Palace formally charges, suspends prosecutor in Garcia plea bargain deal
Malacañang has formally charged and placed under a 90-day preventive suspension Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras Sulit for graft and betrayal of public trust in connection with the questionable plea bargain deal she had entered into with retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia.
In a two-page formal charge signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. and issued on Tuesday, Sulit was suspended for three months to ensure that there will be no tampering with evidence and interference in her investigation.
“Pending investigation of said charges, respondent (Sulit) is hereby placed under preventive suspension for a period of 90 days, effective upon receipt hereof, considering the seriousness of the charges, the existence of prima facie case against respondent that she is probably guilty thereof which warrants her removal from the service and respondent’s continuance in the office may pose threat to the safety and integrity of the record and other evidence,” the Palace stated in the order.
According to the Palace, Sulit violated existing rules and jurisprudence when she “knowingly and willfully” entered into a plea bargain deal with Garcia in the latter’s P303-million plunder case pending before the Sandiganbayan.
The Palace alleged that Sulit, together with her deputies, “impaired deliberately the case for the prosecution by ignoring and abandoning evidence favorable to the interest of the government and presenting evidence adverse to its cause.”
It also alleged that Sulit failed to discharge her mandated duty of prosecuting erring public officials with utmost responsibility, integrity and professional competence.
Sulit was also accused of causing undue injury to the government and gave unwarranted benefits to Garcia through “manifest partiality, evident bad faith and gross inexcusable negligence.”
Malacañang gave Sulit a period of 10 days within which to submit her answer to the formal charge before the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs (ODESLA).
The administrative case against Sulit was an offshoot of an investigation conducted by the House Committee on Justice into the plea bargain agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and Garcia.
The House panel recommended that Sulit be dismissed from service for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust. (PCOO)
Palace orders top LLDA officials to explain extortion allegation
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Wednesday said that top officials of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) have been ordered to explain why they should not face administrative disciplinary proceedings following allegations of extortion.
Ochoa said a show-cause order had been issued on Monday against LLDA General Manager Rodrigo Cabrera, Engineering Division Chief Donato Rivera Jr. and Lake Management Division Head Jacqueline Dabu based on the accusation of fish pen owner Dr. Charlie Tan that the three tried to extort money from him.
Tan alleged that Cabrera and two other LLDA officials demanded “P300,000.00 in exchange for the approval of his request to transfer the locations of his fish pens” – a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713).
The three were given five days from the receipt of the show cause order to submit their comment to the Office of the Executive Secretary.
The Office of the President exercises jurisdiction over Cabrera, who is a presidential appointee. Rivera and Dabu, while not presidential appointees, are covered by the order “for having allegedly acted in conspiracy” with Cabrera.
Last Friday, Cabrera took a 60-day leave from office in order to give the Office of the President “a free hand in the conduct of a fair and unprejudiced investigation." (PCOO)
Palace welcomes China’s statement on Spratly row
Malacanang welcomed the recent statement made by the Chinese foreign ministry saying the Chinese government will not resort to the use of force to settle the dispute in the South China Sea.
China on Tuesday vowed not to use force in settling the Spratly issue and called for more dialogue to resolve the long-standing territorial disputes in the area.
“The statement from the Chinese foreign ministry is optimistic. It’s good that we heard them say that they are not going to resort to the use of force. It’s something that we certainly welcome,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
“So at least we have in the region an assurance that no use of force will be necessary to resolve the situation,” Lacierda stressed.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China hopes other claimant countries will do more for peace and stability in the region.
Tensions between China and other claimants to the South China Sea escalated last week following a war of words. The Philippines and Vietnam in particular have expressed alarm over China’s aggressive actions.
Asked about the plan of US Sen. Jim Webb Jr. to file a bill denouncing China’s behavior in the South China Sea, Lacierda said the Palace will support anything that will lessen the tension and resolve the issue peacefully.
“Anything that will downplay any inflammatory statements is certainly welcome for us. We have always maintained that there should be a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the West Philippines Sea,” he said.
Webb, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia, urged the US Congress to condemn China’s recent behavior, saying that Washington has to take action on the South China Sea issue.
Aside from China, the Philippines and Vietnam, other claimants to the Spratly Islands are Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia. (PCOO)
Malacanang welcomes reaffirmation of alliance between PHL and U.S. to achieve common aspiration of peace and stability
Malacanang has welcomed the reaffirmation of the alliance between the Philippines and the United States (US) made by US Ambassador Harry Thomas as the countries move forward to achieve their common aspiration of peace and stability.
“The strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States is a positive factor in achieving our, and the ASEAN, aspiration of peace and stability in the region: an aspiration we believe is also shared by all the countries in the region as well,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a statement issued on Wednesday at Malacanang.
Lacierda said: “that Philippine government reiterated that peaceful dialogue on a multilateral basis is the best way forward for the Philippines, ASEAN, and all nations with whom we interact.”
Foreign policy under this administration, Lacierda said, has been firm and consistent.
In his inaugural address on June 30, 2010, the President pledged, “We are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.”
This was reiterated on September, 2010 when the President said in his statement at the 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders’ Meeting, that, “his administration renews its commitment to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and strongly supports the drafting of a formal code for the South China Sea in which claimants vow to adhere to diplomatic processes to resolve territorial disputes.”
The President, in the same statement expresses the belief that this is consistent with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s pronouncements on the South China Sea made in July last year, supporting collaborative diplomatic processes.
“As a peace-loving country, the Philippines supports any efforts to deal with potential irritants in the most peaceful way possible,” the President said. (PCOO)
Palace welcomes latest upgraded credit rating by Moody’s
Malacanang welcomed on Wednesday the move of Moody’s Investors Service in upgrading the Philippines sovereign rating to Ba2 from Ba3 stable outlook saying that President Benigno S. Aquino III had successfully implemented its fiscal sustainability program.
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the latest upgraded credit rating by Moody’s for the Philippines clearly affirmed the economic agenda and leadership of the President particularly his fiscal sustainability program.
“This is an affirmation of the economic agenda and leadership of [President Benigno S.C. Aquino III], particularly our fiscal sustainability program,” Purisima said in a statement.
“This is something we had been aiming for. We are very pleased with Moody’s recognition of the fiscal reforms the Aquino administration has enacted and more importantly, with their confidence in the future path of fiscal consolidation of the Philippines," he added.
The upgrade, however, will prompt the government to work harder, Purisima said, stressing that the Aquino administration will "strengthen even more our resolve to ensure fiscal sustainability through good governance, transparency in our actions and hard work."
Purisima noted that Moody's upgrade was the second "in less than a year of the Aquino administration," following Standard &Poor's one notch upgrade to "BB stable" last November.
In a press briefing on Wednesday in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda said Moody’s Ba2 rating on the Philippines foreign and local currency long-term bonds shows that the country will have greater access to credit lines in the foreign borrowing institutions.
“This will also impliedly expect lower interest rates provided for us,” he said.
Citing progress in fiscal consolidation and sustained economic stability, Moody's said it is not impossible for the Philippines to achieve any further upgrade as long as they continue to improve its strength in the balance of payments and health in its financial system, and will be able to sustain progress towards fiscal consolidation and debt reduction. (PCOO)
Malacanang welcomes amendments made by U.S. on travel advisory for its citizens
Malacanang welcomed the amendments made by the State Department of the United States (US) in its latest travel advisory for its citizen that indicates evident progress in the country’s security situation.
In his official statement delivered during a press briefing at the Palace on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the amendments on the provisions in the latest US travel advisory for its citizens somehow expresses an improved confidence of the US on the peace and order situation in the country.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs has noted the update to the travel advisory for its nationals on the Philippines issued by the State Department of the United States. There have been amendments from the previous November 2, 2010 travel advisory indicating that progress in the security situation, and therefore the safety of tourists and visitors, have been observed,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda said that the advisory is being issued regularly by the US State department every six months.
“Itong apat na bagay na binago po shows in more improvement for us sa concerns nila, but again this is a regular travel warning provided by the United States State department for their citizens,” Lacierda noted.
“Sa tingin po namin, patuloy ang pag-improve ng safety ng ating mga citizens at pati na rin ang sa kanilang mamamayan.”
He added that the Aquino administration is continuously working seriously to maintain peace and order in the country and ensure public safety and security.
“So we are seeing improvements in the travel advisory provided by the United States State Department on the Philippines… like we said, we are continuously trying to make sure that we ensure public safety of our own citizens and our visitors,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda was referring to four provisions that were included in the previously issued advisories that were not included in the present travel advisory.
These provisions include: “targeted sites may be public gathering places that are frequented by expatriates and foreign citizens including American citizens” in the November 2, 2010 advisory.
“In the present travel warning, US citizens traveling, living and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution,” Lacierda explained.
In the kidnap for ransom provision, the November 2, 2010 warning stated that kidnap for ransom gangs were active throughout the Philippines and targeting foreigners, warning foreigners who resided in or visiting the Sulu archipelago in Mindanao to hire their own security. This provision has also been removed in the latest advisory. (PCOO)
Expanded Public-Private Sector panel seen to boost country’s global competitiveness
Malacañang has expanded a public-private sector task force in charge of addressing investor issues in fresh bid to improve the global competitiveness of the Philippines.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday that Executive Order No. 44 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on June 3 is a step toward enhancing the competitive ranking of the country while strengthening the local industries.
“The government and the business sector have the shared aspiration to jointly address the competitiveness indicators that will impact on our international competitiveness ranking and strengthen our industries, agriculture and service sectors, and thereby create more jobs and increase income,” Ochoa said.
The President’s order renames the Public-Private Sector Task Force on Philippine Competitiveness, which was established by virtue of EO 571 issued on October 5, 2006, to National Competitiveness Council (NCC). The council is attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and will report to the Cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster.
EO 44 beefs up the NCC with the inclusion of the heads of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Other members are the secretaries of DTI and the Departments of Finance and Education, director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, and five representatives from the private sector.
The President deemed it important to include the DOE secretary in the joint panel in view of the rising cost of power that dulls the country’s international competitiveness, Ochoa explained.
“The DOT is included in the NCC in recognition of the fact that the development of the tourism industry holds the greatest potential for job creation and generation of additional revenues for the government,” the Executive Secretary added.
Under the presidential issuance, the NCC serves as a primary collection point of investor issues that need to be addressed in order to improve international competitiveness in the industry, services and agricultural sectors.
The council is to advise the President on policy matters affecting the competitiveness of the business sector and provide inputs to the Philippine Development Plan, the Philippine Investments Priority Plan and the Philippine Exports Priority Plan.
Part of the NCC’s task is to coordinate, monitor and ensure the implementation of key policy improvement processes associated with international competitiveness, as well as recommend legislation that may contribute to further boost competitiveness.
The DTI secretary is designated chairperson of the NCC with a private sector representative, to be appointed by the President, as co-chairperson. The five representatives from the private sector will have a term of two years.
The DTI-Center for Industrial Competitiveness serves as the NCC Secretariat to be headed by its executive director, with the support of a private sector staff headed by an operations director.
The EO earmarks P5 million, which will be drawn from the Contingent Fund of the Office of the President, for the operating expenses of the NCC. Subsequent annual funding of the council will be incorporated in the regular budget of the DTI and subject to existing accounting and auditing laws and regulations, while the private sector shall provide funding for its own activities. (PCOO)
Palace designates DOJ as ‘Competition Authority’ on domestic, international trade
Malacañang has designated the Department of Justice (DOJ) as the country’s “Competition Authority” to ensure fair domestic trade, as it pushes for antitrust measures that will curb monopolies, break up cartels, and eliminate other abusive practices in business.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday that Executive Order No. 45, signed by President Benigno Aquino III on June 9, recognizes the need to promote competition and level the playing field in the market to encourage needed investments and safeguard the interest of the general public.
“The 16-point Agenda of the administration provides that this will be a government that creates conditions conducive to the growth and competitiveness of private businesses, big, medium, and small,” Ochoa pointed out.
“The President’s policy, as he had stated during his first State of the Nation Address, called for measures that will allow and guarantee fair competition,” he also said.
Under EO 45, the DOJ is tasked to investigate all cases involving violations of competition laws and prosecute violators to prevent, restrain, and punish monopolization, cartels, and combinations in restraint of trade.
The DOJ is likewise ordered to enforce competition policies and laws to protect consumers from abusive, fraudulent, or harmful corrupt business practices; and supervise competition in markets by ensuring that prohibitions and requirements of competition laws are followed.
EO 45 further directs the DOJ to monitor and implement measures to promote transparency and accountability in markets; as well as prepare, publish, and disseminate studies and reports on competition to inform and guide the industry and consumers.
The DOJ is also charged to promote international cooperation and strengthen Philippine trade relations with other countries, economies, and institutions in trade agreements.
According to the Executive Secretary, the DOJ is designated as Competition Authority under EO 45 since it is mandated by law to review all laws related to trusts and monopolies, or combinations in restraint of trade, to enable the government to deal more efficiently with abusive business practices, including monopolies and cartels. (PCOO)
Malacañang has formally charged and placed under a 90-day preventive suspension Special Prosecutor Wendell Barreras Sulit for graft and betrayal of public trust in connection with the questionable plea bargain deal she had entered into with retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia.
In a two-page formal charge signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. and issued on Tuesday, Sulit was suspended for three months to ensure that there will be no tampering with evidence and interference in her investigation.
“Pending investigation of said charges, respondent (Sulit) is hereby placed under preventive suspension for a period of 90 days, effective upon receipt hereof, considering the seriousness of the charges, the existence of prima facie case against respondent that she is probably guilty thereof which warrants her removal from the service and respondent’s continuance in the office may pose threat to the safety and integrity of the record and other evidence,” the Palace stated in the order.
According to the Palace, Sulit violated existing rules and jurisprudence when she “knowingly and willfully” entered into a plea bargain deal with Garcia in the latter’s P303-million plunder case pending before the Sandiganbayan.
The Palace alleged that Sulit, together with her deputies, “impaired deliberately the case for the prosecution by ignoring and abandoning evidence favorable to the interest of the government and presenting evidence adverse to its cause.”
It also alleged that Sulit failed to discharge her mandated duty of prosecuting erring public officials with utmost responsibility, integrity and professional competence.
Sulit was also accused of causing undue injury to the government and gave unwarranted benefits to Garcia through “manifest partiality, evident bad faith and gross inexcusable negligence.”
Malacañang gave Sulit a period of 10 days within which to submit her answer to the formal charge before the Office of the Deputy Executive Secretary for Legal Affairs (ODESLA).
The administrative case against Sulit was an offshoot of an investigation conducted by the House Committee on Justice into the plea bargain agreement between the Office of the Ombudsman and Garcia.
The House panel recommended that Sulit be dismissed from service for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust. (PCOO)
Palace orders top LLDA officials to explain extortion allegation
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Wednesday said that top officials of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) have been ordered to explain why they should not face administrative disciplinary proceedings following allegations of extortion.
Ochoa said a show-cause order had been issued on Monday against LLDA General Manager Rodrigo Cabrera, Engineering Division Chief Donato Rivera Jr. and Lake Management Division Head Jacqueline Dabu based on the accusation of fish pen owner Dr. Charlie Tan that the three tried to extort money from him.
Tan alleged that Cabrera and two other LLDA officials demanded “P300,000.00 in exchange for the approval of his request to transfer the locations of his fish pens” – a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corruption Practices Act (RA 3019) and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713).
The three were given five days from the receipt of the show cause order to submit their comment to the Office of the Executive Secretary.
The Office of the President exercises jurisdiction over Cabrera, who is a presidential appointee. Rivera and Dabu, while not presidential appointees, are covered by the order “for having allegedly acted in conspiracy” with Cabrera.
Last Friday, Cabrera took a 60-day leave from office in order to give the Office of the President “a free hand in the conduct of a fair and unprejudiced investigation." (PCOO)
Palace welcomes China’s statement on Spratly row
Malacanang welcomed the recent statement made by the Chinese foreign ministry saying the Chinese government will not resort to the use of force to settle the dispute in the South China Sea.
China on Tuesday vowed not to use force in settling the Spratly issue and called for more dialogue to resolve the long-standing territorial disputes in the area.
“The statement from the Chinese foreign ministry is optimistic. It’s good that we heard them say that they are not going to resort to the use of force. It’s something that we certainly welcome,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
“So at least we have in the region an assurance that no use of force will be necessary to resolve the situation,” Lacierda stressed.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China hopes other claimant countries will do more for peace and stability in the region.
Tensions between China and other claimants to the South China Sea escalated last week following a war of words. The Philippines and Vietnam in particular have expressed alarm over China’s aggressive actions.
Asked about the plan of US Sen. Jim Webb Jr. to file a bill denouncing China’s behavior in the South China Sea, Lacierda said the Palace will support anything that will lessen the tension and resolve the issue peacefully.
“Anything that will downplay any inflammatory statements is certainly welcome for us. We have always maintained that there should be a peaceful resolution of the conflict in the West Philippines Sea,” he said.
Webb, who heads the Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee on East Asia, urged the US Congress to condemn China’s recent behavior, saying that Washington has to take action on the South China Sea issue.
Aside from China, the Philippines and Vietnam, other claimants to the Spratly Islands are Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia. (PCOO)
Malacanang welcomes reaffirmation of alliance between PHL and U.S. to achieve common aspiration of peace and stability
Malacanang has welcomed the reaffirmation of the alliance between the Philippines and the United States (US) made by US Ambassador Harry Thomas as the countries move forward to achieve their common aspiration of peace and stability.
“The strategic partnership between the Philippines and the United States is a positive factor in achieving our, and the ASEAN, aspiration of peace and stability in the region: an aspiration we believe is also shared by all the countries in the region as well,” said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a statement issued on Wednesday at Malacanang.
Lacierda said: “that Philippine government reiterated that peaceful dialogue on a multilateral basis is the best way forward for the Philippines, ASEAN, and all nations with whom we interact.”
Foreign policy under this administration, Lacierda said, has been firm and consistent.
In his inaugural address on June 30, 2010, the President pledged, “We are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.”
This was reiterated on September, 2010 when the President said in his statement at the 2nd ASEAN-US Leaders’ Meeting, that, “his administration renews its commitment to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and strongly supports the drafting of a formal code for the South China Sea in which claimants vow to adhere to diplomatic processes to resolve territorial disputes.”
The President, in the same statement expresses the belief that this is consistent with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s pronouncements on the South China Sea made in July last year, supporting collaborative diplomatic processes.
“As a peace-loving country, the Philippines supports any efforts to deal with potential irritants in the most peaceful way possible,” the President said. (PCOO)
Palace welcomes latest upgraded credit rating by Moody’s
Malacanang welcomed on Wednesday the move of Moody’s Investors Service in upgrading the Philippines sovereign rating to Ba2 from Ba3 stable outlook saying that President Benigno S. Aquino III had successfully implemented its fiscal sustainability program.
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said the latest upgraded credit rating by Moody’s for the Philippines clearly affirmed the economic agenda and leadership of the President particularly his fiscal sustainability program.
“This is an affirmation of the economic agenda and leadership of [President Benigno S.C. Aquino III], particularly our fiscal sustainability program,” Purisima said in a statement.
“This is something we had been aiming for. We are very pleased with Moody’s recognition of the fiscal reforms the Aquino administration has enacted and more importantly, with their confidence in the future path of fiscal consolidation of the Philippines," he added.
The upgrade, however, will prompt the government to work harder, Purisima said, stressing that the Aquino administration will "strengthen even more our resolve to ensure fiscal sustainability through good governance, transparency in our actions and hard work."
Purisima noted that Moody's upgrade was the second "in less than a year of the Aquino administration," following Standard &Poor's one notch upgrade to "BB stable" last November.
In a press briefing on Wednesday in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda said Moody’s Ba2 rating on the Philippines foreign and local currency long-term bonds shows that the country will have greater access to credit lines in the foreign borrowing institutions.
“This will also impliedly expect lower interest rates provided for us,” he said.
Citing progress in fiscal consolidation and sustained economic stability, Moody's said it is not impossible for the Philippines to achieve any further upgrade as long as they continue to improve its strength in the balance of payments and health in its financial system, and will be able to sustain progress towards fiscal consolidation and debt reduction. (PCOO)
Malacanang welcomes amendments made by U.S. on travel advisory for its citizens
Malacanang welcomed the amendments made by the State Department of the United States (US) in its latest travel advisory for its citizen that indicates evident progress in the country’s security situation.
In his official statement delivered during a press briefing at the Palace on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that the amendments on the provisions in the latest US travel advisory for its citizens somehow expresses an improved confidence of the US on the peace and order situation in the country.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs has noted the update to the travel advisory for its nationals on the Philippines issued by the State Department of the United States. There have been amendments from the previous November 2, 2010 travel advisory indicating that progress in the security situation, and therefore the safety of tourists and visitors, have been observed,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda said that the advisory is being issued regularly by the US State department every six months.
“Itong apat na bagay na binago po shows in more improvement for us sa concerns nila, but again this is a regular travel warning provided by the United States State department for their citizens,” Lacierda noted.
“Sa tingin po namin, patuloy ang pag-improve ng safety ng ating mga citizens at pati na rin ang sa kanilang mamamayan.”
He added that the Aquino administration is continuously working seriously to maintain peace and order in the country and ensure public safety and security.
“So we are seeing improvements in the travel advisory provided by the United States State Department on the Philippines… like we said, we are continuously trying to make sure that we ensure public safety of our own citizens and our visitors,” Lacierda said.
Lacierda was referring to four provisions that were included in the previously issued advisories that were not included in the present travel advisory.
These provisions include: “targeted sites may be public gathering places that are frequented by expatriates and foreign citizens including American citizens” in the November 2, 2010 advisory.
“In the present travel warning, US citizens traveling, living and working throughout the Philippines are urged to exercise heightened caution,” Lacierda explained.
In the kidnap for ransom provision, the November 2, 2010 warning stated that kidnap for ransom gangs were active throughout the Philippines and targeting foreigners, warning foreigners who resided in or visiting the Sulu archipelago in Mindanao to hire their own security. This provision has also been removed in the latest advisory. (PCOO)
Expanded Public-Private Sector panel seen to boost country’s global competitiveness
Malacañang has expanded a public-private sector task force in charge of addressing investor issues in fresh bid to improve the global competitiveness of the Philippines.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday that Executive Order No. 44 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on June 3 is a step toward enhancing the competitive ranking of the country while strengthening the local industries.
“The government and the business sector have the shared aspiration to jointly address the competitiveness indicators that will impact on our international competitiveness ranking and strengthen our industries, agriculture and service sectors, and thereby create more jobs and increase income,” Ochoa said.
The President’s order renames the Public-Private Sector Task Force on Philippine Competitiveness, which was established by virtue of EO 571 issued on October 5, 2006, to National Competitiveness Council (NCC). The council is attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and will report to the Cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster.
EO 44 beefs up the NCC with the inclusion of the heads of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). Other members are the secretaries of DTI and the Departments of Finance and Education, director general of the National Economic and Development Authority, and five representatives from the private sector.
The President deemed it important to include the DOE secretary in the joint panel in view of the rising cost of power that dulls the country’s international competitiveness, Ochoa explained.
“The DOT is included in the NCC in recognition of the fact that the development of the tourism industry holds the greatest potential for job creation and generation of additional revenues for the government,” the Executive Secretary added.
Under the presidential issuance, the NCC serves as a primary collection point of investor issues that need to be addressed in order to improve international competitiveness in the industry, services and agricultural sectors.
The council is to advise the President on policy matters affecting the competitiveness of the business sector and provide inputs to the Philippine Development Plan, the Philippine Investments Priority Plan and the Philippine Exports Priority Plan.
Part of the NCC’s task is to coordinate, monitor and ensure the implementation of key policy improvement processes associated with international competitiveness, as well as recommend legislation that may contribute to further boost competitiveness.
The DTI secretary is designated chairperson of the NCC with a private sector representative, to be appointed by the President, as co-chairperson. The five representatives from the private sector will have a term of two years.
The DTI-Center for Industrial Competitiveness serves as the NCC Secretariat to be headed by its executive director, with the support of a private sector staff headed by an operations director.
The EO earmarks P5 million, which will be drawn from the Contingent Fund of the Office of the President, for the operating expenses of the NCC. Subsequent annual funding of the council will be incorporated in the regular budget of the DTI and subject to existing accounting and auditing laws and regulations, while the private sector shall provide funding for its own activities. (PCOO)
Palace designates DOJ as ‘Competition Authority’ on domestic, international trade
Malacañang has designated the Department of Justice (DOJ) as the country’s “Competition Authority” to ensure fair domestic trade, as it pushes for antitrust measures that will curb monopolies, break up cartels, and eliminate other abusive practices in business.
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday that Executive Order No. 45, signed by President Benigno Aquino III on June 9, recognizes the need to promote competition and level the playing field in the market to encourage needed investments and safeguard the interest of the general public.
“The 16-point Agenda of the administration provides that this will be a government that creates conditions conducive to the growth and competitiveness of private businesses, big, medium, and small,” Ochoa pointed out.
“The President’s policy, as he had stated during his first State of the Nation Address, called for measures that will allow and guarantee fair competition,” he also said.
Under EO 45, the DOJ is tasked to investigate all cases involving violations of competition laws and prosecute violators to prevent, restrain, and punish monopolization, cartels, and combinations in restraint of trade.
The DOJ is likewise ordered to enforce competition policies and laws to protect consumers from abusive, fraudulent, or harmful corrupt business practices; and supervise competition in markets by ensuring that prohibitions and requirements of competition laws are followed.
EO 45 further directs the DOJ to monitor and implement measures to promote transparency and accountability in markets; as well as prepare, publish, and disseminate studies and reports on competition to inform and guide the industry and consumers.
The DOJ is also charged to promote international cooperation and strengthen Philippine trade relations with other countries, economies, and institutions in trade agreements.
According to the Executive Secretary, the DOJ is designated as Competition Authority under EO 45 since it is mandated by law to review all laws related to trusts and monopolies, or combinations in restraint of trade, to enable the government to deal more efficiently with abusive business practices, including monopolies and cartels. (PCOO)
