Aquino, Yudhoyono cite importance of regional cooperation in addressing terrorism in Southeast Asia
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono stressed the importance of regional cooperation and effective bilateral relations, specifically on gathering information and exchange of intelligence in addressing the problem of terrorism in the Southeast Asian region.
In a joint press conference at the Credentials Hall of Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace) on Tuesday, here, the two leaders shared a common sentiment on the importance of strengthened bilateral ties between the two countries in combating and preventing terrorism and other forms of transnational crimes affecting the region.
“There is already an ongoing exchange of intelligence, there is an exchange of training to deliver best practices for both entities,” President Aquino said.
“The trainings that have been done, the sharing of the intelligence and eventually the paramount boundaries will enhance the coverage of the prevention of the migration of these terrorists that are inflicting harm on our respective people,” he added.
President Aquino said that it will be criminal on the part of the government of the respective countries to which terrorists are inflicting harm on their people to not explore all avenues and implement all ways of cooperation to overcome the terrorist networks.
President Yudhoyono, for his part, echoed the President’s statement as he affirmed the relevance of a stronger diplomatic cooperation in battling terrorism.
“As mentioned by the President of the Philippines, we really have to have effective cooperation at the regional level and effective bilateral relations on information gathering and intelligence exchange,” Yudhoyono said. “These are issues that we must conduct well.”
The Indonesian leader also noted the operation of terrorist networks in the region and the movement of terrorist in countries affected by acts of terror.
“(In) our region, there are networks that operate and these terrorists are moving freely in the countries that are experiencing terrorism,” Yudhoyono said.
Yudhoyono pointed out those Southeast Asian countries must ensure to implement necessary efforts to avert terror groups in maintaining their networks in the region.
“We cannot have in our region a safe haven for terrorists, corruptors and those who are involved in transnational crimes. If I may expand, not only terrorism but also other kinds of transnational crimes,” continued Yudhoyono.
The Indonesian leader expressed confidence that if these measures are met, the two countries will have a more effective cooperation that would have a greater impact in combating, preventing and overcoming terrorism. (PCOO)
UPH confers Aquino honorary law degree
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III was conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree by the Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH), one of the most exclusive universities here.
The honorary degree was conferred on the President in recognition of his achievements in promoting democratic ideals, good governance and for leading a serious campaign against corruption.
In his acceptance speech, the President said that under his administration, the laws will be made to work for the common man and not just for a privileged few.
“Thank you. It is such an honor for me to be conferred this honorary doctorate of law,” the Chief Executive said.
The President recalled that when he was a member of the legislature, his colleagues were impressed by his grasp of various legal concepts.
“They used to ask my Chief Legal Counsel where I earned my Law degree. I could only answer: The study of the law is search for truth; and the truth belongs to everyone, does it not?” the President said.
“It has been said that countries are governed by laws, and not by men. But what is the law if not the encoded embodiment of the people’s consensus? My people proved this 25 years ago, in a peaceful uprising that elevated my nation to the status of a beacon of democracy,” he said.
“We were sidetracked, because for the past 10 years, the law was used as a tool to exert authority but not leadership; to pay lip service to equality, while neglecting to listen to the people,” he stressed.
“We reclaimed our direction with last year’s elections. Now, twenty five years after the People Power Revolution, its promise is still not fully realized. But being the son of Ninoy and Cory Aquino and the inheritor of their legacy, it is a promise that I feel duty-bound to fulfill; more importantly, I now possess the mandate granted to both my parents by the people,” the President said.
President Aquino added that the mandate was with a concurrent promise, in its simplest terms, towards bettering the lives of Filipinos.
According to the President, this is the same promise that “democracies the world over hold: the promise of freedom from oppression as well as poverty; the promise of a system that allows the same opportunities across all strata of society and the promise not only of progress, but of equitable progress.”
He further noted that “oceans away from our corner of the globe, people are clamoring for the fulfillment of the same promises — for is this not the social contract that every government has with its people. In other parts of the world, disaffected citizenries — characterized by an educated youth, with unprecedented access to information, and an absence of economic opportunities — have gathered in squares, thrown their bodies in front of tanks, and called for change.
“Our peoples have chosen the path of a pluralistic democracy, where they choose their leaders, and through the power of the ballot make their approval — or disapproval —known,” he said.
“This is a path that is sometimes noisy, sometimes confusing, and sometimes inefficient. It is a path riddled with many voices, many of which are trying to out-shout each other.
“But it is also the path of consensus. It is a path where all sides of an argument can be heard, until a point of action that embodies the aspirations of a whole nation is arrived at.
“This can only be achieved,” the President said, “through a government that is transparent in its processes, and one that holds itself accountable for its actions”.
President Aquino told the UPH officials that the Philippines have only recently reclaimed this ideal, after many years of having the system manipulated for the personal gain of a few.
“Such is the struggle of democracies such as ours: the need to constantly reset the compass of the nation; to constantly reaffirm that which is truly important; to constantly enhance the system so that no individual, however much he (or she) may try to hold on to power, shall succeed in doing so,” he said.
“Because always, at the bottom line of democracy lies tolerance, responsiveness, and evolution. The ideals of democracy live through governments that are open to change —that listen to, believe in, and empower its people so that their dreams might be achieved,” the President said.
The Chief Executive likewise said that the key to the responsiveness of a democracy is the strengthening of its institutions.
“This not only means arming them with laws, policies, and resources that allow them to fulfill their mandate; more importantly, it means installing a culture of integrity so that their ideals withstand attacks from those who wish to manipulate the system for personal gain.
While other nations may choose many different ways to govern themselves, the President emphasized that “this nation and mine have chosen the kind of democracy that is sometimes cluttered, but always consensus-driven, always people-powered, to build the foundations of progress.”
“This openness, this willingness to listen to many voices, is what brought me here to your country. It is what has made our nations the closest of allies. It is what has allowed a Catholic President from the largest Christian nation in Asia, to speak in a Christian university right at the heart of the most populous Muslim nation in the world,” he said.
The President added that it is also what allows the Philippine’s institutions to fulfill their mandates under the mantle of integrity; which in turn, allows progress to ensue, by granting the people the opportunities to fulfill their potential.
He said that ultimately, the strength of government lies in its responsiveness to the needs and aspirations of its people. “This allows it to continuously evolve, which consequently keeps public discontent at bay — a discontent that has fuelled the fires of many revolutions, and has toppled many dictators in the past.”
The President also said that while evolution is the lifeblood of consent from the people, change is the essence of governance.
“The Philippines and Indonesia are parallel in this regard. Our respective nations, along with a few of our neighbors, hold high the beacon of pluralistic democracy around the world. And while other nations might follow different paths, it is to the same bedrock principle of compassionate, responsive, transformative public service that any government would owe its success”, he said.
“We are nations bound not only by geography, but by parallel choices we have made in the past, and as many would say, by the challenges that we now face. This is perhaps what binds us with every people who have won its freedom. These aspirations — to be heard, to be allowed equal opportunity, to be treated with dignity, decency, and respect — are not merely democratic, but more importantly, humanistic in essence. That is why my countrymen dubbed our movement in 1986 “People Power” - because these aspirations are present wherever there are people,” he concluded. (PCOO)
Yudhoyono cites competitiveness of Filipino migrant workers from vocational courses in PHL
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT) – Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono extolled the competitiveness of the Filipino migrant workers, which he said, was the result of the trainings from various vocational courses being offered in the Philippines.
Speaking before the members of media during their joint press conference with President Bnigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday at the Credentials Hall of Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace) here, President Yudhoyono expressed willingness to share the special trainings from Filipinos to further enhance the ability of Indonesian migrant workers.
“Vocational training is also very important… when I visit Manila, I have observed that there is much vocational training especially for the migrant workers, it is very, very useful,” President Yudhoyono said.
“We will be good if we can share such experiences and see how we can enhance the training facilities for our migrant workers so that they will be empowered, equipped when they work abroad and they can be more competitive with other migrants from other regions,” he added.
The Indonesian leader underscored the importance of education not only as a human capital but also in relations between countries.
He noted that the Philippines and Indonesia are both developing countries facing various challenges, which include the challenge in the field of education. He added that such problems could be solved through greater cooperation that will bring more benefits for the younger generations.
“The Philippines and Indonesia are both developing countries and therefore for that matter, we have many challenges that we need to overcome in the field of education if we can cooperate greater we will have more benefits for our children,” the Indonesian President stressed.
The Philippines and Indonesia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Basic Education providing a venue for mutual cooperation in education and training on a reciprocal basis. The signing ceremony was witnessed by President Aquino and President Yudhoyono.
The MOU also promotes mutual cooperation for the advancement of knowledge and intellectual development. (PCOO)
Aquino leaves for Singapore on second leg of State Visit
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): Following his successful State Visit here, President Benigno S. Aquino III leaves for Singapore on Wednesday on the second leg of his State Visit to forge closer relationship with this member-country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN).
Prior to his departure, President Aquino will be meeting with the chief executive officers and key business leaders of various corporations at the Grand Hyatt Majapa Hit Suite.
The meeting aims to help achieve his administration’s priorities to attract investors, create jobs at home, alleviate poverty and modernize the country’s infrastructure, among others.
Earlier Tuesday, the Chief Executive was conferred the Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from the Universitas Perlita Harapan in recognition of his efforts in promoting good governance, democratic ideals and anti-corruption practices.
He also met with the members of the Filipino community (FilCom) based in Indonesia who where all eager to meet him for the first time. There are some 9,000 members of the Filipino Community, mostly professionals occupying managerial and supervisorial positions in various companies all over Indonesia.
During his meeting with the FilCom, President Aquino asked them to spread the good news in the Philippines. He also urged them to vote for the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan which is vying inclusion in the New Natural Wonders of the World.
Later in the evening of Tuesday, the President attended a State Banquet hosted in his honor by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the Istana Merdeka (Indonesian Presidential Palace). The State Banquet was highlighted by a toast between the two leaders.
During their bilateral talks, the two leaders concurred on several issues concerning both countries. These include the strengthened cooperation in battling terrorism, poverty and measures for food security.
The two leaders witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation on Basic Education, Sports and Combating and Prevention of transnational crimes and capacity building.
They also witnessed the signing of the Joint Declaration on Maritime Boundary Delimitation of the two countries’ maritime entitlements under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). (PCOO)
ES Ochoa tells gov’t agencies to save and conserve energy
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Wednesday urged government agencies to put in place power conservation measures and cut down fuel consumption of government vehicles in the wake of rising petroleum prices brought about by the political uncertainties in oil-producing countries in the Middle East.
According to Ochoa, this is in line with the Government Energy Management Program (GEMP) under Administrative Order No. 110, which calls on government personnel to observe energy efficiency in their offices.
“Public servants must lead by example in the general campaign for energy efficiency and conservation. This is a proactive response of the government to cushion the adverse effects from such price increases,” the Executive Secretary said.
To ensure compliance of government agencies, Ochoa ordered Herminio Alcasid Sr., chairman of the Energy Audit Team, to submit to the Office of the President a summary accomplishment report to date and a plan of action detailing improvements or amendments to the existing GEMP framework.
At the same time, the Executive Secretary appealed to the public to help in the campaign to save and conserve energy, saying, “Energy efficiency is the shared responsibility of every citizen, and when everyone does their part to conserve fuel and electricity, all of us benefit.”
“A collective response is necessary to address a national issue like energy efficiency. All of us have to do the little things to conserve electricity and fuel because when you combine all these small initiatives––like turning off lights when not in use or carpooling––these will impact significantly on energy consumption,” Ochoa said.
A good start, he said, is taking part in the Department of Energy’s (DOE) “Bright Now! Do Right. Be Right.” campaign, which promotes awareness and people’s participation in energy utilization management and conservation.
The DOE campaign provides the public measures that will cut down fuel consumption like carpooling, ensuring correct tire pressure at all times, clustering of destination, avoiding idling of vehicles and avoiding abrupt acceleration of vehicles.
According to the energy department, carpooling at least once a week will save a vehicle owner at least P320 per month, which be used to pay for the car’s tune-up every three months, while correct tire pressure translates to five to 10 percent savings on daily gas consumption, or around P164 per month which can buy a whole chicken or four kilos of rice.
Clustering of destination to maximize the use of the vehicle could save money and time as well. The DOE said that for every liter of fuel saved from traveling is equivalent to P6, which can be used to buy cell phone load.
For every hour a vehicle is idle leads to an additional consumption of two liters of fuel consumption, according to DOE’s computation. A liter of fuel saved is equivalent to two dozens of pandesal, so the agency advised public to turn off their vehicle if it is going to be idle for more than three minutes.
The DOE also explained said that a liter of fuel could go a kilometer farther if a vehicle will not be abruptly accelerated right after its activation. This means a P7-saving on fuel consumption per day, which could provide for the daily multivitamin supply of the car owner. (PCOO)
Malacanang assures appointment of new ARMM officials will be democratic
Malacanang on Wednesday made an assurance that the process in appointing new officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be “participatory, democratic and decided by the stakeholders themselves” in the event that the people will decide to postpone the August 2011 elections.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said Malacanang expressed confidence that the people in the ARMM will opt for the postponement of the scheduled ARMM polls, and if that happens, the best possible option for Malacanang to take is to appoint new officials as the holdover elective positions was already rendered unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Lacierda noted that there are some concerns raised against the appointment of a new set of officials for the ARMM in case the polls will be deferred.
“In order to address the concerns of some people that the people who will be appointed will be “tao ng gobyerno” or “kaalyado ng Pangulo,” it is clear in the meeting of ARMM officials with the President that the ARMM officials would come up with a process, qualifications and criteria and we will abide by that,” Lacierda said.
During the meeting in Malacanang, Lacierda said majority of the ARMM congressmen agreed to the postponement of the elections for purposes of synchronizing the 2013 mid-term polls.
However, he added, the President told them to “address the concerns of the stakeholders.”
Thus, the House Committee on Electoral Reforms and Suffrage will conduct public hearings in Zamboanga and Cotabato soon. (PCOO)
Aquino appoints David immigrations chief
President Benigno Aquino III appointed former Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo David as head of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) immediately after his retirement this week
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a press briefing on Wednesday that David will assume as immigration head on Monday, a week after his retirement last Tuesday.
He said the President was very pleased with David’s performance as AFP chief, especially with the reforms he initiated in the armed services, and his expertise could be tapped in carrying out similar reforms in the immigration bureau.
“The president has said that Gen. David will be retiring too early. He was very pleased with his performance as the AFP chief of staff, so his service is still needed in government, which is why he decided to appoint Gen. David as commissioner of immigration,” he said.
David brought a new image and respect to the AFP and the President wants him to do the same in immigration bureau, Lacierda said. Among the major concerns in the AFP then were corruption, and the involvement of the military in extrajudicial killings. David was able to resolve those problems, he noted.
“He was the one who urged the military officials to testify before the Senate and the House hearings. So you would expect that Gen. David will continue his management ability at the commission of Immigration, to firm up and make sure that the agency is cleansed of its corrupt officials,” he said noting that the appointment of David is in line with the President’s campaign pledge of good governance.
Aside from reforming the BI, the President expects David to focus on stopping human trafficking and to address the rising number of illegal immigrants, which are considered major government concerns, according to Lacierda.
“There are also concerns on trafficking where some immigration officials are allegedly involved. So Gen. David will look into it. It’s part of the mandate of immigration authorities, they are ones who are supposed to look into that to make sure that all foreign nationals are documented,” he said.
Lacierda also clarified that David’s appointment has nothing to do with the Philippine-Taiwan rift noting that the former AFP chief was already being considered by the President even before the controversy started. (PCOO)
Palace downplays calls for another OFW body
The government has already two departments and agencies working to address the concerns of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and there is no need to create a separate and independent department, according to Malacanang.
Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda stressed this Wednesday in a press briefing as he downplayed a proposal to create a Department of Migrant Workers to handle the needs of OFWs.
Lacierda said Vice President Jejomar Binay has already been tasked by President Benigno S. Aquino III to personally address the concerns of million Filipinos abroad.
“He (Binay) has been going around not only in the Philippines but also in countries where we have a big number of overseas contract workers, and he’s been doing a good job addressing that,” he said.
Lacierda pointed out that at least two departments, two agencies, and one commission are now jointly working and regularly reporting to the office of the Vice President to ensure that the concerns and welfare of Filipino workers are being handled properly.
The two departments are the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), its attached agencies are the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), and the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO).
“They are currently coordinating with Vice President Binay. Makakaasa tayo na ang mga concerns ng ating OFWs ay aayusin ni VP Binay and there is no need now to create a department of overseas workers,” Lacierda added.
He noted that these departments and concerned agencies are actively working particularly during repatriation and evacuation requirements of troubled OFWs. (PCOO)
Indonesian business group to organize trade and investment mission to PHL
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): A major business group here will organize a trade and investment mission to the Philippines to explore possible areas of investment and take advantage of the favorable business climate in the country.
After attending President Benigno S. Aquino III’s meeting with several business groups on Wednesday at the Majapahit Suite of Grand Hyatt Hotel here, Presidential Communication Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said that Kadin (Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry) will organize a trade and investment mission to the country involving other major Indonesian business groups as suggested by Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima who was also present during the meeting.
“So yung Kadin mag-oorganize ng trade and investment mission to the Philippines as suggested by Secretary Purisima and they agreed that they will form a mission,” Coloma said.
Coloma said that specific groups also expressed interest to invest in the country in various fields of businesses.
These include tourism, petrochemicals and energy, among others. The possible establishment of petrochemical plant and a theme park like Disney and Universal Studios that are expected to create more job opportunities for the Filipinos.
“These are just ideas, wala pa naman concrete projects, just giving you a flavor of what are the possibilities that have been discussed,” Coloma said.
The trade and investment mission is expected to happen within the first half of the year.
Coloma added that among those considered by the Indonesian investors for possible investment in the Philippines are real opportunities that match their capabilities. These include a very favorable business climate, good governance, the notable cut down on red tape, simplified procedures in establishing business and the Public Private Partnership program of the government.
President Aquino emphasized to the Indonesian business leaders that the Philippines is open for business.
The major Indonesian business groups met by the President were Kadin Group headed by Chairman Suryo Bambang Sulisto, Bakrie Group led by Chief Executive Office Anindya Bakrie, Mr. Patrick Walujo of Northstar Equity Partners and 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 calls for Filcom support for Palawan underground river
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the members of the Filipino community here to support the Philippines’ entry to the New seven Natural Wonders of the World to pump up visitor volume to the country.
In a speech at the Grand Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt Hotel, the President urged them to support the Puerto Princesa Underground River in Palawan to boost its inclusion to the New Natural Wonders of the World.
“Iyong Palawan po mayroong underground river. It is now one of the last remaining 28 candidates to be declared one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Ang value po sa atin niyan, the minute na pinag-usapan pa lang ito, nag-ge-generate na ng interest sa turista”, the President said.
He noted that for every tourist that will visit the Philippines, five jobs could be created for the Filipinos.
“Iyong turista manganganak ng limang trabaho, kada turistang pumasok can generate jobs for five people for every one direct hire in the tourism industry”, President Aquino said.
The Chief Executive further said that the countries that have won in the Search for the Seven Man-Made Wonders had an increase of about 60 percent in their tourism figures. And these are places that have been well known before, citing the Taj Mahal of India as an example.
“Those who came in second place, iyong first group of seven 60 percent, iyong second group 40 percent. Tayo nasa last 28 na nga tayo”, the President added.
Aquino also encouraged them to spread the good news in the Philippines and practice unity and concern for others.
There are some 9,000 members of the Filipino Community, mostly professionals occupying managerial and supervisorial positions in various companies all over Indonesia.
The President’s meeting with the Filipino community is one of the highlights of his three-day State Visit here. He will then proceed to Singapore for the second leg of his scheduled State Visit to Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-member countries. (PCOO)
Aquino underscores commonality between PHL and Indonesia as tool in addressing regional challenges
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT): President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the commonality between the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia embodied by similarities in dialect and origin as he encourages both nations to maximize it in battling the challenges hounding the region.
In his speech during the State Banquet hosted by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in his honor at the banquet Hall of the Istana Negara here, President Aquino noted some similarities of words in Tagalog (Philippine native language) and Bahasa (native language of Indonesia), which he observed during the duration of his three-day State Visit in this fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) member country.
“I saw the words Selamat datang which I learned mean welcome. Now, in my language those two words are extremely familiar.
Selamat sounds so close to salamat which is ‘thank you’ in Tagalog. And datang is very close to the Kapampangan word for arrival. Taken together those two words like signify gratitude for the arrival,” the President said.
“I learned that your word for love is tsinta. Again, this sounds very close to the Tagalog word for love, which is sinta. One letter difference,” he added.
“We have a similar word if not an identical word for child which is anak for which all of our efforts seem to be so geared on,” President Aquino noted.
The Chief Executive stressed that though the two countries may have separate stations, there are still significant commonalities among them.
“Though our flags are with different colors, the same wind holds them high and proud above any difference or challenge that may separate us”, the President said.
President Aquino said that it can be considered as a pact toward the future as he called on both nations to constantly seek and cultivate common ground.
“We must always kindle the fire of tolerance and consensus as we hurdle the many issues that confront our nations and the region”, the President said.
“We are brothers and sisters born of the same ancestors and may our children, our common anak enjoy the future our forefathers envisioned”, he added.
President Aquino also expressed gratitude to President Yudhoyono and the government and people of Indonesia for the warm welcome accorded him and his lean delegation.
The President’s visit has been extremely productive as demonstrated by the agreements that were reached which include the strengthened cooperation on basic education, sports and security, among others. (PCOO)
