Aquino swears in Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry officers
President Benigno S. Aquino III administered the oaths of office of the newly elected Board of Directors and Officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Monday.
Of the 44 new officers, only 30 were able to attend the swearing in by the President, who was joined by Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo.
These were: Miguel Varela, president; Jose Pardo, chairman Council of Advisers; Alfredo Yao, chairman; Francis Chua, chairman Emeritus; Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., honorary chairman; Edgardo Lacson, honorary chairman; Donald Dee, vice chairman;
Jose Alejandro, George Barcelon, William Co, Eric Cruz, Menardo Jimenez, Sammie Lim, Antonio Lopa, and Benjamin Romualdez, Nora Lacuna, Victoria Gaetos, Eduardo Nicolas III, Ricardo Juliano as vice presidents;
Roberto Amores, chair for agriculture; Apolinar Aure, chair for mediation; Francis Ferrer, chair for ICT; Francisco Floro, chair for MSMEs; Henry Lim-Bonliong, chair for food-security; Tomasa Lipana, chair for taxation; Eduardo Ong, chair for formal education;
Renato Simbulan, chair for Philippine Chamber Development Institute; Alfonso Siy, chair for trade; Jesus Varela, chair for information and Public Relations; and Nelson Yuchongtian, Co-Chair for Trade.
The President wished the new officers good luck on their endeavors as he informed them of the strides the government is making to make the Philippines a more attractive investment venue.
He said the manufacturing sector is on an upswing and the government is working towards sustaining this outlook by implementing measures that will bring down electricity rates through the implementation of the open access electricity market that allows large electricity users in Luzon and Visayas to choose their own power suppliers.
For his part, PCCI president Miguel Varela assured the President of the group’s continued support.
“The PCCI will continue to work in partnership with government. We will put in the necessary inputs to make that work and that’s what we are doing right now,” Varela said. (PCOO)
.
Palace says PHL remains committed towards peaceful Asia-Pacific region
The Philippines remains committed in ensuring peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region in the midst of a stronger military cooperation with the United States.
“From our point of view we continue to be committed to ensuring peace and stability in the region. And again in connection to whatever disputes that we may have our commitment remains firm that we will pursue every diplomatic channel, avenue and recourse that we may be able to solve it peacefully,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the press conference in Malacanang on Monday.
Valte made this statement in reaction to a question whether China has something to worry about with regards to the Philippines’s commitment towards peace and stability in the region.
Valte said the Philippines will not compromise the peace in the region even as the country forges bilateral relations with other countries.
On Sunday, China’s state media said the Chinese government should impose “sanctions” against the Philippines after the latter offered to allow more US troops on its soil. The statement came in the midst of growing tensions over the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
But Valte reiterated that dispute on the West Philippine Sea is a small facet of the good relationship between China and the Philippines. She said the Philippines has been pursuing several other relationships with China such as tourism and trade which was bolstered by President Aquino’s visit there last year.
The President’s spokesperson also reiterated that the discussion on the expanded presence of the US in the region is something that is still in the early stages of talks.
“Nothing is final yet. We have expressed several initiatives mainly on how to assist us to boost our defense capabilities. Again, as we stated earlier, we really do need to catch up with our neighbors when it comes to our defense capabilities,” she said.
China, Philippines, and Vietnam, have rival claims to parts of the West Philippine Sea, an area located in the world’s most important shipping lanes and believed to hold vast deposits of fossil fuel. Other claimants to the disputed Spratly Islands include Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia.
Last year, the Philippines and Vietnam complained on what they said were increasingly aggressive acts by China in the decades-long rift. (PCOO)
.
Aquino declares Feb. 4 as special non-working holiday in Zambales for the holding of special elections in Second District
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 4, which falls on Saturday as a special non-working holiday in the province of Zambales in connection with the holding of the special elections for the 2nd District of Zambales following the death of 2nd District Representative Antonio Magsaysay Diaz last year.
In Proclamation No. 324 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on January 25, 2012, the President underscored the need to issue the declaration to afford the registered voters of the Second Legislative District the opportunity to participate fully in the special elections.
The President noted that "there may also be registered voters in the Second Legislative District who are working in the neighboring First Legislative District of the Province of Zambales."
On November 29, 2011, the Commission on Elections en banc promulgated Resolution No.11-1203, setting the second district congressional special elections on February 4, to fill up the vacant position left by Rep. Diaz.
The late congressman, who died on August 3, 2011, was a nephew of former President Ramon Magsaysay.
The election body announced the enforcement of a gun ban in Olongapo City and 13 other towns in Zambales for the start of the special elections in the second district of the province.
The COMELEC guidelines said any private individual, incumbent officials or political candidates are prohibited to carry firearms or hire armed personnel during the congressional election. The campaign period is ongoing until February 2. (PCOO)
.
Malacañang says Aquino government taking steps to lessen impact of continuing rise of crude oil in the world market
The Aquino government has started exerting all possible efforts to lessen the impact of the continuing rise of prices of crude oil in the world market on consumers and our economy, a Palace official said on Monday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement during the regular press briefing held in Malacanang on Monday, in response to news reports regarding the claims of Iran that oil prices could rise as high as $150 a barrel because of the European Union (EU) ban on imports of Iranian crude.
"I believe that is something that the Department of Energy (DOE) is already aware of and again, they have been taking steps to come up with measures if and when something like that happens," Valte said.
The DOE has stepped up its efforts to ensure that prices of petroleum products in the country remain fair and reasonable. The DOE also started implementing other measures to address the impact of the continuing rise of prices of crude oil.
News reports revealed that the European Union Foreign Ministers have agreed to ban oil imports from Iran starting July 1 as part of measures to ratchet up the pressure on the Persian Gulf nation’s nuclear program, the 27-nation bloc said in a statement issued last week.
The EU will freeze assets of the Iranian central bank in Europe as well as of eight other entities and ban the trade in gold, precious metals, diamonds and petrochemical products from Iran, the EU said.
Iran Deputy Oil Ministry Ahmad Qalebani said oil prices could rise as high as $150 a barrel in the future, according to news reports. (PCOO)
.
Aquino leads Galing Pook 2011 Awards in Malacañang
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the important role of local government units as partners of the Aquino administration in pushing for developmental projects focusing on poverty alleviation, education and health as part of his social contract with the Filipino people.
Speaking before fellow public servants, guests and the winners in the Galing Pook Awards 2011 at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday, the President said that through good governance as a result of constant cooperation from the national and local governments with the unwavering support from the people, the country will undoubtedly fulfill sustainable progress and development.
“Manalig lamang po tayo sa mga makabuluhang bunga ng mabuting pamamahala, sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal at pambansang pamahalaan, at sa pakikibalikat ng bawat isa. Sama-sama po natin itong (progress) abutin sa tuwid na daan tungo sa isang mas matibay at mas masaganang kinabukasan,” the President said.
“Sadyang hindi matatawaran ang papel na ginagampanan ng ating Local Government Units sa ating krusada tungo sa kaunlaran. Kayo ang katuwang ng ating administrasyon sa pagpapatupad ng mga reporma sa lokal na antas; kayo ang nagsisilbing sangay ng pambansang pamahalaan sa pagsisiguro na tugma ang ating mga inisyatiba at proyekto, at direkta nitong naaapektuhan ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino sa positibong paraan,” he added.
Unity and cooperation, the President said, are essential tools in attaining the objectives in the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.
“Kung ang Millennium Development Goals ng United Nations ang ating magiging sukatan ng mga natatamasa nating kaunlaran — mula sa pagsugpo sa kahirapan at kagutuman, sa pagpapabuti ng sistemang pang-edukasyon, sa pagkakapantay-pantay sa lipunan, hanggang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan at kapaligiran — talaga naman pong masasabi nating mas mabilis natin itong maaabot sa ating pagbabayanihan sa tuwid na daan,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also recognized the various projects of the local government units (LGUs) that have directly affected the lives of the Filipinos.
“Ang lahat po ng mga proyektong ito ay nagbunga mula sa masusing koordinasyon ng pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan, at ang masigasig na pakikiisa ng mamamayan. Sumasaludo po ako sa mga local chief executives na kasama natin ngayon. Hindi niyo lamang sinisiguro ang tagumpay ng bawat isinasagawa ninyong proyekto; binibigyang-lakas din ninyo ang mga mamamayan upang makilahok sa katuparan ng ating mga adhikain,” the President noted.
Initiated in October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook awards is a pioneering program that recognizes innovations and excellence in local governance.
The awardees are chosen from a national search of local governance programs, evaluated through a rigorous multilevel screening process based on positive results and impact, promotion of people’s participation and empowerment, innovation, transferability and sustainability, and efficiency of program service delivery.
Beyond the awards, winning programs become models of good governance promoted for adoption in other communities. They provide useful insights and strategies to find innovative solutions to common problems. More importantly, they affirm the community and the local government’s commitment to good governance.
Since its inception, at least 230 programs of 152 local governments were awarded the Galing Pook. These awardees become very important advocates in stimulating and inspiring other local governments to introduce innovative practices and provide a fertile environment for the replication of successful reforms.
A total of 137 entries were submitted this year, 55 from Luzon, 33 from Visayas and 49 from Mindanao.
The ten awardees for 2011 are Sarangani Province (Justice on Wheels), Misamis Oriental (Turning red to green), Upi Maguindanao (rural community e-Center), Zamboanga del Norte (empowering the Subanen people), Limasawa Southern Leyte (poor municipality can eliminate malnutrition), Alimodian Iloilo (bringing high schools closer to home), Bohol province (rabies prevention and elimination), Maribojoc Bohol (LGU-led cadastral survey), Albay province (health strategy for MDG attainment) and Real, Gen. Nakar, Infanta and Panukulan in Quezon Province (community-based mental health management). (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III administered the oaths of office of the newly elected Board of Directors and Officers of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in ceremonies held in Malacañang on Monday.
Of the 44 new officers, only 30 were able to attend the swearing in by the President, who was joined by Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo.
These were: Miguel Varela, president; Jose Pardo, chairman Council of Advisers; Alfredo Yao, chairman; Francis Chua, chairman Emeritus; Sergio Ortiz-Luis, Jr., honorary chairman; Edgardo Lacson, honorary chairman; Donald Dee, vice chairman;
Jose Alejandro, George Barcelon, William Co, Eric Cruz, Menardo Jimenez, Sammie Lim, Antonio Lopa, and Benjamin Romualdez, Nora Lacuna, Victoria Gaetos, Eduardo Nicolas III, Ricardo Juliano as vice presidents;
Roberto Amores, chair for agriculture; Apolinar Aure, chair for mediation; Francis Ferrer, chair for ICT; Francisco Floro, chair for MSMEs; Henry Lim-Bonliong, chair for food-security; Tomasa Lipana, chair for taxation; Eduardo Ong, chair for formal education;
Renato Simbulan, chair for Philippine Chamber Development Institute; Alfonso Siy, chair for trade; Jesus Varela, chair for information and Public Relations; and Nelson Yuchongtian, Co-Chair for Trade.
The President wished the new officers good luck on their endeavors as he informed them of the strides the government is making to make the Philippines a more attractive investment venue.
He said the manufacturing sector is on an upswing and the government is working towards sustaining this outlook by implementing measures that will bring down electricity rates through the implementation of the open access electricity market that allows large electricity users in Luzon and Visayas to choose their own power suppliers.
For his part, PCCI president Miguel Varela assured the President of the group’s continued support.
“The PCCI will continue to work in partnership with government. We will put in the necessary inputs to make that work and that’s what we are doing right now,” Varela said. (PCOO)
.
Palace says PHL remains committed towards peaceful Asia-Pacific region
The Philippines remains committed in ensuring peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region in the midst of a stronger military cooperation with the United States.
“From our point of view we continue to be committed to ensuring peace and stability in the region. And again in connection to whatever disputes that we may have our commitment remains firm that we will pursue every diplomatic channel, avenue and recourse that we may be able to solve it peacefully,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the press conference in Malacanang on Monday.
Valte made this statement in reaction to a question whether China has something to worry about with regards to the Philippines’s commitment towards peace and stability in the region.
Valte said the Philippines will not compromise the peace in the region even as the country forges bilateral relations with other countries.
On Sunday, China’s state media said the Chinese government should impose “sanctions” against the Philippines after the latter offered to allow more US troops on its soil. The statement came in the midst of growing tensions over the disputed waters in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
But Valte reiterated that dispute on the West Philippine Sea is a small facet of the good relationship between China and the Philippines. She said the Philippines has been pursuing several other relationships with China such as tourism and trade which was bolstered by President Aquino’s visit there last year.
The President’s spokesperson also reiterated that the discussion on the expanded presence of the US in the region is something that is still in the early stages of talks.
“Nothing is final yet. We have expressed several initiatives mainly on how to assist us to boost our defense capabilities. Again, as we stated earlier, we really do need to catch up with our neighbors when it comes to our defense capabilities,” she said.
China, Philippines, and Vietnam, have rival claims to parts of the West Philippine Sea, an area located in the world’s most important shipping lanes and believed to hold vast deposits of fossil fuel. Other claimants to the disputed Spratly Islands include Taiwan, Brunei and Malaysia.
Last year, the Philippines and Vietnam complained on what they said were increasingly aggressive acts by China in the decades-long rift. (PCOO)
.
Aquino declares Feb. 4 as special non-working holiday in Zambales for the holding of special elections in Second District
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 4, which falls on Saturday as a special non-working holiday in the province of Zambales in connection with the holding of the special elections for the 2nd District of Zambales following the death of 2nd District Representative Antonio Magsaysay Diaz last year.
In Proclamation No. 324 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on January 25, 2012, the President underscored the need to issue the declaration to afford the registered voters of the Second Legislative District the opportunity to participate fully in the special elections.
The President noted that "there may also be registered voters in the Second Legislative District who are working in the neighboring First Legislative District of the Province of Zambales."
On November 29, 2011, the Commission on Elections en banc promulgated Resolution No.11-1203, setting the second district congressional special elections on February 4, to fill up the vacant position left by Rep. Diaz.
The late congressman, who died on August 3, 2011, was a nephew of former President Ramon Magsaysay.
The election body announced the enforcement of a gun ban in Olongapo City and 13 other towns in Zambales for the start of the special elections in the second district of the province.
The COMELEC guidelines said any private individual, incumbent officials or political candidates are prohibited to carry firearms or hire armed personnel during the congressional election. The campaign period is ongoing until February 2. (PCOO)
.
Malacañang says Aquino government taking steps to lessen impact of continuing rise of crude oil in the world market
The Aquino government has started exerting all possible efforts to lessen the impact of the continuing rise of prices of crude oil in the world market on consumers and our economy, a Palace official said on Monday.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement during the regular press briefing held in Malacanang on Monday, in response to news reports regarding the claims of Iran that oil prices could rise as high as $150 a barrel because of the European Union (EU) ban on imports of Iranian crude.
"I believe that is something that the Department of Energy (DOE) is already aware of and again, they have been taking steps to come up with measures if and when something like that happens," Valte said.
The DOE has stepped up its efforts to ensure that prices of petroleum products in the country remain fair and reasonable. The DOE also started implementing other measures to address the impact of the continuing rise of prices of crude oil.
News reports revealed that the European Union Foreign Ministers have agreed to ban oil imports from Iran starting July 1 as part of measures to ratchet up the pressure on the Persian Gulf nation’s nuclear program, the 27-nation bloc said in a statement issued last week.
The EU will freeze assets of the Iranian central bank in Europe as well as of eight other entities and ban the trade in gold, precious metals, diamonds and petrochemical products from Iran, the EU said.
Iran Deputy Oil Ministry Ahmad Qalebani said oil prices could rise as high as $150 a barrel in the future, according to news reports. (PCOO)
.
Aquino leads Galing Pook 2011 Awards in Malacañang
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the important role of local government units as partners of the Aquino administration in pushing for developmental projects focusing on poverty alleviation, education and health as part of his social contract with the Filipino people.
Speaking before fellow public servants, guests and the winners in the Galing Pook Awards 2011 at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace on Monday, the President said that through good governance as a result of constant cooperation from the national and local governments with the unwavering support from the people, the country will undoubtedly fulfill sustainable progress and development.
“Manalig lamang po tayo sa mga makabuluhang bunga ng mabuting pamamahala, sa pakikipagtulungan ng lokal at pambansang pamahalaan, at sa pakikibalikat ng bawat isa. Sama-sama po natin itong (progress) abutin sa tuwid na daan tungo sa isang mas matibay at mas masaganang kinabukasan,” the President said.
“Sadyang hindi matatawaran ang papel na ginagampanan ng ating Local Government Units sa ating krusada tungo sa kaunlaran. Kayo ang katuwang ng ating administrasyon sa pagpapatupad ng mga reporma sa lokal na antas; kayo ang nagsisilbing sangay ng pambansang pamahalaan sa pagsisiguro na tugma ang ating mga inisyatiba at proyekto, at direkta nitong naaapektuhan ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino sa positibong paraan,” he added.
Unity and cooperation, the President said, are essential tools in attaining the objectives in the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals.
“Kung ang Millennium Development Goals ng United Nations ang ating magiging sukatan ng mga natatamasa nating kaunlaran — mula sa pagsugpo sa kahirapan at kagutuman, sa pagpapabuti ng sistemang pang-edukasyon, sa pagkakapantay-pantay sa lipunan, hanggang sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan at kapaligiran — talaga naman pong masasabi nating mas mabilis natin itong maaabot sa ating pagbabayanihan sa tuwid na daan,” the President said.
The Chief Executive also recognized the various projects of the local government units (LGUs) that have directly affected the lives of the Filipinos.
“Ang lahat po ng mga proyektong ito ay nagbunga mula sa masusing koordinasyon ng pambansa at lokal na pamahalaan, at ang masigasig na pakikiisa ng mamamayan. Sumasaludo po ako sa mga local chief executives na kasama natin ngayon. Hindi niyo lamang sinisiguro ang tagumpay ng bawat isinasagawa ninyong proyekto; binibigyang-lakas din ninyo ang mga mamamayan upang makilahok sa katuparan ng ating mga adhikain,” the President noted.
Initiated in October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook awards is a pioneering program that recognizes innovations and excellence in local governance.
The awardees are chosen from a national search of local governance programs, evaluated through a rigorous multilevel screening process based on positive results and impact, promotion of people’s participation and empowerment, innovation, transferability and sustainability, and efficiency of program service delivery.
Beyond the awards, winning programs become models of good governance promoted for adoption in other communities. They provide useful insights and strategies to find innovative solutions to common problems. More importantly, they affirm the community and the local government’s commitment to good governance.
Since its inception, at least 230 programs of 152 local governments were awarded the Galing Pook. These awardees become very important advocates in stimulating and inspiring other local governments to introduce innovative practices and provide a fertile environment for the replication of successful reforms.
A total of 137 entries were submitted this year, 55 from Luzon, 33 from Visayas and 49 from Mindanao.
The ten awardees for 2011 are Sarangani Province (Justice on Wheels), Misamis Oriental (Turning red to green), Upi Maguindanao (rural community e-Center), Zamboanga del Norte (empowering the Subanen people), Limasawa Southern Leyte (poor municipality can eliminate malnutrition), Alimodian Iloilo (bringing high schools closer to home), Bohol province (rabies prevention and elimination), Maribojoc Bohol (LGU-led cadastral survey), Albay province (health strategy for MDG attainment) and Real, Gen. Nakar, Infanta and Panukulan in Quezon Province (community-based mental health management). (PCOO)
