Aquino receives five envoys in Malacañang
President Benigno S. Aquino III warmly welcomed the representatives of five countries who paid a courtesy call on him to present their respective credentials in Malacañang Thursday morning.
Ambassadors from the Republics of Kenya, Cyprus, Poland, Tunisia and the Kingdom of Lesotho met with the Chief Executive one after the other at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace.
First to present his credentials to the President was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Samori Angwa Okwiya who was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Jackie Yonga.
Okwiya was followed by Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Richard Ramoeletsi of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Nicos Panayi of the Republic of Cyprus, and Adam Jelonek of the Republic of Poland.
They were accompanied by Mamosa Likeleko Alinah-Ramoeletsi, First Secretary; Kristen Nicole Toundjis-Brindisi, Honorary Consul; and Fernandino Lising, Honorary Consul General; respectively.
Last to meet with the President was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenopotentiary Mohamed Hassairi of the Republic of Tunisia. He was accompanied by Honorary Consul Edward Go.
Each Ambassador said they were honored to be representing their countries here as they thanked the President for his hospitality in welcoming them to the Philippines.
In reply, the President said that with their help, he hoped to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and their respective countries.
“We look forward to strengthening relations between our countries,” the President said. (PCOO)
Aquino to lead Independence Day rites on Sunday, June 12
President Benigno Aquino III will lead on Sunday, June 12, this year’s 113th Independence Day celebration that will start with a flag-raising ceremony in Kawit, Cavite.
After the flag-raising rites, the President will proceed to the Palace for the Vin D’ Honneur at 10 am at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall.
At 4 in the afternoon, the President will then proceed to the Quirino Grandstand for the 113th Philippine Independence Day celebration and parade.
The President had earlier directed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to lead the organization and implementation of the Independence Day celebration this year.
The country celebrates the Independence Day each year to raise awareness among the Filipinos that freedom is a most precious right. Independence Day is simultaneously celebrated nationwide with Filipino communities worldwide.
The holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and the Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization.
Independence Day was officially observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166 that designated June 12 as the country's Independence Day was signed into law by the late President Diosdado Macapagal on August 4, 1964.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that event organizers have already invited the Cavite local officials as well as some members of the diplomatic corps to attend the flag-raising ceremony at 7 am in Kawit, Cavite.
Malacanang announced that P10 million was being set aside to defray the expenses for the activities commemorating this year’s Independence Day celebration chargeable against the NHCP budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
The Palace earlier called on Filipinos to display the Philippine flag at their respective home, offices, schools, public buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas beginning May 28, in celebration of the National Flag Day, until June 12, 2011 in preparation for the Independence Day. (PCOO)
Malacanang condemns alleged intrusion of Kalinga governor inside radio booth of Tabanganay
Malacanang expressed dismay over the alleged suppression of press freedom in Kalinga province involving a high-ranking local official and a radio commentator of government-run Radyo ng Bayan DzRK-Tabuk, recently.
In his official statement released on Thursday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. condemned the alleged intrusion of Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac inside the announcer’s booth of the said radio station while broadcaster Jerome Tabanganay was doing his radio program “Agenda”.
“We deplore the unwarranted entry of Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac into the announcer’s booth of DZRK-Tabuk while there was an ongoing broadcast by Mr. Jerome Tabanganay, an employee of the Philippine Broadcasting Service since 1988”, the statement read.
The statement also bared Coloma’s request for Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo to intervene through a thorough and impartial investigation concerning the untoward incident.
The PCOO chief expressed the government’s commitment is upholding the freedom of the press.
“We are requesting DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to initiate appropriate procedures for making Governor Baac accountable for his disruptive behavior. We reaffirm our commitment to protect the responsible exercise of freedom of expression by Broadcasters and Journalists”, the statement added.
Reports revealed that Kalinga governor Jocel Baac allegedly attacked Tabanganay while he was doing his commentaries at the station five minutes before signing off his program.
It added that Governor Baac allegedly barged into the announcers’ booth and hit the broadcaster in the lip with a microphone. Baac was reportedly backed up by several men armed with Armalite rifles. (PCOO)
Aquino gov’t says opening of Manila-Bicol railway service to boost tourism/trade
The Aquino administration said the resumption of the Manila-Bicol railway service will boost tourism and trade in the region.
“Manila-Bicol rail service resuming this month is a promising start,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press statement on Thursday.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) will resume rail services between Manila and Bicol on June 29, Lacierda said adding that the opening of the railway services is a month ahead of schedule.
The PNR will be able to reopen the railway system earlier due to the new workforce and contracts given to the Quezon-Bicol portions of the tracks, and vital infrastructure rehabilitation including the completion of the 50-meter San Cristobal Bridge in Laguna.
Lacierda said that one third of the railway had been rehabilitated under the previous administration, the remaining two-thirds was undertaken under the present administration. PNR administrator Junio Ragragio had received orders from President Benigno Aquino III to reopen the railway line this year.
According to Lacierda, the PNR earmarked P1.8 billion for the rehabilitation of the railway and P250 million for the acquisition of new trains. This includes 83 air-conditioned sleeper and commuter coaches donated by Japan that are due to arrive later this year after President Aquino authorized P250 million for the transport of the coaches to the Philippines.
The rehabilitated line will employ an additional thousand workers including railway police to monitor and patrol the tracks and junctions, he added.
The Manila-Bicol rail service commenced in 1938 but the devastating weather of the early 1970s devastated the South railway, and only token efforts were made to restore rail services.
The railway was only rehabilitated in 1985, but deteriorated again soon after that. Then rail service between Manila and Bicol ceased in 2006 due to typhoon damage. (PCOO)
Palace official says ARMM OICs will enter into covenant not to run for 2013 elections
The officers-in-charge (OICs) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the next two years will enter into a covenant that they will not run in the National Elections in 2013, a Palace official said on Thursday.
In a regular press briefing at Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the administration is standing by its earlier position that the OICs who will be appointed to head the ARMM will not run for elective positions.
“The House version provided a provision that the OICs cannot run. The Senate or the (Franklin) Drilon version of the bill removed that particular provision not so much as to say that the OICs can run but to obviate any question or unconstitutionality of that particular provision. There is a belief that you cannot restrict a person from running for a public position so that is the only reason why it was taken away,” he said.
“What we will do is to ask the OICs to enter into a covenant not to run. That is the only way we can ask them not to do so. We stand by our commitment that those OICs who will introduce reforms, those OICs who will be heading the ARMM for the next two years, will do so with no purpose of enriching themselves,” he said.
The Presidential Spokesman also said they would come out with a process in the selection of the ARMM OICs. “All stakeholders will be consulted before appointing OICs. The OICs will initiate genuine reforms in the region,” he told reporters.
Lacierda earlier said the Senate vote for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2756 is a great step towards a systemic reform in the region.”
“Beyond that, the vote also signifies the willingness of our leaders to join the people in the straight and righteous path toward genuine, meaningful change,” he said.
In an earlier statement, President Benigno S. Aquino III said he wanted the ARMM elections synchronized with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections "in order to level the playing field." (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III warmly welcomed the representatives of five countries who paid a courtesy call on him to present their respective credentials in Malacañang Thursday morning.
Ambassadors from the Republics of Kenya, Cyprus, Poland, Tunisia and the Kingdom of Lesotho met with the Chief Executive one after the other at the Music Room of Malacañang Palace.
First to present his credentials to the President was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Samori Angwa Okwiya who was accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Jackie Yonga.
Okwiya was followed by Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Richard Ramoeletsi of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Nicos Panayi of the Republic of Cyprus, and Adam Jelonek of the Republic of Poland.
They were accompanied by Mamosa Likeleko Alinah-Ramoeletsi, First Secretary; Kristen Nicole Toundjis-Brindisi, Honorary Consul; and Fernandino Lising, Honorary Consul General; respectively.
Last to meet with the President was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenopotentiary Mohamed Hassairi of the Republic of Tunisia. He was accompanied by Honorary Consul Edward Go.
Each Ambassador said they were honored to be representing their countries here as they thanked the President for his hospitality in welcoming them to the Philippines.
In reply, the President said that with their help, he hoped to further strengthen relations between the Philippines and their respective countries.
“We look forward to strengthening relations between our countries,” the President said. (PCOO)
Aquino to lead Independence Day rites on Sunday, June 12
President Benigno Aquino III will lead on Sunday, June 12, this year’s 113th Independence Day celebration that will start with a flag-raising ceremony in Kawit, Cavite.
After the flag-raising rites, the President will proceed to the Palace for the Vin D’ Honneur at 10 am at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall.
At 4 in the afternoon, the President will then proceed to the Quirino Grandstand for the 113th Philippine Independence Day celebration and parade.
The President had earlier directed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) to lead the organization and implementation of the Independence Day celebration this year.
The country celebrates the Independence Day each year to raise awareness among the Filipinos that freedom is a most precious right. Independence Day is simultaneously celebrated nationwide with Filipino communities worldwide.
The holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence on June 12, 1898 by General Emilio Aguinaldo and the Filipino revolutionary forces from the Spanish colonization.
Independence Day was officially observed on July 4 until the Republic Act No. 4166 that designated June 12 as the country's Independence Day was signed into law by the late President Diosdado Macapagal on August 4, 1964.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said that event organizers have already invited the Cavite local officials as well as some members of the diplomatic corps to attend the flag-raising ceremony at 7 am in Kawit, Cavite.
Malacanang announced that P10 million was being set aside to defray the expenses for the activities commemorating this year’s Independence Day celebration chargeable against the NHCP budget for Fiscal Year 2011.
The Palace earlier called on Filipinos to display the Philippine flag at their respective home, offices, schools, public buildings and plazas, as well as embassies and consulates overseas beginning May 28, in celebration of the National Flag Day, until June 12, 2011 in preparation for the Independence Day. (PCOO)
Malacanang condemns alleged intrusion of Kalinga governor inside radio booth of Tabanganay
Malacanang expressed dismay over the alleged suppression of press freedom in Kalinga province involving a high-ranking local official and a radio commentator of government-run Radyo ng Bayan DzRK-Tabuk, recently.
In his official statement released on Thursday, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. condemned the alleged intrusion of Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac inside the announcer’s booth of the said radio station while broadcaster Jerome Tabanganay was doing his radio program “Agenda”.
“We deplore the unwarranted entry of Kalinga Governor Jocel Baac into the announcer’s booth of DZRK-Tabuk while there was an ongoing broadcast by Mr. Jerome Tabanganay, an employee of the Philippine Broadcasting Service since 1988”, the statement read.
The statement also bared Coloma’s request for Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo to intervene through a thorough and impartial investigation concerning the untoward incident.
The PCOO chief expressed the government’s commitment is upholding the freedom of the press.
“We are requesting DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to initiate appropriate procedures for making Governor Baac accountable for his disruptive behavior. We reaffirm our commitment to protect the responsible exercise of freedom of expression by Broadcasters and Journalists”, the statement added.
Reports revealed that Kalinga governor Jocel Baac allegedly attacked Tabanganay while he was doing his commentaries at the station five minutes before signing off his program.
It added that Governor Baac allegedly barged into the announcers’ booth and hit the broadcaster in the lip with a microphone. Baac was reportedly backed up by several men armed with Armalite rifles. (PCOO)
Aquino gov’t says opening of Manila-Bicol railway service to boost tourism/trade
The Aquino administration said the resumption of the Manila-Bicol railway service will boost tourism and trade in the region.
“Manila-Bicol rail service resuming this month is a promising start,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press statement on Thursday.
The Philippine National Railways (PNR) will resume rail services between Manila and Bicol on June 29, Lacierda said adding that the opening of the railway services is a month ahead of schedule.
The PNR will be able to reopen the railway system earlier due to the new workforce and contracts given to the Quezon-Bicol portions of the tracks, and vital infrastructure rehabilitation including the completion of the 50-meter San Cristobal Bridge in Laguna.
Lacierda said that one third of the railway had been rehabilitated under the previous administration, the remaining two-thirds was undertaken under the present administration. PNR administrator Junio Ragragio had received orders from President Benigno Aquino III to reopen the railway line this year.
According to Lacierda, the PNR earmarked P1.8 billion for the rehabilitation of the railway and P250 million for the acquisition of new trains. This includes 83 air-conditioned sleeper and commuter coaches donated by Japan that are due to arrive later this year after President Aquino authorized P250 million for the transport of the coaches to the Philippines.
The rehabilitated line will employ an additional thousand workers including railway police to monitor and patrol the tracks and junctions, he added.
The Manila-Bicol rail service commenced in 1938 but the devastating weather of the early 1970s devastated the South railway, and only token efforts were made to restore rail services.
The railway was only rehabilitated in 1985, but deteriorated again soon after that. Then rail service between Manila and Bicol ceased in 2006 due to typhoon damage. (PCOO)
Palace official says ARMM OICs will enter into covenant not to run for 2013 elections
The officers-in-charge (OICs) of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the next two years will enter into a covenant that they will not run in the National Elections in 2013, a Palace official said on Thursday.
In a regular press briefing at Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the administration is standing by its earlier position that the OICs who will be appointed to head the ARMM will not run for elective positions.
“The House version provided a provision that the OICs cannot run. The Senate or the (Franklin) Drilon version of the bill removed that particular provision not so much as to say that the OICs can run but to obviate any question or unconstitutionality of that particular provision. There is a belief that you cannot restrict a person from running for a public position so that is the only reason why it was taken away,” he said.
“What we will do is to ask the OICs to enter into a covenant not to run. That is the only way we can ask them not to do so. We stand by our commitment that those OICs who will introduce reforms, those OICs who will be heading the ARMM for the next two years, will do so with no purpose of enriching themselves,” he said.
The Presidential Spokesman also said they would come out with a process in the selection of the ARMM OICs. “All stakeholders will be consulted before appointing OICs. The OICs will initiate genuine reforms in the region,” he told reporters.
Lacierda earlier said the Senate vote for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2756 is a great step towards a systemic reform in the region.”
“Beyond that, the vote also signifies the willingness of our leaders to join the people in the straight and righteous path toward genuine, meaningful change,” he said.
In an earlier statement, President Benigno S. Aquino III said he wanted the ARMM elections synchronized with the May 13, 2013 national and local elections "in order to level the playing field." (PCOO)
