President Aquino vows erring government
officials, past or present, will be brought to justice
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to bring to justice
any government official or employee found violating Philippine rules and laws
for personal gain.
In his
speech delivered during his meeting with the Filipino community here, the
President said it was his duty as father of the nation to uphold the
Constitution and rights of all Filipinos from being trampled upon by the unjust
few.
“…tungkulin
nating tiyakin na tuwing papasok tayo sa korte, pantay na katarungan at
katotohanan lamang ang iiral miski sino ang kaharap mo. Hindi rin sapat ang
basta makasuhan lang ang mga dating opisyal na umabuso sa pwesto. Kailangang
dumaan sila sa paglilitis, sa mga kaukulang proseso at imbestigasyon, at kung
napatunayang nagkasala, ay managot batay sa nakasaad sa batas,” the President
said.
“Tungkulin nating manindigan para sa isang
hudikatura kung saan ang inosente ay lalabas na inosente, at ang lumabag sa
batas ay siguradong mapapanagot, simpleng tao man, o dating opisyal ng
pamahalaan,” he added.
He vowed
to continue implementing reforms in government to ensure that the benefits from
these reforms would redound to all Filipinos.
These
reforms the President said, include increasing the number of Filipinos who can
avail of health insurance (Philhealth), proper management at the Department of
Public Works and Highways, reaching rice exporter status for the Philippines
and achieving peace with our Muslim brothers with the signing of the Bangsamoro
Framework Agreement.
He said
these reforms have changed the image of the Philippines from one of
hopelessness and despair to one that brims with optimism and positivity. And
with the support of all Filipinos behind him, what once was deemed impossible
is now a reality.
“Iilan pa
lang po ang mga halimbawang ito sa mga tinatamasa nating pagbabago—kapag
nagtuloy-tuloy pa po tayo sa pagkwento, baka may mga mag-impake na po sa inyo
at sumama na sa amin pauwi ng Pilipinas,” the President said.
“Hindi na
nga po maikakaila: nag-iiba na ang mukha ng ating bansa. At hindi po ito
pagbubuhat ng sariling bangko; hindi na natin kailangang gawin ito kung ang
nasa likod mo, mga Pilipinong nagbabayanihan—nakikibalikat sa pagsugpo sa
katiwalian at kahirapan, nakikipagtulungan sa pag-angat sa kalagayan at
kapakanan ng kapwa, at nakikiisa sa paghahatid ng mas maliwanag na kinabukasan
para sa ating bayan,” he said. PND (rck)
President Aquino vows classroom shortage will be
over next year
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Sunday that the
country's perennial problem of not having enough classrooms to accommodate the
growing number of school children will be over next year.
The
President told members of the Filipino community he met, before attending the
9th Asia-Europe Meeting here from November 5 to 6, that the Department of
Education was doubling its efforts to build 66,800 classrooms by 2013.
According
to the President, the 66,800 classroom shortage he inherited will be filled up
next year through innovative projects undertaken by the DepEd despite the
limited budget of the department which can only accommodate 8000 new classrooms
each year.
“…magaling ho ang ating gabinete, ating
kalihim, si Brother Armin Luistro. This year, wala na po tayong shortages sa
aklat; next year, tapos na yung shortages natin ng classrooms,” the President
said.
He
appealed to the Overseas Filipino community to continue partnering with the
government to ensure a bright future for the country and the Filipino people as
a whole. PND (rck)
Good Philippine-US relation to continue whoever
wins the American presidency, Palace says
Malacanang said it expects to maintain good
relations with the United States whoever wins Tuesday’s (Wednesday in Manila)
American presidential election.
Incumbent
US President Barack Obama and Governor Mitt Romney are facing off for the US presidency
on Tuesday.
In a
press conference in Malacanang on Monday, Deputy presidential spokesperson
Abigail Valte said that in the history of the US and Philippine relations, both
countries continue to have good relationship whoever assumes the presidency
after an election.
“Whoever
wins, whether it be Republican or Democrat, we will continue the relationship
and we will continue to work with them,” Valte said.
Obama and
Romney barnstormed their way across more than a half-dozen battleground states on
Sunday, making closing arguments to a closely divided American electorate
before Tuesday’s vote.
National
polls in the US show that the race locked in a virtual dead heat, or tied. The
most recent CNN poll showed 49 percent support for Obama, and 49 percent for
Romney.
In a poll
conducted by the George Washington University, Obama and Romney are tied at 48
percent; an NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll indicates Obama at 48 percent and
Romney at 47 percent.
In the
latest ABC News/Washington Post tracking poll puts Obama at 49 percent and
Romney at 48 percent.
President
Benigno Aquino III visited the US in early June despite the heated tension with
China over contested waters of the West Philippine Sea.
The two
governments discussed ways to enhance the US’s military presence in the
Philippines to help train and advise Filipino troops in their efforts to
eliminate Islamist terrorists in the southern Philippines.
The US
also sees the Philippines as a key part in its long-term security strategy in
Asia and the Pacific. The US plans to station 60 percent of its naval fleet in
Asia by 2020, up from about 50 percent it has at present.
Aside
from strengthening military ties, President Aquino’s US visit was also aimed at
enhancing the growing trade relationships and stepping up investment in the
Philippines. PND (as/2:50pm)
Palace remains hopeful senators will pass the
sin tax reform bill
Malacanang hopes that senators will pass the
sin tax reform bill this year considering concerns over national interest and
public health.
“We
remain hopeful that the sin tax measures will be given due consideration by our
senators. It is obviously in everybody’s national interest to keep looking at
the sin tax measure and to see what good it can do for the health sector,”
Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press conference in
Malacanang on Monday.
Senators
expects Sen. Franklin Drilon to convene within the week an urgent meeting of
the Committee on Ways and Means to quickly adopt a new report endorsing higher
sin taxes on cigarettes and alcoholic drinks. Drilon is the current chair of the
Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
Valte
said the passage of the sin tax reform bill is necessary for the government to
fill the budget gap especially for the health sector. She said that under the
proposed 2013 national budget, the government allocated P54-billion for health
services.
The money
to be collected from sin taxes will be spent in building more health
facilities, rural health units, district hospitals, and other facilities.
It will
also be used for premiums for the expanded coverage of PhilHealth, Valte said,
noting that the government now covers indigent patients.
With
regards to apprehensions that the law could result to more youth smoking
cigarette or consuming alcohol as experienced by other countries, Valte said
lawmakers will surely consider the issue once they start their deliberations.
Some
groups also said criminal syndicates may resort to smuggling as a result of
higher taxes on cigarette and liquor. However, Valte said the law could
adequately address these concerns.
The
Aquino government wants to raise P60 billion a year in fresh revenue from
additional taxes on tobacco and alcohol products. PND (as/3:36pm)
Malacanang says Moro National Liberation Front
will be part of Transition Commission that will draft Bangsamoro Law
The Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF) will be part of the 15-member Transition
Commission that will draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law, a Palace official said on
Monday.
"From what I understand, there is a seat
that is reserved for the MNLF," Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail
Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang.
President
Benigno S. Aquino III is set to issue an executive order (EO) creating the
Transition Commission following the historic signing of the Framework Agreement
between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
last October, Valte said.
"My
understanding is that the EO will be released as well as the succeeding
appointments to that. But I’m pretty sure that the Office of the Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process can give you a better hand on where the process
stands as of the moment. They may have names already. My understanding is that
the MILF will also be giving the names to be part of the Transition
Commission," Valte said when asked about the composition of the
commission.
Valte
said the government and the MILF negotiators are set to meet again in Kuala
Lumpur in Malaysia this November in efforts to finish the annexes of the
recently signed Framework Agreement.
The
GPH-MILF Framework Agreement serves as a roadmap for the creation of a Bangsamoro
entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and
lays down the groundwork to achieve lasting and genuine peace in Mindanao. PND
(js)
Aquino administration vows to strengthen efforts
to fight human trafficking
The
Aquino administration assured that it will continue to strengthen its effort to
fight human trafficking after the United States’ Department of State and other
countries have recognized the high level of commitment of the Philippine
government to eradicate the crime.
Deputy
Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government hopes that the
Philippines could get positive review results from the United Nations Special
Rapporteur, who is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Monday to assess the
country’s fight against human trafficking.
"We
have been making significant strides in fighting human trafficking primarily
convictions. There has to be certainty of punishments so meron po tayong mga
nahuhuli at meron na pong mga nako-convict when it comes to human trafficking
violations," Valte said.
"And
I think positive proof that we have been making significant strides is remember
natanggal na tayo sa blacklist. Nag-move up tayo and the significant progress
has also been recognized," she said.
Valte
said the country's Inter-Agency Council against Trafficking (IACAT) continues
to step up efforts towards a harmonized and concerted global response to fight
trafficking in persons.
The
government achieved the significant gains through the implementation of the
three-pronged strategy, namely legislation, collaboration between the public
and private sectors, and determination to overcome the challenges in the fight
against trafficking.
"But, just the same, of course we will be
open to giving the resources, the data that the UN representative may need
during her stay here," she said. PND (js)
President Aquino upbeat over positive results of
bilateral meetings with Norway, Switzerland, the European Commission and
European Council
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – President Benigno S. Aquino III is in high spirits after
holding successful separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from
Norway, Switzerland, European Commission and European Council at the sidelines
of the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM9) being held here from November 5 to 6,
Presidential Communication and Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr.
said on Monday.
Coloma
said in a press briefing with the Philippine media delegation at the
International Media Center here that the President underscored the importance
of these bilateral meetings as an opportunity for the Philippines to further
enhance the friendship and partnership between these countries.
“The
President is in a very upbeat and optimistic mood. He is satisfied with the
outcome of the bilateral meetings and he feels that this is an important
opportunity for the country to enhance its friendship and partnership with the
countries of both Europe and Asia,” Coloma said.
The
President met with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg at the Prime
Minister’s Villa at the ASEM Villa which houses the Heads of State and
Government attending the ASEM9 at 9 a.m. (10 a.m. Manila time).
In that
meeting, Coloma said the discussion centered on improving the working
conditions of our migrant Filipino workers, particularly in the healthcare
sector.
“Norway
confirmed its assurance for support in our efforts to land better jobs for
Filipino migrant workers particularly in the healthcare sector in Norway and
the easing or procedural improvements to create better opportunities for
qualified Filipino workers,” Coloma said.
He added
that Norway, the European Commission and the European Council had pledged their
support for the country’s bid to retain our standing in the International Maritime
Organization white list
“This
means that we will be complying with all the requirements of the standards for
training and certification watch-keeping of seafarers (STCW 198 Convention),”
Coloma said.
In his
meeting with Swiss Confederation President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, the
President extended his thanks for the confederation’s assistance in further
developing our expertise in disaster risk reduction and management.
“The
President thanked Switzerland for their assistance in heightening our know-how
and competence in disaster risk reduction and management,” Coloma said.
Lastly,
President Aquino’s trilateral meeting with European Council President Herman
Von Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso centered on
improving maritime security within the West Philippine Sea to ensure the safety
of goods and people traversing the highly travelled body of water.
Coloma
said all meetings the President had “went very well” with all discussions on
"increased opportunities and intensified cooperation.”
“The
three bilateral meetings between the Philippine panel headed by President
Benigno S. Aquino III and Norway, Switzerland and the European Commission and
European Council; respectively went on very well,” Coloma said.
“The
common thread on all discussions were on increased opportunities and
intensified cooperation,” he added.
He
pointed out that the three nations were enthusiastic in congratulating the
Philippines for finally achieving peace in Mindanao with the signing of the
Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.
“We see
this as a genuine opportunity for reaping peace dividends including increased
investments into the Philippines and Mindanao in particular,” Coloma said.
He added
that in return, the Philippines expressed its support for the requests of
Norway and Switzerland in its bid to become members of ASEM.
“And in
reciprocity, we supported the requests of the various delegation with which we
met, for Norway and Switzerland as they are joining the ASEM meetings and would
like to become involved in the dialogues with ASEAN as future dialogue
partners,” Coloma said. PND (rck)
Norway, Switzerland, European Council and
European Commission join Philippine stand to resolve West Philippine Sea issue
peacefully
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – The European countries of Norway, Switzerland, European
Council and European Commission have thrown their support for Philippine
President Benigno S. Aquino III’s stand to resolve claims on the West
Philippine Sea diplomatically and peacefully.
Presidential Communication and Operations
Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. told members of the media delegation
covering the President’s attendance of the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting here that
during bilateral meetings with Norwegian Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, Swiss
Confederation President Eveline Widmer-Schlumpf, European Council Herman Van
Rompuy and European Commission President Jose Manuel Varroso, the four leaders
were for the Philippines’ position to resolve disputes in the area peacefully
and following international law.
“We noted
the increased importance of maritime security in the West Philippine Sea and
there was an agreement that it was a matter of international interest as a
significant amount of trade passes by the West Philippine Sea,” Coloma said.
“In
particular, Switzerland and the EU and in part Norway indicated their firm
support to our position that conflicts or disputes in that area are to be
resolved peacefully and following international law and in particular there is
firm support for an ASEAN-centric approach which has always been the position
of President Aquino considering four out of the 10 members states of ASEAN have
specific stakes in the West Philippine Sea,” he stressed.
“Therefore the only logical approach to any
conflict resolution will have to be multilateral and involving all stakeholders
therein,” Coloma said. PND (rck)
Philippines gets support from Norway,
Switzerland, European Council and European Commission in its bid to improve its
aviation standards
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – The Philippines bid to raise its standard of aviation safety
in order to conform with requirements set by aviation regulatory bodies got a
big boost of support from Norway, Switzerland, the European Council and the
European Commission, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on
Monday.
Coloma
said the four European countries expressed their support during separate
bilateral meetings President Benigno S. Aquino III had with his counterparts at
the sidelines of the 9th Asia-Europe Meeting being held here from November 5 to
6.
He said
the country’s effort to improve airline safety was in line with the
government’s advocacy to bring in more tourists and spur economic growth for
all.
“Well, we
pointed out that we also have a stake in promoting the raising of standards of
aviation safety considering we want to intensify the level of aviation activity
from and into the Philippines, and this is in consonance with our efforts to
increase the number of tourists that will be visiting our country,” Coloma
said.
Several
countries have banned the entry of Philippine carriers into their airspace
after the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) cited the
government’s alleged failure to comply with minimum international aviation
safety standards.
Aside
from ICAO, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ranked
the Philippines as a “category 2” market due to safety considerations. This FAA
grade bans local airlines from expanding operations in the United States.
“Definitely the present restrictions on our
Philippine carriers would not promote the increase of tourist traffic between
Europe and the Philippines and so we would like to see an early resolution of
the concerns of the ICAO and similar bodies like the USFAA which was emphasized
by the President of the European Commission Juan Miguel Barroso that these are
technical issues involving safety standards and not political issues,” Coloma
added.
He
pointed out that the aviation sector has taken note of this and are now in the
process of “addressing these technical issues and we are moving positively at
addressing and resolving all of these concerns.”
Coloma
noted that pending the results of the assessment that were conducted last
October, “we were assured that there would be every measure of support in
getting the Philippines up to speed in relation to meeting the safety standards
of ICAO.” PND (rck)
Philippines and Switzerland agree to fast-track
release of compensation to Martial Law victims
VIENTIANE, Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(via PLDT/Smart) – The Philippines and Switzerland have agreed to work closely
together to fast-track the immediate release of compensation funds for Martial
Law victims, Presidential Communication and Operations Office Secretary
Herminio Coloma, Jr. said on Monday.
Coloma
said the agreement was reached during a bilateral meeting between Philippine
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Swiss Confederation President Eveline
Widmer-Sclumpf at the sidelines of the 9th Asia-Business Meeting being held
here from November 5 to 6.
He said
the President “promised to do what is needed to complete the process of getting
the compensation paid out eventually to the intended beneficiaries.”
“So this
means clearing whatever administrative or procedural hurdles that still needs
to be handled or resolved,” Coloma said.
“So that
was taken up and both parties agree to work toward an early completion of this
compensation process,” he added.
A Hawaii
court ordered the Marcos family to pay $776-million in damages to Martial Law
victims in September 1992 following a class action suit filed against the
former dictator by 9,539 victims.
Although
a total of P35 billion ($833 million) have already been recovered from the
Marcos family by past administrations, the victims have not yet been
compensated due to many factors; one of which is the need to pass legislation
to appropriate part of the sequestered funds from the Marcoses for the victims
of Martial Law because the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law provides that all
sequestered assets from the Marcos family would be utilized for the
implementation of land reform. PND (rck)
