-2014. Meanwhile, the industry’s
TLP grew by 4.33 percent from Php 576.06 billion posted in
end-December last year.
Aside from keeping NPL levels manageable, the industry also
maintained substantial reserves for potential credit losses. At
end-March, TBs’ allocated loan loss reserves equivalent to 74.96
percent of their gross NPLs, slightly lower than the 76.73
percent posted a quarter earlier but up from the 69.37 percent
recorded in the same period in 2014.
Despite the quarter-on-quarter decrease in the NPL coverage
ratio of TBs, this ratio has been generally rising since March
2010. This is a welcomed trend since setting aside reserves for
potential credit losses is a prudential measure for mitigating
credit risk.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas monitors the loan quality of the
banks as part of its effort to promote sound credit risk
management among banks which is essential to maintaining the
stability of the financial system. |
|
|
|
| DAR Turns Over P19.8-M Road
Project In Compostela Valley |
| Source:
http://www.dar.gov.ph |
|
Farmers and residents of Compostela Valley are the latest
beneficiary of the P19.8-million farm-to-market road project,
under the Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) support services
projects.
DAR Secretary Virgilio de los Reyes recently turned over to the
local government the 2.892-kilometer concreted road which covers
three Barangays namely: Linoan, Dauman and New Visayas, all in
Montevista, Compostela Valley Province.
De los Reyes said that the completion of the road project would
pave the way for provision of other basic services of the
government like health, technology and transportation assistance
to the three barangays.
Some 6,000 residents of the three barangays can easily avail of
those services now that the barangays are accessible.
In his speech, De los Reyes stressed the key role of the
government to alleviate the lives of the Filipinos. “Unlike
super heroes the government does not possess enough power to
address the problems of every citizen.
“The mandate of President Aquino is to finish what is supposed
to be finished before his term ends. Both national and local
government units should work harmoniously for the common good of
the people,” De los Reyes said.
In his acceptance message, Linoan Barangay Captain Joel B. Hara,
said they are very happy and grateful for the realization of the
project. He said that it is among the vital components that is
badly need their community. “It’s a dream come true for us” He
added.
The farm-to-market road was completed under the third phase of
the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP III).
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) co-financed
the project under its official development assistance program
with the Philippine government. |
|
|
|
| Empowering poor communities
through community-driven development |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
Under the administration of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III,
the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated
Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) was one of the
projects selected for the Millennium Challenge Corporation
Compact. This is due to the President’s commitment to fight
corruption and promote good governance.
In December 2014, the Millennium Challenge Corporation Board of
Directors re-selected Philippines as eligible for additional
funding for its development programs.
Kalahi-CIDSS aims to empower communities through participation
in local governance and involvement in the implementation of
poverty reduction activities. It employs the community-driven
development (CDD) strategy, a development approach that seeks to
combat poverty and improve local governance by strengthening the
capacity of citizens to identify and implement local solutions
to poverty issues. In essence, it puts power back in the hands
of the people by giving them the opportunity to make informed
decisions on locally identified options for development.
Started in 2002, Kalahi-CIDSS 1 has reached a total of 4,583
barangays in 200 municipalities located in the 42 poorest
provinces across 12 regions. Given the need to reach out to
remaining poor municipalities, the project was expanded through
a USD$120 Million grant from the Millennium Challenge
Corporation and through a USD$59 Million loan from the World
Bank.
The expansion covered a total of 8,435 communities in 364
municipalities.
As of March 2015, the program has funded 17,464 community
sub-projects, of which 13,679 are already completed, 1,900
on-going, and 13,931 are yet to start, reaching 4.5 million
households.
Examples of these community projects are roads, water systems,
school buildings, daycare centers, and health stations, among
others.
Mayor Benjie Y. Baguio of Kapatagan in Lanao del Norte showcases
how this partnership has resulted to positive changes in his
community.
“With the entry of the Kalahi-CIDSS in our municipality, we now
have hope in the possibility of improving the lives of our
constituents. Our municipality really benefited hugely after the
first cycle, not only because of the sub-projects but also
because of the trainings conducted to empower our communities.
As our response, the LGU, including our barangay captains, are
planning programs to ensure that what we received from the
project will never be put to waste. Raising money for
non-priority barangays is just one thing. Our barangay captains
see the Kalahi-CIDSS as a blessing, and paying it forward by
raising money for the other barangays to implement their
sub-projects is just our way of thanking Kalahi-CIDSS for their
trust in our municipality,” the Mayor shared.
In particular, Kalahi-CIDSS has achieved the following:
Improved travel time and cost to key services more for barangays
with a higher travel time and travel cost to begin with and more
for indigenous persons.
Increased the quantity and quality of participation in local
governance around decision-making and implementation.
Improved knowledge and awareness of local governance.
Increased participation in community organizations.
Helped people better deal with financial hardship (as a result
of Typhoon Yolanda or any other natural disaster).
Raised capacity of local government (there is an increase in the
presence of development projects and plans, and increase in
different funding components).
On January 18, 2013, President Aquino approved the expansion of
Kalahi-CIDSS as the National Community-Driven Development
Program. This is one of the administration’s legacies that will
be implemented from 2014 until 2019, covering a total of 19,647
barangays in 847 municipalities located in 58 provinces and 14
regions to benefit approximately 5.3 million households. |
|
|
|
| Pantawid Pamilya benefits
more poor Filipinos |
| Source:
http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
|
As the flagship poverty alleviation program which invests in
human development, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has
expanded rapidly from 786,523 households in 2010, when the
Aquino administration took the helm in government, to more than
4.4 million eligible households to date.
For 2014 alone, the government has poured in more than P48
billion for the cash grants of the beneficiaries.
On the other hand, for the first quarter of 2015, the program
has been able to provide grants amounting to P9.2 billion to the
active households.
According to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman, the DSWD expanded the
coverage of the program in 2014 to include the 15-18 age bracket
to ensure that the children-beneficiaries will graduate from
high school, and have a higher rate of employability.
High school beneficiaries receive a higher grant amount of
P500/month.
In February 2015, the high school expansion registered 1.01
million 15 to 18-year old children nationwide. Of these, 252,276
are in grade school while 754,374 are in high school.
A total of 333,673 high school beneficiaries graduated in March
2015. Out of this number, 13,469 graduated with honors.
“The expansion of age coverage for the education grant gives
them a fighting chance to move forward in life,” Sec. Soliman
said.
She cited exemplary Pantawid beneficiaries who graduated with
honors in March 2015, such as Alyanah Terite, the batch
valedictorian of Pasay City Science High School; David Louie
Manansala, valedictorian of Maligaya High School, Quezon City;
Marlito Soriano, a Lumad from the B’laan tribe in General Santos
City, South Cotabato who received a full scholarship at the
Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts, United States;
and Edy Rose Tayab, who despite her disability graduated as top
nine (9) in her batch at Apayao National High School in Bukidnon.
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) study
indicated that the expansion of Pantawid Pamilya significantly
contributed to the increase in enrollment of pre-school and
elementary students. As partner-beneficiaries, parents are
required to send their 3-18 year old children to school, and
they must attend at least 85 percent of the school days.
PIDS did the impact evaluation while the Social Weather Station
(SWS) gathered data from Pantawid respondents.
The effectiveness of Pantawid Pamilya in transforming the lives
of beneficiaries was verified by the results in the 2nd impact
evaluation which are:
The program keeps older children in school and reduces the
number of days they have to work. 94% of Pantawid children
attend classes 85% of the time, a stark difference from the low
55% of non-beneficiaries. Considering that the high school-aged
cohort is when children are likely to drop-out of school, it is
important to keep them in school. Therefore, though the data to
be presented is not enough evidence to show that this will be
the case in repeated samples, only 4% of Pantawid children aged
12 to 15 years old drop out of school as opposed to the 9% of
non-Pantawid students. Furthermore, incidence of child labor
(specifically in days worked in a month) for children aged 10 to
14 is lower by 6 days with program beneficiaries compared to
non-Pantawid children.
Pantawid Pamilya increases households’ investments in education.
To be more specific, Pantawid households spent P206 more per
school-aged child per year compared to non-beneficiaries on
education-related items.
Pantawid Pamilya increases mothers’ access to maternal care. 80%
of Pantawid mothers had at least four (4) antenatal check-ups,
close to the national average of 84% (National Demographic and
Health Survey (NDHS), 2013). Also, seven (7) in 10 live births
in the last five (5) years by Pantawid mothers were delivered in
a health facility, compared to the 5.5 in 10 among
non-beneficiary mothers. Moreover, incidence of postnatal
check-ups within 72 hours after birth by skilled health
professionals is approximately 21% higher with Pantawid
beneficiaries and such check-ups are done in health facilities
17% higher with Pantawid mothers.
The program improves children’s health and access to healthcare
services. 86% of Pantawid children between ages six (6) months
and six (6) years received Vitamin A supplementation as opposed
to 74% of non-beneficiaries. Similarly, 35% of beneficiaries
received iron supplementation, compared to 23% of their
counterparts. In addition, 19% of Pantawid children aged 0 to
two (2) years old received preventive services in public health
facilities as opposed to 12% of non-beneficiaries. Among
children aged 2-5 years old, 49% Panta0wid beneficiaries visit
health centers for bi-monthly weight monitoring, compared to the
25% of non-Pantawid children. Lastly, more Pantawid children
aged 6-14 years old (78%) received deworming pills at least once
a year compared to non-beneficiaries (69%).
The program does not encourage dependency from its
beneficiaries. There is no evidence that Pantawid Pamilya leads
to dependency or decreased work effort among adults in
beneficiary households. On the contrary, results indicate that
among working-age household members who are employed and
continue to look for additional work, the proportion is much
higher of Pantawid beneficiaries with 17% as opposed to 11% for
non-beneficiaries. In relation, the program negates dependency
on “adult-specific goods” (i.e. alcohol, tobacco, gambling,
etc.), evident in the lack of statistically significant evidence
to support claims that show otherwise.
The program encourages the trial use of modern family planning.
Findings show that among 15 to 49-year old women who gave birth
in the last 5 years, 74% from Pantawid households indicated
their use of any modern family planning method as opposed to 68%
from non-Pantawid households. This was a result of the grantees
attending Family Development Sessions (FDS) (as compliance to
program conditionality) which include lectures on family
planning.
The results of the impact evaluation released in 2014 shows that
the program is on track and is achieving its objectives of
keeping children healthy and in school, and in creating avenues
for the poor to have improved quality of life. |
|
|
|
| SONA 2015 generally peaceful - PNP |
| Source:
http://pnp.gov.ph |
|
The State of the Nation by His Excellency President Benigno S.
Aquino III was relatively peaceful despite isolated clash
between PNP CDM contingents and unruly demonstrators who
breached barriers and confronted peace officers. A total 10
personnel from PNP, 2 from AFP and 5 demonstrators were injured.
The total crowd/demonstrators in various locations were
estimated to be around 6, 000.
This was the overall assessment of PNP Chief, Director General
Ricardo C Marquez on the activities staged by some
cause-oriented groups and militant organizations in connection
with the 6th SONA of President Aquino at the opening of the
regular session of the 16th Congress.
“The effective planning, operational readiness of our units and
personnel, and the cooperation of all concerned sectors
including the participants in the mass actions made this
peaceful event possible ,” Marquez said as he congratulated Task
Force Kapayapaan Commander and NCRPO Officer-in-Charge, Chief
Supt Allen Bantolo, for the smooth turnout of the event.
Nevertheless, the PNP arrested one demonstrator identified as
Eric Lopez for violating Batas Pambansa 880, which governs
peaceful assemblies in public places; malicious mischief; and
direct assault.
"As we respect the rights of those who express their grievances,
opinions, they should also respect the rights of those who are
just doing their job in preserving the peace and enforcing the
law. Actions that prejudice the life, liberty or cause injury to
another is unacceptable in a democratic society. We will file
cases to those who are involve in the incident against our
policemen", PDG Marquez added.
No other significant incidents were reported from the different
regions of the country. (PNP-PIO) |
|
|
|
| Grateful PNP lauds PNoy SONA |
| Source:
http://pnp.gov.ph |
|
The Philippine National Police high command is grateful to
President Benigno S Aquino II for providing the police force
with more fighting tools to better perform its mission.
Some Php 6.6-billion worth of mission-essential equipment has
been earmarked for the PNP this year to further boost the
mobility, firepower, communication and investigative
capabilities of PNP Units.
“This is an expression of the Aquino administration’s
responsiveness to needs of PNP, and a recognition of the
sacrifices of our policemen, especially those serving at the
frontlines, ” PNP Chief, Police Director General Ricardo C
Marquez said in reaction to President Aquino’s SONA that
described the PNP’s improved capabilities to "shoot, move, and
communicate".
We can only be too glad to reciprocate this gesture of genuine
concern by President Aquino through better performance and
honest public service, the Chief PNP said.
According to Marquez, a total of Php 5.679-billion is alloted
this year for the procurement of 16,408 handguns (639-M); 30,253
basic assault rifles (1.96-B); 29,914 handheld radios (660-M);
2,512 patrol vehicles (2.42-B).
Another Php953-million is allotted for investigative equipment
and infrastructure for the Firearms Identification System (FIS)
and Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS), the
Chief PNP said.
PNP Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor explained
that at present, the PNP has in its inventory a total of 144,253
handguns consisting of 9mm & cal.45 pistols and cal.38
revolvers, including the 74,879 units of Glock 17 Gen 4 9mm
pistols acquired in 2012.
The PNP's overall requirement for handguns is already 99%
filled-up or 1:1 personnel-to-firearm ratio The procurement of
16,408 more handguns in 2015 is meant to equip new recruits and
newly commissioned officers who are joining the PNP this year
and the coming months.
In metro manila, the handgun requirement is 100% filled-up,
Mayor said.
To fill-up requirements for mobility of police units, the
DILG-PNP procurement program aims to provide at least 1 patrol
vehicle to every Police Station nationwide.
The PNP is awaiting complete delivery of 1,168 patrol jeeps
until November 2015 out of the 1,470 units procured by PS-DBM.
The procurement of 29,914 more handheld radios to add to the
existing 12,399 units is expected to complete the requirement
for handheld radios and provide 100% radio link up to all police
personnel performing field patrol.
On his 6th SONA at the opening of the regular session of the
16thCongress, President Aquino underscored the accomplishments
of the PNP under his term that was highlighted by the arrest of
some 163,000 Wanted Persons and the neutralization of some 1,000
criminal gangs and the confiscation of almost 30,000 illegal
firearms.
President Aquino also noted marked improvements in the crime
situation in Metro Manila, mainly through the PNP’s vigorous
implementation of Oplan Lambat-Sibat. (PNP-PIO) |
|
|
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| TESDA to hold free assessment
and certification for skilled workers, teachers |
| Source:
http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
will be conducting free assessment and certification nationwide
on Friday, July 31.
The National TVET Competency Assessment and Certification
(NATCAC) will target workers and also the Grade 9 Technology and
Livelihood Education (TLE) teachers to ensure they possess the
competency to teach under the K to 12 curriculum.
The synchronized competency assessment will be held in all
participating TESDA accredited assessment centers nationwide,
and will kick off at the TESDA Women's Center in Taguig City.
For 2015, the agency targets to assess 60,000 beneficiaries,
which include 21,000 TLE teachers. There will be a series of
schedules for the NATCAC.
"We urge industry practitioners, K to 12 teachers and returning
OFWs to take the assessment to see how they measure up to the
needs and expectations of employers," TESDA Director General
Joel Villanueva said.
"The National Certificate is the best proof that a person is
qualified for the job he is applying for," Villanueva added.
Thousands have already benefitted from TESDA's free competency
assessment and certification in the past years.
The July 2015 NATCAC will cover all qualifications in NC II, III
and IV, including those covered by specific government
regulations such as: Driving NC II and Driving NC III (passenger
bus, straight truck); Automotive Servicing NC II, III and IV;
and, RAC Servicing NC II and NC III.
Villanueva said the target candidates for this year's NATCAC may
be composed of trainers of private and public Technical
Vocational Institutions, including Local Government Units, and
other government agencies providing TVET programs and private
enterprises with registered TVET programs; Department of
Education trainers; public utility vehicle drivers;
workers/industry practitioners/professional/career shifters who
want to undergo competency assessment; returning OFWs/Filipino
expatriates with relevant experience who want to undergo
competency assessment; and, industry practitioners who are
prospective competency assessors.
Applicants may get application forms and list of requirements
for assessment from the accredited assessment centers or the
nearest TESDA offices. The forms may also be downloaded in the
TESDA website (www.tesda.gov.ph).
The identified accredited assessment centers or TESDA provincial
and district office will process the application for assessment
and inform the applicants of their schedule. |
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| TESDA five years after: From
worrisome to stable |
| Source:
http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
|
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Director General Joel Villanueva said that the state of the
agency has been transformed from being worrisome to stable in
the five years under the administration of President Benigno
Aquino III.
"The state of TESDA five years ago was worrisome. Now it is no
longer the case,” Villanueva said in his report which was used
for the President's State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July
27.
“Through quality-assured system, good governance and the Aquino
administration's strong and sustained support, the agency has
been able to fully groom Filipino workers for better employment
options, a productive life and a better future," he added.
Villanueva said the employment rate of TESDA scholars was only
28.5 percent when he took the post in July 2010, and many
technical vocational graduates could not find jobs.
A number of training centers were also found to be bogus and
below standard. Irregularities hound the agency, including the
P2.4 billion allotment of the previous administration, which was
not authorized and unfunded, and the overpriced dough cutter,
which led to the filing of criminal charges against past
officials.
The TESDA chief said that several reforms were put in place that
turn around the agency, resulting in better accountability, more
quality programs and courses that ushered in jobs for its
graduates.
He identified seven reforms that helped transform the agency,
namely:
1.Nationwide ISO Certification;
2.Effective implementation of the Training for Work Scholarship
Program;
3.Free TESDA Online Program;
4.Community-based training programs;
5.Onsite assessment and certification for overseas Filipino
workers;
6.Institutionalization of the Philippine Qualifications
Framework; and,
7.Promulgation of Training Regulations aligned with the needs of
the industries.
From 28.5 percent, the employment rate under the TWSP leaped to
71.9 percent in 2014.
Partnership with industries was crucial in boosting the
implementation of the TWSP, particularly in IT-BPM (Information
Technology-Business Process Management), semi-conductor and
electronics, tourism, construction, among others.
TESDA's online program helped link more students to technical
vocational education, allowing them to study at their own pace,
at their own time, wherever they are.
To date, there are more than 552,000 registered users in the
Philippines and abroad for 30 courses in the last three years.
One of its innovative programs, the Mobile Training Laboratory
went to far-flung communities to reach poor but deserving
students who want to get into tech-voc.
In collaboration with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming
Corporation (Pagcor), 40 mobile labs will roll out in priority
areas, which can help 23,100 individuals finish various tech-voc
courses and gain access to decent employment.
The newly-launched onsite competency assessment services have
targeted OFWs in vulnerable jobs such as those in Hong Kong,
Middle East, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and the Middle East.
As it continues to spread tech-voc education to the youth, TESDA
consistently reviews its courses and subjects them to
improvement to meet the needs of industries.
There is now the Philippine Qualifications Register hosted in
the TESDA website with the following sectors: Accountancy,
Dentistry, Engineering, Tourism and Maritime. The register
provides information in the educational qualifications available
in levels aligned to the descriptors of the Philippine
Qualifications Framework.
TESDA has also completed benchmarking construction
qualifications using private sector-led ASEAN Constructors
Federation standards.
There are other on-going projects with TESDA involvement such as
the Vocational and Education Benchmarking Project with
Australia, Philippines and Vietnam to enhance the comparability
of skills outcomes in manufacturing, logistics, agri-fishery,
construction and automotive servicing qualifications.
Villanueva recognized a number of tech-voc graduates, who have
hurdled difficulties in life, partly because of their
involvement in tech-voc education, which paved the way for their
successful careers.
Among them were polio victim Mark Escora, a former jeepney
barker, who is now an Escalation Supervisor and preparing to
become manager; Jennifer Doble, a solo parent to five children,
who sold palamig (cold drinks), and who is now earning more than
P2,000 a day after being certified in Beauty Care and Wellness
Massage; Jar-Ar Rotaquio, another polio victim, who now has his
own tocino and vinegar-making business; Rowena Payoran, who
found job in a spa after getting a National Certificate;
Cristina Reyes, who after finishing a course on Massage Therapy
now has her own spa; and, Rey Caseres, an automotive mechanic,
who is now in Perth Australia and earning triple of what he used
to earn.
"Most tech-voc graduates depicted how they overcame obstacles in
life. Their stories of success serve as testimony that tech-voc
can really help achieve 'masayang pagbabago'," Villanueva said. |
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| Roxas tests DOST's Hybrid
Road Train |
| Source:
http://www.dilg.gov.ph |
|
Secretary of Interior and Local Government Mar Roxas joined
Secretary of Science and Technology Mario Montejo for a test
ride of the Hybrid Road Train during the opening ceremonies of
the Department of Science of Technology’s (DOST) National
Science and Technology Week (NSTW) last Friday, July 24.
The Hybrid Road Train has five coaches, four of which can
accommodate 60 passengers each. It features all Filipino-made
materials and is environmentally friendly, as it runs on a
diesel and electric-powered generator and battery.
“Higit sa pangkaraniwan, higit sa laman ng pangkaraniwang bus
ang masasakay dito,” he said about the trains. “Ang kagandahan
nito ay articulated siya, so ibig sabihin ay isang operator,
halos pito ang mga nakakabit na mga bagon o mga bus.”
Roxas added that the Hybrid Road Train’s automotive parts were
taken from bus parts rather than from train parts, which would
make repairs easier.
“’Yung pangkaraniwang automotive technician ay makakapag-repair
nitong mga ito at hindi kinakailangan ng mga special parts na
magmumula pa sa ibang bansa para lamang magkarooon nang
pagsasaayos,” he said.
Roxas also revealed that in his talks with Montejo, they
discussed the possible deployment of the Hybrid Road Trains in
Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares, such as EDSA, Roxas
Boulevard, Taft, and Quezon Boulevard.
The DILG chief expressed his excitement for the project, but
admitted that it could use a few more improvements.
“Malaki future nito,” he said. “Sa ngayon ito yung pangalawang
prototype, medyo pulido na. Siguro isa pang prototype ay
talagang perfect na ito at mako-commercialize na.”
“Ang pinakamahalaga ay makarating sa paroroonan ang ating mga
kababayan,” he concluded. |
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| PRC Tuguegarao receives the Seal of
Excellence Award |
| Source:
http://www.prc.gov.ph |
|
Manila, July 28, 2015 – The Professional Regulation Commission,
Tuguegarao Regional Office received the Seal of Excellence Award
from the Civil Service Commission for its excellent performance
in providing services to the public and its adherence to the
requirements prescribed by RA NO. 9485 or the Anti-Red Tape Act
of 2007.
The award is a result of the Anti-Red Tape Act Report Card
Survey (ARTA-RCS) conducted by the Civil Service Commission. The
Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence Award which is
symbolized by a wall-mountable glass seal that bears the CSC
Seal of Excellence Award symbol and the cash reward of
P100,000.00 were received by the Hon. Florentino C. Doble, M.D.,
Chairman of the Professional Regulation Commission and Dr.
Rodrigo F. Balaqui, Jr., Director of PRC Tuguegarao Regional
Office. Atty. Marites P. Lappay, Director III, Civil Service
Commission Tuguegarao Regional Office conferred the prestigious
award.
Chairman Doble, in his acceptance speech, said that with or
without this recognition given to the PRC, we will stand to our
commitment to uphold excellence in the areas of professionalism,
responsibility and integrity! Truly that in the PRC, our people
is our greatest competitive advantage. He extended his thanks
and congratulated the officials and employees of the PRC
Tuguegarao Regional Office headed by Director Rodrigo F. Balaqui,
Jr. |
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STATE
OF THE NATION ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO
III
3rd Regular Session of the
16th Congress of the Philippines
Session Hall of the House of Representatives
Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City
July 27, 2015 |
|
[This is an English translation of the speech
delivered at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives, Batasang
Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, on July 27, 2015]
Thank
you, everyone. Please sit down.
Before I begin, I would first like to
apologize. I wasn’t able to do the traditional processional walk, or shake
the hands of those who were going to receive me, as I am not feeling too
well right now.
Vice President Jejomar Binay; Former Presidents Fidel
Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Senate President Franklin Drilon
and members of the Senate; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and members of
the House of Representatives; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and our
Justices of the Supreme Court; distinguished members of the diplomatic
corps; members of the Cabinet; local government officials; members of the
military, police, and other uniformed services; my fellow public servants;
and, to my Bosses, my beloved countrymen: Good afternoon to you all.
This is my sixth SONA. Once again, I face Congress and our countrymen to
report on the state of our nation. More than five years have passed since we
put a stop to the culture of “wang-wang,” not only in our streets, but in
society at large; since we formally took an oath to fight corruption to
eradicate poverty; and since the Filipino people, our bosses, learned how to
hope once more. My bosses, this is the story of our journey along the
Straight Path.
Just last Friday, we inaugurated the Muntinlupa-Cavite
Expressway. This is the first Public-Private Partnership project that we
approved, and the first such PPP project opened to the public under our
administration. Under the previous administrations: It was as if the
government had to beg the private sector just to gain their participation.
Now, companies are the ones seemingly courting the government—for MCX in
particular, we were paid a premium of P925 million just so that our private
partner could have the privilege of building the infrastructure we need. In
fact, they are so confident that this project will earn them a profit, that
they said the first month of toll operations at MCX is free.
We have
indeed come so far. And, in order for us to appreciate just how far we have
travelled, let us recall where we started.
When we came into office,
we found a citizenry that had grown desensitized to the many allegations of
lying, cheating, and stealing in government.
Those in power boasted
of the country having enough classrooms. In truth: classes had to be held in
four shifts. Students went to school while it was still dark, and others
would go home long after the dark of night had well and truly fallen. All of
them were left in the dark because they were not accorded sufficient time in
the classroom for learning.
Our predecessor took pride in
“uninterrupted growth” during her last SONA. Scrutinize what she said,
however, and you would realize that a significant portion of this growth was
fueled by remittances from Filipinos who had lost hope in our country. As
they say: People were voting with their feet. If I were to imitate that
style of governance, I would be loath to claim a success borne of forcing my
countrymen to escape our shores.
As the 2004 elections approached,
more than 700 million pesos were allegedly used to buy fertilizer that was
not suitable for crops; the endeavor was costly; and in many instances, the
farmers who should have received the farming supplements never saw it. We
ask: Who was nourished by such fertilizers? Definitely neither the farmers
nor their crops. Perhaps you also remember the NBN-ZTE scandal. We
investigated this in the Senate; someone said there was an attempt to bribe
him. When we undertook an inquiry, this person did not want to testify; he
claimed executive privilege. Of course, we couldn’t summon the sitting
President—hence, the only one we could question was her henchman accused of
bribery. Naturally, he denied the accusation.
During those times,
even children became familiar with the word “scam.” You might also remember
“Hello Garci,” to which the answer was a mere “I am sorry.” The genuine bank
accounts of the nonexistent Jose Pidal. The attempt to convene a
Constitutional Assembly, so that they could stay in power for the rest of
their lives. There was Executive Order 464, which tried to stifle the truth.
The declaration of a State of Emergency, in order to do away with the checks
and balances for Martial Law as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. There
were midnight appointments. The policy known as Calibrated Preemptive
Response, which was used against protesters. Even on the level of grammar,
this is wrong. How could a response come before anything else? It’s like
saying you replied to someone who never texted you.
These were the
headlines that greeted us every time we had breakfast in the years before we
came into office. The moment we assumed the presidency, we began to unearth
anomaly after anomaly. In my previous SONAs, I have already mentioned some
of them: In the National Food Authority, they allowed the debt to bloat from
P12.3 billion pesos in 2001, to P176.8 billion in June 2010. Even worse:
they continued to import rice, only to have it rot in warehouses. In PAGCOR,
a billion pesos went to coffee. In the MWSS: excessive bonuses, one on top
of the other. For the Laguna Lake: an attempt to waste over P18 billion just
to play with mud. Indeed: I could not comprehend how those behind such
controversies could willingly benefit from the suffering of our countrymen.
Every government official takes an oath to do right by our countrymen
and to uphold the law. But it was clear: our predecessor did precisely the
opposite. We were all witnesses to the most appalling example, when 58
Filipinos were massacred in Maguindanao in November 2009. To think about
committing such a crime was already heinous. To do it, which they did, was
even worse. The worst offense of all: Their belief that they could get away
with it, because they were in power—which is why they carried out their
plans in the first place. These are only a few examples; there are many
others.
With this kind of situation, can we really blame our
countrymen for losing sight of hope, and consequently, leaving our country?
Like you, the thought of giving up had crossed my mind. When my mother
died, my confidence diminished further; our family’s leader and inspiration
to pursue change was gone. At her wake, someone approached me and suggested
that I run for the presidency. My immediate response: I am not a masochist.
I was one of the people calling for an end to impunity and wrongdoing; I
understood just how dire the situation was. I was also certain they had
deliberately hidden details from us, and the real problems were bigger than
what we knew. When you called me to serve, my question was: If I am unable
to solve these problems quickly, how long will it take before my bosses lose
their patience, and instead direct all their anger at me?
One of
those who convinced me to run was Alex Lacson. He said: “To simply put an
end to all the abuse would suffice. To stop the hemorrhaging would be
enough.”
Let us listen to him:
Translated transcript of
Testimonial of Alex Lacson
In 2008, our country was ranked by the
World Bank as one of the most corrupt in the world. Our self-confidence and
morale as a people was very low.
At the time, many of my friends and
I were looking for a good man, not just a good politician to be our
president in 2010.
Then, President Cory passed away, and Senator
Noynoy spoke at her funeral. That is when we truly saw him.
My
friends encouraged me to lead the public call to urge Senator Noynoy to run
for president. My friends and I went to the house of Senator Noynoy in Times
Street. We brought a yellow drum and we encouraged the public to write
letters.
Within 24 hours there was an outpouring of public support
for Senator Noynoy to run for public office.
I did not expect him to
be superman and solve all our problems in the country; we expected him only
to begin reform.
Mr. President, thank you for heeding the call of the
people in 2010, and thank you, too, for respecting my beliefs, even as we
disagreed on a number of issues.
Mr. President, continue to lead our
country on the right path.
From the start, we already knew that
corruption was the root of all our people’s suffering. Thus, our battlecry:
where there is no corruption, there will be no poverty.
Tremendous
perseverance, courage, political will, and faith in God and in our fellowmen
were needed in order to breathe life into this ideal. Of course, the
masterminds of the old system were not meek lambs, willing to see the end of
their opportunity to take advantage of others. They used, and continue to
use, their influence and wealth to fight our agenda of change. They also
used their power to prepare life preservers for when the time of judgment
came.
The Ombudsman who should have been appointed to guard against
corruption allegedly played blind to all the scandals of the past
administration. She was impeached in the House of Representatives, and
resigned from her post before she could be tried in the Senate. The Chief
Justice who seemed to have a bias for the one who appointed him, was proven
to have hidden wealth and properties not disclosed in his SALN. He was
impeached in the House and convicted in the Senate.
To replace them,
we appointed men and women with integrity and independent minds. The new
Ombudsman: Conchita Carpio-Morales. The new Chief Justice: Ma. Lourdes
Sereno. Now, she has sufficient time to implement reform in the Judiciary.
Even in other agencies, we appointed honest and fearless leaders. We
immediately placed Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan in the COA. In the
Executive, we likewise appointed uncompromising persons: Commissioner Kim
Henares in the BIR and Secretary Leila de Lima in the Department of Justice.
They did not back down from any challenge in fulfilling their mandates. To
all of you, I give my heartfelt thanks.
Whether in the top, middle,
or bottom of the bureaucracy, so many have been suspended, removed from
their positions, made accountable through cases filed against them, or even
imprisoned. If there is anyone who still doubts that justice is blind in the
Philippines, it would be best if they turned their attention to the three
senators currently detained, or to a former president still under hospital
arrest.
There are some who say we should move on. Personally, I
believe in what George Santayana said: Those who forget the mistakes of the
past are condemned to repeat it.
Just take a look at the actions of
those who have wronged us. They will first work to ensure we forget what
they have done. After this, they will say, “Have pity on us.” They already
took advantage of us; now they are trying to take advantage of the
Filipino’s innate penchant for forgiveness, in order to escape
accountability. The next step: they will find a way to return to power.
Isn’t that their master plan—so that they can continue to take advantage of
us?
I learned from my parents, from the church, and from the
processes of our laws: Whatever reconciliation must come from the confession
and repentance of those who have committed wrong. Can you remember an
instance in which anyone said, “I’m sorry I stole from you and abused you; I
am ready to change”? For my part: We can only move on once justice has been
attained.
We continued to reform our institutions, in order to
refocus them towards their true mandates. For example: Government Owned and
Controlled Corporations. Appointees to GOCCs swore to safeguard our people’s
money. The sad fact is, even when the GOCCs were mired in debt, they
showered themselves with benefits and incentives left and right. If we liken
their institutions to cattle, they’d just as soon butcher the cow for meat,
even as they milk it. This is why in the past administration, dividends
collected over nine and a half years only amounted to P84.18 billion.
Under our administration: the number of GOCCs has already been reduced
by shutting down those deemed irrelevant, and yet because of improved
management: the dividends we have collected in the five years we have been
in office have now reached P131.86 billion. It isn’t unlikely that, before
we step down from office, we will be able to double the dividends collected
by our predecessor who had much more time to accumulate these funds.
This is the same commitment we have shown in the BIR, which is the
biggest revenue-generating agency of the government. When we stepped in, the
highest collection on record was in 2008, at P778.6 billion. We surpassed
this by leaps and bounds. In 2012, the BIR collected P1.06 trillion—the
first time in our history we have breached the 1 trillion mark for
collections. Last year, the number went up to P1.3 trillion; this 2015, we
will collect up to P1.5 trillion.
We only needed five years to
match, surpass, and almost double our predecessor’s record high—and we did
this without imposing new taxes, as promised, apart from Sin Tax Reform.
How did we do this? It was simple. I believe that Commissioner Kim
Henares is a kind person, but those against whom she filed cases might have
a different opinion. Commissioner Kim Henares spared no tax evader. 380
cases have already been filed against those who attempted to evade taxes.
She also made the system for tax payment more efficient, and made clear to
everyone their civic duty to contribute to the development of our country.
For the National Budget: under the previous administration, the budget
was always reenacted, whether partially or fully. In 2007, for example, it
was almost April when the General Appropriations Act (GAA) was approved. It
was already worrying that projects that had been completed received funding
once more. Even worse: Even the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses,
including salaries, were included in this reenacted budget. What this means:
funds were allotted again for salaries—even if all had already received what
was due them for the first three months of 2007. I wonder: Where did the
excess funds that were allotted and requested for go?
What we have
proven: if the Executive proposes a reasonable budget, the dialogue with the
members of Congress will go smoothly. The faster the GAA is passed, the
quicker services will reach our countrymen, and the sooner will we be able
to alleviate their suffering.
The message was clear: We are serious
about change; the playing field is level. The result: Confidence in our
economy.
When we began, I did not think that we would immediately win
back the global community’s confidence in the Philippines. I only thought of
fixing the crooked system to prevent our people from sinking deeper into
poverty. Let me ask you: Did it ever occur to you that we would continue
rising in global competitiveness rankings, and that we would be recognized
for the speed with which our economy has grown? In fact, the Philippines is
now being called “Asia’s Rising Tiger,” “Asia’s Rising Star,” and “Asia’s
Bright Spot.”
Now, for the first time in history, we are unanimously
deemed investment grade by the most prominent credit rating agencies. This
is a signal to businessmen that it is worthwhile to invest in the
Philippines. The risks of doing business here have decreased. Now, with
lower interest rates and more flexible debt payment schedules, more
investors are finding it attractive to bet on the Philippines. Through the
institution and expansion of businesses, commerce becomes more lively,
competition strengthens, and even more opportunities are created. All this
has been a direct result of reforms we made along the Straight Path.
Just look: back in 2010, net foreign direct investment in our country
was at $1.07 billion. In 2014, net foreign direct investments reached $6.2
billion. This is the highest ever recorded in our entire history.
The
numbers for domestic investments are likewise impressive; now, Filipinos are
betting on their fellow Filipinos. Let us compare: from the time this was
first measured back in 2003 until 2010, the amount of approved domestic
investments totaled just P1.24 trillion. Under our watch, from the third
quarter of 2010 until the end of 2014, the amount invested by our countrymen
in the market reached P2.09 trillion.
In manufacturing: I admit,
during my first year in office, one of the things furthest from my mind was
the idea that we could reinvigorate this sector. The industry faced many
challenges: electricity, for one, was both expensive and unreliable. It was
also no small feat to establish facilities here, because of the large
investment involved in buying machines and training employees. This is why,
back then, we had to import even low-tech electric fans.
Thanks to
the reforms that have restored confidence in our nation, manufacturing
growth has accelerated—from 3 percent annually between 2001 and 2009, to 8
percent from 2010 to 2014.
It is clear: The Filipino can compete. In
the past, our only selling point was low wages. Now, investors are bringing
to our country factories that produce hi-tech equipment: from aircraft
components, electric tricycles, printers, and other digital media products,
to high-quality medical devices like aortic catheters and devices for in
vitro diagnostics and hemodialysis treatment.
Let us listen to a
businessman who will tell us of the new business climate in the Philippines:
Translated transcript of Testimonial of Peter Perfecto, Makati Business
Club
One of the most important things this administration has
accomplished was reversing the corruption trends of the previous
administration.
Without the rule of law, the advantage went to
corporations that were complicit with the systemic bribery and a faulty tax
system.
President Aquino has walked the talk. He has delivered on his
promises. They arrested the former president, the three senators, and ousted
a Chief Justice who were all once thought to be “untouchable.”
The
strong message has been sent. Because of the rule of law and the commitment
to good governance this administration has made, our foreign direct
investments rose from P2 billion to P6.2 billion.
We have made a huge
leap forward: jumping 33 places in the rankings set by the world Economic
Forum; and according to them, this is a result of this administration’s
anti-corruption agenda—all because of the changes that this government has
enacted. It is the responsibility of each Filipino to learn from these
recent achievements and ensure that we continue moving forward with the
coming administration.
We all know that the primary measure of
economic improvement for the common Filipino is the creation of jobs. Let us
look at what we’ve achieved in this area.
Every year, around 80,000
new entrants join our labor force. Now, consider the fact that there are
reports of overseas Filipinos returning home. In 2011, our Department of
Foreign Affairs reported that there were around 9.51 million overseas
Filipinos. Based on the latest estimates in December 2014, that number went
down to 9.07 million. It is reasonable to say that a good number of the
estimated 400,000 Filipinos represented by that decrease came home and were
able to find work.
Despite the fact that there are new entrants,
returnees, and previously unemployed Filipinos, our unemployment rate still
dropped to 6.8 percent last year. This is the lowest recorded in a decade.
Let me be clear: We created permanent jobs; we did not hire an abundance of
street sweepers during the period the labor survey was conducted, just to
boost results.
Together with creating real jobs, we are also
fostering a good relationship between labor and management throughout the
country. Let us compare. In the nine and a half years of the previous
administration, the number of strikes that occurred were 199, or roughly 21
strikes for each year. In our five years in office, the total strikes were
only 15. In fact, in 2013, there was only a single strike recorded in the
country. This is the lowest recorded in the history of DOLE.
It is
because of this that we are truly impressed with Secretary Linda Baldoz and
our labor and management sector. To Sec. Linda: you are not only efficient;
you are also very positive which makes you the type of colleague who is a
pleasure to work with. That is why you are considered the Pastor of the
Cabinet. Thank you, very much, for all your efforts, Linda.
The
transformation has indeed been vast. Before, the signs we would always see
proclaimed, “No Vacancy,” didn’t they? Today, announcements that say, “For
Immediate Hiring” are scattered everywhere; you need only open a newspaper
to see classified ads from many companies who are hiring. Some of them have
even been getting creative with incentives. There’s this one company that
says: just come in for an interview and your breakfast is on them. Once
you’re hired, they’ll cover your treat to friends and family to celebrate
your new job.
Some businessmen have even mentioned to me that they
are finding it difficult to hire accountants. I remember when I was younger,
a lot of people were taking up BS Commerce, Major in Accountancy. When I
visited Bicol University, I mentioned this to their president. I had to ask:
Am I correct in the knowledge that your university has an accountancy
program? Their reply: Yes, but even we are having trouble filling our
accounting department. Why? Their president said that their students, even
in their third year of college, are already being recruited by accounting
and auditing firms.
This is happening precisely because we have
worked to address what is called the job-skills mismatch. In the past, so
many of our countrymen were saying that they had no jobs, even when there
were so many unfilled positions listed in the PhilJob-Net website. The
simple reason: the skillset of our countrymen did not match what the market
needed. The solution to this was also simple: Talk to prospective employers
and ask them what skills are demanded by the positions they are opening.
Now, it is in these skills that we train Filipinos, so that they can
maximize opportunities.
The principle behind our strategy of
governance: instead of giving our countrymen fish, we will teach them how to
fish. We are ensuring that the progress we have made and the opportunities
that have been created can be maximized by our fellowmen. We cannot wait for
the benefits of growth to trickle down to the poorest Filipinos; we cannot
leave it to chance, or hope for the best. Our commitment: Inclusive growth.
The agenda: assistance, knowledge, skills training, and health, to
ensure that no one is left behind. One of our mechanisms: the Pantawid
Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
We have vastly expanded the scope of this
program. Now, more than 4.4 million households are feeling the benefits of
this program. This is extremely far from the 786,523 households covered by
the program when we entered office. This year, 333,673 graduated from high
school; they are part of the first batch of beneficiaries under the expanded
Pantawid Pamilya. 13,469 of these youth graduated with honors and a variety
of awards. In fact, the two beneficiaries I met were accepted into Civil
Engineering, a quota course in the University of the Philippines.
All
of these beneficiaries will gain important knowledge; instead of entering
menial jobs once they graduate, it is almost certain that they will find
jobs that will pay them a decent salary. Their income tax alone will repay
the state’s investment, and we will be able to continue the cycle of
empowering those in need. The brighter future that awaits the honor students
the program assisted is just an added bonus.
Let us listen to one of
those assisted by Pantawid Pamilya.
Translated transcript of
Testimonial of Alyannah, CCT beneficiary
I work much harder now. I
knew the trials my family faced because of poverty. When we were enrolled in
the Conditional Cash Transfer program, I saw that people wanted to help us.
I knew they wanted nothing in return—but, for me, the only way I could repay
their kindness was through my studies. The money we get from the government
was never wasted. We were able to finance all of my school expenses.
I was so happy when I got into my dream school, the University of the
Philippines. The CCT program gave me a chance to get a good education, which
helped me finish high school; and now I’m on my way to college. I know this
program is on the receiving end of a lot of criticism, but I want to tell
President Benigno Aquino that they need only to look at me—at us. We are
proof that the money set aside by the government for this program is not a
dole-out. The money goes towards a worthy pursuit, which I know one day will
help uplift the entire country.
Under Pantawid Pamilya, in exchange
for assistance, the primary focus of beneficiaries must be the education of
their children. This has already borne early fruit: according to studies
conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, in 2008,
there were 2.9 million out-of-school children in the country. The years
passed and our population grew, but in 2013, only 1.2 million out-of-school
children remained. Let me emphasize the difference: 1.7 million.
It’s as if we filled around 42,500 empty classrooms with students. Of
course, apart from the Pantawid Pamilya, the Alternative Learning System
also helped to ensure that even indigenous peoples and street children are
not left behind.
And yet, there are still some who ask: Where are the
results of Pantawid Pamilya? Our answer: Oh come on. They seem to think that
Pantawid Pamilya is like a magic tablet that, once taken by a child in
kindergarten, turns that child into a college graduate after only a few
hours. [Laughter and applause] Perhaps, they did not have enough time to
study during their time; let us help them count: K to 12 lasts 13 years,
while my term only lasts for six. Now we see who’s trying to deceive us.
There are even some who had the guts to raise an outcry and shout: There
are leakages in Pantawid Pamilya. Then we discovered they used data from
2009, just to have something to criticize. Let me remind them: I became
President halfway through 2010; perhaps you should be asking another
president to explain the alleged leakage. I guarantee that, when the time
comes that the beneficiaries of this program are contributing to the
economy, those who are criticizing it today will be falling over themselves
to proclaim that they are the father or mother of the expanded Pantawid
Pamilya.
Now, in the sector of education: we are making sure that the
deficits of the past are erased and the needs of the present are addressed,
even as we prepare for the future.
In just our first two years in
office, we were able to close the backlogs we inherited of 61.7 million
textbooks and 2.5 million school chairs. In 2013, the backlog of 66,800
classrooms was finally eliminated and the backlog of 145,827 teachers was
likewise addressed, with the help of our LGU partners.
According to
the estimates of DepEd, from 2010 up to 2017, the total amount of new
students: 4.7 million. This is because of the increase of enrollees and the
implementation of the K to 12 program. In order to meet this vast increase,
we need to add an estimated 118,000 classrooms to what we already have.
33,608 of these have already been constructed. This year, we are slated to
construct more than 41,000 more. Funds for the remaining 43,000 classrooms
have already been included in the proposed 2016 budget that we will pass
tomorrow, which we hope you will approve.
The number of teachers we
will need are estimated at 130,000. In 2014, we have already hired 29,444.
This year, the total number of teachers we target to hire: 39,000. The
remaining 60,000 positions will be covered in the proposed 2016 budget,
which we hope you will approve as well. According to Bro. Armin, the sum
total of the classrooms our administration has constructed and the teachers
we have hired exceeds the cumulative total of classrooms built and teachers
hired in the past twenty years before we came into office.
We have
already turned over 73.9 million textbooks that will be followed by an
addition 88.7 million this year. In 2015 as well, 1.6 million school seats
were delivered to schools, and we will add another 1.6 million before the
end of the year. After eliminating the existing backlog in classrooms, we
constructed or continue to construct 33,621 classrooms, while allotting
funds for the construction of 41,728 more. For teachers: 39,000 are already
being hired by DepEd for this school year alone.
Tomorrow, we will
submit the budget for 2016; included in it are funds for an additional 103.2
million textbooks, 4.4 million school seats, 43,000 classrooms, and 60,000
new teaching positions. Everyone can see: we will not leave further sources
of headaches for those who will succeed us.
Let me be clear: We
implemented K to 12 because it is not practical to cram learning in a
10-year basic education cycle. May I remind you, that we are one of the
three countries left in the world with a 10-year basic education cycle. The
credentials of our countrymen working overseas are already being questioned;
there are also some who have been demoted because our diplomas are
supposedly not proof of sufficient knowledge. If the past educational system
can be likened to a mango induced to ripen under artificial circumstances;
now, we are ensuring that the abilities of our students are fully developed,
so that they can take hold of their futures.
Let us listen to a story
that is proof of this:
Translated transcript of Testimonial of Rezia
Joy Jianoran
My father has been a jeepney driver all my life. When I
was in my second year of high school, my mom suffered a stroke. I didn’t
ask, but I knew that they couldn’t afford to send me to college.
Instead of dropping out of school, I decided to continue my studies under
the K to 12 program. My chosen track of specialization was the Drafting
Technology course.
Part of the K to 12 program is the career
immersion. I was assigned to CLP Metal, a metal fabrication company.
I was tasked to design machines. This machine was designed to de-hair pigs.
Once a pig is processed, after several seconds, it comes out without any
hair.
A machine like this can only be bought abroad. Because of the
design by CLP, we’re able to adjust to the budget restrictions of our
customers.
I’m extremely proud because when you think about it: how
many 19-year olds can say they have designed a machine?
I’m proud
that I’m a K to 12 graduate because I can now support my family. And I’m
learning while I’m earning.
Should these graduates choose to go into
tech-voc, the programs we enhanced are already waiting for them. 7.8 million
have already graduated from the different courses of the Technical
Vocational Education and Training overseen by TESDA. Under the Training for
Work Scholarship Program alone, the number of graduates have already reached
821,962. Perhaps you are wondering: what is their situation today? According
to studies, 71.9 percent of graduates were able to find employment right
away, compared to the 28.5 percent recorded before. There are even some
industries breaking records: for example, the employment rate for the entire
semiconductors and electronics industry has already reached 91.26
percent—just a little more, and we’ll be at 100 percent.
Secretary
Joel Villanueva told us before of an OFW forced to return home; she thought
there was no hope to improve her lot in life. Then, she studied “hilot
wellness massage” in TESDA; now, her spa already has 4 branches. In my last
SONA, I also told you of a PWD who was once a barker; he is now an
escalation supervisor in a BPO.
A success story from the Sari-sari
Store Training and Access to Resources Program, or STAR: there was a
sari-sari store owner who used to earn 800 pesos a day; now, her daily
earnings have reached 4,000 pesos. If you sum everything up, her earnings
are more or less equivalent to my salary, even if we do not experience the
same type of stress. [Laughter]
How did this happen? She was trained
in bookkeeping, inventory management, accounting, and other disciplines.
What’s extremely impressive: the STAR program even teaches students how to
ensure that their profits are maximized.
Let us listen to one of
those who benefited from TESDA’s program:
Translated transcript of
Testimonial of Ma. Theresa Tomaro, TESDA Star Program trainee
My
husband and I were both unemployed when we started training with the STAR
program. We were taught how to manage and grow a business.
When we
started our sari-sari store, it was made out of bamboo. Now, its walls are
made of concrete.
This not only helps us, but also our children. We
are able to give them good lives.
I’ve been able to sell a lot of
things. My income has doubled since then.
I’d like to thank Secretary
Joel Villanueva because of their program, I was able to have the opportunity
to show my ability to run my own business.
Now, on the sector of
health. To many Filipinos, falling ill poses a serious challenge to the
fulfillment of their dreams. Families climbing the ladder of progress,
return back to zero once they are struck by illness. Not only are their
savings emptied, they also fall deep into debt.
When we came into
office, only 47 million Filipinos were beneficiaries of PhilHealth. We have
almost doubled this number: just this past June, PhilHealth coverage has
reached 89.4 million Filipinos. The transformation we wrought: Before,
during elections, new PhilHealth beneficiaries seemed to sprout up like
mushrooms. Instead of the basis for membership being the interest of
Filipinos, it became manipulated to serve the electoral candidate’s
interest. Now, we have corrected that system.
There is more good news
in the sector of health. In 2012, we announced: If your family is part of
the lowest quintile, or the poorest 20 percent of our population, and you
are seeking treatment in public hospitals, then we guarantee that you will
not have to pay a single centavo. Beginning in 2014, this has expanded to
cover the next quintile of our society. This means that for the poorest 40
percent of the population, treatment in public hospitals is free. This is
the care that some have called inefficient and uncaring. The only thing I
have to say to them, as Aiza Seguerra said back in the day: I thank you,
bow.
Now, let us hear some of the results of the improved PhilHealth
program:
Translated transcript of Testimonial of Danilo Espiritu,
PhilHealth beneficiary
I was diagnosed with quadruple clogs in the
coronary area.
We didn’t know how we could afford the operation. The
first hospital we went to said the operation would cost 300,000 pesos. At
[the Philippine General Hospital], it would cost 700,000 pesos. At UST
hospital, they said it was 800,000 pesos.
But when one of the doctors
learned that my wife was covered by PhilHealth, he said our case qualified
under the Z-Package, and we could push through with the operation.
We
just stood up then and went to fix the paperwork, and I was provided the
opportunity to extend my life.
The service I got at the hospital was
comparable to that received by a private hospital patient. I wasn’t
considered a charity case. I was a full-fledged paying patient, and
PhilHealth paid for my operation.
To be honest, I didn’t pay for
anything. The little money that we did save, we were able to use for the
post-operation expenses.
I’m thankful for PhilHealth and our
government for implementing these kinds of projects, which genuinely help
people in need.
___________________
Translated transcript of
Testimonial of Governor Lilia Pineda
Sin Tax should have been
implemented earlier; it’s the answer to our goal of providing universal
healthcare. It was a big help to the province of Pampanga: in the past, the
Capitol spent over 400 million pesos a year in health aid. But when the Sin
Tax Law was implemented, those who needed healthcare were covered by
PhilHealth. We are truly grateful to President Aquino because the project
provided a huge relief for Pampanga. The money saved was used to fund other
important projects. The proceeds of the Sin Tax also went towards the
construction of a birthing station, hospital renovations, and the
construction of health centers. We’re so thankful to the President for
caring for the poor who suffer sickness.
Let us again return to the
story of the past five years. We went after the corrupt and we cleaned the
systems, which redounded to confidence in our markets. Businesses came into
the country, opportunities expanded, all while we empowered Filipinos to
gain decent employment. They patronized these businesses, which, having
recognized that the playing field is level, know they can profit without
having to resort to illegal activities. They then expand their operations,
and employ even more people. This is a cycle: justice, trust, economic
growth, the creation of opportunities, progress. Boss, this is the very
spirit of, “Where there is no corruption, there is no poverty.”
And
we did not just achieve change. The transformation we are experiencing today
has already exceeded the expectations we had in the beginning.
The
Cadastral Survey, which was started in 1913, has been completed by us. It
took almost a century for those who came before us to complete 46 percent of
this survey. The more than half left to be done, we finished in just five
years in government. This Cadastral Survey identifies the boundaries of the
land covered by each city, municipality, and province in the Philippines. In
ARMM, for example, it was as if the land gave birth to more land: according
to the maps, there are only 1.2 million hectares belonging to the region,
but if we were to add up all the lands being claimed, they would reach a
total of 3.7 million hectares. Now, because we have fixed the land record
system through the Cadastral Survey, no new land will be birthed in ARMM.
In 2011, we conducted an inventory of sitios, and we identified those
that were still without electricity. Through the Sitio Electrification
Program, we were able to bring light to 25,257 communities identified
through this inventory. On top of this, because of the use of solar energy
and other technology, even far-flung and isolated areas that would be
difficult to connect to the grid already have electricity. Now, around 93
percent of sitios in the Philippines have already been energized; the DOE
has guaranteed that, before we step down from office, all the rest of the
sitios from the 2011 tally will have electricity.
Now, let us watch
a farmer who has benefited from our Sitio Electrification Program.
Translated transcript
It was difficult when we didn’t have
electricity; you just had to bear with it. We could only power our homes
with fuel sources.
We first got electricity this July, and we were so
happy when switched on the lights here at home for the very first time. We
can now watch movie tapes or listen to good music. The children are now able
to study at night. I’m even able to work at night because now I can charge
my spotlight during the day, and because I’m more productive, I earn more.
Our lives have changed for the better now that we finally have access to
electricity. We’re able to be more efficient—an example would be our
weaving. With sewing machines, we can create more beautiful designs, which
we can sell at a better price. Food processing needs equipment, which runs
on electricity. Students can use the Internet for research. Electricity has
brought good things to Bauko. Congratulations to our President for making
Bauko a better place to live in.
In the sector of aviation, there has
also been a steady stream of good news: in 2013, the International Civil
Aviation Organization lifted the significant safety concerns it had imposed
on our country back in 2009. In the same year, the European Union allowed
our flag carrier to resume its flights to Europe. The following year saw
another local carrier receiving approval from the European Union, while the
US Federal Aviation Administration upgraded us to Category 1, from the
Category 2 downgrade we had received in 2008.
Because of these
developments, incoming and outgoing flights are increasing, and it is also
becoming easier for tourists to fly around the Philippines. Even better
news: just this June, the EU Air Safety Committee removed its ban on all our
air carriers—the first time that it has lifted its ban on the entire civil
aviation sector of a country. Now, all our airlines will be able to fly
directly to the United Kingdom, Italy, and other countries part of the EU.
In seafaring: in 2006, the European Maritime Safety Agency or EMSA was
already questioning our compliance to the Standards of Training,
Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Because of this, there was a
threat that the EU would no longer recognize our maritime education
certificates. If we did not act, there would have been the chance that an
estimated 80,000 Filipino seafarers working on European boats would be out
of jobs.
MARINA and the DOTC went to work quickly in order to match
our maritime education certificates to global standards. To this day, the EU
continues to recognize our certifications. Come EMSA’s next audit, which
will begin in October, MARINA guarantees: We will definitely pass.
To Sec. Jun Abaya: May you not waver in your resolve, even when it seems
that some have forgotten all that you have done for our sailors, ICAO’s
lifting of the significant safety concerns it had imposed on our sector, the
European Union’s lifting of the ban on our airplanes, and the Federal
Aviation [Administration] upgrading us to Category 1. It was also you who
banned boats from setting out to see during typhoons, which helped to keep
passengers away from danger. It is now rare for us to receive news about
ships sinking during typhoons. All of these achievements have seemingly been
cast aside, because of the complicated challenges in the public transport
sector. The biggest example of this is the MRT.
Few mention that we
have partners from the private sector in this endeavor, who remember their
entitlements, but seem to have forgotten their obligations. This partner of
ours is supposed to be in charge of maintenance. In 2008, there should have
been a general overhaul of the MRT, but upon DOTC’s inspection, only token
cosmetic changes were undertaken. This lack of care practically guaranteed
the breakdown of our trains. Is it not in the interest of all companies to
make sure that they get their money’s worth from their investment? Yet, they
allowed the situation to deteriorate, to the point where, at very short
notice, they just passed the job of improving the MRT onto us.
When
we made moves to undertake improvements, suddenly, they wanted to take back
the responsibility of maintenance. However, their proposal was significantly
more expensive than hours. This would, of course, translate to added expense
and aggravation for our people. We did not agree to this, and began the
process of obtaining new train coaches. But because the MRTC was adamant,
they were able to obtain a TRO on the procurement. That is why the MRT
situation has come to this.
Sec. Jun: You, I, and the entire
population of Metro Manila are not pleased with what is happening. The
private sector relegated their responsibility to us; when we made moves to
provide a solution, they blocked us. It is clear that our agenda and that of
the MRTC will never meet. Now, we are taking steps to buy out the
corporation. Once this is fixed, the state will be the sole decisionmaker.
While we are undertaking this process, we are already implementing
immediate maintenance work. Bigger, more long-term solutions are also set to
arrive. Next month, we can expect the delivery of the prototype for new
coaches; once this passes scrutiny, beginning in January, three coaches will
be delivered every month until our order of 48 coaches has been completed.
The process to obtain new rails is underway, together with the upgrading of
the signaling and automatic fare collecting systems; all this, we expect to
be completed before we step down from office. The power supply of our trains
will be upgraded before the end of 2016. There are 12 escalators that will
be fixed before the end of the year, while the procurement for the
rehabilitation of 34 more escalators and 32 elevators is ongoing. Let me
remind everyone: When it comes to these matters, we cannot take shortcuts in
the processes; we do not want our measures to be hampered by lawsuits left
and right.
There are some who say that I wear blinders, when it comes
to those who have long been my companions on the Straight Path. Me? I see
the good things, but I also see the bad. Am I the one with blinders? Or is
it those who insist on seeing only the bad things?
On our Armed
Forces: Back in November 2010, tensions arose once more between North and
South Korea; there were fears that war would break out in the peninsula. We
needed a plan to evacuate the 46,000 Filipinos in South Korea, as well as
the eight Filipinos in North Korea.
When I asked the AFP about the
assets we could use in an evacuation, they said that the Air Force has a
lone C-130. The shortest duration for a round trip? 10 hours. The capacity:
around 100 people. I made some calculations: We needed to move 46,000
Filipinos away from conflict, which meant that, under the most ideal
conditions, we would need 460 round trips, which would take 4,600 hours
each. This is equivalent to 200 days of travel. No one can count on an old
C-130 to cope with such heavy usage. If we deployed ships, each could carry
1,000 people at a time, but we would be lucky if each round trip could be
completed within 10 days. Should further conflict break out, there was the
chance that the entire situation would have been over by the time we
evacuated of our people. We took immediate action to address these
limitations.
Now, from one functional C-130, we now have three at our
disposal, and we are planning to acquire two more. There are others to
accompany them: The first of three C-295 medium lift transports has arrived,
with the other two arriving within the year. We also expect the delivery of
two more light lift transports before the end of 2015.
If we ever
encounter another spate of problems like what happened in 2013, we are going
to need more assets. When Yolanda struck, our docks were destroyed, and our
ability to deliver aid was hampered. In such situations, landing craft
utilities are invaluable because of their ability to dock on any shore. Now,
we have increased the number of our landing craft utilities from four to
ten. There is the BRP Tagbanua. By next week, two Landing Craft Heavy will
arrive from Australia; the turnover of these vessels was very generous: they
even came with spare parts and generators. We plan on buying three more;
once all the paperwork has been put in order, the processes to procure them
will begin. These vessels will reduce our dependence on the kindness of
other nations; we will be able to accelerate delivery to different parts of
the Philippines, and more promptly send aid, supplies, and other heavy
equipment such as bulldozers, which are needed for clearing and relief
operations.
To better watch over our territory, we have also
acquired 12 FA-50 fighters to replace our F5 fighter jets that were retired
in 2005. The first two units will arrive in December, and the rest of the
deliveries will be completed by 2017. We have also acquired war ships such
as the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the Ramon Alcaraz, seven of 13 AW-109
helicopters, six of eight Bell-412 helicopters, 617 troop carrier trucks,
and 50,629 assault rifles. Our target is to obtain two more frigates, six
Close Air Support Aircrafts, 142 armored personnel carriers, and other new
items such as 49,135 units of force protection equipment, 2,884 grenade
launchers, and an additional 23,622 assault rifles. In total, we have
completed 56 projects for modernization, and I have approved 30 more.
Compare this to the 45 projects completed by the three administrations that
came before us combined.
Let us listen to one of our servicemen from
the Air Force:
Translated transcript of Testimonial of Jun Perry,
member of the Philippine Air Force
For the record, Sir, our Air Force
now has actual force. There was a joke or stigma back then that the Air
Force was all air and no force.
I’ve only recently joined the
Philippine Air Force, but I spent four years in the Philippine Military
Academy, where we learned of the value of air power and air defense. During
those four years, we found that the Philippine Air Force was losing its
strength. But luckily the long wait is over.
In December of 2012,
President Aquino signed RA 10349. Now, the Philippine Air Force is receiving
adequate advancement. It boosts morale. I’ve heard confirmation from our
Army classmates themselves. One of them even said: “Mistah, when I heard the
sound of the chopper taking flight, I was so inspired.”
This is a
dream that has slowly, but surely turned into a reality.
As for our
police, for the first time in our history, each of our policemen has his or
her own firearm. Furthermore, to improve the capacity of our police force to
shoot, scoot, and communicate, we have distributed 302 patrol jeeps, which
are only part of the 2,523 that we have procured. We have also distributed
179 of 577 new utility vehicles, as well as 12,399 handheld radios. We are
likewise procuring 30,136 long firearms, 3,328 investigative kits, and
another 16,867 radios. Let us listen to some of our policemen, who talk
about how these efforts have helped them in their work:
Translated
transcript of Testimonial of Melvin Velasquez
When I entered the
police service in 2003, I was issued a .38 revolver. Sometimes some of the
criminals we encountered were equipped with high-powered weapons. The .38
revolver paled in comparison to the ones used by criminals. In fact, I had
to buy my own gun.
It is difficult for us law enforcers when we
encounter situations where we really have to risk our lives.
It was a
big change when all policemen were finally given their own guns. We know
that we can depend on the firearms issued by the government to us.
Those of us in the service dream of owning our own house and lot; it was
only during this administration that such a dream was realized.
As a
low-ranking law enforcer, I really feel the reforms instituted by our
President—one of which is the value accorded to the national police. The
only way we can possibly repay all these good things is by fulfilling our
duties in the correct and right way—even if it means sacrificing my life.
Our drive to improve our police force’s equipment is complemented by our
“work smarter” strategy. This has been brought to life by Oplan
Lambat-Sibat, whose pilot program was implemented in Metro Manila. We
studied how criminals operate and strategically deployed our policemen. This
is how we have caught the “big fish” gang leaders, dismantled syndicates,
and lowered crime rates across the nation.
During our term, almost
163,000 people on the wanted list have been apprehended by the PNP, more
than 1,000 gangs have been neutralized, and 29,294 unlicensed guns have been
confiscated in the country. In NCR: from January to June of 2014, there was
an average of 37 cases of murder and homicide every week. Thanks to Oplan
Lambat-Sibat, this has gone down to 23 cases per week as of June 2015. In
terms of robberies, thefts, and carnapping incidents in the same period: the
weekly average in NCR has gone down to 444, from 919.
Just last week,
Dexter Balane, the leader of the robbery and holdup group in cahoots with
the Martilyo gang, was apprehended by our police force. Also in the
apprehended list are the notorious Tiamzon couple, Commander Parago, and
other cadres of the CPP-NPA-NDF such as Ruben Saluta and Emmanuel Bacarra;
there is also the elusive Jovito Palparan, as well as the leaders of the
BIFF, namely Basit Usman, Mohammad Ali Tambako, Abdulgani Esmael Pagao, and
the international terrorist Marwan.
It is clear for all to see: The
State nurtures its men and women in uniform, and they are abundantly reaping
this care. Together with new equipment, we have also increased the combat
pay of our soldiers, as well as the subsistence allowance of the entire
uniformed services. We have put up more than 57,000 housing units for our
men and women in uniform, and this number will reach 81,000 before I step
down from office. In our camps, we also have livelihood programs, and among
those benefiting from these are the soldiers who have been wounded or
disabled in the course of fulfilling their duty. To heighten our focus on
them, I have already ordered our AFP to work together with our Cabinet and
implement initiatives that will ensure that those who have sacrificed for
the nation will have decent livelihoods.
Let us now talk about
infrastructure. I remember when I was a Congressman in Tarlac: During
summer, the Tarlac River was like a desert. During the rainy season, the
river would surge and overflow, with the MacArthur Highway among the areas
affected by flooding. I asked, who is in charge of flood control in our
district? We approached the Pampanga River Delta Project. They said that the
Lower Agno Project had jurisdiction over us. Then, when we went to them,
they told us to go back to Pampanga. Instead of helping us, they chose to
point fingers at each other.
The time of skirting responsibility has
ended. On the Straight Path, long-awaited infrastructure projects are
constructed one after the other. I have already mentioned some of them:
There is the Lullutan Bridge in Isabela, which our countrymen in the
province had anticipated for two decades, like Rodito Albano; it is now
open. The Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project, in Iloilo, was conceptualized
around the time of my birth; we have recently broken ground for stage 2 of
this project. The Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase 2 in Tarlac was
planned in the 1980s. It has now been approved and the bidding process has
already started.
Construction of the Basilan Circumferential Road
started in back in 2000, but was long-delayed because of conflict in the
province. Hostile elements have blocked its completion because as soon as it
is constructed, they will have a more difficult time escaping the law. The
delivery of services to the area would also be expedited, thus weakening
their influence on the locals. The vast majority of the road is now
passable, and only three bridges are still being finished.
I have
already mentioned the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, which opened last
Friday. The first two stages of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway or
TPLEX are also open; it is the same for the Phase 2 of the STAR Toll. When
the Cavite-Laguna Expressway Project, the C-6 Phase 1, the Metro Manila
Skyway Stage 3, and the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road are completed—all the more
will the benefits of our infrastructure strategy reach even more people.
To address flooding, we have the ongoing repairs and maintenance of our
flood control projects. Among these is the Pasig-Marikina River Channel
Improvement Project Phase 2, which was completed in 2013. The high-impact
flood control projects for the NCR and its surrounding areas are slated for
completion in November, and our target is to complete the Blumentritt
Interceptor Catchment Area by next year. The Laguna Lakeshore Expressway
Dike project, meanwhile, will be awarded this December.
I am sure
that everyone can see: It does not matter if local officials belong to our
party, or if we won in these provinces; the only question we ask: Is there a
need for this project? Let us listen to some of those we have helped:
Translated transcript of Testimonial of Governor Elias Bulut
When
the President first ran for senator, he lost in our province. When he ran
for President, he lost again. In spite of that, the President still helped
our province. We are witness to his style of governance. The administration
recognizes the problems of the region and responds based on need, rather
than considering the votes they earned here. Our province used to be
neglected—because of the meager funds given to us by previous
administrations. People here had to walk for about two days to get to their
destination. With the construction of this new road, so many opportunities
are going to open up for the people of Apayao. Agriculture here is booming,
and the people finally feel that there actually is a government that looks
after them. To the President, we hope you can come over, so you can see what
you’ve done here. What used to be far is so much nearer now because of the
good roads you’ve built.
____________________
Translated
transcript of Testimonial of Rep. Mercedes Alvarez
When I met the
President in Bacolod City, I thanked him because our road was already
finished; he said, “Don’t thank me. Thank our bosses.” And of course he told
me not to lie down on the road again. [Laughter]
What happened before
this was that I was on my way up to Candoni, and I saw the road that the
DPWH had worked on was finally completed. I was so happy that I decided to
take a picture right there.
Travel time has been cut in half, thanks
to the new national road. Candoni used to be a very isolated area. Investors
didn’t want to make their way there because of the state of the roads. But
now the roads are good; public transport ply these routes. Students now
don’t have to walk all the way to school because now they can commute. When
you plant sugarcane, you have to bring it all the way to the central market.
But now, with our new roads, planting will be easier, more economical, and
cheaper.
Mr. President, on behalf of the people in Cauayan,
Hino-baan, Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan, and Sipalay in the province of Negros
Occidental, we want to thank you for your commitment, your projects, and
your programs. Mabuhay po kayo!
To Governor Bulut, in the Senatorial
election of 2007, I was only 20th in the hearts of the people in your
province, and I was only 4th during the presidential elections. But given
all the infrastructure we have built, I do not think anyone can say that you
aren’t in the hearts of the Filipino people. You yourselves have witnessed
that when it comes to projects, our basis is need, not votes.
Now,
to Congresswoman Alvarez, who has, on a number of occasions, posed lying
down on the roads we have built in her district: I am sorry, Chedeng, but
the next time you lie down on the road, I will have you arrested. [Laughter]
The violation: obstruction of traffic.
Our strategy is clear: in
constructing roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, we reduce the
suffering where we must, and we accelerate the delivery of benefits. I only
ask that we all contribute in the effort, and that we be willing to make
sacrifices.
For example: to address flooding in Manila, we pushed
for the construction of a catchment area, which was protested by a
particular university. They said that some of their old buildings could be
affected by the project. Another example: there is already a need to
retrofit the Guadalupe bridge, because it is vulnerable to earthquakes. But
can we close down this bridge without completely shutting down EDSA? This
bridge cannot be fixed through conventional means; we need to open up an
alternative path. One proposal estimates that 70,000 vehicles would be able
to pass through the route. Thus, if we can get this done, we can retrofit
Guadalupe. The problem is that the chosen path for the route has been
protested by a number of groups. They agree that Guadalupe has to be
retrofit, and they also agree with our plan to address heavy traffic along
EDSA, but they do not want to be inconvenienced by the structures we need to
construct. Such an attitude delays the construction of much needed
infrastructure.
There have also been times when assistance was not
only denied; roadblocks were also put in our path by officials on the local
level. For example, there was an area devastated by a calamity. We went
there as soon as possible; I was greeted by the Congressman and the Mayor,
but it was the City Administrator and Vice Mayor who spoke with me. We told
them: the DPWH has the necessary equipment, and we are ready to put up
temporary shelters; all we need is land on which to construct them. Their
answer: There are 30 hectares that can be used. Unfortunately, when I
returned, not a single bit of land was turned over to us because they said
they were using them for something else.
That is just one horror
story. For our part: we are here to help. We will do everything in our power
to give as much assistance as we can, in accordance with the law. If they do
not want to cooperate, the only thing I will say is this: Next year is an
election year, and our Bosses will be the ones to decide who has alleviated,
or added to, their suffering.
Let us now move on to the area of
Public-Private Partnerships. If we add together all the solicited PPP
Projects of the past three administrations, the grand total: 6 projects.
Under our watch, the number of solicited PPP project: 50. Of this number, 10
have been awarded; 13 are being bidded out; while 27 are still in the
pipeline. You can judge the difference for yourselves.
Back then, no
one would join these projects; now, private companies are competing with one
another, and are even paying us premiums. The premiums we have received from
our private sector partners in the PPP have reached P64.1 billion, which
goes directly to our national coffers. Each successful project redounds to
even greater confidence in the Philippines, which will in itself help
accelerate the process of putting up the rest of the infrastructure we need.
The suffering of our people will be lessened, and may even come to an end.
As for infrastructure about to be constructed, my sole request is for
all of us to calm down. The procurement process is long; in fact, four
months to complete the process is already considered fast. You could be
considered lucky if the computer you ordered is delivered within that time.
Just imagine the process when it comes to the construction of bridges.
For my part: It doesn’t matter if I am unable to preside over the
groundbreaking or ribbon-cutting. What is important is that these projects
are well-planned and legal, so that when they are approved, construction can
proceed quickly; the quality of the structure will withstand anyone’s
scrutiny. The Cabinet already knows this: When we have Cabinet or NEDA Board
meetings, I have sometimes joked that attendees should bring their own
blankets because the meetings will likely go on until late evening. This
happens because I examine each detail carefully, so that when we present
these projects to our Bosses, they will also say, “We approve of this
because the process has been transparent, and we’re sure that these projects
will benefit us.”
Without doubt, the transformation we are feeling is
vast. Whereas before, the capacity of Filipinos to hope was wavering; now,
according to the latest Social Weather Station survey, eight out of ten
Filipinos believe that the Philippines can be—if not already is—a developed
nation. There is also a survey from Gallup Inc., which has been in business
for 80 years now and is considered the oldest and one of the most respected
polling agencies in the world. They asked the citizens of 145 countries:
“Would you say that now is a good time or a bad time to find a job?” The
result: The Philippines ranked number one in terms of job optimism for the
Asia-Pacific region, and number two in the entire world.
Indeed: our
countrymen are confident in the stability of their future. Even newly hired
employees today can make regular payments on cars or condominium units.
Given this, it should not come as a surprise that, just last year, car sales
in the Philippines grew by 27 percent. The belief now: we can afford to pay
not only the down payment, but also the monthly amortizations as well. With
so many of our countrymen able to purchase cars, two major automobile
companies in the country now take two and half to three months to deliver
cars to buyers. In my own experience, the first time I was employed, I
computed how long it would take for me to buy my own car. The result of my
calculations: it would take me 20 years, and that’s for a secondhand
vehicle.
I was also given the chance to speak with the leaders of two
big foreign companies: one already has a factory here, while the other
intends to enter our market. Both of them expressed a strong interest in
setting up research and development facilities in the Philippines. They
recognize the potential and talent of the Filipino, which they believe can
help them maintain their edge in their respective industries. They asked us:
Can you supply us with the hundreds of employees with master’s and doctoral
degrees in engineering that we need? The DOST’s response: “Of course.” I
even said: If companies would start hiring for high-tech industries here,
perhaps our countrymen would come home and accept lower pay, so that they
could be with their loved ones. Their answer: There’s no need to lower the
salaries; we will match whatever they are earning abroad.
Even when
it comes to our fisheries sector, the way the world views us has changed
completely. Just this April, the European Commission lifted the yellow card
warning it had imposed on the Philippines. In the past, there were some
problems with the documentation and tracking of caught fish; for this
reason, the Commission could not ascertain whether the fish were caught
legally. Our administration immediately worked to prevent the Philippines
from being included in the EU’s blacklist, and thus avoided any ban on our
exports. I later learned that when Secretary Procy Alcala was in Belgium, he
was told that the Philippines should not resent the attention if other
nations with yellow card status approached us. After all, we are the ones in
a position to teach them the initiatives and steps to resolve the problem.
I also remember how, in the beginning, I felt that leaders of some
countries only spoke to us because they were obligated to do so. Some even
seemed to be scolding us when I first interacted with them. Now, we receive
invitations for State Visits one after the other, with all these leaders
offering praises. Some leaders even go so far as to propose that we could
arrive in the morning, and that they wouldn’t take it against us if we leave
at noon, so long as we make the visit. Once, I was even surprised to receive
this question from the leader of a progressive country: “What is your
secret?” Of course, since bragging isn’t in our nature, my response was:
“Our secret is that we followed your good example.” There are also instances
when we and members of our delegation were asked: “It’s really exciting in
the Philippines now; is your term truly limited to six years? Can’t anything
be done to fix this?” Every time, our answer is: “We once had a president
who did everything he could to stay in power. We need to make sure that the
doors that would lead to such a situation will never be reopened.”
Of course, even if there is evidence of concrete transformation left and
right, there are still those who oppose the Straight Path. They say: We work
slowly. They say that when they become President, without a doubt, our lives
will improve. Those who are of an advanced age will probably answer this
with a raised eyebrow and an “Oh really?” The younger generation will simply
say: “Yeah, right.”
We ask: How will they do this? They say: We’ll
take care of it. We ask, where are the details and concrete plans? How will
they fulfill these promises? Again: We’ll take care of it. It’s like they
think they can pass off these kinds of vague answers as solutions to the
problems we face.
Unfortunately, no medicine has yet been invented to
help those who play deaf and blind. My advice: At times when our
intelligence as a people is clearly being insulted, we should just change
the channel; we might benefit more from watching a sitcom.
Now, I
wish to talk about legislation, which I hope will be passed during the term
of this Congress.
The most important of these: the Bangsamoro Basic
Law. To those who oppose this measure: I believe that it is incumbent upon
you to suggest more meaningful measures. If you do not present an
alternative, you are only making sure that progress will never take root in
Mindanao. Let me ask you: How many more of our countrymen will have to
perish before everyone realizes that the broken status quo of Muslim
Mindanao must change?
I invite you to listen to some of those who can
benefit from this law:
Translated transcript of Testimonial of
Nor-ashia Binatac, 4Ps beneficiary
Before, because we were poor, we
had no food. We only had sweet potatoes. That’s it. That’s all we’d eat for
breakfast and dinner.
It’s a hard life when you’re a farmer. You work
hard to till the land; and when you sell your produce, you can only sell
them for so much.
I felt terrible because I saw how just difficult it
was for my family to cope. I used to think and wish that I had the
opportunity to finish my studies—so that I could help my family leave this
horrible state of poverty.
I was in 6th grade when they rolled out
the Conditional Cash Transfer program here. It was a big relief to see my
father have money for my studies. I thought, before this program, I didn’t
even have a notebook or a pair of shoes. Now, with the support of
government, I can really focus on my studies, so that I can help my parents
one day.
I’d like to thank the DSWD and the government, because they
thought of doing this for the poor. If it weren’t for them, our lives
wouldn’t have changed.
____________________
Translated transcript
of Testimonial of Nadjieb Sanquila and Hadid Hassan, MILF combatants
Sanquila: The injustice during that period was indescribable. Because it was
Martial Law, they saw us Moros as mere animals. We were being killed and
massacred with no remorse. My family was among the victims of those
massacred by the soldiers. That is what hurts the most; this is why we are
here today. We joined the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to fight for our
rights.
Hassan: When I joined the MILF, our principles were premised
upon nasshur awis-shahada. For example under President Estrada’s
administration, the people of Mindanao were under the threat of
annihilation. Of course, any Muslim would think to defend those principles.
If you are a Muslim, you are part of the Bangsamoro. You were,
therefore, viewed as a terrorist, and would not be given any work—because
you might end up destroying the company.
The Sajahatra has now
arrived. We were more encouraged by this: we learned and applied what we
learned. For me, this may be the path for our brothers and sisters in the
Bangsamoro to live peaceful lives, and have the wherewithal to lift
themselves out of poverty.
Since 1972, I have never experienced a
peaceful Bangsamoro; but today, if the agreement is fulfilled, with Allah’s
blessing, we might finally be able to live in peace.
I also wish to
put forward the bill on the Rationalization of Fiscal Incentives. Once
enacted into law, this will correct the many loopholes in the provisions of
our incentives and will rationalize taxation for our businesses. We also ask
for the urgent passage of the Unified Uniformed Personnel Pension Reform
Bill, so that we can finally set up a sustainable and just pension system
for our uniformed services. I cannot stress just how important the passage
of this law is: at present, we already need trillions of pesos to fund the
pensions of our servicemen. We need the authorization from Congress to
address this very complicated situation.
Tomorrow, you will receive
the proposed budget for 2016. We have never failed to pass the national
budget on time; thus, it is my hope that we will continue this correct
practice, especially that we are now in the final stretch of the
administration.
Also, might I share: There used to be a time when I
was against depriving a person the right to run for office, just because he
had a famous family name. Why would we pass legislation to stop a person who
really wants to be a public servant?
But I have realized: There is
something inherently wrong in giving a corrupt family or individual the
chance at an indefinite monopoly of public office. It is exactly for that
reason that, when someone suggested that I stay on as President, even just
for three more years, I myself argued against it. If I agreed to this
suggestion, I would open the door for such a practice to be repeated in the
future. And we cannot be certain if the person who will succeed me will
possess sincere intentions—he may instead choose to lord it over our people
to pursue his personal interest. I believe it is now time to pass an
Anti-Dynasty Law.
It is because of this Congress that laws that now
stand as the solid foundations of transformation were passed. To those in
the House of Representatives and the Senate, especially to your members who
have been our partners on the Straight Path for all these years: Thank you
for the Philippine Competition Law, for the Act Allowing the Full Entry of
Foreign Banks, and for the amendments to the Cabotage Law. Thank you for the
Sin Tax Reform Act. Thank you for the Responsible Parenthood Act. Thank you
for all the other meaningful laws that you passed. Indeed: so much is
achieved when we have a Congress that is determined to usher in real
progress.
A while ago, I thought it best to speak about where we
came from, in order to give sufficient context for the challenges that we
faced, continue to face, and will still face, and also for the criticism
hurled at us. All of this censure, ridicule, and abuse, I accepted as part
and parcel of the opportunity to serve you. The truth is, I did not have to
go through this alone. Now, I will ask for some of your time to thank those
who were our inspiration and partners; I hope that others will understand if
I cannot mention them today.
First and foremost, of course, to our
Lord, who, in every moment, guided our country. To my father and mother, who
in fighting abuse and in rendering great sacrifice, became a wellspring of
inspiration, not only to our family, but to the entire nation.
To my
Cabinet, some of whom I have already mentioned earlier. Now, allow me to
continue:
To Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa, who is also called the
Little President: Our strong relationship began way back, with our parents.
We have supported each other through many challenges in life. Your private
practice was sacrificed in the length of time that you served the public,
first in Quezon City then in my administration. Everything you know about
the law, you shared with me. You did not leave me, even in times when there
were threats to our lives. Pare, I am lucky that we met, became friends, and
became allies in serving our Bosses;
To Secretary Rene Almendras, ES
Ochoa’s partner and taskmaster of the Cabinet: Your forehead was once so
smooth, now it seems to be riddled with a barangay’s humps because you
shared the burden of the challenges we faced;
To Secretary Albert del
Rosario: You took your oath on a Friday, by Sunday, you were in Libya to
oversee the evacuation of our OFWs whose lives were in danger during the
time of the Arab Spring. Motivating you has never been a problem, and if we
have ever debated anything, that is because of me doing my best to keep him
from traveling to the most dangerous places in the world;
To
Secretaries Cesar Purisima and Arsi Balisacan: a tandem our country is lucky
to have: From the big picture to the smallest details, you are the ones who
ensure that each Filipino feels the benefits of the growth of our economy;
Of course, some of these achievements could not have been realized without
the help of Usec. Cosette Canilao and all those who make up our PPP Center;
To Secretary Greg Domingo: our national salesman who enticed
businessmen to invest in our country, and to PEZA Director General Lilia de
Lima—I have already tasked the DOST to hurry up and clone her;
To
Secretary Babes Singson, the prayer leader of our Cabinet: who has built
concrete evidence of transformation and returned the trust of the Filipino
people to the DPWH;
To Secretary Mon Jimenez, one of our most trusted
voices in the Cabinet: It is indeed more fun in the Philippines, and because
of your hard work, eight million Filipinos received direct employment; I
will also thank his wife, Abby, who helped us put into words and images our
agenda of positive change;
To former Energy Secretary Icot Petilla:
who continues to make his contributions felt even if he is no longer part of
our official family;
To Secretary Volts Gazmin, who leads our Armed
Forces and ensures that we are always prepared for calamities: Not once did
you give us a reason for doubt or fear;
To Secretary Cesar Garcia,
our National Security Advisor, who has always been extremely quick to
respond to my messages, even if his knee operation had just finished;
To Secretary Janette Garin, who faced MERS, Ebola, food poisoning,
encephalitis, and successive threats to our national health: Janette, your
strength was the very source of ours;
To Secretary Dinky Soliman, who
is on-call 25 hours a day, 8 days a week, together with all who have been
her executive assistants, who, after graduating from DSWD, can be deployed
to any crisis in the world: Dinky, every time I call you, you already have
the list of the problems that we need to address, current actions being
taken, and the measures we still need to take. It takes only one
conversation to see that you are on top of the situation;
To all
those who continue to ensure that succeeding generations have the necessary
knowledge and skills: Secretaries Armin Luistro, Patti Licuanan, and Joel
Villanueva;
To Secretary Mario Montejo, who did much to bring hope
back to PAGASA, and indeed worked hard to make us feel the role of science
in national development;
To Secretaries Procy Alcala and Kiko
Pangilinan, who have sown reforms already bearing fruit in the agriculture
sector;
To Secretary Gil de los Reyes, who did not waver in
advancing just agrarian reform, however daunting the challenges he faced;
To Secretaries Ramon Paje, Neric Acosta, and Lucille Sering, whose
work showed that inclusive growth is tied to safeguarding our natural
resources;
To Secretary Mar Roxas: whether you are in or out of
government, the enemies of the Straight Path have not stopped criticizing
you. Because you count, because your words matter, they have continued to do
their best to put you down; Through their constant attacks on your
character, your critics themselves have proven that they are afraid of your
integrity, skill, and ability to do the job. It’s only because they have
nothing to boast of that they’re trying to bring you down. Mar, you are
proving: You can’t put a good man down. Just as my mother and father had
faith, so too should you have faith that our countrymen know who truly puts
country before self;
To Secretary Butch Abad, who, even though he
has received torrents of unfair accusations, continues to ensure that the
money of the Filipino people directly benefits the people alone;
To
Secretaries Edwin Lacierda and Sonny Coloma, former Secretary Ricky
Carandang, together with Usec. Abi Valte and Manolo Quezon, who were the
voices and online presence of the Straight Path: Truly, I felt the burden
that you carried in answering questions, whether they made sense or not, to
make sure that our countrymen received all the right information;
To
Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Ben
Caguioa, who have displayed the honesty and integrity fitting of the
Executive’s foremost attorneys;
To Secretary Ging Deles, as well as
Chair Iye Coronel-Ferrer, who have worked tirelessly towards a peaceful
Philippines;
To Secretary Julia Abad, who makes sure that I attend
to all my responsibilities: You are the person I call on to take immediate
action, which means that you also often bear the full brunt of my first
reaction. Nevertheless, you have always remained cheerful;
To all the
other Secretaries who never fail to pick up the phone, even if I call past
midnight: Yasmin Busran-Lao, Francis Tolentino, Lu Antonino, Joel Rocamora,
Mely Nicolas, Ronald Llamas, Cesar Villanueva, and Manny Mamba;
To
those who may not be official members of the Cabinet, but have nevertheless
done their part to help us progress along the Straight and Righteous Path:
Governor Say Tetangco, who has deftly managed our Central Bank; Governor
Mujiv Hataman of the ARMM; Chito Cruz of the National Housing Authority;
Gerry Esquivel of the MWSS; and let me also include Chairman Bong Naguiat of
PAGCOR, who was not among those who bought coffee; [laughter and applause]
To former members of the Cabinet who put their skill and competence in
full display, especially the late Sec. Jesse Robredo, who remains an
inspiration to us all;
To Senate President Frank Drilon and Speaker
Sonny Belmonte, who willingly shared their wisdom during the most complex
challenges we faced;
To Congressmen Boyet Gonzales and Mel Sarmiento,
and to all those who tread the Straight Path with us;
To all the
leaders and members of our uniformed services, who protect our Bosses with
utmost honor and bravery, and who help ensure security, not just in the
Philippines, but also in other parts of the world;
To all those
working in the different branches of government who are rendering true
service to their fellow Filipinos;
To the businessmen, the business
federations, and all those from the private sector who helped us improve the
economy;
To all those in the media who have strived to do their work
in the fairest manner possible;
To all those who have walked
alongside us along the Straight and Righteous Path: namely Didi Sytangco,
who openly showed her support even during the most difficult of times, as
well as Alice Murphy and Yoly Ong, who have served as wellsprings of
inspiration and good advice these past few years;
To Jun Reyes, Gigi
Vistan, and everyone who has worked with us since I began running for
Congress, until my days in the Senate: Jun and Gigi: you gave me your
patient guidance on what to wear, how to act, and how to speak. You know
that, unlike my sister Kris, I am not used to being in front of a camera.
Even if I kidded that your jobs seemed impossible, you fulfilled them in a
professional and reliable manner;
To my spiritual advisers, Father
Catalino Arevalo, Sister Agnes Guillen, and Father Jett Villarin, and to
Cardinal Chito Tagle, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Ka Eduardo Manalo, Bishop
Soc Villegas, Bishop Jonel Milan, and Brother Eddie Villanueva; to all those
in the religious sector and to those who have prayed for us as we faced
major challenges;
To those like Joe America, a blogger who, despite
never having met me, wrote: “If the President were in my foxhole, I’d watch
his back. That’s because I trust that he is watching mine.” I thank you and
all our other friends from other shores who have express their unity with
our transformation agenda;
To members of the youth like Francesca
Santiago, who, at an early age, has displayed love for country;
To
Noel Cabangon, and all those in culture and the arts who have used their
talents to proclaim our country’s transformation;
To Ate Ballsy,
Pinky, Viel, Kris, and my brothers-in-law and nephews and nieces: You have
stood by me since Mom and Dad were in public service. The day is coming when
you will no longer have to make additional sacrifices on my behalf;
If I may make a special mention: to General Chito Dizon, former head of the
PSG, and to its current head, Raul Ubando, whose first two weeks in charge
were a true baptism of fire due to the Zamboanga crisis; to Lt. Col. Francis
Coronel, head of my close-in security, as well as to SPO4 Lito Africano and
PO3 Bong Fuyonan, who have been with me for such a long time; and to the
entire Presidential Security Group, which has displayed utmost
professionalism in protecting not just me, but President Obama and Pope
Francis as well: Don’t worry. There are 21 more world leaders arriving for
APEC. You have stood by me in times of trial and in times of relief. Perhaps
later, before you sleep, you will ask yourselves why there seems to be so
many trials, and so little relief. We are getting there;
To Asec.
Susan Reyes, our Social Secretary, who proves that one need not be
extravagant to uphold the dignity of the Presidency; to Paul Cabral who
makes sure that I always wear proper clothing; and to Cherry Reyes, who is
both my hairstylist [laughter] and an economics practitioner, when it comes
to the way she fulfills unlimited wants with very limited resources.
To those working in my Private Office in Malacañang, especially to Usec.
Rochelle Ahorro and Asec. Jun Delantar, who have, in many occasions, shared
in my stress;
And I would like to introduce to you Yolly Yebes, who
has been with me for the past 20 years: You never fail to make sure I am
able to eat my meals at the proper time; you prepare my things for all my
trips, whether domestic or foreign; and you have cared not just for me, but
also for those I work with in government. Whenever I tell you we have a
meeting and ask if you could prepare us something to eat, you don’t have to
ask “when” or “how many people.” I never have to worry about those
preparations, because you think of everything. Yolly, I wanted you to watch
this SONA, so I could tell you: Thank you for all your help;
To
those who never thought twice about helping repack relief goods in the
aftermaths of disasters; to every Filipino who gave what they could and
passed around coin banks to help bring about transformation; to those who
made their support felt, whether through a text message, a letter, or by
expressing it personally; to every child who embraced my leg, looked up, and
smiled, every student who has asked to have a selfie with me; and to each
person who waded through crowds just to shake my hand;
My Bosses,
perhaps my having no family of my own is part of the plan. It has allowed me
to focus on our people. In this job, I sometimes feel like a punching bag
precariously held together by duct tape, but I have never wavered because
you are behind me. It is true: I am not alone. This has led me to conclude
that my parents continue to watch over me, and that God truly loves us.
Thus, to every Filipino who has made this change possible, thank you. It is
a great honor being your leader.
These expressions of gratitude come
with a call: the reforms we have sown along the straight path are already
bearing fruit, and will bear an even more bountiful harvest in the future.
But this will only happen if we nurture and protect what we have already
planted.
Some examples: We cannot just cease to focus on the
modernization of the AFP. As for Pantawid Pamilya, once we have helped the
bottom twenty percent cross over into the next level, we will need to ensure
that they will not return to poverty when they are struck by illness or
calamity.
In the area of disaster management: Because of concern for
one another, and because of the active cooperation of the LGUs, we were able
to ensure that Bohol and Cebu regained their footing after the earthquake.
In Zamboanga and Tacloban, we focused straightaway on immediate needs. From
delivering food, to making certain that there were no outbreaks of disease;
from ensuring that electricity returned quickly, to opening roads; and even
to housing and livelihood programs—our government poured and continues to
pour all it can to help affected areas. Yet there are also things left to be
done: There are still communities living in danger zones that must be
relocated away from threats to their safety. As regards rebuilding, there is
a need to strengthen coordination between the local and national levels, in
order to ensure that we finish projects at the soonest possible time.
When it comes to foreign affairs: We did and continue to do everything
in our power to be a responsible member of the community of nations; with
each measure we take, we ask only for what is just and according to the rule
of law. Instead of a solution participated in by just a few, we have
advocated that all contribute to the solution of a problem that involves us
all. As you know, we are facing a challenge in the West Philippine Sea. We
are up against a nation that is far ahead of us, whether in terms of
influence, the economy, or military force. Yet when it comes to reason and
love for country, we do not fall behind. As with all other problems, our
unity is the key through which we can uphold our rights.
To my
Bosses: In all truth, given the challenges that we faced, we could have just
put forward band-aid solutions. We could have just handed over a bag of
relief goods, or crowded ourselves into photo opportunities. But we all know
that in the Philippines, we have a special anger for credit-mongers. What
will we do with popularity points if we will just leave problems to
succeeding generations? At every opportunity, we sought to identify the
correct root of the problem, and implemented a clear and long-term solution
to this. Some challenges faced by our country we have overcome; as for the
rest, we have begun taking steps towards a permanent solution.
That
is the biggest difference. Once, there was only hopelessness. Now, people
rely on the government; in fact, they expect, anticipate, and in many cases,
want the government to resolve the problems our nation faces in the soonest
possible time.
Looking back, with the sheer volume of wrongs we had
to correct, we did not just start from zero; we started from the
negative—negative in terms of resources to pursue change; negative in terms
of opportunities; negative in terms of hope. We filled the gaps; we brought
about positive change, and now, our achievements have far surpassed our
expectations.
Let us listen to our countrymen who will testify to
this transformation:
Translated transcript
In the 25 years
that I have worked at PAGASA, I have seen how much of our facilities have
improved under the term of our President. Before, PAGASA worked blind. Now,
because of the radars and additional observation stations that we have, our
capacities to predict the weather have improved. PAGASA is a changed agency.
Before, if you said you worked at PAGASA, you were shunned—perhaps because
of the quality of the agency’s work. But now, because of all the new
equipment, our forecasts are very accurate. Today: If you’re from PAGASA,
you’re considered a big shot.
____________________
Translated
transcript of Testimonial of Congresswoman Kaka Bag-ao
Back then, you
could not trust politicians. They promised so much, but could not deliver on
any of their commitments.
The leadership brand of President Aquino
treats everyone fairly; everyone is important. Services are delivered even
to the farthest corners of the country, such as in the Dinagat Islands.
Change is so evident. For instance, in the small towns, which used to be
without power, there are now generators. There are also new roads.
We
believe so much in this government. If the President were not our leader
today, if we did not have an honorable representative in Congress, we
wouldn’t know what our situation would be.
We are thankful for this
brand of good leadership that has served as an inspiration for other public
servants. Now, when we say government service, it is service that is seen,
felt, and provides an inspiration for people to hope and dream for further
success. I now believe my aspirations can be realized: that my dreams are
important and nothing is irrelevant.
To our Bosses: If the
transformation of our society isn’t interrupted, it would indeed be
reasonable to say: All we have achieved is only a taste of what is to come.
As we have said before: You ain’t seen nothing yet.
I already
mentioned a while ago the SWS survey that was not widely covered in the
news: that 8 out of 10 Filipinos believed that the Philippines will
become—if not, already is—a developed country in the foreseeable future.
This is the opinion of our countrymen. But our economists in NEDA themselves
are studying this in a scientific manner, and they have reached the same
conclusion.
Let us take a look: From 2010 to 2014, we posted an
average GDP growth of 6.2 percent; this is the fastest period of economic
growth in the past 40 years. If we reach 6.8 percent this 2015, then we will
have posted the fastest 6 year average growth period in almost six decades.
Of course, the growth of our economy means a corresponding growth in
government’s ability to care for and empower the citizenry to make the most
of opportunities being created in the country.
It is clear: If we are
not derailed—if we continue along the Straight Path—then we will reach first
world status within one generation. If the reforms that have led to our
dynamic economic growth continue, then it won’t be long before we can stand
on equal footing with, if not, surpass, the very countries we admire. Did we
even think this was possible back in the beginning?
On the other
hand, if we return to the crooked path, we will be condemned to waiting for
nothing. We will once again be left behind, and the upward trajectory of our
economy will reach a premature end.
We have indeed planted impressive
reform; and we have already nourished them with intense effort and
sacrifice. Who in their right mind would decide to cut the tree down on a
whim, when we have only begun harvesting its fruits?
There is a
sentiment that I want to share with you; it is best captured in the
question: “Will we lose all that we have built—all that we have worked hard
for—in one election?” [Applause and laughter] From this perspective, the
next election will be a referendum for the Straight and Righteous Path. You
will decide whether the transformation we are experiencing today will be
permanent, or simply a brief and lucky deviation from a long history of
failure.
The question: Are we treading the right path? If your answer
is no, then that is akin to saying “I liked it better before, let’s just go
back to the crooked path.” In such a scenario, I will respect your wishes
and remain silent.
But if your answer is “yes,” then, as always, I am
ready to continue supporting you. Even after I step down from office, until
my last breath, you can count on me to stand with you, the same way you have
stood by me. I will walk alongside you, and with arms linked, we can
continue bringing to life the ideals of the Straight and Righteous Path.
My bosses, I will admit: I am not perfect. There were times when I was
let down by people whom I believed knew how to do their jobs. During moments
when those sowing doubt seemed to succeed, perhaps we were unable to share
the needed information in a timely and appropriate manner. In these matters,
I ask for your understanding.
Nevertheless, I can look anyone in the
eye and say: I made the best decisions based on the information and the
capacities we possessed at the time. My one and only interest is the
well-being of my Bosses. I did all I could to forge a nation that is more
just and more progressive—one that enjoys the fruits of meaningful change. I
will let history decide. As I did during my mother’s wake, I will once again
speak the words from 2 Timothy, Chapter 4, Verse 7. And I quote, “I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
My bosses, we began with our country seemingly engulfed in darkness. We
were uncertain whether there was even a light at the end of the tunnel. Now,
we are being greeted by the dawn of justice and opportunity.
You have
all seen the heights we have reached. You have heard the stories of our
fellow Filipinos—stories that prove what we can achieve with our own
strength, with the help of our countrymen, and with the spirit of
cooperation towards the fulfillment of our collective desires. Now, we can
hold our heads up high and say to the entire world: “I can. The Filipino
can. This is only the beginning.”
Yes: This is only the beginning.
This is only the beginning of a country that will not be cowed, and instead
will stand as a beacon of justice and resolve in the global community. This
is only the beginning of prosperity brought about by freedom from
corruption. This is only the beginning of a society where every Filipino who
works hard and does the right thing is guaranteed to succeed. This is only
the beginning, and now, history poses a challenge to us to continue the
transformation, so that it may bring about even more opportunities for
future generations.
This is only the beginning. We are only in the
first chapter of the great story of the Filipino people. Guided by the
Almighty, as we continue to tread the Straight Path, we will fulfill even
greater aspirations. We will open the doors to even greater progress. Our
direction is in your hands.
Good evening and thank you very much. |
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STATE
OF THE NATION ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT BENIGNO S. AQUINO
III
3rd Regular Session of the
16th Congress of the Philippines |
| Session Hall of
the House of Representatives,
Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City |
27 July 2015
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Bago po ako magsimula, hihingi ako ng paumanhin dahil hindi natin nagawa ang
traditional processional walk; hindi na rin natin nakamayan ang lahat ng
nag-abang. Medyo masama po kasi ang ating pakiramdam sa kasalukuyan.
Bise Presidente Jejomar Binay; mga dating Pangulong Fidel Valdez Ramos at
Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Senate President Franklin Drilon at mga miyembro ng
Senado; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. at mga miyembro ng Kamara de
Representante; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno at ang ating mga
mahistrado ng Korte Suprema; mga kagalang-galang na kagawad ng kalipunang
diplomatiko; mga miyembro ng Gabinete; mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan;
mga kasapi ng militar, pulis, at iba pang kawani mula sa ating unipormadong
hanay; mga kapwa ko nagseserbisyo sa taumbayan; at sa aking mga Boss, ang
mga minamahal ko pong kababayan: Magandang hapon po sa inyong lahat.
Ito ang aking ikaanim na SONA. Muli akong humaharap sa Kongreso at sa
sambayanan upang iulat ang lagay ng ating bansa. Mahigit limang taon na ang
lumilipas mula nang itinigil natin ang wang-wang, hindi lang sa kalsada,
kundi sa buong lipunan; mula nang pormal tayong nanumpang labanan ang
katiwalian upang masugpo ang kahirapan; at mula nang natuto muling mangarap
ang Pilipino – ang atin pong mga Boss. Mga Boss, ito ang kuwento ng ating
paglalakbay sa Daang Matuwid.
Nito lang pong Biyernes, pinasinayaan
natin ang Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway. Una po ito sa nakapilang
Public-Private Partnerships na tayo ang nag-apruba, at sa ilalim ng
administrasyon natin binuksan sa publiko. Sa ating mga sinundan: Halos
magmakaawa ang pamahalaan sa pribadong sektor na lumahok sa mga proyekto.
Ngayon sila na ang sumusuyo—dito nga po sa MCX, binayaran pa tayo ng premium
na 925 million pesos para sa pribilehiyong itayo ang imprastrukturang
kailangan natin. Sa taas din ng kumpiyansa nilang kikita ang proyekto, sabi
ng private proponent, libre na ang unang buwan ng toll sa MCX.
Talaga
nga pong napakalayo na ng ating narating. Para isakonteksto ito,
magbalik-tanaw tayo.
Dinatnan natin ang taumbayang na manhid na sa
walang-humpay na alegasyon ng kasinungalingan, pandaraya, at pagnanakaw.
Ipinagmalaki sa ating sapat na raw ang mga classroom. Iyon pala, umaabot
sa apat na shift ang mga klase. May pumapasok nang madilim pa, at may
umuuwing madilim na—pero lahat sila, naiiwan sa dilim dahil hindi sapat ang
oras ng pag-aaral.
“Uninterrupted growth”[1] ang ibinida ng ating
sinundan sa kanyang huling SONA. Pero nang suriin po, malaking bahagi pala
nito ay galing sa remittances ng mga taong nawalan ng pag-asa sa Pilipinas.
Ika nga po, “People were voting with their feet.” Kung gagayahin ko ang
ganitong estilo, kikilabutan akong angkinin ang tagumpay na nagmula sa
pagpapalayas ng ating mga kababayan.
Nang papalapit ang eleksyon ng
2004, lampas 700 milyong piso ang diumano’y pinambili ng fertilizer na
di-angkop sa pananim, sobrang taas ng presyo, at sa maraming pagkakataon ay
hindi man lang nasilayan ng mga magsasaka. Sino kaya ang napataba ng
patabang ito? Klarong hindi pananim o magsasaka. Naaalala rin po siguro
ninyo ang NBN-ZTE scandal. Inimbestigahan namin ito sa Senado; may nagsabing
siya raw ay tinangkang suhulan. Nang usisain, ayaw namang magsalita dahil
may executive privilege daw siya. Hindi rin naman maipatawag ang dating
Pangulo—kaya ang natirang matatanong ay ang alipores niyang akusado ng
panunuhol. Natural, itinanggi niya ang paratang.
Noong mga panahong
iyon, maski bata, natutuhan na ang salitang “scam.” Naaalala siguro ninyo:
Ang Hello Garci, na sinagot lang ng “I am sorry.” Ang mga tunay na bank
account ng bogus na si Jose Pidal. Ang tinangkang Constitutional Assembly
para habambuhay na manatili sa puwesto. Ang EO 464 na nagtangkang supilin
ang katotohanan. Ang pagdeklara ng State of Emergency, para umilag sa checks
and balances ng 1987 Constitution ukol sa Martial Law. Ang midnight
appointments. Ang Calibrated Preemptive Response na ginamit laban sa mga
nagpoprotesta. Sa wika pa lang po, mali na ito. Paano nauuna ang response?
Para mo na ring sinabing nag-reply ka sa taong hindi ka naman tinext.
Ito po ang mga headline na araw-araw nating inalmusal bago tayo
manungkulan. Pag-upo naman natin sa puwesto, sunod-sunod nating nadiskubre
ang kalokohan ng ating pinalitan. Nabanggit ko na po sa mga nakaraang SONA:
Sa NFA, pinalobo ang utang mula 12.3 billion pesos noong 2001, patungong
176.8 billion pesos noong Hunyo 2010. Sinabayan ito ng sobra-sobrang
pag-angkat ng bigas na nabulok lang sa kamalig. Sa PAGCOR, isang bilyong
piso para sa kape. Sa MWSS: Patong-patong na pabonus. Sa Laguna Lake: higit
sa 18 bilyong piso ang tinangkang lustayin sa paglalaro ng putik. Di ko nga
po lubos maisip kung paanong naatim ng mga pasimuno nito ang makinabang sa
pagdurusa ng ating mga kababayan.
Bawat opisyal ng gobyerno,
nanumpang maging makatarungan sa kapwa at sumunod sa batas. Pero klaro: Ang
ginawa ng nauna sa atin, kabaliktaran nito. Nakita natin ang pinakamasahol
na ehemplo noong Nobyembre ng 2009, nang pinaslang ang 58 na Pilipino sa
Maguindanao. Isipin lang ito, mali na. Ginawa nila, lalong mali pa. Pero ang
matindi po: Naniwala silang malulusutan ito, dahil nasa poder sila—kaya nila
itinuloy. Ilang halimbawa pa lang po ito na batid ninyo, napakarami pang
iba.
Sa ganitong situwasyon, masisisi ba natin ang mga kababayang
lumikas na dahil walang makitang pag-asa?
Gaya ninyo, sumagi rin sa
isip kong sumuko. Nang pumanaw ang aking ina, lalo pang nabawasan ang ating
kumpiyansa; nawala ang aming pinuno at inspirasyon sa pagtutulak ng
pagbabago. Sa burol niya, may lumapit sa akin at nagmungkahing tumakbo raw
po ako sa pagka-Pangulo. Ang sagot ko: hindi naman ako masokista. Kasama ako
sa nagpapahinto ng mga ginawang mali; batid ko ang lubha ng sitwasyon. Tiyak
ko ring may mga detalye pang inilihim sa atin, at sadya ngang mas malaki pa
sa ating nalalaman ang problema. Nang ako nga po ay tawagin ninyo para
maglingkod, ang naging tanong ko: Kung hindi agad malutas ang mga problema,
gaano kahaba ang magiging pasensya ng aking mga Boss, bago nila ibaling ang
galit sa akin?
Isa sa mga nakakumbinsi sa akin si G. Alex Lacson.
Ang sabi niya: “Simulan mo lang ang pagtigil sa pang-aabuso, sapat na. To
stop the hemorrhaging would be enough.”
Pakinggan po natin siya:
[VIDEO 1: ALEX LACSON]
Noon pa man, alam na nating katiwalian ang
ugat ng pagdurusa. Kaya nga, ang sigaw po natin: Kung walang corrupt, walang
mahirap.
Matinding pagsisikap, tapang, political will, at tiwala sa
Diyos at kapwa ang kinailangan upang isabuhay ang kaisipang ito. Siyempre
po, ang mga dalubhasa ng lumang kalakaran, hindi maamong tupang papayag na
lang matigil ang pagkakataon nilang magsamantala. Ginamit at patuloy nilang
ginagamit ang impluwensiya at salapi upang labanan ang agenda ng pagbabago.
Ginamit din nila ang poder para maghanda ng mga salbabida sa panahon ng
paghuhusga.
Ang Ombudsman na itinalaga para bantayan ang katiwalian,
diumano’y nagbulag-bulagan sa mga eskandalo ng nakaraang administrasyon.
Na-impeach siya sa Kamara, at nagbitiw sa puwesto bago malitis ng Senado.
Ang Punong Mahistradong tila ba may pagkiling sa nag-appoint sa kanya, ay
napatunayang naglihim ng yaman at ari-arian sa SALN, na-impeach ng Kongreso
at na-convict ng Senado.
Kapalit nila, nagtalaga tayo ng mga taong
may integridad at sariling pasya. Ang bagong Ombudsman: si Conchita
Carpio-Morales. Ang bagong Chief Justice: si Ma. Lourdes Sereno. Ngayon, may
sapat na panahon na siyang magpatupad ng reporma sa Hudikatura.
Pati
po sa ibang ahensya, nagtalaga tayo ng tapat at matatapang na pinuno. Sa
COA, agad nating inilagay si Chairperson Grace Pulido-Tan. Sa Ehekutibo
naman, nag-appoint din tayo ng mga palaban: Si Commissioner Kim Henares sa
BIR, at si Secretary Leila de Lima naman sa Department of Justice. Wala
silang inatrasan sa pagtupad ng kanilang tungkulin. Sa inyong lahat, isang
taos-pusong pasasalamat.
Sa itaas, gitna, o ibaba ng burukrasya,
napakarami nang sinuspinde, tinanggal sa puwesto, sinampahan ng kaso, o di
kaya’y nasa piitan. Kung may nagdududa pang tunay nang nakapiring ang
katarungan, maganda po sigurong ituon nila ang pansin sa tatlong senador na
kasalukuyang naka-detain, at sa dating pangulong naka-hospital arrest.
May mga magsasabi: mag-move on na raw tayo. Ako naman po ay naniniwala
sa sinabi ni George Santayana: Ang makalimot sa mali ng nakaraan,
garantisadong uulitin ito.
Tingnan po ninyo ang ginagawa ng mga
nagkasala sa atin. Una, ipinapalimot ang kanilang mga nagawa. Pagkatapos,
sasabihin nila, “Kawawa naman kami.” Sinamantala na nga tayo, sinasamantala
pa ang likas nating pagkamaawain, para tuluyang makatakas sa pananagutan.
Ang kasunod, gagawa sila ng paraan para makabalik sa poder. Di ba’t iyan
naman talaga ang kanilang master plan, upang patuloy pa tayong
pagsamantalahan?
Natutuhan ko nga po sa aking mga magulang, sa
simbahan, at sa mga proseso ng batas: Anumang paghihilom ay nagsisimula sa
pag-amin at pagsisisi ng nagkasala. May naalala ba kayong nagsabing, “Sorry
sa pagnanakaw at pang-aabuso, handa na akong magbago”? Ang sa akin lang po:
Makakamove-on lang tayo kapag nakamtan ang katarungan.
Nagpatuloy nga
po ang pagsasaayos ng mga institusyon, upang muli silang maituon sa tunay
nilang mandato. Halimbawa: Sa Government Owned and Controlled Corporations.
Ang mga itinalaga dito, nanumpang pangalagaan ang yaman ng bayan. Ang
masakit, maski nalulugi na nga ang mga GOCC, kaliwa’t kanang benepisyo’t
insentibo pa ang ipinamudmod nila sa kanilang sarili. Kumbaga sa baka,
habang ginagatasan ang institusyon, gusto pang karnehin. Kaya ang dibidendo
ng nakaraang administrasyon, 84.18 billion pesos lang sa loob ng siyam at
kalahating taon.
Sa atin, nabawasan na ang GOCC's sa pagpapasara ng
mga nawalan na ng saysay, pero dahil pinatino ang palakad: Umabot na sa
131.86 billion pesos ang dibidendo sa loob ng 5 taon mula nang tayo po ay
maupo. Hindi nga po malabong bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto ay madodoble na
natin ang dibidendo ng ating pinalitan, na mas mahaba ang panahon para
mag-ipon.
Ganitong paninindigan din ang ipinamalas natin sa BIR, na
siyang pinakamalaking revenue generating agency ng pamahalaan. Dumating
tayong pinakamataas na sa kasaysayan ang 778.6 billion pesos na koleksyon
noong 2008. Tinambakan natin ito. Noong 2012, 1.06 trillion pesos ang
nakolekta ng BIR—ang unang pagkakataon sa kasaysayang tumawid ng 1 trillion
pesos ang ating koleksyon. Nitong nakaraang taon, umakyat na ito sa 1.3
trillion pesos, at aabot pa sa 1.5 trillion pesos ang malilikom ngayong
2015. Limang taon lang ang kinailangan para mapantayan, mahigitan, at halos
madoble ang pinakamalaking nakolekta ng ating sinundan. Nagawa ito nang
tumutupad sa pangakong ‘di magpapataw ng bagong buwis, maliban sa Sin Tax
Reform.
Paano narating ito? Simple lang po: Ako po ay naniniwala na
mabait si Comm. Kim Henares. Si Comm. Kim Henares, walang tax evader na
sinanto. Ngayon, 380 kaso na ang naisampa laban sa mga nagtangkang umiwas sa
buwis. Ginawa rin niyang episyente ang sistema ng pagbabayad ng buwis, at
sinigurong malinaw sa lahat ang kanilang tungkuling makiambag sa pag-angat
ng bansa.
Sa Pambansang Budget: Sa ilalim ng pinalitan natin, laging
reenacted ang bahagi o kabuuan nito. Noong 2007, halimbawa, halos Abril na
naaprubahan ang GAA. Masama na po, na ang mga proyektong natapos na ay
pinondohang muli. Ang mas malala: Pati ang Maintenance and Other Operating
Expenses, kabilang na ang pasahod, ay kasama sa reenacted budget na ito na
tapos nang mabayaran. Ibig sabihin, ang nakasahod na ng unang tatlong buwan
ng 2007, pinaglaanan pa ulit ng pondo. Saan kaya napadpad ang sobrang
hiniling?
Ang napatunayan natin: Kung makatuwiran ang mungkahi ng
Ehekutibo sa budget, maayos ang magiging diyalogo sa mga miyembro ng
Kongreso. Agarang maipapasa ang GAA, mas mapapabilis ang pagdating ng
serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan, at mas maagang maiibsan ang kanilang
paghihirap.
Naging malinaw ang mensahe: Seryoso tayo sa pagbabago;
patas ang laban dito. Ang resulta: kumpiyansa sa ating ekonomiya.
Nang nagsisimula pa lang tayo, hindi ko inasahang manunumbalik agad ang
tiwala ng mundo sa Pilipinas. Ang inisip ko lang po noon: Itigil ang
kalokohang umiiral sa sistema, para mahinto ang paglubog nang sitwasyon ng
ating kababayang naghihikahos sa kahirapan. Sumagi man lang ba sa isip ninyo
na magtutuloy-tuloy ang pag-angat natin sa global competitiveness rankings,
at magiging tanyag tayo dahil sa bilis ng paglago ng ating ekonomiya?
Ngayon, ang Pilipinas, nabansagan nang “Asia’s Rising Tiger,” “Asia’s Rising
Star,” at “Asia’s Bright Spot.”
Ngayon nga po: Sa kauna-unahang
pagkakataon, investment grade na tayo ayon sa mga pinakatanyag na credit
rating agencies. Malinaw ang sinasabi nito sa mga negosyante: Sulit
mamuhunan sa Pilipinas; nabawasan na ang peligro sa pagnenegosyo dito.
Ngayon, mas mababa ang interes at mas mahaba ang panahon ng pagbabayad ng
utang, na nakakaengganyo sa mga negosyanteng tumaya sa Pilipinas. Sa
pagtatayo at pagpapalawak ng negosyo, sisigla ang kalakalan, lalakas ang
kompetisyon, at dadami ang oportunidad. Lahat ito, direktang resulta ng
pagsulong ng reporma sa Daang Matuwid.
Tingnan po natin: Noong 2010,
nasa 1.07 billion dollars lang ang net foreign direct investments na pumasok
sa ating bansa. Noong 2014, pumalo na ng 6.2 billion dollars ang net foreign
direct investments. Ito po ang pinakamataas na naitala sa ating kasaysayan.
Pati sa domestic investments, napakasigla ng mga numero; ngayon, ang
Pilipino, tumataya sa kapwa Pilipino. Ikumpara natin: Mula nang una itong
itala noong taong 2003 hanggang sa pag-upo natin noong 2010, 1.24 trillion
pesos lang ang approved na domestic investments. Mula naman third quarter ng
2010 hanggang 2014, ang ipinasok na puhunan ng ating mga kababayan sa
merkado: 2.09 trillion pesos.
Sa manufacturing naman po: Aaminin ko,
noong unang nanungkulan tayo, isa sa mga pinakamalaking palaisipan ang
pagbabalik ng sigla sa sektor na ito. Humarap sa maraming hamon ang mga
industriya: Kuryente pa lang, napakamahal na nga, di pa tiyak. Di rin po
biro ang pagtatayo ng pasilidad, dahil malaking puhunan ang kailangan para
sa mga makina at pagsasanay ng mga tao. Kaya po ultimo low-tech na electric
fan noon, kinailangan pa nating angkatin.
Dahil sa repormang
nagpanumbalik ng kumpiyansa sa ating bansa, lumago ang manufacturing sector.
Ang 3 percent annual average growth ng sektor mula 2001 hanggang 2009,
naiangat natin sa 8 percent mula 2010 hanggang 2014.
Malinaw po: Kaya
nang makipagsabayan ng Pilipino. Dati, ang tanging bentahe natin ay ang
mababang pasahod sa ating mga manggagawa. Ngayon, dinadala na rin dito ang
mga pabrika ng hi-tech na kagamitan: mula sa mga bahagi ng eroplano,
electric tricycle, mga printer, at iba pang digital media products, hanggang
sa high-quality medical devices gaya ng aortic catheter, at gamit para sa in
vitro diagnostics at hemodialysis treatment.
Pakinggan po natin kung
gaano kalinaw ang pagbabago: [VIDEO 2: PETER PERFECTO]
Alam po natin:
Ang pangunahing sukatan kung tunay na tumatalab sa karaniwang Pilipino ang
pag-unlad ay ang nalilikhang trabaho. Suriin natin ang pagbabago sa
aspektong ito.
Taon-taon, mahigit 800,000 ang mga bagong pasok sa
ating labor force. Idagdag na rin po natin diyan ang naiulat na pagkaunti ng
Overseas Filipinos. Noong 2011, nasa 9.51 million ang naitalang Overseas
Filipinos ng Department of Foreign Affairs. Sa huling datos naman ng
Disyembre ng 2014, nasa 9.07 million na lang ito. Hindi kalabisang isiping
marami sa tinatayang 440,000 nabawas sa kanila ay bumalik sa Pilipinas, at
nakahanap ng trabaho.
Bagamat may bagong salta sa merkado, mga
balikbayan, at dati nang walang trabaho, ang unemployment rate, bumaba sa
6.8 percent noong nakaraang taon. Ito ang pinakamababa sa loob ng isang
dekada. Linawin ko rin po: Permanenteng trabaho ang nalikha natin; hindi
tayo nag-hire ng magwawalis ng kalsada tuwing survey period lang para
kargahan ang resulta.
Kaakibat ng paglikha natin ng trabaho ang
maaliwalas na ugnayan ng manggagawa at negosyante. Ikumpara po natin. Noong
siyam at kalahating taon ng nakaraang administrasyon, ang natuloy na labor
strike: 199, o halos 21 kada taon. Sa limang taon po natin, ang suma-total
ng natuloy na nag-strike: 15 lamang po. Noon nga pong 2013, ang nag-strike
sa buong bansa: isa. Ito ang pinakamababa sa kasaysayan ng DOLE.
Kaya
talaga naman pong bilib na bilib tayo kay Secretary Linda Baldoz, at sa
sektor ng manggagawa at mga nangangasiwa. Kay Sec Linda: Hindi ka lang
magaling; napakadali mo pang katrabaho dahil lagi siyang positibo. Ikaw na
nga ang tinagurian kong Pastora ng Gabinete. Maraming salamat sa iyo, Linda.
Talagang napakalaki na nga po ng pagbabago. Noon, ang mga signage na
lagi nating nakikita, “No Vacancy”. Ngayon, nagkalat ang mga anunsyong “For
Immediate Hiring”; magbukas ka lang ng dyaryo, makikita sa classified ads
ang maraming kompanyang naghahanap ng mae-empleyo. Ang iba nga, pagandahan
pa ng insentibo. Merong magpa-interview ka lang, ililibre ka na ng almusal.
Iyong isa naman, kapag na-hire naman, sagot na rin nila ang blow-out para
ipagdiwang ang bago mong trabaho.
Nabanggit nga po sa akin ng ilang
negosyante na pahirapan na ngayong makahanap ng accountant. Maalala ko po
kasi noong bata ako, marami ang BS Commerce Major in Accountancy. Bumisita
tayo sa Bicol University, naikuwento ko ito sa kanilang presidente. Tanong
ko: Di ba meron kayong accountancy program? Meron daw po, pero kahit sila ay
nahihirapang punuin ang sariling accounting department. Bakit? Kasi ang mga
estudyante nila, nasa 3rd year pa lang, nire-recruit na ng mga accounting at
auditing firms.
Ito pong pagpapaganda, nagawa po ito dahil sa
pagtugon sa tinatawag na job-skills mismatch. Dati, maraming nagsasabing
wala silang trabaho, kahit napakarami namang bakanteng posisyong nakatala sa
PhilJob-Net na hindi napupunuan. Ang simpleng dahilan: Hindi tugma ang
kakayahan ng ating mga kababayan sa hinahanap ng merkado. Simple lang din po
ang solusyon dito: Kausapin ang mga prospective employer, para malaman kung
anong klaseng kaalaman ang hinihingi ng mga posisyong binubuksan nila. Dito
naman tayo nagsasanay sa trainees, upang masagad nila ang oportunidad.
Ang prinsipyo ng ating pamumuno: Sa halip na bigyan ang kapwa ng isda,
turuan siyang mangisda. Ang pag-unlad at pagkakataon, sinisiguro nating
masasagad ng ating mga kababayan. Hindi puwedeng daanin sa trickle down,
“bahala na” o "sana" ang pag-abot nito sa mga pinakamahirap. Ang
paninindigan natin: inclusive growth.
Ang agenda: ayuda, kaalaman,
kasanayan, at kalusugan, para walang maiiwan. Ang isa sa mga mekanismo:
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.
Pinalawak natin nang husto ang
saklaw nito. Ngayon, nasa mahigit 4.4 million na ang kabahayang nakikinabang
sa programa. Malayong-malayo ito sa dinatnan nating 786,523 lamang na
kabahayan. Nitong taon, 333,673 ang nagtapos sa high school; kabilang sila
sa unang batch ng ating mga benepisyaryo sa pinalawak na Pantawid Pamilya.
13,469 sa kanila ang tumanggap ng honors at iba’t ibang gantimpala. Iyon nga
pong dalawang benepisyaryong nakilala ko, nakapasok sa quota course na Civil
Engineering sa University of the Philippines.
Ang lahat po ng
benepisyaryong ito, tataas ang antas ng kaalaman; sa halip na menial jobs
ang pasukan ay malamang makakuha sila ng mga trabahong maayos ang mga
suweldo. Income tax pa lang nila, bawi na ang puhunan ng estado, at
maitutuloy natin ang siklo ng pagbibigay-lakas sa mga nangangailangan. Bonus
pa po ang lalong magandang kinabukasang nag-aabang para sa mga honor
students na pinagtapos ng programa.
Pakinggan po natin ang isang
natulungan ng Pantawid Pamilya: [VIDEO 3: CCT HONOR GRADUATE – ALYANNAH
TERITE]
Sa Pantawid Pamilya, kapalit ng tulong sa mga benepisyaryo,
pangunahin nilang dapat tutukan ang pag-aaral ng mga anak. May paunang bunga
na po ito: Ayon sa pag-aaral ng Philippine Institute for Development
Studies, noong 2008, mayroong 2.9 million na out of school children sa ating
bansa. Lumaki ang ating populasyon, pero noong 2013, ang natirang out of
school children, 1.2 million na lang po. Idiin po natin ang diperensya: 1.7
million. Para po nating pinuno ng estudyante ang humigit-kumulang 42,500 na
bakanteng classroom. Siyempre, bukod sa Pantawid Pamilya, may kontribusyon
din ang Alternative Learning System para masigurong pati ang mga katutubo at
street children ay hindi napapag-iwanan.
May mga nagtatanong pa nga
rin po: Nasaan ang resulta ng Pantawid Pamilya? Sagot po natin diyan: Naman.
Ang akala kaya nila, itong Pantawid Pamilya ay parang mahiwagang tabletang
kapag ininom ng kinder, pagkatapos ng ilang oras ay college graduate na?
Tulungan natin silang magbilang: 13 taon ang K to 12, samantalang 6 na taon
lang ang aking termino. Nahahalata tuloy kung sino ang medyo matinding
nambobola.
Ang lakas din ng loob ng ibang ipagsigawan: May leakage
daw ang Pantawid Pamilya noong sinuri. ‘Yun pala, para makapangutya sila,
2009 datos ang ginamit. Paalala lang po: Kalagitnaan ng 2010 nang ako’y
naging Pangulo; mukhang ibang pinuno ang dapat nilang singilin sa tinatawag
nilang leakage. Malamang, pagdating ng panahong ang mga benepisyaryo’y
nag-aambag na sa ekonomiya, ang mga tumutuligsa ngayon, mag-uunahang
magsabing sila ang ama o ina ng pinalawak na Pantawid Pamilya.
Sa
sektor naman po ng edukasyon: Sinisiguro nating napupunuan ang mga
pagkukulang ng nakaraan, natutugunan ang mga pangangailangang dumarating sa
kasalukuyan, at napaghahandaan pati ang para sa kinabukasan.
Unang
dalawang taon pa lang natin sa puwesto, naisara na ang dinatnang backlog na
61.7 million textbooks at 2.5 million na upuan. Pagdating ng 2013, ang
backlog na 66,800 classrooms, at ang kulang na 145,827 na guro, natugunan na
rin sa tulong ng ating local government partners.
Sa estima ng
DepEd, mula 2010 hanggang 2017, ang kabuuang bilang ng madaragdag na
estudyante: 4.7 million. Bunsod po ito ng pagdami ng enrollees at
pagpapatupad natin ng K to 12. Para matugunan ito, kailangan nating
magdagdag ng tinatayang 118,000 classrooms. 33,608 dito, naipatayo na.
Ngayong taon, nakasalang na ang pagpapagawa ng mahigit 41,000. Ang
natitirang 43,000, nakapaloob na sa inaasahang ipapasang 2016 ninyong
budget bukas.
Tinatayang 130,000 naman ang kailangan nating guro.
Nitong 2014, ang na-hire na ay 29,444. Ngayong taon, ang kabuuang bilang ng
guro na target nating ma-hire: 39,000. Ang natitira pang 60,000, nakapaloob
na sa panukalang 2016 budget na sana po’y aprubahan ninyo. Ayon nga po kay
Bro. Armin, ang suma-tutal ng naipagawa nating mga classroom at na-hire na
guro ay higit pa sa pinagsama-samang nagawa mula sa nakalipas na 20 taon
bago tayo manungkulan.
Naipamahagi na natin ang karagdagang 73.9
million textbooks, na susundan pa ng 88.7 million ngayong taon. Ngayong 2015
din, naihatid na sa mga paaralan ang 1.6 million na upuan, na daragdagan pa
uli ng 1.6 million bago matapos ang taon. Sa budget na isusumite natin para
sa 2016; nakalagay na ang pondo para sa dagdag pang 103.2 million textbooks,
at 4.4 million na upuan. Malinaw po: Hindi na tayo mag-iiwan ng sakit ng ulo
sa susunod sa atin.
Linawin ko lang po: Nagpatupad tayo ng K to 12
dahil hindi praktikal ang pagsisiksik ng kaalaman sa 10-year basic education
cycle. Natandaan po ninyo, noong tayo ay nag-umpisa, tatatlo na lang tayong
bansa na may 10-year basic education sa buong mundo. Kinukuwestyon na ang
credentials ng ating mga kababayan sa ibang bansa; mayroon na ring nademote,
dahil hindi raw sapat na patunay ng kakayahan ang diploma natin. Kung ang
lumang kalakaran sa edukasyon ay maihahalintulad sa manggang kinalburo,
ngayon, sinisiguro nating hinog ang kakayahan ng mga estudyante na magpanday
ng sariling kinabukasan.
Pakinggan po natin ang isang patunay: [VIDEO
4: K TO 12]
Kung sa tech-voc naman pumasok, nakahanda na rin ang
ating pinalakas na mga programa para sa kanila. 7.8 million na ang mga
nagtapos sa iba’t ibang kurso ng Technical Vocational Education and Training
na pinangangasiwaan ng TESDA. Sa Training for Work Scholarship Program lang
po, umabot na sa 821,962 ang napagtapos. Ano na kaya ang sitwasyon nila
ngayon? Ayon sa pag-aaral, 71.9 percent na ang agad nakahanap ng trabaho,
kumpara sa 28.5 percent dati. Ang ilang industriya pa nga, talagang pumapalo
na dahil 91.26 percent po ang employment rate ng mga nasa semiconductors and
electronics industry—konti na lang po, 100 percent na.
Naikuwento
nga po sa atin ni Sec. Joel Villanueva: May OFW na napilitang umuwi. Akala
niya, wala nang pag-asang umasenso. Nag-aral siya ng "hilot wellness
massage" sa TESDA; ngayon po, 4 na ang branch niya ng spa. Naikuwento ko na
rin noong nakaraang SONA ang isang PWD na dating barker; ngayon, escalation
supervisor na siya sa isang BPO.
Sa Sari-sari Store Training and
Access to Resources Program o STAR naman, may isang sari-sari store owner na
kumikita dati ng 800 pesos kada araw; ngayon, 4,000 pesos na ang kita niya.
Kung susumahin nga po, pareho na ho kami ng suweldo ko ang kita ng
benepisyaryong ito, kahit hindi parehong stress ang dinadaanan namin.
Paano nagawa po ito? Sinanay siya sa bookkeeping, inventory management,
accounting, at iba pa. Talagang bilib na tayo, dahil pati kung paano
siguruhing mapupunta sa tama ang dagdag na kita, itinuturo din sa STAR
program.
Pakinggan po natin ang isa sa mga nakinabang sa programa ng
TESDA: [VIDEO 5: TESDA STAR BENEFICIARY]
Dumako naman tayo sa sektor
ng kalusugan. Sa maraming Pilipino, sagabal sa pagtupad ng mga pangarap ang
pagkakasakit. Ang mga pamilyang umaasenso, back to zero kapag tinamaan ng
karamdaman. Nauubos na nga ang ipon, nababaon pa sa utang.
Sa
PhilHealth po: Dumating tayong 47 milyong Pilipino lang ang benepisyaryo.
Halos dinoble na po natin ito: Nitong Hunyo, pumalo na ang saklaw ng ating
PhilHealth sa 89.4 million Filipinos. Ang pagbabago pa nga po: Tuwing
eleksyon, parang kabuteng nagsulputan ang mga bagong benepisyaryo ng
PhilHealth. Imbis kasi na pangangailangan ng taumbayan, interes ng kandidato
ang naging basehan. Tinama na natin ang ganyang kalakaran.
Heto pa
po. Noong 2012, inanunsyo natin: Kung kabilang ang pamilya mo sa lowest
quintile o ang pinakamahirap na 20 porsyento ng ating populasyon, at
nagpagamot ka sa pampublikong ospital, sigurado, wala kang kailangang
bayaran. Simula po noong 2014: Lumawak na iyan para saklawin ang susunod na
quintile sa ating lipunan. Ibig sabihin, para sa pinakamahirap na 40
porsyento, libre na ring magpagamot sa mga pampublikong ospital. Ito po
‘yung pagkalingang tinatawag ng iba na palpak at manhid. Ang tugon ko po,
sabi nga ni Aiza Seguerra noong araw: I thank you, bow.
Ngayon,
pakinggan po natin ang ilan sa mga resulta ng pinaigting na PhilHealth
program: [VIDEO 6: PHILHEALTH BENEFICIARY AND VIDEO 7: GOVERNOR LILIA
PINEDA]
Muli po nating balangkasin ang kuwento ng nakaraang limang
taon. Hinabol natin ang mga corrupt at nilinis ang sistema, na nanganak ng
kumpiyansa po sa ating mga merkado. Pumasok ang negosyo, lumawak ang
oportunidad, habang binibigyang-lakas nating magkatrabaho ang Pilipino. Sila
ang tumatangkilik ng mga negosyo; ito naman pong mga negosyo, nakikitang
meron nang level playing field; naaasahan ang pag-asenso nang hindi
kailangang mandaya. Nagpapalawak sila ng operasyon, at umeempleyo ng mas
maraming tao. Siklo po ito: Katarungan, tiwala, paglago ng ekonomiya,
pagkakataon, pag-asenso. Boss, ito mismo ang diwa ng “Kung walang corrupt,
walang mahirap.”
At hindi lang natin nakamtan ang pagbabago; ang
transpormasyong ating tinatamasa ngayon, lagpas-lagpas pa sa inasahan noong
simula.
Ang Cadastral Survey, na sinimulan pa noong taong 1913, tapos
na natin. Inabot ng halos isang siglo ang mga nauna sa atin para matapos ang
46 percent nito. Ang mahigit kalahati pong natitira, nabuno natin sa 5 taon
sa puwesto. Ito pong Cadastral Survey ang tumutukoy sa hangganan ng mga
lupaing saklaw ng bawat lungsod, bayan, at lalawigan sa Pilipinas. Sa ARMM,
halimbawa, para bang nanganganak ang lupa: Sabi ng mapa, 1.2 million
hectares lang ang meron, pero kung susumahin ang idinedeklarang lupa, 3.7
million hectares ang inaabot. Ngayon, dahil naayos na ang land record
system, wala nang nanganganak na lupa sa ARMM.
Noong 2011 po,
inimbentaryo natin ang mga sitio; tinukoy natin kung sino pa ang
nangangailangan ng kuryente. Gawa ng Sitio Electrification Program,
nakapaghatid na tayo ng liwanag sa 25,257 sitiong natukoy sa imbentaryong
ito. Dagdag pa rito, dahil sa paggamit ng solar at iba pang teknolohiya,
kahit malayo o liblib na lugar, nagkakakuryente na rin. Ngayon po, 78
percent na ng target ng SEP ang energized na, at tinitiyak ng DOE na bago
tayo bumaba sa puwesto, lahat ng naitala noong 2011, may kuryente na.
Tunghayan po natin ang isang magsasakang nakinabang sa ating Sitio
Electrification Program. [VIDEO 8: SITIO ELECTRIFICATION]
Sa
aviation naman po, sunod-sunod din ang good news: Ang significant safety
concerns na ipinataw ng International Civil Aviation Organization noong
2009, natanggal na noong 2013. Sa parehong taon, pinayagan ng European Union
ang ating flag carrier na muling lumipad patungong Europa. Noong 2014 naman,
isa pang local carrier ang pinayagan ng EU, habang inangat na tayo ng US
Federal Aviation Administration sa Category 1, mula sa nangyaring
pag-downgrade sa Category 2 noong 2008.
Dahil dito, dumadami ang
flights papasok at palabas ng bansa, at napapadali ang paglipad ng mga
turista sa loob ng Pilipinas. Ang maganda pa: Nitong Hunyo, inalis na rin ng
EU Air Safety Committee ang travel ban sa lahat ng ating air carrier. Ito po
ang unang pagkakataong tinanggal nila ang ban sa buong civil aviation sector
ng isang bansa. Ngayon, lahat ng airlines natin, direkta nang makakalipad
papuntang United Kingdom, Italy, at iba pang bansang kasapi ng EU.
Sa seafaring: 2006 pa lang po, kinuwestyon na ng European Maritime Safety
Agency o EMSA ang ating pagsunod sa Standards of Training, Certification and
Watchkeeping for Seafarers. Dahil dito, nagkaroon ng bantang hindi kilalanin
ng EU ang ating maritime education certificates. Kung hindi tayo umaksyon,
may potensyal na mawalan ng trabaho ang tinatayang 80,000 marinong
Pilipinong naglalayag sa mga barkong Europeo.
Agad na kumilos ang
MARINA at DOTC para iayon ito sa mga pandaigdigang pamantayan. Hanggang
ngayon, kinikilala pa rin ng EU ang ating mga sertipikasyon. Sa susunod na
audit ng EMSA na magsisimula ngayong Oktubre, ang garantiya ng MARINA:
Tiyak, papasa na po tayo.
Kay Sec. Jun Abaya: Huwag ka sanang
panghihinaan ng loob kung tila nalilimot ng iba ang nagawa mo para sa ating
mga marino, ang pagtanggal ng ICAO sa significant safety concerns sa ating
aviation sector, ang pag-alis ng European ban sa ating mga eroplano, at ang
pag-akyat natin sa Category 1 ng US Federal Aviation Authority. Ipinagbawal
mo rin ang pagpapalaot ng barko kapag may bagyo, na nakatulong upang mailayo
sa panganib ang pasahero. Bihira na po tayo makakakita ng balita na may
lumubog na barko. Lahat ng ito, naisasantabi dahil sa masalimuot na hamong
hinaharap natin sa pampublikong transportasyon. Pinakamalaking halimbawa na
nga po ang MRT.
Bihira ang nagbabanggit na may katuwang tayong
pribadong korporasyon, na naalala ang kanilang mga karapatan, pero tila ba
nalimot ang kanilang mga obligasyon. Ang katuwang na ito, sagot ang
maintenance. Dapat, noong 2008, nagkaroon ng general overhaul ang MRT, pero
nang suriin ng Department of Transportation and Communications, halos
pagpipintura lang ang pinagawang overhaul. Sa pagwawalang-bahalang ito,
parang ginarantiyang masisira ang tren. Di po ba miski sinong kumpanya,
dapat sinisigurong masusulit ang kanilang investment? Pero hinayaan lang
nilang lumala nang lumala ang situwasyon hanggang umabot sa puntong ipinasa
na sa atin nang ora-orada ang pagsasaayos ng MRT.
Nang aayusin na
natin, bigla naman silang humirit, sila na lang daw ulit. Pero ang mungkahi
nilang pagsasaayos, di hamak na mas mahal kaysa atin. Siyempre, katumbas
nito, dagdag na gastos at perhuwisyo sa taumbayan. Hindi tayo pumayag, at
kumilos na lang para makakuha ng mga ayuda gaya ng bagong bagon. Ang
problema, mapilit ang korporasyon, kaya’t pina-TRO nila ang pagbili nito.
Kaya umabot sa ganitong situwasyon ang MRT.
Secretary Jun: Ikaw, ako,
at ang buong Kamaynilaan, hindi natutuwa dito. Ang trabaho ng pribado,
ipinasa sa atin. Ang solusyon naman natin, hinarang nila. Malinaw nang hindi
magtatagpo ang agenda natin at ng MRTC. Ngayon: Humahakbang na tayo para
i-buy-out ang korporasyon. Pag naayos ito, ang estado na lang ang tanging
magdedesisyon.
Habang sumasailalim sa prosesong ito, nagsasagawa na
tayo ng agarang maintenance. Paparating na rin ang mas malalaki at
pangmatagalang solusyon. Sa susunod na buwan, darating na ang prototype ng
bagong bagon; pag pumasa ito sa pagsusuri, mula Enero ay 3 bagon ang
sisimulang i-deliver kada buwan hanggang makumpleto ang inorder nating 48.
Ongoing na rin ang proseso para sa mga bagong riles, at pag-uupgrade ng
signalling system at automatic fare collection system; inaasahan ang lahat
ng ito bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto. Ang power supply para sa mga tren,
ma-uupgrade bago matapos ang 2016. May 12 escalator na ring maaayos bago
matapos ang taong ito, habang ongoing na ang procurement para sa
rehabilitasyon ng 34 pang escalator at 32 elevator. Ipapaalala ko lang po:
Hindi puwedeng laktawan ang proseso sa mga bagay na ito; ayaw na nating
maantala ng kaliwa’t kanang demandahan ang ating mga hakbang.
May mga
nagsasabi nga pong may blinders daw ako para sa taong matagal na nating
kasama sa Daang Matuwid. Ako, mulat sa maganda, pero batid rin ang mga hindi
maganda. Ako ba ang may blinders, o itong mga pangit lang ang nakikita?
Sa Sandatahang Lakas naman: Noong Nobyembre ng 2010, nagkaroon ng
panibagong tensyon sa pagitan ng North at South Korea; pinangambahang
magkakaroon ng giyera doon. Kinailangang magsagawa ng plano para ilikas ang
lagpas 46,000 na Pilipino sa South Korea, pati na ang 8 kababayan nating
nasa North Korea.
Nang tanungin natin ang AFP kung anong asset ang
magagamit para sa evacuation, ang sagot nila, may nag-iisang C-130 ang Air
Force. Ano ang pinakamabilis na round trip? 10 oras. Ang lulan: Nasa 100
katao. Kinalkula ko po: Lagpas 46,000 ang Pilipinong dapat ilayo sa gulo;
ibig sabihin, sa pinaka-episyenteng kondisyon, 460 round trips po ito, na
higit sa 4,600 oras o tinatayang halos 200 araw ng pagbiyahe. Hindi naman
maasahang kakayanin ito ng lumang C-130. Kung barko naman daw ang
ide-deploy, 1,000 katao ang kakayaning iuwi sa isang biyahe. Suwerte na kung
abutin ng 10 araw ang roundtrip. Kung natuloy ang gulo, baka tapos na ang
putukan, di pa tayo nakakapaglikas nang husto. Kumilos tayo agad para
matugunan ang limitasyong ito.
Ngayon, ang dating nag-iisang C-130 na
nagagamit natin, tatlo na, at target nating makakuha ng dalawa pa. May
kasama na rin sila; nariyan na ang una sa 3 binili nating C-295 medium lift
transports at paparating na po ngayong taon ang 2 kapatid nito. Asahan na
rin natin ang 2 pang C-212 light lift transports bago matapos ang 2015.
Kung patong-patong na pagsubok ang ating kakaharapin, gaya noong
nangyari noong 2013, kailangan din nang mas marami at mas malalaking assets.
Nang tumama si Yolanda, nasira ang mga daungan; naging limitado ang
kakayahan nating magdala ng ayuda. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, mahalaga ang
tinatawag na landing craft utility na puwedeng dumaong sa dalampasigan.
Ngayon, magiging 10 na ang dinatnan nating 4 na landing craft utility:
Mayroon na tayong BRP Tagbanua. Sa mga susunod na linggo, darating din ang 2
Landing Craft Heavy mula sa Australia; napakagalante nga po ng pagkakabigay
nito, pati spare parts at generator kasama. Target pa nating bilhin ang 3 na
inaayos na natin ang papeles, upang sumulong na ang proseso. Dahil sa mga
ito, kapag panahon ng sakuna, mababawasan ang pangangailangang umasa sa
kawanggawa ng ibang bansa. Mas mapapabilis ang paghahatid sa iba’t ibang
panig ng Pilipinas ang ayuda, supplies, at iba pang naglalakihang equipment
gaya ng bulldozer na kinakailangan para sa clearing at relief operations.
Kung pagtatanod sa ating teritoryo naman ang pag-uusapan, ang F5 fighter jet
na niretiro noong 2005, mapapalitan na ng 12 na bagong FA-50 fighter. Sa
Disyembre lalapag ang unang 2 unit niyan, at makukumpleto naman ang delivery
pagdating ng 2017. Nariyan na rin ang mga barkong pandigma na BRP Gregorio
del Pilar at Ramon Alcaraz, 7 sa 13 na na-order nating AW-109 helicopters, 6
sa 8 Bell-412 helicopters, 617 na troop carrier trucks, at 50,629 assault
rifles. Target din nating makuha ang 2 pang frigates, 6 na Close Air Support
Aircraft, 142 armored personnel carriers, at iba pang makabagong kagamitan
gaya ng 49,135 units ng force protection equipment, 2,884 na grenade
launchers, at karagdagang 23,622 na assault rifles. Sa kabuuan po, may 56 na
tayong proyektong natapos para sa modernisasyon, at may 30 pa tayong
inaprubahan; ikumpara niyo ito sa 45 na proyektong natapos ng 3
administrasyong nauna sa atin.
Pakinggan natin ang isa sa mga kawal
ng ating Air Force:
[VIDEO 9: PAF]
Sa kapulisan naman, sa unang
pagkakataon sa ating kasaysayan, ang bawat pulis, may sarili nang baril.
Para naman lalong malinang ang kakayahang mag-"shoot, scoot, and
communicate" ng ating kapulisan, naipamahagi na ang unang 302 patrol jeeps,
na bahagi ng kabuuang 2,523 na pino-procure natin. Ipinamahagi na rin ang
179 sa 577 na bagong utility vehicles. Naipagkaloob na rin natin ang 12,399
na handheld radios. Nagpo-procure na rin po tayo ng 30,136 na long firearms,
3,328 investigative kits, at dagdag pa ring 16,867 na radyo. Pakinggan po
natin kung paano ito nakakatulong sa trabaho ng ating kapulisan: [VIDEO 10:
PNP]
Kakambal po ng kagamitan ang stratehiya nating “work smarter.”
Isinasabuhay ito ng Oplan Lambat-Sibat na sinimulang ipatupad sa Metro
Manila. Pinag-aralan natin ang modus ng mga kriminal, at stratehikong
dineploy ang ating kapulisan. Kaya nga po nahuhuli ang mga “big fish” na
nagmamando sa mga gang, nabubuwag ang mga sindikato, at bumaba ang krimen sa
bansa.
Sa loob ng ating termino, halos 163,000 na wanted ang nahuli
ng PNP; higit 1,000 na gang naman po ang na-neutralize, at 29,294 na baril
na walang lisensya ang nakumpiska sa buong bansa. Sa NCR po: Mula Enero
hanggang Hunyo ng 2014, nasa 37 ang kaso ng murder at homicide kada linggo.
Dahil sa Oplan Lambat-Sibat, bumaba na ito sa 23 kaso kada linggo nitong
Hunyo. Sa robbery, theft, at carnapping naman para sa parehong panahon: nasa
444 na lang ang lingguhang average sa NCR, mula sa dating 919.
Nitong
nakaraang linggo lang, nahuli na si Dexter Balane, na lider ng robbery and
holdup group na kasabwat ng Martilyo Gang. Nariyan din ang kilabot na
mag-asawang Tiamzon, si Kumander Parago, at ilan pang kadre ng CPP-NPA-NDF
gaya nina Ruben Saluta at Emmanuel Bacarra; ang napakailap na si Jovito
Palparan, pati na ang mga lider ng BIFF na sina Basit Usman, Mohammad Ali
Tambako, Abdulgani Esmael Pagao, at ang international terrorist na si
Marwan.
Kita po ninyo: Kinakalinga ng Estado ang unipormadong hanay,
at sinusuklian nila ito. Sabay ng bagong gamit, itinaas natin ang combat pay
ng mga sundalo at subsistence allowance ng buong unipormadong hanay.
Nakapagpatayo na rin tayo ng higit 57,000 housing units para sa kanila;
aabot pa ito sa mahigit 81,000 bago tayo bumaba sa puwesto. Sa mga kampo
naman, mayroon tayong mga programang pangkabuhayan, at kasama na sa mga
nakikinabang dito ang mga kawal na nasugatan o nabaldado sa paggawa ng
tungkulin. Upang magkaroon ng partikular na tuon sa kanila, inatasan ko na
po ang AFP na makipag-ugnayan sa Gabinete, upang magsagawa ng mga
inisyatibang titiyak na magkakaroon ng disenteng pamumuhay ang mga
nagsakripisyo para sa bayan.
Dumako naman po tayo sa imprastruktura.
Naaalala ko pa noong Congressman ako sa Distrito ng Tarlac: Pag tag-araw,
mala-disyerto ang Tarlac River. Pag umuulan naman, rumaragasa ang ilog, at
kasama sa napipinsala ang MacArthur Highway. Tinanong natin, sino ba ang
in-charge sa flood control sa aming distrito? Lumapit kami sa Pampanga River
Delta Project noon; Ang sabi po nila, ‘yung Lower Agno Project daw ang may
saklaw nito. Pagpunta naman namin doon, pinabalik kami papuntang Pampanga.
Kaysa tulungan kami, nagturuan lang sila.
Tapos na ang panahon ng
pag-iwas sa responsibilidad. Sa Daang Matuwid, isa-isang naipapatayo ang
imprastrukturang matagal nang hinintay ng Pilipino. Nabanggit ko na ang ilan
dito: Nariyan ang Lullutan Bridge sa Isabela, na dalawang dekadang hinintay
ng mga kababayan natin doon tulad ni Governor Bulut; ngayon, nabuksan na.
Ang Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project sa Iloilo, naisip ipatayo noong taong
isinilang ako; nag-ground breaking na po tayo para sa stage 2 nito.[2] Ang
Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project Phase 2 sa Tarlac, 1980’s pa plinano;
ngayon, aprubado na ito, at nagsimula na ang proseso ng bidding.
Ang
Basilan Circumferential Road, taong 2000 pa sinimulang ipatayo, pero matagal
nabinbin dahil sa kaguluhan sa lalawigan. Hinahadlangan ng masasamang
elemento ang pagpapatayo nito, dahil oras na ito’y maipagawa, magiging mas
mahirap ang kanilang pagtakas sa batas; mapapabilis rin ang pagdating ng
serbisyo, kaya’t hihina ang impluwensya nila sa mga kababayan natin doon.
Ngayon, 3 tulay na lang ang tinatapos sa kahabaan nito, pero ang malaking
bahagi, dinadaanan na.
Nabanggit ko na po ang Muntinlupa-Cavite
Expressway na binuksan noong Biyernes. Bukas na rin ang unang dalawang
bahagi ng Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway o TPLEX. Ang Phase 2 naman
ng STAR Toll, tapos na rin. Kapag nabuo pa ang Cavite-Laguna Expressway
Project, ang C-6 Phase 1, ang Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, at ang NLEX-SLEX
Connector Road, lalong magiging malawakan ang benepisyo ng ating
stratehiyang pang-imprastruktura.
Para po tugunan ang pagbaha,
mayroon din tayong pagsasaayos at maintenance ng flood control projects.
Ilan sa mga ito ang Pasig-Marikina River Channel Improvement Project Phase
2, na natapos noong 2013; ang high impact flood control projects para sa NCR
at mga karatig bayan, matatapos na sa Nobyembre, at target naman nating
makumpleto ang Blumentritt Interceptor Catchment Area sa susunod na taon.
Ang Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike naman, ia-award na rin sa Disyembre.
Tiyak ko pong batid ng lahat: Hindi batayan kung kapartido ang
pinuno sa lalawigan, o kung nanalo tayo doon; ang tanging tanong natin: May
pangangailangan ba? Hayaan po nating magsalita ang ilan sa ating mga
natulungan: [VIDEO 11: GOV BULUT AND CONG ALVAREZ NG OCCIDENTAL NEGROS]
Kay Governor Bulut, ikadalawampu ako sa puso ninyo noong Senatorial
election noong 2007, at ikaapat noong Presidential elections. Sa mga
ipinapatayong struktura, di naman siguro ninyo masasabing malayo kayo sa
puso ng Pilipino. Kayo na rin ang testigo: Sa pagkakaroon ng proyekto, hindi
boto ang basehan, kundi pangangailangan.
Kay Congresswoman Alvarez
naman, na ilang beses na nga pong nag-posing nang nakahiga sa mga kalsadang
nakumpleto natin: Pasensya na, Chedeng, pero sa susunod na humiga ka sa
kalsada, ipapahuli na kita: Obstruction of traffic ang violation ninyo.
Malinaw ang ating stratehiya: Sa pagpapagawa ng mga kalsada, tulay at
iba pang struktura, iniibsan natin ang dapat ibsan, at pinapabilis ang
paghahatid ng benepisyo. Ang panawagan ko nga po, makiambag sana tayong
lahat, at maging handang magsakripisyo.
Halimbawa po: Para matugunan
ang madalas na pagbaha sa Maynila, isinulong natin ang pagpapagawa ng
catchment area; pero tumutol po dito ang isang malaking unibersidad. May
lumang gusali daw kasi silang baka maapektuhan. Isa pa po: Kailangan nang
i-retrofit ang Guadalupe Bridge dahil maaari itong bumigay kapag lumindol.
Puwede bang isara ang tulay na ito, nang dadaloy pa rin ang trapiko sa EDSA?
Kaya nga hindi puwedeng ipagawa na lang ang tulay nang basta-basta. Para
magawa ito, kailangan ng alternatibong daan. May mungkahi at tinatayang
70,000 ang kayang dumaan kada araw dito. Kung magawa ito, ito pong tulay na
alternatibo at parallel sa Guadalupe, kung magagawa ito, mapapagawa na ang
Guadalupe nang buong-buo. Kaya lang po, sa rutang pinili o dapat na daanan,
may mga grupong diumano'y tumututol. Sang-ayon silang maayos ang Guadalupe
at kailangang ayusin, sang-ayon silang lumuwag ang EDSA kapag nagkaroon ng
panibagong tulay, basta raw ang proyekto, huwag sa kanila itatayo nang hindi
sila maabala. Kung ganito nga po ang pananaw, talagang maaantala ang
pagpapatayo ng kinakailangan nating imprastruktura.
May mga
pagkakataon din pong hindi na nga tayo tinulungan, naglagay pa ng balakid
ang nasa lokal na antas. Halimbawa po, may tinamaan ng sakuna. Agad-agad
tayong pumunta; sinalubong ako ng Congressman at ng Mayor, pero ang kumausap
sa akin, City Administrator at Vice Mayor. Ang sabi natin, meron nang
kagamitan ang DPWH, at handa na kaming itayo ang temporary shelter;
kailangan na lang ng lupang pagtatayuan. Ang sagot nila, mayroon daw silang
30 ektaryang puwedeng gamitin. Ang masakit, pagbalik ko, walang kahit anong
ibinahagi dahil may paggagamitan daw sila.
Isang horror story lang
po iyan. Ang sa atin po: Kami, nandito para tumulong. Ipipilit namin ang
ayuda hangga’t kaya at naaayon sa batas. Kung ayaw nilang makipagtulungan,
ang masasabi ko po: Eleksyon na sa susunod na taon, at ang mga Boss natin
ang huhusga kung sino ang nakabawas o nagpalala ng pagdurusa.
Tumungo naman po tayo sa Public Private Partnerships. Kapag pinagsama natin
ang solicited PPP projects ng nakaraang tatlong administrasyon, ang
suma-total: 6 na proyekto. Sa atin, may 50 proyekto na: Ang 10 dito, awarded
na; ang 13, nasa bidding; habang 27 naman ang nakapila pa. Kayo na po ang
magkumpara sa pagkakaiba.
Dati, walang nakikisali sa proyekto,
ngayon, nag-uunahan na ang mga pribadong kumpanya, at nagbibigay ng premium.
Suma-total, ang primang natanggap natin mula sa mga kumpanyang katuwang sa
PPP, umabot na sa 64.1 billion pesos, na napupunta naman sa kaban ng ating
bayan. Kada matagumpay na proyekto, magbubunsod din ng higit na kumpiyansa,
na siyang magpapabilis sa pagpapatayo natin ng iba pang kinakailangang
imprastruktura. Ang pagtitiis ng ating mga Boss, maiibsan, kundi man
matatapos na.
Para naman sa imprastrukturang paparating pa lang,
hihilingin ko rin: Kalma lang po tayo. Ang procurement, mabilis na ang apat
na buwan para makumpleto. Swerte ka na kung ang inorder mong computer,
maideliver sa loob ng panahong iyan. Paano pa kaya kung pagpapatayo ng tulay
ang pinag-uusapan?
Ang sa akin nga po: Di na baleng hindi ako ang
mag-groundbreaking o ribbon-cutting. Ang mahalaga: Gawing pulido at naaayon
sa batas ang mga proyekto, para oras na maaprubahan ito, dire-diretso ang
pagpapatupad; miski sino ang sumuri, papasa ang kalidad ng ating
ipinatatayo. Alam po ito ng ating Gabinete: Sa Cabinet o NEDA Board meeting,
minsan na akong nagbirong dapat magdala ng kumot ang mga dadalo, dahil tiyak
na gagabihin kami. Personal ko kasing sinisiyasat ang detalye, para pag
iniharap ito sa ating mga Boss, sasabihin din nilang, “Aprub kami, dahil
nakikita naming tapat ang proseso, at tiyak ang pakinabang sa proyekto.”
Napakalaki na po talaga ng pagbabago. Noon ang Pilipino, naglaho ang
pag-asa. Ngayon naman po: Sa pinakahuling SWS survey, lumabas na 8 sa bawat
10 Pilipino ang tiwalang magiging kahanay, kundi man kahanay na ang
Pilipinas sa “developed countries”. Mayroon din pong survey ng Gallup, Inc.,
isa sa pinakamatanda at iginagalang na polling agency sa buong mundo.
Tinanong nila ang mamamayan sa 145 na bansa, "Would you say that now is a
good time or a bad time to find a job?" to quote. Lumabas po na ang
Pilipinas ang may pinakamataas na job optimism sa buong Asya-Pasipiko, at
pangalawa sa buong mundo.
Kumpiyansa nga po ang ating mga kababayan
sa stabilidad ng kanilang kinabukasan. Ngayon, miski bagong pasok pa lang sa
trabaho ay nakakapaghulog na para sa sariling sasakyan o condo unit. Di na
nakakagulat na nitong nakaraang taon, tumaas ng 27 percent ang car sales sa
Pilipinas. Ang paniniwala ngayon: Kayang-kaya nang bayaran, di lang ang down
payment, kundi maging ang monthly amortization. Sa dami ng nakakapagpundar
ng bagong sasakyan, dalawa sa pinakamalaking kompanyang inaabot ng dalawa’t
kalahati hanggang 3 buwan bago makapag-deliver ng kotse. Sa sarili ko pong
karanasan, noong una akong nagkatrabaho, kinalkula ko kung gaano katagal
bago ako makaipon para sa sariling kotse. 20 taon lang naman po ang aabutin,
segunda mano pa.
Nakausap din po natin ang mga pinuno ng dalawang
malaking kumpanya; ang isa, mayroon nang mga pabrika dito habang ang isa pa
ay gusto ring pumasok. Pareho po silang personal nagpahayag ng interes na
magtayo ng research and development facility. Dito po sa ating bansa, nakita
nila ang potensyal at talento ng Pilipinong makatulong upang mapanatili ang
kanilang magandang posisyon sa merkado. Ang tanong nila: Kaya ba nating
mag-supply ng daan-daang empleyadong may masteral at doctoral degrees sa
engineering? Ang tugon natin: Aba, kayang-kaya. Sabi ko pa po, kung may
magbubukas na trabaho sa high-tech na industriya, baka makapagpauwi pa tayo
ng mga OFW, na papayag naman sigurong tumanggap ng mas mababang sahod kung
mapapalapit sila sa kanilang pamilya. Ang sabi ng kausap natin: Hindi
kailangang babaan, dahil handa silang tapatan ang suweldo.
Sa sektor
din po ng pangingisda, nadarama ang pagbabago sa pagtingin sa Pilipino.
Nitong Abril, tinanggal na ng European Commission ang ipinataw nilang yellow
card sa Pilipinas. Dahil hindi raw maayos noon ang dokumentasyon at
tracking, di sila makasigurong nahuli ang mga isda sa legal na paraan. Agad
pong kumilos upang hindi mapasama sa blacklist ng EU, at hindi mapagbawalang
magluwas ng produkto sa kanila. Nang magtungo nga po si Secretary Procy
Alcala sa Belgium kamakailan, sabi sa kanya, huwag daw samama ang loob,
dahil baka tanungin tayo ng ibang bansa na may yellow card pa. Tayo raw kasi
ang makakapagturo sa kanila kung ano ang mga dapat gawin para maresolba ang
problema.
Naaalala ko rin po, noong una, pakiramdam ko, kinakausap
lang tayo ng ibang pinuno dahil obligado sila na kausapin tayo. May ilang
halos sermonan tayo nang una nating nakahalubilo. Ngayon, kaliwa’t kanan ang
imbitasyon para sa mga State Visit, may kasama pang papuri. Nakikiusap pa
ang iba: Kahit raw dumating tayo sa umaga at umalis tayo ng tanghalian,
basta’t pumunta tayo, ikatutuwa na nila. Nagulat po talaga ako nang minsang
may pinuno ng isang pinakamaunlad na bansa. Ang tanong po sa atin: "Ano ba
ang inyong sekreto?" Siyempre po, dahil hindi naman tayo mahilig magbuhat ng
sariling bangko, ang isinagot natin: “Ang sekreto po naming, sinunod lang
namin ang mabuti ninyong halimbawa." Meron din namang nagtatanong sa atin at
maging sa ating mga delegasyon: “Ang ganda ng nangyayari sa Pilipinas; anim
na taon lang ba talaga ang termino ninyo? Wala na bang puwedeng magawa
dito?” Ang lagi nga po nating tugon: “Nagkaroon na kami ng pangulong
talagang gumawa ng paraang manatili sa puwesto. Kailangan lang naming
tiyaking di mabubuksan ang pinto para maulit ito.”
Siyempre po,
kahit kaliwa't kanan na ang ebidensiya ng pagbabago, mayroon pa ring kontra
sa Daang Matuwid. Ang hirit nila: Mabagal daw tayo. Kapag sila raw ang
naging Pangulo, sigurado, gaganda ang buhay. Sa mga medyo may-edad po, ang
isasagot dito, "Ah, ganun?" sabay taas ng kilay. Para naman sa kabataan, ang
sagot natin sa ganoong pahayag: E di wow.
Ang tanong natin: Paano
nila gagawin ang mga pangakong iyan? Ang sagot nila: Basta. Nasaan ang
detalye at kongkretong mga plano? Basta. Paano ninyo ipatutupad ang inyong
mga pangako? Basta. Pakiramdam yata nila nadadaan sa basta-basta ang
solusyon sa ating mga problema.
Wala pa rin talagang gamot na
naiimbento para sa mga nagbubulag-bulagan at nagbibingi-bingihan. Ang payo
ko nga po: Maganda siguro, kapag ganitong harapan nang iniinsulto ang talino
ng Pilipino, ilipat muna natin ang channel, at baka mas may mapala pa tayo
sa panonood ng mga sitcom.
Ngayon naman po, may ilang mga batas na
nais kong ilapit upang sana’y maipasa sa loob ng kasalukuyang Kongreso:
Pangunahin siyempre po dito: Ang Bangsamoro Basic Law. Sa mga tutol sa
batas na ito: Palagay ko, obligasyon ninyong magmungkahi ng mas magandang
solusyon. Kung wala kayong alternatibo, ginagarantiya lang ninyong hindi
maaabot ang pagbabago. Ilang buhay pa ang kailangang ibuwis para magising
ang lahat sa obligasyong baguhin ang sirang status quo sa Muslim Mindanao?
Pakinggan po natin ang ilan sa mga maaaring makinabang sa batas na
ito: [VIDEO 12: MORO CCT BENEFICIARY and VIDEO 13: SAJAHATRA BANGSAMORO
BENEFICIARY]
Inilalapit din po natin sa Kongreso ang Rationalization
of Fiscal Incentives. Kung maipapasa ito, maitatama ang papatsa-patsang
sistema ng pagbibigay insentibo at magiging mas makatwiran ang pagbubuwis sa
mga negosyo. Hinihiling rin namin ang agarang pagtutok sa Unified Uniformed
Personnel Pension Reform Bill, para tuluyang maisulong ang isang
makatarungang sistemang pampensyon para sa kanila. Agaran po sanang maipasa
ang batas na ito, dahil ngayon pa lang, trilyong piso na ang kakailanganin
para pondohan ang pensyon ng unipormadong hanay. Kailangan ng awtorisasyon
ng batas para matugunan ang masalimuot na sitwasyong ito.
Bukas na
bukas naman po ay makakarating na sa inyo ang panukalang budget para sa
susunod na taon. Hindi pa po tayo nabibigong ipasa ito sa tamang oras;
umaasa nga po ako, na mapapanatili ang tamang kalakarang ito ngayong nasa
huling yugto na tayo ng ating administrasyon.
Naaalala ko rin po:
Kumontra akong pagkaitan ang isang tao ng karapatang tumakbo sa puwesto,
dahil lang sa kanyang apelyido. Bakit nga naman tayo gagawa ng batas para
pigilang maglingkod ang gustong maglingkod?
Pero napapaisip po ako:
May mali rin sa pagbibigay ng pagkakataong habambuhay na magpakasasa sa
kapangyarihan ang isang tiwaling pamilya o indibiduwal. Ganyang kaisipan din
ang dahilan kung bakit, noong may nagmungkahing manatili pa ako sa
puwesto—kahit raw dagdag na tatlong taon lang—ako mismo ang tumutol dito. Di
tayo makakasiguro kung malinis ang intensyon sa mga susunod, o kung nanaisin
lang nilang habambuhay na maghari-harian para sa sariling interes. Panahon
na para ipasa ang isang Anti-Dynasty Law.
Dahil sa Kongreso, naipasa
ang mga batas na kikilalanin bilang haligi ng transpormasyong sinisimulan
natin ngayon. Sa Kamara at Senado, lalo na sa mga kasapi ninyong naging
kabalikat sa Daang Matuwid nitong mga nagdaang taon: Salamat sa Philippine
Competition Law, sa Act Allowing the Full Entry of Foreign Banks, at sa
pag-amyenda sa Cabotage Law. Salamat sa Sin Tax Reform Act. Salamat sa
Responsible Parenthood Act. Salamat sa lahat ng iba pang makabuluhang batas
na inyong ipinasa. Tunay nga pong napakalaki ng naiaambag ng isang
Kongresong determinadong maging katuwang sa pagsusulong ng pagbabago.
Kanina po, minabuti kong pag-usapan kung saan tayo nagmula upang
bigyang-konteksto ang mga hamong hinarap, hinaharap, at haharapin pa natin.
Lahat po ng batikos, panlalait, at pang-aalipusta, tinanggap ko bilang
kakabit ng pagkakataon at karangalang pagsilbihan kayo. Pero ang totoo,
hindi ko ito pinasan nang mag-isa. Hihingi nga po ako ng oras sa inyo para
pasalamatan ang mga naging inspirasyon at katuwang; maunawaan po sana ng iba
kung hindi ko sila mababanggit.
Unang-una po, siyempre, ang
Panginoong Maykapal na sa bawat sandali ay ginabayan ang ating bansa. Sa
aking ama at ina, na sa paglaban sa pang-aabuso, at sa pagsasakripisyo, ay
naging bukal ng inspirasyon, hindi lang sa aming pamilya, kundi maging sa
sambayanan;
Sa ating Gabinete, na nabanggit ko na ang ilan sa kanila
kanina; hayaan po ninyo akong magpatuloy:
Unang-una, kay Executive
Secretary Jojo Ochoa, na tinaguriang Little President: Sa mga magulang pa
natin nag-umpisa ang matibay nating pag-uugnayan. Nagdamayan tayo sa
maraming hamon sa buhay. Ang private practice mo, nasakripisyo sa mahabang
panahong naglingkod ka una sa Quezon City, at pagkatapos sa aking
administrasyon. Lahat ng nalalaman mo sa batas, ibinahagi mo sa akin. Hindi
mo ako iniwan, kahit sa mga panahong may banta sa ating buhay. Pare, mapalad
akong nagkakilala tayo, naging magkaibigan, at magkasangga sa paglilingkod
sa ating mga Boss;
Kay Secretary Rene Almendras, ang kabalikat ni ES
Ochoa at naturingang bastonero ng Gabinete. Sabi nga ng iba: Dati, ang kinis
pa ng noo mo, ngayon nagmistula nang humps sa barangay dahil sa pakikisalo
mo sa mga kailangan nating harapin;
Kay Secretary Albert del
Rosario na nanumpa ng Biyernes; pagdating ng Linggo, nasa Libya na para
pamunuan ang evacuation ng mga OFW na nalagay sa peligro noong panahon ng
Arab Spring. Di ko kailanman pinroblema ang pag-motivate sa iyo; at kung may
debate man tayo, nangyayari lang dahil inaawat kita sa pagbiyahe sa
pinakamapanganib na lugar;
Kina Secretary Cesar Purisima at Arsi
Balisacan: Pinalad ang bansa sa tandem ninyo. Mula sa big picture, hanggang
sa pinakamaliit na detalye, kayo ang nagsisigurong nadadama ng bawat
Pilipino ang pag-unlad ng ating ekonomiya. Siyempre, ang ilan sa malalaking
patunay nito, nagawa sa tulong ni Usec. Cosette Canilao at ng lahat ng
bumubuo ng ating PPP center;
Kay Secretary Greg Domingo, ang ating
pambansang salesman na umakit sa mga negosyanteng mamuhunan sa bansa, at kay
PEZA Director General Lilia de Lima. Inutusan ko na po ang DOST na magmadali
na gawan ng clone;
Kay Secretary Babes Singson, ang prayer leader ng
Cabinet, tagapagtatag ng mga kongkretong patunay ng transpormasyon, at
nagbalik ng tiwala ng taumbayan sa DPWH;
Kay Secretary Mon Jimenez,
isa sa pinaka-pinagkakatiwalaan nating boses sa Gabinete. Talagang "It's
more fun in the Philippines," at dahil nga sa pagsisikap mo, umabot na sa
4.8 million ang turistang dumalaw sa bansa at direktang lumikha ng trabaho;
magpapasalamat din ako sa kanyang maybahay na si Abby, na tinulungan tayong
ilagay sa imahen at salita ang agenda ng positibong pagbabago;
Kay
dating Energy Secretary Icot Petilla, na kahit wala na sa aking opisyal na
pamilya ay nakikiambag pa rin;
Kay Secretary Volts Gazmin, na
nagtitimon sa ating Sandatahang Lakas at sinisigurong lagi tayong handa sa
sakuna: Kailanman ay hindi mo kami binigyan ng dahilang mangamba;
Kay
Secretary Cesar Garcia, ang ating National Security Adviser, kahit kakaopera
pa lang po ng tuhod ay napakabilis sumagot sa aking mga text;
Kay
Secretary Janette Garin, na sumalubong sa MERS, Ebola, food poisoning,
encephalitis, at sa sunud-sunod na mga banta sa ating kalusugan. Janette,
ang katatagan mo ang nagpapatatag sa ating lahat;
Kay Secretary Dinky
Soliman, na on-call 25 hours a day, 8 days a week, idamay ko na din pati na
ang lahat ng iyong naging executive assistants, na pagka-graduate sa DSWD ay
puwede nang isabak sa anumang krisis sa mundo. Dinky, tuwing tatawagin kita
ay laging hawak mo na ang tala ng problemang dapat tugunan, ang mga
ginagawang hakbang, at ang mga natitira pang dapat gawin. Isang usapan lang,
malinaw nang inaasikaso mo ang lahat ng dapat asikasuhin;
Sa mga
nagtitiyak na may sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan ang susunod na henerasyon,
sina Secretaries Armin Luistro, Tatti Licuanan, at Joel Villanueva;
Kay Secretary Mario Montejo, na tumulong magbalik ng pag-asa sa PAGASA, at
talagang nagsikap upang iparamdam ang papel ng agham sa pagpapaunlad ng
bansa;
Kina Secretaries Procy Alcala at Kiko Pangilinan, na
nagbubunga na ang repormang ipinunla sa sektor ng agrikultura;
Kay
Secretary Gil de los Reyes, na hindi natitinag sa pagsulong ng makatarungang
repormang agraryo, gaano man kasalimuot ang hamong hinaharap;
Kina
Secretaries Ramon Paje, Neric Acosta, at Lucille Sering na ipinakitang
nakatali ang malawakang kaunlaran sa pangangalaga ng ating likas na yaman;
Kay Secretary Mar Roxas: Nasa loob o labas ka man ng gobyerno, hindi
tumigil sa panlalait sa iyo ang mga kalaban ng Daang Matuwid. Dahil nga may
bilang ka, dahil talagang may ibubuga ka, nagpupursigi silang ibagsak ka.
Palibhasa hindi nila kayang iangat ang sarili, kaya pilit ka nilang
ibinababa. Sa patuloy nilang paninira, ang mga kritiko mo na rin ang
nagpapatunay na takot sila sa angkin mong integridad, husay, at kahandaan sa
trabaho. Mar, pinatutunayan mo: You can’t put a good man down. Tulad ng
pagtitiwala ng nanay at tatay ko, magtiwala kang alam ng taumbayan kung sino
ang tunay na inuuna ang bayan, bago ang sarili;
Kay Secretary Butch
Abad, na kahit pa ba pinaulanan ng di-makatarungang paratang ay patuloy sa
pagsigurong ang pera ng bayan ay mapupunta sa taumbayan lamang;
Kina
Secretaries Edwin Lacierda at Sonny Coloma, dating Secretary Ricky
Carandang, at kina Usec. Abi Valte at Manolo Quezon: dama ko ang bigat ng
pinasan ninyo sa pagsagot sa lahat ng uri ng tanong—may saysay man o
wala—para maiparating sa ating mga kababayan ang angkop at tamang
impormasyon;
Kina Solicitor General Florin Hilbay at Chief
Presidential Legal Counsel Ben Caguioa, na ipinakita ang karangalan at
katapatang angkop sa pagiging mga pangunahing abugado ng Ehekutibo;
Kay Secretary Ging Deles, kasama na si Chair Iye Coronel-Ferrer, na walang
kapagurang isinusulong ang isang mapayapang Pilipinas;
Kay Secretary
Julia Abad, na sinisigurong matututukan ko ang lahat ng aking
responsibilidad; sa iyo ako bumabaling para sa agarang aksyon kaya madalas,
ikaw din ang sumasalo ng una kong reaksyon. Sa kabila nito, lagi ka pa ring
cheerful;
Sa iba pang Kalihim na sumasagot ng telepono kahit
madaling-araw tawagan: Yasmin Busran-Lao, Francis Tolentino, Lu Antonino,
Joel Rocamora, Mely Nicolas, Ronald Llamas, Cesar Villanueva, at Manny
Mamba;
Sa mga hindi kasapi ng Gabinete, pero nakipanday sa Daang
Matuwid: Si Governor Say Tetangco, na napakahusay ng pangangasiwa sa Bangko
Sentral; si Governor Mujiv Hataman ng ARMM; si Chito Cruz ng National
Housing Authority; si Gerry Esquivel ng MWSS; at kasama na rin si Chairman
Bong Naguiat ng PAGCOR na hindi bumili ng kape;
Sa mga dating
naglingkod sa Gabinete na talagang nagpakitang-gilas, lalo na sa yumaong si
Sec. Jesse Robredo, na hanggang ngayon ay nagsisilbing inspirasyon para sa
aming lahat;
Kay Senate President Frank Drilon at Speaker Sonny
Belmonte: na talagang nagbigay ng makabuluhang payo sa harap ng mga
pinaka-komplikadong hamon; kay Cong. Boyet Gonzales at Mel Sarmiento, at sa
iba pang naging katuwang natin sa pagtahak ng Daang Matuwid;
Sa lahat
ng pinuno at kasapi ng unipormadong hanay, na buong tapang at kagitingang
ipinagtatanggol ang ating mga Boss at nakikiambag sa seguridad, hindi lang
sa Pilipinas, kundi maging sa ibang panig ng daigdig; sa lahat ng
nagtatrabaho sa iba’t ibang sangay ng gobyerno at tunay na naglilingkod sa
kapwa Pilipino;
Sa mga negosyante, business federation, at iba pang
kabalikat natin sa sektor ng industriya, na nakikiisa sa pagpapaganda ng
ating ekonomiya;
Sa mga miyembro ng media na naging patas sa kanilang
pagsipat;
Sa lahat ng sinamahan tayo sa pagtahak ng Daang Matuwid;
partikular ko na pong babanggitin si Deedee Sytangco na nagpahayag ng
pagsuporta, lalo na sa panahong mabigat ang problema, at sina Alice Murphy
at Yoly Ong, na naging bukal ng makabuluhang payo at inspirasyon nitong mga
nakaraang taon;
Sa grupo nina Jun Reyes at Gigi Vistan na kasama na
natin mula pa noong tumakbo ako para sa Kamara hanggang sa Senado. Jun at
Gigi, buong pasensya ninyo po akong ginabayan sa tamang bihis, tindig, at
pagsasalita: Alam ninyong hindi ako tulad ni Kris na sanay sa kamera, at
kahit biniro ko kayo na mukhang imposible ang trabaho, naging propesyunal at
maaasahan kayo;
Sa aking mga tagapayong spirituwal na sina Father
Catalino Arevalo, Sister Agnes, at Father Jett Villarin, pati na kina
Cardinal Chito Tagle, Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, Ka Eduardo Manalo, Bishop
Soc Villegas, Bishop Jonel Milan, Brother Eddie Villanueva, sa ating
religious sector, at sa lahat ng patuloy na nagdarasal para sa akin:
Maraming salamat po;
Sa mga tulad ni Joe America, isang blogger na di
ko man kakilala ay isinulat: “If the President were in my foxhole, I’d watch
his back. That’s because I trust that he is watching mine.” Salamat sa iyo
at sa iba pang dayuhang nagpamalas ng pakikiisa sa ating agenda ng
pagbabago;
Sa mga kabataang tulad ni Francesca Santiago, na sa
murang edad pa lamang ay nagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa bayan;
Kay Noel
Cabangon at iba pang kasapi ng sektor ng sining at kultura na ipinapahiram
ang kanilang talento upang ipahayag ang pagbabago;
Sa aking Ate
Ballsy, mga kapatid na sina Pinky, Viel, Kris, at sa aking mga bayaw at
pamangkin; panahon pa nina Mom at Dad, karamay ko na kayo. Nalalapit na ang
araw kung kailan hindi ko na kayo kakailanganing idamay sa dagdag pang
sakripisyo;
Special mention din po: Kina General Chito Dizon na
dating pinuno ng Presidential Security Group, at sa kasalukuyang timon nito
na si Commodore Raul Ubando, na dadalawang linggo pa lang sa puwesto ay
nag-baptism of fire na sa krisis sa Zamboanga; kay Lt. Col. Francis Chi
Coronel na head ng aking close-in security, at sina SPO4 Lito Africano at
PO3 Bong Fuyonan, na napakatagal ko nang kasama; at sa buong PSG, na
ipinakita ang propesyonalismo sa pagprotekta hindi lang sa akin, kundi pati
kina Pangulong Obama at Pope Francis: Huwag kayong mag-alala, may 21 world
leaders pang darating para sa APEC. Karamay ko kayo sa hirap at ginhawa.
Malamang, mamaya, bago kayo matulog, baka tatanungin ninyo kung bakit
napakaraming hirap at kung nasaan ang ginhawa;
Kay Asec. Susan Reyes,
ang ating Social Secretary, na nagpapatunay na ‘di kailangang maging magarbo
para itaas ang dignidad ng ating tanggapan; kay Paul Cabral, na laging
sinisigurong maayos ang aking kasuotan; at kay Cherry Reyes, na nag-aayos ng
aking buhok, at nagmimistulang economics practitioner dahil pinupunuan niya
ang unlimited wants with limited resources;
Sa mga kasapi ng aking
Private Office sa Malacañang, lalong-lalo na kina Usec. Rochelle Ahorro at
Asec. Jun Delantar, na karamay ko sa stress sa maraming pagkakataon;
At gusto ko rin pong ipakilala sa inyo si Yolly Yebes, na namamahala sa
aking tahanan. Sinisiguro mong nakakakain ako sa tamang oras, inaayos ang
aking gamit tuwing may biyahe sa Pilipinas man o sa ibang bansa, at kung
minsan pa nga ay pinagkakatiwalaan pa kitang humawak ng dokumento at
nabibilinan para sa aking trabaho. Tunay mong ipinaparamdam ang iyong
kalinga hindi lang sa akin, kundi pati sa mga katrabaho ko sa gobyerno.
Kapag sinabi kong, “may meeting tayo, pakihanda mo naman ang makakain,”
hindi mo na ako tinatanong ng “kailan” o “ilan”; hindi mo na ako
pinag-aalala, tinitiyak mo na lamang na lahat ng kailangan ay maasikaso.
Yolly, minabuti kong personal mong mapanood ang SONAng ito, para masabi ko
sa iyo: Maraming salamat sa pakikiambag mo.
Sa mga hindi
nagdalawang-isip na tumulong sa repacking ng relief goods sa panahon ng
sakuna; sa bawat Pilipinong naghandog ng anumang halaga at nagpaikot ng
alkansya para magdala ng pagbabago; sa lahat ng nagparamdam ng suporta, sa
text man, liham, o personal; sa bawat batang yumakap sa aking binti at
tiningala ako para ngitian; sa bawat estudyanteng nakipag-selfie; sa lahat
ng nakisiksik para makipagkamay:
Mga Boss, baka nga po bahagi ng planong
wala pa akong katuwang sa buhay o anak, kaya ang naging tutok ko lang ay ang
taumbayan. Sa trabahong ito, para akong punching bag na tinapalan ng
katakot-takot na duct tape. Pero hindi ako natinag dahil nasa likod ko kayo.
Tunay ngang hindi ako nag-iisa. Ang kongklusyon ko nga po sa lahat ng ito:
Talagang ginagabayan pa rin ako ng aking mga magulang; totoong mahal ako ng
Diyos. Sa inyong lahat: maraming, maraming salamat. Napakalaking karangalan
ang pamunuan ko kayo.
Ang pasasalamat pong ito, may kasamang
panawagan. Ang mga naipunla sa Daang Matuwid, nagdadala na ngayon ng ani, at
magdadala ng mas mayabong pang ani sa mga susunod na panahon. Pero
mangyayari lang ito kung didiligan at babantayan pa natin ang pananim.
Ilang halimbawa po: Hindi puwedeng putulin na lang ang pagtutok sa
modernisasyon ng AFP. Sa Pantawid Pamilya, kapag naitawid na ang bottom 20
percent tungo sa susunod na antas, kailangang siguruhing hindi sila
basta-basta babalik sa kahirapan kung tamaan ng sakit o sakuna.
Sa
disaster management: Dahil sa malasakit sa isa’t isa, at sa aktibong ugnayan
sa mga Local Government Units, naibangon agad natin ang Bohol at Cebu
matapos ang lindol. Sa Zamboanga at Tacloban naman, agad nating tinugunan
ang pangunahing pangangailangan. Mula sa agarang paghahatid ng pagkain at
pagsigurong walang outbreak ng sakit; sa mabilisang pagbabalik ng kuryente,
at pagbubukas ng mga kalsada; hanggang sa pabahay at programang
pangkabuhayan, ibinuhos at ibinubuhos ng pambansang gobyerno ang lahat ng
makakaya. Pero may mga natitira pa pong gawain: May mga komunidad pa rin
tayong namumuhay sa peligrosong lugar na kinakailangang ilayo sa panganib.
Para naman sa rebuilding, kailangang paigtingin ang ugnayan ng lokal at
pambansang antas, para mapabilis ang mga tinatapos natin.
Sa ugnayang
panlabas: Ginawa at ginagawa rin po natin ang lahat para maging
responsableng miyembro ng pandaigdigang komunidad; sa bawat hakbang, ang
hinihiling lang natin ay ang makatuwiran at naaayon sa batas. Ang problema
ng lahat, isinulong nating solusyonan ng lahat, at hindi ng iilang panig
lamang. Alam din po ninyo, may hinaharap tayong hamon sa West Philippine
Sea. Ang ating kabangga, di hamak na mas lamang, sa impluwensya man,
ekonomiya, o puwersang militar. Pero sa batayan ng katuwiran at pagmamahal
sa bayan, hindi po tayo nahuhuli. Gaya sa lahat ng iba pang suliranin,
pagkakaisa po ang tanging susi para mapangalagaan ang ating karapatan.
Mga Boss, sa totoo lang, sa mga hinarap nating hamon, puwede namang
nagbigay na lang tayo ng band-aid solution. Puwedeng nag-abot na lang tayo
ng isang supot ng relief goods, o nakipagsiksikan sa mga photo-op. Pero alam
naman natin sa Pilipinas, galit ang tao sa epal. Aanhin nga naman ang pogi
points kung magpapamana lang din naman ako ng problema sa susunod na
salinlahi? Sa bawat pagkakataon, hinahanap natin ang tunay na sanhi ng mga
problema, at naglalatag ng malinaw at pangmatagalang stratehiya upang
malutas ito. Ang mga hamon ng bansa, kung hindi man nalutas na, ay nasimulan
na ang mga hakbang upang marating ang permanenteng solusyon.
Iyan nga
ang napakalaking pagkakaiba. Dati, walang pag-asa. Ngayon, inaasahan,
inaabangan, at madalas nga po ay minamadali pa natin ang gobyernong
solusyonan ang mga problemang ating hinaharap.
Magbalik-tanaw po
tayo: Sa dami ng mga maling kinailangan nating iwasto, hindi lang tayo
nanggaling sa zero, sa negative pa tayo nagmula. Negative sa kasangkapang
gumawa ng pagbabago. Negative sa pagkakataon. Negative sa pag-asa. Binuno
natin ang lahat ng kakulangan; nagdala tayo ng positibong pagbabago, at
lampas-lampas pa talaga sa ating inasahan ang ating narating.
Pakinggan po natin ang ilan pang testimonya nito: [VIDEO 14: PAGASA
METEOROLOGIST and VIDEO 15: CONG KAKA BAG-AO]
Mga Boss, kung hindi
mapapatid ang transpormasyon, makatuwiran nga pong sabihin: Tikim pa lamang
itong nakamtan natin; parating pa lang ang tunay na ihahain. Ang sabi nga po
natin: You ain’t seen nothing yet.
Nabanggit ko po kanina ang SWS survey
na hindi masyadong naibalita: 8 sa 10 Pilipino, naniniwalang developed o
magiging developed country tayo sa hinaharap. Ito po, pananaw ng ating mga
kababayan. Pero ang mga ekonomista po mismo ng NEDA, pinag-aralan ito sa
siyentipikong paraan, at pareho ang kanilang kongklusyon.
Tingnan
natin: Mula 2010 hanggang 2014, nagtala tayo ng average GDP growth na 6.2
percent; ito ang pinakamasiglang yugto ng ating ekonomiya sa loob ng 40
taon. Kung aabot po tayo sa 6.8 percent ngayong 2015, makakamtan natin ang
pinakamataas na 6 year average growth sa loob ng halos 6 na dekada. Siyempre
po, ang pag-angat ng ekonomiya, may katumbas na pag-angat ng kakayahan ng
gobyernong kumalinga at magbigay-lakas sa mamamayan upang masagad ang mga
bumubukas na pagkakataon.
Nakikita po ninyo, kung hindi tayo
maaantala, kung magtutuloy ang Daang Matuwid, sa loob lang ng isang
henerasyon, first world na tayo. Kung magpapatuloy ang mga repormang bukal
ng paglago ng ekonomiya, paglaon, ang tinitingala nating mga bansa,
makakapantay na natin, kundi man malalampasan. Ito po ba, inambisyon ng
kahit sino sa atin noong tayo’y nagsisimula?
Sa kabilang banda
naman, kung tayo’y babalik sa baluktot, habambuhay tayong mag-aabang sa
wala. Muli tayong mapapag-iwanan, at mababali ang pagtaas na trajectory ng
ating ekonomiya.
Napakaganda na talaga ng ating naipunla, at nagbuhos
na tayo ng matinding pagod at sakripisyo upang diligan ito. Sino ba namang
nasa tamang isip ang bigla na lamang puputulin ang puno, kung kailan
nagsisimula pa lang nating pitasin ang mga unang bunga nito?
May
sentimyentong umiiral na sa tingin ko, mahuhuli ng isang tanong, ang tanong
po: "Lahat ba ng ating naipundar, lahat ba ng ating pinaghirapan, maglalaho
dahil lang sa isang eleksiyon?" Sa ganitong pananaw, ang susunod na halalan
ay referendum po para sa Daang Matuwid. Kayo ang magdedesisyon kung ang
pagbabago bang ating tinatamasa ay magiging permanente, o tatanawin lang
bilang tsamba at panandaliang pagbangon sa isang mahabang kasaysayan ng
pagkakadapa.
Ang tanong: Tama ba itong landas na tinatahak natin?
Kung sasabihin ninyong hindi, para na rin ninyong sinabing “Mas gusto ko sa
dati; bumalik na lang tayo sa baluktot.” ‘Pag iyon po ang inyong itinugon,
ako’y mananahimik na lang.
Pero kung ang tugon naman ninyo ay “Oo,”
tulad ng lagi, ako naman po’y handang maging inyong dakilang alalay. Miski
sa pagbaba ko sa puwesto, hanggang sa aking huling hininga, makakaasa kayo,
gaya ng walang patid ninyong pananatili bilang aking lakas, hindi rin kayo
mag-iisa; sasamahan ko kayo, tatabihan ko kayo, magkakapit-bisig nating
isasabuhay ang Daang Matuwid.
Mga Boss, aaminin ko: Ni minsan po,
hindi ko iniisip na ako ay perpekto. Minsan, binigo tayo ng ilang inasahan
nating alam dapat ang kanilang trabaho. Sa mga panahong tila gumana ang
pagpapaduda, baka hindi rin namin nahanap agad at naibahagi ang impormasyon
sa oras at paraang nais ninyo. Hinihingi ko po ang inyong pang-unawa sa mga
bagay na ito.
Sa kabila nito, mahaharap ko ang sino man at
masasabing: Ginawa ko ang pinakamainam na desisyon batay sa kaalaman at
kakayahang mayroon tayo sa panahong iyon. Kaisa-isang interes ko ang
kapakanan ng aking Boss. Ginawa ko ang lahat upang iwanang mas makatarungan,
mas maunlad, at tumatamasa ng makabuluhang pagbabago ang ating bansa.
Hahayaan ko na pong kasaysayan ang humusga. Gaya nga po noong burol ng aking
ina, bibigkasin ko ang Ikalawang aklat ni Timoteo, Kabanata 4, Bersikulo 7:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith.”
Mga Boss, nanggaling tayo sa sitwasyon kung saan tila
nababalot ng kadiliman ang ating bansa; ni hindi natin masigurong may
liwanag pang paparating. Binabati na tayo ng bukang liwayway ng katarungan
at pagkakataon.
Nakita naman ninyo ang mga naabot natin. Narinig
ninyo ang kuwento ng kapwa natin Pilipinong pinatunayan ang kayang maabot
gamit ang sariling lakas, ang pagbabayanihan, ang hindi pag-uunahan, ang
pag-aambagan tungo sa katuparan ng kolektibo nating mga adhikain. Ngayon,
taas-noo na tayong humaharap sa buong mundo at nasasabing, "Kaya ko. Kaya ng
Pilipino. Simula pa lang ito."
Opo: Simula pa lang ito. Simula pa
lang ng isang bansang hindi mapapayuko, bagkus ay nagiging huwaran ng
paninindigan sa buong mundo. Simula pa lang ng ginhawang bunga ng kalayaan
mula sa katiwalian. Simula pa lang ng lipunan kung saan ang bawat Pilipino,
kung magbabanat ng buto, kung gagawin ang tama, ay tiyak na aasenso. Simula
pa lang ito, at hinahamon tayo ng kasaysayang diligan ang transpormasyon,
upang magbunga ito ng mas marami pang pagkakataon para sa mga susunod na
salinlahi.
Simula pa lang ito. Nasa unang yugto pa lang tayo ng
dakilang kuwento ng sambayanang Pilipino. Sa gabay ng Panginoong Maykapal,
at sa patuloy nating pagtahak sa Daang Matuwid, lalo pang tatayog ang mga
pangarap na maaabot natin. Lalo pang lalawak ang kaunlarang tinatamasa
natin. Nasa inyong mga kamay ang direksyon natin.
Maraming, maraming
salamat po. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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DZRB / Balita at Panayam by Alan Allanique
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30 July 2015
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ALLANIGUE: Secretary Coloma, sir, magandang umaga po.
SEC.
COLOMA: Magandang umaga, Alan.
ALLANIGUE: Yes, sir. We understand,
sir, that Malacañang is calling on everyone - lalo’t higit dito sa Metro
Manila - na makiisa dito ho sa gaganaping earthquake drill mamayang alas
diyes y media ng umaga, Sec. Sonny, sir.
SEC. COLOMA: Nakatakda itong
mag-umpisa ng ikasampu at kalahati ng umaga, Alan, at tatagal ng humigit
kumulang isang oras. At inaanyayahan ang lahat ng mamamayan na lumahok dito
sa simulation earthquake drill o iyong tinaguriang ‘shake drill’ ng MMDA.
ALLANIGUE: Opo, at we understand na even mga tanggapan ng pamahalaan are
very much encouraged or enjoined to participate, Secretary Coloma, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga tinawag na simulation ito, Alan, dahil dapat ay
sanayin natin o magsanay tayo kung ano ang dapat gawin kapag dumating ang
kalamidad na ito, sana huwag mangyari. Pero mas mainam kung magkaroon tayo
ng pagsasanay dahil para sa ating nagkaroon na ng karanasan hinggil diyan ay
talaga namang hindi masaya iyong pagdating ng isang lindol. Mainam na
maliwanag ang ating pag-iisip kapag naganap ito para magawa natin iyong
tamang hakbang.
ALLANIGUE: Okay. Pero dito naman po sa simulation na
ito, Secretary Coloma, may mga pasabi na rin ang ilang mga government
agencies, like the LRT Administrator na hindi naman din kasama doon sa drill
iyong pansamantalang pagtigil nitong pagbiyahe ng tren ng LRT at MRT natin.
Kasi may mga nagtetext pa rin po, Sec., at nagtatanong na baka doon sa
simulation ay kasama iyong pansamantalang paghinto ng ating LRT at MRT. So
hindi po muna kasama ito dito sa simulation, Sec.?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang
pagkaunawa ko ay patuloy naman ang serbisyo. Ang natunghayan kung suhestiyon
mula kay MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino, halimbawa, ikaw ay nagmamaneho ng
kotse at dumating na iyong oras ng 10:30 at maaaring meron kang marinig mga
sirena o kampana o matunghayan mo sa radyo ng iyong kotse, ang pinakamainam
mong gawin ay umiwas ka doon sa ilalim ng mga flyover, sa ilalim ng mga
tulay. Puwede mo namang gawin iyon nang hindi naman siguro malaki iyong
abala sa iyong sarili. Iyon lang naman. Iyong praktikal lamang, Alan.
ALLANIGUE: Opo, opo.
SEC. COLOMA: Kasi iyon naman ay para lang
makintal sa iyong isipan na kapag sa totohanan ay dapat talagang umiwas doon
sa mga ganoong istraktura. Ganoon lamang. Hindi naman tayo nagsasagawa ng
isang ehersisyo na malakihan iyong pagiging pagbulabog, ika nga, sa ating
normal at pangkaraniwang ginagawa.
ALLANIGUE: Okay, opo. So iyan po
mamayang 10:30. At siyempre, nakikiisa rin ang buong Philippine Broadcasting
Service–Radyo ng Bayan diyan po sa earthquake drill na iyan, Sec. Sonny,
sir.
SEC. COLOMA: Maging maagap lang tayo. Makinig tayo sa mga
patalastas sa himpapawid. At mayroon ding text blast na isinasagawa hinggil
diyan ‘no. iyon lang ‘no, maging alerto, maagap, mapagmasid dahil iyan ang
mga kinakailangan nating gawin kapag sumapit ang isang lindol.
ALLANIGUE: Okay. Secretary Coloma, sir, maiba naman po ako. Ano pong latest
naman dito sa Freedom of Information Bill? Mayroon po kasing mga remarks
noon na tila na-downplay. But we understand, base doon sa naunang
reiteration din ng Palasyo na ito ay hindi nawawala sa mga measures na
binibigyang prayoridad ng kasalukuyang administrasyon, Sec., sir.
SEC. COLOMA: Sa budget message ng Pangulo na isinumite noong makalawa sa
Kamara de Representantes ni Secretary Butch Abad, kasama at malinaw ang
deklarasyon doon ni Pangulong Aquino na hinihiling niya iyong pagpasa ng
Freedom of information Bill para maging permanente iyong mga isinagawa na na
hakbang at para sa pagtatagtag ng isang open, transparent at accountable
government. Malinaw po iyong deklarasyon nandoon po sa budget message. Iyon
pong budget message ito iyong nagpapaliwanag doon sa mga mahalagang bahagi
ng General Appropriations Act at inuulit din diyan iyong priority
legislations na nais maipasa dahil halos lahat naman, lahat naman po ng
legislations merong kaakibat na appropriation o gastusin mula sa pondo ng
bayan. Kaya nandoon po lahat iyon sa budget message ng ating Pangulo.
Nauna na diyan at sinabi natin, ipinaalala natin, na doon pa man sa unang
priority list na isinumite ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo sa lehislatura sa
pagbubukas ng kanilang kasalukuyang termino ay nakalagay na po iyong Freedom
of Information Bill. At nai-pasa na rin po iyan sa Senado. Ang estado niyan
sa kasalukuyan ay nandoon na sa komite, at kung hindi po tayo nagkakamali
ang susunod na hakbang dapat ay talakayin ito doon sa tinatawag na second
reading para ito ay mapagpasyahan nila.
ALAN: Ayon. And of course,
dahil magsisimula pa lang iyong Agosto at nandoon na po sa Kamara, ika nga,
iyong panukalang budget, optimistic ang lahat na ito ho ay once again
maipapasa on time, just in time, para doon sa pagsisimula ng susunod na
taon, Secretary Coloma.
SEC. COLOMA: Pinakamataas na prayoridad ng
lehislatura iyong pagpasa ng budget. Kaya doon sa kanilang agenda number one
iyan, Alan. Doon sa Kamara de Representantes uumpisahan na kaagad nila iyong
pagdinig sa iba’t-ibang budget ng mga ahensiya at kagawaran ng pamahalaan.
At sikapin nila itong mabuo sa loob ng buwan ng Setyembre, maipasa nila ito
sa plenaryo ng Kamara, pagkatapos ay ililipat ito sa Senado, na inaasahan
namang makumpleto sa bandang Nobyembre at pagkatapos ay pagpupulungan ng
kanilang conference committee at pangkaraniwang bago sumapit ang Pasko - sa
loob ng buwan ng Disyembre - ay tinatakda na ang paglalagda nito para sa
unang araw ng 2016 ay ganap na epektibo na ang Pambansang Budget.
At
pansinin din natin, Alan. Kalahating taon na lamang ito pangangasiwaan ng
Aquino administration, dahil hanggang June 30, 2016 ang termino. Kaya’t ito
rin ang magiging budget sa unang kalahating taon ng papasok na
administrasyon na maihahalal sa 2016 election.
ALAN: Opo. Okay,
Secretary Coloma, sir, muli salamat po ng marami for the updates from the
Palace, sir.
SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga, Alan. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA,
JR.
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Radyo Singko / All Ready by Orly Mercado
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29 July 2015
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ORLY: Good morning, Secretary Sonny.
SEC. COLOMA: Good morning, Orly.
ORLY: Okay. Pinag-uusapan namin iyong FOI. Before we go into that. Ano
ba ang reaksyon ninyo doon sa mga reaksyon ng media at saka ng tao sa SONA
ni Presidente PNoy?
SEC. COLOMA: Malugod po naming tinatanggap lahat
‘nung mga obserbasyon, lalo na po iyong mga suggestions for improvement. On
the whole naman, Orly, ay maganda ang pagtanggap ng ating mga mamamayan.
ORLY: Nabasa ko iyong editorial ng Inquirer, maganda ang editorial nila.
SEC. COLOMA: Ganoon nga din ang resulta ng aming monitoring sa
iba’t-ibang mga social media networks at sa iba pang mga surveys na
generally favorable. Maging iyung sa mga Filipinos overseas marami akong
natatanggap na email sa mga kaibigan from different countries nagpapahayag
din ng kanilang kagalakan.
ORLY: Well, kanina kausap ko si Roy
Ceñeres sinasabi niya, “hindi man lang binanggit iyong OFW.” Siyempre iyong
pamilya ng mga Mamasapano SAF ay meron ding sama ng loob. Ano ba ang sagot
ng Palasyo diyan?
SEC. COLOMA: Iyon pong sa OFW po kasi, ang
pinakamahalaga binanggit po ng Pangulo doon, baka po hindi nila napansin
mismo at tinutukoy po iyong big picture na bumaba na iyong dami ng mga
Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa. Hindi po ba welcome development ito,
na bagama’t may kakayahan tayong magtrabaho sa ibang bansa, marami na ring
alternatibo dito kaya hindi na kailangang pasanin iyong matinding social
cost po niyan o nababawasan na po iyong mga kinakailangang magsakripisyo na
mapahiwalay sa kanilang mga pamilya. Dahil nga po bumubuti na iyong
sitwasyon ng ating ekonomiya.
Iyon po ay isang positive development na sa
palagay namin ay dapat maunawaan ng ating mga mamamayan.
ORLY: May
mga nagsasalita pa rin and my impression too was: Should he have spend iyong
ganoong oras doon sa previous administration, doon sa panahon ni Presidente
Gloria?
SEC. COLOMA: To provide context, Orly ‘no. Kasi iyong
pinanggalingan hindi naman biro eh. Iyong pinanggalingan kasi negative, at
si Pangulo ay naniniwala doon sa prinsipyo: “correct analysis leads to
correct solutions.” Pinapaunawa niya sa ating mga mamamayan na hindi naman
naging madali iyong paglaktaw sa mga balakid. Kasi tanggapin din naman natin
itong okasyon na ito is also a learning opportunity para po matuto tayo
hinggil sa kung paano ba tayo magpapahusay ng governance sa ating bansa.
ORLY: Doon sa mga nagsasabi mukhang personal iyong galit sa previous
administration. Ano ang sagot n’yo roon?
SEC. COLOMA: Hindi nga po
tama iyong kanilang paningin dahil nagpo-provide lang po ng context at
background. Kahit naman po sino iyong pinalitan, truth telling po rin
kinakailangan, kailangang isiwalat pa rin iyong katotohanan at ang purpose
po ay hindi paninisi, kung hindi para pagpapaunawa at pag-iintindi kung
gaano po kahirap iyong nilaktawang hamon.
ORLY: Okay, I’ll go to our
main purpose ng pagtawag sa iyo, Secretary Sonny. Ano ba ang stand ng
Palasyo? Hindi nabanggit iyong Freedom of Information Bill which many people
feel it’s a lynchpin doon sa fight against corruption and Daang Matuwid.
SEC. COLOMA: Doon po sa budget message na sinubmit kahapon at
naka-address din po sa buong Kongreso, specifically mentioned po ni Pangulo
iyong Freedom of Information Bill. Noon pong nagbukas itong current session
of 16th Congress po, ito’y kasama na po iyon doon sa priority list ng
administration na sinumite sa Kongreso. Si speaker Belmonte po doon sa
kanyang talumpati sa pagbubukas ng session ng Kamara, sinabi po din niya na
ito ay kasama sa priority agenda ng House of Representatives. Kapag Speaker
na po mismo ang nagsabi ibig sabihin ay may prayoridad iyan sa
pag-i-schedule kung kailan tatalakayin at iyon din naman po ang pakay ng
pagsa-submit ng priority list - para i-call attention. Kung iyon pong
kino-call attention ginawa na nga po iyong kanilang dapat gawin na ang
pagpapahalaga, dapat naman po maunawaan ng ating mga kababayan na sumusunod
lang tayo sa proseso ng pagsasabatas at iyong palagi po nating pinapaalala
din habang inaantay pa po natin iyong pagbuo ng Kongreso ng isang batas,
tinutupad na po at isina-kongkreto na ng ating pamahalaan ang mga
manipestasyon ng Freedom of Information.
Siguro po masasabi natin na
ngayon po ay mas mabilis na makakuha ng impormasyon sa pamamagitan ng
iba’t-ibang website, meron po tayong patakaran tungkol sa open, transparent
and accountable government at iyon pagiging transparent po kasama na sa
performance-based incentives ng ating mga kawani sa pamahalaan. Hindi
pupuwedeng ng insentibo kung hindi po tumatalima sa mga norms of
transparency.
ORLY: Maraming Salamat, Secretary Sonny Coloma. Thank
you very much for your explanation.
SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat sa
pagkakataon at magandang umaga, Orly. |
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| SOURCE: News Information Bureau - Data
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