Thursday 14 June 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Thursday, June 14, 2012


Aquino leads commemoration of 37th Anniversary of Philippine-China Diplomatic Relations

President Benigno S. Aquino III led members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and the Filipino-Chinese community in commemorating the 37th Anniversary of the establishment of Philippine-China Diplomatic Relations held at the Manila Hotel on Tuesday night.

The President said this commemoration was an opportunity to “thank” all Filipino-Chinese for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice to improving the country.

In his speech, the President said it was an honor to join the Filipino-Chinese community in remembering this significant event that showcases our Filipino-Chinese brothers whom he said were instrumental in securing our country’s independence and nation building.

He cited General Ignacio Paua, one of many Chinese-Filipinos who loyally fought for our nation’s place in the sun, as one who joined and led the struggle for the independence we now enjoy.

“Every generation since then, called to stand for God and country, has included in its ranks Chinese-Filipinos—from soldiers like General Vicente Lim, to the anonymous volunteer firefighters and entrepreneurs, who make our independence and our civic life more meaningful with their dedication to their country,” the President said.

“Today, we are given the opportunity to thank them for the sacrifices they made, and for the work they put in. I am honored to be able to remember them with all of you on this occasion, especially because Chinese-Filipinos like you are helping to fulfill the promise of independence—a promise of prosperity. Groups like the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry are our partners in the effort to achieve the prosperity that generations of our countrymen have dreamed of,” he added.

Aside from keynoting the event, the President witnessed the turnover of FFCCCII’s P2-million donation to the Philippine National Police Foundation, Inc. in support of the foundation’s various programs; and the symbolic turnover of 400 housing units to the victims of typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities.

This year’s celebration was made more memorable as it is held simultaneous with the commemoration of 114th Anniversary of Philippine Independence as well as the 11th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day. (rck)


President Aquino remains committed to resolving Scarborough Shoal dispute diplomatically

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday that he remains committed to resolving claims on the disputed Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea peacefully through diplomatic means.

The President said, in his speech keynoting the commemoration of the 37th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China held at the Manila Hotel, he was appreciative that China shared his sentiments that maintaining peace and stability in the region would be beneficial for all.

“I know many here are concerned about the situation in the West Philippine Sea. Both the Philippines and China are exerting efforts to resolve the situation peacefully through diplomatic means,” the President said.

“Recently, we have gained momentum towards resolving this dispute, and I think China agrees that we must maintain this momentum. After all, our countries both recognize that peace and stability in the region will redound to benefits not only to us, but to the rest of the world. Consequently, tensions within it affect the entire global community,” he added.

He called on all Filipinos and Filipino-Chinese to work towards attaining mutual prosperity, which he said “remains within our grasp.”

“…at the end of the day, we see a historic and mutually beneficial relationship between our two countries. We see a vibrant Chinese-Filipino community, eager to serve their country, and to improve trade with our neighbors,” the President said.

“So what we must do right now is to continue strengthening cooperation in the several areas that are proven to be mutually beneficial; and to continue working tirelessly to find a peaceful, diplomatic solution in the area in which we disagree,” he added. (rck)


Aquino cites Filipino-Chinese community as invaluable partners in nation building

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Filipino-Chinese community for being invaluable partners in nation building, saying their commerce and industry helped improve the Philippine economy beyond predictions of being a poor performer.

In his speech keynoting the 37th Anniversary of Philippine-China Diplomatic Relations held at the Manila Hotel on Wednesday night, the President said that Chinese services, products and jobs created for Filipinos were instrumental in the recent upsurge in the economy.

This upsurge, the President said, included the 6.4 percent growth in gross domestic product during the first quarter of 2012 and the Philippine Stock Exchange Index’s reaching record highs 27 times in the Aquino administration’s 23 months of existence.

The President said these feats did not go unnoticed in the international business arena as credit rating agencies such as Moody’s has changed the outlook on the country's credit rating from stable to positive; bringing to seven the positive rating actions given to the country since he took office.

The World Economic Forum’s Global Enabling Trade Report, which measures the ease of doing business, has ranked the Philippines 20 points higher from 92nd in 2010 to 72nd in 2012, while the Japan External Trade Organization, who, after taking a survey of the companies in the region, named the Philippines as the best place to do business in the Asia/Oceania region, in both manufacturing and in service.

“All of this, we achieved with your help—with your services, with your products, with the jobs you created for our people, and with your loyal support for your country,” the President said.

He called on the Filipino-Chinese community to continue this partnership whose mutual benefits will redound to both of our peoples.

“We must continue this partnership. After all, while we do enjoy the success we’ve worked for, we are still confronted by a number of challenges. We need to stand together as we look towards the future,” the President said. (rck)


Aquino receives Japanese businessmen in Malacañang

President Benigno S. Aquino III received a group of Japanese businessmen to discuss their possible investments in the country that will provide employment opportunities for the Filipinos.

Japanese business magnate Tadashi Yanai, founder and president of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. paid a courtesy call on President Aquino at the Music Room of the Malacanang Palace, Thursday morning. Accompanying Mr. Yanai were his wife Teruyo; Naoki Otoma, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. chairman and chief executive officer; Katsumi Kubota, Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. chief operating officer and Teresita Sy-Coson, vice chairman officer of the SM Investments Corporation.

Also present were Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio and DTI Assistant Secretary Fe Reyes.

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. is a holding company. The specialty retailer UNIQLO is the Group's mainstay operation, and it has enjoyed strong growth by offering high-quality casual wear at reasonable prices based on its SPA (Specialty store retailer of Private label Apparel) business model, which spans product design, manufacture, distribution and retail.

First venturing into international markets in 2001, Uniqlo now has worldwide operations that include the U.K., China, Hong Kong, South Korea, the United States, France, Singapore, Russia, Taiwan and Malaysia. In 2011, the company opened global flagship stores in Taipei and Seoul, and in New York's prestigious Fifth Avenue, as part of plans to grow business worldwide. As of the end of February 2012, the group boasts around 849 stores in Japan and 234 stores in other markets overseas.

Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. said they are planning to open 50 Uniqlo stores in the Philippines in the coming years. A Uniqlo specialty store is set to have its grand opening on June 15, Friday at the SM Mall of Asia. (jcl/11:10 a.m.)


Aquino declares June 16 as special non-working day in Pili, Camarines Sur in celebration of its Foundation Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared June 16 which falls on a Saturday as a special (non-working) day in the municipality of Pili in the province of Camarines Sur in celebration of its Foundation Day.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 393 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on June 6 to give the people of Pili the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

Pili is a municipality and the capital of the province of Camarines Sur in the Bicol Region. The first recorded history of Pili started during the promulgation of Christianity in the early 1770s by the Spanish missionaries. (js)


Malacanang extends its condolences to family of Afable

Malacañang on Thursday extended its condolences to the family of one of Baguio City’s most respected journalists Cecile Cariño Afable who passed away on Tuesday after a battle with pulmonary sepsis at the age of 95.

In a statement, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said Malacañang is one with the city of Baguio in mourning the death of Afable whom she described as “a true pillar of Philippine journalism” and was known to many as “the Great Dame of Baguio media”.

“She was a fervent advocate of press freedom and the preservation of Baguio’s cultural heritage and natural environment,” Valte said.

“In her 95 years, she showed all Filipinos—from journalists to regular citizens—just how it is to dedicate one’s life to improving one’s community. May her death rekindle the fire of good citizenship in all of us,” she added.

Afable served as editor and columnist for one of the oldest community papers in the Philippines, the Baguio Midland Courier, advocating freedom of the press and leading several protests against the heavy urbanization of the country’s summer capital. (hdc)

Civil case against Coloma and his Undersecretary dismissed by Quezon City Court

A Quezon City judge dismissed the civil case filed against Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. and his undersecretary by a taxpayer who asked the court to halt the operations of a government-owned and managed printing company.

Judge Evangeline C. Castillo-Marigomen of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 101, dismissed the petition on May 9, 2012.

The judge said the petition filed by Richard G. Oderon has no ground to convince the court to resolve the case against Secretary Coloma and his co-respondent Undersecretary Eduardo C. Visperas.

In filing the petition for prohibition and mandamus in Civil Case No. Q-11-69389, Oderon represented himself as a taxpayer and not as an employee of the National Printing Office (NPO). He claimed in his suit that the Filipino taxpayer is the loser with the continued operations of APO Production Unit, which has been printing security and accountable forms for government.

APO is explicitly categorized as a government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) by virtue of Republic Act No. 10147 otherwise known as An Act to Promote Financial Viability and Fiscal Discipline in Government-Owned or Controlled Corporation and to Strengthen the Role of the State in its Governance and Management to Make Them Responsive to the Needs of Public Interest and for Other Purposes." The said Act was signed into law by President Benigno S. Aquino III last June 6, 2011.

On December 7, 2010, Republic Act No. 10147 of the 2011 General Appropriation Act (GAA) was signed into law by President Aquino, recognizing and including APO, along with NPO and Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, as one of the government's printing unit.

The petitioner said that APO is a private corporation since it was organized under Philippine Laws (Corporate Code of the Philippines). He further said it was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. However, the respondents countered that the APO is a GOCC.

The court agreed with the argument of the respondents who claimed that APO, a non-stock corporation, is vested with the functions of printing security and accountable forms for government. As stipulated by the parties, APO is presently and directly under the control and supervision of the PCOO which is under the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

"The APO is categorized and recognized as GOCC and as such is publicly accountable by being subjected to audit by the Commission on Audit," the court said.

The APO can legally solicit and accept jobs to print government accountable forms and sensitive high quality/volume printing requirements of the government, the court said in the decision.

"The petitioner has no legal standing to assail the constitutionality of RA 10147 as he has not established any direct injury that he has sustained or may sustain by reason of the assailed law. Neither has the petitioner established that public funds (derived from taxation) are being misspent or illegally disbursed," the court said.

"Although the instant petition is styled as a petition for certiorari, in essence, it seeks the declaration by the court of the unconstitutionality or illegality of the GAA. It thus partakes of the nature of a petition for declaratory relief," the court said. (js)


Aquino meets Myanmar Foreign Minister to enhance bilateral, economic ties

President Benigno S. Aquino III met Thursday in Malacanang Myanmar’s Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin who is in the Philippines for the Philippines-Myanmar Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation.

The bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Myanmar is the second meeting since 2004.

President Aquino congratulated Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin on the significant steps toward reform and democratization achieved by Myanmar particularly the conduct of a by election a few months ago.

The meeting covered areas of mutual interest such as political cooperation, trade and investment, human rights, education, agriculture, tourism, and air services, among others.

According to a press statement released by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, the President and the visiting Myanmar foreign minister were expected to discuss the West Philippine Sea.

“Enhanced bilateral ties with individual friends from Southeast Asia is a vital cornerstone of our continuing thrust toward ASEAN centrality and solidarity. As member-nations become emerging forces in the global arena, the Philippines is determined to do its part in strengthening the collective for the benefit of the region and its people,” she said.

Accompanying Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin were Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General U Hau Do Suan, Myanmar Ambassador to the Philippines U Aung Khin-Soe, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director U Soe Lynn Han.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Philippine Ambassador to Myanmar Helen de La Vega joined President Aquino during Thursday’s event. (as/4:42pm)


Aquino meets Italian Defense Minister for stronger Philippine-Italy military ties

President Benigno S. Aquino III received Italian Defense Minister Giampaolo Di Paola during a courtesy call in Malacanang on Thursday to forge a strong defense cooperation between the two countries.

Early this year, it was reported that the Philippines and Italy were to sign an agreement meant to expedite the procurement of military equipment from the Italian defense industry suppliers with the help of the Italian Ministry of Defense.

Some of the military hardware being considered for procurement under the agreement were medium lift aircraft, coast watch system radar, multi-role combat aircraft, and long-range patrol aircraft.

According to the Philippines defense department, the arrangement would help implement the armed forces modernization program, a primary thrust of the Aquino administration.

Last year, the Philippines acquired 18 basic trainer aircraft from an Italian firm known for designing and producing military trainers.

Joining the President during Thursday’s courtesy call were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Jessie Dellosa.

Accompanying the Italian defense minister on the other hand were Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Luca Fornari, Diplomatic Counsellor of the Ministry Gabrielle Checchia, chief of acquisition and logistics Gen. Gianpaolo Miniscalco and chief of Military Policy Office Giorgio Lazio. (as/5:15pm)


Aquino receives outgoing Danish Ambassador to Philippines in Malacanang

Outgoing Ambassador of Denmark to Malaysia and the Philippines Svend Waever paid a farewell call on President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacanang on Thursday afternoon.

Waever became the Danish Ambassador to Malaysia and the Philippines in September 2008 after his stint in Nicosia, Cyprus.

Among the major contribution of the Danish government to the Philippines was the relief effort to the survivors of the Typhoon Sendong in December last year. Waever visited the relief delivery operations in Cagayan de Oro City and the most devastated areas.

At that time, the government of Denmark pledged to donate DKK 300,000 (about P2.68 million) to immediately alleviate the plight of 1,500 target-families who were among the hundreds of thousands of victims of Typhoon Sendong in the northeast part of Mindanao.

Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario was also present during Thursday’s farewell call. (as/5:31pm)