Ochoa: Gov’t to monitor mining revenues
The Aquino administration is taking steps to ensure that profits generated by mining companies translate into state revenues and that mining benefits trickle down to the general public, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday.
In a speech at the Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition held in Pasay City, Ochoa revealed the country’s intention to apply for compliance status with the London-based Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) to help achieve the much-needed reforms in the mining industry.
EITI is a global initiative that requires participating governments to publicly report the revenues they receive from extractive industry companies and for those companies to publicly report the revenues they pay to government. This mechanism allows more transparency in revenue reporting.
“High on our agenda is transparency in revenues derived from mining,” Ochoa said, as he pointed out the need to determine how the mining sector contributes to sustainable development.
“Further reforms are therefore needed to ensure that the acceptability of mining is enhanced and its impact as a driver of economic growth is truly felt,” he added.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources show that mining contributed P110 billion to the gross domestic product and generated P12.5 billion in tax revenues, royalties, and fees for the government last year.
Ochoa said the country’s EITI candidacy and subsequent membership is consistent with the “vision of good governance” of the Aquino administration.
“It will be a strong manifestation of transparency if the payments and revenues received by the government from the development of the country’s mineral resources and how these are utilized are made public,” Ochoa told the conference attended mostly by industry players who comprise the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
The Executive Secretary said that while the Mining Act of 1995 has put in place environmental and safety nets to address mining concerns, efforts must be stepped up for awareness and strict compliance of the law.
He also underscored the need to strike a balance between mining and protecting the environment and natural resources toward achieving enhanced social acceptability of mining operations.
Aware that the Philippine mining industry has been the subject of intense scrutiny by various sectors, Ochoa called on industry players to overcome the negative stigma attached to mining and to continue to work hard to gain public acceptability.
“But done in a manner that takes into consideration the importance of safeguarding the environment, we know that mining can contribute significantly both to sustained economic development and poverty reduction in the countryside,” Ochoa said, citing the case of countries like Canada, Australia and Chile where mining has contributed to economic growth and development.
“For mining to be acceptable, it must be guided by the principles of sustainable development, environmental protection, social equity and, of course, good governance,” Ochoa added. “Mining must also be pursued alongside other economic activities that are compatible with it, including agriculture and eco-tourism.”
Speaking on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III, Ochoa also acknowledged the mining industry’s commitment and participation in the National Greening Program (NGP), pursuant to Executive Order No. 26 which the Chief Executive signed on February 24.
Far from the usual reforestation program, NGP is a government priority program that aims to curb poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The NGP also seeks to substantially increase the number of trees nationwide to improve water quality in rivers and irrigation for farm lands, reduce the potential for flooding, soak up carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and lay the foundation for an expanded wood-products economy.
“The program specifically seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide in six years, from 2011 to 2016—more than twice the government’s accomplishment for the past 25 years, which is estimated at 730,000 hectares,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa described as a “step in the right direction” and a “clear manifestation of corporate social responsibility” the announced commitment of the mining industry to reforest 34,000 hectares over the next three years.
The figure, he said, will be “over and above the number of trees to be planted and maintained as part of the mining contractor’s obligation to rehabilitate mining-affected lands. (PCOO)
The Aquino administration is taking steps to ensure that profits generated by mining companies translate into state revenues and that mining benefits trickle down to the general public, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday.
In a speech at the Mining Philippines 2011 Conference and Exhibition held in Pasay City, Ochoa revealed the country’s intention to apply for compliance status with the London-based Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) to help achieve the much-needed reforms in the mining industry.
EITI is a global initiative that requires participating governments to publicly report the revenues they receive from extractive industry companies and for those companies to publicly report the revenues they pay to government. This mechanism allows more transparency in revenue reporting.
“High on our agenda is transparency in revenues derived from mining,” Ochoa said, as he pointed out the need to determine how the mining sector contributes to sustainable development.
“Further reforms are therefore needed to ensure that the acceptability of mining is enhanced and its impact as a driver of economic growth is truly felt,” he added.
Data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources show that mining contributed P110 billion to the gross domestic product and generated P12.5 billion in tax revenues, royalties, and fees for the government last year.
Ochoa said the country’s EITI candidacy and subsequent membership is consistent with the “vision of good governance” of the Aquino administration.
“It will be a strong manifestation of transparency if the payments and revenues received by the government from the development of the country’s mineral resources and how these are utilized are made public,” Ochoa told the conference attended mostly by industry players who comprise the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.
The Executive Secretary said that while the Mining Act of 1995 has put in place environmental and safety nets to address mining concerns, efforts must be stepped up for awareness and strict compliance of the law.
He also underscored the need to strike a balance between mining and protecting the environment and natural resources toward achieving enhanced social acceptability of mining operations.
Aware that the Philippine mining industry has been the subject of intense scrutiny by various sectors, Ochoa called on industry players to overcome the negative stigma attached to mining and to continue to work hard to gain public acceptability.
“But done in a manner that takes into consideration the importance of safeguarding the environment, we know that mining can contribute significantly both to sustained economic development and poverty reduction in the countryside,” Ochoa said, citing the case of countries like Canada, Australia and Chile where mining has contributed to economic growth and development.
“For mining to be acceptable, it must be guided by the principles of sustainable development, environmental protection, social equity and, of course, good governance,” Ochoa added. “Mining must also be pursued alongside other economic activities that are compatible with it, including agriculture and eco-tourism.”
Speaking on behalf of President Benigno Aquino III, Ochoa also acknowledged the mining industry’s commitment and participation in the National Greening Program (NGP), pursuant to Executive Order No. 26 which the Chief Executive signed on February 24.
Far from the usual reforestation program, NGP is a government priority program that aims to curb poverty, promote food security, environmental stability and biodiversity conservation, and enhance climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The NGP also seeks to substantially increase the number of trees nationwide to improve water quality in rivers and irrigation for farm lands, reduce the potential for flooding, soak up carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and lay the foundation for an expanded wood-products economy.
“The program specifically seeks to plant 1.5 billion seedlings in 1.5 million hectares of public lands nationwide in six years, from 2011 to 2016—more than twice the government’s accomplishment for the past 25 years, which is estimated at 730,000 hectares,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa described as a “step in the right direction” and a “clear manifestation of corporate social responsibility” the announced commitment of the mining industry to reforest 34,000 hectares over the next three years.
The figure, he said, will be “over and above the number of trees to be planted and maintained as part of the mining contractor’s obligation to rehabilitate mining-affected lands. (PCOO)
Campaign against tax evaders and smugglers paying off – Aquino
Government efforts to run after tax evaders and smugglers are “paying off” after President Benigno S. Aquino III said that revenue collection for the first six months of this year has increased dramatically.
In his speech keynoting the 1st Integrity Summit held at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City Wednesday, President Aquino revealed that the government’s campaign against tax evaders and smugglers had helped in putting in much needed revenues into government coffers by as much as 13.47 percent.
“Since we assumed office, we have worked on improving our tax administration efforts and some of the things we have done is run after tax evaders, smugglers and corrupt government officials,” the President told the gathering of local and global corporate leaders, anti-corruption experts, and senior government officials.
He noted that since July 2010 a total of 61 tax evasion cases and 43 smuggling cases have been filed against these groups and individuals “with claims totaling around P26-billion and 54-billion, respectively.”
“As we continue to monitor these cases, I am happy to report that our campaign against tax evaders and smugglers is paying off,” the President said.
“From January to July this year, revenues collected have already increased by 13.47 percent year on year,” he added.
He said that these “taxes that could have gone to social services, infrastruchture, debt reduction or national defense” had the previous administration been more alert to the situation.
“Imagine how much money has been lost over the years,” the President said.
“But as we strive to show that this is no longer the case, I hope we can urge our fellow citizens to pay their share of taxes,” he said. (PCOO)
Aquino congratulates Campaigns & Grey in its 25th foundation anniversary
President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulated advertising and public relations firm Campaigns & Grey in its 25th year in the industry saying the company has contributed a lot in nation building.
The President said Campaigns and & Grey conceptualized the communication strategies of his campaign when he both run for senator and president.
“I take this time to thank you personally for all the contributions in my career in public service,” the Chief Executive said in his message during the anniversary celebration at Rockwell Tent in Makati City on Tuesday evening.
According to the President, circumstances forced him to enter both the senatorial race and presidential race at very delayed time. Despite the limited period, he won both races with the help of the advertising and PR firm.
His late entry was his major handicap, the President said, adding that he had less money compared to other candidates who prepared to enter the race three years before the election.
But with the help of Campaigns & Grey he was able to communicate his message to the people and inspire them towards victory, the President added.
He thanked people behind Campaigns & Grey for helping him in his campaign noting their advocacy and dedication to corporate social responsibility are extraordinary.
“The zeal of advocates who are willing to take a stand, willing to put their stake on what they believe was right. This is especially commendable since advertising and marketing communications is an industry that traditionally has shied away from partisanship,” the President said.
It is commendable, the President said, because he wasn’t the most lucrative client during the campaign but Campaigns & Grey conceptualized the strategy for him to win for the benefit of the people.
Also Campaigns & Grey has advocacies on raising awareness towards acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), environmental issues and politics.
Among the campaign slogans the firm conceptualized for President Aquino were “Lagot ka sa Nanay Mo”, “Kung Walang Kurap, Walang Mahirap”, which according to the chief executive remains the driving force of his administration.
Campaigns & Grey has always been behind him to reach out and send his message to the people, the President said.
Founded in 1986 as Campaigns Inc., the agency became one of the Philippine’s top 10 agencies in five years. It built its reputation as a maverick agency that created many challenger brands into market leaders. Campaigns Inc. became a member of the Grey Group in 1994.
Today Campaigns & Grey has evolved into a synergistic network of affiliate units, each specializing different components of communications.
Other government officials who joined the President during the event were Sen. Franklin Drilon, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda and Interior and Local government Secretary Jessie Robredo. (PCOO)
Aquino challenges private sector to ‘live up’ to the pledge contained in unified code of conduct signed in the First Integrity Summit
President Benigno S. Aquino III challenged participants who signed the Unified Code of Conduct during the launch of the 1st Integrity Summit on Wednesday to “live up” and take “extremely seriously” the standards contained in the pledge in order to complete a unified government-private sector stance against corruption.
The President, in his keynote speech at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriot Hotel in Pasay City, said that only by instilling a culture of integrity in the private sector as what is being done in government, can a holistic approach at addressing corruption be achieved.
“I am happy to be with all of you today to encourage all of you to participate in the Integrity Initiative. As you know, integrity was one of the battle cries of my campaign; and for the past fifteen months, we have taken that battle cry to heart—working to foster a culture of integrity in `government,” the President said.
“We have been able to appoint people of unquestioned ability and integrity to important posts in government—from Leila de Lima as Secretary of Justice, Grace Tan and Heidi Mendoza to the Commission on Audit, to Conchita Carpio-Morales as our Ombudsman,” he added.
He stressed that “Integrity has likewise shaped our budgeting process, which has saved our taxpayers billions of pesos simply by cutting funding for wasteful projects and putting the money to where it will benefit Filipinos the most.”
“Efficient spending has allowed us to allocate a larger chunk of the budget to social services and defense—two sectors that have, for so long, lacked sufficient resources,” the President said.
He added that government agencies, under his directive, have also pitched in to show to the people that his administration is serious at achieving his campaign promises.
He said the Departments of Budget and Management and Interior and Local Government have taken initiatives in fostering this culture of transparency by mandating all national departments and agencies to publish important budget information and finance and performance indicators, as well as how the funds were spent, in their respective websites.
The President said that they have also been trying to enjoin the citizenry to take a more active role in governance as partners in a consultative budget preparation process.
“This year, we had six national government agencies and three government corporations start a consultative budget preparation process, allowing us to engage civil society organizations in preparing the 2012 National Budget,” the President said.
“We also created a layman’s version of the 2011 National Budget so that more people can understand how the government is spending their money. The Department of Finance launched a website called Pera ng Bayan, through which common citizens can file anonymous reports or leads on possible tax evasion, government collusion, or smuggling operations. All of these we have done to promote integrity,” he said.
He pointed out however that “instilling a culture of integrity in government is only one aspect of the equation.”
“We must also foster the same culture in the private sector, and this is why what you are doing today is most important,” the President said.
He noted that those who chose to join the Integrity Initiative can not only count on rewards in pesos and centavos but “its benefits will eventually redound to everyone.”
“For example, it is said that companies who engage in Corporate Social Responsibility, who have track records for integrity and competence, and who abide by the highest standards are valued at a premium in the stock market. Companies who have a reputation for running their businesses in a clean and efficient manner enjoy the confidence of investors, debtors, and other stakeholders as opposed to those who run questionable operations,” the President said.
“To put it simply: by doing your part as responsible corporations, everybody wins—and by everybody I mean not just you as corporate workers, but you as taxpayers, as family men and women, and as citizens of this country,” he added.
“All these are contained in your Unified Code of Conduct for Business, which I hope everyone will take extremely seriously,” the President said.
“Let me remind you that our collective desire to instill integrity into our respective communities does not end with a pledge of integrity. We are now obliged to live up to this pledge,” he said. (PCOO)
Aquino to highlight government and private sector efforts to instill integrity in governance
President Benigno S. Aquino III will highlight the Philippines’ efforts to instill integrity in governance through the partnership of government and the private sector during his trip to the United States of America from September 18 to 23.
The President made the announcement at the launch of the 1st Integrity Summit held in Pasay City on Wednesday.
The Summit, with the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Integrity in Business and Beyond,” aims to gather experts and authorities to present ways on how to strengthen ethical business practices and institutionalize them so that “business with ethics” becomes the country’s norm, rather than the exception. The event dovetails with the President’s battle cry – “Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.”
“Next week, I will be in the United States for some very important meetings. I was invited by President Obama, among others, to talk about Open Governance; and I will be proud to tell him, as well as the representatives of several other countries, how in the Philippines, the effort for integrity in governance—the effort for creating a transparent relationship between the people and their government—is one that is shared by the government and the private sector,” the President said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said that the President’s trip to the US hopes to attain five major objectives:
Firstly, to enhance Philippines’ strategic profile by underscoring the Aquino government’s demonstrated commitment to its good governance and anti-corruption agenda through the following specific activities: official launch of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and the public lecture during the WB-IMF 2011 Annual meetings on the theme “Citizen Empowerment and Good Governance as Tools for Poverty Reduction.”
The second objective of the visit is to enhance awareness about the Aquino administration’s domestic and foreign policy thrusts by speaking before the Asia Society.
Thirdly, is to highlight the Aquino government’s economic agenda and accomplishments after a year in office through a speech before three business organizations: the US-Asean Business Council, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce, where the President will participate in a roundtable discussion after delivering brief remarks. He has also been invited to speak before the IBM Centennial Forum.
The fourth is for the President to meet with present and potential US investors; and lastly, to appraise the Filipino community about the Aquino government’s accomplishments and for him to share with them the latest developments in the motherland. (PCOO)
Aquino declares October 23-29, 2011 as National Psoriasis Awareness week
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared October 23 to 29, 2011 and every last week of October thereafter as “National Psoriasis Awareness Week.”
Proclamation No. 179 was signed on May 30, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. to raise public awareness about psoriasis.
Psoriasis Philippines (PsorPhil) has pursued initiatives to give people with psoriasis the attention and consideration they need.
“Psoriasis is a serious, life-long, inflammatory, non-communicable, auto-immune disease / immune-mediated, genetic disease manifesting in the skin and/or joints, and carries severe physical, mental and socio-economic burdens on over 125 million people worldwide, including 1.9 million Filipinos,” the proclamation said.
Psoriasis affects nearly three percent of the world's population. It can develop in males or females of any race or age. It often appears between the ages of 15 and 35, although it can strike at any age including infants and the elderly, according to PsorPhil. (PCOO)
Aquino leaves for four-day official visit to U.S. on Sept.18
President Benigno S. Aquino III will leave on Sunday for an official visit to the United States of America upon the invitation of US President Barack Obama from September 18 to 22.
The President has been invited by President Obama and Brazil President Dilma Rousseff, co-chairs of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), to the official launch of the OGP in New York on September 20.
“The OGP is a new multilateral initiative to promote transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and harness new technologies to strengthen governance,” Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Patricia Paez said in a press briefing in Malacanang.
In their joint letter to President Aquino, President Obama and President Rousseff wrote: “We appreciate the active engagement and leadership of your government in developing this effort, and look forward to standing with you as we launch this initiative in September.”
The Philippines is one of only two countries from Asia invited to become a member of the International Steering Committee of OGP. Other members of the Steering Committee are the United States, Brazil, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Mexico, Norway and South Africa.
According to Paez, the Steering Committee members were selected based on the following criteria: Fiscal Transparency, Access to Information, Disclosures Related to Elected Officials and Citizen Engagement.
“The selection of the Philippines as a Steering Committee member is an international acknowledgment of the Aquino government’s demonstrated commitment to and innovative practices in open governance and anti-corruption,” she said.
President Aquino is also set to deliver his keynote remarks at an OGP-related forum entitled “The Power Open: A Global Discussion” in New York City. The President is the only head of state invited to address the forum.
While in New York, the President will attend roundtable meeting with three business organizations “to highlight the government’s economic agenda and accomplishments after a year in office.”
These three business organizations are the US-Asean Business Council, the US Chamber of Commerce and the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce. (PCOO)
Aquino to address Asia Society in New York
President Benigno S. Aquino III has been invited by the Asia Society in New York to speak about his administration’s domestic and foreign policy thrusts during his official visit to the United States from September 18 to 23.
Asia Society was founded by John D. Rockefeller III in 1956 to promote greater knowledge of Asia in the U.S. It is a global institution based in New York with offices throughout the U.S. and Asia.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for American Affairs Patricia Paez said “the Asia Society speaking engagement resonates, both on a personal level for the President and on a historical level for the Filipino people, because it was at a speech in this forum on August 4, 1980, where Sen. Benigno Aquino delivered his famous line “The Filipino is worth dying for.”
The President’s mother, former President Cory Aquino, also spoke before the Asia Society in 1986.
While in New York, President Aquino will also speak before the IBM Centennial Forum called “THINK: A Forum on the Future of Leadership” on September 20. The forum will be attended by more than 700 leaders from government, business, the academe and science, and up-and-coming leaders worldwide.
President Aquino will likewise be conferred a Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, by Fordham University in ceremonies to be held at Keating Hall in the university’s Rosa Hill campus in New York.
Fordham, an independent university in the Jesuit tradition founded in 1841, had also conferred an honorary degree on President Corazon Aquino in September 1986.
As part of the Fordham tradition, the names of over 30 world leaders conferred a degree are carved on the steps of the “Terrace of the Presidents” at Keating Hall. President Aquino’s name will be carved next to that of his mother.
While in New York, Paez said the President will also have business meetings with IBM and Convergys, both of which already have a substantial presence in the Philippines.
In Washington, D.C., President Aquino is invited by World Bank Group President Robert Zoellick to give a public lecture before the World Bank.
He will also meet with Senator Daniel Inouye, president pro tempore of the US Senate and chairman of its Appropriations Committee, to thank the senator for his continued support of Philippine causes in the US Congress.
Senator Inouye was responsible for the passage of Filipino Veterans Compensation Fund and the primary sponsor of the SAVE Act, which will benefit both the Philippine garment industry and the US textile manufacturers.
He will also be meeting with the Filipino community in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia “to appraise them about the government’s accomplishments and share the latest developments in the country.”
According to the DFA, it would be the first meeting of President Aquino with the Filipino community in the region, composed approximately of 110,000 Filipinos.(PCOO)
Aquino appoints Biazon as Customs Commissioner
President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed former Muntilupa Representative Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Bunoan Biazon as the new Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced the appointment of Biazon who will replace Customs head Angelito Alvarez, during a regular press briefing in Malacanang.
Valte also announced the appointment of retired Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim as the BOC Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence.
“Naniniwala po ang pangulo na kaya po i-implement at ipagpatuloy ni dating congressman Biazon iyong kinakailangan nating reforma sa Customs at ma-meet na rin po ang revenue targets ng ahensya,” Valte said.
Biazon, who was born on March 20, 1969, served as congressman in the lone district of Muntinlupa City for three consecutive terms since 2001 and ended on June 30, 2010. He is the third and youngest child of former senator and now Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Gaspar Biazon and Monserrat Biazon.
He married Trina in 1990 and were blessed with four boys.
He attended the Malate Catholic School for his elementary and secondary education and graduated from high school in 1986. He then took up Medical Technology in the University of Sto. Tomas as a pre-med course since he had wanted to go to medical school. He entered public service after college in 1991. (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III appointed former Muntilupa Representative Rozzano Rufino “Ruffy” Bunoan Biazon as the new Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced the appointment of Biazon who will replace Customs head Angelito Alvarez, during a regular press briefing in Malacanang.
Valte also announced the appointment of retired Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim as the BOC Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence.
“Naniniwala po ang pangulo na kaya po i-implement at ipagpatuloy ni dating congressman Biazon iyong kinakailangan nating reforma sa Customs at ma-meet na rin po ang revenue targets ng ahensya,” Valte said.
Biazon, who was born on March 20, 1969, served as congressman in the lone district of Muntinlupa City for three consecutive terms since 2001 and ended on June 30, 2010. He is the third and youngest child of former senator and now Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Gaspar Biazon and Monserrat Biazon.
He married Trina in 1990 and were blessed with four boys.
He attended the Malate Catholic School for his elementary and secondary education and graduated from high school in 1986. He then took up Medical Technology in the University of Sto. Tomas as a pre-med course since he had wanted to go to medical school. He entered public service after college in 1991. (PCOO)
Aquino holds successful meeting with transport sector
President Benigno Aquino III met Wednesday with the leaders of the transport sector in a discussion described by Malacanang as “constructive” because both the government and the transport sector were able to thresh out several issues.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said three major issues were raised during the meeting: extortion [kotong], the oil deregulation law and the deferment of a possible transport strike.
With regards to the concern about the extortion issue being raised by the transport sector against some agencies, local government units (LGUs) and the police, the President made an assurance that his administration will not tolerate it as he instructed Interior and Local government Sec. Jessie Robredo to address the issue, Valte said.
However, Valte said the President asked the public to be patient in solving extortion because of lack of police personnel who will enforce the law.
In response to the proposals of some transport groups for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation, Valte said President Aquino asked for a review of the deregulation law.
Valte added, however that the President believes that there is room for more competition under the current Oil Deregulation law and he wants to achieve the ideal market situation in the country.
Valte also said the issue on single-ticketing system was also raised during the meeting with the President giving an assurance to implement the law on single-ticketing that is not being implemented by LGUs adding that the President was also firm that the moratorium for the issuance of new franchises will stay.
According to Valte, the President also allowed taxi operators to extend the period before phasing out old taxi units as long as they comply with certain specifications. The government will also continue the Pantawid Pasada program by releasing the remaining P230 million intended for the program.
Energy Undersecretary Jay Layug, who joined Valte during the press briefing, said the President is hoping that the transport sector will defer the strike it planned after Wednesday’s meeting.
President Benigno Aquino III met Wednesday with the leaders of the transport sector in a discussion described by Malacanang as “constructive” because both the government and the transport sector were able to thresh out several issues.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said three major issues were raised during the meeting: extortion [kotong], the oil deregulation law and the deferment of a possible transport strike.
With regards to the concern about the extortion issue being raised by the transport sector against some agencies, local government units (LGUs) and the police, the President made an assurance that his administration will not tolerate it as he instructed Interior and Local government Sec. Jessie Robredo to address the issue, Valte said.
However, Valte said the President asked the public to be patient in solving extortion because of lack of police personnel who will enforce the law.
In response to the proposals of some transport groups for the repeal of the Oil Deregulation, Valte said President Aquino asked for a review of the deregulation law.
Valte added, however that the President believes that there is room for more competition under the current Oil Deregulation law and he wants to achieve the ideal market situation in the country.
Valte also said the issue on single-ticketing system was also raised during the meeting with the President giving an assurance to implement the law on single-ticketing that is not being implemented by LGUs adding that the President was also firm that the moratorium for the issuance of new franchises will stay.
According to Valte, the President also allowed taxi operators to extend the period before phasing out old taxi units as long as they comply with certain specifications. The government will also continue the Pantawid Pasada program by releasing the remaining P230 million intended for the program.
Energy Undersecretary Jay Layug, who joined Valte during the press briefing, said the President is hoping that the transport sector will defer the strike it planned after Wednesday’s meeting.
Layug said most of the transport organizations do not favor a transport strike.
“Nagpahiwatig po sila na maganda po yung naging usapin ngayong hapon at ang kinailangan lang naman po ay mapakinggan ang kanilang mga hinaing,” Layug said.
“The President is very clear with them that we are open for a dialogue with them.”
The President instructed his secretaries to discharged their functions, make a report and do follow ups on the issues raised by the transport sector.
The members of the Cabinet who joined the meeting were Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Political adviser Ronald Llamas, Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang.
The major transport groups that attended Wednesday’s dialogue include Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (Imboa), Association of Taxi Operators in Metro Manila (Atomm), Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston), Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association (Soluboa), 1 United Transport Association Koalition (1-UTAK), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) among other organizations.(PCOO)
“Nagpahiwatig po sila na maganda po yung naging usapin ngayong hapon at ang kinailangan lang naman po ay mapakinggan ang kanilang mga hinaing,” Layug said.
“The President is very clear with them that we are open for a dialogue with them.”
The President instructed his secretaries to discharged their functions, make a report and do follow ups on the issues raised by the transport sector.
The members of the Cabinet who joined the meeting were Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Political adviser Ronald Llamas, Interior Secretary Jessie Robredo, Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad and Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang.
The major transport groups that attended Wednesday’s dialogue include Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (Imboa), Association of Taxi Operators in Metro Manila (Atomm), Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston), Southern Luzon Bus Operators Association (Soluboa), 1 United Transport Association Koalition (1-UTAK), Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) among other organizations.(PCOO)
