Malacañang hails Sandiganbayan’s issuance of warrants of arrest for former PGMA and three others
Malacañang hailed the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday for issuing warrants of arrest for former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and three others for their involvement in the scuttled NBN-ZTE deal during her administration.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte called the Sandiganyan Anti-Graft Court’s action as “a step in the right direction.”
The Sandiganbayan issued the arrest warrants for Macapagal-Arroyo, her husband Jose Miguel, former Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos, Sr., and former Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza on graft charges.
The Sandiganbayan charged the four for allegedly using their positions in government to push through the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) project in 2007 as proposed by China’s Zhong Xing Telecommunications Inc.
“We did see the news. It was confirmed…that the Sandiganbayan had issued warrants of arrest for four personalities and we believe it’s a step in the right direction,” Valte said.
“…the warrant is (a) preventive measure in order to assure that the accused persons are here and that they can be present in their day in court and they will be able to defend themselves in the best possible manner,” she added. (PCOO)
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Palace says positive economic reports continue to boost investors' confidence
Favorable reports on the Philippine economy continue to buoy investor sentiment, Malacanang said as it expects the trend to continue in the long term for the benefit of the country.
Malacanang cited the improvement in the country’s economic freedom based on the recent ranking by the Heritage Foundation and the rise of the local bourse beyond the 5,000-point psychological barrier.
The Philippines rose eight notches to 107th from last year’s ranking of 115th and garnered an Economic Freedom Score (EFS) of 57.1 this year, according to the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) released by the Heritage Foundation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte mentioned Moody’s Investor Service report, which expressed confidence in continued debt reduction of the Philippines indicating an “increasing degree of fiscal flexibility.” Moody’s report is an affirmation of the Aquino administration’s drive towards fiscal responsibility and active debt management, she said.
Moody’s noted tax revenues rose almost 10 percent despite the absence of new taxes, “while a highly visible tax enforcement program spurred greater compliance especially for personal and corporate income taxes,” Valte said.
“On top of this, the National Statistical Coordination Board also confirmed that the Philippines’ consolidated foreign direct investments amounted to P256 billion last year—a 15-year high,” Valte said.
“The Philippine economy is clearly moving towards inclusive growth, Valte noted, adding that "these positive indicators reinforce the economic momentum it is gaining 21 months into the Aquino administration." (PCOO)
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Malacanang assures contingency measures are ready in the event transport strike takes place on March 15
Malacanang assured the people that necessary contingency measures will be in place to address the possible effects of the looming transport strike on March 15.
During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the government has been tapping the various concerned government agencies to provide assistance to the riding public in the event that a transport strike takes place.
Valte said that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is ready to monitor the situation and will be coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide trucks that will convey the passengers who will be affected.
“Ang paghahanda po natin is making sure na kung sakali po talagang makulangan ng mga pampublikong sasakyan ay handa po ang MMDA, at yung mga truck po ng AFP, PNP para po mai-deploy kung sakali man na magkakaroon ng ma-stranded na pasahero,” Valte said.
She added that Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras were in constant communication with the transport groups to discuss the concerns of the transport sector.
“Sa akin pong pagkakaalam ay palagi po silang (transport groups) may koordinasyon kay Secretary Mar Roxas at kay Secretary Rene Almendras,” Valte noted.
Recent reports revealed that a threat of a nationwide mass protest scheduled on March 15 led by the transport sector and some leftist solons as they launched a signature campaign asking the government to scrap or suspend the value-added tax (VAT) on oil as a means to bring down prices of gasoline and other petroleum products.
The tax on petroleum products would provide the government at least 47 billion pesos in revenues that could subsidize social services for the Filipino people. (PCOO)
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Aquino appoints six new judges to lower courts
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed six new judges to the lower courts in the cities of Mandaluyong, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Manila and Iligan in Lanao del Norte.
During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced that President Aquino has appointed Judge Imelda Portes Saulog as the presiding judge of Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 214.
Saulog graduated Bachelor of Laws from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1982 and passed the Bar in 1983. She worked as legal consultant of the Ministry of Human Settlements from 1983 to 1985 and as Attorney IV of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board from 1987 to 1991. Prior to her appointment, she served as Senior Assistant City Prosecutor at the Makati City Prosecution Office since 1991.
Other judges appointed by the President are as follows:
-- Judge Emily Aliño Geluz has been appointed to Las Pinas City RTC 255. She obtained her law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2000 and passed the Bar the following year. She worked as Branch Clerk of Court of Makati RTC from 2002 to 2007. She also served as Assistant City Prosecutor at the Makati City Prosecution Office from 2007 to 2008. She was appointed as Imus (Cavite) MTC judge from 2008 until her appointment as judge of the Las Pinas City RTC 255.
-- Judge Noemi Jaurigue Balitaan was named as presiding judge of Paranaque City RTC Branch 258. She graduated Bachelor of Laws from Lyceum of the Philippines in 1996 and was admitted to the Bar in 1997. She worked as Department Legislative Liaison Specialist at the Department of Justice - Office of the Secretary from 1990 to 1997 and Public Attorney II at the Public Attorney’s Office in Manila from 1997 to 2003 and Prosecutor I, Office of the City Prosecutor, Manila from 2003 to 2005. Prior to her appointment, she served as Prosecutor II, Office of the City Prosecutor, Manila since 2005.
--Judge Andy S. De Vera was appointed as presiding judge of Manila Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 28. He graduated Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1995. He worked as Clerk of Court V of Paranaque RTC from 1997 to 1998, Attorney III at the Paranaque City Legal Office in 1999 and Attorney III at the Pasay City Legal Office from 2000 to 2001. He also worked as litigation lawyer at the A.S. De Vera Law Office, retained counsel at the Supre Multi Services Inc., Cruz & Domaines de Phil, Inc., Card City Inc. and Versatile Telecoms International
-- Judge Rosite Papandayan Macaraya has been appointed to MTC in Cities Branch 3, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. She obtained her law degree from the San Beda College in 1986 and passed the Bar in 1987 with a rating of 81.2%. She worked as Legal Officer of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Lanao de Norte for 16 years before she became a judge of Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Tubod-Baroy, Lanao del Norte in 2004.
--Judge Jamel T. Mamutok was named as presiding judge of MTC in Cities Branch 4, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. He was admitted to the Bar in 2006 and worked as state auditor and attorney of the Commission on Audit for various regions from 1998 until his appointment as judge. He was a lecturer in accounting and law in various schools in Mindanao from 1998 to 2009. (PCOO)
Malacañang hailed the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday for issuing warrants of arrest for former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and three others for their involvement in the scuttled NBN-ZTE deal during her administration.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte called the Sandiganyan Anti-Graft Court’s action as “a step in the right direction.”
The Sandiganbayan issued the arrest warrants for Macapagal-Arroyo, her husband Jose Miguel, former Commission on Elections chair Benjamin Abalos, Sr., and former Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza on graft charges.
The Sandiganbayan charged the four for allegedly using their positions in government to push through the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) project in 2007 as proposed by China’s Zhong Xing Telecommunications Inc.
“We did see the news. It was confirmed…that the Sandiganbayan had issued warrants of arrest for four personalities and we believe it’s a step in the right direction,” Valte said.
“…the warrant is (a) preventive measure in order to assure that the accused persons are here and that they can be present in their day in court and they will be able to defend themselves in the best possible manner,” she added. (PCOO)
.
Palace says positive economic reports continue to boost investors' confidence
Favorable reports on the Philippine economy continue to buoy investor sentiment, Malacanang said as it expects the trend to continue in the long term for the benefit of the country.
Malacanang cited the improvement in the country’s economic freedom based on the recent ranking by the Heritage Foundation and the rise of the local bourse beyond the 5,000-point psychological barrier.
The Philippines rose eight notches to 107th from last year’s ranking of 115th and garnered an Economic Freedom Score (EFS) of 57.1 this year, according to the 2012 Index of Economic Freedom (IEF) released by the Heritage Foundation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte mentioned Moody’s Investor Service report, which expressed confidence in continued debt reduction of the Philippines indicating an “increasing degree of fiscal flexibility.” Moody’s report is an affirmation of the Aquino administration’s drive towards fiscal responsibility and active debt management, she said.
Moody’s noted tax revenues rose almost 10 percent despite the absence of new taxes, “while a highly visible tax enforcement program spurred greater compliance especially for personal and corporate income taxes,” Valte said.
“On top of this, the National Statistical Coordination Board also confirmed that the Philippines’ consolidated foreign direct investments amounted to P256 billion last year—a 15-year high,” Valte said.
“The Philippine economy is clearly moving towards inclusive growth, Valte noted, adding that "these positive indicators reinforce the economic momentum it is gaining 21 months into the Aquino administration." (PCOO)
.
Malacanang assures contingency measures are ready in the event transport strike takes place on March 15
Malacanang assured the people that necessary contingency measures will be in place to address the possible effects of the looming transport strike on March 15.
During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that the government has been tapping the various concerned government agencies to provide assistance to the riding public in the event that a transport strike takes place.
Valte said that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is ready to monitor the situation and will be coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide trucks that will convey the passengers who will be affected.
“Ang paghahanda po natin is making sure na kung sakali po talagang makulangan ng mga pampublikong sasakyan ay handa po ang MMDA, at yung mga truck po ng AFP, PNP para po mai-deploy kung sakali man na magkakaroon ng ma-stranded na pasahero,” Valte said.
She added that Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II and Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras were in constant communication with the transport groups to discuss the concerns of the transport sector.
“Sa akin pong pagkakaalam ay palagi po silang (transport groups) may koordinasyon kay Secretary Mar Roxas at kay Secretary Rene Almendras,” Valte noted.
Recent reports revealed that a threat of a nationwide mass protest scheduled on March 15 led by the transport sector and some leftist solons as they launched a signature campaign asking the government to scrap or suspend the value-added tax (VAT) on oil as a means to bring down prices of gasoline and other petroleum products.
The tax on petroleum products would provide the government at least 47 billion pesos in revenues that could subsidize social services for the Filipino people. (PCOO)
.
Aquino appoints six new judges to lower courts
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed six new judges to the lower courts in the cities of Mandaluyong, Las Pinas, Paranaque, Manila and Iligan in Lanao del Norte.
During the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte announced that President Aquino has appointed Judge Imelda Portes Saulog as the presiding judge of Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 214.
Saulog graduated Bachelor of Laws from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1982 and passed the Bar in 1983. She worked as legal consultant of the Ministry of Human Settlements from 1983 to 1985 and as Attorney IV of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board from 1987 to 1991. Prior to her appointment, she served as Senior Assistant City Prosecutor at the Makati City Prosecution Office since 1991.
Other judges appointed by the President are as follows:
-- Judge Emily Aliño Geluz has been appointed to Las Pinas City RTC 255. She obtained her law degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 2000 and passed the Bar the following year. She worked as Branch Clerk of Court of Makati RTC from 2002 to 2007. She also served as Assistant City Prosecutor at the Makati City Prosecution Office from 2007 to 2008. She was appointed as Imus (Cavite) MTC judge from 2008 until her appointment as judge of the Las Pinas City RTC 255.
-- Judge Noemi Jaurigue Balitaan was named as presiding judge of Paranaque City RTC Branch 258. She graduated Bachelor of Laws from Lyceum of the Philippines in 1996 and was admitted to the Bar in 1997. She worked as Department Legislative Liaison Specialist at the Department of Justice - Office of the Secretary from 1990 to 1997 and Public Attorney II at the Public Attorney’s Office in Manila from 1997 to 2003 and Prosecutor I, Office of the City Prosecutor, Manila from 2003 to 2005. Prior to her appointment, she served as Prosecutor II, Office of the City Prosecutor, Manila since 2005.
--Judge Andy S. De Vera was appointed as presiding judge of Manila Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) Branch 28. He graduated Bachelor of Laws from the University of Sto. Tomas in 1995. He worked as Clerk of Court V of Paranaque RTC from 1997 to 1998, Attorney III at the Paranaque City Legal Office in 1999 and Attorney III at the Pasay City Legal Office from 2000 to 2001. He also worked as litigation lawyer at the A.S. De Vera Law Office, retained counsel at the Supre Multi Services Inc., Cruz & Domaines de Phil, Inc., Card City Inc. and Versatile Telecoms International
-- Judge Rosite Papandayan Macaraya has been appointed to MTC in Cities Branch 3, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. She obtained her law degree from the San Beda College in 1986 and passed the Bar in 1987 with a rating of 81.2%. She worked as Legal Officer of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Lanao de Norte for 16 years before she became a judge of Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) Tubod-Baroy, Lanao del Norte in 2004.
--Judge Jamel T. Mamutok was named as presiding judge of MTC in Cities Branch 4, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte. He was admitted to the Bar in 2006 and worked as state auditor and attorney of the Commission on Audit for various regions from 1998 until his appointment as judge. He was a lecturer in accounting and law in various schools in Mindanao from 1998 to 2009. (PCOO)
