Malacañang vows no new taxes
Malacañang assured that there will be no imposition of new taxes saying that the present thrust of the Aquino administration is to generate more revenues through efficient collection rather than adopt new tax measures.
“The commitment is to focus on more efficient revenue collection rather than getting more revenues through new tax measures. Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said in interview over RMN Radio Wednesday.
Coloma underscored the dynamism of governance and economic conditions in the country stressing that some factors may compel the President to revisit possible options that will be economically helpful to the government.
The dynamism of economic forces may create a concrete situation that could make the President reconsider several measures that will help the country, he added.
Coloma noted that the Aquino administration also wants to assure the people that their money is spent wisely and does not unnecessarily go to corruption as presently perceived by taxpayers.
These measures have started to create good results, as data showed that the country’s first quarter actual deficit dropping recently as a result of increased revenue collection, he explained.
The non-imposition of new tax measures was one of President Benigno Aquino III’s campaign pledges in the May 2010 presidential election. He also vowed to fight corruption and alleviate poverty as well as go after the excesses of the Arroyo administration. (PCOO)
Palace allays fears of electricity problem
Malacañang allayed fears of possible problem with electricity due to unrest in the Middle East, saying electric power generation is only nine percent (9%) dependent on fuel.
In an interview over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said the volatility of oil prices would not greatly affect electricity which is 91% dependent on geothermal hydroelectric and coal.
“Sa atin pong energy situation kung tutunghayan po natin ay yung electricity o electric power, hindi po tayo masyadong apektado doon sa volatility ng oil prices dahil 9% lang po ng ating electric power generation ang nakasalalay sa fuel,” said Coloma.
While electricity is not greatly affected by the volatility of oil prices, Coloma stressed the implication of global oil price hike due to political turmoil in the Middle East that supplies oil all over the world.
Due to the dependency of private and public utility vehicles on fuel, the Aquino government started undertaking measures to lessen the dependency on oil.
“Kaya una pong action na kailangan nating gawin ay palitan na po iyung oil bilang primary source ng ating transportation movement. At ang una pong program natin diyan ay iyung sa pinakabasic na transportation na ginagamit ng pinakamaraming mamamayan ngayon iyung tricycle,” said Coloma.
The national government recently launched a program to build units of electric tricycles or e-trikes as part of the long-term solutions towards a sustainable, energy-efficient transport model for the country.
The new Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded e-trikes uses lithium ion batteries and it is approximately 40 kilos in weight. While the cost of lithium batteries is almost double that of the lead acid batteries, their operational life is 15 times longer. Currently, e-trikes costs from P185,000 up to P200,000.
Coloma said the government planned to also focus on other forms of public transportation like jeepneys and buses.
He noted that many countries have already changed their system, shifting to liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG) and other alternatives as sources of energy to lessen the dependency on fuel.
Coloma also said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Department of Energy are now firming up specific measures for tricycle units and other utility vehicles shifting to other sources of energy other than fuel. (PCOO)
Aquino inaugurates Expressway Extension in Kawit, Cavite
KAWIT, Cavite: President Benigno S. Aquino III Wednesday led the inauguration of the newly-completed 7-kilometer R-1 Expressway Extension, Segment 4 of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP). That a major road project was designed to further strengthen the commercial link between Metro Manila and the booming province of Cavite.
In his speech, the President said the completion of MCTEP or Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) will provide commuters a safe, convenient and fast access in and out of Metro Manila going to the northern portion of Cavite.
“Kung dati ay nalulugi ang mga negosyante dahil naiipit ang kanilang produkto sa buhol-buhol na trapik, ngayon ay mabilis nang aarangkada ang mga kalakal mula at patungong Bacoor, Kawit, at Cavite Export Zone. Malinaw po ang punto ko: bukod sa mabilis na paglalakbay, lunsaran ito ng mas maginhawang pamumuhay para sa mga Pilipino: de-kalidad na daanan para sa mga biyahero, at mauunlad na negosyong magdudulot ng mga trabaho,” the President said.
He said the national government supported the R-1 Expressway Extension project as part of the MCTEP because it will connect the existing Coastal Road Expressway in Zapote, Las Pinas going towards Kawit and Noveleta.
According to the President said among the priority projects of his administration is the construction of new roads and the upgrade of existing highways in order to provide safe and convenient transportation of goods and travel of passengers.
“Napakahalaga po ng pagkakaroon ng maayos na kalsada sa ating bansa. Ito ang daan para sa paghahatid ng pangunahing serbisyo sa mga komunidad. Ito ang nag-uugnay sa mga magkakahiwalay na pook para mapabilis ang mga paglalakbay. Nakataya dito kung magiging maaliwalas at madali para sa mga pasahero ang pag-uwi sa kanilang mga pamilya at pagluwas para naman sa paghahanap-buhay,” he added.
Luis Juan Virata, chairman of the UEM-MARA Philippines Corporation said the R-1 Expressway Extension is a dual two-lane (North and South bound), seven kilometer highway traversing Bacoor Bay built over water, and a combination of reclamation and viaduct works (that can stand in 6 magnitude earthquake) stretching from Bacoor up to Kawit. It was built from January 2007 up to April 2011 with a total investment of P5.7 billion.
The Cavite Expressway is the continuation of the existing R-1 Expressway or Coastal Road. It will also help alleviate traffic congestion along Aguinaldo Highway and Tirona Highway
The Toll Regulatory Board said that the toll rates for the R-1 Expressway Extension will be P22 for Class 1 vehicles like jeepneys, pick-up vans and cars; P45 for Class 2 vehicles like buses; and P65 for Class 3 vehicles like cargo trucks and trailers.
On the other hand, Jennifer E. Bote, president and general manager of the United Engineers Malaysia-MARA Philippines Corporation, said the province of Cavite and nearby areas shall derive various social and economic benefits from CAVITEX beside linking Metro Manila and Cavite province. (PCOO)
Extradition of former police officer will put closure to Dacer-Corbito case
The Aquino government is hoping that the impending extradition of a former police officer will shed light and eventually put a closure to the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.
In a media briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the impending return to the country of former police officer Michael Ray Aquino, who seemingly has a good grasp of the details of the case, may set things straight and would finally put an end to the said case.
“Michael Ray Aquino seems to be one of those people with a good grasp of what had happened in the Dacer-Corbito case and with his impending extradition we hope that his coming back to the country will shed light on the matter and we hope that it will finally put closure to the case”, Valte said.
In November of 2000, noted publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito was abducted and murdered by still unidentified suspects in Indang, Cavite.
Also implicated in the case were former police chief inspectors Glenn Dumlao, and Cesar Mancao who all worked at the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) then under the stewardship of Senator Panfilo Lacson. (PCOO)
Aquino appoints Lagman as Comelec commissioner
President Benigno Aquino III appointed Augusto Lagman, a veteran information technology executive, as commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) filling the slot vacated by former commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer.
Lagman, a certified computing professional, will serve as Comelec commissioner until Feb 2, 2018. The President signed his appointment April 20, 2011.
“He has spoken on many issues related to the automated elections when it came to the commission and we are confident that he can discharge the duties of his office as capably and competently as he was in the past,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said as she announced Lagman’s appointment during a news briefing on Wednesday at Malacanang.
Valte also said the President chose Lagman because of his competence.
“As you recall whenever the President was ask about the prospective appointment, the President would always say that he wanted an IT expert given the issues that had faced the commission in the past elections,” she said.
The Palace spokesperson also said that it took quite some time for the President to fill the vacancy at the Comelec because he really wanted to find the right person for the job and he spent time going over the shortlist of nominees.
Lagman completed his primary and secondary educations at San Beda College and earned his mechanical engineering degree from the University of the Philippines.
The incoming Comelec commissioner is likewise a certified computer professional and was awarded by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals in Des Moines, Illinois, USA.
Prior to his appointment, Lagman was chairman of Vinta Systems Inc., a developer of A1-oriented software products. He also served as director of STI College Recto and Biometrix Technologies Inc., founding chairman of STI College; former director of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA); president of Computer Associates Inc and coordinator of IBM Philippines Inc. (PCOO)
Ochoa: Uphold environmental standards and protection in mining activities
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Wednesday issued fresh calls for strict adherence to environmental standards and protection in mining activities to avoid disasters similar to the massive landslide in Pantukan, Compostela Valley that have so far left 13 people dead and a number of small-scale miners missing.
“Environmental laws and regulations are there for a reason: to protect both the environment and the lives of those involved in mining operations. When these are violated, we endanger the environment, the lives of miners, as well as people who live in the surrounding areas,” Ochoa said.
According to Ochoa, all stakeholders in the mining industry should comply with environmental laws, including the public who should become allies of the government in seeing to it that protection and safety standards are observed in mining communities.
“The public must remain vigilant and work with the government in the enforcement of environmental laws. While we understand that small-scale mining can be profitable for some communities, our people must keep in mind that mining is regulated because it must be done properly to ensure the safety of miners and to mitigate its impact on the environment,” Ochoa explained.
The Executive Secretary had previously raised concern over the operations of small-scale miners, whose activities are not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), but the responsibility of local government units (LGUs).
In a report to Malacanang, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said the landslide took place in Sitio Panganason, Barangay Kingking in Pantukan last April 22 after a slope of a ridge in a small-scale mining site collapsed and buried alive a number of miners, as well as mine tunnels and backyard processing plants.
To date, 13 bodies have been pulled out under the mud and 13 miners have been rescued. The search and retrieval operations are still ongoing to locate the missing as well as the evacuation of residents living near the gold mining site, which has been identified as highly susceptible to landslide as early 2007 by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
Paje reported that small-scale miners had been operating in Pantukan for the past 20 years and that there were close to 1,000 small-scale mining activities in the municipality alone.
Since Friday, the government, through the DENR and the Departments of National Defense and the Interior and Local Government, provincial and municipal governments, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP), has taken steps to speed up the retrieval and rescue operations.
Authorities have also considered the following actions, among others, to address the issues stemming from small-scale mining:
• Identify and implement a “No habitation zone”;
• Conduct mercury sampling of Kingking River;
• Prepare a 1:10,000 detailed geohazard mapping to identify other danger zones and mining zones;
• Design a DENR safe tunnel guidance for LGUs in issuing small-scale mining permits; and
• Train and equip provincial governments in mining and environmental management. (PCOO)
Malacañang assured that there will be no imposition of new taxes saying that the present thrust of the Aquino administration is to generate more revenues through efficient collection rather than adopt new tax measures.
“The commitment is to focus on more efficient revenue collection rather than getting more revenues through new tax measures. Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office said in interview over RMN Radio Wednesday.
Coloma underscored the dynamism of governance and economic conditions in the country stressing that some factors may compel the President to revisit possible options that will be economically helpful to the government.
The dynamism of economic forces may create a concrete situation that could make the President reconsider several measures that will help the country, he added.
Coloma noted that the Aquino administration also wants to assure the people that their money is spent wisely and does not unnecessarily go to corruption as presently perceived by taxpayers.
These measures have started to create good results, as data showed that the country’s first quarter actual deficit dropping recently as a result of increased revenue collection, he explained.
The non-imposition of new tax measures was one of President Benigno Aquino III’s campaign pledges in the May 2010 presidential election. He also vowed to fight corruption and alleviate poverty as well as go after the excesses of the Arroyo administration. (PCOO)
Palace allays fears of electricity problem
Malacañang allayed fears of possible problem with electricity due to unrest in the Middle East, saying electric power generation is only nine percent (9%) dependent on fuel.
In an interview over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Wednesday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said the volatility of oil prices would not greatly affect electricity which is 91% dependent on geothermal hydroelectric and coal.
“Sa atin pong energy situation kung tutunghayan po natin ay yung electricity o electric power, hindi po tayo masyadong apektado doon sa volatility ng oil prices dahil 9% lang po ng ating electric power generation ang nakasalalay sa fuel,” said Coloma.
While electricity is not greatly affected by the volatility of oil prices, Coloma stressed the implication of global oil price hike due to political turmoil in the Middle East that supplies oil all over the world.
Due to the dependency of private and public utility vehicles on fuel, the Aquino government started undertaking measures to lessen the dependency on oil.
“Kaya una pong action na kailangan nating gawin ay palitan na po iyung oil bilang primary source ng ating transportation movement. At ang una pong program natin diyan ay iyung sa pinakabasic na transportation na ginagamit ng pinakamaraming mamamayan ngayon iyung tricycle,” said Coloma.
The national government recently launched a program to build units of electric tricycles or e-trikes as part of the long-term solutions towards a sustainable, energy-efficient transport model for the country.
The new Asian Development Bank (ADB) funded e-trikes uses lithium ion batteries and it is approximately 40 kilos in weight. While the cost of lithium batteries is almost double that of the lead acid batteries, their operational life is 15 times longer. Currently, e-trikes costs from P185,000 up to P200,000.
Coloma said the government planned to also focus on other forms of public transportation like jeepneys and buses.
He noted that many countries have already changed their system, shifting to liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas (CNG) and other alternatives as sources of energy to lessen the dependency on fuel.
Coloma also said the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the Department of Energy are now firming up specific measures for tricycle units and other utility vehicles shifting to other sources of energy other than fuel. (PCOO)
Aquino inaugurates Expressway Extension in Kawit, Cavite
KAWIT, Cavite: President Benigno S. Aquino III Wednesday led the inauguration of the newly-completed 7-kilometer R-1 Expressway Extension, Segment 4 of the Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Project (MCTEP). That a major road project was designed to further strengthen the commercial link between Metro Manila and the booming province of Cavite.
In his speech, the President said the completion of MCTEP or Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX) will provide commuters a safe, convenient and fast access in and out of Metro Manila going to the northern portion of Cavite.
“Kung dati ay nalulugi ang mga negosyante dahil naiipit ang kanilang produkto sa buhol-buhol na trapik, ngayon ay mabilis nang aarangkada ang mga kalakal mula at patungong Bacoor, Kawit, at Cavite Export Zone. Malinaw po ang punto ko: bukod sa mabilis na paglalakbay, lunsaran ito ng mas maginhawang pamumuhay para sa mga Pilipino: de-kalidad na daanan para sa mga biyahero, at mauunlad na negosyong magdudulot ng mga trabaho,” the President said.
He said the national government supported the R-1 Expressway Extension project as part of the MCTEP because it will connect the existing Coastal Road Expressway in Zapote, Las Pinas going towards Kawit and Noveleta.
According to the President said among the priority projects of his administration is the construction of new roads and the upgrade of existing highways in order to provide safe and convenient transportation of goods and travel of passengers.
“Napakahalaga po ng pagkakaroon ng maayos na kalsada sa ating bansa. Ito ang daan para sa paghahatid ng pangunahing serbisyo sa mga komunidad. Ito ang nag-uugnay sa mga magkakahiwalay na pook para mapabilis ang mga paglalakbay. Nakataya dito kung magiging maaliwalas at madali para sa mga pasahero ang pag-uwi sa kanilang mga pamilya at pagluwas para naman sa paghahanap-buhay,” he added.
Luis Juan Virata, chairman of the UEM-MARA Philippines Corporation said the R-1 Expressway Extension is a dual two-lane (North and South bound), seven kilometer highway traversing Bacoor Bay built over water, and a combination of reclamation and viaduct works (that can stand in 6 magnitude earthquake) stretching from Bacoor up to Kawit. It was built from January 2007 up to April 2011 with a total investment of P5.7 billion.
The Cavite Expressway is the continuation of the existing R-1 Expressway or Coastal Road. It will also help alleviate traffic congestion along Aguinaldo Highway and Tirona Highway
The Toll Regulatory Board said that the toll rates for the R-1 Expressway Extension will be P22 for Class 1 vehicles like jeepneys, pick-up vans and cars; P45 for Class 2 vehicles like buses; and P65 for Class 3 vehicles like cargo trucks and trailers.
On the other hand, Jennifer E. Bote, president and general manager of the United Engineers Malaysia-MARA Philippines Corporation, said the province of Cavite and nearby areas shall derive various social and economic benefits from CAVITEX beside linking Metro Manila and Cavite province. (PCOO)
Extradition of former police officer will put closure to Dacer-Corbito case
The Aquino government is hoping that the impending extradition of a former police officer will shed light and eventually put a closure to the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.
In a media briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the impending return to the country of former police officer Michael Ray Aquino, who seemingly has a good grasp of the details of the case, may set things straight and would finally put an end to the said case.
“Michael Ray Aquino seems to be one of those people with a good grasp of what had happened in the Dacer-Corbito case and with his impending extradition we hope that his coming back to the country will shed light on the matter and we hope that it will finally put closure to the case”, Valte said.
In November of 2000, noted publicist Salvador "Bubby" Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito was abducted and murdered by still unidentified suspects in Indang, Cavite.
Also implicated in the case were former police chief inspectors Glenn Dumlao, and Cesar Mancao who all worked at the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) then under the stewardship of Senator Panfilo Lacson. (PCOO)
Aquino appoints Lagman as Comelec commissioner
President Benigno Aquino III appointed Augusto Lagman, a veteran information technology executive, as commissioner of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) filling the slot vacated by former commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer.
Lagman, a certified computing professional, will serve as Comelec commissioner until Feb 2, 2018. The President signed his appointment April 20, 2011.
“He has spoken on many issues related to the automated elections when it came to the commission and we are confident that he can discharge the duties of his office as capably and competently as he was in the past,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said as she announced Lagman’s appointment during a news briefing on Wednesday at Malacanang.
Valte also said the President chose Lagman because of his competence.
“As you recall whenever the President was ask about the prospective appointment, the President would always say that he wanted an IT expert given the issues that had faced the commission in the past elections,” she said.
The Palace spokesperson also said that it took quite some time for the President to fill the vacancy at the Comelec because he really wanted to find the right person for the job and he spent time going over the shortlist of nominees.
Lagman completed his primary and secondary educations at San Beda College and earned his mechanical engineering degree from the University of the Philippines.
The incoming Comelec commissioner is likewise a certified computer professional and was awarded by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals in Des Moines, Illinois, USA.
Prior to his appointment, Lagman was chairman of Vinta Systems Inc., a developer of A1-oriented software products. He also served as director of STI College Recto and Biometrix Technologies Inc., founding chairman of STI College; former director of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA); president of Computer Associates Inc and coordinator of IBM Philippines Inc. (PCOO)
Ochoa: Uphold environmental standards and protection in mining activities
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Wednesday issued fresh calls for strict adherence to environmental standards and protection in mining activities to avoid disasters similar to the massive landslide in Pantukan, Compostela Valley that have so far left 13 people dead and a number of small-scale miners missing.
“Environmental laws and regulations are there for a reason: to protect both the environment and the lives of those involved in mining operations. When these are violated, we endanger the environment, the lives of miners, as well as people who live in the surrounding areas,” Ochoa said.
According to Ochoa, all stakeholders in the mining industry should comply with environmental laws, including the public who should become allies of the government in seeing to it that protection and safety standards are observed in mining communities.
“The public must remain vigilant and work with the government in the enforcement of environmental laws. While we understand that small-scale mining can be profitable for some communities, our people must keep in mind that mining is regulated because it must be done properly to ensure the safety of miners and to mitigate its impact on the environment,” Ochoa explained.
The Executive Secretary had previously raised concern over the operations of small-scale miners, whose activities are not under the jurisdiction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), but the responsibility of local government units (LGUs).
In a report to Malacanang, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said the landslide took place in Sitio Panganason, Barangay Kingking in Pantukan last April 22 after a slope of a ridge in a small-scale mining site collapsed and buried alive a number of miners, as well as mine tunnels and backyard processing plants.
To date, 13 bodies have been pulled out under the mud and 13 miners have been rescued. The search and retrieval operations are still ongoing to locate the missing as well as the evacuation of residents living near the gold mining site, which has been identified as highly susceptible to landslide as early 2007 by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
Paje reported that small-scale miners had been operating in Pantukan for the past 20 years and that there were close to 1,000 small-scale mining activities in the municipality alone.
Since Friday, the government, through the DENR and the Departments of National Defense and the Interior and Local Government, provincial and municipal governments, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP), has taken steps to speed up the retrieval and rescue operations.
Authorities have also considered the following actions, among others, to address the issues stemming from small-scale mining:
• Identify and implement a “No habitation zone”;
• Conduct mercury sampling of Kingking River;
• Prepare a 1:10,000 detailed geohazard mapping to identify other danger zones and mining zones;
• Design a DENR safe tunnel guidance for LGUs in issuing small-scale mining permits; and
• Train and equip provincial governments in mining and environmental management. (PCOO)
