Aquino urges labor groups, employers, gov't agencies to conduct quarterly meetings
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on various labor groups including the employers, as well as government agencies, to conduct quarterly meetings to discuss and assess the various issues hounding the labor sector in efforts to formulate ways in addressing these concerns and promoting a harmonious relationship.
The Chief Executive issued the call before the major stakeholders in the labor sector during the 109th celebration of Labor Day at Malacañang’s Heroes Hall on Sunday as he underscored the relevance of putting together a labor policy based on regular consultations.
“Hindi ho palagay ko maganda na tuwing May 1 lang nabibigyan ang inyong sector ng pansin, pagkatapos ay magkikita tayo ulit ng May 1… kaya minumungko baka pwede quarterly, mag-usap tayong lahat kasama na po ang employers sector, pati na lahat ng ibang sangay ng gobyerno. Kinakailangan ay makapag-ugnayan tayo habang isinusulat natin at binabalangkas yung magiging labor policy natin…ulitin ko po natin at di ng administrasyon, hindi ng employers lang, hindi ng labor sector lang,” the President said.
The President noted the fast-changing labor situation that has to be considered to avert any dispute in the sector.
“Habang nag-uusap tayo nagbabago na po ang sector ng manggagawa sa buong mundo… kailangan po tayong makisabay sa mga pagbabagong ito para talagang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng bawat sector na kung di magkakatulungan ay wala po tayong mapapala lahat,” President Aquino continued.
During the event, leaders of various labor groups presented to the Chief Executive the issues and concerns within their ranks as they called on his intervention to address the problems.
President Aquino also encouraged the labor groups to report the developments during their meetings and the progress of their common thrusts.
“Sa pangunguna po ni Secretary Baldoz at ako naman po ay available sa inyo dahil sabi ko nga po sa inyo bawal ang day off sa akin, pag-usapan po natin, hubugin po natin at himayin natin bawat isa ang inyong mga inilapit at idinulog nitong araw na ito, next year po sana ma-report naman natin sa isa’t-isa na itong problemang ito ay natapos na natin, ito ay nabigyan na natin ng lunas, ito ay nabigyan na natin ng solusyon… iyon po ang ambisyon ko,” President Aquino said. (PCOO)
Aquino vows to intensify drive to provide scholarships/technical training
President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to intensify the government’s drive to provide scholarships and technical training to produce a more competent and world-class skilled workforce among Filipinos.
In keynoting the 109th celebration of Labor Day at the Heroes Hall of the Palace on Sunday with members of various labor groups and employers both in the government and private sector, the President said he has directed Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad to source out funds that will be allocated for the scholarship programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The Chief Executive said TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva uncovered at least P1.3 billion worth of scholarships that has no budget appropriations. The irregularity has immensely affected the agency’s operation in granting scholarships to deserving recipients.
“Pag kausap po natin si Joel Villanueva halos wala po siyang bukambibig nung pagsampa niya sa TESDA kundi ang natuklasan nila na may P1.3 billion worth of scholarships na hindi ho nagkaroon ng appropriations. In effect, kaliwa’t kanan ang voucher na pinamudmod nung dating namamahala na wala naman palang pondo. Pagdating ni Joel, tulad ko ho, siya ang naatasan na magbayad ng lahat ng utang ng TESDA,” the President said.
“At yung pagbibigay po ng panibagong educational vouchers ay nahaharang dahil nga ho marami itong mga obligasyon na ito. Last time ko ho siyang nakita ay dalawang bilyon piso na raw po ang iniwan sa kanyang utang sa kanilang audit na ginagawa. At malapit na raw po yatang magsampa ng kaukulang kaso dun sa nagpasama sa sitwasyon ng TESDA,” he added.
TESDA is the leading partner in the development of the Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values.
Its mission is to provide direction, policies, programs and standards towards quality technical education and skills development for the Filipino people. (PCOO)
Aquino announces P4.23-B rice subsidy for farmers and fisher folk
President Benigno S. Aquino III announced the availability of a P4.23-billion rice subsidy program for farmers and fisher folk that will augment their incomes during the lean months following a harvest season.
The Chief Executive made the announcement in his speech marking Labor Day celebrations held for various labor groups in Malacañang on Sunday.
The President said this subsidy forms part of his administration’s efforts to address the ever increasing prices of fuel and food as well as to provide gainful employment for our countrymen.
The subsidy, the President stressed, will be used to pay the fishermen and fisher folks’ wages in exchange for their services such as the preparation and cleaning of the farms to be used during the next planting season.
The President also cited other job generation programs of the government such as the deployment of 10,000 registered nurses to poor barangays under the Department of Health’s RN HEALS (Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement And Local Service) program and the infrastructure-related Community-Based Employment Program (CBEP) that are expected to provide one million jobs to build bridges, school buildings and irrigation facilities.
The President also announced that the government’s summer job program for students – the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) – has been expanded to allow more beneficiaries to participate in the program.
“Ngayon, ang budget para sa SPES ay pinadagdagan na natin ng P168.2 million sa DBM (Department of Budget and Management) at DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment),” he said.
The increase in budget will allow 52,000 more students to take part of the SPES, which, the President said, is currently servicing 80,000 students.
He added that the DOLE had recently launched its Career Guide program, an online labor market information service that will provide a qualified jobseeker with updates on in-demand jobs as well as match a graduate’s learning skills to possible and available jobs.
“Hindi lamang nito gagabayan ang mga estudyante sa pagkuha ng wastong kurso sa kolehiyo kundi makakatulong din ito sa mga aplikanteng naghahanap ng trabahong akma sa kanilang kakayahan,” the President said. (PCOO)
Expedite studies on salary increases of workers, Aquino orders regional wage boards
President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered the regional tripartite wages and productivity board (RTWPB) to expedite their respective studies on increasing the salaries of workers as part of government efforts to address the effects of rising fuel and food costs.
The President issued the order at a breakfast meeting he hosted for the various labor groups marking Labor Day celebrations in Malacañang on Sunday.
The President said that by directing the RTWPB to expeditiously act on the workers’ concern for salary increases will provide the labor sector peace of mind and allow the workers to focus more on their jobs.
“Baka naman po puwedeng paspasan na ng mga wage board ang pag-asikaso sa mga isyung ito, upang makatutok na rin ang mga manggagawa sa kani-kanilang mga trabaho, at pare-pareho na tayong makahinga nang mas maluwag,” the President said.
The President said that although he recognizes the apprehension that many businessmen, especially small company owners, have about increasing prices, he assured them that the proper process will be followed before any wage increase can be announced.
“Kinikilala po natin ang pangamba ng mga negosyante, lalo na ng maliliit na kumpanya. Pero hindi natin kayang magbingi-bingihan sa mga daing ng ating mga minimum wage earners. May proseso po para sa kanilang mga hinaing, at nakahain na po ang kanilang mga petisyon sa kani-kanilang mga wage board,” the President said. (PCOO)
Gov't employees to receive mid-year bonus, salary increase earlier
The government’s 1.4-million-strong work force can have something positive to look forward to in the coming days: the earlier release of their mid-year bonus as well as the scheduled increase in their salaries.
President Benigno S. Aquino III announced the good news in his speech commemorating the 109th Labor Day celebration during a meeting with various labor representatives in Malacañang on Sunday.
Government workers usually receive their mid-year bonuses on or after May 15 and the 10 percent increase in their salaries as mandated by the Salary Standardization Law part III in July.
With President Aquino’s announcement, government workers may receive their mid-year bonus anytime between now and May 15 and their salary increase in June.
“Sa mga kabalikat ko pong government worker: pare-pareho tayong excited sa ating mid-year bonus. Kaya nga po yung prosesong dapat, sa a-kinse ng Mayo pa magsisimula, pinagulong na natin,” the President said to thunderous applause from the audience mostly made up of government employees.
“May isa pa po tayong inaabang-abangan: ang third tranche ng ating salary standardization na lalabas ngayong Hunyo. Tama po ang dinig ninyo: sa June at hindi sa July ang pagtaas ng sahod ng mga taga-gobyerno,” he added.
The President said he was cognizant of the importance of releasing the government worker’s salary increase a month earlier as school opens in June.
“Alangan namang ipagpabukas pa natin ang kaya naman nating ibigay ngayon,” the President said. (PCOO)
Ensure speedy investigation into Calbayog City Mayor killing, Aquino tells Bacalzo
President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed Philippine National Police Director General Raul Bacalzo to expedite the investigation into the killing of Calbayog City, Samar Mayor Reynaldo Uy.
Uy, a party mate of President Aquino, was shot and killed during a town fiesta celebration on Saturday night.
“We have directed (PNP) Director General Raul Bacalzo to ensure that they clamp down on the entire province (of Samar) and prevent any more instances of violence,” the President told a press conference in Malacañang Sunday.
“I pressed Raul Bacalzo to ensure a speedy investigation, the arrest of the people behind this dastardly act,” he added.
The President also instructed the regional and provincial police directors of Samar province to exert extra effort to get to the bottom of the killing of Uy, whom he called a close ally.
“So may I take this opportunity also to emphasize to the regional director and provincial director and the various police chiefs that I am looking at them right now and they had better perform,” the President said. (PCOO)
Aquino bares qualifications of new Ombudsman
President Benigno S. Aquino III bared the important qualifications to be considered in the search for a new government watchdog and dispenser of justice for the people after Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez tendered her resignation last Friday.
In an ambush interview following the 109th celebration of Labor Day at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang on Sunday, President Aquino said that the new Ombudsman must be dedicated, principled, courageous and knowledgeable, adding that such characteristics are needed in running after unscrupulous civil servants who have committed crimes against the people, that they may be brought to justice.
“So ano ang hinahanap nating criteria, syempre yung dedicated, may paninindigan, may tapang, may dunong… na para maisulong itong mga kasong ito dahil sa tulong ng nagkasala sa taong bayan, yun lang naman inaambisyon natin, magkaroon ng katiyakan ang kaparusahan. So yung prosecutor ang malaking bahagi na magkaron tayo ng katarungan,” the President said.
Gutierrez personally tendered her resignation letter to President Aquino Friday morning, 10 days before the Senate trial on impeachment case filed against her.
The Ombudsman's resignation will take effect on Friday, May 6.
Under the Constitution, the Ombudsman and his deputies are protectors of the people. They shall act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner against officers or employees of the government, or of any subdivision, agency or instrumentality including government-owned or controlled corporations and enforce their administrative, civil and criminal liability in every case where the evidence warrants in order to promote efficient service by the Government to the people.
The Ombudsman shall also give priority to complaints filed against high ranking government officials and/or those occupying supervisory positions, complaints involving grave offenses as well as complaints involving large sums of money and properties. (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on various labor groups including the employers, as well as government agencies, to conduct quarterly meetings to discuss and assess the various issues hounding the labor sector in efforts to formulate ways in addressing these concerns and promoting a harmonious relationship.
The Chief Executive issued the call before the major stakeholders in the labor sector during the 109th celebration of Labor Day at Malacañang’s Heroes Hall on Sunday as he underscored the relevance of putting together a labor policy based on regular consultations.
“Hindi ho palagay ko maganda na tuwing May 1 lang nabibigyan ang inyong sector ng pansin, pagkatapos ay magkikita tayo ulit ng May 1… kaya minumungko baka pwede quarterly, mag-usap tayong lahat kasama na po ang employers sector, pati na lahat ng ibang sangay ng gobyerno. Kinakailangan ay makapag-ugnayan tayo habang isinusulat natin at binabalangkas yung magiging labor policy natin…ulitin ko po natin at di ng administrasyon, hindi ng employers lang, hindi ng labor sector lang,” the President said.
The President noted the fast-changing labor situation that has to be considered to avert any dispute in the sector.
“Habang nag-uusap tayo nagbabago na po ang sector ng manggagawa sa buong mundo… kailangan po tayong makisabay sa mga pagbabagong ito para talagang matugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng bawat sector na kung di magkakatulungan ay wala po tayong mapapala lahat,” President Aquino continued.
During the event, leaders of various labor groups presented to the Chief Executive the issues and concerns within their ranks as they called on his intervention to address the problems.
President Aquino also encouraged the labor groups to report the developments during their meetings and the progress of their common thrusts.
“Sa pangunguna po ni Secretary Baldoz at ako naman po ay available sa inyo dahil sabi ko nga po sa inyo bawal ang day off sa akin, pag-usapan po natin, hubugin po natin at himayin natin bawat isa ang inyong mga inilapit at idinulog nitong araw na ito, next year po sana ma-report naman natin sa isa’t-isa na itong problemang ito ay natapos na natin, ito ay nabigyan na natin ng lunas, ito ay nabigyan na natin ng solusyon… iyon po ang ambisyon ko,” President Aquino said. (PCOO)
Aquino vows to intensify drive to provide scholarships/technical training
President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to intensify the government’s drive to provide scholarships and technical training to produce a more competent and world-class skilled workforce among Filipinos.
In keynoting the 109th celebration of Labor Day at the Heroes Hall of the Palace on Sunday with members of various labor groups and employers both in the government and private sector, the President said he has directed Budget and Management Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad to source out funds that will be allocated for the scholarship programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The Chief Executive said TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva uncovered at least P1.3 billion worth of scholarships that has no budget appropriations. The irregularity has immensely affected the agency’s operation in granting scholarships to deserving recipients.
“Pag kausap po natin si Joel Villanueva halos wala po siyang bukambibig nung pagsampa niya sa TESDA kundi ang natuklasan nila na may P1.3 billion worth of scholarships na hindi ho nagkaroon ng appropriations. In effect, kaliwa’t kanan ang voucher na pinamudmod nung dating namamahala na wala naman palang pondo. Pagdating ni Joel, tulad ko ho, siya ang naatasan na magbayad ng lahat ng utang ng TESDA,” the President said.
“At yung pagbibigay po ng panibagong educational vouchers ay nahaharang dahil nga ho marami itong mga obligasyon na ito. Last time ko ho siyang nakita ay dalawang bilyon piso na raw po ang iniwan sa kanyang utang sa kanilang audit na ginagawa. At malapit na raw po yatang magsampa ng kaukulang kaso dun sa nagpasama sa sitwasyon ng TESDA,” he added.
TESDA is the leading partner in the development of the Filipino workforce with world-class competence and positive work values.
Its mission is to provide direction, policies, programs and standards towards quality technical education and skills development for the Filipino people. (PCOO)
Aquino announces P4.23-B rice subsidy for farmers and fisher folk
President Benigno S. Aquino III announced the availability of a P4.23-billion rice subsidy program for farmers and fisher folk that will augment their incomes during the lean months following a harvest season.
The Chief Executive made the announcement in his speech marking Labor Day celebrations held for various labor groups in Malacañang on Sunday.
The President said this subsidy forms part of his administration’s efforts to address the ever increasing prices of fuel and food as well as to provide gainful employment for our countrymen.
The subsidy, the President stressed, will be used to pay the fishermen and fisher folks’ wages in exchange for their services such as the preparation and cleaning of the farms to be used during the next planting season.
The President also cited other job generation programs of the government such as the deployment of 10,000 registered nurses to poor barangays under the Department of Health’s RN HEALS (Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement And Local Service) program and the infrastructure-related Community-Based Employment Program (CBEP) that are expected to provide one million jobs to build bridges, school buildings and irrigation facilities.
The President also announced that the government’s summer job program for students – the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) – has been expanded to allow more beneficiaries to participate in the program.
“Ngayon, ang budget para sa SPES ay pinadagdagan na natin ng P168.2 million sa DBM (Department of Budget and Management) at DOLE (Department of Labor and Employment),” he said.
The increase in budget will allow 52,000 more students to take part of the SPES, which, the President said, is currently servicing 80,000 students.
He added that the DOLE had recently launched its Career Guide program, an online labor market information service that will provide a qualified jobseeker with updates on in-demand jobs as well as match a graduate’s learning skills to possible and available jobs.
“Hindi lamang nito gagabayan ang mga estudyante sa pagkuha ng wastong kurso sa kolehiyo kundi makakatulong din ito sa mga aplikanteng naghahanap ng trabahong akma sa kanilang kakayahan,” the President said. (PCOO)
Expedite studies on salary increases of workers, Aquino orders regional wage boards
President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered the regional tripartite wages and productivity board (RTWPB) to expedite their respective studies on increasing the salaries of workers as part of government efforts to address the effects of rising fuel and food costs.
The President issued the order at a breakfast meeting he hosted for the various labor groups marking Labor Day celebrations in Malacañang on Sunday.
The President said that by directing the RTWPB to expeditiously act on the workers’ concern for salary increases will provide the labor sector peace of mind and allow the workers to focus more on their jobs.
“Baka naman po puwedeng paspasan na ng mga wage board ang pag-asikaso sa mga isyung ito, upang makatutok na rin ang mga manggagawa sa kani-kanilang mga trabaho, at pare-pareho na tayong makahinga nang mas maluwag,” the President said.
The President said that although he recognizes the apprehension that many businessmen, especially small company owners, have about increasing prices, he assured them that the proper process will be followed before any wage increase can be announced.
“Kinikilala po natin ang pangamba ng mga negosyante, lalo na ng maliliit na kumpanya. Pero hindi natin kayang magbingi-bingihan sa mga daing ng ating mga minimum wage earners. May proseso po para sa kanilang mga hinaing, at nakahain na po ang kanilang mga petisyon sa kani-kanilang mga wage board,” the President said. (PCOO)
Gov't employees to receive mid-year bonus, salary increase earlier
The government’s 1.4-million-strong work force can have something positive to look forward to in the coming days: the earlier release of their mid-year bonus as well as the scheduled increase in their salaries.
President Benigno S. Aquino III announced the good news in his speech commemorating the 109th Labor Day celebration during a meeting with various labor representatives in Malacañang on Sunday.
Government workers usually receive their mid-year bonuses on or after May 15 and the 10 percent increase in their salaries as mandated by the Salary Standardization Law part III in July.
With President Aquino’s announcement, government workers may receive their mid-year bonus anytime between now and May 15 and their salary increase in June.
“Sa mga kabalikat ko pong government worker: pare-pareho tayong excited sa ating mid-year bonus. Kaya nga po yung prosesong dapat, sa a-kinse ng Mayo pa magsisimula, pinagulong na natin,” the President said to thunderous applause from the audience mostly made up of government employees.
“May isa pa po tayong inaabang-abangan: ang third tranche ng ating salary standardization na lalabas ngayong Hunyo. Tama po ang dinig ninyo: sa June at hindi sa July ang pagtaas ng sahod ng mga taga-gobyerno,” he added.
The President said he was cognizant of the importance of releasing the government worker’s salary increase a month earlier as school opens in June.
“Alangan namang ipagpabukas pa natin ang kaya naman nating ibigay ngayon,” the President said. (PCOO)
Ensure speedy investigation into Calbayog City Mayor killing, Aquino tells Bacalzo
President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed Philippine National Police Director General Raul Bacalzo to expedite the investigation into the killing of Calbayog City, Samar Mayor Reynaldo Uy.
Uy, a party mate of President Aquino, was shot and killed during a town fiesta celebration on Saturday night.
“We have directed (PNP) Director General Raul Bacalzo to ensure that they clamp down on the entire province (of Samar) and prevent any more instances of violence,” the President told a press conference in Malacañang Sunday.
“I pressed Raul Bacalzo to ensure a speedy investigation, the arrest of the people behind this dastardly act,” he added.
The President also instructed the regional and provincial police directors of Samar province to exert extra effort to get to the bottom of the killing of Uy, whom he called a close ally.
“So may I take this opportunity also to emphasize to the regional director and provincial director and the various police chiefs that I am looking at them right now and they had better perform,” the President said. (PCOO)
Aquino bares qualifications of new Ombudsman
President Benigno S. Aquino III bared the important qualifications to be considered in the search for a new government watchdog and dispenser of justice for the people after Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez tendered her resignation last Friday.
In an ambush interview following the 109th celebration of Labor Day at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang on Sunday, President Aquino said that the new Ombudsman must be dedicated, principled, courageous and knowledgeable, adding that such characteristics are needed in running after unscrupulous civil servants who have committed crimes against the people, that they may be brought to justice.
“So ano ang hinahanap nating criteria, syempre yung dedicated, may paninindigan, may tapang, may dunong… na para maisulong itong mga kasong ito dahil sa tulong ng nagkasala sa taong bayan, yun lang naman inaambisyon natin, magkaroon ng katiyakan ang kaparusahan. So yung prosecutor ang malaking bahagi na magkaron tayo ng katarungan,” the President said.
Gutierrez personally tendered her resignation letter to President Aquino Friday morning, 10 days before the Senate trial on impeachment case filed against her.
The Ombudsman's resignation will take effect on Friday, May 6.
Under the Constitution, the Ombudsman and his deputies are protectors of the people. They shall act promptly on complaints filed in any form or manner against officers or employees of the government, or of any subdivision, agency or instrumentality including government-owned or controlled corporations and enforce their administrative, civil and criminal liability in every case where the evidence warrants in order to promote efficient service by the Government to the people.
The Ombudsman shall also give priority to complaints filed against high ranking government officials and/or those occupying supervisory positions, complaints involving grave offenses as well as complaints involving large sums of money and properties. (PCOO)
