Aquino declares new chapter in Phl history that is free from corruption/poverty
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday declared a new chapter in the history of the Philippines that is free from corruption and poverty with the people enjoying equality, freedom and dignity.
The Chief Executive made the declaration in his speech after the flag-raising ceremony in celebration of the 113th Philippine Independence Day at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.
He also assured a better future for the Filipino people anchored on the tenets of his leadership, transparency and accountability.
“Sa ngalan ng buong Pilipinas, ipinahahayag ko ang pagbubukas ng isang bagong yugto sa ating kasaysayan kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay mapipitas ang bunga ng kanyang pinaghirapan, kung saan ang batas ay ipatutupad ng patas sa mahirap man o sa mayaman, kung saan maaaring panghawakan ng lahat ang sarili nilang kapalaran, kung saan ang kalayaan ay may katuwang na karangalan,” the President said.
"Ito ang malayang Pilipinas, tayo ang malayang Pilipino, hiwalay at kalag na kalag sa kambal na salot ng korapsyon at kahirapan… sumasalubong sa kinabukasan ng taas noo at puno ng kagalakan,” he added.
The President noted the various efforts of the government in battling poverty as what our forefathers have done in fighting for the country’s independence in the past.
“Kung dati ay lumalaban tayo sa mga mananakop, ngayon naman ay kahirapan naman ang kailangan nating labanan,” he said.
He stressed the need to eradicate corruption in the government that will eventually lead to ending poverty.
Apart from this, according to the President, the government has been focused on reforming the bureaucracy and other measures to ensure the delivery of quality service to the Filipino people.
These initiatives include among others the synchronization of elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the national polls and the recently-launched Bulacan housing project for the personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Ang lahat pong yan ay ginagawa na natin upang ipamalas ang tunay na kahulugan ng kalayaan sa ating mga kababayan…ang tunay na kalayaan ay kalayaan din mula sa gutom, kamangmangan, kahirapan at kawalan ng pagkakakitaan,” the Chief Executive noted.
Earlier, President Aquino led the flag-raising ceremonies at the balcony of the Aguinaldo Shrine where the National Anthem was first played on June 12, 1898. He also led the wreath-laying ceremonies at the tomb of General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Among those present during the event were other government officials led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
Also in attendance were local government executives that include Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla Jr., Kawit Cavite Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo, Cavite 1st District Representative Joseph Abaya and Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle. (PCOO)
Aquino underscore importance of dialogue and mutual respect in dealing with China
President Benigno Aquino III said he hopes that dialogue and mutual respect could resolve the present differences between the Philippines and China.
“Whenever we face divisiveness or disagreements, I call on all of us to go back to the reason as to why we are embarking on these endeavors to strengthen our partnerships in the first place, whether they be with other nations, or with private organizations such as yours,” the President said in his speech before the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on Saturday evening.
The President was the keynote speaker at FFCCCII’s joint celebration of the 113th Philippine Independence Day, the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, 36th Anniversary of the Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations and the 10th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on Saturday.
“Let us continue along this path, to create partnerships characterized by continued dialogue and a culture of mutual respect for our historic and our current partners,” he said.
Acknowledging the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao during the occasion, the President said that the two countries have disagreements sometimes, but there are a lot of benefits for their continuing friendship throughout the years.
Both the Philippines and China has claims in territories in the South China Sea along with other Asean countries.
In 2010, the President noted that the approved foreign direct investment contribution of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines was close to P5.7 billion more than double that of 2009 figure.
From January to March this year, the Philippines’s exports to China have reached around $1.4 billion, which accounts for almost 11.5 percent of all Philippine exports within the period, the President said.
“The money that our beneficial trade relationship has generated will go to projects that aim to help the many Filipinos who need the aid of good education, of proper health services, and of proper social services,” he said.
Extending his gratitude to the country’s trading partners; the President said he is hopeful that they will continue to show interest in public-private partnership (PPP) projects and in investing in the Philippines.
Also present at Saturday’s event were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, FFCCCII president Tan Ching, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and business tycoon Lucio Tan. (PCOO)
Aquino expresses gratitude for continued Filipino-Chinese support and cooperation
President Benigno Aquino III expressed his gratitude to the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) for contributing a significant number of classrooms to his administration as the new school year starts.
In his speech before the members of the FFCCCII in Manila Hotel Saturday evening, the President said the organization turned over 454 buildings as part of its support to the his administration’s programs for education.
The FFCCCII held a joint celebration Saturday of the 113th Philippine Independence Day, the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, 36th Anniversary of the Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations and the 10th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.
“Just to reiterate my gratitude, I stand here before you again, on the eve of this important occasion for your federation and for our country. Your numerous contributions are a testament to the success borne out of the cooperation between the government and the private sector,” the President said.
The success of many Chinese-Filipino enterprises and professionals in the Philippines is a symbol of the historic bond of the Chinese and Filipino people over a long period of time, the President said.
The classrooms given by the FFCCCII earlier this week is only a small part of the total number of classrooms that over one million public school students have benefited from, the President said.
The organization has already contributed a total of 8,200 classrooms nationwide, under its “Operation: Barrio Schools” project, President Aquino added.
The President said that more than the economic benefits that the country reaps from this continued cooperation between the government and the FFCCCII, the important thing is that this manifests the solidarity of the Filipino people seen from the Filipino-Chinese.
“We recognize that everything you have given this country-- from classrooms to equipment for our fire brigades-- was not given as outsiders looking in. You gave them as part of a community; you gave them as true-blooded Filipinos,” he said.
Joining the President at the federation’s event Saturday were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, FFCCCII president Tan Ching, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and business tycoon Lucio Tan. (PCOO)
Aquino urges Filipinos to pay respects to their heroes to achieve equitable progress
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Filipino people to pay respects to their heroes, who put their lives on the line in pursuit of freedom, by exerting the same amount of efforts to achieve the country's equitable progress.
In his message during the Vin d’honneur for the 113th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence at Malacanang's Rizal Hall on Sunday, the President underscored the importance of freedom to the Filipinos that made the country a beacon of democracy.
“Today I would also like for all of us to look toward the future. The best way to pay our respects to the heroes who sacrificed for us is to put in the same amount of effort they did to making our country a better place—to building a nation truly free and committed to inclusive and equitable progress, borne out of compassion and integrity”, the President said.
“One hundred and thirteen years ago, we declared our independence on this day; and between then and today, we have lost our freedom and have won it back many times. So you can imagine how much it means to our people to be free—for our country to be a beacon of democracy on this side of the world. And it comes as no surprise that, moving forward, this freedom is what we have chosen to define ourselves by,” he added.
The Chief Executive also cited the ideals and beliefs of his father, the late former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., that were used as inspiration by his late mother, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino in winning back democracy to the country.
“My father once said that the Filipino is worth dying for. My mother articulated it again after she won back our democracy: The Filipino is worth living for. I have now committed my life to showing the world the truth that both my parents proclaimed”, the President said.
“Allow me then to raise my glass to freedom, to our heroes, and, most of all, to the heroes we hope will continue to be etched in our national memory, there for the coming generations of Filipinos to honor: To what our soldiers fought for; To what our martyrs died for; and to what we, as a nation, aspire to perfect — the fulfillment of the greatest promises of democracy”, President Aquino said.
Present during the celebration were members of the diplomatic corps led by their acting dean His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Yousif Almutawa, who in his response expressed warm gratitude and felicitation to the President and the Filipino people.
He also cited the collective support of the members of the diplomatic corps to the President and his initiatives, policies and programs for the country.
Also in attendance were former President Fidel Ramos, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., and members of the cabinet, business community and other national and local government officials.
Vin d’honneur is a formal occasion which provides an opportunity for the diplomatic corps to express their greetings to the Filipino people. It is being done on two important events in the country, New Year’s Day and the celebration of the country’s independence.
The ceremony has three major parts that include the reception line, where the guests were received by the President, the ceremonial toast and the fellowship. (PCOO)
Let us not forget the mistakes of the past -- Aquino
“Let us not forget the mistakes of the past lest we repeat them.”
Thus, said President Benigno S. Aquino III as he challenged all Filipinos in his speech keynoting the celebration of the Philippines’ 113th Independence Day at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday.
He said his Administration remains true to its course to implement reforms to eradicate graft and corruption so that the benefits of a stronger bureaucracy redound to all.
“Malinaw ang pahayag ng kasaysayan: hindi dapat kalimutan ang nakaraan kundi ay garantisadong uulitn natin ang mga kamalian nito,” the President said.
“Kumikilos tayo, kasama ang mga kababayan nating may wagas na malasakit sa bansa at unti-unting isinasakatuparan ang ating mga ipinangako,” he added.
“Diretso po ang ating pagmartsa sa tuwid na landas: walang pasikut-sikot, wala nang patigil-tigil, at lalong wala nang atrasan,” the President said.
In less than a year in office, according to the President, his government has already made great strides in ending the cycle of corruption that has shackled the country and people from improving their lives.
He said reforms in labor and agriculture have improved the delivery of services in these sectors to the people.
“Ramdam na natin ngayon ang magagandang resulta ng ating pagsisikap. Dating puno ng hinaing ang ilang kababayan natin sa Middle East na hindi makabalik-balik sa Pilipinas dahil sa takot na mamamatay lang sila dito sa gutom, pero ngayon po ang pino-problema na lang ay ang mismong kalidad at uri ng mapapasukang trabaho,” the President stressed.
He noted that the country’s rice importation, that used to stand at 2.5 metric tons, has been brought down to just 600,000 MT.
“With these continued reforms, by the time I step down in 2016, the Philippines may not need to import rice anymore but instead be one of the rice exporting countries,” the President said.
“Ito na nga po ang kalayaang hangad ng aking ama: ang makamit ang unang kalayaan – ang kalayaan ng mga Pilipino mula sa gutom,” the President said. (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday declared a new chapter in the history of the Philippines that is free from corruption and poverty with the people enjoying equality, freedom and dignity.
The Chief Executive made the declaration in his speech after the flag-raising ceremony in celebration of the 113th Philippine Independence Day at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.
He also assured a better future for the Filipino people anchored on the tenets of his leadership, transparency and accountability.
“Sa ngalan ng buong Pilipinas, ipinahahayag ko ang pagbubukas ng isang bagong yugto sa ating kasaysayan kung saan ang bawat Pilipino ay mapipitas ang bunga ng kanyang pinaghirapan, kung saan ang batas ay ipatutupad ng patas sa mahirap man o sa mayaman, kung saan maaaring panghawakan ng lahat ang sarili nilang kapalaran, kung saan ang kalayaan ay may katuwang na karangalan,” the President said.
"Ito ang malayang Pilipinas, tayo ang malayang Pilipino, hiwalay at kalag na kalag sa kambal na salot ng korapsyon at kahirapan… sumasalubong sa kinabukasan ng taas noo at puno ng kagalakan,” he added.
The President noted the various efforts of the government in battling poverty as what our forefathers have done in fighting for the country’s independence in the past.
“Kung dati ay lumalaban tayo sa mga mananakop, ngayon naman ay kahirapan naman ang kailangan nating labanan,” he said.
He stressed the need to eradicate corruption in the government that will eventually lead to ending poverty.
Apart from this, according to the President, the government has been focused on reforming the bureaucracy and other measures to ensure the delivery of quality service to the Filipino people.
These initiatives include among others the synchronization of elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with the national polls and the recently-launched Bulacan housing project for the personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“Ang lahat pong yan ay ginagawa na natin upang ipamalas ang tunay na kahulugan ng kalayaan sa ating mga kababayan…ang tunay na kalayaan ay kalayaan din mula sa gutom, kamangmangan, kahirapan at kawalan ng pagkakakitaan,” the Chief Executive noted.
Earlier, President Aquino led the flag-raising ceremonies at the balcony of the Aguinaldo Shrine where the National Anthem was first played on June 12, 1898. He also led the wreath-laying ceremonies at the tomb of General Emilio Aguinaldo.
Among those present during the event were other government officials led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, and Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.
Also in attendance were local government executives that include Cavite Governor Juanito Victor Remulla Jr., Kawit Cavite Mayor Reynaldo Aguinaldo, Cavite 1st District Representative Joseph Abaya and Imus Bishop Luis Antonio Tagle. (PCOO)
Aquino underscore importance of dialogue and mutual respect in dealing with China
President Benigno Aquino III said he hopes that dialogue and mutual respect could resolve the present differences between the Philippines and China.
“Whenever we face divisiveness or disagreements, I call on all of us to go back to the reason as to why we are embarking on these endeavors to strengthen our partnerships in the first place, whether they be with other nations, or with private organizations such as yours,” the President said in his speech before the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) on Saturday evening.
The President was the keynote speaker at FFCCCII’s joint celebration of the 113th Philippine Independence Day, the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, 36th Anniversary of the Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations and the 10th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on Saturday.
“Let us continue along this path, to create partnerships characterized by continued dialogue and a culture of mutual respect for our historic and our current partners,” he said.
Acknowledging the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Liu Jianchao during the occasion, the President said that the two countries have disagreements sometimes, but there are a lot of benefits for their continuing friendship throughout the years.
Both the Philippines and China has claims in territories in the South China Sea along with other Asean countries.
In 2010, the President noted that the approved foreign direct investment contribution of the People’s Republic of China to the Philippines was close to P5.7 billion more than double that of 2009 figure.
From January to March this year, the Philippines’s exports to China have reached around $1.4 billion, which accounts for almost 11.5 percent of all Philippine exports within the period, the President said.
“The money that our beneficial trade relationship has generated will go to projects that aim to help the many Filipinos who need the aid of good education, of proper health services, and of proper social services,” he said.
Extending his gratitude to the country’s trading partners; the President said he is hopeful that they will continue to show interest in public-private partnership (PPP) projects and in investing in the Philippines.
Also present at Saturday’s event were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, FFCCCII president Tan Ching, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and business tycoon Lucio Tan. (PCOO)
Aquino expresses gratitude for continued Filipino-Chinese support and cooperation
President Benigno Aquino III expressed his gratitude to the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII) for contributing a significant number of classrooms to his administration as the new school year starts.
In his speech before the members of the FFCCCII in Manila Hotel Saturday evening, the President said the organization turned over 454 buildings as part of its support to the his administration’s programs for education.
The FFCCCII held a joint celebration Saturday of the 113th Philippine Independence Day, the 150th Birth Anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, 36th Anniversary of the Philippines-China Diplomatic Relations and the 10th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day.
“Just to reiterate my gratitude, I stand here before you again, on the eve of this important occasion for your federation and for our country. Your numerous contributions are a testament to the success borne out of the cooperation between the government and the private sector,” the President said.
The success of many Chinese-Filipino enterprises and professionals in the Philippines is a symbol of the historic bond of the Chinese and Filipino people over a long period of time, the President said.
The classrooms given by the FFCCCII earlier this week is only a small part of the total number of classrooms that over one million public school students have benefited from, the President said.
The organization has already contributed a total of 8,200 classrooms nationwide, under its “Operation: Barrio Schools” project, President Aquino added.
The President said that more than the economic benefits that the country reaps from this continued cooperation between the government and the FFCCCII, the important thing is that this manifests the solidarity of the Filipino people seen from the Filipino-Chinese.
“We recognize that everything you have given this country-- from classrooms to equipment for our fire brigades-- was not given as outsiders looking in. You gave them as part of a community; you gave them as true-blooded Filipinos,” he said.
Joining the President at the federation’s event Saturday were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, FFCCCII president Tan Ching, Chinese Ambassador Liu Jianchao, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, and business tycoon Lucio Tan. (PCOO)
Aquino urges Filipinos to pay respects to their heroes to achieve equitable progress
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Filipino people to pay respects to their heroes, who put their lives on the line in pursuit of freedom, by exerting the same amount of efforts to achieve the country's equitable progress.
In his message during the Vin d’honneur for the 113th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine Independence at Malacanang's Rizal Hall on Sunday, the President underscored the importance of freedom to the Filipinos that made the country a beacon of democracy.
“Today I would also like for all of us to look toward the future. The best way to pay our respects to the heroes who sacrificed for us is to put in the same amount of effort they did to making our country a better place—to building a nation truly free and committed to inclusive and equitable progress, borne out of compassion and integrity”, the President said.
“One hundred and thirteen years ago, we declared our independence on this day; and between then and today, we have lost our freedom and have won it back many times. So you can imagine how much it means to our people to be free—for our country to be a beacon of democracy on this side of the world. And it comes as no surprise that, moving forward, this freedom is what we have chosen to define ourselves by,” he added.
The Chief Executive also cited the ideals and beliefs of his father, the late former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., that were used as inspiration by his late mother, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino in winning back democracy to the country.
“My father once said that the Filipino is worth dying for. My mother articulated it again after she won back our democracy: The Filipino is worth living for. I have now committed my life to showing the world the truth that both my parents proclaimed”, the President said.
“Allow me then to raise my glass to freedom, to our heroes, and, most of all, to the heroes we hope will continue to be etched in our national memory, there for the coming generations of Filipinos to honor: To what our soldiers fought for; To what our martyrs died for; and to what we, as a nation, aspire to perfect — the fulfillment of the greatest promises of democracy”, President Aquino said.
Present during the celebration were members of the diplomatic corps led by their acting dean His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Yousif Almutawa, who in his response expressed warm gratitude and felicitation to the President and the Filipino people.
He also cited the collective support of the members of the diplomatic corps to the President and his initiatives, policies and programs for the country.
Also in attendance were former President Fidel Ramos, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., and members of the cabinet, business community and other national and local government officials.
Vin d’honneur is a formal occasion which provides an opportunity for the diplomatic corps to express their greetings to the Filipino people. It is being done on two important events in the country, New Year’s Day and the celebration of the country’s independence.
The ceremony has three major parts that include the reception line, where the guests were received by the President, the ceremonial toast and the fellowship. (PCOO)
Let us not forget the mistakes of the past -- Aquino
“Let us not forget the mistakes of the past lest we repeat them.”
Thus, said President Benigno S. Aquino III as he challenged all Filipinos in his speech keynoting the celebration of the Philippines’ 113th Independence Day at the Quirino Grandstand on Sunday.
He said his Administration remains true to its course to implement reforms to eradicate graft and corruption so that the benefits of a stronger bureaucracy redound to all.
“Malinaw ang pahayag ng kasaysayan: hindi dapat kalimutan ang nakaraan kundi ay garantisadong uulitn natin ang mga kamalian nito,” the President said.
“Kumikilos tayo, kasama ang mga kababayan nating may wagas na malasakit sa bansa at unti-unting isinasakatuparan ang ating mga ipinangako,” he added.
“Diretso po ang ating pagmartsa sa tuwid na landas: walang pasikut-sikot, wala nang patigil-tigil, at lalong wala nang atrasan,” the President said.
In less than a year in office, according to the President, his government has already made great strides in ending the cycle of corruption that has shackled the country and people from improving their lives.
He said reforms in labor and agriculture have improved the delivery of services in these sectors to the people.
“Ramdam na natin ngayon ang magagandang resulta ng ating pagsisikap. Dating puno ng hinaing ang ilang kababayan natin sa Middle East na hindi makabalik-balik sa Pilipinas dahil sa takot na mamamatay lang sila dito sa gutom, pero ngayon po ang pino-problema na lang ay ang mismong kalidad at uri ng mapapasukang trabaho,” the President stressed.
He noted that the country’s rice importation, that used to stand at 2.5 metric tons, has been brought down to just 600,000 MT.
“With these continued reforms, by the time I step down in 2016, the Philippines may not need to import rice anymore but instead be one of the rice exporting countries,” the President said.
“Ito na nga po ang kalayaang hangad ng aking ama: ang makamit ang unang kalayaan – ang kalayaan ng mga Pilipino mula sa gutom,” the President said. (PCOO)
