President Aquino's twin directives grant pay hike and early bonus for gov't workers
President Benigno Aquino III has issued two presidential directives for the implementation of the third tranche of wage increase under the Salary Standardization Law and the early disbursement of bonus and cash gifts to state workers.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. announced on Friday that President Aquino approved the release of the salary adjustment one month ahead of schedule instead of July under Executive Order No. 40, and the payment in advance of one-half of the year-end bonus and cash gift to civil servants under Memorandum Order No. 14.
The Chief Executive signed both orders on April 29, 2011.
“The President acknowledges the fact that the compensation of government employees is not at par with their counterparts in the private sector, so he recognizes the need to fast-track the improvement to the pay scale of those in the bureaucracy,” Ochoa said.
According to the Executive Secretary, employees entitled to the third installment of the salary standardization will receive their pay adjustment beginning June 1, 2011.
The Executive Secretary said funding for the bonus equivalent to one-half of the one month basic salary and one-half of the P5,000 cash gift had been made available by the Department of Budget to government agencies for distribution since May 1.
“The early release of the mid-year bonus should benefit government personnel who need to take care of expenses usually incurred at this time of the year, like tuition for the enrolment of children of civil servants,” Ochoa noted.
EO 40 specifically states that all employees in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government, constitutional commissions or offices, state universities and colleges, government-owned and -controlled corporations and financial institutions, and local government units (LGUs) whether regular, casual, contractual, appointive or elective on a full-time or part-time basis are covered by the salary increase.
Compensation adjustments also include military personnel of the Department of National Defense and uniformed personnel under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Mapping and Resources Information Authority.
The second installment was last implemented on June 24, 2010 for personnel in national government agencies and January 1, 2011 for LGUs. (PCOO)
ASEAN holds first business summit with European Union
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held its first business summit with the European Union on Thursday (May 5) to further strengthen trade relations and economic cooperation as well as to identify fresh business and investment opportunities.
Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo represented the Philippines to the inaugural meeting between the two trading blocs.
The 1st ASEAN-EU Business Summit was borne out of the commitment of both sides during the 9th Consultations between ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and the EU Trade Commissioner held in Da Nang, Vietnam on August 27, 2010, to facilitate a “platform to exchange views and discuss with ASEAN and EU private sectors on EU-ASEAN trade and investment relations.”
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who opened the Business Summit, said the event is timely for ASEAN to continue learning from the Europeans.
“We need to increase ASEAN’s engagement in discussions towards a more formal economic integration agreement between ASEAN economies and the EU. They have a much longer experience in economic integration and community building – they can be a strong partner with ASEAN to develop together,” he said.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Surin Pitsuwan, said business-to-business and the business-to-government dialogues at the summit, demonstrates ASEAN’s efforts to promote greater synergies in improving the mutual trade and investment climate with the EU.
“Making ASEAN a conducive and welcoming business destination is important. But it is more than business and profits. This is a testimony of global confidence in the leadership of ASEAN Chair. These are exciting times for ASEAN,” he said.
The Summit also saw ASEAN Economic Ministers, and the EU Commissioner for Trade Mr Karel de Gucht, engaged in a lively feedback session with the business leaders attending the summit held at Jakarta Convention Center at downtown Jakarta.
The issues discussed include opportunities in doing business together, as well as the steps taken by the ASEAN and EU Governments to enhance trade and economic relations.
Sector-specific dialogues in the areas of agri-food, automotive, services, healthcare and infrastructure were also held concurrently.
The EU is the largest source of investment flows into ASEAN – ASEAN received US$7.2 billion from the EU, or 18.4 percent of the total Foreign
Direct Investment inflows into ASEAN in 2009. The EU remains ASEAN’s top export destination, with a share of 11.2 percent in 2009.
In terms of total trade, the EU is the second most important trading partner of ASEAN. In addition to business transactions, the EU has allocated a €70 million assistance to ASEAN for the period 2007 to 2013. (PCOO)
Philippine permanent representative to ASEAN talks on ASEAN agenda and its importance
JAKARTA, Indonesia: A senior government official permanently representing the Philippines to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) underscored the importance of the ASEAN Summit to be attended by leaders of its ten-member countries including President Benigno S. Aquino III from May 7 to 8, here.
Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Wilfrido Villacorta in an interview on Thursday noted the important participation of the country to the leaders’ meeting saying that it will serve as a venue for the relevant measures being raised by the Philippines.
“Ang Pilipinas ang nangunguna sa pagpupunyagi ng konsepto ng people-oriented ASEAN, isang organisasyon na hindi lamang nagsisilbi sa kapakanan ng mga gobyernong bumubuo nito ngunit isang organisasyon na nakatutulong sa kabutihan at kapakanan ng mga taong bumubuo nitong mga bansang ito…”, Villacorta said.
“Ang ASEAN ay hindi para lamang sa mga gobyernong bumubuo nito, kungdi para sa kabutihan at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan nitong sampung bansang ito… kaya kailangan ng engagement, consultation with the different sectors which include the youth, the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly, and sa mga civil society organizations” he added.
Villacorta said that consultation with various sectors of society is one of the proposals of the Philippines considering its relevance to policy-making.
“Ito ay isa sa mga mungkahi ng Pilipinas, sapagkat ganyan tayo magbuo ng patakaran o policy sa ating bansa,” he stressed.
Villacorta also said that the Philippines plays a vital role in bringing closer the European Union, which is one of its largest trading and investment partner, to the ASEAN.
“Ang European Union ang isa sa pinakamalaking trade partner natin, hindi lang trade partner kundi investment partner. At dahil dito tayo ang isa sa mga pangunahing tulay between the ASEAN and the European Union.” Villacorta said.
He also cited ASEAN’s importance in pushing President Aquino’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) program.
“No man is an island, kung nag-iisa lamang ang Pilipinas sa pakikitungo at pakikipagtulungan at pakikipag-kalakalan sa mga ibang bansa, hindi ganun kabigat kaysa sa sampung bansa ay nagbubuklod buklod at nakikipag-usap sa mga malalaki at mayayamang mga bansa at mga organisasyon tulad ng European Union … so isa tayo sa mga sampung bansang ito sa Southeast Asia. At pag nagsalita tayo malakas ang ating tinig kaysa nag-iisa lang tayo,” Villacorta noted.
President Aquino is expected to arrive here on Friday for the annual 18th ASEAN Summit.
This year’s ASEAN Summit, which is chaired by Indonesia, has for its theme: “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations.”
The Summit highlights a busy schedule of activities for the leaders which include the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting with ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Representatives, ASEAN Leaders’ Informal Meeting with Youth Representatives and Leaders’ Informal Meeting with Civil Society Organization’s Representatives and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Areas (BIMP- EAGA) Summit. (PCOO)
ASEAN: Coordinated efforts needed to address rising prices
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is calling on its 10-member-countries to come up with ways and means on how to address the ever increasing prices of goods and services.
In an interview after the inaugural ASEAN-EU Business Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center on Friday here Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said that the regional bloc needed the group’s “coordinated efforts” at addressing price increases.
Domingo, who joined other trade ministers for the first ever business meeting between the ASEAN and the 27-country strong European Union, said ASEAN was cognizant of the fact that price increases on goods and services did not only happen within a certain country but was a global phenomenon.
“We need coordinated efforts within ASEAN to address the increasing prices of goods,” Domingo said.
The EU is the largest source of investment flows into ASEAN as the regional bloc received US$7.2 billion, or 18.4 percent of the total Foreign Direct Investment inflows into ASEAN in 2009.
The EU remains ASEAN’s top export destination, with a share of 11.2 percent in 2009.
In terms of total trade, the EU is the second most important trading partner of ASEAN. In addition to business transactions, the EU has allocated a €70 million assistance to ASEAN for the period 2007 to 2013. (PCOO)
Indonesian government assures safety of delegates to the 18th ASEAN Summit
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Indonesian government assured the safety of the delegates to the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here saying all security measures are in place in time for the arrival of the leaders of the other nine-member nations today.
In an interview with the Philippine media at the Media Center inside the compound of the Jakarta Convention Center, Gatot Dawabroto, coordinator of publication and documentation for the ASEAN 2011 Summit said that the local police and other security forces are all set dispensing necessary measures to attain maximum security especially for the delegates from the ASEAN-member countries.
Dawabroto said that the local security force has doubled up its efforts considering the recent killing of Al Qaeda group leader Osama bin Laden and isolated cases of bombing in the country.
“Report from the Indonesian Police tells that they are well prepared and on high alert in conjunction with the Asean Summit because as you know, due to the incident of Osama bin Laden and the current situation of bombing in certain parts of Indonesia, the Indonesian Police has set a special treatment to the security… in order that the high-ranking officials especially the heads of government will have very convenient, very secured circumstances in Indonesia…” Dawabroto said.
The Indonesian official also noted their country’s commitment to its duties as the host country of this year’s summit even as he assured that there will be no threats to the security of the delegates.
“We are sure that there will be no threat during the ASEAN Summit and we don’t want to create any bad image for Indonesia during the summit that is why all the intelligence groups have helped in providing security here”, Dawabroto noted.
He added that they have coordinated with the International Police organizations as part of their procedure in providing security particularly now that they are hosting a major international event. within the Asean region. (PCOO)
Aquino to have enough security for 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta
Malacanang made an assurance that the President Benigno Aquino III, who will be attending the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, will be given enough security as he joins other leaders there.
Indonesian authorities have boosted security against possible revenge attacks by extremists linked to al-Qaeda, after the group’s leader Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan last weekend.
“Aside from the security that will be provided by Indonesia, the President will be secured by his own security personnel,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a press briefing on Friday in Malacanang.
Lacierda also said that Asean member nations have been sharing intelligence to fight terrorism in the region.
The President is leaving Friday afternoon to join other Asean leaders who will meet at the summit on May 7 to 8. The summit has for its theme: ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations.
The Foreign Affairs Department said President Aquino is expected to pursue priorities to build an ASEAN people-centered community that focuses on human rights, connectivity, disaster risk reduction management, promotion and protection of migrant workers, attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, biodiversity, and peace and security.
Security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the delegates. Seven thousand Indonesian police and military personnel have been mobilized to secure the proceedings of the annual event. The local police force has already positioned 4,385 men in the field to safeguard the occasion.
Apart from these, security forces were also strategically positioned in and around the Summit site and along the streets designated as routes for heads of state and ASEAN Summit delegates from and to Soekarno-Hatta Airport, their hotels and the Jakarta Convention Center.
These measures are being carried out to thwart any attempt of Asian terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) to sow chaos during the summit. The group is believed to be behind the 2002 Bali bombing that killed more than 200 people, many of them foreign visitors.
JI is widely considered to be associated with al-Qaeda of Osama bin laden, who was killed by US forces in Pakistan recently. (PCOO)
Palace reactivates task force vs. Illegal recruitment
To bolster government efforts to stop unscrupulous recruiters from victimizing Filipinos seeking jobs overseas, Malacanang has reactivated the Presidential Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment (PTFAIR) under Executive Order No. 41 recently signed by President Benigno Aquino III.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Friday the President’s directive revives PTFAIR, which was created under EO 759 but was automatically dissolved two years after it was established in 2008, to sustain a more focused and coordinated strategy in stemming illegal recruitment.
“The administration is intent on bringing to justice these illegal recruiters and their cohorts to safeguard public interest and prevent them from preying on unsuspecting victims,” Ochoa said.
EO 41, signed by the Chief Executive on April 29, names Vice President Jejomar Binay as chair of PTFAIR, being the President Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers' Concern, and the secretaries of the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Justice (DOJ) as vice chairs.
Other members include the secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs; the commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration; the DOJ prosecutor general; the director of the National Bureau of Investigation; the head of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation; and the general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority.
Ochoa said PTFAIR is tasked to coordinate programs and initiatives of the government agencies concerned in addressing problems and issues related to illegal recruitment.
Specifically, Ochoa said, PTFAIR is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and programs to thwart the modus operandi of illegal recruiters such as “escort” services within international airports and other ports of departure and tampering with and selling spurious passports and travel documents, and prosecuting illegal recruiters and syndicates, including their cohorts, protectors and coddlers.
Under the EO, PTFAIR has the authority to conduct surveillance and entrapment operations of persons alleged to be engaged in illegal recruitment, effect warrants of arrests through its law enforcement arm, investigate and cause speedy prosecution of cases, among others, in order to effectively discharge their mandate, the Executive Secretary stressed.
“But it is also a crucial task of PTFAIR to coordinate with existing bodies currently involved in the campaign against illegal recruitment,” Ochoa added. “The cooperation and coordination of various government agencies at the national and local levels, as well as our partnership with non-government organizations and other private entities concerned is vital to the success of our fight against illegal recruitment.” (PCOO)
Malacanang welcomes Pacquiao’s wearing of yellow gloves in bout with Mosley
Malacanang welcomed the statement made by Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who said he’ll wear yellow boxing gloves when he tangles with African-American boxer Shane Mosley in Las Vegas this coming Sunday.
Pacquiao announced in a pre-fight press conference recently that he would be wearing yellow gloves as a message of hope in fighting hunger and poverty in his native Philippines.
“Well, it’s good that if by wearing yellow it means that he’s gone on the colors of the President and if it’s a call for unity then it’s a welcome gesture on the part of Congressman Pacquiao. Of course we are all for unity and we welcome the action of Congressman Pacquiao,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the media briefing on Friday in Malacanang.
At the same time, the President’s Spokesman wished the Filipino boxing icon good luck in his fight against Mosley, noting that with his skills and experience he will prevail over the veteran American boxer.
Yellow was the presidential campaign color of incumbent Benigno Aquino III. This is the same color adopted by his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, when she ran and won against the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
While Pacquiao ran for Congress under the ticket of Aquino’s closest rival, Sen. Manny Villar, he eventually expressed his support for Aquino after the latter assumed the presidency as a gesture of reconciliation.
Pacquiao is widely regarded as a hero in the Philippines, who rose from poverty and eventually became a global sport icon. (PCOO)
Palace lauds creation of Zamboanga anti-human trafficking task force
Office of the President Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. News Release May 6, 2011 Palace lauds creation of Zamboanga anti-human trafficking task force.
Malacañang lauded the creation of an inter-agency task force to monitor and combat human trafficking crimes in the Zamboanga peninsula and expressed hope that such a mechanism can be replicated in other regions in the country.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Friday the establishment of the Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF) provides a major boost in the government’s fight against the illegal trade of human beings and will help efforts to remove the Philippines from the United States watch list on human trafficking.
“The creation of inter-agency task force and establishment of anti-human trafficking units had been proven to be successful in reducing human trafficking in other countries.
We hope that it will do the same thing for us and the setting up of ZSBATTF is a good start,” the Executive Secretary said. Ochoa issued the statement after receiving the report of Retired Police Director Felizardo M. Serapio, executive director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), informing the Office of the President that member-agencies of the ZSBATTF have formalized their partnership in the drive against human trafficking with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last March 21.
The signing of the agreement was held at the Philippine Ports Authority-Visayan Forum Halfway House, Port Area, Zamboanga City, with United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas as keynote speaker.
In the report, Serapio said the presence of Thomas “demonstrates the commitment of the US Government in the fight against trafficking in persons.” “We have to show our commitment in getting rid of human trafficking, practically and sustainably. Human trafficking is a menace that deprives people of their rights and fundamental freedoms,” the Executive Secretary said.
Last year, the US placed the Philippines in the Tier 2 watch list, precariously close to falling to the Tier 3 category which lumps countries that fail to meet the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of the US.
The Philippines has been classified a Tier 2 watch list country since 2007, the second straight year the country has been in this category. The primary duty of ZSBATTF is to conduct intelligence, surveillance and monitoring activities of trafficking operations within the Zamboanga International Port and Zamboanga International Airport. It is tasked to undertake a unified, coordinated and synchronized interception, arrest and investigation of suspected traffickers in persons as well as rescue of trafficking victims at the two ports.
In its first major rescue operation following its creation, the ZSBATTF had prevented 82 women, believed to be victims of human trafficking, from boarding a Malaysia-bound chartered aircraft at the airport in Zamboanga, considered a transit point in the south.
ZSBATTF is composed of representatives from the PCTC, Department of Justice, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Office of the Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development, Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Worker Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, Department of Labor and Employment, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, Philippine Navy, National Bureau of Investigation, PNP-Women and Children Protection Desk, Criminal Investigation Detection Group, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, PNP Aviation Security Group, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Quarantine, and the non-government organization Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (PCOO)
‘Simplify SMEs business procedures,’ PHL proposes to ASEAN
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Philippines has proposed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to simplify business procedures so that entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will not find it prohibitive but will be encouraged to put up their own businesses that will flourish and expand as time goes by.
Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said he proposed this measure during the first ASEAN-European Union Business Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center here Friday.
“Tapos yung isa ring isyung lumabas yung sa SMEs sabi nila na kelangan talaga tulungan yung mga maliliit na negosyante para lumago yung mga negosyo nila dahil napakarami nga ng maliliit na negosyante dito sa ASEAN,” Domingo said.
“At mayroon tayong pino-propose doon na dapat gawing simple yung procedure para sa SMEs dahil kung maliit kang negosyante tapos komplikado yung procedure eh tumataas yung cost mo sa paggawa nung negosyo. Kaya kailangan ibaba natin yun so, kailangan i-simplify yung mga procedures,” he added.
Domingo pointed out as an example the circuitous process small businessmen have to undergo by filling up form upon form to apply for Free Trade Agreement perks such as zero duties if they can prove the material they use for their products come from the ASEAN region.
He said this process has prevented businessmen from exporting their products abroad.
“So, ang tinutulak natin dito eh i-simplify natin para sa maliliit na negosyante,” Domingo said. (PCOO)
Aquino off for ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia
President Benigno S. Aquino left for Jakarta, Indonesia Friday afternoon to join with other leaders in the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
In his departure speech, the President underscored the need to attend the ASEAN summit to further strengthen the Philippines bilateral, economic and security with neighboring Southeast Asian nations.
“Malinaw ang hangarin natin sa biyaheng ito, ang maiparating sa ibang bayan na nakahanda ang Pilipinas para makipagtulungan,” the President said. “Tiwala tayong ang diwa ng bayanihan ang prinsipyong bumibigkis sa ASEAN.”
During the summit, the President said the 10 ASEAN leaders will meet to discuss the problems caused by massive pollution in the environment, drug trafficking, piracy, and on how to protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
Vice President Jejomar Binay led government officials in the send-off ceremony for the President at the Bulwagang Kalayaan of Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Joining Binay were Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Peace Process Adviser Teresita “Ging” Deles, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban Jr. and National Police Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo Jr., and among others.
The President will be accompanied by a delegation of 54 people in the summit that includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.
Other officials are Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, DFA Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio, Chief Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant Miguel Perez-Rubio, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ramon Vicente Kabigting, and DFA Assistant Secretary Victoria Bataclan.
The ASEAN Summit is an annual gathering of the heads of states and governments of the 10 countries in the South East Asian region. This is the second time that President Aquino will participate in the ASEAN summit since he assumed office last year. The first was in Vietnam in November 2010. (PCOO)
President Benigno Aquino III has issued two presidential directives for the implementation of the third tranche of wage increase under the Salary Standardization Law and the early disbursement of bonus and cash gifts to state workers.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. announced on Friday that President Aquino approved the release of the salary adjustment one month ahead of schedule instead of July under Executive Order No. 40, and the payment in advance of one-half of the year-end bonus and cash gift to civil servants under Memorandum Order No. 14.
The Chief Executive signed both orders on April 29, 2011.
“The President acknowledges the fact that the compensation of government employees is not at par with their counterparts in the private sector, so he recognizes the need to fast-track the improvement to the pay scale of those in the bureaucracy,” Ochoa said.
According to the Executive Secretary, employees entitled to the third installment of the salary standardization will receive their pay adjustment beginning June 1, 2011.
The Executive Secretary said funding for the bonus equivalent to one-half of the one month basic salary and one-half of the P5,000 cash gift had been made available by the Department of Budget to government agencies for distribution since May 1.
“The early release of the mid-year bonus should benefit government personnel who need to take care of expenses usually incurred at this time of the year, like tuition for the enrolment of children of civil servants,” Ochoa noted.
EO 40 specifically states that all employees in the Executive, Legislative and Judicial branches of government, constitutional commissions or offices, state universities and colleges, government-owned and -controlled corporations and financial institutions, and local government units (LGUs) whether regular, casual, contractual, appointive or elective on a full-time or part-time basis are covered by the salary increase.
Compensation adjustments also include military personnel of the Department of National Defense and uniformed personnel under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Mapping and Resources Information Authority.
The second installment was last implemented on June 24, 2010 for personnel in national government agencies and January 1, 2011 for LGUs. (PCOO)
ASEAN holds first business summit with European Union
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) held its first business summit with the European Union on Thursday (May 5) to further strengthen trade relations and economic cooperation as well as to identify fresh business and investment opportunities.
Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo represented the Philippines to the inaugural meeting between the two trading blocs.
The 1st ASEAN-EU Business Summit was borne out of the commitment of both sides during the 9th Consultations between ASEAN Economic Ministers (AEM) and the EU Trade Commissioner held in Da Nang, Vietnam on August 27, 2010, to facilitate a “platform to exchange views and discuss with ASEAN and EU private sectors on EU-ASEAN trade and investment relations.”
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who opened the Business Summit, said the event is timely for ASEAN to continue learning from the Europeans.
“We need to increase ASEAN’s engagement in discussions towards a more formal economic integration agreement between ASEAN economies and the EU. They have a much longer experience in economic integration and community building – they can be a strong partner with ASEAN to develop together,” he said.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Surin Pitsuwan, said business-to-business and the business-to-government dialogues at the summit, demonstrates ASEAN’s efforts to promote greater synergies in improving the mutual trade and investment climate with the EU.
“Making ASEAN a conducive and welcoming business destination is important. But it is more than business and profits. This is a testimony of global confidence in the leadership of ASEAN Chair. These are exciting times for ASEAN,” he said.
The Summit also saw ASEAN Economic Ministers, and the EU Commissioner for Trade Mr Karel de Gucht, engaged in a lively feedback session with the business leaders attending the summit held at Jakarta Convention Center at downtown Jakarta.
The issues discussed include opportunities in doing business together, as well as the steps taken by the ASEAN and EU Governments to enhance trade and economic relations.
Sector-specific dialogues in the areas of agri-food, automotive, services, healthcare and infrastructure were also held concurrently.
The EU is the largest source of investment flows into ASEAN – ASEAN received US$7.2 billion from the EU, or 18.4 percent of the total Foreign
Direct Investment inflows into ASEAN in 2009. The EU remains ASEAN’s top export destination, with a share of 11.2 percent in 2009.
In terms of total trade, the EU is the second most important trading partner of ASEAN. In addition to business transactions, the EU has allocated a €70 million assistance to ASEAN for the period 2007 to 2013. (PCOO)
Philippine permanent representative to ASEAN talks on ASEAN agenda and its importance
JAKARTA, Indonesia: A senior government official permanently representing the Philippines to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) underscored the importance of the ASEAN Summit to be attended by leaders of its ten-member countries including President Benigno S. Aquino III from May 7 to 8, here.
Philippine Permanent Representative to ASEAN, Ambassador Wilfrido Villacorta in an interview on Thursday noted the important participation of the country to the leaders’ meeting saying that it will serve as a venue for the relevant measures being raised by the Philippines.
“Ang Pilipinas ang nangunguna sa pagpupunyagi ng konsepto ng people-oriented ASEAN, isang organisasyon na hindi lamang nagsisilbi sa kapakanan ng mga gobyernong bumubuo nito ngunit isang organisasyon na nakatutulong sa kabutihan at kapakanan ng mga taong bumubuo nitong mga bansang ito…”, Villacorta said.
“Ang ASEAN ay hindi para lamang sa mga gobyernong bumubuo nito, kungdi para sa kabutihan at kapakanan ng mga mamamayan nitong sampung bansang ito… kaya kailangan ng engagement, consultation with the different sectors which include the youth, the ASEAN Inter-parliamentary Assembly, and sa mga civil society organizations” he added.
Villacorta said that consultation with various sectors of society is one of the proposals of the Philippines considering its relevance to policy-making.
“Ito ay isa sa mga mungkahi ng Pilipinas, sapagkat ganyan tayo magbuo ng patakaran o policy sa ating bansa,” he stressed.
Villacorta also said that the Philippines plays a vital role in bringing closer the European Union, which is one of its largest trading and investment partner, to the ASEAN.
“Ang European Union ang isa sa pinakamalaking trade partner natin, hindi lang trade partner kundi investment partner. At dahil dito tayo ang isa sa mga pangunahing tulay between the ASEAN and the European Union.” Villacorta said.
He also cited ASEAN’s importance in pushing President Aquino’s Public Private Partnership (PPP) program.
“No man is an island, kung nag-iisa lamang ang Pilipinas sa pakikitungo at pakikipagtulungan at pakikipag-kalakalan sa mga ibang bansa, hindi ganun kabigat kaysa sa sampung bansa ay nagbubuklod buklod at nakikipag-usap sa mga malalaki at mayayamang mga bansa at mga organisasyon tulad ng European Union … so isa tayo sa mga sampung bansang ito sa Southeast Asia. At pag nagsalita tayo malakas ang ating tinig kaysa nag-iisa lang tayo,” Villacorta noted.
President Aquino is expected to arrive here on Friday for the annual 18th ASEAN Summit.
This year’s ASEAN Summit, which is chaired by Indonesia, has for its theme: “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations.”
The Summit highlights a busy schedule of activities for the leaders which include the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting with ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Representatives, ASEAN Leaders’ Informal Meeting with Youth Representatives and Leaders’ Informal Meeting with Civil Society Organization’s Representatives and the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Areas (BIMP- EAGA) Summit. (PCOO)
ASEAN: Coordinated efforts needed to address rising prices
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is calling on its 10-member-countries to come up with ways and means on how to address the ever increasing prices of goods and services.
In an interview after the inaugural ASEAN-EU Business Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center on Friday here Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said that the regional bloc needed the group’s “coordinated efforts” at addressing price increases.
Domingo, who joined other trade ministers for the first ever business meeting between the ASEAN and the 27-country strong European Union, said ASEAN was cognizant of the fact that price increases on goods and services did not only happen within a certain country but was a global phenomenon.
“We need coordinated efforts within ASEAN to address the increasing prices of goods,” Domingo said.
The EU is the largest source of investment flows into ASEAN as the regional bloc received US$7.2 billion, or 18.4 percent of the total Foreign Direct Investment inflows into ASEAN in 2009.
The EU remains ASEAN’s top export destination, with a share of 11.2 percent in 2009.
In terms of total trade, the EU is the second most important trading partner of ASEAN. In addition to business transactions, the EU has allocated a €70 million assistance to ASEAN for the period 2007 to 2013. (PCOO)
Indonesian government assures safety of delegates to the 18th ASEAN Summit
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Indonesian government assured the safety of the delegates to the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit here saying all security measures are in place in time for the arrival of the leaders of the other nine-member nations today.
In an interview with the Philippine media at the Media Center inside the compound of the Jakarta Convention Center, Gatot Dawabroto, coordinator of publication and documentation for the ASEAN 2011 Summit said that the local police and other security forces are all set dispensing necessary measures to attain maximum security especially for the delegates from the ASEAN-member countries.
Dawabroto said that the local security force has doubled up its efforts considering the recent killing of Al Qaeda group leader Osama bin Laden and isolated cases of bombing in the country.
“Report from the Indonesian Police tells that they are well prepared and on high alert in conjunction with the Asean Summit because as you know, due to the incident of Osama bin Laden and the current situation of bombing in certain parts of Indonesia, the Indonesian Police has set a special treatment to the security… in order that the high-ranking officials especially the heads of government will have very convenient, very secured circumstances in Indonesia…” Dawabroto said.
The Indonesian official also noted their country’s commitment to its duties as the host country of this year’s summit even as he assured that there will be no threats to the security of the delegates.
“We are sure that there will be no threat during the ASEAN Summit and we don’t want to create any bad image for Indonesia during the summit that is why all the intelligence groups have helped in providing security here”, Dawabroto noted.
He added that they have coordinated with the International Police organizations as part of their procedure in providing security particularly now that they are hosting a major international event. within the Asean region. (PCOO)
Aquino to have enough security for 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta
Malacanang made an assurance that the President Benigno Aquino III, who will be attending the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, will be given enough security as he joins other leaders there.
Indonesian authorities have boosted security against possible revenge attacks by extremists linked to al-Qaeda, after the group’s leader Osama bin Laden was killed in Pakistan last weekend.
“Aside from the security that will be provided by Indonesia, the President will be secured by his own security personnel,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told reporters in a press briefing on Friday in Malacanang.
Lacierda also said that Asean member nations have been sharing intelligence to fight terrorism in the region.
The President is leaving Friday afternoon to join other Asean leaders who will meet at the summit on May 7 to 8. The summit has for its theme: ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations.
The Foreign Affairs Department said President Aquino is expected to pursue priorities to build an ASEAN people-centered community that focuses on human rights, connectivity, disaster risk reduction management, promotion and protection of migrant workers, attainment of the Millennium Development Goals, biodiversity, and peace and security.
Security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of the delegates. Seven thousand Indonesian police and military personnel have been mobilized to secure the proceedings of the annual event. The local police force has already positioned 4,385 men in the field to safeguard the occasion.
Apart from these, security forces were also strategically positioned in and around the Summit site and along the streets designated as routes for heads of state and ASEAN Summit delegates from and to Soekarno-Hatta Airport, their hotels and the Jakarta Convention Center.
These measures are being carried out to thwart any attempt of Asian terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) to sow chaos during the summit. The group is believed to be behind the 2002 Bali bombing that killed more than 200 people, many of them foreign visitors.
JI is widely considered to be associated with al-Qaeda of Osama bin laden, who was killed by US forces in Pakistan recently. (PCOO)
Palace reactivates task force vs. Illegal recruitment
To bolster government efforts to stop unscrupulous recruiters from victimizing Filipinos seeking jobs overseas, Malacanang has reactivated the Presidential Task Force Against Illegal Recruitment (PTFAIR) under Executive Order No. 41 recently signed by President Benigno Aquino III.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Friday the President’s directive revives PTFAIR, which was created under EO 759 but was automatically dissolved two years after it was established in 2008, to sustain a more focused and coordinated strategy in stemming illegal recruitment.
“The administration is intent on bringing to justice these illegal recruiters and their cohorts to safeguard public interest and prevent them from preying on unsuspecting victims,” Ochoa said.
EO 41, signed by the Chief Executive on April 29, names Vice President Jejomar Binay as chair of PTFAIR, being the President Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers' Concern, and the secretaries of the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Justice (DOJ) as vice chairs.
Other members include the secretaries of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs; the commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration; the DOJ prosecutor general; the director of the National Bureau of Investigation; the head of the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation; and the general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority.
Ochoa said PTFAIR is tasked to coordinate programs and initiatives of the government agencies concerned in addressing problems and issues related to illegal recruitment.
Specifically, Ochoa said, PTFAIR is responsible for developing and implementing strategies and programs to thwart the modus operandi of illegal recruiters such as “escort” services within international airports and other ports of departure and tampering with and selling spurious passports and travel documents, and prosecuting illegal recruiters and syndicates, including their cohorts, protectors and coddlers.
Under the EO, PTFAIR has the authority to conduct surveillance and entrapment operations of persons alleged to be engaged in illegal recruitment, effect warrants of arrests through its law enforcement arm, investigate and cause speedy prosecution of cases, among others, in order to effectively discharge their mandate, the Executive Secretary stressed.
“But it is also a crucial task of PTFAIR to coordinate with existing bodies currently involved in the campaign against illegal recruitment,” Ochoa added. “The cooperation and coordination of various government agencies at the national and local levels, as well as our partnership with non-government organizations and other private entities concerned is vital to the success of our fight against illegal recruitment.” (PCOO)
Malacanang welcomes Pacquiao’s wearing of yellow gloves in bout with Mosley
Malacanang welcomed the statement made by Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who said he’ll wear yellow boxing gloves when he tangles with African-American boxer Shane Mosley in Las Vegas this coming Sunday.
Pacquiao announced in a pre-fight press conference recently that he would be wearing yellow gloves as a message of hope in fighting hunger and poverty in his native Philippines.
“Well, it’s good that if by wearing yellow it means that he’s gone on the colors of the President and if it’s a call for unity then it’s a welcome gesture on the part of Congressman Pacquiao. Of course we are all for unity and we welcome the action of Congressman Pacquiao,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the media briefing on Friday in Malacanang.
At the same time, the President’s Spokesman wished the Filipino boxing icon good luck in his fight against Mosley, noting that with his skills and experience he will prevail over the veteran American boxer.
Yellow was the presidential campaign color of incumbent Benigno Aquino III. This is the same color adopted by his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, when she ran and won against the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.
While Pacquiao ran for Congress under the ticket of Aquino’s closest rival, Sen. Manny Villar, he eventually expressed his support for Aquino after the latter assumed the presidency as a gesture of reconciliation.
Pacquiao is widely regarded as a hero in the Philippines, who rose from poverty and eventually became a global sport icon. (PCOO)
Palace lauds creation of Zamboanga anti-human trafficking task force
Office of the President Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. News Release May 6, 2011 Palace lauds creation of Zamboanga anti-human trafficking task force.
Malacañang lauded the creation of an inter-agency task force to monitor and combat human trafficking crimes in the Zamboanga peninsula and expressed hope that such a mechanism can be replicated in other regions in the country.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Friday the establishment of the Zamboanga Sea-Based Anti-Trafficking Task Force (ZSBATTF) provides a major boost in the government’s fight against the illegal trade of human beings and will help efforts to remove the Philippines from the United States watch list on human trafficking.
“The creation of inter-agency task force and establishment of anti-human trafficking units had been proven to be successful in reducing human trafficking in other countries.
We hope that it will do the same thing for us and the setting up of ZSBATTF is a good start,” the Executive Secretary said. Ochoa issued the statement after receiving the report of Retired Police Director Felizardo M. Serapio, executive director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), informing the Office of the President that member-agencies of the ZSBATTF have formalized their partnership in the drive against human trafficking with the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last March 21.
The signing of the agreement was held at the Philippine Ports Authority-Visayan Forum Halfway House, Port Area, Zamboanga City, with United States Ambassador to the Philippines Harry K. Thomas as keynote speaker.
In the report, Serapio said the presence of Thomas “demonstrates the commitment of the US Government in the fight against trafficking in persons.” “We have to show our commitment in getting rid of human trafficking, practically and sustainably. Human trafficking is a menace that deprives people of their rights and fundamental freedoms,” the Executive Secretary said.
Last year, the US placed the Philippines in the Tier 2 watch list, precariously close to falling to the Tier 3 category which lumps countries that fail to meet the minimum standards of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of the US.
The Philippines has been classified a Tier 2 watch list country since 2007, the second straight year the country has been in this category. The primary duty of ZSBATTF is to conduct intelligence, surveillance and monitoring activities of trafficking operations within the Zamboanga International Port and Zamboanga International Airport. It is tasked to undertake a unified, coordinated and synchronized interception, arrest and investigation of suspected traffickers in persons as well as rescue of trafficking victims at the two ports.
In its first major rescue operation following its creation, the ZSBATTF had prevented 82 women, believed to be victims of human trafficking, from boarding a Malaysia-bound chartered aircraft at the airport in Zamboanga, considered a transit point in the south.
ZSBATTF is composed of representatives from the PCTC, Department of Justice, Philippine Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Immigration, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Office of the Zamboanga City Social Welfare and Development, Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Worker Welfare Administration, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, Department of Labor and Employment, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Philippine National Police-Maritime Group, Philippine Navy, National Bureau of Investigation, PNP-Women and Children Protection Desk, Criminal Investigation Detection Group, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, PNP Aviation Security Group, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Quarantine, and the non-government organization Visayan Forum Foundation Inc. (PCOO)
‘Simplify SMEs business procedures,’ PHL proposes to ASEAN
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Philippines has proposed to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to simplify business procedures so that entrepreneurs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) will not find it prohibitive but will be encouraged to put up their own businesses that will flourish and expand as time goes by.
Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo said he proposed this measure during the first ASEAN-European Union Business Summit at the Jakarta Convention Center here Friday.
“Tapos yung isa ring isyung lumabas yung sa SMEs sabi nila na kelangan talaga tulungan yung mga maliliit na negosyante para lumago yung mga negosyo nila dahil napakarami nga ng maliliit na negosyante dito sa ASEAN,” Domingo said.
“At mayroon tayong pino-propose doon na dapat gawing simple yung procedure para sa SMEs dahil kung maliit kang negosyante tapos komplikado yung procedure eh tumataas yung cost mo sa paggawa nung negosyo. Kaya kailangan ibaba natin yun so, kailangan i-simplify yung mga procedures,” he added.
Domingo pointed out as an example the circuitous process small businessmen have to undergo by filling up form upon form to apply for Free Trade Agreement perks such as zero duties if they can prove the material they use for their products come from the ASEAN region.
He said this process has prevented businessmen from exporting their products abroad.
“So, ang tinutulak natin dito eh i-simplify natin para sa maliliit na negosyante,” Domingo said. (PCOO)
Aquino off for ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia
President Benigno S. Aquino left for Jakarta, Indonesia Friday afternoon to join with other leaders in the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.
In his departure speech, the President underscored the need to attend the ASEAN summit to further strengthen the Philippines bilateral, economic and security with neighboring Southeast Asian nations.
“Malinaw ang hangarin natin sa biyaheng ito, ang maiparating sa ibang bayan na nakahanda ang Pilipinas para makipagtulungan,” the President said. “Tiwala tayong ang diwa ng bayanihan ang prinsipyong bumibigkis sa ASEAN.”
During the summit, the President said the 10 ASEAN leaders will meet to discuss the problems caused by massive pollution in the environment, drug trafficking, piracy, and on how to protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers.
Vice President Jejomar Binay led government officials in the send-off ceremony for the President at the Bulwagang Kalayaan of Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
Joining Binay were Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia, Health Secretary Enrique Ona, Peace Process Adviser Teresita “Ging” Deles, Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban Jr. and National Police Chief Director General Raul Bacalzo Jr., and among others.
The President will be accompanied by a delegation of 54 people in the summit that includes Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.
Other officials are Secretary Ramon Carandang of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, DFA Undersecretary Erlinda Basilio, Chief Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant Miguel Perez-Rubio, Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ramon Vicente Kabigting, and DFA Assistant Secretary Victoria Bataclan.
The ASEAN Summit is an annual gathering of the heads of states and governments of the 10 countries in the South East Asian region. This is the second time that President Aquino will participate in the ASEAN summit since he assumed office last year. The first was in Vietnam in November 2010. (PCOO)
