Aquino orders military to intensify operations against Abu Sayyaf
President Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to step up its operations and use all its resources against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) following the killing of seven Marine soldiers in an encounter with the terrorist group in Sulu, recently.
President Benigno S. Aquino III directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to step up its operations and use all its resources against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) following the killing of seven Marine soldiers in an encounter with the terrorist group in Sulu, recently.
Aquino issued the directive after he met with top military officials at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Saturday.“Ibubuhos natin ang lahat ng resources ng estado. Hindi puwedeng ipakita na itong terrorist group na ito ay kakayanin ang buong estado. Kaya inatasan at hinamon natin ang Sandatahang Lakas na i-concentrate ang kanilang resources hanggang mahuli itong mga salarin na ito,” Aquino said in an ambush interview at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
Aquino said crushing the ASG will be the focal point of the government through the concerted efforts of law enforcement agencies.
He stressed that a well coordinated and comprehensive strategy with the full support of the people and government institutions at all levels will be implemented to eliminate terrorism.
The President together with Vice President Jejomar Binay and military officials led a heroes welcome to the fallen soldiers when their remains arrived at the Villamor airbase.
The slain soldiers were identified as 2nd Lieutenant Michael Baladad, Sergeant Desiderio Serdan Jr., Corporal Ramsel Laynesa, Cpl. Claro Lapasaran III, Cpl. Freddie Castellano Jr., Private First Class Juanito Evasco Jr. and Private Nico Tinambunan.
Aquino and Binay personally extended their sympathies and condolences to the families of the slain soldiers and listened to their concerns.
After the ceremony, Aquino presided over a meeting with AFP officials that lasted almost two hours.
“May ongoing na investigation, titingnan natin kung meron bang kailangang baguhin sa ating mga proseso, meron bang kulang sa pagsasanay ng ating tropa, meron bang intelligence failure,” Aquino said.
Aquino said they are waiting for the results of the investigation on the Sulu encounter to pinpoint the problems and come out with concrete solutions.
When asked if operations will continue despite the forthcoming Ramadan celebration, the President said:: “We will be sensitive to the concerns of our Muslim brothers but at the same time there are police operations still going on,” the President said.
Aquino also lauded the bravery of the slain soldiers saying that they “did what they had promised to do and in terms of bravery -- the highest talaga na example na puwede nating makita. Tinupad nila iyong kanilang mga sinumpaang tungkulin dito.”
Aquino said the families of the slain soldiers will also receive benefits from the President’s Social Fund. “Iyong ating benefits accruing to people who got killed or wounded in action will be given,” he said.
In a statement, Marine Commandant Major General Rustico Guerrero has recommended the promotion of the fallen Marines.
A Gold Cross Medal (posthumous) has also been recommended to be awarded to them for their gallantry in action. Financial assistance and scholarships as well as housing privileges are now being processed for the benefit of the dependents of the Marine soldiers.
Aquino awards Gold Cross Medals to 7 marines killed in Patikul, Sulu
In recognition for their valiant efforts to defend and uphold the Constitution and sovereignty of the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday awarded the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry in Action to the seven Philippine Marine soldiers killed in an encounter with Abu Sayaf rebels in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu last July 28.
The President, who wore a black polo and dark slacks, visited the remains of the seven marines whose wakes were being held at the Philippine Marine Corps Auditorium in Fort Bonifacio to personally condole with their relatives, loved ones and friends.
Upon his arrival, the President who was assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban, Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Charge Rear Admiral Alexander Pama and Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Rustico Guerrero, personally issued the medal to each representative of the slain marines.
After the Medal of Valor, the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantryin Action is the second highest honor that can be bestowed upon a soldier in recognition for his or her sacrifice and efforts to uphold the law.
The seven Marines who gallantly fought the bandits were: 2ndLieutenant Michael Baladad, Sergeant Desiderio Serdan, Jr., Corporals RamselLaynesa, Claro Lapasaran III, and Freddie Castellano, Jr., Private First ClassJuanito Evasco, Jr., and Private Nico Tinambunan.
Aside from the Gold Cross Medal, each marine’s family will receive financial assistance, scholarships for their children, as well as housing privileges.
The seven marines were also promoted to the next higher rank.
AO mandates all gov't agencies to use e-procurement system
President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued an administrative order mandating all government agencies to use the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) in all their procurement activities, including the publication of all bid opportunities, notices, awards and contracts, in accordance with the country’s procurement laws.
By virtue of Administrative Order (AO) No. 17, signed by the President on July 28, government offices are directed to source all their common-use supplies directly from the Procurement Service (PS) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) or from its regional depots throughout the country, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Monday.
“This administration reiterates the policy that procurement of government supplies, materials, and equipment shall be done in the most transparent and competitive manner” Ochoa said.
Ensuring transparency and competition, Ochoa stressed, are keys to protecting the procurement system from graft, as these two elements discourage attempts to rig the bidding and awarding process to favour particular suppliers.
Common-use supplies refer to office supplies like bond paper, ballpens, pencils, and ink, which eat up about P19.5 billion of the government’s annual spending package.
“With a centralized supply purchasing system, the budget department has estimated that the government stands to save as much as P6 billion a year,” Ochoa said.
According to Ochoa, PhilGEPS, which can be accessed online at www.philgeps.net, provides relevant information on all procurement activities, and will help accelerate and further facilitate the entire procurement process in all government agencies. At present, the system already has 53,382 registered suppliers.
The AO applies to all national government agencies, including military and police Units; government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); government financial institutions (GFIs); state universities and colleges (SUCs); and local government units (LGUs), Ochoa said.
In the past, only the national government agencies, including SUCs, GOCCs and their subsidiaries, were mandated to use the PS system.
However, upon the enactment of RA 9184, LGUs are now required to use PS or PhilGEPS.
The presidential issuance also calls for a periodic evaluation of all procuring entities, and this includes the regular holding of procurement training programs and distribution of procurement operations manual for all offices and agencies of the government.
Ochoa: Screening committee to select OICs in ARMM
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Monday that President Benigno Aquino III has given the go signal for the creation of a committee that will screen and recommend to the Chief Executive the officers-in-charge (OICs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
According to Ochoa, the President’s directive for the establishment of a screening committee is contained in Executive Order No. 51, signed on July 28, to select the OICs for positions to be left vacant in the ARMM as a result of the synchronization of the election in the region with the national and local polls in 2013 and every three years thereafter.
The positions of the regional governor, regional vice governor and 24 members of the regional legislative assembly will be vacant effective September 30, 2011, with the postponement of ARMM election originally scheduled for August 8, 2011.
“The President believes it is important to choose qualified OICs for the various posts in the ARMM until the officials duly elected in the May 2013 polls have assumed office,” Ochoa said.
Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10153, which the Chief Executive signed in June, mandates the creation of a screening committee that will review the qualifications of applicants as OICs for the ARMM. Its funding will come from the Office of the President.
Under EO 51, the screening committee will be composed of the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, secretary of the Department of National Defense, the presidential political adviser, a representative from the civil society to be appointed by the President, and a representative to be nominated from among and by the five provincial governors and one city mayor of the ARMM.
The DILG secretary, according to the President’s directive, should convene the screening committee once the EO takes effect and preside the opening session until a chairman of the screening committee is elected.
“Pursuant to its mandate, the screening committee shall within 30 days from convening but not later than 10 days before September 30, 2011 submit to the President, after due consultations with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a shortlist of at least three nominees to every vacancy in the elective positions in the ARMM Regional Government,” the EO stated.
In choosing the candidates, the committee should consider “educational preparation, experience, performance, accomplishments, reputation for honesty, integrity, incorruptibility, irreproachable conduct, and fidelity to sound moral and ethical standards,” it also said.
The EO takes effect upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Aquino issues Proclamation No. 209 conferring on Bienvenido Florendo Nebres S.J., the rank and title of national scientist
President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 209 conferring on academician Bienvenido Florendo Nebres S.J., the rank and title of national scientist for his achievements in science and technology.
Aquino awards Gold Cross Medals to 7 marines killed in Patikul, Sulu
In recognition for their valiant efforts to defend and uphold the Constitution and sovereignty of the Philippines, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Sunday awarded the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantry in Action to the seven Philippine Marine soldiers killed in an encounter with Abu Sayaf rebels in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu last July 28.
The President, who wore a black polo and dark slacks, visited the remains of the seven marines whose wakes were being held at the Philippine Marine Corps Auditorium in Fort Bonifacio to personally condole with their relatives, loved ones and friends.
Upon his arrival, the President who was assisted by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP Chief of Staff Eduardo Oban, Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Charge Rear Admiral Alexander Pama and Philippine Marine Corps Commandant Major General Rustico Guerrero, personally issued the medal to each representative of the slain marines.
After the Medal of Valor, the Gold Cross Medal for Gallantryin Action is the second highest honor that can be bestowed upon a soldier in recognition for his or her sacrifice and efforts to uphold the law.
The seven Marines who gallantly fought the bandits were: 2ndLieutenant Michael Baladad, Sergeant Desiderio Serdan, Jr., Corporals RamselLaynesa, Claro Lapasaran III, and Freddie Castellano, Jr., Private First ClassJuanito Evasco, Jr., and Private Nico Tinambunan.
Aside from the Gold Cross Medal, each marine’s family will receive financial assistance, scholarships for their children, as well as housing privileges.
The seven marines were also promoted to the next higher rank.
AO mandates all gov't agencies to use e-procurement system
President Benigno S. Aquino III has issued an administrative order mandating all government agencies to use the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) in all their procurement activities, including the publication of all bid opportunities, notices, awards and contracts, in accordance with the country’s procurement laws.
By virtue of Administrative Order (AO) No. 17, signed by the President on July 28, government offices are directed to source all their common-use supplies directly from the Procurement Service (PS) of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) or from its regional depots throughout the country, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Monday.
“This administration reiterates the policy that procurement of government supplies, materials, and equipment shall be done in the most transparent and competitive manner” Ochoa said.
Ensuring transparency and competition, Ochoa stressed, are keys to protecting the procurement system from graft, as these two elements discourage attempts to rig the bidding and awarding process to favour particular suppliers.
Common-use supplies refer to office supplies like bond paper, ballpens, pencils, and ink, which eat up about P19.5 billion of the government’s annual spending package.
“With a centralized supply purchasing system, the budget department has estimated that the government stands to save as much as P6 billion a year,” Ochoa said.
According to Ochoa, PhilGEPS, which can be accessed online at www.philgeps.net, provides relevant information on all procurement activities, and will help accelerate and further facilitate the entire procurement process in all government agencies. At present, the system already has 53,382 registered suppliers.
The AO applies to all national government agencies, including military and police Units; government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); government financial institutions (GFIs); state universities and colleges (SUCs); and local government units (LGUs), Ochoa said.
In the past, only the national government agencies, including SUCs, GOCCs and their subsidiaries, were mandated to use the PS system.
However, upon the enactment of RA 9184, LGUs are now required to use PS or PhilGEPS.
The presidential issuance also calls for a periodic evaluation of all procuring entities, and this includes the regular holding of procurement training programs and distribution of procurement operations manual for all offices and agencies of the government.
Ochoa: Screening committee to select OICs in ARMM
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Monday that President Benigno Aquino III has given the go signal for the creation of a committee that will screen and recommend to the Chief Executive the officers-in-charge (OICs) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).
According to Ochoa, the President’s directive for the establishment of a screening committee is contained in Executive Order No. 51, signed on July 28, to select the OICs for positions to be left vacant in the ARMM as a result of the synchronization of the election in the region with the national and local polls in 2013 and every three years thereafter.
The positions of the regional governor, regional vice governor and 24 members of the regional legislative assembly will be vacant effective September 30, 2011, with the postponement of ARMM election originally scheduled for August 8, 2011.
“The President believes it is important to choose qualified OICs for the various posts in the ARMM until the officials duly elected in the May 2013 polls have assumed office,” Ochoa said.
Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10153, which the Chief Executive signed in June, mandates the creation of a screening committee that will review the qualifications of applicants as OICs for the ARMM. Its funding will come from the Office of the President.
Under EO 51, the screening committee will be composed of the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, secretary of the Department of National Defense, the presidential political adviser, a representative from the civil society to be appointed by the President, and a representative to be nominated from among and by the five provincial governors and one city mayor of the ARMM.
The DILG secretary, according to the President’s directive, should convene the screening committee once the EO takes effect and preside the opening session until a chairman of the screening committee is elected.
“Pursuant to its mandate, the screening committee shall within 30 days from convening but not later than 10 days before September 30, 2011 submit to the President, after due consultations with the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, a shortlist of at least three nominees to every vacancy in the elective positions in the ARMM Regional Government,” the EO stated.
In choosing the candidates, the committee should consider “educational preparation, experience, performance, accomplishments, reputation for honesty, integrity, incorruptibility, irreproachable conduct, and fidelity to sound moral and ethical standards,” it also said.
The EO takes effect upon its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Aquino issues Proclamation No. 209 conferring on Bienvenido Florendo Nebres S.J., the rank and title of national scientist
President Benigno S. Aquino III issued Proclamation No. 209 conferring on academician Bienvenido Florendo Nebres S.J., the rank and title of national scientist for his achievements in science and technology.
Proclamation No. 209, which was signed on July 27, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., said that the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines states that it is a declared policy of the State to give priority to science and technology.
It added that Section 10, Article XIV of the Constitution also “provides that science and technology are essential for national development and that the State shall give priority to research, development, invention, innovation and their utilization.”
The proclamation also said that the rank and title of national scientist was created under Presidential Decree No. 1003-A, dated December 16, 1976.
In conferring the rank and title of National Scientist on Nebres, the President noted that the “work of Nebres in the field of Mathematics is reflective of this preeminence and of the national genius that contributes to science and technology and to the progress of the Philippines and the world.”
“Preeminent achievements by Filipinos in science and technology that have contributed to the progress of the country and humanity deserve the recognition and acknowledgment of our Government in pursuit of its policy of furthering national development through enhanced scientific and technological research and development,” Aquino said.
Malacañang says gov't agencies continuously monitoring/preparing for incoming typhoons.
Malacañang assured the public that concerned government agencies have been continuously monitoring and preparing for any typhoons that are expected to hit the country this week.
During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Secretary Ricky Carandang, head of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office, said that the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has been monitoring the typhoons.
Carandang said that based on the PAGASA’s weather forecast, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has pre-positioned relief goods.
“Lagi naman tayong naghahanda para sa mga bagyo na papasok sa bansa. Ang PAGASA ay patuloy na nagpo-forecast ng direksyon nitong mga bagyo at base doon sa forecast nila nagpreposition po tayo ng goods,” Carandang said.
Carandang noted that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is prepared to take action at anytime. He also reminded the public that while the PAGASA’s prediction system is not perfect, the government is doing its best to ensure the safety of the people.
“We are doing the best we can and as usual we are trying to map the direction of the storm and position based on the knowledge we have. So the usual preparations are being undertaken,” he stressed.
According to PAGASA, Typhoon Kabayan and Tropical Depression Lando will continue to bring rains over Metro Manila and parts of Luzon in the coming days as Kabayan and Lando continue to enhance the southwest monsoon.
The NDRRMC, has reported that that the death toll during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Juaning in the country last week has risen to 57 as of Monday morning.
Malacañang urges all Filipinos including professionals and self-employed to pay correct taxes
Malacañang urged everyone, including the professionals and the self-employed, to pay their proper taxes to the government as it assured that the Aquino administration is spending the taxpayers’ money for proper reasons.
Malacañang urges all Filipinos including professionals and self-employed to pay correct taxes
Malacañang urged everyone, including the professionals and the self-employed, to pay their proper taxes to the government as it assured that the Aquino administration is spending the taxpayers’ money for proper reasons.
In a regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said that during President Benigno Aquino III’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25 this year, he noted that more than P9 billion was paid by 1.7 million registered self-employed professionals.
“Medyo mababa talaga kung ibabase mo doon sa average,” Carandang said as he urged the professionals and the self-employed to do their part in paying the correct taxes.
“I think at this point people understand that they can trust that this government is using the taxpayers’ money for the proper reasons,” Carandang said.
“We enjoin everyone to do their part, including the professionals and the self-employed, he added.”
Carandang made the statement after the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) earlier announced that it would be conducting lifestyle checks on professionals to convince self-employed people to pay their proper taxes.
“Nakikita naman nila na hindi naman nasasayang yung pera nila. We‘re hoping that out of their own free will that they will be more compliant than they have been in the past,” he said.
Aquino to visit Bohol on Tuesday
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead several activities during his visit here on Tuesday bringing the national government’s developmental projects to the countryside as part of the Aquino administration’s 16-point agenda and social contract with the Filipino people.
Topping the list of the President’s busy schedule upon his arrival is a project briefing on the new Bohol Airport by Department of Transportation and Communications officials at the Bohol Tropics Resort.
Following the briefing, the Chief Executive will administer the oath-taking of the Regional Peace and Order Council 7 (PROC-7) Chairman and spearhead a forum at the Dagohoy Grand Hall of the Bohol Tropics Resort.
Upon his arrival, President Aquino will be received by regional government officials to be led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Siquijor Governor Orlando Fua, DILG7 Regional Director Pedro Noval, Philippine National Police Region 7 Director Police Chief Superintendent Ager Ontog Jr. and Bohol Vice Mayors’ League president Efren Chatto.
A multi-stakeholders forum will also be held where the locals from concerned sectors will be able to raise the three priority issues of the province.
Culminating the President’s visit here is the inauguration and unveiling of the marker of the new municipal hall of Trinidad.
The President will be welcomed by Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes and Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto.
Aquino to visit Bohol on Tuesday
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol – President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead several activities during his visit here on Tuesday bringing the national government’s developmental projects to the countryside as part of the Aquino administration’s 16-point agenda and social contract with the Filipino people.
Topping the list of the President’s busy schedule upon his arrival is a project briefing on the new Bohol Airport by Department of Transportation and Communications officials at the Bohol Tropics Resort.
Following the briefing, the Chief Executive will administer the oath-taking of the Regional Peace and Order Council 7 (PROC-7) Chairman and spearhead a forum at the Dagohoy Grand Hall of the Bohol Tropics Resort.
Upon his arrival, President Aquino will be received by regional government officials to be led by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Siquijor Governor Orlando Fua, DILG7 Regional Director Pedro Noval, Philippine National Police Region 7 Director Police Chief Superintendent Ager Ontog Jr. and Bohol Vice Mayors’ League president Efren Chatto.
A multi-stakeholders forum will also be held where the locals from concerned sectors will be able to raise the three priority issues of the province.
Culminating the President’s visit here is the inauguration and unveiling of the marker of the new municipal hall of Trinidad.
The President will be welcomed by Trinidad Mayor Roberto Cajes and Bohol Governor Edgardo Chatto.
Located in the northeastern part of Bohol Province, the Municipality of Trinidad has a land area of 15,263.0344 hectares that comprises twenty barangays. The topography is characterized by level plains on the eastern part, which gently undulates to hills and mountains toward the western part. Its population is pegged at 27,580.
Aquino orders economic team to assess possible effects of U.S. debt crisis to the country
President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered his economic team to conduct an assessment of the possible effects to the country of the United States debt crisis, a Malacañang official said Monday.
Aquino orders economic team to assess possible effects of U.S. debt crisis to the country
President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered his economic team to conduct an assessment of the possible effects to the country of the United States debt crisis, a Malacañang official said Monday.
During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office head Secretary Ramon Carandang said that President Aquino has expressed concern over the US debt problems thus, he tasked his economic team to assess its possible effects.
“The President expressed some concern about it and the economic team had already begun to discuss this even before the President expressed the concern. So they’re onboard, they anticipated what the President would want them to do,” Carandang said.
“He wanted to know what the possible effects would be of something like this. He expressed some concern about the rising peso and the impact that that would have it on exporters and he asked the team to take a look at all the possible effects of this development,” he added.
Carandang said that the economic team will come up with some recommendations based on their assessment.
He also expressed confidence that the US government “will not allow the situation to reach such a proportion where they would actually default,” noting that US Congress had reached a deal to reduce deficit and avert a default.
“It’s true that many of the issues that are contentious have been pushed back so that they can debate them and decide the matter (on a) later date,” Carandang said.
US President Barack Obama has announced that Republican and Democratic Congressional leaders have reached an agreement that will reduce deficit and avoid a default.
The US Treasury has set August 2 as the deadline for raising the US debt ceiling.
Malacañang says oil and gas exploration in areas covered by ancestral domain will push through
Despite the fact that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are still in the process of settling the issue of ancestral domain (AD) Malacanang announced that oil and gas explorations in areas considered as ancestral domain will push through in a bid to reduce importation of oil and gas.
Malacañang says oil and gas exploration in areas covered by ancestral domain will push through
Despite the fact that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are still in the process of settling the issue of ancestral domain (AD) Malacanang announced that oil and gas explorations in areas considered as ancestral domain will push through in a bid to reduce importation of oil and gas.
During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ramon Carandang said the government is not suspending the exploration of the country’s oil and natural gas resources.
Carandang was reacting to the statement of the MILF which called on the Aquino government to first settle the issue of ancestral domain (AD) before any exploration or investment takes place.
“Nag-aangkat po tayo ng 90 percent na pangangailangan natin ng langis from other countries. If we can do anything to reduce this number of oil and gas that importation and perhaps produce it ourselves, the net effect will be positive for the economy,” he added.
Reports said Muhammad Ameen, chairperson of the MILF Central Committee Secretariat, issued a statement calling the government to suspend the oil and gas exploration process in Sulu and Cotabato.
Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said the total investment potential of the 4th Philippine Energy Contracting Round amounted to US $7.5 billion. The contract areas cover at least 10 million hectares that could hold rich reserves in northwest Palawan, east Palawan and the Sulu Sea.
MILF and government negotiators met in formal talks last June 27 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The issue of the ancestral domain was among the concerns raised during the peace talks.
President Benigno S. Aquino III earlier bared the revived investor confidence specifically in the energy sector, citing over a hundred companies that expressed readiness to participate in the exploration process and efforts to strengthen the country’s oil and natural gas resources.
President Aquino noted the signing of a new contract, for the construction of a power plant in Luzon that will not only lower the price of energy but also provide a more reliable source.
