Palace prepares for first LEDAC meeting
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Tuesday the Cabinet had identified 32 bills that would be submitted to President Benigno Aquino III ahead of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting to be held before the end of the month.
Ochoa convened the other day members of the Cabinet for a workshop designed to identify key legislative measures which will be included in the administration’s Priority Legislative Agenda.
“The priority legislative measures we have crafted are consistent with the President’s social contract with the Filipino people,” Ochoa said. “We want to ensure that this administration succeed in addressing this with the help of Congress.”
The objectives of the priority legislative agenda are the following:
Ø address poverty and promote a healthy, educated, and empowered citizenry
Ø promote productivity, generate employment and promote food sufficiency
Ø encourage more public-private partnerships and promote a competitive policy environment
Ø protect our sovereignty, ensure security and promote the rule of law
Ø strengthen the capacity of the bureaucracy to govern
According to the Executive Secretary, 139 proposed bills were put forward by Cabinet members during the workshop and another 41 were submitted by the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce of the Philippines.
At the workshop, these proposed legislative measures were processed, integrated and prioritized by five clusters, each representing a critical area, Ochoa said.
The heads of the five clusters are Vice President Jejomar Binay, Human Development; Economic Secretary Cayetano Paderanga Jr., Economic Development; Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Infrastructure Development; Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Rule of Law; and Ochoa, Good Governance.
He said the Office of the Executive Secretary, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office and other concerned agencies will undertake another review of the proposed bills and take into consideration the recommendation of Budget Secretary Butch Abad to study their impact on the budget.
“Once this study is done and the President goes over the proposed measures and approves them, we will make the necessary preparations for the first LEDAC meeting together with NEDA (National Economic Development Authority), the LEDAC Secretariat, as well as make public the specific measures that will make up our Priority Legislative Agenda,” Ochoa explained.
The Executive Secretary added that the administration was optimistic that with the help of Congress, “we can add or maybe improve the legislation we will be submitting to them.” (PCOO)
Aquino fetes “People of the Year Awardees”
President Benigno S. Aquino III honored the awardees of People’s Asia Magazine’s “People of the Year” Awards for their exemplary achievements that serve as inspiration to keep him strong, optimistic and confident in dealing with the nation’s problems.
In his speech on Monday during the awarding rites at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in Pasay City, the Chief Executive cited law student and bomb blast survivor Raissa Laurel, for inspiring the country with her strength, optimism and confidence.
Laurel, 23, lost her legs in the grenade-throwing incident that marred the culmination of the bar examination last September 2010 in front of the Dela Salle University along Taft Avenue in Manila.
"The blast that robbed you of your legs could have defeated a normal person. But, instead of giving up, it brought out the best in you. Never did you show the public any hatred or self-pity. You were always determined to overcome the challenge presented to you—with optimism and confidence. The strength you displayed has inspired the entire country. We eagerly await the day you take your oath as a lawyer. We look forward to your continued positive contributions to the country," the President told Laurel.
The President said that in the midst of the most trying times, he was inspired by Raissa Laurel and other awardees for overcoming their own challenges.
“No one man can do this alone. But in your own ways, as you continue to display the professionalism and excellence that won you tonight’s recognition, you will be making my job easier," he said.
"People like you give me confidence that I am not alone in this journey toward change, that I have my countrymen behind me in my quest to build a more prosperous and fair country. You have elevated the stature of our country by standing out in your chosen fields, and have made our presence felt on the world stage," the President said.
He noted that the People’s Asia Magazine’s “People of the Year” awardees are part of the “nation’s genuine elite---Filipinos who have shown what we are truly capable of."
“To our ‘People of the Year’ awardees, many of our countrymen are counting on you. Be it in the field of broadcasting or fashion, in philanthropy or in entertainment, inside a boxing ring or in the political arena, you must continue to display your dedication and excellence in your fields in order to contribute to their hope of restoring our nation’s dignity and pride," he said.
The awardees who received their respective trophies from President Aquino were: Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj; fashion designer Josie Cruz Natori; broadcast journalist Mike Enriquez; furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue; floral architect Rachy Cuna; fashion designer Rhett Eala, who made the Philippine map an iconic and enduring fashion symbol; actor and YES Pinoy Foundation founder Dingdong Dantes; musician Ryan Cayabyab; architect Felino Palafox Jr.; Fr. Rocky Evangelista of the Tuloy Foundation; and Philippine Airlines (PAL) president and chief executive offices Jaime Bautista. (PCOO)
P21-B Conditional Cash Transfer expected to ease hunger picture—Palace
Once the P21-billion conditional cash transfer (CCT) program goes full swing, the hunger picture, reported to have risen in the latest survey of the Social Weather Station, will be eased throughout the country.
In a news briefing Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the CCT is just starting.
He quoted Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman as saying on Monday that except for two municipalities, she has completed the validation of the master list of CCT beneficiaries.
Now that the budget has been approved, the DSWD will now go full steam with the CCT allowing the poverty and hunger situation throughout the country to ease, Lacierda said.
According to the SWS, hunger incidence increased from 15.9 percent in September to 18.1 percent in December.
“We are verifying that with the National Economic and Development Authority” but the hunger and poverty picture will change and will ease up when the CCT kicks off, Lacierda added.
“They were able to identify the recipients of CCT. We hope to increase the number of households, this will help a greater number of people,” Lacierda added. (PCOO)
Palace downplays latest terror report
Malacañang on Tuesday belied reports that the Philippines has overtaken Southern Thailand and Indonesia as an “area of most concern on terrorism” saying it was just a matter of perception.
In a media briefing at the Palace, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the perception could be due to the security problems in the southern part of the country.
“We disagree that we have overtaken Indonesia or Southern Thailand. Remember that our pool of recruits is a lot smaller than that of Indonesia,” Lacierda noted.
When asked on the government’s assessment of the threats of terrorism, Lacierda said the operations of terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao has diminished, adding that they are constantly monitoring the situation all over the country.
“We monitor all threats, whether in the south or in the city…but again, it is not as grave as it was been assessed, he said.
The Jolo bombing incident, according to him was part of the agenda of a cabinet workshop on Monday where President Aquino issued a directive to intelligence agencies.
A case has already been filed against five suspected Abu Sayyaf members who were implicated in the bombing incident. (PCOO)
Rate hike studies ongoing, says Malacañang
Studies on the proposed fare increase by various transport groups are underway even as the government assured on Tuesday that the looming rate adjustments are reasonable and acceptable to the commuting public.
In a press briefing at the Palace, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is carefully studying the petition before coming up with a decision.
“The LTFRB is still looking at the data whether the increase is justified or not,” he said.
Lacierda said Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras and LTFRB Chairman Nelson Laluces has been conducting weekly meetings with the transport groups as part of the government’s efforts to mitigate the effects of the rate increase.
Dialogue with the stakeholders, with the transport groups has been going on not only with the LTFRB but also with the DOE,” Lacierda said.
Last week, Metro Manila jeepneys and provincial buses expressed concern for an increase in minimum fares citing the recent hike in petroleum prices and the implementation of new toll rates at the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) which took effect January 1. (PCOO)
Aquino extends term of Middle East Preparedness Committee
President Benigno S. Aquino has extended by six months or up to June 30 this year the term of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Committee under Special Envoy Roy Cimatu to continue to address Philippine concerns in the Middle East and Africa.
The extension, contained in Executive Order No. 20 was signed January 6. The original term of PMEPC was until Dec. 31, 2010 pursuant to Executive Order Number 6 of Sept. 2, 2010.
However, tensions, political instability and armed conflicts continue to exist in some countries of the Middle East and Africa that directly threaten the safety and security of thousands of Filipino workers in these countries, the President said.
He cited the need to continue assessing and monitoring developments and update contingency measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos and prepare and establish specific contingency plans each for the potential crises in these countries.
According to the President the PMEPC must continue providing assistance to the Department of Foreign Affairs in addressing the concerns of the Philippine government about the piracy problem in Somalia where some Filipino sailors remain in captivity aboard their respective hijacked vessels near the shores of Somalia.
The PMEPC is tasked with providing continuing assistance to DFA and other government agencies concerned with OFW safety, security, and protection and in formulating and implementing policies, plans and modes of coordination in areas where there are significant presence of OFWs;
The PMEPC shall be allocated P6 million subject to availability of funds for its administrative and operational expenses to be drawn from the contingency fund of the Office of the President subject to usual accounting rules and regulations. (PCOO)
Palace to throw full support to economic team members
Malacanang said it would throw its full support to the members of the economic team once their appointments are tackled by the Congressional Commission on Appointments. These members are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.
“The President will definitely support Secretaries Purisima and Almendras in the CA because of their crucial role as his economic cluster team,” said Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during a news briefing at the New Executive Building on Tuesday.
Lacierda said the Aquino administration is confident that both secretaries will be confirmed.
Some members of the powerful Commission on Appointments vowed to give a tough time to the two cabinet officials. Almendras’ appointment has been tackled by the CA before the end of 2010.
“With respect to Secretary Purisima we still don’t know yet. He has not yet been summoned to appear before the CA. But as for Almendras he is being blamed for certain actions of the previous leadership of the Department of Energy,” he said.
“If they want to question the performance or capability of Secretary Almendras, I think they should base it on his performance right now not on past actions or performance of past energy secretaries,” Lacierda added.
Almendras, according to Lacierda has been “very forthcoming in his pronouncements, is very accessible to media and able to address the problems in the energy sector.” (PCOO)
Envoys lead new Palace inductees
President Benigno S. Aquino III inducted on Tuesday newly-appointed government officials, generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in rites held at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall.
The President swore three ambassadors namely, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Chile Amb. Ma. Consuelo Puyat-Reyes; Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia Ambassador Noe Wong; and, Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain Ambassador Carlos Salinas.
The newly-appointed Generals and Flag Officers of the AFP included Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban (Commander of WESCOM); Maj. Gen. Francisco Cruz ( Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence); Rear Admiral Nestor Losbanes (Commander, NETC, Philippine Navy);
Major General Carlos Luces (Commander, LAD, Philippine Army); Major Gen. Roberto Morales (Commander, SOCOM, Philippine Army); Major General Renato David( CS, Philippine Army); Brig. Gen. Rolando Tenefrancia (C, ARMO, Philippine Army); Brig. Gen. Nicanor Dolojan (DC, SOCOM, Philippine Army); Brig. Gen. Roland Amarille (Commander,1011 B,1ID, Philippine Army);Commodore Roberto Santos (ADCS for Education and Training, AFP);
Commodore Joseph Rostum Pena (Commander, ACF, Phil. Fleet, Philippine Navy); Brig. Gen. Wilfredo Ona (WC, 410 MW, Philippine Air Force); and, Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado (SMA to the President, AFP).
Also inducted were Philippine National Railways Corp. Chairman Norberto Nazareno; Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Director-General Ramon Gutierrez; Cebu Port Commissioners representing the shipping sector Engr. Benjamin Akol and Vicente Suazo; Cebu Port Commissioner representing the cargo handling sector Atty. Joselito Pedaria; Cebu Port Commissioners representing the business sector Atty. Tomas Riveral; and, Engr. Dennis Villamor.
Also swore in were Philippine Commission on Women Chairperson Remedios Ignacio-Rikken; National Historical Commission of the Philippines Executive Director Ludovico Badoy; Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director –General Jose Gutierrez; Bureau of Immigration Acting Deputy Executive Director Eric Dimaculangan; Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board Chairman Engr. Ramon Allado; and, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Maria Theresa Pelayo-Ty. (PCOO)
Aquino fetes Gawad Career awardees
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday conferred the 2010 Gawad Career Executive Service (CES) Awards to four outstanding government officials who have made invaluable contribution to their respective agencies and departments.
The awardees are Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development Executive Director Patricio Faylon; Dept. of Science and Technology Regional Director (Region 2) Urduja Tejada; Dept. of Health Undersecretary Mario Villaverde; and, Advance Science and Technology Institute Director Denis Villorente.
The President handed over a presidential plaque of recognition and P100,000 each to the four awardees.
The Gawad CES is a presidential award that recognizes members in the CES for exemplary performance and significant contributions, particularly in the areas of innovation, information and communication technology, social services, administrative reforms and public policy.
It aims to highlight excellence in the CES community and inspire members to provide exemplary public service and promote outstanding leadership.
The GAWAD CES started in 2005 as the Outstanding Career Executive Officers award to pay tribute to outstanding Career Executive Service Officers. In 2008, the award was upgraded to a Presidential Award by virtue of Executive Order No. 715. (PCOO)
