PIA Dispatch - Thursday, March 31, 2011

Palace directs DBM to create comprehensive gov’t manpower database to stop abuse of PS spending

Malacañang has directed the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to establish a comprehensive database on government personnel to prevent the abuse of savings generated from the release of funds on the basis of authorized positions.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Thursday the directive was contained in Executive Order No. 31 signed by President Aquino III on March 30, which aims to cut down spending on personal services (PS).

According to Ochoa, the creation of the comprehensive database will allow government to accurately determine the number of people under its employ so that “only the appropriate funds for filled positions will be included in the national budget and be released accordingly.”

The government is the single biggest employer in the country with 1.3 million workers and spends one-third of its P1.645 trillion national spending package on payroll alone.

“The government is doing everything to ensure that we maximize our resources, and that begins with spending only what is necessary and avoiding extraneous costs because every peso counts,” Ochoa said. “If daang matuwid will save money lost to graft and corruption, daang matipid will help government save money lost to wastage and inefficiency.”

Under EO 31, the Comprehensive Database on Government Manpower (CDGM) will replace the existing Government Manpower Information System (GMIS), a computer-based management information system on employees in the Executive, Legislative and the Judiciary, as well as constitutional offices.

It also expands the coverage of the CDGM to include military personnel under the Department of National Defense, uniformed personnel of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Philippine Coast Guard, casual and contractual government workers, and employees of government-owned and -controlled corporations and government financial institutions.

“The effective management and control of the PS expenditures require the urgent coverage in the GMIS of all the personnel in all these aforementioned departments and agencies… through the enhancement and continuous development of this information system in order to accurately determine the government’s manpower complement for budget management purposes,” the EO said.

The DBM has three years to establish the enhanced information system on government personnel. All heads of departments and agencies of the national government are required to immediately submit to the budget department complete information on positions, incumbents and authorized compensation of all civilian, military and uniformed personnel – whether they are regular, casual or contractual – and the source of their PS requirement.

To ensure responsible budgeting, agencies and department heads shall ensure that their proposed PS requirement is consistent with the CDGM and in accordance with authorized compensation.

The DBM, in coordination with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), is also instructed to conduct a regular risk-based personnel audit of the manpower complement of government agencies.

The EO also authorizes the linking of the CDGM with the personnel information systems of the CSC, the Government Service Insurance System and Bureau of Internal Revenue. (PCOO)


Aquino announces approval of fuel subsidy for jeepneys, tricycles

President Benigno Aquino III announced the approval of fuel subsidy for public transport jeepneys and tricycle to cushion the impact of continuing increase in petroleum prices.

“Magkakaroon tayo ng fuel subsidy para sa lahat ng may prangkisang pampublikong transport,” the President told reporters in a press briefing after the load out ceremony of the Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Co. of Manila in Bauan, Batangas on Thursday.

“Ang naisip ho kasi imbes na sa ibang paraan natin dadaanin ang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan, diretsuhan na ang pagbawas dun sa presyo ng gasoline sa mga gumagamit ng pampublikong transportasyon,” he added.

The release of the subsidy for the public transport sector was approved by the Cabinet last Monday, he said. The fund will come from the savings of the government as well as from increased revenues.

The President said the government came up with a “smart card,” in which the government will release around P500 million to assist the transport sector particularly the operators of jeepneys and tricycles.

After one month, the government will assess the project implementation and determine whether it is effective and then decide if the project should get more funding or be discontinued. The President added however that the project implementation depends on the volatility of fuel prices abroad.

The President also explained that they are already in the last stages of work with Land Bank and another bank that will be providing the Smart cards for the government, noting that these banks have systems in place to carry out the program.

At the same time, President Aquino said they are about to conclude the inventory of jeepney and tricycle franchises.

The President was in Bauan, Batangas on Thursday morning for the ceremony of AG&P for the British Petroleum (BP) Modularization project.

AG&P was awarded the British Petroleum Whiting Refinery Modularization project consisting of nine modules intended for its refineries. The modules will be shipped to Lake Michigan in the US. (PCOO)


Aquino issues Proclamation 138 confering 'National Scientist' award to Perla Dizon Santos-Ocampo in the field of pediatrics

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed on Wednesday Proclamation No. 138 on March 30 (Wednesday) conferring the title of “National Scientist" on Perla Dizon Santos-Ocampo, MD, in the field of pediatrics.

The government, through Proclamation No. 138, recognizes Dr. Santos-Ocampo’s outstanding contribution as “scientist in the field of pediatrics, as medical educator, leader and mentor, institution-builder and advocate for better health of the Filipino people, particularly, the children.

She made substantial contributions to the research in diarrheal disease that resulted in the development of a super oral rehydration solution, and provided the basis for diarrhea-related policies of the Department of Health.

The research on malnutrition effects on the growth and development of children led to the rational management of nutritional problems among Filipino children. These studies are published in more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed local and international journals.

At the University of the Philippines in Manila where she later became Chancellor, Dr. Santos-Ocampo developed academic programs to enhance the quality and number of medical experts, trainors and child care specialists. She led the establishment of the National Institutes of Health, the National Graduate School of the Health Sciences, and the National Telehealth Center.

A recipient of various local and international awards, Dr. Santos-Ocampo also served as president in several international pediatric and medical societies.

Signed on March 30, 2011, Proclamation No. 138 is entitled “Amending Proclamation No. 2099 dated June 23, 2010 and According to Perla Dizon Santos Ocampo, MD, the Rank and Title of National Scientist”.

President Aquino issued the proclamation to rectify the previously released Proclamation No. 2099 which was inadvertently titled “According to Perla Dizon Santos Ocampo, MD, the Rank and Title of National Artist”. Instead of the title National Artist, the Presidential Proclamation was intended to confer the title of National Scientist to Dr. Santos-Ocampo.

Since its creation in 1976, the National Scientist Award has been given annually by the President. The highest national recognition conferred upon Filipino scientists, only 38 or so have been recognized.

The prestigious recognition entitles its recipients the status reserved only for heroes. It also gives them financial gratuity, medical and hospitalization benefits, and a place of honor at all state functions. They are also entitled, upon death, to a state funeral, the same recognition given to National Artists. (PCOO)


Aquino lauds AG & P for job generation in PHL

President Benigno S. Aquino III thanked the Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Company for its continuous job generation in the country hoping that the company also absorbs professionals displaced by the recent turmoil abroad.

The President was at AG&P’s dockyard in Bauan, Batangas on Thursday morning for the company’s load out ceremony for its British Petroleum (BP) Modularization project.

The refinery modularization project, which consists of several modules intended for its refineries were to be shipped out to Lake Michigan in the US.

While commending AG&P for its contribution to the Philippine economy, the President said his administration is doing everything it can to build an environment where business can thrive and prosper and employ people.

“It is important that we do this, especially at this point in time, when many of our countrymen have been repatriated because of the conflict in the Middle East. Many of them are currently looking for jobs, and we want to make sure that they can put their skills to good use in successful companies such as AG&P,” he said.

“I hope that you can join in this initiative and extend your assistance further, particularly to Filipino engineers displaced by the turmoil in Libya. Let us have our workers ply their trade back here, where they can help Filipino companies with their talents,” he added.

In an effort to create a more attractive business environment, the President also announced several projects that might interest AG&P.

He said his government is planning the establishment of three natural gas pipeline projects within the next three years, primarily in Luzon, or the “BatMan 1,” (Batangas to Manila), “BatMan 2,” (Bataan to Manila), and finally “BatCave,” which is Bataan to Cavite.

The government will also continue to support the exploration, development, and utilization of natural gas, the President noted.

AG&P, the most experienced steel fabrication and engineering firm in the Philippines has been in operation in the country for more than 100 years.

The company has been recognized abroad for its excellence and expertise and only recently, awarded an initial $130 million contract by US engineering firm Bechtel to create modules for a liquefied natural gas facility in Australia.

The company also played a significant role locally, specifically in the Malampaya Offshore Gas Field project, which is the largest source of natural gas in the Philippines. Natural gas contributes to least 34 percent generating capacity nationwide. (PCOO)


Aquino to switch-on new coal-fired plant in La Paz, Iloilo City

President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the switch-on ceremonies of the new coal-fired plant of the Panay Energy Development Corporation in La Paz, Iloilo City, his first visit to the province since he assumed the Presidency in June last year.

Key local government officials are expected to welcome the President and his party as they arrive at the provincial airport on Friday to jumpstart his one-day visit. The reception party include Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr., Congressman Art Defensor, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, Congressman Jerry Trenas, Francisco Sebastian, chairman of the Global Business Power Corporation and George Ty, chairman of the Metrobank Group of Companies.

Shortly after his arrival, the Chief Executive will inaugurate the 264-MW coal-fired power plant of Panay Energy Development Corporation in Brgy. Ingore.

The power plant utilizes the latest circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boiler technology which ensures practically negligible levels of emissions (95% and higher efficiency in removing sulfur dioxide and practically zero nitrogen oxide) and capture of total solid particles at 99.9% efficiency.

PEDC’s power plant is in line with the Global Power’s campaign for cleaner transitional technology to effectively address electric power shortfall in the Visayas and the Island’s need for power reliability, stability and reasonably priced power while renewable energy sources are being strengthened and identified.

Incorporated on February 27, 2009, the PEDC is a unit of Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) through its subsidiary Claredon Towers Holdings, Inc. It managed the construction and operation of a 2 x 82-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Iloilo City.

PEDC is a milestone endeavor which intends to supply reliable baseload power to key off-takers in the island of Panay. Off-takers include seven (7) electric cooperatives under the Panay-Guimaras Power Supply Consortium (PGPSC) which signed a Memorandum Agreement with PEDC on October 19, 2009. The seven cooperatives are: the Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECO 1, 2 and 3), the Guimaras Electric Cooperative (GUIMELCO), the Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO), the Antique Electric Cooperative (ANTECO) and the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO).

Also part of the President’s activities is the distribution of 4P’s Cash Grant and awarding of Philhealth cards at the Provincial Capitol in efforts of the government to deliver the basic services to the people especially those in the countryside. (PCOO)


Aquino assures education and livelihood grants to the children of three Filipinos executed in China

President Benigno S. Aquino III assured families of the three Filipinos executed in China for drug trafficking that their children will be provided assistance for their education and livelihood.

In a statement issued at Malacañang on Wednesday the President tasked Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman to keep in touch with the families of Ramon Credo, Sally Ordinario, and Elizabeth Batain.

“The DSWD has been providing grief counseling to the families of Mr. Credo, Ms. Ordinario and Ms. Batain. They will also be provided assistance for their education and livelihood,” the President said.

The President expressed his deepest sympathies to the families of Credo, Ordinario and Batain, whom he considered victims of unscrupulous recruiters and drug traffickers.

He explained that consistent with the laws and values of the country, the national government did their very best to convince the Chinese government to commute their death sentences to life imprisonment.

“Unfortunately, the Chinese government did not agree, and we must respect their legal processes,” he said even as he urged the public not to allow the situation to affect historic friendship of the Philippines with the Chinese people.

He noted that in the case of Sally Ordinario, the law enforcers have already identified her recruiter and they have filed criminal charges before the Department of Justice.

“Operations are still ongoing to capture the rest of these drug traffickers,” he added.

To prevent the same fate suffered by the three executed Filipinos in China, the President asked the Filipino people to remain steadfast as his administration is now focused to create an ambiance where fellow Filipinos are not pressured to resort to deal with drug traffickers in exchange of employment opportunities.

“Let us remain steadfast and focused on this goal, for it is the ultimate means to bringing a better life for all,” he said.

The President stressed that aside from eradicating graft and corruption, the campaign against drug syndicates was also strengthened since he assumed the presidency in July 2010.

In the first quarter of 2011, he said, the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) has seized 1.4 billion pesos worth of shabu, shut down two shabu laboratories, and arrested 23 foreign nationals involved in the drug trade. (PCOO)