Wednesday 1 August 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Monday, July 30, 2012

Aquino urges new officers of Inner Wheel Club District 381 to remain as government's partner in uplifting society

President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Inner Wheel Club District 381 to remain steadfast as the administration's partner in uplifting our society and in adding vigor to the country's steady march towards equitable progress.

"I look forward to your continued dynamism in line with our country’s revitalization," President Aquino said in his message to the Inner Wheel Club District 381 on the occasion of the induction of its new officers and members on Monday.

The Inner Wheel Club is an organization of committed women bound by friendship and dedicated to selfless service to humanity.

The Chief Executive acknowledged the contributions of the club to nation-building by providing the needed assistance and undertaking special projects for the community, the youth, the elderly and the marginalized sectors of society.

"Civic enterprises such as yours contribute to our shared task of nation-building by supporting our communities through charitable programs and volunteer activities. Your members today take on the task of sustaining your organization’s dynamism in public service," the President said.

"May your new officers guide your club in its dedication to our nation’s sustained renewal, by bringing about more projects geared towards revitalizing the communities you serve and the country as a whole," President Aquino said. (js)


Malacañang underscores importance of scrutinizing the issuances of mining permits

Malacañang underscored the importance of scrutinizing all mining permit applications before allowing any company to begin mining operations to ensure that they comply with regulations set forth by President Benigno S. Aquino III’s new mining policy.

In a press briefing held in Malacañang on Monday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said the new mining policy, laid down in Executive Order No. 79, allows more mining investments to come in but regulates where and how much of our resources can be used.

“The administration recognizes any investment and therefore it behooves the administration to study these issues properly, especially in the light of the new EO and the light of investments in mining,” Lacierda said.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said the new presidential directive, which the Chief Executive signed on July 6, is envisioned to harmonize mining policies and regulations in the country and make players in the mining industry more transparent and accountable.

President Aquino’s directive identifies zones closed to mining applications – either for contracts, concessions or agreements – including areas in the National Tourism Development Plan, critical areas and island eco-systems, prime agricultural lands covered by RA 6657, strategic agriculture and fisheries development zones and fish refuge and sanctuaries declared as such by the Department of Agriculture.

Mining is not allowed in areas already identified under the existing laws on mining, agrarian and protected areas, as well as in sites that may be determined by the Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR).

Mining contracts, concessions and agreements approved prior to the issuance of the new directive remain binding provided that companies comply with existing laws, rules and regulations, and the terms and conditions of the grant. (rck)


Aquino maintains position not to amend 1987 Constitution at this time; orders legal teams to study basis for Charter Change being pushed by congressional leaders

President Benigno S. Aquino III has maintained his position that he is not amenable to amend the 1987 Constitution at this time, as he issued a directive to his economic and legal teams to study the underlying basis for the Charter Change being pushed by top congressional leaders.

The Chief Executive met on Monday with Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. who sought an audience with him to discuss their proposal to amend the economic provisions in the Constitution, especially the limitation imposed on foreigners who want to own property in the country.

"I received word from the President and let me quote the President so there would be no mistake: “I stated my opposition but we agreed to have the underlying basis studied by the economic and legal clusters with private sector participation upon the suggestions of both the Senate President and the Speaker,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

"That’s basically the substance of the meeting. The President has stated, maintained his opposition but he has agreed upon the suggestion of the Senate President and the Speaker to have the basis studied by the economic and legal clusters," Lacierda said.
During the meeting, Enrile and Belmonte have reportedly outlined their proposed amendments to President Aquino. But the President stood firm in his position that amending the Constitution is not necessary at this time.

"And at least they heard straight from the President that he is opposed to any amendment for now. ....But he has agreed upon the suggestion of the Senate President and the Speaker to have the basis studied by the economic and legal clusters," Lacierda said.

The study group is expected to convene the soonest possible time to carry out the tasks directed by the President.

"Primarily to lay out what the justifications are that convinced the Senate President and the Speaker to advocate for Charter Change," he said. (js)


Aquino government welcomes report that Clark International Airport ranked 3rd best in the world by London-based Financial Times Business Group

The Aquino administration welcomed reports that the Clark International Airport was ranked 3rd best airport in the world by the London-based Financial Times Business Group, a Palace official said on Monday.

"We welcome the assessment made by the London Financial Times Group. Certainly, we are in the process of improving our airport facilities," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday.

"That has been the commitment made by Transportation and Communications Secretary Mar Roxas to the President and, therefore, the said agency will exert all its best efforts to improve the facilities of not only Clark but also the other airports," Lacierda said.

President Benigno Aquino III vowed to improve the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mactan Cebu International Airport and other airports before the end of his term.

The President also assured that new airports will be built in the different parts of the country, which includes the New Bohol Airport in Panglao, New Legaspi Airport in Daraga and Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental.

"As you know, NAIA-1 is undergoing rehabilitation in phases. We will be improving the facilities of NAIA-2 and NAIA-3," Lacierda said.

The London-based Financial Times Business Group also ranked Clark Freeport Zone 8th best freeport zone in the world.

With the Financial Times ranking, the Clark Freeport Zone is now part of an elite list of freeport zones in the world, including the Dubai Airport Free Zone (Dafza), the Dubai International Financial Centre in UAE and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone in China. (js)


Malacañang announces suspension of government offices and classes in the college level in the National Capital Region Monday afternoon due to typhoon 'Gener'

Malacanang announced the suspension of government offices and classes in the college level in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Monday afternoon due to storm "Gener."

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. issued Memorandum Circular No. 32 upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

"In view of the continuing inclement weather brought about by storm "Gener," work in government offices and classes in the college level in the National Capital Region are herby suspended today, 30 July 2012 from 2:30 p.m. onwards," Ochoa said.

"However, those agencies whose functions involve the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness, and response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital public services shall continue with their operations in rendering the necessary services," he said. (js)