Aquino receives US senators in Malacanang
Former United States presidential aspirant Sen. John McCain, together with three other American senators, paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang Tuesday night.
Other members of the US Senate who met with the President include Sen. Joe Lieberman, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Kelly Ayotte. McCain, Lieberman and Ayotte are all members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
Last week, the President also met several members of the US Congress who arrived in the Philippines.
In a press statement released Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the visiting US congressmen expressed their confidence in the reform agenda of the Aquino administration.
Lacierda said the Aquino government will continue with its thrust to curb corruption, fight poverty, and promote good governance in the country. With the administration’s achievements in the past one and a half years, Lacierda said these indicate forthcoming changes that will continue in the coming years.
McCain, a former prisoner of war, served as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War. He was first elected to the US House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982 and led the fight to eliminate wasteful government spending, and spearheaded the strengthening of the US armed forces.
He currently serves on the following Senate Committees during the 112th Congress: Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Committee on Indian Affairs.
McCain lost his campaign against Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election.
Lieberman, on the other hand, has been in the US Senate for more than 20 years championing environmental issues. Lieberman is best known for his Democratic vice presidential run in 2000.
He is a strong advocate for investing in American public schools, empowering parents, and challenging all students to meet higher academic standards. Regardless of income, Lieberman helped students go to college and develop the skills they need to succeed in the global economy.
He also works to expand quality and affordable healthcare to all Americans and to safeguard Medicare and Social Security for future generations of Americans. (PCOO)
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Judicial reform funds wasted – Lacierda
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda believes Supreme Court Chief Justice “wasted” a loan given by the World Bank for judicial reforms, saying the funds were used for personal excesses.
The World Bank said on Tuesday that it had issued an aide memoire detailing “ineligible expenditures” found in the disbursement of the $24.4-million loan to fund judiciary upgrades found in the Judicial Reform Support Project.
Lacierda said the aide memoire was proof that the loan was misused.
“While the Chief Justice and his spokesman plead ignorance, the document is the surest evidence that funds meant for judicial reforms were wasted: and in the process, basic rules of good governance were ignored,” Lacierda said.
“The findings are as scandalous as they are shocking. The Chief Justice used judicial reform funds as a personal piggybank to fund travel, gifts, dining, and recreation; the Court Administrator who reports directly to the Chief Justice violated basic government rules by being the proponent, approver, and head of bidding for his own proposed expenses and acquisitions,” he added.
According to Lacierda, the purpose of the Judicial Reform Support Project (JRSP) is to support the development of a more effective and accessible judicial system that would foster public trust and confidence.
“Specifically the project would strengthen the Philippine court system by making the judicial process more efficient, timely and predictable,” Lacierda said.
“The Project would also contribute to the refinement of further reforms in the Philippine judicial system as a whole and deepen community and government support for such reforms,” he added. (PCOO)
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Malacanang says Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra’s official visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation
The strengthening of bilateral cooperation in all aspects of mutual interest to both the Philippines and Thailand will be the main focus of the discussion when Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra meets President Benigno S. Aquino III during her official visit to the country on Thursday (January 19), a Palace official said on Wednesday.
The visit of Prime Minister (PM) Shinawatra aims to further strengthen the Philippines’ deep and strong bilateral relations with Thailand, according to Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
"There will be a bilateral discussion with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the topics to be discussed will be cooperation on energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management, among others," Lacierda said.
President Aquino III will meet with the Thai prime minister and discuss ways to further strengthen the implementation of existing cooperation in the areas of energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management, among others. They will share perspectives on significant developments in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The President will host a luncheon in honor of the visiting leader after the meeting in Malacanang.
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 confers Order of Sikatuna with Rank of Datu on Foreign Minister Yeo of Singapore
President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the senior Order of Merit on former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Singapore George Yeo in recognition of his exemplary service and active commitment to his responsibilities as foreign relations official of his country.
In simple ceremonies, prior to their luncheon meeting, at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday, President Aquino awarded the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction to Yeo, who have rendered meritorious and exceptional work to foster better relations between his country and the Philippines.
Witnessing the conferment ceremonies were other government officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.
Also in attendance were Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Mr A. Selverajah and the honoree’s wife, Mrs. Jennifer Yeo.
Following the awarding rites, the President led Foreign Minister Yeo and his group to the adjacent Aguinaldo State Dining Room for a luncheon meeting.
The Order of Sikatuna was established in 1953 and is conferred by the President of the Philippines to give recognition to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines, and to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines as well as personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs both in the Home Office and in the Foreign Service. (PCOO)
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Malacanang says Aquino gov't continues to work hard to chart country to higher growth
The Aquino government continues to work harder to chart the country to a higher growth trajectory amid the latest survey by the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch showing that global fund managers have increased their position in the Philippines, making it the third most preferred market in the world.
"According to the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch survey, the Philippines has become the third most-preferred market in the world for global fund managers, after China and Indonesia. This is borne of expectations that in the wake of four credit upgrades, the country's investment grade will be further upgraded later this year," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
"The survey also cites investor confidence being boosted by the President’s reform agenda," Lacierda said.
Reports said the series of upgrades last year manifest that the Aquino administration's economic program is on the right track.
Fitch Ratings raised its credit rating for the Philippines to BB+ from BB last June, just one notch below the credit rating company's investment grade.
Standard & Poor's, another credit rating company, raised its outlook to positive from stable last November, citing the country's strong external liquidity and improved fiscal position.
Lacierda said that the Aquino government continues to work toward the goal of having a sustainable inclusive growth for the country.
"The simple fact is justice, accountability, transparency, good governance, and the improvement of the economy to accomplish inclusive growth are an indivisible whole," Lacierda said.
"An economy that is inclusive is one in which citizens are empowered to improve their lives and contribute to the well-being of the national community," he said. (PCOO)
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US, Philippines agree to strengthen military ties
The United States and the Philippines have agreed for a stronger military cooperation following the visit of four American senators in the country on Tuesday.
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Senators John McCain, Joe Lieberman, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kelly Ayotte during a courtesy call in Malacanang. McCain, Lieberman and Ayotte are all members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
“The senators said that they are increasing their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. As you know, they already have established bases in Australia and Singapore. There will be increased military exercises in Asia -Pacific region and that would also include the Philippines,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing on Wednesday quoting Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin who also met with the US senators.
Lacierda clarified, however, that the US is not establishing any bases in the Philippines.
Lacierda said the Philippines also asked for a second Hamilton class cutter, a request that the US senators vowed to support. The first Hamilton class cutter arrived in the Philippines last August. It is now commissioned by the Philippine Navy to protect the country’s waters.
During their meeting, the President briefed the visiting US senators on the ongoing impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, Lacierda said.
“Sen. John McCain lauded the President for his high approval ratings and Senator Lieberman told the President he was impressed with the way the President handles efforts on good governance,” he added.
The Philippines welcomed the wider military cooperation between the two countries, and the Philippines is ready to engage itself in more military exercises with the US, Lacierda said.
“We profit from the experiences of joint military exercises. It enhances our experience, it improves our capabilities. We learn from the Americans,” Lacierda said.
McCain and the three other US senators paid a courtesy call on President Aquino III in Malacanang Tuesday night. Some of the Filipino officials who were also present include Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
McCain, who represents Arizona, currently serves on the following Senate Committees during the 112th Congress: Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Committee on Indian Affairs.
McCain lost his campaign against Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election.
Lieberman, an independent senator from Connecticut, is best known for his Democratic vice presidential run in 2000. He is a strong advocate for education reform, environment, healthcare and social security.
Last week, the President also met several members of the US Congress who arrived in the country. The visiting US congressmen commended the reform agenda of the Aquino government. (PCOO)
Former United States presidential aspirant Sen. John McCain, together with three other American senators, paid a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang Tuesday night.
Other members of the US Senate who met with the President include Sen. Joe Lieberman, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Kelly Ayotte. McCain, Lieberman and Ayotte are all members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
Last week, the President also met several members of the US Congress who arrived in the Philippines.
In a press statement released Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the visiting US congressmen expressed their confidence in the reform agenda of the Aquino administration.
Lacierda said the Aquino government will continue with its thrust to curb corruption, fight poverty, and promote good governance in the country. With the administration’s achievements in the past one and a half years, Lacierda said these indicate forthcoming changes that will continue in the coming years.
McCain, a former prisoner of war, served as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War. He was first elected to the US House of Representatives from Arizona in 1982 and led the fight to eliminate wasteful government spending, and spearheaded the strengthening of the US armed forces.
He currently serves on the following Senate Committees during the 112th Congress: Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Committee on Indian Affairs.
McCain lost his campaign against Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election.
Lieberman, on the other hand, has been in the US Senate for more than 20 years championing environmental issues. Lieberman is best known for his Democratic vice presidential run in 2000.
He is a strong advocate for investing in American public schools, empowering parents, and challenging all students to meet higher academic standards. Regardless of income, Lieberman helped students go to college and develop the skills they need to succeed in the global economy.
He also works to expand quality and affordable healthcare to all Americans and to safeguard Medicare and Social Security for future generations of Americans. (PCOO)
.
Judicial reform funds wasted – Lacierda
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda believes Supreme Court Chief Justice “wasted” a loan given by the World Bank for judicial reforms, saying the funds were used for personal excesses.
The World Bank said on Tuesday that it had issued an aide memoire detailing “ineligible expenditures” found in the disbursement of the $24.4-million loan to fund judiciary upgrades found in the Judicial Reform Support Project.
Lacierda said the aide memoire was proof that the loan was misused.
“While the Chief Justice and his spokesman plead ignorance, the document is the surest evidence that funds meant for judicial reforms were wasted: and in the process, basic rules of good governance were ignored,” Lacierda said.
“The findings are as scandalous as they are shocking. The Chief Justice used judicial reform funds as a personal piggybank to fund travel, gifts, dining, and recreation; the Court Administrator who reports directly to the Chief Justice violated basic government rules by being the proponent, approver, and head of bidding for his own proposed expenses and acquisitions,” he added.
According to Lacierda, the purpose of the Judicial Reform Support Project (JRSP) is to support the development of a more effective and accessible judicial system that would foster public trust and confidence.
“Specifically the project would strengthen the Philippine court system by making the judicial process more efficient, timely and predictable,” Lacierda said.
“The Project would also contribute to the refinement of further reforms in the Philippine judicial system as a whole and deepen community and government support for such reforms,” he added. (PCOO)
.
Malacanang says Thai Prime Minister Shinawatra’s official visit aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation
The strengthening of bilateral cooperation in all aspects of mutual interest to both the Philippines and Thailand will be the main focus of the discussion when Prime Minister of Thailand Yingluck Shinawatra meets President Benigno S. Aquino III during her official visit to the country on Thursday (January 19), a Palace official said on Wednesday.
The visit of Prime Minister (PM) Shinawatra aims to further strengthen the Philippines’ deep and strong bilateral relations with Thailand, according to Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
"There will be a bilateral discussion with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the topics to be discussed will be cooperation on energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management, among others," Lacierda said.
President Aquino III will meet with the Thai prime minister and discuss ways to further strengthen the implementation of existing cooperation in the areas of energy, agriculture, defense, culture, education, combating drug trafficking, and disaster risk reduction and management, among others. They will share perspectives on significant developments in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including the issue of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
The President will host a luncheon in honor of the visiting leader after the meeting in Malacanang.
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)
.
Aquino confers Order of Sikatuna with Rank of Datu on Foreign Minister Yeo of Singapore
President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the senior Order of Merit on former Foreign Minister of the Republic of Singapore George Yeo in recognition of his exemplary service and active commitment to his responsibilities as foreign relations official of his country.
In simple ceremonies, prior to their luncheon meeting, at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday, President Aquino awarded the Order of Sikatuna with the Rank of Datu (Grand Cross) Gold Distinction to Yeo, who have rendered meritorious and exceptional work to foster better relations between his country and the Philippines.
Witnessing the conferment ceremonies were other government officials led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima and Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.
Also in attendance were Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Mr A. Selverajah and the honoree’s wife, Mrs. Jennifer Yeo.
Following the awarding rites, the President led Foreign Minister Yeo and his group to the adjacent Aguinaldo State Dining Room for a luncheon meeting.
The Order of Sikatuna was established in 1953 and is conferred by the President of the Philippines to give recognition to individuals who have rendered exceptional and meritorious services to the Philippines, and to diplomats, officials and nationals of foreign states who have rendered conspicuous services in fostering, developing, and strengthening relations between their country and the Philippines as well as personnel of the Department of Foreign Affairs both in the Home Office and in the Foreign Service. (PCOO)
.
Malacanang says Aquino gov't continues to work hard to chart country to higher growth
The Aquino government continues to work harder to chart the country to a higher growth trajectory amid the latest survey by the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch showing that global fund managers have increased their position in the Philippines, making it the third most preferred market in the world.
"According to the Bank of America-Merrill Lynch survey, the Philippines has become the third most-preferred market in the world for global fund managers, after China and Indonesia. This is borne of expectations that in the wake of four credit upgrades, the country's investment grade will be further upgraded later this year," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
"The survey also cites investor confidence being boosted by the President’s reform agenda," Lacierda said.
Reports said the series of upgrades last year manifest that the Aquino administration's economic program is on the right track.
Fitch Ratings raised its credit rating for the Philippines to BB+ from BB last June, just one notch below the credit rating company's investment grade.
Standard & Poor's, another credit rating company, raised its outlook to positive from stable last November, citing the country's strong external liquidity and improved fiscal position.
Lacierda said that the Aquino government continues to work toward the goal of having a sustainable inclusive growth for the country.
"The simple fact is justice, accountability, transparency, good governance, and the improvement of the economy to accomplish inclusive growth are an indivisible whole," Lacierda said.
"An economy that is inclusive is one in which citizens are empowered to improve their lives and contribute to the well-being of the national community," he said. (PCOO)
.
US, Philippines agree to strengthen military ties
The United States and the Philippines have agreed for a stronger military cooperation following the visit of four American senators in the country on Tuesday.
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Senators John McCain, Joe Lieberman, Sheldon Whitehouse and Kelly Ayotte during a courtesy call in Malacanang. McCain, Lieberman and Ayotte are all members of the US Senate Armed Services Committee.
“The senators said that they are increasing their presence in the Asia-Pacific region. As you know, they already have established bases in Australia and Singapore. There will be increased military exercises in Asia -Pacific region and that would also include the Philippines,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing on Wednesday quoting Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin who also met with the US senators.
Lacierda clarified, however, that the US is not establishing any bases in the Philippines.
Lacierda said the Philippines also asked for a second Hamilton class cutter, a request that the US senators vowed to support. The first Hamilton class cutter arrived in the Philippines last August. It is now commissioned by the Philippine Navy to protect the country’s waters.
During their meeting, the President briefed the visiting US senators on the ongoing impeachment trial of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona, Lacierda said.
“Sen. John McCain lauded the President for his high approval ratings and Senator Lieberman told the President he was impressed with the way the President handles efforts on good governance,” he added.
The Philippines welcomed the wider military cooperation between the two countries, and the Philippines is ready to engage itself in more military exercises with the US, Lacierda said.
“We profit from the experiences of joint military exercises. It enhances our experience, it improves our capabilities. We learn from the Americans,” Lacierda said.
McCain and the three other US senators paid a courtesy call on President Aquino III in Malacanang Tuesday night. Some of the Filipino officials who were also present include Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
McCain, who represents Arizona, currently serves on the following Senate Committees during the 112th Congress: Ranking Member on the Senate Armed Services Committee; Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions; Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Committee on Indian Affairs.
McCain lost his campaign against Barack Obama in the 2008 US presidential election.
Lieberman, an independent senator from Connecticut, is best known for his Democratic vice presidential run in 2000. He is a strong advocate for education reform, environment, healthcare and social security.
Last week, the President also met several members of the US Congress who arrived in the country. The visiting US congressmen commended the reform agenda of the Aquino government. (PCOO)
