Malacanang says Azkals 3rd place win in Asian Football Challenge Cup in Nepal proves Filipinos are equipped to achieve global success
Malacanang said the victory of the Philippine Azkals football team which made history by defeating Palestine in a thrilling game to finish third place in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup 2012 on Monday afternoon in Nepal is a manifestation that Filipinos are equipped to truly achieve global success in the sport.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement on Tuesday evening after the Philippine Azkals achieved another milestone for Philippine football, clinching the historic 3rd place in the tournament.
It was the Philippines' best ever finish in the biennial tournament for developing football nations.
"Our countrymen put four goals past the Palestine keeper en route to winning third place in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup—the highest our country has ever placed in the competition. Our players took the field against some of the better teams in the region, including eventual champions, DPR Korea," Valte said.
Valte said the Aquino administration joined the Filipino people in congratulating the national team for its feat.
The administration likewise congratulated striker, Phil Younghusband, who scored the most goals in the entire tournament to receive the Golden Boot award.
"Despite the odds, our players and coaches exceeded expectations, gave us reason to be proud, and taught us to believe that we can truly achieve global success in the sport, as long as our players remain dedicated to improving themselves individually and as a team," Valte said.
"The Aquino administration believes this is an attitude that all Filipinos can learn from and apply. Our Philippine Azkals have made all of us believe that when the Filipino remains dedicated, and works hard, then our country can continue enjoying success, both on and off the football pitch," she said. (PCOO)
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PHL joins other foreign governments in urging Democratic People’s Republic of Korea not to proceed with plan to launch satellite
The Philippine government joined other foreign governments in urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) not to proceed with its plan to launch a satellite between April 12 and 16 and to adhere to its pledge for a moratorium on long-range missile launches, nuclear tests, and uranium enrichment activity.
"We express grave concern over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) announced plan to launch a satellite between April 12 and 16, which we find unacceptable," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said in a statement which was read by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
Del Rosario said the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 1874 (2009) explicitly demands that the DPRK not conduct any launch using ballistic missile technology. The same resolution, together with UNSC Resolution 1718 (2006), also decided that the DPRK suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program.
"We strongly urge the DPRK not to proceed with its planned launch and abide by these resolutions, which call for the abandonment of its ballistic missile program in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner," del Rosario said.
"The DRPK’s return to confidence-building and engagement with the international community is key to the continued stability and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and the entire Asia-Pacific region," he said.
The United States, Russia, China and South Korea, as well as the United Nations all voiced their concerns over a satellite launch plan announced by the DPRK. (PCOO)
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Aquino government working to upgrade Philippine aviation status
Malacanang said the Aquino government is working double time to ensure that the country’s aviation status is reverted back to the Category 1 level to aggressively promote the tourism sector and reach a wider market.
In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government is concerned about the effects of the recent aviation status of the Philippines particularly on the tourism sector.
“We are always concerned especially since we are promoting tourism as one of our growth sectors and so we would like to harness also the markets in Europe. Our status prevents us from promoting fully our tourism industry. And so therefore we are concerned about accelerating the efforts to remove us out of Category 2 status,” Lacierda said.
In a forum with Filipino-Chinese businessmen last week, the President said his administration is working double time to secure Category 1 status with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as removing the country from the European aviation blacklist.
Once these stumbling blocks are removed, the President said he expects the number of foreign tourists to increase. At present, the country has four million tourist arrivals each year, and President Aquino said he hopes to increase it to 10 million every year by 2016.
Based on the recent technical review conducted by the FAA on the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) there are 23 “critical elements” (CEs) that have to be addressed before the country’s aviation status can be reverted back to the Category 1 level.
The CAAP officials said the CEs identified are relatively minor issues that are being addressed by the government. These issues include fine-tuning of the Philippine Civil Air Regulations, changes to the CAAP’s safety and oversight structure, updating its database storing system, standardizing their certification of safety inspectors and the revalidation of airline carriers, among others.
The FAA downgraded the Philippines to Category 2 status in 2007 after finding 88 critical elements. The CAAP has so far addressed 65 of those issues.
The CAAP noted that being at the Category 2 status doesn’t mean Philippine air carriers are banned from flying to the US, but added that the downgrade prevents new service to be added to the US until all issues are resolved. (PCOO)
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Aquino wants Mindanao power problem resolved
President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Mindanao Development Authority to convene and address the power problems in Mindanao, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
During the regular press briefing in Malcanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that in response to the President’s directive, the Mindanao Development Authority has already convened the stakeholders in the energy sector—the cooperatives and the local government units (LGUs).
Lacierda said the Mindanao Development Authority had also conferred with the congressional leaders in Mindanao and coordinated with the Department of Energy (DOE).
In addition, Lacierda said there are short- and long-term measures that have to be taken and those matters will be discussed by the DOE and by the Mindanao Development Authority.
Part of the short-term measures being considered is sending power barges to Mindanao to augment the power production there. Lacierda said, adding that the government is already arranging contracting power barges provided by private companies as temporary relief for Mindanao’s energy problems.
“But there has to be a complete, comprehensive plan on making sure that the power shortages are addressed and that’s being done,” Lacierda said.
According to the Presidential Spokesperson, there is also a need for the review of the Republic Act 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) based on the recommendation of the energy department.
Congress also plans to look into the power situation in Mindanao in a bid to address an apparent power shortage. (PCOO)
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Aquino appoints more officials in government
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new officials for various posts in the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), the Department of Finance (DoF) and the Office of the President, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced on Wednesday during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that President Aquino has approved the nomination of Primitivo Y. Garcia III as member of the Board of Directors of the UCPB. He replaced Ma. Angela E. Ignacio.
Garcia, 57, served as President of the Prince Group of Companies, a developer of low and middle cost housing subdivisions and other real estate properties in Laguna and First Prince Management Corporation which is engaged in the marketing and operation of a memorial park in Tanauan City, Batangas.
He also worked as administrator and general counsel of the Zosima Incorporated and President of the Gerontology and Real Estate Development, Inc.
Garcia finished his Bachelor of Arts major in Economics from the De La Salle University in 1975 and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1980.
The Chief Executive also signed the appointment of Camilo L. Montenegro as member of the Central Board of Assessment Appeals (CBAA) of the Department of Finance replacing Rafael O. Cortes. His term will expire on January 6, 2018.
The 73-year-old Montenegro graduated his Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the University of the Visayas in 1963 and passed the Philippine Board of Accountancy in the same year. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Visayas in 1968 and was admitted to the Bar in 1970.
Montenegro worked in the Superior Gas and Equipment Company of Cebu as Finance Officer and Resident Counsel, and Bookkeeper from 1961 to 1992. He served as hearing officer for Visayas, Central Board of Assessment Appeals on hold-over capacity.
President Aquino likewise appointed Yasmin Busran-Lao as Presidential Assistant for Muslim Concerns in the Office of the President.
Born on April 1, 1961, Busran-Lao is the chairperson and founding president of the Al Mujadillah Development Foundation, Inc., a women's organization based in Marawi City which promotes gender-sensitive peace and development initiatives among Maranao communities in Mindanao. She is a founding chairperson of the Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro, a Mindanao-wide network for women promoting gender justice and equality in the context of Islam and the aspiration for Moro self-determination.
She finished Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Far Eastern University in Manila and pursued higher education in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University. She took up masteral units in Muslim Personal Laws from the King Faisal Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies in Mindanao State University in Marawi City. She also took up masteral units in Islamic Studies from the Institute of Islamic Studies, Asian Center of the University of the Philippines. (PCOO)
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Aquino not affected by criticisms; remains focused on governance
The Aquino government will continue to perform and do its responsibilities despite all criticisms by detractors bearing in mind the more important tasks of improving the economy and ensuring the welfare of the Filipino people, a Palace spokesman said on Wednesday.
Whatever criticisms are leveled against the government, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that what is important is that the government is able to carry out reforms that benefit the country’s economy and the poor.
“Other countries would see our economic indicators and that’s the reason why you see a lot of foreign investors coming in,” Lacierda said.
According to Lacierda, the President isn’t affected by criticisms and doesn’t take those comments personally knowing that being in a public office could entail harsh criticisms from detractors.
“The best evidence is that the President is answering you straight and that’s his style. He doesn’t take things personally,” Lacierda said.
“Alam niyang may magbabatikos. Kasama po ‘yan sa trabaho and somebody who is in public service should learn how to have what we call in law “pachyderm skin” kasi talagang may babanat at may babanat sa’yo.” (PCOO)
Malacanang said the victory of the Philippine Azkals football team which made history by defeating Palestine in a thrilling game to finish third place in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup 2012 on Monday afternoon in Nepal is a manifestation that Filipinos are equipped to truly achieve global success in the sport.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement on Tuesday evening after the Philippine Azkals achieved another milestone for Philippine football, clinching the historic 3rd place in the tournament.
It was the Philippines' best ever finish in the biennial tournament for developing football nations.
"Our countrymen put four goals past the Palestine keeper en route to winning third place in the Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup—the highest our country has ever placed in the competition. Our players took the field against some of the better teams in the region, including eventual champions, DPR Korea," Valte said.
Valte said the Aquino administration joined the Filipino people in congratulating the national team for its feat.
The administration likewise congratulated striker, Phil Younghusband, who scored the most goals in the entire tournament to receive the Golden Boot award.
"Despite the odds, our players and coaches exceeded expectations, gave us reason to be proud, and taught us to believe that we can truly achieve global success in the sport, as long as our players remain dedicated to improving themselves individually and as a team," Valte said.
"The Aquino administration believes this is an attitude that all Filipinos can learn from and apply. Our Philippine Azkals have made all of us believe that when the Filipino remains dedicated, and works hard, then our country can continue enjoying success, both on and off the football pitch," she said. (PCOO)
.
PHL joins other foreign governments in urging Democratic People’s Republic of Korea not to proceed with plan to launch satellite
The Philippine government joined other foreign governments in urging the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) not to proceed with its plan to launch a satellite between April 12 and 16 and to adhere to its pledge for a moratorium on long-range missile launches, nuclear tests, and uranium enrichment activity.
"We express grave concern over the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) announced plan to launch a satellite between April 12 and 16, which we find unacceptable," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario said in a statement which was read by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.
Del Rosario said the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions 1874 (2009) explicitly demands that the DPRK not conduct any launch using ballistic missile technology. The same resolution, together with UNSC Resolution 1718 (2006), also decided that the DPRK suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile program.
"We strongly urge the DPRK not to proceed with its planned launch and abide by these resolutions, which call for the abandonment of its ballistic missile program in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner," del Rosario said.
"The DRPK’s return to confidence-building and engagement with the international community is key to the continued stability and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and the entire Asia-Pacific region," he said.
The United States, Russia, China and South Korea, as well as the United Nations all voiced their concerns over a satellite launch plan announced by the DPRK. (PCOO)
.
Aquino government working to upgrade Philippine aviation status
Malacanang said the Aquino government is working double time to ensure that the country’s aviation status is reverted back to the Category 1 level to aggressively promote the tourism sector and reach a wider market.
In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the government is concerned about the effects of the recent aviation status of the Philippines particularly on the tourism sector.
“We are always concerned especially since we are promoting tourism as one of our growth sectors and so we would like to harness also the markets in Europe. Our status prevents us from promoting fully our tourism industry. And so therefore we are concerned about accelerating the efforts to remove us out of Category 2 status,” Lacierda said.
In a forum with Filipino-Chinese businessmen last week, the President said his administration is working double time to secure Category 1 status with the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as well as removing the country from the European aviation blacklist.
Once these stumbling blocks are removed, the President said he expects the number of foreign tourists to increase. At present, the country has four million tourist arrivals each year, and President Aquino said he hopes to increase it to 10 million every year by 2016.
Based on the recent technical review conducted by the FAA on the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) there are 23 “critical elements” (CEs) that have to be addressed before the country’s aviation status can be reverted back to the Category 1 level.
The CAAP officials said the CEs identified are relatively minor issues that are being addressed by the government. These issues include fine-tuning of the Philippine Civil Air Regulations, changes to the CAAP’s safety and oversight structure, updating its database storing system, standardizing their certification of safety inspectors and the revalidation of airline carriers, among others.
The FAA downgraded the Philippines to Category 2 status in 2007 after finding 88 critical elements. The CAAP has so far addressed 65 of those issues.
The CAAP noted that being at the Category 2 status doesn’t mean Philippine air carriers are banned from flying to the US, but added that the downgrade prevents new service to be added to the US until all issues are resolved. (PCOO)
.
Aquino wants Mindanao power problem resolved
President Benigno S. Aquino III has instructed the Mindanao Development Authority to convene and address the power problems in Mindanao, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
During the regular press briefing in Malcanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that in response to the President’s directive, the Mindanao Development Authority has already convened the stakeholders in the energy sector—the cooperatives and the local government units (LGUs).
Lacierda said the Mindanao Development Authority had also conferred with the congressional leaders in Mindanao and coordinated with the Department of Energy (DOE).
In addition, Lacierda said there are short- and long-term measures that have to be taken and those matters will be discussed by the DOE and by the Mindanao Development Authority.
Part of the short-term measures being considered is sending power barges to Mindanao to augment the power production there. Lacierda said, adding that the government is already arranging contracting power barges provided by private companies as temporary relief for Mindanao’s energy problems.
“But there has to be a complete, comprehensive plan on making sure that the power shortages are addressed and that’s being done,” Lacierda said.
According to the Presidential Spokesperson, there is also a need for the review of the Republic Act 9136, or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) based on the recommendation of the energy department.
Congress also plans to look into the power situation in Mindanao in a bid to address an apparent power shortage. (PCOO)
.
Aquino appoints more officials in government
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new officials for various posts in the United Coconut Planters Bank (UCPB), the Department of Finance (DoF) and the Office of the President, a Palace official said on Wednesday.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced on Wednesday during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that President Aquino has approved the nomination of Primitivo Y. Garcia III as member of the Board of Directors of the UCPB. He replaced Ma. Angela E. Ignacio.
Garcia, 57, served as President of the Prince Group of Companies, a developer of low and middle cost housing subdivisions and other real estate properties in Laguna and First Prince Management Corporation which is engaged in the marketing and operation of a memorial park in Tanauan City, Batangas.
He also worked as administrator and general counsel of the Zosima Incorporated and President of the Gerontology and Real Estate Development, Inc.
Garcia finished his Bachelor of Arts major in Economics from the De La Salle University in 1975 and obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the Ateneo de Manila University in 1980.
The Chief Executive also signed the appointment of Camilo L. Montenegro as member of the Central Board of Assessment Appeals (CBAA) of the Department of Finance replacing Rafael O. Cortes. His term will expire on January 6, 2018.
The 73-year-old Montenegro graduated his Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from the University of the Visayas in 1963 and passed the Philippine Board of Accountancy in the same year. He obtained his Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of the Visayas in 1968 and was admitted to the Bar in 1970.
Montenegro worked in the Superior Gas and Equipment Company of Cebu as Finance Officer and Resident Counsel, and Bookkeeper from 1961 to 1992. He served as hearing officer for Visayas, Central Board of Assessment Appeals on hold-over capacity.
President Aquino likewise appointed Yasmin Busran-Lao as Presidential Assistant for Muslim Concerns in the Office of the President.
Born on April 1, 1961, Busran-Lao is the chairperson and founding president of the Al Mujadillah Development Foundation, Inc., a women's organization based in Marawi City which promotes gender-sensitive peace and development initiatives among Maranao communities in Mindanao. She is a founding chairperson of the Nisa Ul-Haqq Fi Bangsamoro, a Mindanao-wide network for women promoting gender justice and equality in the context of Islam and the aspiration for Moro self-determination.
She finished Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the Far Eastern University in Manila and pursued higher education in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from the Ateneo de Manila University. She took up masteral units in Muslim Personal Laws from the King Faisal Center for Islamic and Arabic Studies in Mindanao State University in Marawi City. She also took up masteral units in Islamic Studies from the Institute of Islamic Studies, Asian Center of the University of the Philippines. (PCOO)
.
Aquino not affected by criticisms; remains focused on governance
The Aquino government will continue to perform and do its responsibilities despite all criticisms by detractors bearing in mind the more important tasks of improving the economy and ensuring the welfare of the Filipino people, a Palace spokesman said on Wednesday.
Whatever criticisms are leveled against the government, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that what is important is that the government is able to carry out reforms that benefit the country’s economy and the poor.
“Other countries would see our economic indicators and that’s the reason why you see a lot of foreign investors coming in,” Lacierda said.
According to Lacierda, the President isn’t affected by criticisms and doesn’t take those comments personally knowing that being in a public office could entail harsh criticisms from detractors.
“The best evidence is that the President is answering you straight and that’s his style. He doesn’t take things personally,” Lacierda said.
“Alam niyang may magbabatikos. Kasama po ‘yan sa trabaho and somebody who is in public service should learn how to have what we call in law “pachyderm skin” kasi talagang may babanat at may babanat sa’yo.” (PCOO)
