Indonesian government keen on adopting 'Pantawid Pasada' Program
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III’s fuel subsidy program Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP) is being studied by the Republic of Indonesia as a possible substitute for their state-funded subsidy on fuel prices.
In a press briefing at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Saturday, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said that the Indonesian government is considering implementing a similar subsidy program that will be granted to specific sectors of the society aimed at helping their government maximize the funds allocated every year.
“They are actually looking at our Pantawid Pasada system, instead of subsidizing everything they will now move into direct subsidies to specific sector, mainly the transport system”, Almendras said.
“When their money runs out… they are going to shift to specific targeted solutions”, he added.
Indonesia spends ten billion US dollars a year to subsidize the daily fuel requirements of its people.
Due to the increasing demand, Almendras said that the Indonesian government expressed fears of a possible shortage of funds intended for the fuel assistance being extended to the people.
“Indonesia is an oil producing country…but they do not have enough for the present demand. The President of Indonesia is worried about how they are going to handle it when and if they ran out of the money they set aside”, Almendras said.
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang for his part said that Indonesia’s oil reserves has been depleting resulting to difficulties for their government to sustain the subsidy. The reduction in oil reserves has also affected their membership to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
He added that in recent years, the Indonesian government has been reducing financial support to the rising prices and demand of oil.
“They are moving away from almost a universal subsidy on fuel towards a more targeted subsidy like we have in the Philippines and this is an economy that is larger than ours in absolute terms,” Carandang noted. (PCOO)
Phl to invest in Cambodia and Laos
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Philippines will soon be an investment partner of Cambodia and Laos in the fields of agriculture and tourism, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang announced Saturday.
Carandang, in an interview with reporters covering President Benigno S. Aquino III’s attendance at the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit here from May 7 to 8, said the invitation to invest came during respective bilateral talks with the Philippines.
“Naghahanap sila ng investments so ang sabi nila sa amin, interesado kami sa tourism, sa food and food production,” Carandang said.
He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had specifically asked President Aquino for investments in the fields of rice importation and the opening of direct flights to and from Manila and Cambodia.
For Laos, Carandang said that while the bilateral talks with the Philippines was more like a “courtesy call,” providing the country with a chance to re-introduce itself to its ASEAN neighbors, Laos had also invited the Philippines to invest in their country.
In response, Carandang quoted the President as saying the (PHL) government would study the proposals and inform the concerned countries of their decision immediately. (PCOO)
Plan for informal settlers being developed -- Aquino
JAKARTA, Indonesia: An ambitious plan to address the Philippines’ perennial problem of informal settlers is being developed and may soon be implemented, President Benigno S. Aquino III announced Saturday night.
In an informal press briefing with members of the Malacañang Press Corps at the Four Seasons Hotel here, President Aquino said the plan will allot government land to an initial 560,000 families (a third of the more than 1.4-million informal settlers in the whole country) determined to be “squatting” in Metro Manila.
He said a unique “opportunity” had presented itself after an inventory led by the Departments of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources had discovered that 1.5-million hectares of government land were readily available.
“We can give each of those 560,000 families two hectares of land provided they cultivate, develop and earn from the land they will live on,” the President said.
“If they fail to stick to these conditions, the land will be taken from them,” he added.
He stressed, however that since this plan was still being developed, the nitty-gritty details of who will receive the land, where it is located and when the plan will be implemented is still being finalized. (PCOO)
Aquino says Filipinos who wish to avail of rice subsidy will pass through National Household Targeting System
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Saturday that Filipinos who wish to avail of the government’s rice subsidy program will have to pass through a household pre-determining system to ensure that only those who really need the staple will receive it.
This way, the government’s pro-poor food program will be used more effectively, the President told members of the Malacanang Press Corps at an informal press briefing at the Four Seasons Hotel here.
“(Filipinos who wish to avail of) our rice subsidy will have to pass through the government’s National Household Targeting System,” the President said.
He added that the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will be the lead agency to distribute the rice.
“With the DSWD at the helm of distributing rice, only qualified Filipino households and individuals who really needed the staple would be able to get it,” the President said.
He likened the government’s rice subsidy program to another government subsidy program: the Pantawid Pasada program for members of the transportation sector.
So just like the distribution of fuel under our Pantawid Pasada Program…those drivers with transportation franchises and tricycles pre-determined by their respective LGUs (local government units) would be given fuel subsidies,” the President said.
The Pantawid Pasada Program, also known as the Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP), is contained in the President’s Executive Order No. 3 that will provide around 214, 596 jeepneys nationwide with smart cards pre-loaded with P1,050, an amount equivalent to a fuel assistance of P35 per day for one whole month. (PCOO)
Phl open skies policy, a step towards connectivity plan in region -- ASEAN
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III's selective open skies policy that aims to fully liberalize the Philippine’s aviation industry and benefit tourism, trade and investment, was recognized by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders as a step towards the realization of seamless travel between the 10-member country regional bloc envisioned under the ASEAN connectivity plan.
The ASEAN Connectivity Plan seeks to link all 10 ASEAN member countries through a network of commuter airports and Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) ports, which was originally proposed by the Philippines a few years back, has now been adopted as a major project towards the realization of an ASEAN Community by 2015.
Energy Secretary Jose Almendras said in a press conference Saturday that ASEAN leaders had discussed the proposal during the plenary session, to encourage more budget airlines to operate direct flights among neighboring ASEAN countries from small regional airports.
Almendras said that President Aquino’s selective open skies policy has effectively positioned the country to take advantage of the expected increase in airline traffic as a result of the ASEAN Connectivity Plan.
Almendras pointed out that the Philippines is now focusing on expanding its existing RoRo network to serve as the backbone for the proposed ASEAN RoRo network, another integral part of the ASEAN Connectivity Plan.
The Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity aims to provide a framework for regional cooperation and provide a foundation for further connectivity with other regions such as East Asia and South Asia. (PCOO)
Aquino allays rumors of Cabinet revamp
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed full confidence in his cabinet as he made it clear that the government is not considering any revamp within the officials in the Executive department.
The President made the announcement at an informal press briefing with the Malacanang Press Corps on Saturday at the Four Seasons Hotel here following his attendance at the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, here.
“I am empowered to re-organize the Executive branch to a large degree at any given time, tinatanong ako kung may Cabinet revamp kung sino ang papalitan ko, sabi ko, I’m happy with the Cabinet… so why should there be a revamp,” the Chief Executive said.
The President cited the dedicated performance of his cabinet exerting extra efforts to ensure the delivery of basic needs to the Filipino people.
“Isa sa pinaka-vital role diyan is when I tell any of the cabinet secretaries to do something or lalo na pag multiple cabinet secretaries to attend to something, we want to make sure that the output is delivered at an appropriate time or ahead of the schedule”, the President said.
The President recognized the hard work, sincerity and commitment of the cabinet in pursuing the social contract of the Aquino administration anchored on transparency and accountability in public service.
“How hardworking is the cabinet, si Leila (Justice Secretary De Lima) siguro, I see her mga three times a week… baka four times pa nga, feeling ko kaaalis lang niya, bumabalik na siya. And that goes for everybody, yung DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) pag titingnan mo, is it a glamorous position? Is it a position na kailangan na araw araw nasa TV? Pero siya yung workhorse na pumunta ng Amerika at nakuha yung 2.4 million na investment, pumunta ng Japan yung initial tranch na 2.6 (million), pumunta ng Europe, same thing, sa China ganun din… habang kumukuha ng investors binabantayan din ang presyo sa mga palengke …”, President Aquino said.
The President noted that despite the minimal pay, the cabinet has been focused on their duties, producing results in their respective functions.
The President made the clarification to address the lingering issue of revamp within the Executive department. (PCOO)
Aquino bares five-fold increase in ADB-funded E-Trike production
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III bared a five-fold funding increase for rolling out of electric-powered tricycles “E-trike” in efforts to address not only the rising fuel prices but also the pollution problem in Metro Manila.
In an informal press briefing with the Malacanang Press Corps on Saturday at the Four Seasons Hotel, here, the Chief Executive said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be increasing financial support to the government’s E-trike program from an originally planned 20,000 units to 100,000 electric tricycles.
“This is another bit of good news, which is testament to the international financial community's confidence in the Philippine government,” the President said.
The President together with the ADB launched the e-trike pilot project in Mandaluyong City, recently, that seeks to eventually replace most of the nation's gasoline-fed tricycles with environment-friendly lithium-battery powered trikes aimed at cutting down on pollution and gasoline consumption.
Rising fuel costs has adversely affected tricycle drivers and operators, prompting the government to extend them limited financial assistance under the "Pantawid Pasada Program".
The 500 million dollar project would include the putting up of charging stations. Ten of the E-trikes can seat six to eight passengers, and come with a six kilowatt-hour-lithium ion battery that can run a tricycle to a distance of 80 to 100 kilometers with a single charge.
The rest are equipped with a 3-kilowatt-hour battery that needs to be charged within only 20 minutes after 40 to 50 kilometers of travel.
President Aquino is in Indonesia to participate in the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. (PCOO)
Malacanang extends congratulations to Pacquiao on his victory against Mosley
Malacañang extended its congratulations to Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao after he successfully defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown against American boxer Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on Sunday.
“Nakikiisa ang Pangulong Aquino, ang buong pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan sa pagbubunyi, pagdiriwang sa karangalang idinulot sa ating pambansang kamao na si Manny Pacquiao,” Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said in an interview over radio station dzBB following the announcement of Pacquiao’s victory.
Coloma said President Aquino is monitoring the Pacquiao fight although he’s attending the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.
Coloma also asked Filipinos to heed the call of Pacquiao for unity. This was symbolized by Pacquiao wearing yellow boxing gloves during his bout with Mosley. Yellow is the President ‘s campaign color when he vied for the presidency last May. It is also the same color used by his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, when she run and defeated the strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
“Ang panawagan ni Manny sa ating mga kababayan ay iyung magkaisa po tayo at ito ay dapat nating sundin, Ang buong bansa po ay nakikiisa sa kanya at sana pagkatapos nitong laban ay magkakaisa din tayo doon sa mas malaking laban para tapusin ang kahirapan sa ating bansa,” Coloma said.
The people’s champion is expected to receive a warm reception from the Filipino people when he arrives from the US, like what Filipinos did during his previous ring successes.
Coloma said he hopes the President would have an early opportunity to personally congratulate Pacquiao
“Makikiisa ang Pangulo dahil ang buong bansa ang nagdiriwang para kay Manny Pacquiao,” he said.
Pacquiao is the only boxer in history who earned 10 world titles in eight different weight classes. Aside from being a global boxing icon, he is also a well known figure in Philippine politics after winning a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives.
Pacquiao’s success story is extraordinary, rising from poverty towards becoming one of the richest celebrity athletes in the world. (PCOO)
Aquino congratulates Pacquiao for his victory against Mosley
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulated Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao for successfully defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against American boxer Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on Sunday.
The President issued his congratulatory message for Pacquiao while in Indonesia attending the 18th summit of the 10-member regional bloc Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The President’s message follows in full:
Kasama ko ang sambayanang Pilipino na taos-pusong bumabati kay Manny Pacquiao sa kanyang panibagong tagumpay laban kay “Sugar” Shane Mosley sa Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Sa kaniyang pagdepensa sa WBO world welterweight belt, hindi lamang ang likas na tatag, lakas at tapang ng mga Pinoy ang muling ibinandila ng ating Pambansang kamao sa buong mundo. Bagkus, ipinamalas din niya ang disiplina, determinasyon at tunay na galing ng mga Pilipino.
Higit pa itong pinatingkad nang pinili niyang magsuot ng dilaw na boxing gloves, na sumasagisag sa pakikiisa ni Manny sa ating laban kontra kahirapan. Sa kabila ng kaniyang tagumpay, hindi kinakalimutan ni Manny na lumingon at ibangon ang mga kababayan niyang pinabagsak ng mga suliranin. Mulat siyang may mga laban na hindi natatapos sa loob ng ring— na may obligasyon siya para sa Inang bayan, kung saan malasakit at mahusay na serbisyo sa kapwa ang pangunahin niyang sandata.
Walang dudang isang bayani si Manny Pacquiao: ang pound for pound King na patuloy na naghahatid ng papuri sa bansang Pilipinas, at bumubuhay sa diwa at dangal ng lahing Pilipino. (PCOO)
ASEAN: End Cambodia-Thailand border dispute peacefully
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Speaking as one, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) unanimously declared that the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia must be peacefully resolved in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity.
In his speech bringing to a close the 18th ASEAN Summit held here Sunday, Indonesian President and this year’s ASEAN Chair Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Indonesia will bring a “facilitator” to assist in seeing to its logical end the border row between two countries.
“On the border issue between Cambodia and Thailand, our Summit has reinforced the message that this issue must be resolved by peaceful means and that ASEAN, through its Chair, has a key facilitative role (to play),” Yudhoyono said. (PCOO)
ASEAN leaders agree on 3 priorities
JAKARTA, Indonesia –The 18thAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was formally brought to a close Sunday with the 10-member regional bloc jointly agreeing to support three priorities outlined by Indonesia during its chairmanship of the Summit.
The priorities, Indonesian President and Chair of this year’s ASEAN Summit Susilo Yudhoyono said in a statement, that these priorities will obligate ASEAN members to work towards achieving the ASEAN Community by 2015 and beyond and to ensure that the region’s architecture and environment remain ASEAN-centered and conducive to development.
“We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN-member states, gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia for the18th ASEAN Summit, supported the three priorities outlined by Indonesia during its Chairmanship in 2011, namely: to ensure significant progress in achieving the ASEAN Community; to ensure that the regional architecture and regional environment remain ASEAN-centered and conducive to development; and, to commence deliberations on an ASEAN vision beyond 2015 namely “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations,” Yudhoyono’s statement read.
“We also agreed to work together based on those priorities to accelerate the undertakings towards the ASEAN Community in 2015 and to achieve a common platform for ASEAN beyond 2015 in Southeast Asia,” it added.
Yudhoyono said that the leaders had committed themselves to “intensifying our work towards a people-oriented, people-centered and rules-based ASEAN.
“We will continue to encourage the participation of the peoples and other stakeholders of ASEAN in the community building process on the basis of the three pillars namely: political-security, economic and socio-cultural,” Yudhoyono said.
Aside from expressing support for the above-mentioned priorities, the ASEAN leaders also agreed to adopt three joint statements: on the ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations; on the Establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation; and, in Enhancing Cooperation against Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Asia. (PCOO)
Aquino delays his return to Manila due to inclement weather conditions
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT-Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III decided to delay his return flight to Manila on the advice of his pilots and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) citing extreme weather conditions that could affect the safety of their travel.
The Chief Executive is expected to be home before noon Monday.
President Aquino was originally scheduled to be home Sunday evening following the closing ceremonies of the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Meanwhile, the President managed to call Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao between meetings to personally greet him for his latest victory.
Pacquiao earned his 14th consecutive victory after beating American Shane Mosley in a 12-round decision retaining his WBO welterweight title on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, USA. (PCOO)
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III’s fuel subsidy program Pantawid Pasada Program (PPP) is being studied by the Republic of Indonesia as a possible substitute for their state-funded subsidy on fuel prices.
In a press briefing at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Saturday, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said that the Indonesian government is considering implementing a similar subsidy program that will be granted to specific sectors of the society aimed at helping their government maximize the funds allocated every year.
“They are actually looking at our Pantawid Pasada system, instead of subsidizing everything they will now move into direct subsidies to specific sector, mainly the transport system”, Almendras said.
“When their money runs out… they are going to shift to specific targeted solutions”, he added.
Indonesia spends ten billion US dollars a year to subsidize the daily fuel requirements of its people.
Due to the increasing demand, Almendras said that the Indonesian government expressed fears of a possible shortage of funds intended for the fuel assistance being extended to the people.
“Indonesia is an oil producing country…but they do not have enough for the present demand. The President of Indonesia is worried about how they are going to handle it when and if they ran out of the money they set aside”, Almendras said.
Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang for his part said that Indonesia’s oil reserves has been depleting resulting to difficulties for their government to sustain the subsidy. The reduction in oil reserves has also affected their membership to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
He added that in recent years, the Indonesian government has been reducing financial support to the rising prices and demand of oil.
“They are moving away from almost a universal subsidy on fuel towards a more targeted subsidy like we have in the Philippines and this is an economy that is larger than ours in absolute terms,” Carandang noted. (PCOO)
Phl to invest in Cambodia and Laos
JAKARTA, Indonesia: The Philippines will soon be an investment partner of Cambodia and Laos in the fields of agriculture and tourism, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ramon Carandang announced Saturday.
Carandang, in an interview with reporters covering President Benigno S. Aquino III’s attendance at the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit here from May 7 to 8, said the invitation to invest came during respective bilateral talks with the Philippines.
“Naghahanap sila ng investments so ang sabi nila sa amin, interesado kami sa tourism, sa food and food production,” Carandang said.
He said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen had specifically asked President Aquino for investments in the fields of rice importation and the opening of direct flights to and from Manila and Cambodia.
For Laos, Carandang said that while the bilateral talks with the Philippines was more like a “courtesy call,” providing the country with a chance to re-introduce itself to its ASEAN neighbors, Laos had also invited the Philippines to invest in their country.
In response, Carandang quoted the President as saying the (PHL) government would study the proposals and inform the concerned countries of their decision immediately. (PCOO)
Plan for informal settlers being developed -- Aquino
JAKARTA, Indonesia: An ambitious plan to address the Philippines’ perennial problem of informal settlers is being developed and may soon be implemented, President Benigno S. Aquino III announced Saturday night.
In an informal press briefing with members of the Malacañang Press Corps at the Four Seasons Hotel here, President Aquino said the plan will allot government land to an initial 560,000 families (a third of the more than 1.4-million informal settlers in the whole country) determined to be “squatting” in Metro Manila.
He said a unique “opportunity” had presented itself after an inventory led by the Departments of Agriculture and Environment and Natural Resources had discovered that 1.5-million hectares of government land were readily available.
“We can give each of those 560,000 families two hectares of land provided they cultivate, develop and earn from the land they will live on,” the President said.
“If they fail to stick to these conditions, the land will be taken from them,” he added.
He stressed, however that since this plan was still being developed, the nitty-gritty details of who will receive the land, where it is located and when the plan will be implemented is still being finalized. (PCOO)
Aquino says Filipinos who wish to avail of rice subsidy will pass through National Household Targeting System
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Saturday that Filipinos who wish to avail of the government’s rice subsidy program will have to pass through a household pre-determining system to ensure that only those who really need the staple will receive it.
This way, the government’s pro-poor food program will be used more effectively, the President told members of the Malacanang Press Corps at an informal press briefing at the Four Seasons Hotel here.
“(Filipinos who wish to avail of) our rice subsidy will have to pass through the government’s National Household Targeting System,” the President said.
He added that the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) will be the lead agency to distribute the rice.
“With the DSWD at the helm of distributing rice, only qualified Filipino households and individuals who really needed the staple would be able to get it,” the President said.
He likened the government’s rice subsidy program to another government subsidy program: the Pantawid Pasada program for members of the transportation sector.
So just like the distribution of fuel under our Pantawid Pasada Program…those drivers with transportation franchises and tricycles pre-determined by their respective LGUs (local government units) would be given fuel subsidies,” the President said.
The Pantawid Pasada Program, also known as the Public Transport Assistance Program (PTAP), is contained in the President’s Executive Order No. 3 that will provide around 214, 596 jeepneys nationwide with smart cards pre-loaded with P1,050, an amount equivalent to a fuel assistance of P35 per day for one whole month. (PCOO)
Phl open skies policy, a step towards connectivity plan in region -- ASEAN
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III's selective open skies policy that aims to fully liberalize the Philippine’s aviation industry and benefit tourism, trade and investment, was recognized by ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders as a step towards the realization of seamless travel between the 10-member country regional bloc envisioned under the ASEAN connectivity plan.
The ASEAN Connectivity Plan seeks to link all 10 ASEAN member countries through a network of commuter airports and Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) ports, which was originally proposed by the Philippines a few years back, has now been adopted as a major project towards the realization of an ASEAN Community by 2015.
Energy Secretary Jose Almendras said in a press conference Saturday that ASEAN leaders had discussed the proposal during the plenary session, to encourage more budget airlines to operate direct flights among neighboring ASEAN countries from small regional airports.
Almendras said that President Aquino’s selective open skies policy has effectively positioned the country to take advantage of the expected increase in airline traffic as a result of the ASEAN Connectivity Plan.
Almendras pointed out that the Philippines is now focusing on expanding its existing RoRo network to serve as the backbone for the proposed ASEAN RoRo network, another integral part of the ASEAN Connectivity Plan.
The Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity aims to provide a framework for regional cooperation and provide a foundation for further connectivity with other regions such as East Asia and South Asia. (PCOO)
Aquino allays rumors of Cabinet revamp
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed full confidence in his cabinet as he made it clear that the government is not considering any revamp within the officials in the Executive department.
The President made the announcement at an informal press briefing with the Malacanang Press Corps on Saturday at the Four Seasons Hotel here following his attendance at the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, here.
“I am empowered to re-organize the Executive branch to a large degree at any given time, tinatanong ako kung may Cabinet revamp kung sino ang papalitan ko, sabi ko, I’m happy with the Cabinet… so why should there be a revamp,” the Chief Executive said.
The President cited the dedicated performance of his cabinet exerting extra efforts to ensure the delivery of basic needs to the Filipino people.
“Isa sa pinaka-vital role diyan is when I tell any of the cabinet secretaries to do something or lalo na pag multiple cabinet secretaries to attend to something, we want to make sure that the output is delivered at an appropriate time or ahead of the schedule”, the President said.
The President recognized the hard work, sincerity and commitment of the cabinet in pursuing the social contract of the Aquino administration anchored on transparency and accountability in public service.
“How hardworking is the cabinet, si Leila (Justice Secretary De Lima) siguro, I see her mga three times a week… baka four times pa nga, feeling ko kaaalis lang niya, bumabalik na siya. And that goes for everybody, yung DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) pag titingnan mo, is it a glamorous position? Is it a position na kailangan na araw araw nasa TV? Pero siya yung workhorse na pumunta ng Amerika at nakuha yung 2.4 million na investment, pumunta ng Japan yung initial tranch na 2.6 (million), pumunta ng Europe, same thing, sa China ganun din… habang kumukuha ng investors binabantayan din ang presyo sa mga palengke …”, President Aquino said.
The President noted that despite the minimal pay, the cabinet has been focused on their duties, producing results in their respective functions.
The President made the clarification to address the lingering issue of revamp within the Executive department. (PCOO)
Aquino bares five-fold increase in ADB-funded E-Trike production
JAKARTA, Indonesia: President Benigno S. Aquino III bared a five-fold funding increase for rolling out of electric-powered tricycles “E-trike” in efforts to address not only the rising fuel prices but also the pollution problem in Metro Manila.
In an informal press briefing with the Malacanang Press Corps on Saturday at the Four Seasons Hotel, here, the Chief Executive said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) will be increasing financial support to the government’s E-trike program from an originally planned 20,000 units to 100,000 electric tricycles.
“This is another bit of good news, which is testament to the international financial community's confidence in the Philippine government,” the President said.
The President together with the ADB launched the e-trike pilot project in Mandaluyong City, recently, that seeks to eventually replace most of the nation's gasoline-fed tricycles with environment-friendly lithium-battery powered trikes aimed at cutting down on pollution and gasoline consumption.
Rising fuel costs has adversely affected tricycle drivers and operators, prompting the government to extend them limited financial assistance under the "Pantawid Pasada Program".
The 500 million dollar project would include the putting up of charging stations. Ten of the E-trikes can seat six to eight passengers, and come with a six kilowatt-hour-lithium ion battery that can run a tricycle to a distance of 80 to 100 kilometers with a single charge.
The rest are equipped with a 3-kilowatt-hour battery that needs to be charged within only 20 minutes after 40 to 50 kilometers of travel.
President Aquino is in Indonesia to participate in the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit. (PCOO)
Malacanang extends congratulations to Pacquiao on his victory against Mosley
Malacañang extended its congratulations to Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao after he successfully defended his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown against American boxer Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on Sunday.
“Nakikiisa ang Pangulong Aquino, ang buong pamahalaan sa ating mga kababayan sa pagbubunyi, pagdiriwang sa karangalang idinulot sa ating pambansang kamao na si Manny Pacquiao,” Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) said in an interview over radio station dzBB following the announcement of Pacquiao’s victory.
Coloma said President Aquino is monitoring the Pacquiao fight although he’s attending the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia.
Coloma also asked Filipinos to heed the call of Pacquiao for unity. This was symbolized by Pacquiao wearing yellow boxing gloves during his bout with Mosley. Yellow is the President ‘s campaign color when he vied for the presidency last May. It is also the same color used by his mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, when she run and defeated the strongman Ferdinand Marcos.
“Ang panawagan ni Manny sa ating mga kababayan ay iyung magkaisa po tayo at ito ay dapat nating sundin, Ang buong bansa po ay nakikiisa sa kanya at sana pagkatapos nitong laban ay magkakaisa din tayo doon sa mas malaking laban para tapusin ang kahirapan sa ating bansa,” Coloma said.
The people’s champion is expected to receive a warm reception from the Filipino people when he arrives from the US, like what Filipinos did during his previous ring successes.
Coloma said he hopes the President would have an early opportunity to personally congratulate Pacquiao
“Makikiisa ang Pangulo dahil ang buong bansa ang nagdiriwang para kay Manny Pacquiao,” he said.
Pacquiao is the only boxer in history who earned 10 world titles in eight different weight classes. Aside from being a global boxing icon, he is also a well known figure in Philippine politics after winning a seat in the Philippine House of Representatives.
Pacquiao’s success story is extraordinary, rising from poverty towards becoming one of the richest celebrity athletes in the world. (PCOO)
Aquino congratulates Pacquiao for his victory against Mosley
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulated Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao for successfully defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against American boxer Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas on Sunday.
The President issued his congratulatory message for Pacquiao while in Indonesia attending the 18th summit of the 10-member regional bloc Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The President’s message follows in full:
Kasama ko ang sambayanang Pilipino na taos-pusong bumabati kay Manny Pacquiao sa kanyang panibagong tagumpay laban kay “Sugar” Shane Mosley sa Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
Sa kaniyang pagdepensa sa WBO world welterweight belt, hindi lamang ang likas na tatag, lakas at tapang ng mga Pinoy ang muling ibinandila ng ating Pambansang kamao sa buong mundo. Bagkus, ipinamalas din niya ang disiplina, determinasyon at tunay na galing ng mga Pilipino.
Higit pa itong pinatingkad nang pinili niyang magsuot ng dilaw na boxing gloves, na sumasagisag sa pakikiisa ni Manny sa ating laban kontra kahirapan. Sa kabila ng kaniyang tagumpay, hindi kinakalimutan ni Manny na lumingon at ibangon ang mga kababayan niyang pinabagsak ng mga suliranin. Mulat siyang may mga laban na hindi natatapos sa loob ng ring— na may obligasyon siya para sa Inang bayan, kung saan malasakit at mahusay na serbisyo sa kapwa ang pangunahin niyang sandata.
Walang dudang isang bayani si Manny Pacquiao: ang pound for pound King na patuloy na naghahatid ng papuri sa bansang Pilipinas, at bumubuhay sa diwa at dangal ng lahing Pilipino. (PCOO)
ASEAN: End Cambodia-Thailand border dispute peacefully
JAKARTA, Indonesia – Speaking as one, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) unanimously declared that the ongoing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia must be peacefully resolved in the spirit of ASEAN solidarity.
In his speech bringing to a close the 18th ASEAN Summit held here Sunday, Indonesian President and this year’s ASEAN Chair Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that Indonesia will bring a “facilitator” to assist in seeing to its logical end the border row between two countries.
“On the border issue between Cambodia and Thailand, our Summit has reinforced the message that this issue must be resolved by peaceful means and that ASEAN, through its Chair, has a key facilitative role (to play),” Yudhoyono said. (PCOO)
ASEAN leaders agree on 3 priorities
JAKARTA, Indonesia –The 18thAssociation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit was formally brought to a close Sunday with the 10-member regional bloc jointly agreeing to support three priorities outlined by Indonesia during its chairmanship of the Summit.
The priorities, Indonesian President and Chair of this year’s ASEAN Summit Susilo Yudhoyono said in a statement, that these priorities will obligate ASEAN members to work towards achieving the ASEAN Community by 2015 and beyond and to ensure that the region’s architecture and environment remain ASEAN-centered and conducive to development.
“We, the Heads of State/Government of ASEAN-member states, gathered in Jakarta, Indonesia for the18th ASEAN Summit, supported the three priorities outlined by Indonesia during its Chairmanship in 2011, namely: to ensure significant progress in achieving the ASEAN Community; to ensure that the regional architecture and regional environment remain ASEAN-centered and conducive to development; and, to commence deliberations on an ASEAN vision beyond 2015 namely “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations,” Yudhoyono’s statement read.
“We also agreed to work together based on those priorities to accelerate the undertakings towards the ASEAN Community in 2015 and to achieve a common platform for ASEAN beyond 2015 in Southeast Asia,” it added.
Yudhoyono said that the leaders had committed themselves to “intensifying our work towards a people-oriented, people-centered and rules-based ASEAN.
“We will continue to encourage the participation of the peoples and other stakeholders of ASEAN in the community building process on the basis of the three pillars namely: political-security, economic and socio-cultural,” Yudhoyono said.
Aside from expressing support for the above-mentioned priorities, the ASEAN leaders also agreed to adopt three joint statements: on the ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations; on the Establishment of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation; and, in Enhancing Cooperation against Trafficking in Persons in Southeast Asia. (PCOO)
Aquino delays his return to Manila due to inclement weather conditions
JAKARTA, Indonesia (via PLDT-Smart): President Benigno S. Aquino III decided to delay his return flight to Manila on the advice of his pilots and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Administration (PAGASA) citing extreme weather conditions that could affect the safety of their travel.
The Chief Executive is expected to be home before noon Monday.
President Aquino was originally scheduled to be home Sunday evening following the closing ceremonies of the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.
Meanwhile, the President managed to call Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao between meetings to personally greet him for his latest victory.
Pacquiao earned his 14th consecutive victory after beating American Shane Mosley in a 12-round decision retaining his WBO welterweight title on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time) at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, USA. (PCOO)
