Palace sets soldiers' incentive and combat pay duty
Malacañang has established the combat duty pay and incentive pay for officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to clarify the various executive issuances related to compensation of men in uniform.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Tuesday that Executive Order No. 38, which President Benigno Aquino III signed on April 28, set the amount of combat pay at P500 and the combat incentive pay at P150 per day and will be applied retroactively as of January 1, 2011.
"President Aquino approved EO 38 to put in effect the intention of his administration to improve the conveyed allotment of benefits and entitlements to the members of the AFP, especially those engaged in combat operations and recognizing the vital role they play in nation building," Ochoa said.
The Executive Secretary also explained that the directive was issued to "consolidate, clarify and integrate all executive issuances" in order to "realize the objective of providing maximum benefits allowable for qualified members of the AFP."
The President’s order consolidated all presidential directives relating to combat duty pay and incentive pay of AFP officers and enlisted personnel and superseded EO Nos. 1017, 15 and 658.
Under EO 38, officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP performing combat duties/activities are entitled to receive a combat duty pay of P500 per month. An additional combat incentive pay of P150 per day will be given to AFP members who are actually engaged in combat operation against members of various insurgent, terrorist and lawless groups.
The EO, however, stipulates that the total additional combat incentive pay shall not exceed P1, 500 per Operations Order (OPORD) or Fragmentary Order (FRAG-O).
The directive states that the combat operation must be for a specific mission duly covered by an OPORD or FRAG-O and that the personnel involved in combat must be in the published task organization of the combat operation.
"This combat incentive pay shall be supplementary to the P500 per month combat duty pay that AFP members assigned in the field units are entitled to receive," Ochoa explained.
The initial funding requirement to implement EO 38 will be drawn from the Personal Services (PS) savings of the AFP during Fiscal Year 2010-2011. Succeeding budget for this presidential directive will be included in the General Appropriations Act.
EO 1017, which was issued on March 22, 1985, had set the combat duty pay of soldiers from P120 to P240 per month. Subsequently, EO 658, which was issued on September 6, 2007, granted an additional combat incentive pay of P150 per day to soldiers in recognition of their sacrifices being directly involved in actual combat operations.
On December 20, 2010, President Aquino issued EO 15, which provided for an additional combat allowance of P260 per month to increase it to P500 per month but removed the P150 per day incentive of the men in uniform in the field for combat operations.
With the issuance of EO 38, Ochoa said, soldiers taking part in actual combat operations can now receive their daily incentive pay on top of the monthly combat allowance.
"The intent of the administration is to improve the conditions of our soldiers, especially those in combat who risk their lives," Ochoa said. "We are taking measures to extend to them adequate compensation that is also commensurate to the services they render to contribute to nation building." (PCOO)
Aquino to attend 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia May 7 to 8
President Benigno S. Aquino III will be joining nine other leaders attending the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia from May 7 to 8, 2011, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary on ASEAN Affairs Victoria Bataclan told a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday that the President will meet his ASEAN co-members to discuss the priority issues of ASEAN as it works towards building an ASEAN Community by 2015.
Bataclan said, the President will take the opportunity to “emphasize” the priorities and initiatives to promote and develop a people-centered ASEAN through the ASEAN community’s three major pillars: political-security, economic and socio-cultural.
“During the series of meetings, the Philippines (through President Aquino) will pursue and emphasize the following priorities in efforts to build an ASEAN people-centered community: human rights; connectivity; disaster risk reduction management; promotion and protection of migrant workers; attainment of the Millennium Development Goals; biodiversity; and peace and security,” Bataclan said.
She stressed that the President will pursue the following initiatives as part of the country’s contribution to ASEAN’s community building goals: the expeditious drafting of an ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights; the effective and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC); the drafting of an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP);
The implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), especially on the conduct of the feasibility studies on the ASEAN Roll On-Roll Off (RORO) Network and Short Sea Shipping; and, the Extension of the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP) to BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asia Growth Area); and, continued support for the operations of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity located in Los Baños, Laguna.
This year’s ASEAN Summit is chaired by Indonesia, It has for its theme: “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations.” (PCOO)
Aquino to participate in the 7th BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit to be held in Jakarta
President Benigno S. Aquino III will be participating in the 7th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Leaders Summit on May 8 following his attendance at the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
This will be the first time President Aquino will attend the BIMP-EAGA’s high-level meeting since assuming the presidency in June 2010. He is expected to provide comprehensive recommendations on achieving the sub-region’s economic potential, foremost of which are initiatives to secure the seamless flow of goods and people, and to identify food and agri-fisheries production zones in BIMP-EAGA.
The event will also serve as a venue for the Chief Executive to push for the development of the area as a prime eco-tourism destination through the promotion of community-based strategies such as infrastructure support and incentives for tourism marketing.
The Philippines aims for tangible results in achieving its priorities and the ASEAN region as a whole.
BIMP-EAGA plays an important role in ASEAN integration and development. The Summit will provide an important venue for the leaders to discuss ways on how to maximize the economic opportunities in the sub-region.
Launched in 1994, BIMP-EAGA is a cooperation initiative of four ASEAN-member countries, namely, Brunei-Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Its creation aims to accelerate economic development in the “focus areas” of the four countries. The BIMP-EAGA initiative is market-driven, and operates through a decentralized organization structure involving the four governments and the private sector.
The BIMP-EAGA cooperation also aims to increase trade, tourism and investments with and outside the sub-region through the facilitation of free movement of people, goods, and services, make the best use of common infrastructure and natural resources and take the fullest advantage of economic complementation. (PCOO)
Aquino swears in new gov’t officials
President Benigno Aquino III led the mass oath-taking Tuesday of newly appointed government officials and leaders of other organizations.
Among those who took their oath before the President include: Ma. Grace Pulido Tan, chairperson Commission on Audit; Augusto Lagman, commissioner, Commission on Elections; Teresita Herbosa, chairperson, Securities and Exchange Commission; (SEC) Ramon Liwag, commandant, Philippine Coast Guard; Felicito Payumo, chairman, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Arnel Paciano Casanova, president and chief executive officer, BCDA; Cesar Villanueva, chairman and member, Clark Development Corp. (CDC)
Also inducted into the office were Michael Aguinaldo, Deputy executive secretary, legal affairs; Vivencio Dizon, undersecretary, Office of Political Affairs (OPA), Office of the President; Jose Luis Martin Gascon, undersecretary, OPA; Myra Marie Villarica, acting undersecretary, Department of Tourism; Rafael Albert, assistant secretary OPA; Jose Emmanuel Escaro, assistant secretary OPA; Rolando Cucio, assistant secretary OPA; Danilo Augusto Francia, assistant secretary, Department of National Defense; Peter Calimag, assistance secretary, Department of Finance; Jose Graceda, acting assistant secretary, Department of Agrarian Reform; Ma. Lourdes Jaleco, acting assistant secretary, Department of Tourism; Michael Rama, chairman, Regional Development Council, Regional Officer VII, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);
Gilberto Marpuri, jail chief superintendent, Bureau of jail Management and Penology, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Pendatun Disimban, member, board of administrators, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); Nelson Alindogan, member, board of administrators, CDA, representing Luzon; Felicitas Acosido, member, board of administrators, CDA, representing Visayas; Paisalin Tago, member, board of administrators, CDA, representing Mindanao Felipe Antonio Remollo, member, board of directors, CDC; Francis Raphael Carpio Elum, member, board of directors, CDC; Ricardo Baron, member, board of directors, CDC; Manuel Feliciano, member board of directors, CDC; Rommel Bondoc, member, board of directors, CDC; Jose Melo, member, board of directors, CDC; Jose Danilo Honrado, member, board of directors, CDC.
The President also swore in the new officers of the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) Tuesday. They are Ma. Romina Gonzalez, president; Joyce Panares, vice president for print; Marie Pena Ruiz, vice president for radio; Willard Cheng, vice president for TV; Rose Miranda, secretary, Weng dela Fuente, treasurer; Regina Bengco, auditor; Raymund Tinaza, sergeant at arms. (PCOO)
Aquino says no need to impose new taxes
President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated anew that his administration is not imposing new taxes but is focusing on how to improve the tax collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC).
The Chief Executive made the statement during an ambush interview on Tuesday in Malacanang Palace after he led the ceremonial oath taking of the newly appointed and promoted public officials.
“At this present time, none of my economic managers are indicating that there is such a need,” the President told reporters.
The Chief Executive revealed that the priority of his administration is to improve the tax collection efficiency of the BIR and the BOC.
He also divulged that he tasked his economic managers to study and review the fiscal rationalization plan of the government and the tax incentives already given to multi-national companies in order to improve the tax collections.
Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima lauded the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) for changing the outlook of the country’s foreign currency and local currency long term “BBB” senior debt ratings to positive from stable.
He said the outpouring of vote of confidence in the Philippines from various credit rating agencies starting from the one-notch upgrade from S&P in November last year, the positive outlook from Moody's in January this year, and now the positive outlook from JCRA has encouraged the Aquino administration to be more persevere in its goal to accelerate economic growth in an environment of better governance and transparency.
Purisima is confident that with the continued support and help from both the public and private institutions, the Philippine economy will be able to sustain its growth momentum, attract more investments and create more jobs for the Filipino people. (PCOO)
Aquino to convene National Security Council Wednesday
President Benigno S. Aquino III will convene the National Security Council (NSC) Wednesday to discuss the capability of the country in the fight against terroristic attacks despite the death of Osama bin Laden.
In an ambush interview Tuesday, the President said that immediately after the news broke out confirming the death of the top international terrorist Monday, he issued a memorandum directing all security concerned agencies and staff to convene and assess the threat of possible retaliatory acts of Bin Laden’s supporters in the country.
Among the agencies required to brief the President in the security council meeting were the top officials of the National Security Agency (NSA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Director General of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Secretary of National Defense, Secretary of Interior and Local Government and the Secretary of Justice.
Following the death of Bin Laden, the PNP has already increased its security patrols over the diplomatic areas in Metro Manila and provinces to ensure that the areas of convergence are all protected and enhanced.
Stressing that the death of Bin Laden “should not lull us into complacency,” the President has called world leaders to continue to consistently and courageously raise its collective voice against religious hatred, political intolerance, and terrorism of all kinds.
The Philippines joined the US-led coalition against international terrorism right after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. (PCOO)
Malacañang has established the combat duty pay and incentive pay for officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to clarify the various executive issuances related to compensation of men in uniform.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Tuesday that Executive Order No. 38, which President Benigno Aquino III signed on April 28, set the amount of combat pay at P500 and the combat incentive pay at P150 per day and will be applied retroactively as of January 1, 2011.
"President Aquino approved EO 38 to put in effect the intention of his administration to improve the conveyed allotment of benefits and entitlements to the members of the AFP, especially those engaged in combat operations and recognizing the vital role they play in nation building," Ochoa said.
The Executive Secretary also explained that the directive was issued to "consolidate, clarify and integrate all executive issuances" in order to "realize the objective of providing maximum benefits allowable for qualified members of the AFP."
The President’s order consolidated all presidential directives relating to combat duty pay and incentive pay of AFP officers and enlisted personnel and superseded EO Nos. 1017, 15 and 658.
Under EO 38, officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP performing combat duties/activities are entitled to receive a combat duty pay of P500 per month. An additional combat incentive pay of P150 per day will be given to AFP members who are actually engaged in combat operation against members of various insurgent, terrorist and lawless groups.
The EO, however, stipulates that the total additional combat incentive pay shall not exceed P1, 500 per Operations Order (OPORD) or Fragmentary Order (FRAG-O).
The directive states that the combat operation must be for a specific mission duly covered by an OPORD or FRAG-O and that the personnel involved in combat must be in the published task organization of the combat operation.
"This combat incentive pay shall be supplementary to the P500 per month combat duty pay that AFP members assigned in the field units are entitled to receive," Ochoa explained.
The initial funding requirement to implement EO 38 will be drawn from the Personal Services (PS) savings of the AFP during Fiscal Year 2010-2011. Succeeding budget for this presidential directive will be included in the General Appropriations Act.
EO 1017, which was issued on March 22, 1985, had set the combat duty pay of soldiers from P120 to P240 per month. Subsequently, EO 658, which was issued on September 6, 2007, granted an additional combat incentive pay of P150 per day to soldiers in recognition of their sacrifices being directly involved in actual combat operations.
On December 20, 2010, President Aquino issued EO 15, which provided for an additional combat allowance of P260 per month to increase it to P500 per month but removed the P150 per day incentive of the men in uniform in the field for combat operations.
With the issuance of EO 38, Ochoa said, soldiers taking part in actual combat operations can now receive their daily incentive pay on top of the monthly combat allowance.
"The intent of the administration is to improve the conditions of our soldiers, especially those in combat who risk their lives," Ochoa said. "We are taking measures to extend to them adequate compensation that is also commensurate to the services they render to contribute to nation building." (PCOO)
Aquino to attend 18th ASEAN Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia May 7 to 8
President Benigno S. Aquino III will be joining nine other leaders attending the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings in Jakarta, Indonesia from May 7 to 8, 2011, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary on ASEAN Affairs Victoria Bataclan told a press briefing in Malacañang on Tuesday that the President will meet his ASEAN co-members to discuss the priority issues of ASEAN as it works towards building an ASEAN Community by 2015.
Bataclan said, the President will take the opportunity to “emphasize” the priorities and initiatives to promote and develop a people-centered ASEAN through the ASEAN community’s three major pillars: political-security, economic and socio-cultural.
“During the series of meetings, the Philippines (through President Aquino) will pursue and emphasize the following priorities in efforts to build an ASEAN people-centered community: human rights; connectivity; disaster risk reduction management; promotion and protection of migrant workers; attainment of the Millennium Development Goals; biodiversity; and peace and security,” Bataclan said.
She stressed that the President will pursue the following initiatives as part of the country’s contribution to ASEAN’s community building goals: the expeditious drafting of an ASEAN Declaration on Human Rights; the effective and full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC); the drafting of an ASEAN Convention on Trafficking in Persons (ACTIP);
The implementation of the Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC), especially on the conduct of the feasibility studies on the ASEAN Roll On-Roll Off (RORO) Network and Short Sea Shipping; and, the Extension of the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP) to BIMP-EAGA (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines – East Asia Growth Area); and, continued support for the operations of the ASEAN Center for Biodiversity located in Los Baños, Laguna.
This year’s ASEAN Summit is chaired by Indonesia, It has for its theme: “ASEAN Community in a Global Community of Nations.” (PCOO)
Aquino to participate in the 7th BIMP-EAGA Leaders Summit to be held in Jakarta
President Benigno S. Aquino III will be participating in the 7th Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Leaders Summit on May 8 following his attendance at the 18th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia.
This will be the first time President Aquino will attend the BIMP-EAGA’s high-level meeting since assuming the presidency in June 2010. He is expected to provide comprehensive recommendations on achieving the sub-region’s economic potential, foremost of which are initiatives to secure the seamless flow of goods and people, and to identify food and agri-fisheries production zones in BIMP-EAGA.
The event will also serve as a venue for the Chief Executive to push for the development of the area as a prime eco-tourism destination through the promotion of community-based strategies such as infrastructure support and incentives for tourism marketing.
The Philippines aims for tangible results in achieving its priorities and the ASEAN region as a whole.
BIMP-EAGA plays an important role in ASEAN integration and development. The Summit will provide an important venue for the leaders to discuss ways on how to maximize the economic opportunities in the sub-region.
Launched in 1994, BIMP-EAGA is a cooperation initiative of four ASEAN-member countries, namely, Brunei-Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Its creation aims to accelerate economic development in the “focus areas” of the four countries. The BIMP-EAGA initiative is market-driven, and operates through a decentralized organization structure involving the four governments and the private sector.
The BIMP-EAGA cooperation also aims to increase trade, tourism and investments with and outside the sub-region through the facilitation of free movement of people, goods, and services, make the best use of common infrastructure and natural resources and take the fullest advantage of economic complementation. (PCOO)
Aquino swears in new gov’t officials
President Benigno Aquino III led the mass oath-taking Tuesday of newly appointed government officials and leaders of other organizations.
Among those who took their oath before the President include: Ma. Grace Pulido Tan, chairperson Commission on Audit; Augusto Lagman, commissioner, Commission on Elections; Teresita Herbosa, chairperson, Securities and Exchange Commission; (SEC) Ramon Liwag, commandant, Philippine Coast Guard; Felicito Payumo, chairman, Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Arnel Paciano Casanova, president and chief executive officer, BCDA; Cesar Villanueva, chairman and member, Clark Development Corp. (CDC)
Also inducted into the office were Michael Aguinaldo, Deputy executive secretary, legal affairs; Vivencio Dizon, undersecretary, Office of Political Affairs (OPA), Office of the President; Jose Luis Martin Gascon, undersecretary, OPA; Myra Marie Villarica, acting undersecretary, Department of Tourism; Rafael Albert, assistant secretary OPA; Jose Emmanuel Escaro, assistant secretary OPA; Rolando Cucio, assistant secretary OPA; Danilo Augusto Francia, assistant secretary, Department of National Defense; Peter Calimag, assistance secretary, Department of Finance; Jose Graceda, acting assistant secretary, Department of Agrarian Reform; Ma. Lourdes Jaleco, acting assistant secretary, Department of Tourism; Michael Rama, chairman, Regional Development Council, Regional Officer VII, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);
Gilberto Marpuri, jail chief superintendent, Bureau of jail Management and Penology, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); Pendatun Disimban, member, board of administrators, Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); Nelson Alindogan, member, board of administrators, CDA, representing Luzon; Felicitas Acosido, member, board of administrators, CDA, representing Visayas; Paisalin Tago, member, board of administrators, CDA, representing Mindanao Felipe Antonio Remollo, member, board of directors, CDC; Francis Raphael Carpio Elum, member, board of directors, CDC; Ricardo Baron, member, board of directors, CDC; Manuel Feliciano, member board of directors, CDC; Rommel Bondoc, member, board of directors, CDC; Jose Melo, member, board of directors, CDC; Jose Danilo Honrado, member, board of directors, CDC.
The President also swore in the new officers of the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) Tuesday. They are Ma. Romina Gonzalez, president; Joyce Panares, vice president for print; Marie Pena Ruiz, vice president for radio; Willard Cheng, vice president for TV; Rose Miranda, secretary, Weng dela Fuente, treasurer; Regina Bengco, auditor; Raymund Tinaza, sergeant at arms. (PCOO)
Aquino says no need to impose new taxes
President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated anew that his administration is not imposing new taxes but is focusing on how to improve the tax collections of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC).
The Chief Executive made the statement during an ambush interview on Tuesday in Malacanang Palace after he led the ceremonial oath taking of the newly appointed and promoted public officials.
“At this present time, none of my economic managers are indicating that there is such a need,” the President told reporters.
The Chief Executive revealed that the priority of his administration is to improve the tax collection efficiency of the BIR and the BOC.
He also divulged that he tasked his economic managers to study and review the fiscal rationalization plan of the government and the tax incentives already given to multi-national companies in order to improve the tax collections.
Meanwhile, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima lauded the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCRA) for changing the outlook of the country’s foreign currency and local currency long term “BBB” senior debt ratings to positive from stable.
He said the outpouring of vote of confidence in the Philippines from various credit rating agencies starting from the one-notch upgrade from S&P in November last year, the positive outlook from Moody's in January this year, and now the positive outlook from JCRA has encouraged the Aquino administration to be more persevere in its goal to accelerate economic growth in an environment of better governance and transparency.
Purisima is confident that with the continued support and help from both the public and private institutions, the Philippine economy will be able to sustain its growth momentum, attract more investments and create more jobs for the Filipino people. (PCOO)
Aquino to convene National Security Council Wednesday
President Benigno S. Aquino III will convene the National Security Council (NSC) Wednesday to discuss the capability of the country in the fight against terroristic attacks despite the death of Osama bin Laden.
In an ambush interview Tuesday, the President said that immediately after the news broke out confirming the death of the top international terrorist Monday, he issued a memorandum directing all security concerned agencies and staff to convene and assess the threat of possible retaliatory acts of Bin Laden’s supporters in the country.
Among the agencies required to brief the President in the security council meeting were the top officials of the National Security Agency (NSA), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Director General of the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Secretary of National Defense, Secretary of Interior and Local Government and the Secretary of Justice.
Following the death of Bin Laden, the PNP has already increased its security patrols over the diplomatic areas in Metro Manila and provinces to ensure that the areas of convergence are all protected and enhanced.
Stressing that the death of Bin Laden “should not lull us into complacency,” the President has called world leaders to continue to consistently and courageously raise its collective voice against religious hatred, political intolerance, and terrorism of all kinds.
The Philippines joined the US-led coalition against international terrorism right after the September 11, 2001 attacks in the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. (PCOO)
