Thailand Prime Minister Shinawatra arrives for official visit Thursday
The Aquino government warmly welcomed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the Kingdom of Thailand who is meeting President Benigno S. Aquino III during her Official Visit Thursday, which aims to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shinawatra and her official delegation, on board a government aircraft Airbus 310 of the Thai Royal Airforce, touched down at exactly 9:50 a.m., Thursday on the runway of the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
The Thai delegation was welcomed by Philippine government officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Commission on Higher Education Secretary Patricia B. Licuanan, Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Linglingay F. Lacanlale, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Angel A. Honrado and Philippine Airforce Commanding General Major General Lauro Catalino de la Cruz, among others.
Upon their arrival, Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Prasas Prasasvinitchai and Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Ambassador Miguel A. Perez Rubio ascended the Thai aircraft to greet and welcome Prime Minister Shinawatra.
Following the arrival ceremonies, the Thai leader also went to Rizal Park in Manila to personally offer flowers and respects to Filipino National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
During the wreathlaying event, Prime Minister Shinawatra was received and joined by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Secretary Licuanan, Philippine Nacy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, Ambassador Rubio, National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Juliet H. Villegas and Brig. General Ramona Go, Aide-de-Camp assigned to the Thai leader.
Prime Minister Shinawatra then proceeded to Malacanang Palace to attend to a series of activities that include a bilateral discussion with President Aquino.
The discussions will also be attended by other officials from both the Philippines and Thailand focusing on the issues of energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management, among others.
Issues on the significant developments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are also expected to be discussed.
The Aquino government warmly welcomed Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the Kingdom of Thailand who is meeting President Benigno S. Aquino III during her Official Visit Thursday, which aims to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.
Prime Minister Shinawatra and her official delegation, on board a government aircraft Airbus 310 of the Thai Royal Airforce, touched down at exactly 9:50 a.m., Thursday on the runway of the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.
The Thai delegation was welcomed by Philippine government officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Commission on Higher Education Secretary Patricia B. Licuanan, Philippine Ambassador to Thailand Linglingay F. Lacanlale, Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Jose Angel A. Honrado and Philippine Airforce Commanding General Major General Lauro Catalino de la Cruz, among others.
Upon their arrival, Thai Ambassador to the Philippines Prasas Prasasvinitchai and Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Ambassador Miguel A. Perez Rubio ascended the Thai aircraft to greet and welcome Prime Minister Shinawatra.
Following the arrival ceremonies, the Thai leader also went to Rizal Park in Manila to personally offer flowers and respects to Filipino National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal.
During the wreathlaying event, Prime Minister Shinawatra was received and joined by Manila Mayor Alfredo S. Lim, Secretary Licuanan, Philippine Nacy Flag Officer in Command Vice Admiral Alexander P. Pama, Ambassador Rubio, National Parks Development Committee Executive Director Juliet H. Villegas and Brig. General Ramona Go, Aide-de-Camp assigned to the Thai leader.
Prime Minister Shinawatra then proceeded to Malacanang Palace to attend to a series of activities that include a bilateral discussion with President Aquino.
The discussions will also be attended by other officials from both the Philippines and Thailand focusing on the issues of energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management, among others.
Issues on the significant developments in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are also expected to be discussed.
Culminating the official visit is President Aquino’s hosting of a luncheon in honor of Prime Minister Shinawatra before she leaves back home in the afternoon.
The visit is one of the highlights of the 63rd anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand, which is being commemorated this year. (PCOO)
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Aquino declares Feb. 11 special non-working holiday in Iriga City, Camarines Sur
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 11, 2012 as a special non-working day in the city of Iriga in the province of Camarines Sur in celebration of the Tinagba Festival.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 319 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr on January 19, 2012, President Aquino declared Feb. 11 which falls on a Saturday as a special non-working day in Iriga City to give the people a full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.
Tinagba is a harvest offering on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes held every 11th of February in Iriga City.
The word 'Tinagba' is derived from the Bicol word "Tagba” which means "to gather the first harvest and offer it to God."
Originally, the participants of this festival had well-decorated carabao-drawn carts laden with all their farm-products At present, carts and carabaos have been replaced by festive floats. (PCOO)
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President Aquino invites Thailand investors to Public-Private Partnership program
President Benigno S. Aquino III has invited Thai investors and businessmen to invest in the Philippines through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) program, a government program aimed at accelerating the financing, construction and operation of key government infrastructure projects,
The President issued his invitation during his Expanded Bilateral Talks with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Malacañang on Thursday.
He cited the importance of the private sector as an invaluable partner in the Philippine government’s quest to uplift the life of Filipinos.
“I also took the opportunity to invite Thai companies to invest in my government’s PPP program. The private sector is a vital partner in fulfilling our growth and development objectives,” the President said.
“The government is committed to providing the enabling environment for private sector participation through Public Private Partnerships (PPP),” he added.
For her part, Prime Minister Shinawatra said the Thai government was ready to throw its full support for businessmen and investors who will invest in the Philippines.
“Thailand is ready to provide support to Thai investors who wish to invest in the Philippines under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs,” Shinawatra said.
The Philippines and Thailand share one of the oldest and strongest bilateral relationships in Southeast Asia at 63 years which the two leaders have hailed as “a dynamic and fruitful partnership.” (PCOO)
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President Aquino, Thai PM Shinawatra hold ‘fruitful’ bilateral talks in Malacañang
President Benigno S. Aquino III said he and Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra held “fruitful” bilateral talks in Malacañang as part of the Thai leader’s six-hour Official Visit to the Philippines on Thursday.
In a joint press conference after their Expanded Bilateral meeting at Malacañang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room, the President said the meeting centered on “bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest to both our countries.”
“I believe the good Prime Minister will agree with me that the resilient economies of the Philippines and Thailand are the product of our shared commitment to free trade and investment,” the President said.
“Our open markets have paved the way for the exchange of goods and services that have translated into billions of US dollars. Capital and investment are pouring in. Businesses are expanding beyond our borders,” he added.
The President also said that he and Shinawatra “agreed to further expand our functional cooperation in key areas such as education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management.”
The two leaders also agreed to “continue working toward enhancing our countries’ excellent partnership and productive engagement both in the bilateral and multilateral arena.”
“On this matter, we both acknowledged the value of regular and sustained policy dialogue. We both look forward to Manila’s hosting of the 5th Meeting of the Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which will allow us to substantially discuss ways to further strengthen the implementation of our existing cooperation in the areas of energy, agriculture, defense and culture,” the President said.
“I am confident that our fruitful and auspicious meeting this morning will contribute greatly to ensuring further benefits to bilateral relations between the Filipinos and Thais,” he added. (PCOO)
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Thais share equal pride with Filipinos in Pacquiao’s boxing success, says Thailand leader
The Thai people share equal pride with Filipinos with the success of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in the international sports arena, visiting Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Thursday.
Aquino declares Feb. 11 special non-working holiday in Iriga City, Camarines Sur
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared February 11, 2012 as a special non-working day in the city of Iriga in the province of Camarines Sur in celebration of the Tinagba Festival.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 319 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr on January 19, 2012, President Aquino declared Feb. 11 which falls on a Saturday as a special non-working day in Iriga City to give the people a full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.
Tinagba is a harvest offering on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes held every 11th of February in Iriga City.
The word 'Tinagba' is derived from the Bicol word "Tagba” which means "to gather the first harvest and offer it to God."
Originally, the participants of this festival had well-decorated carabao-drawn carts laden with all their farm-products At present, carts and carabaos have been replaced by festive floats. (PCOO)
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President Aquino invites Thailand investors to Public-Private Partnership program
President Benigno S. Aquino III has invited Thai investors and businessmen to invest in the Philippines through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) program, a government program aimed at accelerating the financing, construction and operation of key government infrastructure projects,
The President issued his invitation during his Expanded Bilateral Talks with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra in Malacañang on Thursday.
He cited the importance of the private sector as an invaluable partner in the Philippine government’s quest to uplift the life of Filipinos.
“I also took the opportunity to invite Thai companies to invest in my government’s PPP program. The private sector is a vital partner in fulfilling our growth and development objectives,” the President said.
“The government is committed to providing the enabling environment for private sector participation through Public Private Partnerships (PPP),” he added.
For her part, Prime Minister Shinawatra said the Thai government was ready to throw its full support for businessmen and investors who will invest in the Philippines.
“Thailand is ready to provide support to Thai investors who wish to invest in the Philippines under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programs,” Shinawatra said.
The Philippines and Thailand share one of the oldest and strongest bilateral relationships in Southeast Asia at 63 years which the two leaders have hailed as “a dynamic and fruitful partnership.” (PCOO)
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President Aquino, Thai PM Shinawatra hold ‘fruitful’ bilateral talks in Malacañang
President Benigno S. Aquino III said he and Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra held “fruitful” bilateral talks in Malacañang as part of the Thai leader’s six-hour Official Visit to the Philippines on Thursday.
In a joint press conference after their Expanded Bilateral meeting at Malacañang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room, the President said the meeting centered on “bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest to both our countries.”
“I believe the good Prime Minister will agree with me that the resilient economies of the Philippines and Thailand are the product of our shared commitment to free trade and investment,” the President said.
“Our open markets have paved the way for the exchange of goods and services that have translated into billions of US dollars. Capital and investment are pouring in. Businesses are expanding beyond our borders,” he added.
The President also said that he and Shinawatra “agreed to further expand our functional cooperation in key areas such as education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management.”
The two leaders also agreed to “continue working toward enhancing our countries’ excellent partnership and productive engagement both in the bilateral and multilateral arena.”
“On this matter, we both acknowledged the value of regular and sustained policy dialogue. We both look forward to Manila’s hosting of the 5th Meeting of the Philippines-Thailand Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC), which will allow us to substantially discuss ways to further strengthen the implementation of our existing cooperation in the areas of energy, agriculture, defense and culture,” the President said.
“I am confident that our fruitful and auspicious meeting this morning will contribute greatly to ensuring further benefits to bilateral relations between the Filipinos and Thais,” he added. (PCOO)
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Thais share equal pride with Filipinos in Pacquiao’s boxing success, says Thailand leader
The Thai people share equal pride with Filipinos with the success of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao in the international sports arena, visiting Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said on Thursday.
“It is a pleasure in visiting the Philippines, a country that shares close ties with Thailand and one that has produced great talents on the global stage including Manny Pacquiao in boxing,” Shinawatra said during the luncheon hosted in her honor by President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang.
As a fellow Southeast Asian neighbor, Shinawatra said the Thai people feel great pride and honor with the success of Filipino athletes like Pacquiao in the global scene.
Pacquiao, the current World Boxing Council Super Welterweight World Champion and World Boxing Organization Welterweight World Champion, is an eight-division world champion. He is the first boxer in history to win ten world titles in eight different weight divisions.
Pacquiao, who is also a congressman representing Sarangani province, is also currently rated as the number one pound-for-pound best boxer in the world.
The Thai leader also thanked President Aquino for the warm welcome extended to her and her delegation during her brief visit in the country. Shinawatra is scheduled to go back to Thailand Thursday afternoon.
Shinawatra, Thailand's first lady leader, exchanged views with President Aquino on several bilateral and regional issues that are of mutual interest to the Philippines and Thailand.
She was briefed on the implementation of existing cooperation between the two countries in energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management.
The visit is Shinawatra’s first trip to the Philippines since she assumed her post as prime minister in August 2011. The visit is part of the commemoration of the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Thailand. (PCOO)
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Aquino says Thai leader’s visit strengthens Philippine-Thailand relations
The visit of Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to the Philippines further strengthens cooperation between the Philippines and Thailand for the benefit of the people of both countries, President Benigno S. Aquino III said in his speech during the luncheon he hosted for the visiting Thai leader.
“We have much in common. We share the same dream of a better life for our peoples and are filled with the same determination to achieve this aspirations. And your visit gives us a timely opportunity to build on our existing relationships towards the achievement of these goals,” the President said in his message.
The President thanked Shinawatra for the hospitality that Thailand extended to him and his delegation when he visited Thailand in May of last year.
At the same time, the President congratulated the Thai leader for her success during Thailand’s general election last July.
“Allow me to take the opportunity to personally congratulate you and your party for gaining your people’s mandate in the July general elections in Thailand. You hold a distinct honor of being the first woman Prime Minister of Thailand. My mother too was the first female president of my country,” he said.
The President also expressed his wish for the health, happiness and prosperity of Thailand’s King Bhumibol Adulyadej, and the visiting prime minister.
In response, Shinawatra thanked the President for the warm welcome extended to her during her brief stay in the Philippines. She likewise expressed the pride and honor that Thai people shared with Filipinos with the success of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
Shinawatra said Thailand and the Philippines enjoyed long history of close relationship since the diplomatic ties was established in 1949 and the foundation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in 1967.
“Our warm bilateral ties are supported not only by our many mutual interests but also by our shared values. Together, as leading democracies in Southeast Asia, Thailand and the Philippines have been at the forefront in promoting democratic values and good governance,” she said.
“We also work together to support human rights and the rights of women and children. These are strong foundations. Our relations can only grow further, and I am pleased that our discussions earlier today were fruitful and forward-looking,” she added.
Thailand is also committed for the establishment of the Asean community aside from the issues discussed with the President such as energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction. (PCOO)
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Philippine-Thai leaders recommit to building ASEAN community
The Philippines and Thailand have recommitted their respective country’s efforts towards achieving an ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Community by 2015.
The two leaders echoed their recommitment in a joint press conference at the sidelines of their Expanded Bilateral Meeting during Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s Official Visit to the Philippines on Thursday.
The President underscored the country’s commitment to building an ASEAN Community that is founded “on the bedrock principle of compassion and respect for the rights and welfare of its peoples.”
“I also informed the Prime Minister of the Philippines’ major advocacies in the ASEAN, which includes connectivity, maritime security, food security, migrant workers’ protection, disaster management and biodiversity,” the President said.
“I was pleased to learn about Thailand’s own priorities, and to note synergy and congruence in our countries’ thrusts,” he added.
Shinawatra stressed the importance of maintaining a reliable and secure connectivity program between ASEAN-member countries to ensure that the building of an ASEAN Community would be a success.
“Both our two countries reaffirm our commitment to Asean communities in 2015 and to promote connectivity in the regions. Together, we hope to create an ASEAN community that is people-centered to the regional architecture and plays an important role in global affairs,” Shinawatra said.
The establishment of a borderless ASEAN Community by 2015 was signed during the 14th ASEAN Summit in Hua Hin, Thailand, in 2009. The creation of the ASEAN Community will be similar to that of the European Union (EU).
The ASEAN is composed of 10-member countries namely: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. (PCOO)
Malacanang says Aquino government continues to pursue its vision of safe, progressive and stable nation
The Aquino government continues to push for accountability and reform in governance, and strengthening bilateral relationships toward increased cooperation in matters of regional and global concern to attain its goal to make the Philippines a safe, progressive, and stable nation.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement on Thursday following the arrival of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra of the Kingdom of Thailand for an official visit to the Philippines.
"The fight against corruption and poverty is indivisible and multi-faceted; the push for accountability and reform in governance, and the strengthening of bilateral relationships toward increased cooperation in matters of regional and global concern, such as the economy and security, are ways in which we are pursuing our vision of a safe, progressive, and stable nation," Lacierda said.
"Today he meets the Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra, and will engage in a dialogue on improving the investment climate in Southeast Asia, mitigating the risk of natural disasters and climate change, as well as security concerns such as the West Philippine Sea," he said.
Lacierda said the first official visit of PM Shinawatra to the Philippines will further develop the 63-year-old strong ties that our country shares with Thailand.
He noted that the President’s continuing efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations with Thailand come on the heels of his recent discussions with delegations from the United States Congress.
In separate meetings with American congressmen and senators, the President discussed the Philippine position on the West Philippine Sea, which was favorably received by the American lawmakers, according to Lacierda. (PCOO)
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Aquino orders Justice Secretary to replace National Bureau of Investigation Director Gatdula
President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to replace National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Magtanggol Gatdula amid reports of alleged involvement of some bureau officials in the reported kidnapping of an undocumented Japanese woman last year.
"The President has ordered the release of the report summarizing the factual findings and recommendations of the Department of Justice (DOJ); and, secondly, has authorized Secretary De Lima to replace the NBI director," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.
Valte, however, did not give further details regarding the factual circumstances surrounding the replacement.
Justice Secretary De Lima will soon announce Gatdula's successor, according to Valte.
"Apparently, the President has already received the (DOJ) report and has reviewed the contents, and has made a corresponding action. He did not pose any objections to the recommendations of the panel. The President has always viewed accountability as objectively as possible," Valte said.
News reports showed that the DOJ panel headed by Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III has recommended the filing of criminal charges against Gatdula and other NBI officials in connection with the alleged kidnapping and extortion of Noriyo Ohara.
The complaint stemmed from the claim of Ohara’s foster family that some bureau officials demanded ransom.
Ohara flew to the Philippines in 2009 and stayed with the Marzan family who served as her foster family in Bugallon, Pangasinan. NBI agents arrested her for violating immigration laws on Oct. 28, 2011. (PCOO)
