Thursday 23 August 2012

PIA News Dispatch - Thursday, August 23, 2012


Palace announces that remains of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Robredo will lie in state in Malacanang for two-day wake starting Friday

Malacanang bared that the remains of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo will be brought to Malacanang Palace for a two-day wake following the Aquino government’s plans to give him a state funeral in honor of his valuable contributions to the country’s progress and development.

In Bulletin No. 4 issued on Thursday by the Committee on Funeral Arrangements and Burial of the former Secretary, it stated that Robredo’s remains will be brought to the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacanang Palace.

“On Friday, August 24, 2012, the remains of the late Secretary Jesse M. Robredo will be brought to Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace. A wake will be held there for two days before the remains are returned to Naga City,” it said.

In acknowledging his contributions and public service that is worth emulating by other government officials, the committee said that it is fitting to hold the wake in Kalayaan Hall which is a symbol of the restoration of democracy in the country.

“A quarter century ago, President Corazon C. Aquino renamed the edifice, formerly known as Maharlika Hall, to “Kalayaan Hall” to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the Philippines. As part of the generation inspired to enter public service by the EDSA People Power Revolution, it is only fitting that the late Secretary lie in state in Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace,” the Bulletin read.

“Kalayaan Hall is the oldest extant section of Malacañan Palace, having been built in the American Era. It is likewise one of the most intact pre-war buildings in the Philippines where Governors-General and, later on, Presidents of the Philippines prior to Martial Law held office. Situated amid sprawling grounds, it is most accessible to the public that would wish to pay final respects to the late Secretary,” it added.

The Committee said that they will be releasing further details in the next Bulletin. (jcl/9:25 a.m.)


Ochoa rallies DILG employees: Don’t let Robredo’s reforms go in vain

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on Thursday met with the heads of various offices under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to make sure that the agency functions normally and delivers uninterrupted services to the public during the transition period.

This is the first meeting of Ochoa, whom President Benigno Aquino III temporarily assigned to oversee DILG operations, with department heads to rally them to continue performing their tasks and the reforms started by the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

“Upon the directives of the President, I am here to ensure that the services provided by the DILG run smoothly even as the entire nation mourns the untimely death of Secretary Robredo,” Ochoa said.

“In this period of transition, we urge everyone to do their share and do their best so that all the programs and reforms that Secretary Robredo has started will not go in vain, for the benefit of our countrymen whom he faithfully served,” he added.

Last Wednesday, the Executive Secretary made his first visit to the DILG office and ordered the compilation of all the programs and projects in the pipeline to ensure that these are implemented, particularly the reforms being undertaken in the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Robredo has also begun putting together a comprehensive plan for the relocation of informal settlers.

To make sure that logistics and administrative matters are addressed without delay, Ochoa has drawn up a signing and approval system for the meantime until the President names a permanent head of the DILG.


Aquino declares 4th Monday of September of every year as ‘Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga’ Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared the fourth Monday of September of every year as “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day in conjunction with the annual celebration of the Family Week.

In Proclamation No. 326 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on January 26,, the President issued the declaration "to highlight and celebrate the value of families sharing meals together as a national tradition that should be observed annually and sustained by all Filipino families."

Proclamation No. 1895 (s. 2009) declared the 4th Monday of September of 2009 as the “Salu-Salo ng Pamilya Mahalaga” Day.

In issuing Proclamation No. 326, the President underscored the need to amend Proclamation No. 1895 and rename the event as “Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga” Day to distinguish the latter as a regular annual event.

"One of the meaningful traditions of Filipinos is the common family meal where all members of the family are present to signify their unity and thanksgiving for God’s abundant blessings," President Aquino said.

"Having a common family meal encourages parents to stay connected with their children and understand the challenges they face," he noted.

The Chief Executive directed the National Committee on the Filipino Family (NCFF) to lead the national observance of Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day.

He, likewise, enjoined the heads of all departments, agencies, government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units (LGUs), and other government instrumentalities to support NCFF in its activities related to the event.

President Aquino also encouraged all national and local publications, television and radio stations to help generate awareness and public support for activities in promoting the observance of Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day, in conjunction with the annual celebration of the Family Week.

Proclamation No. 60 (s. 1992) also declared the fourth (4th) week of September as “Family Week” to focus on the importance of strengthening and promoting unity, solidarity and stability of the Filipino Family as the basic unit of society. (js)


Malacanang says government is monitoring recent oil price hike

Malacanang made an assurance on Thursday that the government will continue monitoring oil price increases after some oil companies adjusted their prices recently.

In a regular press briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Department of Energy (DOE) will see to it that the recent price increases are justified based on the movement of oil prices overseas.

“Binabantayan ‘yan ng DOE. Titingnan nila kasi kung sumusobra, they call the attention of the oil companies. But again in a deregulated environment, sanay tayong tataas, bababa, tataas according to several factors na walang control ang pamahalaan,” Valte said.

Oil companies agreed to temporarily suspend oil price hikes after the monsoon rains caused massive flooding in many areas particularly in some parts of Metro Manila. The move is aimed at easing the burden of communities affected by the floods.

With regards to the impending increase in the prices of major commodities, Valte said, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will also be monitoring the situation adding that the public can get information from the DTI’s price watch.

“Ang DTI kasi kini-compute kapag may tumaas sa isang lugar, kung ano ’yung nagiging kaukulang epekto doon sa presyo ng mga bilihin. That being said, we do release the price monitoring watch every Friday,” she said.

“We can use it as our guide kung sa inyong paniniwala ay merong mga masyadong mataas o mga pang-aabuso, ipaalam natin agad sa DTI, " Valte said. (as)


Malacanang bares schedule of activities for the two-day wake of the late DILG Secretary Robredo at Kalayaan Hall in Malacanang

Malacanang released the detailed schedule of activities for the two-day wake of the late Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo at the Kalayaan Hall of the Malacananag Palace.

In Bulletin No. 5 issued by the Committee on Funeral Arrangement and Burial of the late Secretary Robredo read by Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III during a regular press briefing in Malacanang, on Thursday, the Aquino government bared to the public the day-to-day schedule for ceremonies, memorial services, masses, and state funeral.

“During the public viewing, access for the public to Kalayaan Hall will be through Gate 7. For the family and friends, access will be through Gate 6. For food donations, please send them to Gate 4,” Quezon said.

On Friday (August 24), at exactly 7:45 in the morning, the remains of the late secretary will be transferred from the Archbishop’s Palace to Pili Airport in Camarines Sur. Departure honors will be rendered by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to be hosted by the PNP Regional Director. Six honorary pallbearers will be designated by the family.

Also on Friday at 10:30 a.m., the remains is expected to be at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City where there will be arrival honors to be rendered by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Military host is the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force.

The six pallbearers will be Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad, Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Rep. Jun Abaya, Harvey Keh of the Kaya Natin Movement, Alice Murphy of the urban poor groups and Joan dela Cruz of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

At 11 a.m., the remains will be brought to the Malacanang Palace to be escorted by the Presidential Security Group (PSG). Arrival honors in Malacanang Palace will be rendered by the PSG.

Upon its arrival at the Palace, ceremonies will be witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III that includes bringing down of the casket from the hearse by the eight casket bearers and six honorary pallbearers. Thereafter, arrival honors led by the President will be rendered, followed by a 19-gun salute.

Other events include the following, on Friday afternoon (1 p.m. to 3 p.m.) Memorial service sponsored by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), attached agencies, and local government leagues. At 3:15 p.m.–4:15 p.m., Memorial service sponsored by urban poor groups; 4:30 p.m.–5:30 p.m. Memorial service sponsored by Kaya Natin Movement; 6:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Holy Mass; 7:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. Public viewing.

On Saturday, August 25, public viewing starts at 8 a.m. which will run until 5 p.m. Public Mass is scheduled at six to seven in the evening. 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. Memorial service sponsored by the Liberal Party of the Philippines; 8:15 p.m.–10:00 p.m. Memorial service sponsored by fellow Cabinet Members.

On Sunday, August 26, 6 a.m. to 7 a.m., the late secretary’s remains will be brought to the Villamor Airbase en route to Pili Airport in Camarines Sur. Departure honors will be rendered by the PSG in Kalayaan Hall, Malacañan Palace, which include a 19-gun salute. Departure honors will also be rendered by the AFP in Villamor Airbase.

On the same day, the remains will be transferred from Pili Airport to the Naga City Hall to be escorted by the PNP. Arrival honors will also be rendered at the Naga City Hall. Honorary pallbearers will be designated by the family.

On Monday morning, August 27 at 8 a.m. the remains will be brought to the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Senora de Penafrancia with the PNP providing the departure honors. Arrival honors will also be rendered by the PNP at the Basilica Minore.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday morning at 10. Other activities following the holy mass include: Start of the state funeral Response of the family; The President will also deliver a eulogy for Secretary Robredo.

The casket will then be brought out of the Basilica by casket bearers, accompanied by the designated honorary pallbearers of the family; with accompanying departure honors and a 19-gun salute rendered by the AFP.

The casket will be loaded onto the caisson, where the funeral cortege will proceed to the Funeraria Imperial with accompanying military band and the participation of the PNP.

At the Funeraria Imperial, a three-volley salute, given by a company of 21 soldiers, followed by the playing of Taps, will take place.

Following the Taps, the national flag will be taken off the casket, folded, and presented to the widow by the President.

The presentation of the flag concludes the state funeral. The remains are then brought inside Funeraria Imperial for cremation. After the cremation, the PNP shall provide an escort for the family as they undertake the private interment of the ashes. (jcl/3:22 p.m.)


Aquino signs into law the People's Survival Fund Bill to address problem of Climate Change

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law the People's Survival Fund (PSF) Bill to enable the government to effectively address the problem of Climate Change.

The Chief Executive signed Republic Act No. 10171 otherwise known as "An Act Establishing the People's Survival Fund to provide long-term finance streams to enable the government to effectively address the problem of Climate Change, Amending for the purpose Republic Act. No. 9729, otherwise known as the Climate Change Act of 2009," and for other purposes" last August 16, according to Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.

The People's Survival Fund Law amended the Climate Change Act of 2009 by establishing the People's Survival Fund with an initial P1 billion per year.

"There will be a People’s Survival Fund board composed of nine members chaired by the Secretary of Finance to provide policy and strategic guidance in the management and the use of the survival fund itself," Valte said.

Senator Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, described President Aquino's signing into law of the People's Survival Fund bill as a triumph for Filipinos and a concrete move towards a disaster-resilient Philippines.

"The enactment of amendments to the Climate Change Act of 2009, primarily the creation of the People's Survival Fund (PSF), strengthens the three-year-old law by helping achieve its objectives through the provision of funds to local governments and communities for their climate change adaptation programs," she said.

"As we have seen clearly over the past few weeks, there is a pressing need to financially support disaster prevention efforts of local government units. The President's approval of the PSF affirms our nation's commitment to building communities' resilience to disasters," she said.

Legarda, principal author and sponsor of the Climate Change Act of 2009, and principal sponsor of the amendatory measure to the climate change law, said that Congress approved the PSF bill last June. The bill was immediately transmitted to President Aquino who signed the law last August 16.

The law provides that the PSF is a special fund in the National Treasury—in the amount of one billion pesos that will be appropriated annually under the General Appropriations Act--for the financing of adaptation programs and projects based on the National Strategic Framework on Climate Change. The fund may also be augmented by donations, endowments, grants and contributions.

"The degradation of our environment, coupled with the effects of climate change, such as heavy monsoon rains, prolonged droughts, and other extreme weather events, places us on a highly precarious position and endangers the lives of our citizens. The PSF will help local governments' adaptation activities, such as in the areas of land and water resources management, agriculture and fisheries, health, infrastructure development, and natural ecosystems," Legarda explained.

"This will also support the improvement of the monitoring, controlling and prevention of diseases triggered by climate change, establishment of forecasting and early warning systems, and strengthening institutional development, for local governments, for preventive measures, planning, preparedness and management of impacts relating to climate change," she added.

The amendatory law to the Climate Change Act of 2009, authored by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Loren Legarda, also mandates the Department of Budget and Management to undertake the formulation of the annual government budget in a way that ensures the appropriate prioritization and allocation of funds to support climate change-related programs and projects. (js)


Malacanang urges public to send in donations to chosen charities of the late DILG Secretary Robredo as requested by his widow

Malacanang encouraged the public to support the chosen charities of the late Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse Robredo sharing the request of Attu. Leni Robredo, widow of the departed DILG chief to donate to these cause-oriented groups in lieu of flowers.

In Bulletin No. 5 issued by the Committee on Funeral Arrangements and Burial of the late Secretary Robredo, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manolo Quezon III enumerated the chosen charities that the public may wish to support.

“Atty. Leni Robredo requests the public that in lieu of flowers, a donation to her late husband’s preferred charities be made. These are the following: Physicians for Peace Philippines, Inc., particularly for their Walking Free and Resource Center for the Blind program… (Contact person: Dr. Josephine Robredo-Bundoc, Account details: BDO-Intramuros Branch #004508004757); Missionaries for the Poor (Contact person: Fr. Joseph M. Ssali, M.O.P. Account details: Metrobank, Naga, G. Luna Branch #4183418131358 Address: Heart of Mercy Monastery San Rafael, Cararayan, Naga City, Telephone number: (054) 475-4730 or 475-4754, Email: mopnaga@gmail.com) and Project Jose (details to follow),” Quezon said.

He also noted that for those who still wish to send flowers to Malacañan Palace, they may send them to Gate 6 starting Friday, August 24, 2012. (jcl/3:40 p.m.)


Aquino appoints new government officials

President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed new officials in various government departments and agencies.

The Chief Executive signed the appointment letter of Kenneth Y. Hartigan-Go as Acting Director IV of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that is under the Department of Health (DOH). He replaced Suzette H. Lazo.

The other presidential appointees are the following:

- Roberto C. Villanueva as Acting Deputy Administrator III of the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), replacing Primo V. Rivera.

- Regina S. Reyes as Acting Director III of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), replacing Candido J. Astrologo, Jr.

- Alex G. Almario as Board Member III of the Agrarian Reform Adjudication Board, under the Department of Agrarian Reform, replacing Lorenzo R. Reyes.

- Valentin A. Araneta as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC); Protacio T. Tacandong and Rogelio W. Manalo as members of the Board of Directors of the PDIC representing the private sector. Their term of office began on July 1, 2012 and would end on June 30, 2013.

- Marina Biglete-Paras as member of the 3rd District Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Laguna, replacing Reynaldo Dela Torre Paras; Miguel Antonio A. Magpale as member of the 5th District Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Cebu, replacing Agnes A. Magpale and Ryan Lawrence P. Tiu as member of the 1st District Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Leyte, replacing Roque A. Tiu. (js)


Aquino signs into law Data Privacy Act of 2012

President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law on Aug. 15 Republic Act 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act of 2012” aimed at protecting the private communications of individuals as well as the government and private sector communication systems.

The new law, which mandates the creation of the National Privacy Commission, will cover the processing of all types of personal information including personal information controllers and processors not established in the Philippines. The law also protects journalists, publishers and their sources.

The National Privacy Commission, which will implement the law, is mandated to receive complaints, issue cease and desist orders, compel entities to abide by its orders and monitor compliance.

The commission is also mandated coordinate with other government agencies and the private sector to implement plans.

The commission will be composed of a Privacy Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and establish a secretariat.

The majority of secretariat members must have served for at least five years in government agencies processing information such as the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Philippine Health Insurance Corp., Commission on Elections, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice and Philippine Postal Corp.

The law will take effect 15 days after its publication in at least two major newspapers of general circulation. The Data Privacy Act of 2012 is a consolidation of the Senate Bill 2965 and House Bill 4115. (as)