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| Palace counters Vice President Binay's recent swipe at the administration |
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The Palace countered Vice President Jejomar Binay’s statements on Saturday after he said the administration is laying the groundwork for the imposition of martial rule in the country with its agenda of continuing “Daang Matuwid.”
The vice president appears to be putting color on the administration’s statement that the country needs three administrations adhering to good governance to make the Philippines truly progressive.
“Hindi tama o makatuwirang sabihin na si Pangulong Aquino o ang Liberal Party ay naglalatag ng paghahanda para sa diktadurya,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a radio interview on Saturday.
“Batid ng lahat na ang matuwid na daan ay batay sa mga prinsipyo ng EDSA People Power revolution na nagbigay-daan sa pagbabalik ng demokrasya sa ating bansa mula sa diktadurya at Martial Law,” he told dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
Coloma said the continuation of “Daang Matuwid” depends on the decision of the Filipino people and the Aquino administration will do everything to ensure that the country’s electorate could choose a new set of leaders in an orderly and fair election next year.
“Ang proyekto ng pamahalaan ay higit pang patatagin ang mga institusyon ng demokrasya sa pamamagitan ng isang hayag at may pananagutang pamamahala (open, transparent, and accountable government),” he said.
“Ito ang marka ng isang masiglang demokrasya na pinatatatag ng mga malayang mamamayan.”
President Aquino has called on his bosses, the Filipino people, to continue supporting “Daang Matuwid,” so that the transformation of Philippine society, built on good governance during his administration, may be brought to its full fruition.
Like his parents, the President is a staunch advocate of democracy, in which the most important element is the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another through the conduct of orderly and credible elections, Coloma noted.
Coloma also belied Binay’s allegations that President Aquino undermined the country’s judicial system and the Office of the Vice President, saying that in fact, the President helped to strengthen them.
Binay’s allegations have no basis because on the contrary the Supreme Court supported all the legislative initiatives to strengthen the judicial system, he said.
The prosecutorial arm of the government under the Department of Justice was also strengthened to improve the criminal justice system.
“Pinapalakas din po natin ang ating prison o correction system, bahagi din po ito ng sistema ng batas,” he said.
With regards to the Office of the Vice President, the President Aquino respected and supported Vice President Binay and in his five years as Cabinet member, he has not received criticism from the public.
Coloma also answered Binay’s statement on SAF 44 after he said the policemen who perished in Mamasapano were not recognized during an event in Camp Crame on Friday.
“Nais po nating ipunto na sa marami nang pagkakataon ay kinilala ni Pangulong Aquino ang kabayanihan at ang kagitingan at katapangan ng atin SAF 44,” Coloma said.
“Binigyan po sila ng kinauukulang pagkilala ng ating Pangulo noon pa po. Hindi po naghintay ng mahabang panahon para kilalanin sila.”
He added that the administration did everything to help the families of SAF 44, providing them with livelihood, scholarships, housing, and employment. PND (as) |
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| Malacanang welcomes Comelec’s plan to hold presidential debates |
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The Palace welcomed the plan of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold presidential debates in different parts of the country so the public could thoroughly scrutinize the candidates that they are voting for.
“Mahalaga po sa isang eleksyon na malaman ng mga mamamayan ang mga isyu na dapat nilang pagpasyahan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr said in a radio interview when asked about the Comelec’s plan.
“Mahalaga rin na makilala nila ang mga kandidato at ang pagdaraos ng isang tagisan, katulad ng isang debate, ay mainam na paraan para matamo ang mga layunin na ‘yan,” he said over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan Saturday.
“Kaya hintayin po natin ang magiging programa ng Comelec. Sa atin pong palagay ay ginagawa nila ang kanilang tungkulin na maitaguyod ang mahusay na partisipasyon ng ating mga mamamayan sa isang maayos at kapani-paniwalang eleksyon.”
The Comelec said it plans to organize debates among presidential candidates in various venues around the country. Comelec last hosted a presidential debate in 1992.
The electoral body said that a resolution for holding presidential debates is already being circulated but preparations have yet to start
The debates will be done "to provide a mechanism for exacting accountability with regard to campaign promises" that candidates make, according to the Comelec. PND (as) |
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| Strategic partnership between Philippines and Japan allow cooperation on security issues, says Palace official |
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The Philippines and Japan have the right to work together on security issues that mutually affect them because of the strategic partnership between them, a Palace official said on Saturday.
China accused the Philippine of conniving with Japan, especially with the planned maritime drills of he two countries in the West Philippine Sea.
“Dapat kilalanin ‘yung reyalidad na ang Pilipinas at ang Japan ay tumatayong strategic partners. Mayroon tayong kasunduan sa kanila sa larangan ng kabuhayan, sa larangan ng seguridad, at sila ay strategic partner nga po ng ating bansa,” Coloma said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.
Coloma also said that when President Aquino visited Japan last June, he and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe discussed how the current strategic partnership could be strengthened further.
Part of it is ensuring freedom of navigation and easing the tension in the South China Sea or the West Philippine Sea, he said.
“Kaya ito po ay bahagi ng ating strategic partnership na naipahayag sa iba’t ibang international forum, kabilang na ang idinaos na ASEAN Regional Forum sa Kuala Lumpur,” he added.
Asked to comment on China’s statement that it has no plans to impede freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea, he said China’s recent action has raised tensions in the region.
China’s reclamation activities in the contested territories are not constructive as many countries opposed such moves, he said.
The US, the European community, G7 as well as Japan do not support changing the status quo in the region as a result of China’s reclamation works.
“Mayroon pong kasing epekto ito na nagpapataas nang tensyon sa ating rehiyon,” he said adding that it is the reason the Philippines has been calling on China to halt its activities there.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario had asked China to stop its reclamation, the construction of projects, and deescalate the tension in the region.
“Komprehensibo ang aksyon at ang panawagan na ito ay umaani ng suporta dahil nakikita naman ng mga bansang naniniwala sa rule of law na ito ay makatuwiran," Coloma said. (as) |
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| President Aquino instructs National Police to ensure peaceful, orderly 2016 elections |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday asked members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure orderly and peaceful elections next year as the country chooses new leaders."Ngayong nalalapit na ang halalan, muli na namang susukatin ang dekalidad na serbisyo ng ating mga pulis," the President said during his speech at the 114th Police Service Anniversary at Camp Crame.
"Ang hamon at atas ko sa inyo: Siguraduhin na patas, payapa at makatarungan ang magiging pagpili ng susunod na pinuno ng ating mga Boss. Pinaigting na natin ang ating pagkilos upang mabuwag ang mga Private Armed Groups, at iba pang banta para lang gamitin ang halalan sa kanilang pansariling interes."
The President said he expects the police force to be non-partisan during the elections and to carry out its mandate well by putting public welfare before anything else.
The government does not want to compromise the country’s future by catering to the interests of the few, he said.
"Alam kong patuloy ninyong tatahakin ang landas na makatuwiran at makakabuti sa ating mga Boss," the President told the members of the PNP.
With less than a year in office, President Aquino said that before he completes his term, he wants the PNP to be part of a just, peaceful and progressive society.
Acknowledging the police’s role in ensuring the country's welfare, the President said he expects the PNP to stand united in serving the people and in defending what is right.
"Sa bawat pagkakataon, itaguyod ninyo ang isang PNP na laging tumototoo sa kapwa, sinasagad ang kakayahan para itaguyod ang kapakanan ng mga Pilipino, ngayon at ng mga susunod pang henerasyon," he said.
The PNP celebrates the Police Service Anniversary every August 8 to commemorate the joint founding anniversaries of its forerunner organizations -- the Philippine Constabulary, which was founded in 1901, and the Integrated National Police, which was established in 1975.
During the event, the President also led the presentation of awards to outstanding PNP units and personnel.
President Aquino was accompanied by Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Police Director General Ricardo Marquez during the awarding rites. PND (as) |
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| Reforms in police force will continue, says President Aquino |
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President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday renewed his administration's commitment to purge the police force of erring members to improve its image."Sa ating pamamahala, tinatapos na natin ang maliligayang sandali ng mga scalawag sa inyong ahensiya. Desidido tayong linisin ang inyong hanay, at itira lamang ang mga tunay at tapat na lingkod-bayan," the President said in his speech during the 114th Police Service Anniversary, held in Camp Crame.
"Sa kabilang banda, binibigyan natin ng insentibo ang mga nagpapamalas ng husay at gilas sa serbisyo. Itataguyod natin ang kultura sa kapulisan kung saan nasa sarili ninyong kamay ang inyong pag-angat," he said, adding that he wants the police organization to be trustworthy and reliable.
The administration is also working to eliminate corruption in the Philippine National Police (PNP), for instance in the procurement of guns, the Chief Executive said.
As the country’s president, he said he provides the PNP its needs within the means of the government.
He noted that in his 6th State of the Nation Address last week, he mentioned the achievement of a 1:1 police-to-pistol ratio, the first time in PNP history, as well as the use of a Crime Incident Recording System, which has improved the documentation of crimes in the country.
The installation of hundreds of CCTV cameras in different parts of the National Capital Region that are considered crime hot spots, has also enabled the police to respond quickly to victims of crimes, he added.
And as part of modernization in the police force, the government has approved the purchase of 2,523 patrol jeeps, 577 utility vehicles, 5,736 motorcycles, 29,266 handheld radios, and 3,328 investigative kits, the President reported.
"Bukod sa pagpapalakas pa ng puwersa at pagpapaunlad sa kakayahan ng inyong hanay, tinututukan din natin ang inyong mga personal na pangangailangan," the President said, noting that almost 25,000 housing units have been allocated to qualified members of the PNP.
The government, he said, is also improving the pension system of uniformed personnel to ensure their welfare after they leave the service.
"Nakita naman po natin na karapat-dapat lamang sa mga benepisyong ito ang mga nagmamalasakit sa bayan," he said.
"Kung mananatili ang mataas ninyong morale sa serbisyo, pihado namang mapapanatili, kundi man mahihigitan, ang nakamit na ninyong mga tagumpay."
Aside from leading the Police Service Anniversary, the President also presented awards to members of the PNP for exemplary service rendered to the public. PND (as) |
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| Those accused in third batch of pork barrel scam cases deserve due process, says Palace official |
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The 40 people charged on Friday with misusing public funds, including nine incumbent and former lawmakers, deserve due process of the law, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. has said.
“Now that the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) has filed charges against incumbent and former members of Congress for alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allocations, it is the task of the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate and assess the merits of such allegations. Public interest requires that the ends of justice are served, while affording due process to the respondents,” Secretary Coloma said in a statement issued on Friday.
The NBI on Friday filed the third batch of pork barrel scam cases involving 40 people, among them nine incumbent and former lawmakers, at the Office of the Ombudsman, citing them for “malversation, direct bribery, and graft and corrupt practices”.
Those accused of obtaining “kickbacks” from alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles were Senator Gregorio Honasan (P1.75 million); Manila 5th District Representative Amado Bagatsing (P600,000); Abono Party-List Representative Conrado Estrella III (P45 million); former Abono Party-List representative Robert Raymond Estrella (P22.68 million); former La Union 1st District representative Manuel Ortega (P14.35 million); La Union 1st District Representative Victor Francis Ortega (P9.59 million); former Zamboanga del Sur 1st District representative Isidro Real, Jr. (P3.25 million); Cagayan de Oro and 2nd District Representative Rufus Rodriguez (P2.09 million); and former Cibac Party-List representative, currently Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Secretary Joel Villanueva (P2.3 million).
Also charged were officials of the National Agribusiness Corporation, Technology Resource Center, and National Livelihood Development Center.
These are the implementing agencies of the alleged ghost projects funded using the lawmakers’ PDAF.
“We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of good governance and impartial justice,” Coloma said. PND (ag) |
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| The Office of the President did not select police awardees, says Palace |
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The Office of the President had no participation in the selection of police officers and individuals who were given recognition during the 114th Police Service Anniversary held on Friday, Communication Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. has said.
Secretary Coloma was responding to news reports that the names of two Special Action Force (SAF) operatives included in the original list of awardees were removed a day before the ceremony, supposedly at the instruction of the Presidential Management Staff.
According to reports, Police Officer 2 Romeo Cempron was to be conferred the Medalya ng Kagitingan, and Police Superintendent Raymond Train the Medalya ng Kabayanihan.
“According to the PNP (Philippine National Police), the evaluation process for the proposed giving of the Medal of Valor, which is ‘the highest award that can be bestowed to any member of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, requires a lengthy process and a thorough evaluation, for which reason the review could not be completed on time despite our best efforts’,” the Palace official said in a statement issued on Friday.
In a statement issued after the ceremony, the PNP said they still need to study thoroughly the granting of the service medals to Cempron and Train, as these medals are among the highest service medals that could be presented to police and military officials.
“We also initially intended to honor the courage and sacrifice displayed by some of those involved in ‘Oplan Exodus’, which was the reason why the Committee on Individual Awards chaired by the Directorate for Personnel and Records Management deliberated and processed some of those who participated in the operations,” PNP spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor, said in a press briefing.
“It requires a lengthy process and a thorough evaluation for which reason the review could not be completed on time despite our best efforts. For these reasons, these awards were not included in the program today,” he added.
Last January, SAF operatives conducted an operation to arrest Malaysian terror suspect Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, and Filipino bomb-making expert, Abdul Basit Usman in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. While the operation succeeded in neutralizing Marwan, some 44 members of the SAF perished after an encounter with members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and private armed groups. PND (ag) |
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| DSWD, LBP release prepaid cards to MCCT beneficiaries |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) together with the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) will distribute prepaid cards today to 203 family beneficiaries of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT).
“It has always been our commitment to ensure that our beneficiaries receive their grants in the most economic and convenient way. Through the prepaid cards, beneficiaries of the MCCT may get their grants at any Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) or they can use it to purchase groceries or medicines through the point-of-sale (POS) system),” shared DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman.
Sec. Soliman further added that the 203 prepaid cards comprise the first batch of the more than 700 prepaid cards, which will be distributed in the succeeding days. Additional 1,400 applications are also currently being processed.
“Land Bank is one with DSWD in making the delivery of government’s financial assistance easier and more accessible to the beneficiaries. It will continue to adopt more innovative channels consistent with our commitment to help promote the government’s financial inclusion program,” Land Bank President and CEO Gilda Pico said.
The initiative of DSWD and LBP to convert MCCT payments to prepaid cards is aligned with United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/E-PESO’s objective to advance financial inclusion by facilitating the rapid adoption of electronic payment use.
The MCCT is an innovation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the Conditional Cash Transfer that provides cash grants and social welfare interventions to families not covered by the Pantawid Pamilya.
These families include those who are residing on the street, Indigenous Peoples in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (IP-GIDA), and those with special needs such as families displaced by either natural or man-made disasters.
“Apart from grants, street families are also extended rental assistance. We want these families to have decent dwellings and be removed from the possible dangers that they are exposed to while on the streets,” added Sec. Soliman.
To date, there are more than 200,000 households enrolled in the MCCT with more than 2,000 street families in the National Capital Region### |
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| Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday issued the statement below following a meeting with Hong Kong Secretary of Labor and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Hong Kong |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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(Secretary of Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday issued the statement below following a meeting with Hong Kong Secretary of Labor and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, in Hong Kong, where Baldoz is on a two-day official visit.)
“I have met with Hong Kong Secretary of Labor and Welfare Matthew Cheung Kin-chung to discuss a host of important issues concerning our overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong. The meeting took place in the course of a two-day official visit to assess the situation of our OFWs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
“This is the first time that I have met with Hong Kong’s top labor and welfare official and our meeting was very cordial and encouraging. It was a break-through meeting and provided us the opportunity to exchange views on a range of issues pertaining to our OFWs in Hong Kong who are mostly household service workers.
“I have informed Mr. Cheung of the background of our migration policy and the direction that the Philippines is taking to strengthen the promotion and protection of the safety and welfare of our OFWs, particularly household service workers who are in vulnerable occupation.
“I expressed my sincere appreciation to Hong Kong for hosting close to 180,000 of our OFWs, which is 53 percent of Hong Kong’s foreign household service workers population, and for the Hong Kong government’s continued support to our Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office, especially concerning Filipino household service workers, through the establishment of a technical working group which includes as members representatives of the Labor and Immigration departments and the Employment Agencies Administration which regulates and supervises Hong Kong employment agencies.
“I emphasized that our policy is moving towards a higher level of standards for ethical, fair, and legal migration and for very transparent policies and processes and deploying only quality workers to quality employers in any labor market to ensure high level of protection and welfare.
“During our meeting, I raised the issue of excessive fees and charges in the guise of training fees and the like being collected from OFWs which put them in debt bondage that defeats their purpose of working abroad. I also explained the background of the no placement fee policy being implemented by the Philippines for overseas household service workers, as well as the 2006 Household Service Workers’ Reform Package which I initiated as then Administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. I also informed Mr. Cheung that this reform package, including the rules and regulations of the POEA, is undergoing a comprehensive review and being updated to conform to the realities of the times.
“I also raised the concern over the salaries and living conditions of our household service workers in Hong Kong, as well as the need of our OFWs for stronger protection from various abuses by some employers. I also expressed concern on Hong Kong’s two-weeks’ rule and hoped it can be reviewed and extended.
Mr. Cheung acknowledged the immense contribution of OFWs to Hong Kong in elderly and child care and in releasing/allowing Hong Kong women to join the labor market. He provided me the background of Hong Kong’s policy of protection for foreign domestic helpers and the need to maintain such policy. He enumerated Hong Kong’s labour protection and support services available to foreign domestic workers and said Hong Kong has a comprehensive wage, health, and social benefits coverage for foreign domestic workers. He acknowledged that excessive collection of fees and charges is a mutual concern. He also emphasized that Hong Kong does not tolerate any abuse of foreign workers and said the Hong Kong government is very serious about violations of its laws, rules, and regulations, particularly against women.
“We have discussed possible ways to address these concerns and agreed that both sides should work together in strengthening mechanisms that will lead to solutions of the problems.
“We have agreed to exchange information and intelligence on specific cases and step up collaborative efforts to raise awareness and knowledge of workers, stakeholders, and the public on the migration realities and processes. Both sides committed to provide each other a schedule of allowable fees and charges that will be disseminated to the workers and the public to minimize, if not prevent, abuses. We also agreed to work together to encourage victims to come forward and avail of existing remedies on complaints.
“Mr. Cheung, finally, extended an invitation to convene and host a high-level meeting between labor officials of Hong Kong and the Philippines in the first quarter of next year to build on the progress of collaborative and coordinative efforts and to further discuss matters of concerning household service workers.” |
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| DSWD in close touch with LGUs affected by Typhoon Hanna |
| Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph |
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Even as Typhoon Hanna continues to weaken, Field Offices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) continue to remain on alert status and to preposition relief supplies to local government units (LGUs) affected by the typhoon.
In Region II, the DSWD-Field Office has prepositioned 17,495 family food packs in Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, and Nueva Vizcaya.
In Valencia City, Bukidnon in Region X, where flooding incidents have been reported, DSWD has prepared 314 family food packs, 157 kitchen utensils, hygiene kits, and clothing ready for transport to the city. The LGU of Valencia continues to distribute goods and to provide medical services to affected families.
Apart from the goods prepositioned to LGUs, a total of 361,122 family food packs are available in all DSWD-Field Offices ready to be delivered to LGUs when necessary, while P58 million standby funds have been earmarked for the purchase of emergency relief supplies.
As of August 6, some 428 families or 1,752 persons are staying in two evacuation centers in Bukidnon in Region X and in North Cotabato in XII, managed by the local government units.
DSWD disaster teams in regions affected by the ‘habagat’ caused by ‘Hanna’ continue to coordinate with the LGUs for the provision of additional resources. ### |
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| Ombudsman investigates Joel Villanueva for involvement in PDAF scam |
| Source: http://www.ombudsman.gov.ph |
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The Office of the Ombudsman approved the recommendation of its Field Investigation Office (FIO) to conduct preliminary investigation and administrative adjudication proceedings against former CIBAC party-list representative Emmanuel Joel Villanueva, former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap and nine others in connection with the anomalous utilization of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) amounting to P10M.
Villanueva and Yap are facing investigation for charges involving Malversation, Falsification of Public Documents, and violation of Sections 3(e) and 3(a) of Republic Act No. 3019 (Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act). In addition, they are also facing administrative charges for Grave Misconduct and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service.
FIO investigators obtained documents showing that on 10 June 2008, the Department of Budget and Management issued two Special Allotment Release Orders totaling P10M as part of Villanueva’s PDAF to finance an agri-based livelihood project for the distribution of seedlings (i.e. pechay, radish, sitaw, okra and yellow corn seedlings), liquid fertilizers, and post-harvest facility (thresher) in 6 barangays in the Province of Compostela Valley (Region XI). Two days later, Villanueva wrote Yap requesting the transfer of funds to the National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) as implementing agency (IA).
On 19 June 2008, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was entered into between the DA and NABCOR for the project implementation. Subsequently, a MOA was entered into between NABCOR and AFPI as project implementer.
The FIO also found that NABCOR was not identified as an IA authorized to implement PDAF projects and that AFPI, having a capital stock contribution of only P68,000.00, has no capacity to implement the project. Likewise, it was uncovered that the MOA did not include technical information such as project name, intended beneficiaries, benefits, project deion, site location, and time schedules for project monitoring.
Based on the audit report of the Commission on Audit, the supplier of the farm inputs and farm implement is not a licensed fertilizer distributor and has no existing business name registration. Neither could investigators locate the supplier in its given address in Malabon City.
On-site field validation also discovered that not a single individual in the list of beneficiaries was identified as a bona fide resident of the province. Local executives attested that no-agri based livelihood project was implemented and neither was there any distribution of seedlings, liquid fertilizers or threshers.
Also included in the probe are representatives of NABCOR and AFPI, namely: Allan Javellana, Rhodora Mendoza, Charie Sarah Saquing, Romulo Relevo, Maria Ninez Guañizo, Ma. Julie Villaralvo-Johnson, Delia Ladera, Ronald Samonte and Alfredo Ronquillo. |
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| End-July 2015 GIR settles at US$80.4 billion |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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Preliminary data showed that the country’s gross international reserves (GIR) stood at US$80.4 billion as of end-July 2015, lower by US$0.2 billion than the end-June 2015 level of US$80.6 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. announced today.1 The decrease in reserves was due mainly to the payments made by the National Government (NG) for its maturing foreign exchange obligations and revaluation adjustments on the BSP’s gold holdings and foreign currency-denominated reserves. These were partially offset by the BSP’s foreign exchange operations and income from investments abroad as well as the NG’s net foreign currency deposits.
The end-July 2015 GIR level remains ample as it can cover 10.6 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and income. It is also equivalent to 6.3 times the country’s short-term external debt based on original maturity and 4.5 times based on residual maturity. 2
Net international reserves (NIR), which refer to the difference between the BSP’s GIR and total short-term liabilities, also decreased by US$0.2 billion to US$80.4 billion as of end-July 2015, compared to the end-June 2015 NIR of US$80.6 billion.
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1 The final data on GIR are released to the public every 19th day of the month in the Statistics section of the BSP’s website under the Special Data Dissemination Standards (SDDS). If the 19th day of the month falls on a weekend or is a non-working holiday, the release date shall be the working day nearest to the 19th.
2 Short-term debt based on residual maturity refers to outstanding external debt with original maturity of one year or less, plus principal payments on medium- and long-term loans of the public and private sectors falling due within the next 12 months. |
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| The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas honors its stakeholders in Region Ill |
| Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph |
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Monetary Board Member Alfredo C. Antonio led the awards ceremony for stakeholders of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) in Region lll during the annual appreciation lunch held at the Hotel Gracelane, McArthur Highway, San Fernando, Pampanga on 7 August 2015.
Producers Savings Bank Corporation was chosen as the Outstanding Respondent among Large and Medium Firms for the Business Expectations Survey (BES) in Region III. Polarmarine, Inc. was recognized as the Outstanding Respondent among Small Firms in Region Ill. The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, Baler, Aurora received the award for Outstanding Partner for the Report on Regional Economic Developments. The Outstanding Regional Partner for Currency Programs of the BSP was conferred to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Bataan Provincial Office. Each awardee received the “Dynamic Balance, Philippine Eagle” trophy crafted by visual artist and multi-awarded sculptor, Mr. Ferdinand Cacnio.
The awards ceremony attests to the successful alliances that have helped the BSP maintain price and financial stability and ensure an efficient payments and settlements system. Stakeholders of the BSP in the National Capital Region were earlier recognized during the awards ceremony at the BSP Main Office on 14 July 2015. This year’s stakeholders’ awards in Region Ill marks the tenth time that the BSP has awarded stakeholders in the region and is the third in a series of 12 regional events for this year. |
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| Murder and frustrated murder charges to be filed in relation to the ambush of Congressman Belmonte and his convoy |
| Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |
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The Investigating Panel of Prosecutors created under D.O. No. 066, dated 06 February 2015, recommended the filing of Informations for three (3) counts of Murder and four (4) counts of Frustrated Murder against Respondents Celso C. Regencia (REGENCIA), then incumbent Mayor of Iligan City; Alfeo Amoco (ARNOCO); Amador B. Baller, a.k.a. "Dongki" (BALLER); Rogelio Pitos, Sr., a.k.a. "Kim" (PITOS, SR.); Rogelio Pitos, Jr. (PITOS, JR.); Romeo Suganub, a.k.a. "Loloy" (SUGANUB); Peejay Capangpangan (CAPAMPANGAN); Julito Oros Ansad, a.k.a. "Bino" (ANSAD); Dodo Silvano (SILVANO); and several John Does and Peter Does in connection with the ambush perpetrated against Complainant Congressman Vicente Belmonte (BELMONTE) and his group. As for Respondent Dominador S. Tumala (TUMALA), the Panel recommended the dismissal of the complaint in accordance with Sections 3, 10, and 12 of Republic Act No. 6981, otherwise known as Witness Protection Security and Benefit Act.
After careful perusal of the records, the Panel found that the evidence submitted were sufficient to establish probable cause for the crimes charged.
Complainant BELMONTE underscored that the only person who could perpetrate the crime was no other than his bitter political rival, Respondent REGENCIA. The saidsuspicion was bolstered by the consequent confession of Respondent TUMALA, who pointed to Respondent TUMALA as the mastermind in concert with the other Respondents.
Anent the validity of Respondent TUMALA's extra-judicial confessions, the Panel ruled that "[w]hile it may be true that there is no direct evidence pointing to [the Respondents] as direct participants, there are circumstantial evidence that would point to their complicity in its commission." The Panel observed that the averments of the complainants that a group of armed men blocked and waylaid the convoy of Complainant BELMONTE were corroborated by the testimony of Respondent TUMALA - one of the gunmen in the incident. Respondent TUMALA executed an extrajudicial confession dated 19 January 2015 reinforcing the narrations of Complainants BELMONTE, Noel Jaime Jo (JO), SPO1 Rouel Viejo (VIEJO), and Rio B. Don, about the ambush incident, and confirmed the participation of his companions.
The witnesses for the complainants corroborated, in all material points, Respondent TUMALA's subsequent confession on the details of the ambush. First, the testimony of witness Raul Warak-Warak who claimed to have seen, on 09 December 2014, Respondent BALLER in his farmhouse with some visitors who arrived on board a white L-300 van as well as Respondent REGENCIA in the company of CAPAMPANGAN, a known fugitive in their place, who also arrived on board a white pick-up and went to the group of people who were what appeared to be a cockfighting area inside the farmhouse. Second, the distribution and utilization of four (4) M-16 and a Carbine among Respondents TUMALA, RUEL, SILVANO, ANSAD, and JIMMY was corroborated by witnesses Cleofo B. Gaid, Jr. (GAID) and Mark Lu Apag (APAG) who both narrated that they saw a van coming from the direction of the bursts of gunfire, followed by three (3) persons armed with long firearms. Third, Respondent TUMALA recalled that Respondent ANSAD was hit after the victims were able to return fire at the ambushers. This narration was further corroborated by Complainant VIEJO who averred that he was able to hit one of the perpetrators in the L-300 van which blocked their way. Fourth, Respondent TUMALA was positively identified as one of the perpetrators by Complainant JO who claimed that the former pointed a gun at him while he lay bleeding on the ground and picked up the rifle of victim PO3 Mark A. Andres (ANDRES). Witnesses APAG and GAID also identified Respondent TUMALA as one of the persons who passed by them carrying high powered firearms. Fifth, the utility of a green Toyota Revo with plate No.KCE-447 as the get-away vehicle. Witness Bobwalter Pedisani categorically claimed that he saw the said car parked in the waiting shed of Purok 6, Tubajon, Laguindingan. The driver even asked for his help to start the car's engine after which the driver drove the same uphill. Minutes later, he saw the same car came downhill at a high speed. Further verification revealed that the car was sold to Respondent PITOS, JR. which strengthened the allegation that he and his father, Respondent PITOS, SR. had a hand in the planning and execution of the ambush.
The Panel concluded that these circumstances and positive assertions from the witnesses effectively gave credit to Respondent TUMALA's narration of the incident that transpired prior to, during, and after the incident.
With respect to the defense of alibi interposed by Respondents REGENCIA, ARNOCO, and BALLER, the Panel ruled that the physical impossibility is not conclusive. The venue of the Conferment and Awarding Ceremony of the Iligan Police Force and the meeting was within Iligan City only. Hence, the proximity of the locations did not render it impossible for Respondents REGENCIA and ARNOCO to be in two venues successively. As to Respondent BALLER, the evidence presented did not conclusively prove that he was in Cebu during the 09 December 2014 meeting. His itinerary merely indicated that he was scheduled to fly to Cebu on Dec. 08 and a return flight to Iligan City on Dec. 10. Considering the accessibility of mobility and transfer to and from Cebu City, it did not render it physically impossible for him to be at the venue of the meeting, more so that it was held in his own farmhouse. Moreover, his participation in the concurring facts was not limited to the December 09 meeting. Respondent TUMALA categorically identified him to have attended another meeting with Respondents PITOS, SR. and SUGANUB.
As regards the credibility as well as the probative value of the statements given by the witnesses, the Panel stated that it is not within the province of the Department of Justice to determine. These are better ventilated during trial proper compared to the preliminary investigation level.
Further, the Panel ruled that the facts and circumstances presented showed that the elements of murder were present: three persons were dead because of the ambush incident - Victims ANDRES, Eustaquio Silawan, and France Ian Dumaguing; the killing of the victims were qualified by treachery because the attack was sudden and the victims were not given any chance to defend themselves; and evident premeditation was also present as shown by Respondent TUMALA's assertion that as early as August, Rèsoñdents already conspired to kill Complainant BELMONTE.
The crime of frustrated murder was also committed by the resultant injuries suffered by Complainants BELMONTE, JO, VIEJO, and DON.
Finally, the Panel ruled that the facts and circumstances presented showed a concurrence of acts of the Respondents towards that unified purpose of consummating the overt act of ambushing the complainants.
To view or download the Resolution, please click on this link /files/2015/Cong%20Belmonte.pdf |
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| DPWH to conduct repair works at C-5 road |
| Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph |
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The Department of Public Works and Highways – National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR) will undertake road reblocking and repair starting 10 p.m. Friday August 7, 2015 along C-5 Road in Pasig City.
DPWH-NCR has secured clearance from Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to undertake concrete reblocking at the innermost lane north bound direction of C-5 Road from between Petron Gas Station going to Lanuza Street.
Motorists are advised of the expected traffic slowdown and build-up brought about by the reduction in road lane. Repair works will be completed and road lane will be passable by 5 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2015.
Meanwhile, Secretary Rogelio L. Singson has directed NCR Director Reynaldo G. Tagudando to direct the contractor Northern Builders of the Blumentritt interceptor to deploy more resources and complete the project before October.
Singson ordered Tagudando that as soon as Maynilad completes realigning its seven-foot-tall water pipeline along Juan Luna Street and Hermosa Street in Tondo, Manila, starting Monday, August 10, 2015 which will take almost 5 days to complete, the contractor has to mobilize all working equipment and personnel to finish the project soonest.
The P560-million Blumentritt floodwater interceptor project which has an overall accomplishment of 82.57 percent to date alongside with the MMDA and LGUs efforts to upgrade pumping stations, unclog drainage, and clear waterways of informal settlers are expected to provide an improvement to the perennial flooding problem in Metro Manila. |
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| Central Luzon, Davao Region and Central Visayas recorded the highest expansion in per capita household spending in 2014 |
| Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph |
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The country’s household final consumption expenditures (HFCE), which comprised 69.1 percent of total expenditures, amounted to Php 4,947.0 billion in 2014, 5.4 percent higher than the previous year’s level of Php 4,692.4 billion.
Central Luzon posted the highest growth of 9.4 percent, acceleration from its 2013 growth of 5.9 percent. Davao Region and Central Visayas came in second and third at 8.5 and 7.6 percent growth, accounting for 3.9 percent and 6.5 percent of total HFCE, respectively. On the other hand, the region with the least HFCE growth was ARMM with 1.2 percent. NCR remained as the highest spending region on consumer goods and services at Php 1,160.3 billion or 23.5 percent of the national HFCE.
Real per capita household spending of Central Luzon, Davao and Central Visayas surpassed the growth of the national per capita household spending at 3.6 percent.
Central Luzon ranked first among all 17 regions in the country with the highest increase in per capita household spending. The increase was recorded at 7.4 percent, the fastest among regions with the biggest expansion at 3.4 percentage points from the 4.0 percent growth in 2013.
Central Luzon is followed closely by Davao Region and Central Visayas ranked second and third among the 17 regions, which accelerated to 6.6 and 5.9 percent, respectively. These growths also surpassed the national per capita spending of households.
LISA GRACE S. BERSALES, Ph.D.
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General |
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| DAR and PNP corporate supplier charged with tax evasion |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against BOME ENTERPRISES & CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION (BECC) for Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax, and Deliberate Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in its Income Tax Returns (ITR) and Value Added Tax (VAT) Returns for taxable years 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013, as defined underSections 254 and 255 of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).
Likewise charged for the same violations were its responsible corporate officers – President ERNESTO J. PENSOTES, and Treasurer PAMELA G. PENSOTES.
Respondent BECC is a domestic corporation engaged in the business of wholesale of construction materials, hardware, plumbing, and heating. Its business address is at Lot 3 Block 5 Cabal Street Ph 5, AFPOVAI Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
In order to ascertain the true income received by BECC, access letters were sent to its clients – the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). In reply to said access letters, DAR issued a certification confirming its income payments to BECC for taxable years 2010 to 2013. The PNP also confirmed its income payments to BECC for the same period by issuing two (2) certifications pertaining to two different Taxpayer Identification Numbers (TIN) of BECC, one of which is an invalid TIN.
Investigation showed that BECC declared an income in the aggregate amount of only P25.88 million for the period 2010 to 2013 when in truth and in fact, it received a total income amounting to P165.69 million. BECC received income payments in the sum of P21.79 million in 2010, P35.88 million (PNP – P34.64 million and DAR – P1.24 million) in 2011, P54.29 million (PNP – P52.7 million and DAR – P1.59 million) in 2012, and P53.73 million (PNP -P17.26 million and DAR – P36.47 million) in 2013. The respondent company declared with the BIR NO OPERATIONS in 2010, P1.42 million in 2011,P2.06 million in 2012, and P22.40 million in 2013.
BECC and its responsible corporate officers were assessed deficiency tax liability amounting to P129.95 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down into: 2010 – P22.58 million (Income Tax – P15.97 million and Value Added Tax – P6.61 million); 2011 – P32.75 million (Income Tax – P23.18 million and Value Added Tax – P9.57 million); 2012 – P45.38 million (Income Tax – P32 million and Value Added Tax – P13.38 million); and 2013 – P29.24 million (Income Tax – P17.31 million and Value Added Tax – P11.93 million).
The case against BOME ENTERPRISES & CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION, together with its responsible corporate officers, is the 384th filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of the National Investigation Division. |
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| Food supplement trading company charged with tax evasion |
| Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph |
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The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) today filed a criminal complaint with the Department of Justice against ABS GEN HERBS INTERNATIONAL (ABS GEN) for Willful Attempt to Evade or Defeat Tax, Deliberate Failure to File Value Added Tax Returns (VATR) for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd quarters of taxable year 2009, and Deliberate Failure to Supply Correct and Accurate Information in its VATR for the 4th quarter of taxable year 2009; 1st, 2nd, and 4th quarters of taxable year 2011; and four (4) quarters of taxable years 2010, 2012, and 2013, in violation of Sections 254 and 255 of the NationalInternal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended (Tax Code).
Likewise charged for the same violations were its responsible corporate officers – Chairman/President PAUL R. GUPANA, and Treasurer GRACE G. GUPANA.
Respondent ABS GEN is a domestic corporation primarily engaged in the business of trading and/or direct selling of goods such as processed foods, general merchandise on wholesale and retail basis, including exportation and importation. Its office address is at PG Tower, 115 Malakas St., Diliman, Quezon City.
In order to ascertain the true sales/receipts of ABS GEN, access letters were sent to its clients, MERCURY DRUG CORPORATION (MERCURY) and GETZ BROS PHILIPPINES, INC. (GETZ BROS), who both issued certifications as to the amount of income payments and taxes withheld they made for the account of ABS GEN for taxable years 2009 to 2013.
Investigators likewise discovered that ABS GEN failed to file its VATRs for the first three (3) quarters of taxable year 2009 and failed to declare its true and correct income in its VATRs for sixteen (16) quarters from the 4th quarter of 2009 to the 4th quarter of 2013, except the 3rd quarter of taxable year 2011.
A comparison of the income payments ABS GEN received from MERCURY and GETZ BROS with its VATR sales declarations with the BIR disclosed that the respondent corporation substantially underdeclared its correct taxable sales by P37.72 million in 2009, P11.82 million in 2010, P3.58 million in 2011, P4.08 million in 2012, and P5.11 million in 2013.
As a consequence of their acts and omissions, ABS GEN and its responsible corporate officers were likewise sued for an aggregate deficiency VAT liability amounting to P18.88 million, inclusive of surcharges and interests, broken down into: 2009 – P12.26 million; 2010 – P3.47 million; 2011 – P0.99 million; 2012 – P1.01 million; and 2013 – P1.15 million.
The case against ABS GEN HERBS INTERNATIONAL, together with its responsible corporate officers, is the 383rd filed under the RATE program of the BIR under the leadership of Commissioner Kim S. Jacinto-Henares. It is likewise a RATE case of the National Investigation Division. (reytdlc) |
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| 153,152 OFWs as of date have used the process: More OFWs benefit from speedy processing of OECs through DOLE-POEA’s ‘Balik Manggagawa’ online processing system |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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With technology as the backbone, the Department of Labor and Employment – Philippine Overseas Employment ‘s Balik-Manggagawa (BM) Online Processing System has redefined the delivery of service to vacationing or returning overseas Filipino workers, specifically on applying, issuing, and printing of their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).“We started this breakthrough service delivery in August 2014, and now, a year after, we can say that it has clearly made a dent in improving our assistance to OFWs. By harnessing the power of web-based technology, we bring our services to the convenience of our migrant workers,” labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz said.
The BM Online Processing System is a web-based facility that enables the Balik-Manggagawa (BM) or vacationing OFW to apply online for Overseas Employment Certificate and print the approved OEC anywhere and anytime.
BM Online aims to speed up the issuance of OEC to vacationing OFWs who will return to their respective foreign employers/principals. To better explain and help the users complete the registration process, an instructional video is available at the homepage of the BM Online.
Since its inception, the BM Online Processing System has already served 153,152 Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) to vacationing OFWs.
The top 10 OFW destination with heavy BM Online Processing System users were Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, Israel, Kuwait, Thailand, China, and Hongkong.
Meanwhile, the Top 10 BM Online implementers or local processing centers are POEA-Ortigas, Region 7 (Cebu), POEA Field Office in Trinoma Mall, POEA Field Office-Duty Free, POEA Field Office in SM Manila, Region 11 (Davao), Region 1 (La Union), Region 3 (Pampanga), Region 4-A (Calamba), and CAR (Baguio).
Baldoz said the POEA virtually harnesses the power of web-based technology in this innovation.
“Using Skype as a medium of communication, all Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) evaluators, cashiers, and site administrators were oriented on the use of the system,” Baldoz added.
“We highly encourage our OFWs to take advantage of this innovative service. To sign up for BM Online Processing System, go to http://bmonline.poea.gov.ph/ or to POEA official webpage www.poea.gov.ph and click BM Online. Upon entry, they can start filling out the form, follow the instructions, and once they have completed signing up, they will receive a confirmation email from POEA,” Baldoz further said.
Baldoz added that the BM Online Processing System can be availed of by OFWs on vacation returning to the same employer/principal and jobsite, with employment visa/ work permit, have a record in the POEA database, and previously issued OEC/e-Receipt under the same employer/principal.
“This is one of our reforms initiated—the development of online systems—to make our services accessible and free to our clients. These technology-based facilities are designed and developed to optimize our service delivery. For the BM Online Processing System, falling in line for long hours is now a thing of the past. Now, the transaction can be done quickly and easily online,” Baldoz said.
OFWs who have further inquiries or questions about the BM online processing can send their email to bmpd@poea.gov.ph or bm_oec@yahoo.com or call (BMPD) 02-7210785 or (ICT) 02-7219496 / 02-7277778. |
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| Minimum wage earners in Region 1 get P14.00 wage increase—Baldoz |
| Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph |
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Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Region 1 (RTWPB-1) has approved and issued Wage Order No.RB1-17 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations increasing the daily minimum wage rates of workers and employees falling below the poverty income threshold, particularly in the non-agriculture (micro) and agriculture (non-plantation) sectors, by P14.00 effective 19 July 2015.
“Regional Director Grace Ursua reported to me that the increase will be given in two tranches. The first tranche is a P7.00 increase upon effectivity of the wage order and the second tranche is another P7.00 to be given starting 1 December 2015,” Baldoz said.
Baldoz said that with the increase, the DOLE is on track of attaining its goal under the Two-Tiered Wage System, a reform that Secretary Baldoz had initiated, to close the gap between all minimum wages falling below the poverty income threshold at par or above the povery income threshold level on or before December 2015.
In her report, Director Ursua said that in deciding the amount of the increase, the RTWPB-1 considered the prevailing socio-economic condition obtaining in the region, as well as the viability of the various businesses, most of which are micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“Moreover, the increase is consistent with the government’s policy to alleviate the living conditions of workers, particularly those receiving wage rates below the regional poverty income threshold,” she said.
She estimated that the increase will immediately benefit 118,847 workers and employees working in 45,542 micro establishments in Region 1.
She also recalled that the RTWPB-1 conducted public hearings on the wage issue were conducted in Vigan City for the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, and in the cities of San Fernando, La Union and Dagupan in May to gather the positions and views of both the labor and the management sectors.
Excluded in the increase are kasambahay or domestic workers, persons employed in the personal service of another, including family drivers, and workers and employees of registered Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) with Certifications of Authority.
The new wage order also provides exemptions to distressed establishments, new business establishments, retail/service establishments employing not more than ten workers, and establishments adversely affected by calamities such as natural and/or human-induced disasters.
Deadline in the filing of exemptions from the coverage of the wage order is on 17 September 17, 2015 at the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-1 or at the Field Offices of the Department of Labor and Employment in the region.
Schedule of orientations on the new Wage Order is as follows: August 12 – City of San Fernando, La Union; August 18 – Dagupan City and August 20 – Laoag City.
Director Grace Y. Ursua is the RTWPC chairperson. Its members are Director Florante O. Leal and Director Nestor G. Rillon, vice-chairpersons representing the government sector; Jerry V. Parlan and Salvador R. Poserio representing the management sector; and Eliseo P. Flora and Mrs. Catherine Q. Pangan representing the labor sector. |
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| DTI meets with stakeholders to localize Industry Roadmaps; presents industrial policy |
| Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph |
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Board of Investments (BOI) will meet with stakeholders in Region 04 to present the country’s new industrial policy in a conference on “Industry Roadmaps and the AEC Game Plan: Roadmap Localization for Competitiveness” to be held on 06 August 2015 at the Taal Vista Hotel in Tagaytay City. The conference aims to facilitate the alignment of regional plans and national strategies for industrial growth and development in view of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 and the European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus (EU GSP+).
“By engaging our regional stakeholders, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local government and the academe, we hope to craft regional roadmaps that reflect a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges that could arise from the AEC and the EU GSP+,” said DTI Assistant Secretary Rafaelita Aldaba.
Both the AEC and the EU-GSP+ offer significantly reduced to zero tariff rates for products from the Philippines. Trading openly across ASEAN borders has been in effect since 2010, following the signing of the ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (AFTA), while the preferential treatment for more than 6,000 Philippine products under the EU-GSP+ came into effect in December 2014.
The roadmaps of the automotive, electronics, petrochemicals, and IT-BPM, which are of special interest to Region 04, will be presented in the conference. The discussions will focus on how to position and upgrade these industries in view of the potentials and challenges arising from the AEC and EU GSP+ and the need for an industry development roadmap in the region. There will also be discussions on measures to green the industry roadmaps, not only through the production of green products but also through the adoption of green processes to make industries more competitive.
The keynote message will be delivered by DTI Undersecretary for Industry Development and BOI Managing Head Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr., while DTI Undersecretary for Regional Operations Zenaida Cuison-Maglaya will provide the Way Forward and Closing Remarks.
The conference speakers include Dr. Rafaelita M. Aldaba, DTI Assistant Secretary for Industry Development; Mr. Luis G. Banua, NEDA IV-A OIC-Regional Director; Dr. Cielito R. Habito, USAID Trade-Related Assistance for Development (TRADE) Project Chief of Party; Mr. Raymond Lacdao, Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) Executive Director for Industry Affairs; Atty. Rommel Gutierrez, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) President; Mr. Dan Lachica, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) President; Mr. Homer Maranan, Association of Petrochemical Manufacturers of the Philippines (APMP) Executive Director; Mr. Senen Perlada, DTI Export Marketing Bureau Director; and Dr. Bernd Gutterer, a consultant from the German International Cooperation-Promotion of Green Economic Development (GIZ-ProGED) Project.
Members of chambers of commerce, industry associations, business support organizations, representatives of local government units and agencies, the academe, and other stakeholders are expected to attend.
DTI and the BOI have conducted similar conferences in the cities of Iloilo (Region VI), Cebu (Region VII), Davao (Region XI), and Baguio (CAR).
For details on how to participate in the conference in Region IV, contact Ms. Marina V. Manalo or Ms. Mary Ann R. Mada at (049) 834-2715/ (049) 545 6169 or email them at: r04a@dti.gov.ph |
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| NAPOLCOM empowers PNP as partner in community development |
| Source: http://pnp.gov.ph |
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The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) en banc headed by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas, who is also the concurrent NAPOLCOM Chairman, approved Resolution No. 2015-342 dated July 21, 2015 empowering the Philippine National Police (PNP) to perform its role as a community and service-oriented agency through the adoption of the Community and Service-Oriented Policing (CSOP) system.
NAPOLCOM Vice-Chairman and Executive Officer Eduardo U. Escueta said that the CSOP system, as the foundation of community-oriented policing and crime prevention strategy in the country, shall bolster community and service-oriented activities in the locality and thereby gain the trust and support of the local government and the community towards better cooperation and coordination for local development.
The CSOP system shall enable the PNP to fully perform its third mandate which is to further strengthen local government capability aimed towards the effective delivery of the basic services to the citizenry in addition to two others which are to promote peace and order and to ensure public safety.
“The faithful compliance by the PNP with its third mandate will bring the police closer to the community and the PNP will be regarded by the people as partner in community development,” Escueta said.
Escueta added that the CSOP system shall be undertaken through the collaboration and cooperation of the local executives, the citizenry, and the integrated law enforcement agencies by way of program or project complementation and sharing of funds, personnel and logistics.
The Local Chief Executives, as deputies of the NAPOLCOM, shall formulate and adopt a mechanism for the collaboration and cooperation involving the local executives, citizenry and law enforcement agencies as well as other agencies existing and operating in the locality.
Escueta said that the enhanced framework of the CSOP system is currently being pilot tested in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.
The CSOP is in line with the government’s major reforms in strengthening the justice system and the rule of law in the country through the assistance of the European Union under the EU-Philippines Justice Support Programme II (EPJUST II). |
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| DOST undergrad scholarship slots more than triple in 2015 - Montejo |
| Source: http://www.dost.gov.ph |
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The number of slots for undergraduate scholarship offered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) under its Science Education Institute (SEI), has more than tripled in five years, jumping from 1,250 in 2010 to 5,595 in 2015.
“We’re also now preparing the groundwork for recruiting new partner universities and introducing innovations into the program for us to expand by 100% in 2017, on our way to meet the required critical number of scientists,” stated DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his keynote speech at “In Touch with Excellence,” one of the events during the recent National Science and Technology Week.
In addition, DOST is now producing an average of 350 Master’s and 35 PhD graduates in priority science and engineering courses annually.
“Since 2010, we have been strengthening and enhancing our S&T ecosystem, an ecosystem that empowers our scientists and engineers to come up with innovative ideas to improve productivity, enhance delivery of government services, and address the most pressing concerns of Aling Maria and Mang Juan,” said Montejo during the event which feted DOST scholars who achieved academic excellence in schoolyear 2014-2015.
According to the Science Secretary, the most critical component of this ecosystem is its human resources, and their number is critical for the Philippines to become a Science Nation able to sustain its development.
“You are blessed with intelligence,” Montejo said, addressing the scholars in the audience. “It’s only proper to use this God-given intelligence to explore and understand nature.
Whatever God created in nature is for our benefit. Let us use this for our country’s own good.”
Meanwhile, Ernest Nathan L. Nogales, a scholar who graduated summa cum laude from UP Diliman with a degree in BS Chemical Engineering and one of the honorees, rallied his co-DOST scholars to “think about serving the people, not out of duty but out of love. I assure you there is lasting happiness there.”
In his speech, Nogales reminded them that some areas in the country remain marginalized – with no electricity, among others.
On the other hand, DOST Undersecretary for Scientific and Technological Services Dr. Rowena Cristina L. Guevara called on the scholars to venture in entrepreneurship while completing their dissertation or thesis.
Around 239 undergraduate, MS, and PhD scholars under SEI’s various scholarship programs were honored this year for their academic achievements in “In Touch with Excellence” held at the Philippine International Convention Center.
For more about the scholarships, log on to www.sei.dost.gov.ph and www.science-scholarships.ph (S&T Media Service)
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| Internet voter registration system for overseas Filipinos goes global |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph |
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07 August 2015 – The Department of Foreign Affairs - Overseas Voting Secretariat (DFA-OVS) advices the public that iREHISTRO is now global. iREHISTRO is a system that provides another way of accomplishing forms for voter registration related process. Prospective applicants still have to appear personally at Foreign Service Posts or Mobile/Field registration sites, to sign and submit their duly accomplished printed form, and for biometrics capturing. In addition, the processed applications still have to be approved by the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB).
Overseas Filipinos in the Asia Pacific (except China and Taiwan), Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa region now have the option of filling up the forms from the comfort of their homes, workplace, internet café, or anywhere they have access to reliable internet connection. The optional appointment feature of the system allows for better time management since it provides them an easy way to schedule their personal appearance at the Embassy, Consulate General, Mission or Mobile/Field registration site.
All Filipino citizens who expect to be in the Asia Pacific, Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa during the 30-day (09 April – 09 May 2016) overseas voting period for the 2016 National Elections, at least 18 years old on 09 May 2016, not otherwise disqualified by law and who would like to be among the first overseas Filipinos to become part of this historical evolution of the Philippine overseas electoral process, may now go to irehistro.comelec.gov.ph/ov or www.comelec.gov.ph to access the iREHISTRO System to register as an overseas voter. The voter registration period ends on October 31. |
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| PHL Labor Secretary concludes successful visit to Macau SAR |
| Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph/ |
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07 August 2015 - Philippine Secretary for Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz conducted a three-day visit to Macau SAR to further strengthen labor cooperation between the Philippines and Macau and to assess the working conditions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the territory. Secretary Baldoz was joined by officials from the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Philippine Consul General Lilybeth R. Deapera welcomed Secretary Baldoz and her delegation to Macau. In a meeting at the Philippine Consulate General attended by Consul Pete Raymond V. Delfin and Vice Consul Ira Micheline R. Valdez, Consul General Deapera noted this was the first official visit to the Macau SAR by a Cabinet Secretary since Secretary Alberto G. Romulo visited in 2008 to open the Consulate. She expressed hopes for the success of the delegation’s official visit.
On the first day of the visit, Consul General Deapera, Consul Valdez, and Labor Attache to Macau Vivian Tornea joined Secretary Baldoz and her delegation in a meeting with Macau Secretary for Economy and Finance Hon. Lionel Leong Vai Tac on August 05.
During their meeting, Secretary Baldoz and Secretary Leong discussed ways of possible cooperation to ensure legal, fair, and transparent labor migration of OFWs to Macau.
Secretary Baldoz specifically emphasized the importance of promoting and safeguarding the rights and welfare of OFWs, particularly those of domestic workers who are considered more vulnerable.
On his part, Secretary Leong acknowledged the contributions of the Filipino workforce in Macau and expressed appreciation for the Secretary’s visit.
Both sides agreed to discuss labor matters in depth through the establishment of a technical working group which will be composed of Philippine and Macau officials from different government agencies. Both sides also agreed to continue cooperation through this consultation mechanism.
The delegation also met with a number of hotel industry executives to discuss recruitment procedures and company programs for foreign workers. A large portion of the 23,152 Filipino work-permit holders in Macau are employed in the hospitality and service industry sectors.
Secretary Baldoz capped her official visit to the Macau SAR with a forum and salu-salo for OFWs in Macau where she shared positive developments in the Philippine economy and labor sector as well as the programs that cater to Filipinos working abroad. An open forum was held where members of the Filipino community asked questions and shared their experiences and inputs. |
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| BI deports Chinese fugitive Wang Bo |
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
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Manila, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) officially deported Chinese fugitive Wang Bo on August 6, 2015, Thursday.
BI Spokesperson Elaine Tan confirmed the deportation of Wang. “The deportation was in compliance with an August 4 resolution from the Secretary of Justice directing the immediate implementation of the March 5Summary Deportation Order against Wang.”
Bo, with four Chinese escorts, officially took off at 9:00 am via Flight No. CZ3078 bound for Guangzhou, China. |
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| Mison cleanses BI of "Bad guys" |
| Source: http://www.immigration.gov.ph |
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Manila, Philippines---Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Siegfred Mison relieved a handful of officers from their posts following reports of misconduct and facilitation of irregular transactions.
Relieved from their posts were Intelligence Agent Fidel Caranto, Jr. of BI-General Santos City for involvement in a human smuggling incident, and Immigration Officer Ralph Ian Laki of BI-NAIA for facilitating the arrival and departure of a Chinese national who presented a fake Filipino passport.
On July 22, Caranto was caught driving a vehicle carrying three Indian nationals, namely, Malhi Gurjant Singh, Gurber Singh, and Gurjant Singh, who entered the country illegally, and were sighted at the shoreline of Glan, Sarangani prior to the apprehension. It was discovered that Malhi Gurjant and Gurjant are in the BI’s blacklist database.
Laki, on the other hand, was caught facilitating the travel of a certain He Jun, a Chinese national who was caught using a fake Filipino passport when he attempted to depart for Hong Kong last July 18. It was discovered that He Jun’s passport bore previous arrival and departure stamps, both attributed to Laki.
Administrative proceedings against erring personnel remain consistent to pull-out the rotten eggs in the BI. Recently, Immigration Officer Carol Vinoya was dismissed from the service for facilitating the departure of a passenger in exchange for Php 20,000.00.
Mison said that reports of misconduct against BI personnel are not taken lightly under his administration. “We will make sure that these violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Mison warned. |
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| SHInES goes to Bicol |
| Source: http://www.philhealth.gov.ph |
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“This activity will help us in making our constituents understand PhilHealth better and how important it is to have their health insured.”
This was how the Local Chief Executives (LCEs) who attended the Social Health Insurance Education Series (SHInES) in Naga City recently unanimously said, when asked what the orientation means to them.
Mayor Ricardo Aquino of the municipality of Ragay in Camarines Sur admitted that he just learned about the orientation on the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) the day before the event but was quite excited in knowing that PhilHealth conducts this kind of activity, which he said will surely benefit not only the members but the LGUs as well. “Maganda itong activity na ito para sa amin at para sa mga kababayan namin upang maiparating sa kanila ang magagandang bagay tungkol sa programa ng PhilHealth at mas lalo nilang maunawaan at paano gamitin ang mga benepisyo,” the mayor pointed out.
Mayor Romeo Moreno of Paracale, Camarines Norte gladly shared that he had been supporting PhilHealth for almost nine years. “Malaki ang naitutulong ng PhilHealth sa aking mga constituents at sa rehabilitasyon at pagpapaunlad ng aming munisipyo sa pamamagitan ng capitation fund,” he said.
PhilHealth Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon F. Aristoza Jr. acknowledged that “hindi namin kayang abutin ang universal health coverage (UHC) kung wala kaming katuwang sa pagpapalaganap nito. Without the help of our LCEs and private partners, it will be very difficult for us to reach UHC.”
For his part, PhilHealth President and Chief Executive Officer Alexander A. Padilla said that members of the program are PhilHealth’s priority and he hoped that all who are not still covered and cannot afford to pay premium will avail of the point of care (POC) enrolment in hospitals where they may be confined. Padilla told the LCEs that “with your help, we hope that our enrolment goes up.” Padilla also believed that health should be a priority of all, and that members need to be empowered with information about their benefits. “Ang usapin sa kalusugan ay hindi puwedeng hindi natin pakialaman, and we want our members to know their benefits and to avail of these benefits, so I hope that all the information you will learn today will be disseminated effectively to your constituents,” Padilla further said.
In parting, the PhilHealth Chief issued a call to the LGUs, “baka puedeng maging collecting agents kayo ng PhilHealth para lahat ng negosyong binibigyan ninyo ng permits ay tiyak na registered sa PhilHealth.”
Topics discussed during the SHInES orientations were the NHIP Act of 2013, which was presented by Area II Assistant Vice President Dr. Shirley B. Domingo; the membership program by OIC Vice President for Membership Management Group, Alberto Manduriao; the New and Enhanced PhilHealth Benefits by Vice President for Quality Assurance Group, Dr. Francisco Soria Jr.; and the role of LCEs by PRO V Regional Vice President Orlando Iñigo. An open forum followed the presentations.
The same module was presented during the SHInES for media participants earlier, but this time the OIC Vice President for Corporate Affairs Group and official PhilHealth Spokesperson, Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas presented the New and Enhanced PhilHealth benefits, while the role of media in advocating the NHIP was discussed by Maria Sophia B. Varlez, Senior Manager of the Corporate Communication Department. This activity was also intended to inculcate among media participants better appreciation of the NHIP as they relate to general public through the stories they write.
The LCE component was attended by some 156 participants that included 11 mayors, 10 vice mayors, 3 provincial health officers, 16 municipal health officers and 1 Chief of Hospital while around 28 local media attended the event. (Amelita L. Buted, PRO IV/CorComm) |
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| Pre-qualified bidders gear up for LRT Line 2 bid submission |
| Source: http://ppp.gov.ph |
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Pre-qualified bidders of the LRT Line 2 Operations and Maintenance Project of the Department of Transportation and Communications and the LRT Authority attended the pre-bid conference to seek clarifications regarding the next PPP rail project.
Present during the conference are representatives from the four pre-qualified bidders from Aboitiz – SMRT Transport Solutions Consortium, DM Consunji Inc. – Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. Consortium, Light Rail Manila Holdings 2, Inc. (LRM2) Consortium (LRMH of Ayala and MPIC, RATP TRANSDEV Asia, RATP Developpement SA) and SMC – Korail Consortium.
The same potential bidders will also have the opportunity to have a one-on-one consultation with the DOTC from August 6 to 7 and another one on October 1 and 2 where they can raise their concerns regarding the project. The consultations are part of the PPP Center’s process to ensure the viability of the project and strengthen the transparency measures of the country’s PPP program.
The DOTC targets the submission of bid for December 2015 and award it to the winning bidder on January 2016. By the second quarter of 2016, the operation and maintenance of the LRT Line 2 would be turned over to the concessionaire.
During the 10-15 year concession period, the private proponent will undertake the operation and maintenance of the existing LRT Line 2, the 4.14 kilometer East Extension, and any other future extensions implemented by the Government during the project’s term. The private proponent is also expected to infuse innovations and efficiencies into the operation and maintenance of the LRT Line 2 that will provide a better riding experience to the public. |
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| I-Gabay 22: Harvesting Pearls of Knowledge in the Tuna Capital |
| Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph |
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General Santos City, the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, was home to 48 learners for the 22nd Session of the Integrated-Gabay ng Paglilingkod (I-Gabay) Training Course. Held at the Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City last 22 to 31 July 2015, the training course which was organized by the Career Executive Service Board (CESB) aimed to further enhance the managerial competencies of members of the CES towards a more efficient and conscientious delivery of public service.
The ten-day residential program began with the module on Managing Strategic Planning for Organizational Success, which was facilitated by CESB Executive Director Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones, CESO I. It was followed by a half-day session of ICT expert Alexander M. Arevalo on Maximizing E-Governance and ICT for Development which focused on the government’s advocacy for the use of ICT in improving public service delivery and facilitating administrative reforms.
UP Law Professor Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr. led discussions on Appreciating the Public Policy Process, allowing the learners to revisit the fundamental steps, actors and stakeholders, as well as the challenges and dynamics that need to be managed in the sphere of public policy-making.
The module on Institutionalizing Strategic Human Resource Management by Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Ernesto O. Cecilia guided the executives in exploring the “era of the brain”. It provided a broad survey of the evolution of emerging trends, schools of thought and key areas in strategic human resource management (i.e., performance and results management, strategic and critical thinking, change leadership, managerial leadership), and an introduction to the new leadership style of the 21st century. Mr. Orlando P. Tugob delivered his module on Effective Negotiation for Public Managers to equip managers with practical knowledge and skills in navigating the complex milieu of executive negotiations.
A Workshop on Administrative Justice which was facilitated by Bureau of Customs (BOC) Deputy Commissioner Arturo M. Lachica. The workshop introduced the philosophy and principles constituting the ethical foundations of the administrative justice system, fundamental concepts in administrative discipline and jurisdiction, classification and typology of offenses and penalties, and key civil service laws, policies and rules. After this module, Ms. Rosa Maria M. Clemente, Executive Director of the Philippines Government Electronic Procurement System (PHILGEPS) of the Procurement Service, talked about the key elements of the design and operations of Republic Act Number 9184 which institutionalized the PHILGEPS. The module instilled in the learners a deeper awareness of the PHILGEPS as an integral part of the infrastructure for good governance and defined the major tasks/roles of CES leader-managers in harnessing its uses to enhance accountability and transparency in the public sector.
Commission on Audit (COA) Director Susan P. Donalvo traced the origins of public auditing in the Philippine context. Her module, Philippine Audit Laws, Rules and Practices, focused on the fiscal responsibilities of the heads of agencies to ensure that government resources are managed, expended or utilized in accordance with the laws and regulations of the country, and safeguarded against loss or wastage through improper disposition.
Assistant Secretary Tina Rose Marie L. Canda of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) introduced budgeting concepts, the budget process and current budgetary policies in terms that a layman could understand, thru the module on Budget 101: Public Finance for Public Managers-Policies, Systems and Laws, which was discussed by.
During the Community Engagement, the learners explored with Mayor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. his vision for the Municipality of Tupi. Mayor Tamayo narrated how he forged his vision and how he and his team were able to make it a reality. The learners marveled at how the Municipal government was able to realize the milestones set in the vision earlier than planned. Some of the accomplishments included the following: (a) increase of local income from P15 Million (CY 2009) to P57 Million (CY 2014), (b) establishment of the free education program (i.e., zero collection), (c) free hospitalization program at selected hospitals, (d) concreting of 20 km. of farm to market roads, (e) construction of a drainage system, (f) reduction of fatal accidents, (g) increase of farmers’ income through the introduction of post harvest facilities, and (h) increase in the number of investors.
Barangay Captain Joselito G. Yabut of Barangay Poblacion amazed the learners as he described the barangay’s pioneering programs and projects which earned the barangay the 2010 Hall of Fame Dangal ng Barangay Awards, 2012 Gawad Galing Pook Award, 2012 Gawad Kalasag Hall of Fame Award, 2014 Hall of Fame Dangal/Dungog ng Barangay Award, and a host of other awards.
The learners’ CEM research study took them to the Municipal Hall of Tupi where they were warmly welcomed by Mayor Tamayo. On the same day, the Barangay Hall of Poblacion opened its doors to the learners who eagerly validated the innovations, systems, standards and programs delivered by the Barangay. Led by Barangay Captain Yabut, the barangay staff enthusiastically engaged the learners in sharing sessions.
The learners presented the outputs of their study on the final day of the training course. They provided valuable analyses and shared their, observations and recommendations on how to strengthen, sustain and continuously innovate on the systems, programs, projects and standards of the Barangay.
The CEM enabled the executives to study: (1) the existing governance and development framework, emphasizing strategic structural, systems and program innovations aimed at achieving organizational performance effectiveness; and, (2) the strategies and experiences in harnessing multi-stakeholder, community-based and corporate sector partnerships and resources in support of development thrusts and plans.
NAPC Undersecretary Jude Esguerra noted that the course provided an opportunity to appreciate the political dynamics in the local government units. He also said that the course enabled the learners to realize that national regulations can make or break local efforts in the health and housing sectors.
After her community engagement, Assistant Regional Director Phlorita A. Ridao of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) opined that “leadership is indeed the most important resource in an organization and the prime mover of development.”
Conducted thrice a year, the I-Gabay course provides learning modules aimed at addressing an executive’s needs to remain effective on-the-job. It surveys the policies, programs and reform initiatives essential in the development of government as an organization. It sharpens awareness and deepens appreciation of the demands, challenges, solutions and options facing a public manager. It illustrates a wider, more detailed and sensitive perspective on the environment and dynamics of public sector management around which leadership and managerial tasks and accountabilities are exercised. |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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DZRB / Kaagapay ng Bayan by Marie Peña-Ruiz and Oliver Abelleda
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08 Aug 2015
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BINAY’S FRESH BRICKBATS
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Secretary, mayroon ba kayong mga paunang pahayag, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Natunghayan natin ‘yung mga pahayag na nagmumula sa tanggapan ni Vice President (Jejomar) Binay hinggil sa umano’y paglalatag ng dictatorship. Nais ko lamang magpahayag hinggil diyan. Ito po ang aking pahayag…
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Oo, sir, parang kinulayan niya o nilagyan niya ng kulay ‘yung sinasabi natin na we need ‘yung parang 18 to 20 years para magtuloy-tuloy ‘yung ‘daang matuwid.’
SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yon po ang nais kong bigyan ng linaw sa pamamagitan ng ganitong pahayag:
Hindi tama o makatuwirang sabihin na si Pangulong Aquino o ang Liberal Party ay naglalatag ng paghahanda para sa diktadurya. Batid ng lahat na ang matuwid na daan ay batay sa mga prinsipyo ng EDSA People Power revolution na nagbigay-daan sa pagbabalik ng demokrasya sa ating bansa mula sa diktadurya at Martial Law.
Ang pagpapatuloy ng matuwid na daan ay nasa pagpapasya ng mga mamamayan at gagawin ng administrasyong Aquino ang lahat ng nararapat upang tiyakin na ang ating mga boss ay makapagpapasya sa isang maayos at malinis na halalan.
Ang proyekto ng pamahalaan ay higit pang patatagin ang mga institusyon ng demokrasya sa pamamagitan ng isang hayag at may pananagutang pamamahala (open, transparent, and accountable government). Ito ang marka ng masiglang demokrasya na pinatatatag ng mga malayang mamamayan.
Sa wikang Ingles naman po:
President Aquino’s clarion call to our bosses is to continue to support ‘daang matuwid,’ so that the transformation of Philippine society that has been built on good governance during his administration may be brought to its full fruition.
Like his parents, the President is a staunch advocate of democracy, in which the most important element is the peaceful transfer of power from one administration to another through the conduct of orderly and credible elections.
‘Yan po ang ating pahayag.
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Mayroon pa hong sinabi si Vice President Binay na itong panahon po ni President Aquino sinira niya ang institusyon ng hukuman at ang institusyon daw po ng pangalawang pangulo.
SEC. COLOMA: Wala pong batayan ‘yan sapagkat, kung sa hukuman naman po, hayag sa atin ang pagsasagawa ng maraming reporma na nakatuon sa pagpapalakas ng ating hudikatura. Ang Supreme Court po ang nangunguna sa inisyatibang ‘yan, sinuportahan po natin lahat ‘nung mga legislative initiatives na patungkol diyan, at pinalakas din po natin ‘yung prosecutorial arm ng pamahalaan na nasa ilalim ng Department of Justice para lumakas ang ating criminal justice system. Pinapalakas din po natin ‘yung ating prison o correction system, bahagi din po ‘yan ng sistema ng batas. Kaya wala po talagang batayan ‘yung pagsasabi niyan.
‘Yung tungkol naman sa Tanggapan ng Pangalawang Pangulo, iginalang naman po ‘yung tanggapang ‘yan, binigyan ng kinauukulang pagkilala at suporta. At alam naman po ng ating mga mamamayan na wala naman po tayong narinig na kahalintulad na pagtutuligsa noong limang taon na kasapi sa Gabinete ang pangalawang pangulo.
Mr. Abelleda: Sir, may sinasabi pa rin po si VP Binay, kasi sabi niya—tungkol doon sa SAF 44 na hindi po nasama nga doon sa pinarangalan kahapon—sabi niya parang na-demoralize daw po ang hanay ng kapulisan natin dahil dito, sir.
SEC. COLOMA: Nais po nating ipunto na sa marami nang pagkakataon ay kinilala ni Pangulong Aquino ang kabayanihan at ang kagitingan at katapangan ng atin pong SAF 44. Binigyan po sila ng kinauukulang pagkilala ng ating Pangulo noon pa po. Hindi po naghintay ng mahabang panahon para kilalanin ‘yan. Ginawa din po ng ating administrasyon ang lahat ng nararapat para agarang matugunan ‘yung mga pangangailangan ng kanilang mga pamilya, ‘yung pagtugon sa kanilang pangangailangan ng kabuhayan, edukasyon para sa mga naulilang anak, paghahanapbuhay na permanente, pabahay, (at) iba pang tulong sa kabuhayan. At patuloy pong itinataguyod ng pamahalaan ‘yung pagpapanagot sa mga responsable sa sinapit po ng SAF 44.
NEXT DILG CHIEF
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Secretary, ibang isyu naman po. Marami ding nagtatanong kung ma-co-confirm ba natin o [mabibigyang-linaw] ‘yung doon po sa report na si Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa ay magiging DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government) nang isang buwan habang naghahanap pa ng kapalit si Pangulong Aquino for Mar Roxas’ post. And also po, mayroon ding mga lumalabas naman na report na si Western Samar Representative Mel Sarmiento po ang magiging DILG chief, at lalong parang… ‘Yung parang umano’y malipat, especially because he was present at the anniversary celebration yesterday ng police service force. Mayroon din pong balita na si Nani Braganza. Ano po ang pahayag natin dito, Secretary?
SEC. COLOMA: Pinakamainam diyan, Marie, ay hintayin po natin ang pagpapasya at opisyal na pagpapahayag ng ating Pangulo hinggil sa paghirang ng papalit kay Secretary Mar Roxas, yaman din lamang at binanggit na rin mismo ng ating Pangulo sa kanyang talumpati kahapon ‘yung pagturing sa pangangailangang lisanin na ni Secretary Mar ‘yung kanyang tungkulin. Wala po tayong opisyal na impormasyon at ang lahat ng nabanggit mo, Marie, ay nasa larangan ng purong espekulasyon. Kaya mas mainam na hintayin na lamang natin ang desisyon ng ating Pangulo hinggil sa bagay na ‘yan.
PHL’S FAILED FIBA HOSTING BID
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Secretary, kagabi nagbigay na rin kayo ng pahayag doon sa pagkapanalo ng China doon sa pag-host ng FIBA 2019 at ‘yung pagkatalo natin na sabi po ninyo ‘taas-noo’ pa rin tayo, and we congratulated ‘yung mga nandoon na ipinaglaban ‘yung Pilipinas. Pero, sir, masakit din ba sa puso ninyo kagaya ng maraming Pinoy na hindi natin nakuha ‘yon, and also, ‘yung idinahilan kasi ‘yung lack of infrastructure po natin?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang mahalaga po diyan ay ‘yung inihayag po natin ‘yung ating kagustuhan na maging host, at doon sa ating presentasyon doon, ginawa ng ating official delegation ang lahat para ikarangal ‘yung ating bansa bilang isang karapat-dapat na host country. Katulad nga po ng ating ipinahayag kahapon, we put our best foot forward and we can hold our heads up high. Taas-noo pa rin po tayo diyan dahil patuloy pa rin naman ‘yung ating pagtataguyod sa ating bansa bilang isang kaaya-ayang lugar para sa pamumuhunan, turismo, at pagdaraos ng mga kahalintulad na events o kaganapan.
Ang atin pong sinasabi, mayroon naman po tayong sapat na kakayahan para maging host ng event na ‘yan, kaya lang kilalanin din natin na mayroon naman din pong proseso at pagpapasya ‘yung mga opisyal ng FIBA. Ganunpaman ay patuloy po nating pinapupurihan ang ating official delegation. Nakita naman po natin doon ang ating executive branch ay represented nina Foreign Affairs Secretary (Albert) del Rosario at ni Secretary Ramon Jimenez ng turismo.
Nandoon din po si Senador Sonny Angara, si Congressman Manny Pacquiao, at ang lider po ng sektor ng basketball si Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan. Kasama rin po diyan ‘yung ating Fil-Am actor na si Lou Diamond Phillips.
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Opo. Ang ganda ng presentation ni Lou Diamond Phillips.
SEC. COLOMA: Taas-noo po tayo diyan. Wala po tayong dapat ikahiya dahil alam din naman po ng mga bansa sa daigdig na mayroon tayong sapat na kakayahan. Nakita na rin nila ‘yan ‘nung tayo ay nag-host na rin ng isang seksyon ng FIBA tournament noong nakaraan, at nakita naman po nila na mayroon tayong sapat na kakayahan hinggil diyan.
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Secretary, may text question po si Nikko Dizon ng Philippine Daily Inquirer. Good morning, Nikko. Sir, ang tanong ni Nikko: Is it also an eye-opener to the Philippine government that much still has to be done like infra?
SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy naman nating itinataguyod ‘yung pagpapalawak ng ating mga imprastruktura, at kung makikita natin ‘yung latag ng (mga proyekto), lalo na ‘yung mga public-private partnerships ay pinakamarami pong naitalang ganyang mga proyekto sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang administrasyon. Sampung proyekto na ‘yung ganap nang ipinapatupad.
Natapos na nga po diyan ‘yung MCX (Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway), natapos na rin ‘yung—malapit na ring makita ‘yung pagtatapos ng NAIA Expressway, gagamitin na rin po ito doon sa hosting natin ng APEC sa darating na Nobyembre, at ang iba’t ibang bahagi ng ating kapuluan ay marami na ring naitatag na makabagong imprastruktura at ipagpapatuloy po ito. Mayroong 30 to 50 PPP projects na halos lahat ay infrastructure-oriented.
Kaya darating po tayo diyan sa puntong ‘yan na magiging sapat at tunay na competitive at world-class ang ating pasilidad sa buong bansa at magiging mas kanais-nais pa tayong destinasyon ng investment, tourism, at iba’t ibang events.
WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
Mr. Abelleda: Sir, sa ibang isyu naman pero sangkot din po kasi rito ‘yung China e. Kasi may paratang, inaakusahan tayo ng China na parang nagsasabwatan na raw ang Pilipinas saka ang Japan laban sa China, laban sa kanila. Siguro dahil din doon sa mga nakakasa nating activities with Japan tulad, halimbawa, siguro ‘yung joint maritime drills natin sa West Philippine Sea. Anong reaksyon po natin, sir, dito?
SEC. COLOMA: Unang-una po, dapat kilalanin ‘yung reyalidad na ang Pilipinas at Japan ay tumatayong strategic partners. Mayroon po tayong kasunduan sa kanila sa larangan ng kabuhayan, sa larangan ng seguridad, at sila po ay strategic partner nga po ng ating bansa. Noong nakaraang pagdaos ng state visit ni Pangulong Aquino sa Japan ay muli silang nagpulong ni Prime Minister Shinzo Abe upang talakayin kung paano pa higit na patatatagin ang ating pagiging strategic partner sa bansang Japan, at kasama po doon ‘yung mahalagang pagtataguyod na manatiling bukas at mapayapa ang mga karagatan, kabilang na ‘yung South China Sea o West Philippine Sea. Kaya ito po ay bahagi ng ating strategic partnership na naipahayag sa iba’t ibang international forum, kabilang na ‘yung idinaraos na ASEAN Regional Forum sa Kuala Lumpur.
Mr. Abelleda: Pero, sir, naniniwala po ba tayo doon sa sabi po ng China? Kasi sabi nila ay hindi naman daw nila ini-impede o hindi nila hinahadalangan ‘yung freedom of navigation dito sa West Philippine Sea.
SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yan po ang kanilang pahayag. Pero kung tutunghayan natin ang pananaw ng marami nang bansa, kabilang na ang Estados Unidos at ‘yung European community at ‘yung G7 at ‘yung Japan, malinaw naman po ‘yung nasasaksihan ng daigdig na doon sa kanilang pagsasagawa ng reclamation ay inumpisahan na o kung hindi man naumpisahan ay pinaghahandang umpisahan ang iba pang mga construction activities at ang mga aksyon na katulad ng ating tinukoy, kasama na rin ‘yung kanilang mga pahayag hinggil sa sitwasyon sa rehiyon.
Mayroon pong epekto kasi ‘yan na napapataas ‘yung tensyon sa ating rehiyon. Kaya nga ang panawagan natin sa kanila na binanggit ni Secretary Albert del Rosario ay itigil ‘yung tatlong bagay: una, ‘yung reklamasyon; pangalawa, ‘yung construction project; at ikatlo, ‘yung pag-escalate ng tensyon sa ating rehiyon. Dapat po ay maging komprehensibo ‘yung aksyon at ang panawagan na ‘yan na ating ipinahayag ay ‘yan po ang umaani ng suporta dahil nakikita naman na ito ay makatuwiran ng mga bansang naniniwala sa rule of law.
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Secretary, may tanong po si Nikko. Ang tanong po ni Nikko: Zambales Governor (Hermogenes) Ebdane said provincial government will auction off the dredging floaters believed to be used by China in its land reclamation para daw sa mga fishermen. Hindi ba dapat tinatago ng Philippine government ‘yon as evidence? Wala bang concerted plan ang government to respond to the South China Sea issue that includes local governments?
SEC. COLOMA: Well, aalamin po natin ‘yang pakikipag-ugnayan ng Philippine Coast Guard at ‘yun pong mga kinauukulang ahensya ng ating pamahalaan sa pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Zambales. Si Governor Ebdane naman ay isang retired PNP (Philippine National Police) officer at batid naman po niyang mayroong mga patakarang kinakailangang sundin hinggil diyan. Kaya aalamin po natin sa Philippine Coast Guard at iba pang concerned agencies kung ano nang koordinasyon ang naisagawa nila hinggil sa bagay na ‘yan.
VILLANUEVA’S PDAF CASE
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Okay, Secretary, another issue po. Will the Palace ask TESDA (Technical Education Skills Development Authority) director-general Joel Villanueva to take a leave so he can concentrate on his defense doon sa kasong iniharap laban sa kanya?
SEC. COLOMA: Sa ilalim ng umiiral na batas, hindi minamandato na lumiban o mag-file ng leave ang mga halal o hinirang na opisyal na kasama sa isang inihaing impormasyon sa Office of the Ombudsman. Ipauubaya natin ang pagpapasya sa mga kinauukulang opisyal.
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Sir, hindi kaya maapektuhan ‘yung kanyang trabaho? Kasi ang dami pa naman niyang nagagawa for our youth, lalong-lalo na doon sa mga training, ang daming accomplishments ngayon po ng TESDA.
SEC. COLOMA: Kilala po natin si Secretary Joel Villanueva bilang isang conscientious public servant, at sa lahat po ng pagkakataon ay nakita naman natin ‘yung kanyang pagsisikap na maipatupad ‘yung maraming programa na ikabubuti ng kalagayan ng ating mga mamamayan sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng kinakailangang technical o vocational skills. Kaya makatitiyak po tayo na gagawa siya ng nararapat na desisyon at ang desisyong ‘yan ay nakabatay sa interes ng publiko at hindi po mapapabayaan ‘yung gawain ng kanyang tanggapan.
PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES
Mr. Abelleda: Sir, pahabol lang ito, sa larangan din ng pulitika. Reaksyon niyo lang po, sir, doon sa ikinakasa ngayon ng COMELEC (Commission on Elections) na magkaroon daw po ng presidential debates sa Luzon, Visayas, at Mindanao. Ano po ang pahayag po ng Palasyo rito, sir?
SEC. COLOMA: Mahalaga po sa isang eleksyon na malaman ng mga mamamayan ang mga isyu na dapat nilang pagpasyahan. Mahalaga rin na makilala nila ang mga kandidato at ang pagdaraos ng isang tagisan, katulad ng isang debate, ay mainam na paraan para matamo ang mga layunin na ‘yan. Kaya hintayin po natin ang magiging programa ng COMELEC. Sa atin pong palagay ay ginagawa nila ‘yung kanilang tungkulin na maitaguyod ‘yung mahusay na partisipasyon ng ating mga mamamayan sa maayos at kapani-paniwalang eleksyon.
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Tama ‘yon, sir, para kung may presidential debate at least hindi na… Kasi may sinabi rin si Vice President Binay na ‘pwede bang sagutin na lang ninyo ‘yung mga sinasabi ko’ at huwag daw binabalik sa kanya ‘yung mga paninira at ‘yung pagsabi ng ‘charot.’ [chuckles]
SEC. COLOMA: Sa lahat naman po ng pagkakataon na mayroon siyang mga naipahayag ay tinitingnan po natin kung ito ay—kung ano po ‘yung mga iba-ibang datos o reyalidad na kanyang isinasalarawan, at sa lahat naman po ng ating pamamahayag ay tinutukoy natin, at ang isinasagot naman natin ay batay din sa kongkretong datos para mayroong mainam na batayan ang ating mga mamamayan sa pagturing kung ano talaga ang katotohanan. Dahil sa pamamagitan lamang niyan malalaman kung nasaan ba ang katuwiran at katotohanan. Ang ating interes, Marie, ay malaman ng ating mga mamamayan ang kapaliwanagan hinggil sa mga isyu na pinag-uusapan at magiging kapaki-pakinabang ito kung ang tutukuyin ay ‘yung isyu at kung ang talakayan ay masesentro sa makabuluhang mga paglalahad ng tama at makatotohanang impormasyon.
Ms. Peña-Ruiz: Okay, Secretary, maraming-maraming salamat po for your time. Happy weekend po.
SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat at magandang umaga sa inyong lahat. |
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| SOURCE: Presidential News Desk (PND) |
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INTERVIEW OF COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY HERMINIO COLOMA, JR.
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DZRB / “Pilipinas! Pilipinas!” kasama sina Albert Sebastian at Efren Montano
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09 August 2015
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MGA TANONG AT SAGOT
Mr. Sampang: Secretary, ito po ang ilang mga katanungan na natanggap natin at amin pong ipararating sa inyo, unang-una po ay ‘yung sitwasyon daw po ng mga Pilipino, ‘yung mga Pinoy OFWs sa Taiwan na isa ho kasi sa mga lugar na talagang dinaanan at nasalanta rin nitong bagyong ‘Hanna.’ Ano raw po ba ang mga ginagawang hakbang ng gobyerno para makatulong sa ating mga Pinoy OFWs doon po sa nasabing lugar?
SEC. COLOMA: Sinusubaybayan po ng ating pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) ang kalagayan ng ating mga kababayan na naninirahan o nagtatrabaho sa Taiwan kung saan ay dumating ‘yung malakas na bagyong ‘Hanna’ (international name: ‘Soudelor’). Ang sa atin pong mga ulat ay wala pa namang ibinibigay na pahayag hinggil sa casualties sa hanay ng ating mga kababayan. Sa kabila ‘non ay masinsin po nating sinusubaybayan ‘yung sitwasyon at handa naman pong maghatid ng tulong ang ating pamahalaan. Mayroon po tayong tanggapan sa Taiwan na tumututok sa sitwasyon doon.
Mr. Sampang: Secretary, bukod po kasi sa Taiwan, doon sa ating mga OFW na Pinoy sa Taiwan na naapektuhan din ng bagyo, dito po sa Pilipinas ay mukhang talagang naramdaman din, hindi lang ho ‘yung bagyong ‘Hanna’ kundi ‘yung mga pag-ulan bago pa siya dumating, lalong-lalo na dito po sa may bahagi ng Mindanao. Aabot na raw po kasi sa mahigit 12,000 ang apektadong residente sa Maguindanao. Kumusta na po ang monitoring sa mga apektadong lugar na nabanggit, Secretary?
SEC. COLOMA: Tuwiran po itong tinututukan at sinusubaybayan ng mga municipal disaster risk reduction and management council para alamin ang pinsala na dinulot ng patuloy na pag-ulan at pagbaha. Ayon po sa pinakahuling ulat ng NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) hinggil sa sitwasyon sa lalawigan ng Maguindanao, mayroon pong walong munisipalidad na apektado ng pagbaha, at ang mga pamilyang apektado nito ay may bilang na 12,340 o humigit-kumulang 60,700 persons bagamat wala naman pong naiulat na casualties.
Ang mga apektadong bayan po ay ang mga sumusunod: Ampatuan, Datu Salibo, Kabuntalan, Northern Kabuntalan, Pagagawan, Nuling/Sultan Kudarat—lahat po ‘non ay sa Sultan Kudarat—Sultan Mastura at Datu Piang. Ang Office of Civil Defense po sa ARMM (Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao) ay patuloy na nagsasagawa ng ocular inspection at inaalam din ‘yung status ng mga pananim, property, infrastructure at iba pang pasilidad. Samantala naman naghahatid ng agarang tulong sa mga apektadong pamilya ang Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, at iba pang ahensya. Sina Governor Mujiv Hataman naman ay mayroon ding kasabay na inisyatiba para tuwirang tulungan ang ating mga kababayang apektado ng patuloy na pag-ulan at pagbaha sa lalawigan ng Maguindanao.
Mr. Sampang: Sec, bukod po dito sa naunang dalawang katanungan ko, mayroon pa hong isang katanungan lalong-lalo na dito po sa tinatawag na SOMRI (Senior Officials Meeting Responsible for Information). Ito po ‘yung third APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation) Senior Officials Meeting na supposed to be gagawin po sa Cebu City. Ano ho ba ang importansya nitong third APEC Senior Officials Meeting, lalong-lalo na para po sa Pilipinas at sa buong Asya, Secretary?
SEC. COLOMA: Bahagi po ito ‘nung serye ng mga sunud-sunod na pagpupulong ng mga senior official na hahantong sa APEC Leaders’ Summit sa Nobyembre. ‘Yung partikular na binanggit mo, Rey, ay ‘yung Senior Officials Meeting na idaraos sa Cebu. At ayon sa DFA, ito ay tatalakay sa mga isyu ng trade and investment, services, counterterrorism, automotive and chemical regulation, mining, illegal logging, intellectual property, customs procedures, standards and conformance, anti-corruption, electronic commerce, health and life sciences, disability issues, business mobility and market access.
At bukod pa riyan, magkakaroon din ng mga serye ng exhibition, workshop at special event, kabilang din ‘yung tinaguriang fifth High-Level Meeting on Health and Economy at isang symposium sa urbanization. Ang binanggit po natin ay nakatakda pang maganap sa susunod na buwan, September 5 to 6 sa Cebu, at pagkatapos naman ‘non magkakaroon naman ng APEC Structural Reform Ministerial Meeting, September 7 to 8 naman.
Tampok naman diyan ‘yung mga economic development minister at ang pagpupulong ay pamumunuan ni NEDA (National Economic Development Authority) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan at ang layunin nila ay ‘to build greater capacity for growth in Asia Pacific markets.’ Mayroon po silang focus sa limang taong inisyatiba ng pagpapahusay ng ease of doing business para po mapadali ang kalakal at negosyo sa iba’t ibang ASEAN countries.
Mayroon din pong ulat hinggil naman sa magaganap sa linggong ito, August 10 to 12 naman, ‘yung hinggil sa science and technology. Ang tawag po sa pagpupulong ay Policy Partnerships on Science, Technology, and Innovation. Ito po ay isang APEC working group. Ang mamumuno naman po sa pagpupulong na ito ay ang DOST (Department of Science and Technology) at ang CHED (Commission on Higher Education). So ‘yan po ang mga tinututukan natin na mga kaganapan hinggil sa APEC. Bahagi lang po ‘yan ng serye ng pagpupulong na hahantong sa APEC Leaders’ Summit sa Nobyembre ng taong ito.
Mr. Sampang: Secretary, ito hong performance ng Pilipinas pagdating sa ekonomiya, lalo na doon po sa nabanggit ng Pangulong Aquino sa kanyang State of the Nation Address ay remarkable ano po? Mai-re-raise kaya ito dito sa mga member countries na kalahok sa APEC?
SEC. COLOMA: Lahat po ng pwede nating ibahaging karanasan at mga natutunan sa pamamahala ay malayang ibabahagi natin sa ating mga kapitbansa dahil ito naman po ang pangkaraniwang nagaganap sa ganyang mga pagpupulong. Natututo po tayo sa kanila at sila rin ay natututo sa atin.
Mr. Sampang: Alright. Secretary, bago po namin kayo ika nga bitawan dito sa aming programa, any final statement sa lahat po ng nakikinig sa atin sa mga oras na ito?
SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yon lang pong patuloy na pag-iingat ng ating mga kababayan na maaaring apektado ng mga pag-ulan dahil bagamat umalis na po ‘yung international typhoon, ‘yung ‘Soudelor’ o typhoon ‘Hanna,’ ay nararamdaman pa ang epekto nito sa maraming bansa. Kaya ibayong pag-iingat ang ating ipinapanukala at ipinapayo sa ating mga kababayan hinggil diyan.
Mr. Sampang: Maraming salamat po, Secretary Coloma, sa muli po ninyong pagpapaunlak sa ating programa dito sa Radyo ng Bayan.
SEC. COLOMA: Maraming salamat, magandang umaga, Rey.
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| SOURCE: NEWS AND INFORMATION BUREAU |
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PRESS BRIEFING OF PCOO SECRETARY SONNY COLOMA
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Press Working Area, New Executive Building, Malacañang
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06 Aug 2015
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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Lei Alviz (GMA-7): Sir, 'yung una po may press release po 'yung kampo po ni Vice President (Jejomar) Binay tungkol doon po sa mural ng SAF 44 na, sabi po nila, ipinaalis daw po ni Presidente sa PNPA (Philippine National Police Academy)?
SEC. COLOMA: Ayon kay General Ricardo de Leon, pangulo ng Philippine Public Safety College na siyang nangangasiwa sa Philippine National Police Academy, mayroon na ngayong nakatayong estatwa na nagbibigay parangal sa SAF 44 sa loob ng Camp Mariano Castañeda sa Silang Cavite.
‘Yung hinggil naman sa SAF mural, iniulat ni Chief Superintendent Armand Ramolete, PNPA Director, kay Philippine Public Safety College President General de Leon na ang mural na ito ay kinuha ng may-ari ng Erehwon Art Center na siyang gumawa ng mural dahil sa obserbasyong walang angkop na paglalagyan dito sa kampo dahil wala silang museum.
Walang batayan at walang katotohanan ‘yung sinasabing mayroong partisipasyon ang Tanggapan ng Pangulo hinggil sa mural na ito.
Ms. Alviz: So, sir, masasabi po ba nating parang malisyoso 'yung kanilang ipinalabas po na pahayag?
SEC. COLOMA: Basta sinasagot lang natin 'yung sinasabi dahil mahalaga na maparating sa ating mga kababayan ang katotohanan.
Ms. Alviz: Sir, 'yung Ateneo Eagle Watch nagsabi po na walang long-term vision ang administrasyong Aquino, at isa raw po ito sa kahinaan ng administrasyon.
SEC. COLOMA: Kung maaalala natin, ang SONA (State of the Nation Address) ni Pangulong Aquino doon sa huling bahagi nito, nagpakita siya ng isang graph—‘yung graph na ipinapakita 'yung trajectory ng Philippine economic growth sa ilalim ng daang matuwid, at ang graph para sa projected growth ng economy, kung iiral 'yung daang baluktot na kabalintunaan ng daang matuwid.
Sinabi niya doon na, ayon sa mga dalubhasang ekonomista at ayon na rin sa kongkretong karanasan ng mga maunlad na bansa, kinakailangan 'yung mahabang panahon ng tuluy-tuloy na mataas na paglago ng ekonomiya. ‘Yung tinatawag na high growth—long-term high growth trajectory na kinakailangang matamo. Kaya nga sinabi natin, o sinabi ng Pangulo, na 'yung natamo natin ng 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 at 2014 na five-year average GDP (gross domestic product) growth na 6.2 percent ay pinakamataas na sa loob ng nakaraang apat na dekada.
At kung matatamo natin 'yung 6.8 percent growth ng GDP para sa kasalukuyang taon, ‘yon na ang pinakamataas na sunud-sunod ng anim na taong pag-unlad ng ekonomiya sa nakaraang anim na dekada o 60 years. Pero nilinaw niya sa kanyang SONA, hindi sapat 'yung lima o anim na taong sunud-sunod dahil sa karanasan ng mga maunlad na bansa, kinakailangan ay 'yung sustained high growth trajectory na tinatawag na pwedeng matamo kung maipagpapatuloy at magiging permanente ang mga reporma na alinsunod sa tuwid na daan.
Kaya nga 'yung ipinupunto natin dito, mahalaga na maipagpatuloy ang mga reporma na sinimulan na sa kasalukuyang administrasyon. Maaalala din natin na makailang beses binabanggit ng Pangulo sa kanyang mga talumpati 'yung kahalagahan na dapat pagyamanin natin ang ating mga mamamayan. Our greatest resource is our people. Kaya po number one sa puhunan ng ating bansa ay 'yung investment in people o human development.
Makailan natin narinig si Pangulo nagsabi na mayroon tayo ngayong ‘demographic sweet spot,’ ang ibig sabihin po, pinakamalaking bahagdan ng ating populasyon nandoon sa productive age na between 15 to 64 years old dahil nga doon sa high population growth na ating natamo. Kaya kapag pinagsabay po 'yun pong demographic sweet spot na 'yon sa sustained high growth ng ating ekonomiya ay matatamo natin 'yung inaasam na long-term inclusive growth na mapapakinabangan ng maraming mamamayan.
Sinabi rin doon sa ulat na ipinadala ninyo sa akin na kailangan daw ay hindi lang slogan ang anti-corruption. Totoo namang hindi 'yan slogan dahil isa 'yan sa mga haligi ng Philippine Development plan, kasabay 'nung sustained inclusive growth, climate change adaptation, peace and order and security, at 'yung social development and poverty reduction, kasama diyan 'yung anti-corruption at good governance.
Kaya po pinapalakas natin ang ating mga pampublikong institusyon sa pambansa at sa lokal na antas sa pamamagitan 'nung mga iba't ibang programa katulad ng seal of transparency, citizen's charter, performance-based bonus at iba pa. ‘Yan po ang pagpapatunay na hindi lang slogan 'yung paglaban sa korapsyon. Pinapalakas po natin ang ating mga pampublikong institusyon.
Anjo Alimario (CNN Philippines): Good afternoon, sir. China said that it has already stopped its reclamation work in the West Philippine Sea. Sir, how is the Philippine government taking this? Are you really convinced that China has already stopped its work or it has stopped its work because China is already done with the reclamation work?
SEC. COLOMA: Doon po sa pahayag ni Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario na naging batayan ng naiulat na unified stand ng ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) member countries sa idinaraos na ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting sa Kuala Lumpur, sinabi po ni Secretary del Rosario [na] dapat ay “halt to reclamation,” “halt to construction,” at “halt to activities that tend to escalate tensions in the region.” So tatlong bagay po 'yon.
Kahit na po ipagpalagay natin na itinigil na nga nila, ngunit ito ay kailangan pa namang beripikahin, hindi pa tinutukoy 'yung aspeto ng construction; at sabi nga ng ilang observers, second phase 'yung construction, kaya kailangang pigilin din ito. At higit sa lahat dapat pigilin 'yung lahat ng aksyon na maaaring magpadagdag o magpataas sa tensyon dahil ang pinaniniwalaan natin dito 'yung kahalagahan ng rules-based at diplomatic approach.
Kaya nga natin ito idinadaan sa forum ng ASEAN na kung saan ay mayroon nang Declaration on the Conduct of Parties na noon pang 2002 binuo sa pagitan ng China and ASEAN, at kinakailangan pang magbuo ngayon ng isang legally binding Code of Conduct na magbibigay ng sustansiya doon sa nakaraang deklarasyon.
Aurea Calica (Philippine Star): Sir, China has a pattern of saying something and then doing something else. Is this manifesting again? Just to allay the pressure from the international community.
SEC. COLOMA: Ang mahalaga para sa atin ay ‘yung magkatugma ‘yung salita at ‘yung aksyon, at sa ating palagay, ito rin naman ang pinapahalagahan ng international community kaya ‘yung ating posisyon ang siyang umaani ng mas malawak na suporta. Kung maaalala natin ‘yung kahalintulad na event doon sa naganap ngayon ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting noong 2012 sa Cambodia ay ni hindi sila nakapag-issue ng communiqué dahil doon sa naiulat na pressure mula sa China.
Ngunit simula noon, hindi na nag-iisang tinig ang Pilipinas sa paglalahad na hindi dapat payagan ‘yung pagkabalam ng freedom of navigation sa South China Sea. Hindi rin dapat pairalin ‘yung pagtalikod sa prinsipyo ng international law dahil doon sa paggamit nila ‘nung teoryang nine-dash theory ay sinasagasaan ‘yung probisyon ng United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea na siyang nagbibigay ng exclusive economic zone at continental shelf ng mga tinatawag na maritime entitlements ng iba’t ibang bansa.
Kaya ‘yan ang ating paninindigan. Kung ano man ang gawin nila ay nasa kanilang disposisyon ‘yon, pero para sa Pilipinas, nananatili tayong tapat sa mga prinsipyo na makatotohanan at makatarungan.
Ms. Calica: Is the ASEAN call late? Is this a related call on the part of ASEAN for China to stop the reclamation? Because apparently China has entered the next phase of its activities in the disputed areas.
SEC. COLOMA: Para sa lahat ng bansa na mayroong taya dito at para sa mga bansa ng ASEAN, ang kanilang ginagawa ay pagkilala ng reyalidad at pagtugon sa reyalidad sa pinaka-angkop na paraan; na kung dati nga ay hindi nagpapahayag ng ganyang posisyon ang karamihan, kapansin-pansin na sa ngayon ay nagkaroon na ng pangkalahatang pagtanggap sa reyalidad na noon pa natin ipinapahayag.
At ito ay magandang follow up doon din sa naging statement at the end of the ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur last April, in which the member nations of ASEAN already called attention doon sa mga nagaganap sa South China Sea at ipinunto na noon na dapat ay pairalin ‘yung Declaration on the Conduct of Parties.
Kaya para sa atin ay kailangan pa ring iparating ang mensaheng ito at kinakailangan pa ring kilalanin ng lahat ng bansa sa daigdig ‘yung mga reyalidad dahil kung hindi ito mangyayari ay baka patuloy ‘yung pagsasamantala ng malakas sa mas mahinang bansa.
Ms. Calica: So how do you want the calls from the international community to proceed for China to stop all activities now? Because at the rate the discussions are ongoing, parang nahuhuli siya compared doon sa aktibidades ng China sa areas na disputed; meaning, ‘yung pressure doesn’t really count doon sa ground makikita naman natin kung ano pa rin ‘yung ginagawa nila. So how do you want the calls to proceed? How do you want the international community to respond or to react to these activities?
SEC. COLOMA: Maaaring hindi makatuwiran na sabihin na walang epekto ito o hindi ito tutugunan dahil ang mga nagsasalita naman dito hindi lamang iisang bansa, hindi lamang mga bansa ng ASEAN, kundi ang pinakamalalaking bansa na ng daigdig katulad ng Estados Unidos at ‘yung iba pang mga G7 countries at ‘yung European community. At pansinin natin na mayroong economic interdependence sa ating daigdig. ‘Yung ASEAN is primarily an economic group at kasama doon sa pagkakaroon ng mainam na daloy ng komersyo at kalakal sa buong mundo ‘yung tinatawag na freedom of navigation at ‘yung regional peace and stability, dahil kung wala ito hindi mapapairal ‘yung mainam na kalakalan at economic relations among countries. Kaya sa ating palagay ay mapaparating naman ang mensaheng ito sa kinauukulan at mapapatunayan natin ‘yung kapangyarihan ‘nung prinsipyo na “right is might” sa halip na “might is right.”
Nikko Dizon (Philippine Daily Inquirer): Sir, but won’t the elections—the upcoming elections, sir—put us in a vulnerable situation because there will be a transition between administrations and, sir, hindi alam pa ng international community kung sino ‘yung next na magiging presidente and what would be his policy with regard to the South China Sea issue?
SEC. COLOMA: Mainam siguro dito ay tingnan natin ‘yung big picture. Doon sa big picture na 'yon ay isang bansa tayo sa karamihan at ‘yung big picture na ‘yon lalong lumalaki kung isasama natin hindi lamang ‘yung ASEAN countries kung hindi ‘yung G7 at ‘yung European community.
Napakaraming bansa na ‘yon na nagpapahayag ng parehong posisyon, na kinakailangang sundin ang international law, hindi pa kasama diyan ‘yung mismong UN (United Nations) mismo na kung saan ay napakaraming signatories pa na hindi kabilang doon sa mga binanggit nating grupo ng mga bansa. Kaya ‘yung nangyayari sa Pilipinas ay isa lamang bahagi ‘nung kabuua, mas mahalaga ‘yung larger picture ‘non.
At sa akin namang palagay hindi naman dapat isipin na ‘yung ating posisyon ngayon ay nasa balag ng alanganin o nasa delikadong kalagayan dahil ang ating posisyon naman ay kinikilala sa international community at ‘yung susunod na administrasyon ay dapat ding isaalang-alang 'yung magiging repercussions nito sa ating bansa at sa ating ekonomiya.
Hindi ko nakikita na basta-basta na lamang babalewalain ito o babaligtarin ito na hindi isinasaalang-alang ‘yung long-term consequences. Kaya nga sabi ni Pangulo doon sa kanyang SONA ay “lahat ba nitong pinaghirapan nating ito ay maaapektuhan ng iisang eleksyon na lamang?” I think it’s a question that calls on Filipinos to consider na ang ating pagpapasya ay mayroong mga long-term consequences.
Andreo Calonzo (GMA News Online): Sir, the Chinese Foreign Minister is also saying that we should speed up discussions on the Code of Conduct. So do you think this call is sincere given the current track record of China in issuing statements?
SEC. COLOMA: Nasa pagpapasya na rin ‘yan ng mga bansa sa ASEAN dahil dalawa namang partido ito: ‘yung ASEAN at ‘yung China. At dahil nga nabubuo na ‘yung consensus o ‘yung nagkakaisang pananaw sa ASEAN hinggil dito hindi malayong isipin na nagkakaroon na rin ng dagdag na sense of urgency ‘yung ibang bansa para kumilos na tungo sa pagbubuo ng isang legally binding Code of Conduct.
Mr. Calonzo: Sir, does the Philippines feel outwitted by China doon sa mga action niya? Kasi parang while we're presenting the case, they are building artificial islands, and then pagkatapos nilang ma-build sinasabi nila na tapos na so nag-stop na. So parang, sir, moving forward how do we exert more pressure on China to do what it says it will do?
SEC. COLOMA: Kaya nga sinabi ko kanina ‘yung big picture ang mahalaga rito dahil hindi naman nag-iisang voice in the wilderness ang Pilipinas ngayon dahil nga sa maraming bansa na ang umayon sa ating posisyon. Maraming makapangyarihang bansa ang nagsasalita na, kabilang na diyan 'yung Estados Unidos, G7, ‘yung European community, at ‘yung buong ASEAN na kung saan dati ay para bagang tayo lamang ang nagsasalita. Kaya ‘yon ang dapat nating isaalang-alang sa ating mga pananaw. Huwag nating tingnan lamang ‘yung Philippine position. At sa aking palagay, mahalaga diyan ‘yung inilatag na prinsipyo ni Pangulong Aquino that “right is might.”
Mr. Calonzo: Sir, so do we consider like the involvement of US and other big countries like Japan in this dispute—not involvement but the voice they contribute to this discussion—as our own accomplishment, as an accomplishment of the Philippine government, na ngayon po may nagre-raise na other voices sa isyung ito?
SEC. COLOMA: Hindi naman siguro sa aspeto ng claiming credit na mayroon tayong na-accomplish, pero lahat kasi ng pagkilos natin ginawa natin ‘yan sa pagtataguyod ng ating pambansang interes, at nakita natin na dahil batay ito sa katuwiran, katotohanan at katarungan, umani ito ng suporta. Nagkaroon ito ng mga kapanalig, at ang iba pang mga stakeholders, lalong-lalo na sa ASEAN ay [bumuo] na rin ng kahalintulad na posisyon. I think it goes beyond claiming credit for anything. Nandoon sa essential truth, reason, and justice ang ating position.
Ms. Dizon: Sir, is it correct to say bale that Malacañang wants the next administration to adopt the three-track approach, the ‘right is might’ policy po ni Presidente on the South China Sea issue?
SEC. COLOMA: ‘Yan po ang paniwala natin na tamang aksyon dahil doon sa kongkretong reyalidad na kinaharap natin. Kaya sinabi nga rin po ni Pangulong Aquino noong nakaraang linggo na sa kanyang pananaw ‘yung susunod na eleksyon ay referendum sa ‘daang matuwid’ at kasama diyan ‘yung aspeto ng foreign policy.
Vanz Fernandez (Police Files): Sir, my question is are you aware, or is it true that Japan will give some planes to the Philippines para mag-patrol po dito around the South China Sea? They’re giving about three Beechcrafts.
SEC. COLOMA: Kailangan pong beripikahin natin ‘yan sa Department of National Defense. Ang batid po natin, noong nakaraang state visit ni Pangulong Aquino sa Japan, ay nag-usap sila ni Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe hinggil sa mga posibleng direksyon na patutunguhan ng higit pang palalakasing pakikipag-ugnayan ng Pilipinas at bansang Japan sa aspeto ng security. ‘Yan po ang pinag-usapan noon at patuloy pa rin naman ang mga diskusyon hinggil dito.
Ms. Fernandez: Sir, another issue. Pumanaw na po si Kenneth Uy, ‘yung taga-Tacloban na sinabihan ng Pangulo na buhay pa siya pagkatapos humagupit ang bagyong ‘Yolanda.’ Nagsisisi po ba ang Pangulo na sinabihan niya si Uy ng ganito o mayroon po ba kayong mensahe na maaaring iparating sa pagpanaw po niya?
SEC. COLOMA: Kailangan nating ituwid ang record hinggil diyan. Ayon sa transcript ng pagpupulong na ‘yon, hindi naman—unang-una—hindi tuwirang tinukoy o kinausap ni Pangulo si Ginoong Uy. Ibang pangalan ‘yung naka-record doon sa transcript. Pangalawa, ‘yung konteksto ng kanyang sinabi ay—doon sa tanong ‘nung nagtatanong sa kanya sa open forum—mayroong premise na parang ‘the people are being slaughtered,’ may mga ganoon e, at ang sinabi lang naman ng Pangulo hindi naaayon sa kongkretong reyalidad ‘yung statement na ‘yon.
At isa nga sa pruweba ‘non, ikaw na kabilang doon sa in general na tao na sinasabi mong subjected to “slaughter” or ano, nandiyan ka pa naman. E siguro doon sa retelling ay naging ‘buti ka pa, buhay ka pa’—parang ganoon—pero kung tutunghayan natin ‘yung transcript, wala namang ganoong pangungusap at out of context naman ‘yung ipinaparatang na sinabi. At pwedeng maunawaan ‘yung buong konteksto ng pinag-uusapan kung tutunghayan ‘yung transcript ng (naging forum) at mayroon ding video record ‘yon. Kaya’t hindi makatuwiran, hindi makatarungan, at hindi makatotohanan ‘yung paratang na ‘yon.
Ms. Fernandez: Okay, sir. Senator Bongbong Marcos is saying that 90 percent of BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law) is almost finished and to be presented this August 10. So, ibig sabihin, positibo ba ang Palace na maipapasa po ito?
SEC. COLOMA: Patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan ang ehekutibo sa liderato ng Kongreso hinggil sa napapanahong pagpasa ng BBL. Ayon sa pahayag ni Senate President (Franklin) Drilon, sisimulan na ang pagtalakay nito sa Senado kapag naisumite na sa darating na linggo ‘yung committee report hinggil dito. ‘Yon namang sa Kamara, nagpahayag na rin si Speaker (Feliciano) Belmonte na after the General Appropriations Act ay priority bill nila ang BBL. Kaya lang, doon sa schedule ng Kamara, uunahin nila ‘yung deliberasyon at pagdinig hinggil sa proposed national budget dahil kailangang manggaling sa kanila ito bago ito maiakyat sa Senado. Kaya susundin nila ‘yung kanilang timetable na uunahin muna nila ito, at ‘pag natapos na sa takdang panahon, ipagpapatuloy nila ‘yung tungkol sa BBL. Kaya kami naman ay nananalig sa ibinigay na deklarasyon ng liderato ng Kongreso na patuloy pa rin ‘yung kanilang pagtrabaho hinggil sa napapanahong pagpasa ng BBL.
Ms. Fernandez: Okay, sir, on another issue. Sir, alam po natin na marami pong kritisismo ang ating Vice President Jejomar Binay sa kanyang mga TSONA (True State of the Nation Address). Now, is it possible na huwag na lang daw pong patulan umano itong kanyang mga pinagsasabi para wala na pong mahabang anggulo ng gulo? Any reaction on this, please?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang focus po namin ay ‘yung isyu. Ang focus namin ay plataporma. Ang plataporma po namin ay hinggil sa ‘daang matuwid.’ ‘Yung sa pagtahak ng ‘daang matuwid,’ marami nang kongkretong nagawa. Mayroong datos diyan, may kongkretong katibayan, pwedeng tunghayan ng lahat ng mamamayan at pagpasyahan kung ito ay katanggap-tanggap sa kanila, at ito naman ay pinagpasyahan nilang katanggap-tanggap dahil sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng pagtitiwala kay Pangulong Aquino at sa kanyang administrasyon sa nakaraang limang taon. ‘Yon po ang focus ng ating administrasyon.
Reymund Tinaza (Bombo Radyo): Sir, follow up lang diyan sa tanong ni Vanz. Sir, kasi ‘yung mga tagapagsalita nga ng, ika nga ninyo, ‘daang matuwid’ at ng ‘daang baluktot’ ay recently parang nagpapalitan lang ng, you know—with due respect sa mga LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community ha—ng mga gay lingo na parang it appears to be very unprofessional saka alarming at saka disturbing lalo na sa mga bata na nakikinig. ‘Yung mga press release nila kasi parang nakalimutan yata nila na ang sinasalihan ng kanilang mga principal ay presidential derby at hindi Miss Gay. Sir, may panawagan ba kayo na medyo itaas ‘yung lebel ng diskusyon?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang sinusunod ng aming pangkat ay ‘yung prinsipyo na kinakailangang maging makatotohanan at maging makatuwiran ang mga pahayag. At kasasabi ko lamang na ang focus ng aming pagpapahayag ay ‘yung plataporma at mga isyu, at ang aming plataporma ay ‘yung ‘daang matuwid,’ mabuting pamamahala. Kaya ‘yon ang aming ginagamit na batayan.
Ms. Fernandez: Sir, last na lang po. Sir, hanggang ngayon po… Mayroon na po bang alam kayo kung magkano ang ginastos during the shakedrill ng MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority) at ‘yun pong gastusin ng ating mga ilang opisyal na nagtungo po sa The Hague, Netherlands?
SEC. COLOMA: Natunghayan ko po ‘yung pahayag ni Chairman (Francis) Tolentino at sinabi niya wala namang ibinukod o special o additional o supplemental budget ang MMDA. Ginastos lang nito ‘yung regular na budget nito. ‘Yun pong mga ahensya na nag-participate dito, wala rin naman pong kakaibang ginastos. Marami pong mga private organization ang tumulong, nag-ambag ng kanilang sariling resources. Lahat po ng ginastos ng pamahalaan ay subject to government audit. Ganoon din po sa The Hague.
Roices Naguit (TV-5): Sir, going back lang doon kay VP Binay. Sa Tarlac daw po si Peping Cojuangco mismo ‘yung nag-welcome kay Vice President Jejomar Binay. Paano po ito babasahin ng Malacañang? And how is the relationship of the President with Peping?
SEC. COLOMA: Ang batid po natin si former Congressman Peping Cojuangco ay dating kinatawan ng Tarlac, ang kanyang maybahay ay dating gobernador ng Tarlac. Hindi naman po siguro kamangha-mangha na dahil sila ay taga-Tarlac, kilala nila at kaibigan nila si Vice President Binay, ginawa nila ‘yung kanilang ginawa. At sa aking palagay ay wala naman kaming kailangang i-komento hinggil diyan.
Ms. Naguit: So kung sakali, sir, na ‘yung pag-welcome niya is parang pagpapahayag ng suporta doon sa lider ng oposisyon, wala po kayong nakikitang mali?
SEC. COLOMA: Malaya naman po silang magpasya kung sino ang gusto nilang suportahan.
Ms. Calica: Sir, naniniwala ba kayo na ‘yung mga attacks ni Vice President Binay will not create a dent sa susunod na mga satisfaction or popularity ratings ng administrasyon?
SEC. COLOMA: Naniniwala kami na ang ating mga boss ay makatuwiran. Naniniwala kami na ang kanilang papanigan ay ang katotohanan. Naniniwala kami na sila ay fair o patas sa kanilang pagpapasya. Kaya ‘yon ang aming pinaninindigan. Kaya’t sa lahat ng aming ginagawa at ipinapahayag, tumatalima kami sa mga prinsipyo ng katotohanan, katuwiran, at katarungan. |
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| SOURCE: Presidential News Desk - (PND) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, honors the colors during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the colors during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the PNP coffee table book from PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in photo are PDDG Danilo Constantino, PDDG Marcelo Garbo and P/Dir. Juanito Vaño. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by PNP Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez, troops the line during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III troops the line during the 114th Police Service Anniversary at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame in Quezon City on Friday, August 7 with the theme: “Pambansang Pulisya: Patuloy sa Makabuluhang Paglilingkod at Makatarungang Pagpapatupad ng Batas.” The Philippine National Police celebrates the Police Service Anniversary in commemoration of the joint founding anniversaries of the Insular Constabulary established in 1901 and the Integrated National Police, organized in 1975, both forerunner organizations of the PNP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Joseph Vidal / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the gathering of friends of the Liberal Party (LP) in a restaurant in San Juan Tuesday (August 4). Sharing the presidential table are LP members Batangas vice governor Mark Leviste, Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and TESDA chair Joel Villanueva. The President is the titular head and the chairman of LP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the gathering of friends of Liberal Party (LP) in a restaurant in San Juan Tuesday (August 4). Sharing the presidential table are LP members Camarines Sur Representative Leni Robredo, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto and DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. The President is the titular head and the Chairman of LP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the gathering of friends of the Liberal Party (LP) in a restaurant in San Juan Tuesday (August 4). The President is the titular head and the Party Chairman of LP. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III sprinkles holy water at the grave of his parents during the Holy Mass to commemorate the 6th death anniversary of his mother and democracy icon, former President Corazon C. Aquino at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City on Saturday (August 01). The former president led the 1986 EDSA People Power and remains deeply beloved following her death from colon cancer at age 76 on August 1, 2009. (Photo by / Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the nation in commemorating the 6th death anniversary of his mother and democracy icon, former President Corazon C. Aquino in a Holy Mass at the Manila Memorial Park in Sucat, Parañaque City on Saturday (August 01). The former president led the 1986 EDSA People Power and remains deeply beloved following her death from colon cancer at age 76 on August 1, 2009. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima during the 111th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at the BIR National Office Compound in BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday (August 03) with the theme: “Angat Pa Pinas”. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares during the 111th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at the BIR National Office Compound in BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday (August 03) with the theme: “Angat Pa Pinas”. (Photo by Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 111th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at BIR National Office Compound in BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday (August 03) with the theme: “Angat Pa Pinas”. For the first semester of 2015, the BIR collected P705.87 Billion, posting a 9.74% growth over the collection for the same semester of 2014. Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 111th anniversary of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) at BIR National Office Compound in BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday (August 03) with the theme: “Angat Pa Pinas”. For the first semester of 2015, the BIR collected P705.87 Billion, posting a 9.74% growth over the collection for the same semester of 2014. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the 111th anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Internal Revenue at the BIR National Office Compound in BIR Road, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday (August 03) with the theme: “Angat Pa Pinas”. Also in photo are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. delivers a message following the mass held in celebration of the fifth year anniversary of the PCOO at the New Executive Building in Malacanang on Friday (July 31). President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order No. 4 on July 30, 2010, renaming the Office of the Press Secretary as PCOO and created the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias / NIB) |
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| |  | | Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. leads his PCOO family in marking the 5th year anniversary of the office on Friday (July 31) at the New Executive Building in Malacanang. President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order No. 4 on July 30, 2010, renaming the Office of the Press Secretary as PCOO and created the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office. (Photo by Luisito L. Iglesias / NIB) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II after endorsing him as the standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party in the 2016 Presidential elections during the “A Gathering of Friends” at the Cory C. Aquino Kalayaan Hall of the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City on Friday (July 31). (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II delivers his acceptance message to the endorsement of President Benigno S. Aquino III to be the standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party in the 2016 Presidential elections during the “A Gathering of Friends” at the Cory C. Aquino Kalayaan Hall of the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City on Friday (July 31). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III formally endorses Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II as the standard-bearer of the ruling Liberal Party in the 2016 Presidential elections during the “A Gathering of Friends” at the Cory C. Aquino Kalayaan Hall of the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City on Friday (July 31, 2015). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Benhur Arcayan / Joseph Vidal/ Rey Baniquet / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | The 2015 national awardees of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) include Khenn Arquiza from Western Mindanao State University, Ma. Nerissa Nicolas of Dr. Yangas Colleges Inc., Adriel Gamier Sanches of University of San Jose Recoletos, Gregg Louise Tolentino of De La Salle Manila, Ryan Carl Yu of Ateneo University Manila, Apolinario Bagano Jr . of Benguet State University, Maria Stephanie Gana of Far Eastern University, Lynrose Jane Genon of Mindanao State University, Raphael Aaron Letaba of University of the Philippines, and Fharnieza Mohammad of Western Mindanao State University during the awarding ceremony Thursday (July 30) in Malacanang. The awards are presented by TOSP founder businessman Jose Concepcion Jr., his son Joey Concepcion III, Commission on Higher Education secretary Patricia Licuanan and Cabinet Secretary Jose Almendras. The Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) is an awards program seeking young role models who have personified academic excellence, exemplary leadership and deep sense of social responsibility, all anchored on good moral values. (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Lauro Montillano/Malacanang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III is shown with House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on Monday (July 27). The delivered his 6th and last State of the Nation Address (SONA). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Rey Baniquet / Joseph Vidal / Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his 6th and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on Monday (July 27). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Rey Baniquet / Gil Nartea / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Valerie Jude Escalera / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on Monday (July 27). Also in photo are House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon. (Photos by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on Monday (July 27, 2015). (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the legislators upon arrival for his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Session Hall of the House of Representatives Complex in Constitution Hills, Quezon City on Monday (July 27). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews the Honor Guards upon arrival for his 6th and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 27). (Photo by Joseph Vidal / Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon upon arrival for his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City on Monday (July 27). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Joseph Vidal / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III poses for a photo opportunity with project partners and stakeholders including DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, former senator Manny Villar, Representatives Rodolfo Biazon, Marc Villar, and Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala during the inauguration of the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expresswayin Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City on Friday (July 24). The MCX is Ayala Corporation’s first toll road project under the Aquino administration’s Public-Private Partnership Program. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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| |  | | President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives for the inauguration of the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway in Barangay Poblacion, Muntinlupa City on Friday (July 24). The MCX is Ayala Corporation’s first toll road project under the Aquino administration’s Public-Private Partnership Program. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau) |
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