Cabinet clusters to present accomplishments, plans in live broadcasts on PTV4/Radyo ng Bayan
FINANCE Secretary Cesar Purisima will lead on Wednesday (July 6) a nationally broadcast Cabinet forum on economic growth, investments and the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 in preparation for President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) before Congress on July 25.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Cayetano Paderanga and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo will join Purisima as panelists, which will be broadcast live on PTV4 and Radio ng Bayan. NEDA stands for National Economic and Development Authority.
Purisima, Paderanga and Domingo compose the Economic Development Cluster of the Cabinet, which includes other related agencies of the government. Purisima chairs this cluster.
The forum is the first of a series of five fora in teleradyo format in the run-up to SONA. Each of the five Cabinet clusters will have separate forums discussing their plans and what they have accomplished so far in the past year.
The next televised forum by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster, chaired by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, will be held on Friday, July 8.
The other Cabinet clusters will have their separate forums, as follows: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Cluster on July 13; Security, Justice and Peace Cluster on July 18; and Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster on July 19.
Wednesday’s economic forum will be moderated by Atty. Marc Castrodes, with Albay Governor Joey Salceda as resource person and main studio guest.
The panelists will answer questions from media representatives and stakeholders invited to the PTV4 studio and from three locations, namely, Baguio, Cebu and Davao.
During the forum, Purisima will discuss economic growth, fiscal sustainability, inflation and revenues.
Paderanga will take up the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target, employment and investments, inflation, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Domingo will delve on investments generated, competitiveness, prices and inflation.
Friday’s human development and poverty reduction forum will have Soliman, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Health Secretary Enrique Ona as panelists. (PCOO)
Aquino addresses 3rd Union Network International Asia-Pacific Regional Organization conference
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the ceremonial opening of the 3rd Regional Conference of the Union Network International (UNI) Asia-Pacific Regional Organization (APRO) on Tuesday at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President underscored the importance of this annual conference which, he said, brings together leaders of big global trade union federations to discuss human and labor rights.
The President said that the discussions that would emanate from the two-day conference would provide an “avenue” where each one could learn from each other's experiences.
This year's theme is: “Grow UNI-APRO.”
“We all know how labor conditions around the world differ greatly from one another, but as the theme of this conference points out, we all live in a post-financial crisis world,” the President said.
“It is only appropriate that we make full use of the avenues of dialogue available to us, to share our countries’ respective conditions and experiences so that we may ultimately learn from one another and move ourselves closer to recovery, if not prosperity,” he added.
The UNI-APRO is one of the four Regional Organizations (UNI-Europa, UNI-America, UNI-Africa and UNI-Asia Pacific) of UNI, the world's largest global union federation founded in 2000.
The network's purpose is to fight for the full observance of workers' human and labor rights and sustainable partnership with employers and government through social dialogue and partnership agreements. (PCOO)
Aquino vows to relentlessly pursue reforms in the country's labor laws
President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to relentlessly pursue reforms in the country's labor laws to ensure that every Filipino's right to fair and better working conditions are met.
“From the moment we stepped into office, our battle cry for our labor sector has always been clear and simple: make things better for labor in a responsible manner,” the President told participants to the 3rd Regional Conference of the Union Network International (UNI) Asia-Pacific Regional Organization (APRO) held at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom Tuesday.
The President said his vision for better labor meant “turning working abroad into a choice, as opposed to the necessity that it has become for a lot of our countrymen” and “allowing the common Filipino worker to have enough resources so that when he comes home, tired from a long day at work, he may be rewarded with time with his family, a well-deserved rest, and a full plate for dinner.”
He, however, stressed that this should be done responsibly “to make sure that the investors who give jobs to our people continue to operate here.”
The President said that through the implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment's Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016, mid- and long-term solutions to the predicament of balanced employer-employee or management-labor relations will be achieved.
“This plan is a vital part of achieving our countrymen’s shared aspirations for the Philippines: inclusive and equitable growth that increases employment levels, improves the quality of employment, expands access to employment opportunities, and advances dialogue processes toward more mutual or collective gains,” the President said.
“Simply put, it’s a country where no one gets left behind—where everybody not only pulls his own weight, but also links arms with his fellow man so that everyone, from every part of the economic spectrum, moves forward on the road to progress,” he added.
The President enumerated his government's achievements to effect a “drastic turnaround” in labor and working conditions that included: directing regional wage boards to release its decisions on wage hikes, creating jobs, infusing livelihood training centers such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority with P700-million “for their Training for Work Scholarship Program.”
“This will equip Filipinos with the knowledge to excel in various industries with high labor demand, specifically the BPO industry,” the President said.
He added that DOLE will soon upgrade Phil-Jobnet, the government’s job matchmaking system accessible through the world wide web.
“The new and improved Phil-Jobnet will also be the labor market information portal of the Philippine government, and the people at the Labor Department believe that it will be able to house supply and demand database systems such as the National Skills Registry System,” the President said.
“The registry system will allow workers to list their skills and qualifications to become more visible to hiring employers, effectively streamlining the process for both employees and companies,” he added.
He pointed out that the number of unemployed Filipinos went down from 8 percent to 7.2 percent from April 2010 to 2011 but stressed that “those without jobs still need to make a living.”
Despite these achievements, the President noted that more needs to done “to improve the conditions for our labor sector.”
“I am not disappointed with the progress we have made in the past year, but I will never be content until those working beyond our shores remain there by choice and not by necessity. Our administration will not rest as long as there are those among us who toil all day without any prospect of improving their lot in life; we will not rest as long as there are those who sweat but remain hungry, with a skewed and diminished sense of self-worth,” the President said.
“We will not rest until we complete the drastic turnaround that we began when we stepped into office. We know that the Filipino people stand alongside us, that they share our responsibilities as we move toward our shared aspirations,” he said. (PCOO)
Malacanang assures that cases against previous administration are strong enough to stand trial
Malacanang made an assurance that cases being built up against the previous administration particularly the fertilizer fund scam will be strong enough to stand in court so that justice is served to the people.
In a press briefing on Tuesday in Malacanang, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that they are confident that cases against the former leader and her cohorts are strong and not part of a PR blitz.
“Certainly, hindi po tayo magpapa-file ng kaso na hindi po matibay iyung basehan. There are some quarters who have been asking na isang taon na daw po na wala pang naipapa-file pero sinagot na po ng pangulo yank,” Valte told reporters.
“And ayaw po kasi nating mag-file ng kaso just for the sake of doing so gusto po nating siguruhin…it would be doing our people a disservice if we file a case for PR and not for justice.”
In a statement issued also on Tuesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the decision by the Office of the Ombudsman to reopen the Fertilizer Fund Scam case demonstrates both the need for closure for controversies that weakened public confidence in the country’s institutions and how constitutional offices can operate without political favoritism.
As the Office of the Ombudsman starts its investigation, Lacierda said, the Department of Justice is also looking into allegations of wrongdoing by others, including former, officials. The DOJ will determine which cases should be filed, based on the evidence, and appropriate prescriptive periods.
The Palace spokesman added that true justice is about the state bringing to trial cases based not on rumor or innuendo, but on facts to ensure that no official, past or present, escapes accountability but on the other hand giving them opportunity to answer their charges in court.
“Our justice system has turned a blind eye to the wrongdoings of well-connected people, while throwing the book at the underlings, for too long. What our people demand are the same rules consistently applied to all, without exceptions and with fairness to all concerned,” Lacierda said. (PCOO)
Malacanang assures assistance for landslide victims in Valencia City, Bukidnon
Malacanang bared that the government is closely monitoring the situation in Mindanao as it assured assistance for the victims of a landslide that struck the area, particularly in Valencia City.
In an interview with the media at the Palace on Tuesday, Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is on top of the situation to ensure that necessary assistance be extended to the victims of the landslide that hit the national highway in Sitio Hangaron, Barangay Lumbayao, Valencia City, Bukidnon last Monday.
“We are closely monitoring yung naging aftermath nung landslide and we are ready to extend the assistance na kailangan po doon sa lugar,” Valte said.
Officials conducting operations in the area said that the death toll has been accounted to seven as of Tuesday morning and an estimated eight to ten people were still missing.
They added that retrieval operations were still being conducted by a composite team from the Department of Public Works and Highways and the military, among others.
The landslide affected 100 meters of the national road.
Officials of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the heavy rains that have been hitting the province since middle of May this year may have loosened the mountain slope, especially those with little vegetation.
In May, the total rainfall measured 421.2 millimeters (mm) compared to the 30-year average for the same month of 231.1 mm. In June, the total rainfall was 379.9 mm, compared to the 316.9 mm average rainfall for the same month over the last 30 years.
The officials said that this could be the impact of climate change noting that the heavier rainfall has happened even after the end of the La Nina. (PCOO)
Aquino cites DFA officials for their achievements
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for their achievements notably for their efforts in spreading the country's positive developments which, he said, reaped praises from countries around world.
The Chief Executive made this statement in his speech during the 113th DFA Foundation Anniversary at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, DFA Building in Pasay City. The anniversary celebration has for its theme: “Kabalikat ng Bayan Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan."
“Kung dati, puro batikos at kahinaan tungkol sa Pilipinas ang naka-headline sa mga banyagang pahayagan, ngayon po, sa pamumuno ng inyong matapang na Kalihim Albert del Rosario, nakakatanggap po tayo ng mga papuri mula sa ibang bansa,” the President said.
The President said the Philippines regained its reputation from other nations as a result of his administration’s directive that only hardworking, honest, and knowledgeable person in foreign policy should be assigned as career diplomats.
“Kung gaano tayo kasabik na maisakatuparan ang bunga ng pagbabagong nangyayari sa ating bansa, siya ring pagkasabik ng ibang mga bansa na paigtingin pa ang ugnayan natin sa kanila,” he stressed.
Earlier, Secretary Del Rosario expressed his profound thanks to the President for appointing 24 career diplomats, the biggest group of career ambassadors in the history of DFA, to ambassadorial positions in various parts of the world.
The President assured officials and employees of DFA that his decision for appointing at least 24 career diplomats to foreign assignments is a manifestation of his administration’s effort to ensure that every diplomat works hard and serves not as a jetsetter or a tourist in the country where they are assigned.
"Tanda ito sa pagpapahalaga sa ipinuhunan niyong tiyaga at sakripisyo," he stressed.
“Makakaasa kayong mananatili ang ganitong sistema, kung saan umaangat sa pwesto ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan batay sa kanilang performance, at hindi sa palakasan,” he concluded. (PCOO)
Aquino to push rules-based international system to resolve territorial dispute in West Philippine Sea
President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the Filipino people that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will continuously push the rules-based international system to settle the territorial dispute surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
“Mainit pong usapin ngayon ang isyung teritoryal sa West Philippine Sea. Kaisa ng DFA ang ating administrasyon na nagtutulak para sa pagtataguyod ng isang rules-based international system para sa mas payapa, patas at kapaki-pakinabang na diyalogo tungo sa pangkalahatang kasunduan,” he said in a speech this afternoon during the 113th foundation anniversary of the DFA held at Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini at DFA main building in Pasay City.
He made the assurance noting that the problem has gone too far and escalated due of the failure of previous administration in recognizing the Declaration of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Under the declaration, the government of the member States of ASEAN and the Government of the People's Republic of China reaffirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and other universally recognized principles of international law which shall serve as the basic norms governing state-to-state relations.
“Nang nagdesisyon ang nakaraang administrasyon na gumawa ng panibagong kasunduan noong 2005—ang Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking, na nagpapasok sa ilang bansa para sa eksplorasyon ng mga karagatang saklaw ng ating teritoryo— ang dating katiting na bukol ng kontrobersya ay naging masukal na bundok ng problema,” he said.
He assured all Filipinos that the Philippines will definitely not initiate trouble, and instead, the national government is ready to assert its rights to bring the matter peacefully in a proper venue.
“Kapag hinayaan nating itulak lang tayo ngayon, baka po bukas makalawa, ang 7, 100 islands natin ay maging 2 digits na lamang. Hindi naman po makatarungang angkinin na lamang ng iba ang malinaw namang sa atin talaga. Kaya naman tuwing nakikipagpulong tayo sa mga bansang sangkot sa usapin, pawang mga hakbang lamang na magsusulong ng pakikiisa, kapayapaan at pangmatagalang kasunduan ang inilalatag natin,” he said.
The President added that every move of the DFA and the national government on the issue is focused on the welfare and sovereignty of the Philippines.
“Bawat kilos ng DFA at ng buong pamahalaan ukol sa usaping ito ay nakatuon lamang sa kapakanan at soberenya ng Pilipinas, maging ng ibang mga bansa sa rehiyon, ay hindi lamang napoprotektahan, kundi, higit sa lahat, iginagalang,” the Chief Executive said. (PCOO)
FINANCE Secretary Cesar Purisima will lead on Wednesday (July 6) a nationally broadcast Cabinet forum on economic growth, investments and the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 in preparation for President Aquino’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) before Congress on July 25.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Director General Cayetano Paderanga and Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo will join Purisima as panelists, which will be broadcast live on PTV4 and Radio ng Bayan. NEDA stands for National Economic and Development Authority.
Purisima, Paderanga and Domingo compose the Economic Development Cluster of the Cabinet, which includes other related agencies of the government. Purisima chairs this cluster.
The forum is the first of a series of five fora in teleradyo format in the run-up to SONA. Each of the five Cabinet clusters will have separate forums discussing their plans and what they have accomplished so far in the past year.
The next televised forum by the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cluster, chaired by Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman, will be held on Friday, July 8.
The other Cabinet clusters will have their separate forums, as follows: Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Cluster on July 13; Security, Justice and Peace Cluster on July 18; and Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Cluster on July 19.
Wednesday’s economic forum will be moderated by Atty. Marc Castrodes, with Albay Governor Joey Salceda as resource person and main studio guest.
The panelists will answer questions from media representatives and stakeholders invited to the PTV4 studio and from three locations, namely, Baguio, Cebu and Davao.
During the forum, Purisima will discuss economic growth, fiscal sustainability, inflation and revenues.
Paderanga will take up the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) target, employment and investments, inflation, and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects.
Domingo will delve on investments generated, competitiveness, prices and inflation.
Friday’s human development and poverty reduction forum will have Soliman, Education Secretary Armin Luistro and Health Secretary Enrique Ona as panelists. (PCOO)
Aquino addresses 3rd Union Network International Asia-Pacific Regional Organization conference
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the ceremonial opening of the 3rd Regional Conference of the Union Network International (UNI) Asia-Pacific Regional Organization (APRO) on Tuesday at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom.
In his speech keynoting the event, the President underscored the importance of this annual conference which, he said, brings together leaders of big global trade union federations to discuss human and labor rights.
The President said that the discussions that would emanate from the two-day conference would provide an “avenue” where each one could learn from each other's experiences.
This year's theme is: “Grow UNI-APRO.”
“We all know how labor conditions around the world differ greatly from one another, but as the theme of this conference points out, we all live in a post-financial crisis world,” the President said.
“It is only appropriate that we make full use of the avenues of dialogue available to us, to share our countries’ respective conditions and experiences so that we may ultimately learn from one another and move ourselves closer to recovery, if not prosperity,” he added.
The UNI-APRO is one of the four Regional Organizations (UNI-Europa, UNI-America, UNI-Africa and UNI-Asia Pacific) of UNI, the world's largest global union federation founded in 2000.
The network's purpose is to fight for the full observance of workers' human and labor rights and sustainable partnership with employers and government through social dialogue and partnership agreements. (PCOO)
Aquino vows to relentlessly pursue reforms in the country's labor laws
President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to relentlessly pursue reforms in the country's labor laws to ensure that every Filipino's right to fair and better working conditions are met.
“From the moment we stepped into office, our battle cry for our labor sector has always been clear and simple: make things better for labor in a responsible manner,” the President told participants to the 3rd Regional Conference of the Union Network International (UNI) Asia-Pacific Regional Organization (APRO) held at the Century Park Hotel Grand Ballroom Tuesday.
The President said his vision for better labor meant “turning working abroad into a choice, as opposed to the necessity that it has become for a lot of our countrymen” and “allowing the common Filipino worker to have enough resources so that when he comes home, tired from a long day at work, he may be rewarded with time with his family, a well-deserved rest, and a full plate for dinner.”
He, however, stressed that this should be done responsibly “to make sure that the investors who give jobs to our people continue to operate here.”
The President said that through the implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment's Philippine Labor and Employment Plan 2011-2016, mid- and long-term solutions to the predicament of balanced employer-employee or management-labor relations will be achieved.
“This plan is a vital part of achieving our countrymen’s shared aspirations for the Philippines: inclusive and equitable growth that increases employment levels, improves the quality of employment, expands access to employment opportunities, and advances dialogue processes toward more mutual or collective gains,” the President said.
“Simply put, it’s a country where no one gets left behind—where everybody not only pulls his own weight, but also links arms with his fellow man so that everyone, from every part of the economic spectrum, moves forward on the road to progress,” he added.
The President enumerated his government's achievements to effect a “drastic turnaround” in labor and working conditions that included: directing regional wage boards to release its decisions on wage hikes, creating jobs, infusing livelihood training centers such as the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority with P700-million “for their Training for Work Scholarship Program.”
“This will equip Filipinos with the knowledge to excel in various industries with high labor demand, specifically the BPO industry,” the President said.
He added that DOLE will soon upgrade Phil-Jobnet, the government’s job matchmaking system accessible through the world wide web.
“The new and improved Phil-Jobnet will also be the labor market information portal of the Philippine government, and the people at the Labor Department believe that it will be able to house supply and demand database systems such as the National Skills Registry System,” the President said.
“The registry system will allow workers to list their skills and qualifications to become more visible to hiring employers, effectively streamlining the process for both employees and companies,” he added.
He pointed out that the number of unemployed Filipinos went down from 8 percent to 7.2 percent from April 2010 to 2011 but stressed that “those without jobs still need to make a living.”
Despite these achievements, the President noted that more needs to done “to improve the conditions for our labor sector.”
“I am not disappointed with the progress we have made in the past year, but I will never be content until those working beyond our shores remain there by choice and not by necessity. Our administration will not rest as long as there are those among us who toil all day without any prospect of improving their lot in life; we will not rest as long as there are those who sweat but remain hungry, with a skewed and diminished sense of self-worth,” the President said.
“We will not rest until we complete the drastic turnaround that we began when we stepped into office. We know that the Filipino people stand alongside us, that they share our responsibilities as we move toward our shared aspirations,” he said. (PCOO)
Malacanang assures that cases against previous administration are strong enough to stand trial
Malacanang made an assurance that cases being built up against the previous administration particularly the fertilizer fund scam will be strong enough to stand in court so that justice is served to the people.
In a press briefing on Tuesday in Malacanang, Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that they are confident that cases against the former leader and her cohorts are strong and not part of a PR blitz.
“Certainly, hindi po tayo magpapa-file ng kaso na hindi po matibay iyung basehan. There are some quarters who have been asking na isang taon na daw po na wala pang naipapa-file pero sinagot na po ng pangulo yank,” Valte told reporters.
“And ayaw po kasi nating mag-file ng kaso just for the sake of doing so gusto po nating siguruhin…it would be doing our people a disservice if we file a case for PR and not for justice.”
In a statement issued also on Tuesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the decision by the Office of the Ombudsman to reopen the Fertilizer Fund Scam case demonstrates both the need for closure for controversies that weakened public confidence in the country’s institutions and how constitutional offices can operate without political favoritism.
As the Office of the Ombudsman starts its investigation, Lacierda said, the Department of Justice is also looking into allegations of wrongdoing by others, including former, officials. The DOJ will determine which cases should be filed, based on the evidence, and appropriate prescriptive periods.
The Palace spokesman added that true justice is about the state bringing to trial cases based not on rumor or innuendo, but on facts to ensure that no official, past or present, escapes accountability but on the other hand giving them opportunity to answer their charges in court.
“Our justice system has turned a blind eye to the wrongdoings of well-connected people, while throwing the book at the underlings, for too long. What our people demand are the same rules consistently applied to all, without exceptions and with fairness to all concerned,” Lacierda said. (PCOO)
Malacanang assures assistance for landslide victims in Valencia City, Bukidnon
Malacanang bared that the government is closely monitoring the situation in Mindanao as it assured assistance for the victims of a landslide that struck the area, particularly in Valencia City.
In an interview with the media at the Palace on Tuesday, Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government is on top of the situation to ensure that necessary assistance be extended to the victims of the landslide that hit the national highway in Sitio Hangaron, Barangay Lumbayao, Valencia City, Bukidnon last Monday.
“We are closely monitoring yung naging aftermath nung landslide and we are ready to extend the assistance na kailangan po doon sa lugar,” Valte said.
Officials conducting operations in the area said that the death toll has been accounted to seven as of Tuesday morning and an estimated eight to ten people were still missing.
They added that retrieval operations were still being conducted by a composite team from the Department of Public Works and Highways and the military, among others.
The landslide affected 100 meters of the national road.
Officials of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the heavy rains that have been hitting the province since middle of May this year may have loosened the mountain slope, especially those with little vegetation.
In May, the total rainfall measured 421.2 millimeters (mm) compared to the 30-year average for the same month of 231.1 mm. In June, the total rainfall was 379.9 mm, compared to the 316.9 mm average rainfall for the same month over the last 30 years.
The officials said that this could be the impact of climate change noting that the heavier rainfall has happened even after the end of the La Nina. (PCOO)
Aquino cites DFA officials for their achievements
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario for their achievements notably for their efforts in spreading the country's positive developments which, he said, reaped praises from countries around world.
The Chief Executive made this statement in his speech during the 113th DFA Foundation Anniversary at the Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini, DFA Building in Pasay City. The anniversary celebration has for its theme: “Kabalikat ng Bayan Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan."
“Kung dati, puro batikos at kahinaan tungkol sa Pilipinas ang naka-headline sa mga banyagang pahayagan, ngayon po, sa pamumuno ng inyong matapang na Kalihim Albert del Rosario, nakakatanggap po tayo ng mga papuri mula sa ibang bansa,” the President said.
The President said the Philippines regained its reputation from other nations as a result of his administration’s directive that only hardworking, honest, and knowledgeable person in foreign policy should be assigned as career diplomats.
“Kung gaano tayo kasabik na maisakatuparan ang bunga ng pagbabagong nangyayari sa ating bansa, siya ring pagkasabik ng ibang mga bansa na paigtingin pa ang ugnayan natin sa kanila,” he stressed.
Earlier, Secretary Del Rosario expressed his profound thanks to the President for appointing 24 career diplomats, the biggest group of career ambassadors in the history of DFA, to ambassadorial positions in various parts of the world.
The President assured officials and employees of DFA that his decision for appointing at least 24 career diplomats to foreign assignments is a manifestation of his administration’s effort to ensure that every diplomat works hard and serves not as a jetsetter or a tourist in the country where they are assigned.
"Tanda ito sa pagpapahalaga sa ipinuhunan niyong tiyaga at sakripisyo," he stressed.
“Makakaasa kayong mananatili ang ganitong sistema, kung saan umaangat sa pwesto ang mga kawani ng pamahalaan batay sa kanilang performance, at hindi sa palakasan,” he concluded. (PCOO)
Aquino to push rules-based international system to resolve territorial dispute in West Philippine Sea
President Benigno S. Aquino III assured the Filipino people that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will continuously push the rules-based international system to settle the territorial dispute surrounding the West Philippine Sea.
“Mainit pong usapin ngayon ang isyung teritoryal sa West Philippine Sea. Kaisa ng DFA ang ating administrasyon na nagtutulak para sa pagtataguyod ng isang rules-based international system para sa mas payapa, patas at kapaki-pakinabang na diyalogo tungo sa pangkalahatang kasunduan,” he said in a speech this afternoon during the 113th foundation anniversary of the DFA held at Bulwagang Apolinario Mabini at DFA main building in Pasay City.
He made the assurance noting that the problem has gone too far and escalated due of the failure of previous administration in recognizing the Declaration of the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.
Under the declaration, the government of the member States of ASEAN and the Government of the People's Republic of China reaffirm their commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and other universally recognized principles of international law which shall serve as the basic norms governing state-to-state relations.
“Nang nagdesisyon ang nakaraang administrasyon na gumawa ng panibagong kasunduan noong 2005—ang Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking, na nagpapasok sa ilang bansa para sa eksplorasyon ng mga karagatang saklaw ng ating teritoryo— ang dating katiting na bukol ng kontrobersya ay naging masukal na bundok ng problema,” he said.
He assured all Filipinos that the Philippines will definitely not initiate trouble, and instead, the national government is ready to assert its rights to bring the matter peacefully in a proper venue.
“Kapag hinayaan nating itulak lang tayo ngayon, baka po bukas makalawa, ang 7, 100 islands natin ay maging 2 digits na lamang. Hindi naman po makatarungang angkinin na lamang ng iba ang malinaw namang sa atin talaga. Kaya naman tuwing nakikipagpulong tayo sa mga bansang sangkot sa usapin, pawang mga hakbang lamang na magsusulong ng pakikiisa, kapayapaan at pangmatagalang kasunduan ang inilalatag natin,” he said.
The President added that every move of the DFA and the national government on the issue is focused on the welfare and sovereignty of the Philippines.
“Bawat kilos ng DFA at ng buong pamahalaan ukol sa usaping ito ay nakatuon lamang sa kapakanan at soberenya ng Pilipinas, maging ng ibang mga bansa sa rehiyon, ay hindi lamang napoprotektahan, kundi, higit sa lahat, iginagalang,” the Chief Executive said. (PCOO)
