Aquino arrives to a warm welcome in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived here Monday night to a warm welcome on the first leg of his five-day State Visits to the Republic of Indonesia and Singapore aimed at forging stronger friendly and economic bilateral relations among these two member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Chief Executive on board Cebu Pacific Flight 5J759 arrived at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport at 11:45 p.m. (10:45 p.m., Manila time). He was welcomed by Indonesian officials headed by His Excellency Dr. R. M. Marty M. Natelagawa of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Affairs Acting Secretary Albert Del Rosario, including officials of the Philippine Embassy here.
In Manila, Monday night, the President expressed his confidence that his state visits to Indonesia and Singapore would restore the reputation of the Philippines in Southeast Asia from “a decade of darkness.” Likewise, he said it will further strengthen the country’s ties with the Southeast Asian neighbors and ensure continued peace and progress.
During the trip, he said, he will inform and assure business leaders and potential investors in Indonesia and Singapore that Philippine doors are open again for their investments because his administration is sincere in its effort to eliminate poverty and clean up the bureaucracy. Also the trip provides the President the opportunity to check on the conditions of Filipinos living and working in the two neighboring countries..
Joining him in the trip are Secretaries Albert del Rosario of Foreign Affairs, Rene Almendras of Energy, Florencio Abad of Budget, Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. of the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Teresita “Ging” Deles of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, and Assistant Secretaries Zaldy De Loyola of PCOO and Mikael Co of the Office of the Executive Secretary. Also included in the trip is former Senator Mar Roxas III.
Among the Cabinet officials present during the send-off rites at the Gate 116 of NAIA Terminal 3 were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Presidential Communication and Strategic Planning and Development Secretary Ramon “Ricky” Carandang, and newly installed Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eduardo Oban Jr.
The President’s State Visit in Indonesia is his first, since he assumed office on June 30, 2010. His visit is part of the tradition for new heads of state to pay courtesy visits to fellow ASEAN-member countries aside from strengthening ties with them.
From the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the President together with his lean delegation were immediately whisked to the Grand Hyatt Hotel where they are billeted.
During his visit, the President will lead the wreath-laying ceremony at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery which will be followed by a formal arrival honors and official welcome ceremonies at the Istana Merdeka (Indonesia’s Presidential Palace).
Kalibata Heroes Cemetery is a military cemetery where more than 7,000 people who were military casualties and veterans from Indonesian War of Independence were buried.
The President will have a photo session with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono before he pays a courtesy call on the Indonesian leader.
The two leaders are expected to cement enhanced friendly and economic bilateral relations during their bilateral meeting at the Ceremonial Hall of the Indonesian Presidential Palace.
They will also witness the signing ceremonies of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on Basic Education, Sports Cooperation and Cooperation on Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes and Capacity Building.
These agreements are aimed at enhancing people-to-people linkages between both countries.
Before his visit to the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), where he will be conferred the Honorary Law Degree, President Aquino and President Yudhoyono will hold a joint press briefing.
The President’s mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino was invited by UPH during her term of office.
Founded in 1994, Universitas Pelita Harapan has established a strong reputation for its combination of Knowledge, Faith and Character through the three distinctive curricula of Leadership, Learning and Communication Skills, Character and Attitude.
Escalating student enrollment has shaped UPH into a multi-cultural campus, with students from more than 10 diverse nations, including the United States, Russia, China, Korea, and Germany.
He will likewise meet with some 8,000 Filipino Community who are mostly professionals holding managerial and supervisory positions in various big and reputable companies in Indonesia.
After the FilCom meeting, President Aquino will attend a State Banquet hosted in his honor by President Yudhoyono at the State Banquet Hall of Istana Negara.
Before proceeding to Singapore for the second leg of his State Visit there, the President will be holding meetings with the chief executive officers and key executives of major Indonesian corporations at the Grand Hyatt Majapa hit Suite.
President’s meetings with these business leaders will help achieve his administration’s priorities to attract investors, create jobs at home, alleviate poverty and modernize the country’s infrastructure.
Among them are Chairman of Kadin Suryo Bambang Sulisto (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Indonesia-Philippines Business Council (IPBC) Chairman Atmosardjono Subowo and members of the IPBC Board, the Bakrie Group led by Anindya Bakrie, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bakrie Telecom and Suryo Sulisto of Bumi Resources a subsidiary of Bakrie Group.
The President is also meeting with Mr. Patrick Walujo, Northstar Equity Partners, Mr. Martua Sitorus of Wilmar International, Mr. Bambang Hary Tanoesoedibjo of PT Bhakti Investama TBK, Mr. Prajogo Pangestu of Barito Pacific Group and Mr. Anthony Salim of Salim Group. (PCOO)
Aquino receives red carpet welcome on state visit to Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): The government of the Republic of Indonesia rolled out the red carpet on Tuesday to officially welcome President Benigno S. Aquino III upon his arrival at the Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace) as he begins his three-day State Visit here.
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono personally met and welcomed President Aquino as he alighted from his car to attend the official arrival honors and welcome ceremonies at the Indonesian Palace grounds.
The President was accorded full military honors with 21 gun salute during the ceremonies as the Philippine National Anthem and the Indonesian National Anthem were being played.
The President’s State Visit here, is his first, since he assumed power on June 30, 2010. It is customary for the new heads of state of Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN)-member countries to pay a visit to fellow member nations aside from strengthening ties with them.
Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Indonesia were established on November 24, 1949. But even before the establishment of formal ties, friendly relations already existed between the two countries.
The two countries share the same views or positions on a number of regional and international political and economic issues. Since 1949, the two nations have signed 35 bilateral agreements covering a wide range of activities such as defense and security, consular matters, trade and investments, maritime concerns, transportation and communications, energy and tourism.
Earlier, the Chief Executive led the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery.
Kalibata Heroes Cemetery is a military cemetery where more than 7,000 people who were military casualties and veterans from Indonesian War of Independence were buried. (PCOO)
The government repatriates 13,000 Filipinos from Libya
The government said it sent home more than 13,000 of Filipino workers from Libya despite its limited resources brushing off criticisms about delayed actions.
“For the record, we were able to repatriate successfully 13,000 something Filipinos. Certainly there are some concerns and we have to look at the limited resources,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press conference on Tuesday.
The Palace was able to talk to the members of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Lacierda said it wasn’t secret that the President was not happy with the performance and that’s the reason why he instructed the department to act more expeditiously in ensuring the safety of the Filipinos in Libya.
Lacierda added that President Aquino appointed acting foreign affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario so that the government could respond swiftly in any trouble overseas.
“So I do not think that the President was delayed in protecting the lives, the safety of our Filipino citizens in Libya,” he said.
In addition, Lacierda said the government is working on a template and it is looking at possible areas of concern in Middle East with significant concentration of Filipino workers so that it could respond immediately should crisis arise. These areas include Bahrain and Oman, he said.
“We are making sure that the citizens in those countries are going to be safely protected. And if ever, repatriation measures are going to be anticipated in case the situation in those areas worsens,” he said. (PCOO)
PHL, Indonesia ink 3 MOUs on education, sports, and crime prevention
JAKARTA (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Tuesday witnessed the formal signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on Basic Education, Sports Cooperation and Cooperation on Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes and Capacity Building in ceremonies at the Credentials Hall of the Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace), here.
The signing ceremonies served as one of the highlights of the President’s three-day state visit here.
The MOU on Basic Education aims to promote mutual cooperation in basic education and training on a reciprocal basis as well as for the advancement of knowledge and intellectual development between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario signed the MOU on Basic Education on behalf of the Philippine government while Minister of National Education Mohammad Nuh affixed his signature for the government of Indonesia.
The MOU on Sports Cooperation was signed by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Andi Mallarangeng.
The MOU will provide the framework where detailed proposals for programs of cooperation in the field of sports development and excellence are to be jointly considered between the two countries on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit.
In view of meeting the MOU objectives, the two countries shall exchange experts, coaches, referees, policy makers, entrepreneurs and athletes in the field of education, recreation and achievement sports, sports and science, sports infrastructure and industry at both national and international events held in both countries.
The MOU on Cooperation on Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes and Capacity Building was signed by Police Director General Raul Bacalzo and Police General Timur Pradopo of the Indonesian National Police.
The MOU aims to enhance the existing cooperation between the two countries, particularly in preventing and combating transnational crimes and capacity building.
Under the MOU, both nations shall cooperate on the prevention and combating transnational crimes particularly criminal acts related to illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime fraud, armed robbery at sea, sea piracy, illegal cargo, and other crimes at sea.
It also covers cyber crimes, money laundering, international economic crimes and banking offenses, fraudulent travel documents, among others. (PCOO)
PHL, Indonesia to begin talks on Maritime Boundary
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): The Philippines and Indonesia today agreed to start the negotiations leading to a maritime boundary agreement between the two countries pursuant to the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Indonesian Foreign Minister R.M. Marty Natalegawa signed the “Joint Declaration on Maritime Boundary Delimitation” in a ceremony at Credentials Hall of the Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace) in Jakarta in the presence of Presidents Benigno S. Aquino III and Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
The joint declaration aims to further strengthen the friendly relations between the Philippines and Indonesia by setting in motion the talks on the delimitation of their maritime boundaries.
Both nations underscored the need to finalize their respective maritime borders being both archipelagos and archipelagic states with opposite coasts in the semi-enclosed Celebes Sea and as signatories to the 29-year-old UNCLOS.
UNCLOS mandates countries with opposite or adjacent coasts to settle and delimit their maritime entitlements through peaceful means consistent with the basic principles of the Unite Nations Charter.
The two countries resolved to instruct their Joint Technical Team on Maritime Boundary Delimitation to meet at the soonest possible time.
Under the joint declaration, both countries decided to exercise restraint and refrain from engaging in activities in the relevant area for delimitation that may impair the negotiations and create misunderstanding between them.
They also agreed to encourage their respective national law enforcement agencies to formulate standard operating procedures and rules of engagement to facilitate the communication exchange between them in order to avoid unnecessary incidents in areas subject of delimitation. (PCOO)
Aquino to meet Cabinet over MidEast situation
President Benigno S. Aquino III is scheduled to meet his Cabinet next week to discuss measures to cushion the impact of the current situation in the Middle East on prices of local commodities.
In a press briefing Tuesday afternoon, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the President will meet Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala Jr., Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, and National Food Authority administrator Lito Banayo to discuss concerns on the food supply of the country.
Lacierda explained that while there is no food crisis yet, the government wants a ready template in case the situation aggravates in oil producing countries.
“The idea of whether there is a food crisis will have to be discussed because as I understand, there is no food crisis right now,” Lacierda said.
On prices of basic commodities, Lacierda said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is currently monitoring the market to ensure that nobody would take advantage of the situation.
“(The) DTI is on top of that, in fact, they are monitoring the prices and that’s the basis for saying that there is no reason to increase the prices right now,” he added.
Lacierda added that the DTI has an existing measure to penalize erring traders who take advantage by raising the prices of their produce without basis and prior notice. (PCOO)
Aquino expresses support for the success of Indonesia as ASEAN chair this year
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday pledged his administration’s support to the success of the chairmanship of the Republic of Indonesia for the forthcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and East Asian Summits this year.
The Chief Executive echoed his support in the presence of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono during his opening statement before their joint press conference at the Istana Merdeka or the Indonesian Palace here.
“We pledge our support for the success of the chairmanship of Indonesia for the forthcoming ASEAN and East Asian Summits,” the Chief Executive said.
Formed on Aug. 8, 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, ASEAN is a geo-political and economic organization of 10 countries located in the Southeast Asia. Since then, the membership has expanded to include Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
It aims to include the acceleration of economic growth, social progress, and cultural development among its members, as well as the protection of the peace and stability of the region and to provide opportunities for the member-countries to discuss differences peacefully.
The President, who is on a three-day State Visit here, expressed confidence that the strength of the relationships between the peoples of the Philippines and Indonesia “can not go in any other direction but stronger and stronger”
He described his meeting with President Yudhoyono as cordial and “very productive.”
“And through that we thank again the leadership of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono without which this rapidity of our agreements and the elevation of the same would not have been possible,” he said. (PCOO)
Philippines and Indonesia agree to enhance cooperation to fight transnational crimes
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): The Philippines and Indonesia moved to further strengthen their joint efforts in the fight against transnational crimes with the signing today of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation on Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes and Capacity Building.
The signing of MOU between Philippine National Police chief Raul Bacalzo and his Indonesian counterpart, Police General Timur Pradopo, was witnessed by President Benigno Aquino III and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
President Aquino is in Indonesia for a two-day state visit, his first to the ASEAN neighbor since becoming the Chief Executive last year.
Under the MOU, both countries shall enhance cooperation to prevent and combat transnational crimes particularly those related to illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime fraud, armed robbery at sea, sea piracy, illegal cargo and other crimes at sea.
It also covers cyber crimes, money laundering, international economic crimes and banking offenses and fraudulent travel documents.
For the implementation of the MOU, the parties shall exchange intelligence information and documents in compliance with national legislation and within the limits of their respective authorities.
The Philippines and Indonesia agreed to undertake joint police activities in accordance with the national provisions and cooperate to improve human resources, including exchange of personnel, education and training, and comparative studies.
A joint committee will be established to oversee the implementation of the MOU. (PCOO)
Malacanang maintains controversial House not ES Ochoa’s
Malacañang is fully satisfied with the explanation of Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. regarding the ownership of the so-called “glass mansion” in Quezon City as it expressed hope his statement would put an end to the controversy.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the documents showing that Ochoa does not own the property speak for themselves.
“Based on the documents, it appears that his name is not registered. I understand his name is not part of the stockholders of record in the corporation. And for now those documents stand so there’s no reason for us to say otherwise,” Lacierda told a press briefing today.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the documents showing that Ochoa does not own the property speak for itself.
Lacierda strongly believed the Executive Secretary had fully addressed the issue in his earlier statement.
“We leave it with the Executive Secretary to decide upon which course of action to take, but we have to mention the fact that he already made a statement before and that he also mentioned in that particular statement that this will be his last utterance on the matter,” Lacierda said. (PCOO)
Aquino thanks Yudhoyono for assistance to PHL
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday thanked Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for the assistance rendered to the Philippine government particularly “in terms of settling the Mindanao problem.
“We have reiterated our continuing thanks for their continued assistance there as well as their support for various fora,” the Chief Executive said during his opening statement following the signing of the three Memoranda of Understanding on Basic Education, Sports, and Cooperation in Preventing and Combating Transnational Crimes and Capacity Building.
Joint Declaration Concerning Maritime Boundary Delimitation was also signed at the Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace) here.
The President also expressed hope that the limitations that “we both face as a country (where) significant portion of the citizens (have been) working away from the motherland -- will hopefully redound to an improvement of our ability to protect the interest of our migrant workers and enable the respective governments to fulfill its mandate of protecting our citizens.
He likewise expressed elation over the signing of the three MOUs saying the “people to people exchange that I agreed with His Excellency (President Yudhoyono) is very essential if we really are to have that better future between us.”
The Joint Declaration concerning maritime boundary delimitation, the President noted, will enhance cooperation in so many fields – from protecting the marine environment to having better efficiencies with regard to the security concerns of the region and between the Philippines and Indonesia in particular. (PCOO)
Aquino, Yudhoyono witness signing of MOUs on education and sports
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno Aquino III and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono today witnessed the signing of two agreements on education and sports to further deepen bilateral ties.
The signing highlights the two-day state visit of the President Aquino to Indonesia, a close ally of the Philippines in the region.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Education aims to promote mutual cooperation in basic education and training on a reciprocal basis, as well as to strengthen mutual cooperation for the advancement of knowledge and intellectual development between the Philippines and Indonesia.
Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario signed the MOU on behalf of the Philippine government while Minister of National Education Mohammad Nuh affixed his signature for the government of Indonesia.
The agreement will serve as a venue to facilitate the exchange programs between educational agencies and training institutions of both countries. It would also provide support mutual assistance for technical and vocational programs in basic education and facilitate the exchange of teachers and educational staff between the Ministry of National Education of the Republic of Indonesia and the Department of Education (DepEd).
The cooperation will also assist exchange students for the purpose of study and/or sister school program.
The agreement will also provide exchanges for educational publications and periodicals, educational literature, teaching aid, documentary and demonstration materials, as well as the organization of relevant specialized exhibitions, symposia and seminars.
The Ministry of National Education of Indonesia and DepEd will serve as implementing agencies.
The Memorandum of Understanding on Sports Cooperation was signed by Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Ricardo Garcia and Andi Mallarangeng of the Indonesian government.
The MOU will provide the framework for detailed proposals for programs of cooperation in the field of sports development and excellence.
Under the agreement, the two countries shall have exchange programs for experts, coaches, referees, policymakers, entrepreneurs and athletes to boost cooperation in sports and recreation, sports science, sports infrastructure and industry to enable both countries host and organize national and international events. (PCOO)
