PIA News Dispatch - Saturday, March 30, 2013

Country reaping the fruits of government reforms, says Aquino in Easter message

The country has progressed a lot when the true power of government was given back to the people, President Benigno S. Aquino III said in his Easter message Saturday.

In his message, the President said the resurrection of Jesus Christ mirrors the hope of the Filipino people to rise from the ill effects of corruption and despair.

“Mula nang naibalik sa mga Pilipino ang tunay na lakas ng pamahalaan, at naiwaksi ang kultura nang pagkakanya-kanya at panlalamang, nagawa nating buhatin sa landas ng kaunlaran ang ating bansa,” the President said.

For the past several years ago, many Filipinos left the country to find better opportunities elsewhere, but today, the President said there is a renewed interest for them to return to the Philippines because of an improving economy.

Also, millions of marginalized and poor people are being prioritized by government to improve their living condition through the Pantawad Pamilyang Pilipino Program, he said. More than three million households are receiving assistance from the government under the program.

The government also has made strides to remedy the shortage in classrooms in the country, the President said. The government has been expecting to eliminate the 66,800 classroom backlog before the end of this year.

There is also sufficient food supply for Filipinos today, he said. In the past, the country was importing millions of metric tons of rice that eventually rot in government storage facilities, he said.

“Kung dati, ilang milyong metrikong toneladang bigas ang inaangkat at binubulok lang sa mga bodega, ngayon, natatanaw na natin, hindi lang ang pagiging self-sufficient sa bigas kundi ang pagiging exporter nito,” he said.

The government is now truly a government by the people that selflessly focuses on their welfare, the chief executive said. With the ongoing initiatives, the government was able to save the country from chaos and hopelessness and in the future will start to reap the fruits of its labor.

The President also highlighted in his message the spirit of volunteerism that strengthened the country’s unity.

“Ang pagtulong ay nagbibigay-lakas at kalayaan hindi lamang sa natulungan, kundi maging sa nag-abot ng tulong. Muli’t muli nating pinatutunayan: wala tayong hindi makakamit kung imbes na magkakanya-kanya ay magsimula tayong magbigayan. Sa ating kolektibong pagtutulungan, tiyak na magdudulot ito ng pag-asa at kaunlaran para sa lahat ng mamamayan,” he said.  PND (as)

PIA News Dispatch - Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Palace announces appointment of COA chair as Food and Agriculture Organization auditor of UN

Commission on Audit Chairman Grace Pulido-Tan has been appointed to a six-year term as the external auditor of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Malacanang announced on Wednesday.

“We [Philippines] were elected to a six-year term and I would like to congratulate Chairman Grace Tan who is the only female external auditor in the entire UN system,” Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing on Wednesday in Malacanang.

Tan and other Filipino embassy staffs as well as the agriculture attaché were in Rome and were instrumental in laying the groundwork for the presentation of the Philippines as one of the candidates for external auditor of FAO, he said.

Lacierda also congratulated the country’s embassy officials and agriculture attaché in Rome, Italy, for helping in the presentation of the Philippines’s candidacy.

The Food and Agriculture Organization under the UN ensures global food security so that people have regular access to enough high-quality food and lead active, healthy lives. Its mandate is to raise levels of nutrition, improve agricultural productivity, better the lives of rural populations and contribute to the growth of the world economy. PND (as)

Government renews commitment to finalize peace discussion with MILF

Malacanang made an assurance on Wednesday that both the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could finish all the remaining issues in the peace talks as soon as possible.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Wednesday, Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda explained President Aquino’s requests for time extension in discussing certain issues asking to move the exploratory talks to April instead of March.

“There are certain issues in the annexes that have to be addressed so we needed time… the President wanted more time to discuss the annexes, the remaining issues in the annexes,” Lacierda said.

“There are remaining issues in these annexes and by no means are we stopping. We just wanted to clear all the issues before we move to the next exploratory talks so we decided to ask for a resetting of the talks to April.”

Currently, there are two annexes that are in discussion, he said. There’s a draft annex already on wealth-sharing, power-sharing, as well as the normalization, he added.

The Palace official also made it clear that the Sabah conflict isn’t an issue in the ongoing peace discussion. The government’s primary concern is ironing out all the remaining issues in the annexes.

“Those things are going to be discussed on our end. And, as soon as we send them over by April, hopefully there will be further discussions, but it’s one of the reasons why we’d like to make sure that we try to finish the annexes at the soonest possible time.

In a briefer released by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the 37th Formal Exploratory Talks was postponed from March to April after the President requested for more time for the formal talks

It was originally scheduled to begin March 25, but the President requested the schedule to be reset to April next month.

OPAPP said the Philippine government panel conveyed the President’s request to the MILF and the Malaysian facilitators.

After a meeting on the President’s request, both sides issued a “firm commitment of the two parties to continue the talks in an expeditious manner,” OPAPP said. PND (as)

Aquino calls on people to emulate the example set forth by our Savior Jesus Christ

President Benigno S. Aquino III joins the Filipino nation in the observance of the Holy Week and called on the people to emulate the example set forth by our Savior Jesus Christ.

"Bilang mga tagasunod ni Kristo, nararapat lamang na tayo’y tumulad sa Kanyang mabuting ehemplo," the Chief Executive said in his Lenten message issued on Wednesday.

President Aquino asked his fellow Catholics and Christians to remember the great atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of mankind.

"Ngayong panahon ng Kuwaresma, ginugunita po natin ang natatanging halimbawa ni Hesukristo sa sangkatauhan. Nagkatawang-tao siya, nagpakumbaba, at iniligtas tayo sa kasalanan; naging huwaran Siya sa landas ng pagbubukas-palad, at wagas na pagmamahal sa kapwa," he said.

The Chief Executive emphasized that one of the great messages of the Holy Week celebration is sacrifice.

"Wala na nga pong tutumbas sa sakripisyong ipinamalas ni Hesukristo. At kung tutuusin, dahil sa dakilang pag-aalay Niya ng buhay para sa kaligtasan natin, kakarampot na lamang ang kanyang hinihiling – ang mahalin at arugain ang ating kapwa. Makukuha pa ba nating ipagkait ito sa Kanya?." the President noted.

President Aquino said the Filipino nation is now succeeding in pushing for reforms in a bid to attain unity and progress. He also noted that the Filipinos continue to manifest God's love and compassion through their charitable works.

"Bilang isang bansa, marami na po tayong napatunayan sa landas ng pagkakaisa, pagkakawanggawa, at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa: hindi imposibleng bumangon mula sa halos isang dekadang pagkadapa; hindi suntok sa buwan ang muling maaninag ang kaunlaran, lalo na para sa mga kababayan nating higit na nangangailangan," he said.

"Sa gabay at patnubay ni Kristo, naipamalas natin ang bisa ng pagtuon—hindi sa pansariling interes—kundi sa kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan," he stressed.

He also called on the Catholic faithful and Christians to stand firm on our Christian faith to be able to attain our goal to transform the country into a progressive nation.

"Ngayon pong Mahal na Araw, muling ipinapaalala sa atin ang halaga ng pagiging tanglaw sa isa’t isa, at ang liwanag na hatid nito sa buong bansa. Napakaganda na po ng mga nasimulan nating hakbang; at ngayong Semana Santa, patuloy nawa tayong makapagnilay kung paano pa mapapayabong ang mga butil ng pakikipagkapwa na ibinahagi sa atin ng Poong Maykapal.," he said.

The President also wished all Filipinos a peaceful and blessed celebration of Lent. PND (js)

Aquino welcomes the move of Fitch Group granting the Philippines investment grade status

President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed elation over the move of the credit ratings agency Fitch Group granting the Philippines its first investment grade status.

"We are pleased to hear that this afternoon, the Fitch group announced that they upgraded the status of the Philippines from BB+ to BBB-. This marks the first time in history that our nation has been granted investment grade status by a major credit ratings agency," the Chief Executive said in a statement released on Wednesday.

The Philippines has finally won its much-coveted investment grade status from Fitch Group, one of the three major international credit rating agencies that assesses the government’s ability to pay back its debt and the chance of non-payment.

"This means much more than lower interest rates on our debt and more investors buying our securities. Greater access to low-cost funds gives us more fiscal space to sustain and further improve on social protection, defense, and economic stimulus, among others," the President said.

President Aquino said more companies in the real economy can now consider the Philippines an investment destination after the Philippines got the investment grade status.

"Investment grade for sovereign debt should also lead to lower borrowing costs for Philippine companies in the international markets, consequently allowing for higher valuations for their securities. This in turn enables industries to expand and generate more jobs for our countrymen-- fostering a virtuous cycle of growth, empowerment, and inclusiveness that will redound to the benefit of Filipinos across all sectors of society," the President stressed.

The President said the Philippine's investment grade rating from Fitch represents the perception of lessening risk in the country's markets.

"It formalizes the investment grade level at which the Philippines has already been securing credit. This is an institutional affirmation of our good governance agenda – Sound fiscal management and integrity-based leadership has led to a resurgent economy in the face of uncertainties in the global arena. It serves to encourage even greater interest and investments in our country," he said.

"It is one among many other positive developments that demonstrates the reclamation of our national pride. Truly, what was once known as the perennial laggard of Asia is taking off, and is accelerating towards its goal of an equitably progressive society," he noted.

The Philippines’ economic growth, as measured by its gross domestic product (GDP), has been progressively growing despite the economic downturn in the global environment, expanding by 6.6 percent in 2012.

"The task now is to ensure that expected inflows will be used to maximum effect towards a sustainable, progressively empowering economy. We are determined to build on our economic gains to usher in a society wherein every Filipino, today and for generations to come, may be given the wherewithal to realize their full potential," President Aquino concluded. PND (js)

PIA News Dispatch - Tuesday, March 26, 2013

President Aquino visits Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila to check preparations being undertaken for the security and safety of travelling Filipinos, tourists alike

President Benigno S. Aquino III visited on Tuesday Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila to personally check the preparations being undertaken by concerned government agencies to ensure the security and safety of Filipinos and tourists traveling to the provinces during the Lenten season.

The Chief Executive arrived at 9:15 am at Pier 12, where the Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation, one of the country’s premiere shipping lines, is located.

Accompanied by Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr., the President was welcomed by Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Atty. Juan Sta. Ana, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administrator Nicasio Conti, Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena, and officials of the Manila North Harbour Port Inc. and the Philippine Span Asia Carrier Corporation.

Shortly after his arrival in the area, the President immediately conducted a brief inspection of the shipping company’s two ticketing booths, check-in counters, help desk areas (medical team and security help desk) and passengers' pre-boarding facilities, including its x-ray machines that can both scan passengers of the Princess of the South, a passenger vessel, and their luggages.

On his way to inspect the facilities of the shipping company, the President was briefed by Abaya about the preparations being undertaken by concerned government agencies to ensure the safety of the public.

President Aquino was likewise briefed on the initiatives that are being implemented to make the harbor at par with other commercial harbors in other countries.

The President then boarded the Princess of the South which was docked at Pier 12 to check on the condition of the passengers.

Following the President's visit, the Princess of the South, which has a total capacity of 2,000 passengers, left Manila for Cebu.

In an interview, the President promised that concerned government agencies will remain on heightened alert for the safety and orderly travel of passengers. PND (js)

Govt fine tuning stop-gap measure to address Mindanao power crisis

The government is working on a mechanism that will assist power distribution utilities to buy diesel-fed electric generating plants as an immediate stop-gap measure to the current energy crisis in Mindanao, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday.

In an interview during his visits to bus terminals and ports Tuesday, he said the Department of Energy presented a plan that details how the government could assist distribution utilities in purchasing generating sets.

Using diesel power plants are seen as the quickest remedy to the Mindanao power problem, he said, and with these plants the government could set these up in six months to one year.

“Yung one year kasama na doon ‘yung four months na procurement ng gobyerno,” he said. “So we’re working on the mechanism para madala itong distribution utilities nitong mga generators na ito.”

The President added that the government is working in an immediate solution that is lawful and his administration doesn’t want shortcuts.

“Ang state of emergency will only help in terms of ‘yung baka mas mapadali ang procurement. Ngayon, ayaw naman nating madaliing sobra na baka magkaroon ng shortcut sa batas, tapos sasabihin ng COA [Commission on Audit] hindi pwede lahat ‘yan. Balik na naman tayo sa wala,” he said.

“Gusto lang natin from the start, ‘pag na-deploy ‘yan, talagang sumusunod sa lahat ng mga alituntunin, lahat ng patakaran, at lahat ng batas para ‘pag naranasan na ay hindi naman mawawala kaagad,” he added.

The government response is also intended to make sure that the upcoming elections will not be affected and all the voting precincts will have enough power to transmit all the election results, he said.

But by 2015, when the permanent plants start to produce enough energy, the President said he expects the Mindanao power problem to go away.

It takes between three to four years to set up the power plants, he said noting the earliest target date is about 300 megawatts from coal-fired power plant by 2015. Similar other plants will also start going online after that until 2017, he explained.

Also augmenting the insufficiency of power in Mindanao is the Iligan diesel power plant, which has been operating and returning to its rated capacity, he said.

Asked how long Mindanao residents would wait before the remedial measure takes effect, the President said he wants to make sure that government actions complies with the law.

He noted that currently, there is 35 megawatts available off these diesel power plants. PND (as)

President Aquino orders DOTC and Philippine Coast Guard to enhance security and emergency procedures in seaports for safety of passengers

President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered on Tuesday Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena to enhance the security and emergency procedures in the seaports to ensure the safety of the passengers.

The Chief Executive issued the directive following his visit to Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Victory Liner Bus Terminal both in Pasay City to oversee the preparations being undertaken by various concerned government agencies.

Last week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) officially launched OPLAN Ligtas-Biyahe: Kwaresma 2013 to ensure convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, and safe travel for motorists and commuters this Holy Week.

"Doon sa ship itself, may mga signs that tells you where you are suppose to go, pero all in English. Tapos, sabi ko baka naman dapat mas simplehan ang instructions in the event that there’s an emergency.... These are being taken cared of now by both MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) and by the Coast Guard," President Aquino said.

The President, however, cited the enhanced efforts initiated by both the shipping and government authorities to prevent the shipping of drugs and prohibited items.

"Talagang thorough ang ginagawa nila to prevent all of this contraband from getting on board," the President said.

The Chief Executive was informed that the law enforcers, together with the vessel's security personnel, arrested a passenger who was found in possession of shabu.

After his visit to Pier 12, President Aquino proceeded to NAIA Terminal 4, at 10:15 a.m. and immediately inspected the operations and security preparations at the airport.

The President inspected the ticketing booth, x-ray area, check-in counters of the Sea Air and pre-boarding gate at the departure area of NAIA Terminal 4. He then went to NAIA Terminal 3 and inspected the airport facilities.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado briefed the President on the status of passenger volume and traffic, airport security and assistance measures.

The President reminded the government agencies namely, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Transportation and Communications, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, among others to enhance the implementation of their respective tasks to protect the travelling Filipinos and tourists.

From NAIA, President Aquino proceeded to the Victory Liner Bus Terminal on EDSA, Pasay City to inspect security preparations.

He commended the government agencies concerned and the bus operators for implementing initiatives in ensuring the safety of the riding public.

" Andito ‘yung testing for drugs and alcohol ingestion. So mukhang very thorough ang ginagawa nila MMDA Chairman (Francis) Tolentinto, voluntary on the part of the drivers and conductors and naging positive. Ngayon, they found one person out of everybody who’s driving or conducting the buses. So nakaka-impress na meron tayong ganitong equipment that is already being utilized to enhance the safety of our people," he said. PND (js)

President Aquino intends to watch a film on Jesus Christ this Lenten season

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Tuesday that he intends to watch a film about Jesus Christ this Lenten season.

In an interview during his visit at the Victory Liner Bus Terminal on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Pasay City on Tuesday, the Chief Executive said he opted to spend the Lenten season in his official residence called Bahay Pangarap located at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) compound in Manila by watching a film about Jesus Christ.

The Bahay Pangarap is only five minutes away from Malacañang Palace.

"I’m trying to look for my copy of the film “Jesus Christ Superstar”. "Di ba, hindi (ito) masyadong heavy the way it reminds (us) of what our Christian faith is supposed to be; what Christ had to undergo to save all of us," the President said.

President Aquino visited on Tuesday the Pier 12 in Port Area, Manila, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the Victory Liner Bus Terminal both in Pasay City to check on the preparations being undertaken by various concerned government agencies to ensure the security and safety of Filipinos and tourists traveling to the provinces during the Lenten season.

The President vowed that the concerned government agencies remain on heightened alert for the safety and orderly travel of passengers. PND (js)