Aquino lauds GK chairman for providing homes to Filipinos
President Benigno S. Aquino III honored the founder and chairman of GawadKalinga, Antonio Meloto for his pioneering efforts in bringing together private and public partnerships to provide homes for numerous Filipino families.
In his speech keynoting the Gawad Kalinga Expo dubbed Hope 2010: Kalinga sa Bayan held at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Sunday, the Chief Executive cited Meloto as the “father” who planted and nurtured the seed of volunteerism called Gawad Kalinga.
“…nais ko po munang bigyang pugay si Ginoong Tony Meloto: ang Amang Gawad Kalinga. At wala na nga po sigurong mas aangkop pa sa salitang “ama” upang ilarawan siya. Siya ang tatay na nagtanim ng binhi upang umusbong ang pamilyang ito. Siya ang haliging nagbibigay pag-asa sa mga walang masilungan. Siya ang amang gumabay sa mga myembro upang maisapuso nila ang dalisay na adhikaing makatulong sa mga nangangailangan. Siya rin ang sandigan ng bawat kasapi at volunteer tuwing may mga kumukwestyon sa tunay na layunin ng Gawad Kalinga,” the President told the audience composed of stakeholders, member-beneficiaries, and media practitioners who jampacked the section of the QC Circle fronting Commonwealth Avenue.
“Kaya naman po, kasama ko ang lahat ng Pilipino na nagpapasalamat sa lakas, yaman at panahong inialay ni Tony para itaguyod ang Gawad Kalinga. Patunay po siya at ang pitong (7) matagumpay na taon ng Gawad Kalinga na wala tayong hindi kayang gawin kung ang puhunan natin ay ang tiwalang bawat isa sa atin. Muli, maraming salamat, Tony,” he added.
Gawad Kalinga (GK), which means to "give care" in Filipino, is officially known as the Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, a Philippine-based poverty alleviation and nation-building movement.
It is concerned in building communities empowered by people with faith and patriotism; a nation made up of caring and sharing communities, dedicated to eradicate poverty and restore human dignity.
Simultaneously celebrating its 7th year anniversary and the GK Expo last night, GK aims to end poverty for 5 million families by 2024. (PCOO)
President Aquino calls for renewed spirit of volunteerism
President Benigno S. Aquino III exhorted all Filipinos to adopt a renewed spirit of volunteerism saying the “bayanihan” spirit will serve as a catalyst to bring the country back to greatness.
The Chief Executive issued the call in his speech keynoting the celebration of the 7th anniversary of Gawad Kalinga at the Quezon Memorial Circle on Sunday.
“Gaya po ng ginagawang Gawad Kalinga, hinihikayat ko po kayong makipagbayanihan upang kumpunihin natin ang ating bayan. Lahat tayo ay may magagawa. Ang pagiging simpleng mamamayan ay hindi dahilan upang sabihing wala tayong lakas. Pinatunayan na itong Gawad Kalinga,” the President said.
“Gaya ng nagawang diwang bolunterismo sa inyong grupo, malaki rin po ang iniambag ng mga nag-volunteer at nakiisa sa atin sa paninigurong ang tatahakin natin ay ang matuwid na landas lamang, at hindi na maliligaw pa sa kung saang gubat ng kurapsyon ang ating bayan,” he stressed.
The President said his government would implement measures to improve private-public partnerships’ ability to address the concerns of their direct constituents.
“Kaya naman po natin isinusulong ang pag-uugnayan ng pribadong sector sa pamahalaan, at sa mga mamamayan. Ito po ang silbing Public-Private Partnership Center. Kung negosyante ka, at gusto mong makilahok sa pagbabago, bukas ang pintuan ng gobyerno para sa iyo. Magiging tapat, malinaw, at mabilis ang proseso ng mga papeles mo,” the President said.
He added that local government officials, who fall under the auspices of the Department of Interior and Local Government, and other civil society organizations are working hand in hand to improve regional coordination to address issues notably the procurement and the peace and order at their respective levels.
The President said that he has instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development to strengthen its program monitoring and auditing services to ensure that funds for projects such as the Conditional Cash Transfers and the KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) are properly utilized.
These, he said, are just some of the examples of what the ordinary citizen can do to continue his administration’s advocacy of good governance.
“Bibigyang-lakas natin ang isa’t-isa. Sa atin pong pagbabayanihan nakasalalay ang patuloy na tagumpay ng mamamayang Pilipino,” the President said.
“Ngayong nasa kamay nang muling taumbayan ang pamahalaan, wala po tayong hindi magagawa. Napakaganda na po ng ating nasimulan, at napakaganda rin ng napipinto nating kinabukasan. Kumakatok na po ang katuparan ng ating mga pangarap. Para sasusunod na salinlahi, atin po itong pagbuksan,” he said. (PCOO)
Aquino to continue to serve Filipinos through good governance and transparency
President Benigno S. Aquino’s efforts to provide a stark difference in the presidency, and new hope and trust in government were not left unnoticed early on in his administration.
A survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency showed that nearly 7 out of 10 Filipinos gave the President a good starting score for his first 100 days in office despite a botched hostage crisis and the jueteng controversy.
The survey, which was conducted a week before the President marked his 100 days in office, showed that 69 per cent of respondents across all geographical areas and sectors were satisfied with the Aquino administration's initial performance while only 31 per cent were dissatisfied.
The same survey also showed that Filipinos perceive the President’s credibility and simple lifestyle, good governance and strong political will, and fight against graft and corruption as his strongest marks as a leader.
Sec. Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) credited this to the President’s unwavering commitment to good and honest leadership as embodied in his campaign slogan "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap."
He added that President Aquino is focused on the work ahead and remains committed to eradicate corruption and alleviate poverty.
The policy against the use of wang-wang or sirens on the road earned for the Chief Executive highest satisfaction rating of +82. He was also rated highly for ensuring transparency (+74) and fighting graft and corruption (+52).
President Aquino gained a good rating of +34 both for reducing the budget deficit and investigating officials linked to anomalies, +28 for controlling dengue, while recording moderate ratings in the areas of jobs and livelihood (+14), education (+10), Cabinet appointments (+9), and public-private partnerships (+6).
About half of Filipinos rated the administration fairly for its efforts to alleviate poverty and control the spiraling prices of basic commodities.
On the other hand, only 17 per cent of respondents were satisfied with the government's handling of the Manila hostage crisis last August 23 where eight Hong Kong tourists died and which made international news.
The PIA poll was fielded nationwide with 629 respondents from various sectors, including elected and appointed government officials, business groups, religious leaders, uniformed men, laborers, and members of the media. (PCOO)
PCOO vows to fulfill its mandate despite lower budget
The Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) vows to dispose its duties and functions as mandated by law despite a lower budget for next year.
In a radio interview over government-run radio station Radyo ng Bayan (DzRB) on Monday, PCOO Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. assured the public that his office will exert all efforts to perform well despite a meager budget as part of the government’s austerity measures.
PCOO will have P976-million budget for fiscal year 2011, which is 15.86 percent lower than the P1.160 billion pesos share for 2010.
The said budget allocation will be broken down as follows: PCOO proper, P99.137 million; Bureau of Broadcast Services, P292.653; Bureau of Communications Services, P28.952; National Printing Office, P136.96 million; News and Information Bureau, P91.073 million; Philippine Information Agency, P249.569 million; and the Presidential Broadcast Staff (RTVM) P77.809 million pesos.
Coloma also said that plans are afoot to submit a comprehensive framework to the privatization council regarding the possible privatization of Channels 9 (Radio Philippines Network) and 13 (Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation). Both networks were sequestered by the government in 1986.
The Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) was renamed as Presidential Communications Operations Office under Executive Order No. 4 to ensure transparency and full disclosure of the government’s policies, programs, activities and achievements.
It aims to systemize, rationalize and complement the existing structure to achieve a more efficient interaction between the people, the Office of the President and the Executive Branch. (PCOO)
New Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice heads new inductees
President Benigno S. Aquino III formally inducted today new Sandigan bayan Presiding Justice Edilberto G. Sandoval along with 10 newly-promoted generals of the Armed Forces, chairman and commissioners of the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) and other government officials.
In a mass oath-taking at Malacanang’s Ceremonial Hall, the President also swore in Robert G. Vergara as president of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), and members of the PCGG Atty. Andres J. Bautista as Chairman; and Commissioners Richard Amurao, Gerard Mosquera, and Ngina Teresa Chan-Gonzaga.
The newly-promoted AFP officials were Lt. Gen. Arturo Ortiz, Vice Admiral Mario Catacutan, Major Generals Nestor Sadiarin, CarlizDonila and Rolito Abad, Rear Admirals Jose Luis Alano and Cornelio Dela Cruz, and Brigadier Generals Jorge De Jesus, Romeo Poquiz and Edgardo Rene Samonte.
Also inducted were Mateo G. Montano, as Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD); Camilo Gudmalin as Assistant Secretary of the DSWD; Jan Mikael Co as Assistant Executive Secretary of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO).
Other officials from various government agencies who took their oaths were Atty, Edgardo B. Abon as Chairman, Tariff Commission of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); Juan Ramon Guanzon, Chairman, Games and Amusement Board (GAB); and Pedro Maniego Jr., chairman, National Renewable Energy Board; Evelyn Tablang, executive director of the Employers Compensation Commission;
Dr. Ma. Teresita Cucueco, executive director of the Occupational Safety and Health Center an attach agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); Alfredo Po as Commissioner of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC); Atty. Teodoro Pascua as director general for field operations of Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Ernesto Diokno as acting Director of the Bureau of Corrections; Atty. Josel Mostajo, Director IV, Office of the Presidential Spokesperson; and Mariano Augustine Rodriguez, Director III of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).
The Chief Executive also swore in the officers and directors of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines, National Capital Region (NCR) Chapter. (PCOO)
Charges to be filed vs Lim, et al in hostage aftermath
Administrative cases of misconduct in office and simple neglect under Section 60 of the Local Government Code will be filed against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim in connection with the botched hostage taking-crisis at the Quirino Grandstand on Aug. 23.
In a press briefing in Malacanang Monday, President Benigno Aquino III said that after a comprehensive review of the Incident Investigation Review Committee (IIRC) report, the legal team composed of Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr. and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Eduardo De Mesa has recommended the initiation of administrative proceedings against Lim which will be referred to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for appropriate proceedings.
Lim’s case was but one of several recommendations during the review which the President said was taken under three basic parameters.
First, the facts enumerated in the IIRC report; second, the possible criminal and administrative sanctions that could be imposed under the law and third, whether the cases to be filed will prosper.
The review also defined concepts such as reckless imprudence, simple imprudence, criminal negligence, neglect of duty, simple neglect of duty, gross incompetence and mistake in judgment, which are offenses under the law and punishable, if proven.
Also facing charges are P/Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay for gross incompetence and serious neglect of duty and P/Dir. Leocadio Santiago for less grave neglect of duty.
Charges will also be filed against P/Supt. Orlando Yebra, one of the negotiators during the hostage crisis for neglect of duty and Police Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III for gross incompetence. All charges fall under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules.
The filing of cases against the police officers will be referred to the National Police Commission (Napolcom), according to President Aquino.
Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales III will be investigated by the Office of the President for neglect of duty and/or inefficiency in the performance of official duty.
In the case of Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierez, the IIRC Report will be referred to the House of Representatives for appropriate actions.
The Department of Justice was also instructed to expedite the resolution of the cases lodged against SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of hostage-taker Rolando Mendoza.
The recommendations of the IIRC and the review by Palace’s legal team were posted on the Official Gazette website. (PCOO)
Aquino asks KBP to take up the cudgels for Rogas, Tulfo over hostage tragedy
President Benigno S. Aquino III had asked the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) to take up the cudgels for radio reporter Michael Rogas and broadcast journalist Erwin Tulfo for interfering in the negotiations and violating police instructions during the hostage tragedy last August.
In a press briefing this afternoon, the President said it is now in the hands of the KBP to castigate Rogas and Tulfo for interfering in the actual negotiations and violating police instructions when the hostage situation occurred.
He said the review committee headed by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and Chief Legal Counsel Ed De Mesa found out that Rogas interfered in the negotiations and effectively aided and supported the hostage taker, Sr. Inspector Rolando Mendoza, by giving him a platform to air his demands.
Citing the admission he gave recently during Senate inquiry over the bloody hostage drama, the President said Tulfo violated police instructions.
“Tulfo, by his own admission, violated police instructions. Their behavior was irresponsible bordering on the criminal,” the President said hoping that this kind of behavior should not be repeated.
However, the President assured that the state will continue to champion press freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution because media is the effective partner of the government in providing checks and balances.
“We understand that the major networks have taken action to discipline errant reporters and are reviewing and revising guidelines for coverage in emergency situations. These are encouraging signs that media is taking responsibility for its actions,” he said. (PCOO)
Aquino tells Robredo, Puno to shape up
President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo and DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno to thresh out their differences or face sanctions.
In a media briefing in Malacañang, the President said he sat down Sunday night with the two Cabinet officials and instructed them to work together to effectively carry out his instructions
“There is a standard of performance that I expect from him (Puno) and also from Secretary Robredo. This has not been demonstrated that is why I sat down with them last night,” the President said. He asked Puno and Robredo to act as one. First and foremost, is “There is an end to any bickering,” he said. “You redefine the processes whereby you interact and come up with a better working relationship so that you are effective in all of the missions entrusted to the DILG.”
Since the hostage crisis last Aug. 23, the President said he was not satisfied with the performance of the two officials on matters assigned to them and told them to shape up or “there will be sanctions that will be meted out for either or both of them.”
In the interest of fairness, the President said the two officials should not be held accountable for the bungled handling of the hostage situation due to the vague provisions of the country’s crisis manual.
“So, even if Secretary Robredo for instance decided to convene it hindi ganoon kasigurado na it is within the authorized activities under the crisis manual,” he said.
The President said the 10-year-old Malacañang crisis manual should be redrafted “to make it more responsive to not only hostage situations but other crises we may face in the future.” (PCOO)
Second week of October is Moral and Spiritual Guidance Week for Public Servants
The officials and employees of government will be celebrating the Moral and Spiritual Guidance Week for Public Servants in the Philippines starting this Sunday, October 12 until Saturday, October 16. This according to the National Action Council (NASAC) who is the organizer of the said event. This year’s theme is “Isang Bayang Sumasamba Tungo sa Daan na Matuwid” (One Nation Worships Towards Righteous Living.)
It will be a time for workers in government to remind themselves of the high values of responsibility, integrity, competence, loyalty, patriotism and justice, and to recommit themselves to these same values in the discharge of their duties.
Government officials are also reminded to live modest lives, and to uphold the public’s interest at all times.
This year’s celebration is chaired by NASAC member, the Philippine Medical Association (PMA).
In line with the celebration, there will be a series of activities and dialogues organized for various sectors of society. Included in these sectors are the government workers, the media, the youth and women sectors, the AFP and the PNP, and the Private Sector.
Special focus will be given to the Filipino family. PMA has earlier expressed its support to the controversial Reproductive Healthcare Bill, stating that the people have the right to be informed of the advantages of an adequate family size, as well as the various methods of birth control taking into consideration the income, values and religious affiliation of the people concerned.
The celebration of the Moral and Spiritual Guidance Week for the Public Servants will begin with an Inter-faith Ecumenical Service which will be held this Sunday, October 10. (PIA)
“Moral and Spiritual Guidance Week” para sa mga Kawani ng Gobyerno ang Ikalawang Linggo ng Oktubre
Ipagdiriwang ng mga opisyal at empleyado ng gobyerno anf Moral and Spiritual Guidance Week for Public Servants simula ngayong Linggo, ika- 10 ng Oktubre hanggang ika- 16, araw ng Sabado.Ito ang pahayag ng National Social Council (NASAC) na siyang nangangasiwa sa pagdiriwang. Ang tema ng selebrasyon para sa taong ito ay “ Isang Bayang Sumasamba Tungo sa Daan na Matuwid.”
Layunin ng pagdiriwang n aito ang pagpapaalala sa mga nanunungkulan sa gobyerno na itaguyod at bigyan ng mataas na pagpapahalaga ang kanilang ginagawang paglilingkod sa taong bayan.
Kabilang sa mga pagpapahalaga o values na dapat ay huwag nilang kalilimutan ay responsibilidad, itegridad, mataas na antas ng kasanayan, katapatan, pagka- makabayan at pagka makatarungan.
Pinaaalalahanan din ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno na panatilihing simple ang kanilang pamumuhay, at laging isa – alang –alang ang kahalagahan ang interes ng sambayanan sa lahat ng pagkakataon.
Ang pagdiriwang ngayong taon ay pamumunuan ngPhilippine Medical Association (PMA) na isa sa mga miyembro ng NASAC.
Kasabay ng pagdiriwang ay magkakaroon ng mga aktibidad at talakayan para sa iba’t ibang sector tungkol sa pagsasabuhay ng diwa ng selebrasyon.Kabilang sa mga sector na ito ang mga manggagawa sa gobyerno, ang sector ng media, ang mga sector ng kabataan at kababaihan, sektor ng military at kapulisan, at ng pribadong sektor.
Magkakaroon din ng mga espesyal na aktibidad at talakayan patungkol sa pamilyang Pilipino. Nauna nang nagpahayag ang PMA ng paguporta sa kontrobersiyal na Reproductive Healthcare Bill. Sang-ayon sa PMA, karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na malaman at maunawaan ang benepisyo ng pagkakaroon ng pagpapanatili ng sapat na laki ng pamilya at dami ng mga anak sa pamamaraang hindi naisasantabi ang kanilang personal na paniniwala gaya ng relihiyon.
Pasisimulan ang pagdiriwang ng Moral and Spiritual Guidance Week for Public Servants sa pamamagitan ng isang inter-faith Ecumenical Service na gaganapin ngayong ika- 10 ng Oktubre, araw ng Linggo. (PIA)
