Team PNoy’s good showing in next three years
means 2016 success, says Aquino
The administration coalition’s success in 2016
presidential election lies on the realization of its reform and development
agenda in the next three years following the May 13 midterm election, President
Benigno S. Aquino III said on Wednesday.
“Sa madaling salita, ang bukal ng tagumpay natin
sa 2016 at sa makakamit pang tagumpay ng mga susunod na salinlahi ay
nakasalalay sa kung ano ang mapapatunayan natin at kung ano ang magagawa natin
sa susunod na tatlong taon,” the President told party mates and coalition
members during the Team Pnoy thanksgiving party at Club Filipino in Greenhills,
San Juan.
The President said Wednesday’s event signals
Team PNoy’s concerted efforts to institute permanent reforms in the country.
The chief executive likewise called on Team
PNoy’s senators elect to fulfill the mandate the people have given them during
this month’s election.
“Tinitiyak nating magpapatuloy ang sipag,
dedikasyon, at tunay na malasakit natin sa kapwa. Sa ating mga nahalal na
senador: Tuparin natin ang ating mandato. Huwag nating sayangin ang
pagkakataong ito. Nagpasya na ang mga Pilipino, 9-3 para sa Team Pnoy,” he
said.
The coalition’s success during the last election
stemmed from the clamor of the people for change during the 2010 presidential election,
the President noted.
The 2010 election is a milestone in the
country’s history because the people widely participated in that poll tired of
rampant abuses and corruption in government, he said.
“Nang manaig ang tinig ng taumbayan noong
halalan ng 2010, nagsimulang magbago ang kwento ng buhay ng mga Pilipino. Ang
mga dating nagmanhid na sa katiwalian, natutong makilahok at lumaban. Ang mga
dating nananahimik na lamang, nagkaroon ng boses. Ang mga dating hindi magawang
mangarap, nagsimulang bumangon at humakbang tungo sa katuparan ng kanilang mga
adhikain,” the President said.
The people’s success three years ago became the
key to the changes that the country now experiences, he said. Among these
developments include a more robust economy, influx of more investors to the
country, the public’s rejection of graft and corruption and the government’s
care for the poor.
With the success of the Team PNoy particularly
in the Senate, the President said he is confident that the newly elected
senators will work hard towards the realization of the dreams sowed under the
“tuwid na daan” reform agenda of the administration.
At the same time, the President expressed his
gratitude to those who helped launch a successful campaign in the last three
months. These include Liberal Party’s campaign manager Sen. Franklin Drilon,
former partylist representative Risa Hontiveros and former senators Ramon
Magsaysay Jr. and Jamby Madrigal.
The President likewise thanked lawmakers under
the coalition as well as volunteers and local leaders.
Of the 12 senatorial bets who run under Team
Pnoy, nine won during the May 13 midterm election. Among the winners include
Mary Grace Poe Llamanzares, Loren Legarda, Francis Escudero, Alan Peter
Cayetano, Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Benigno “Bam” Aquino, Aquilino “Koko”
Pimentel III, Antonio Trillanes IV and Cynthia Villar. PND (as)
Aquino cites the critical role of engineering
sector in infrastucture development
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the
critical role of the engineering sector in the pursuit of infrastructure
development that is among his administration's major priorities in this period
of national revitalization.
"The engineering sector plays a critical
role in this undertaking: It builds roads to progress, bridges to bring our
services to even the most remote areas, and establishments to house and grow
our varied industries," the Chief Executive said in his message to the
Association of Structural Engineers of the Philippines Inc. (ASEP) on the
occasion of the 16th ASEP International Convention.
The ASEP opened on Thursday the 16th ASEP
International Convention which has for its theme "Prolonging the Life of
Structures" at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. The 3-day event will
end on Saturday.
President Aquino expressed hope that the event
may further equip the ASEP with greater excellence, confidence, and dedication,
as it fulfills its responsibilities in the collective task of nation-building.
"It was not so long ago that the Filipino
people were handicapped by inefficient public works with weak foundations and
slow-paced construction rooted mainly in a culture of transactionalism and
self-interest," the President said.
"May you find the true meaning of quality
and committed public service in this convention, and uphold integrity and
accountability, as you continue to help pave the path to equitable progress and
prosperity," he said. PND (js)
Palace appeals to universities, colleges to go
slow on tuition hikes
Malacanang appealed to private colleges and
universities that filed notices for tuition fee increases for this school year
to work with the stakeholders in achieving a compromise acceptable to the
public.
“We appeal to them and we hope that the
increases that they have applied for have been reached in proper consultation
with the parents, with the students, with the teachers, and that these
increases must be, if necessary, reasonable,” Deputy Presidential spokesperson
Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.
“Sana naman let us work with the stakeholders to
arrive at a solution or at a compromise that is acceptable to the public.”
The Palace official said she hopes that academic
institutions observe the true essence of compliance to the rules by adhering to
the outcome of consultations with different stakeholders.
“Sana hindi lang surface compliance," she
said.
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said
the tuition increase notices filed by at least 451 private colleges and
universities are not final and will be subjected to review by the commission en
banc.
The CHED said the commission en banc will decide
on the tuition increase notices when it convenes May 27.
The commission also said it aims to expand its
scholarship programs to support students from poor families to finish their
college education. CHED reported that there are around 45,000 students under
its scholarship programs through grants and study now, pay later schemes.
A P500-million fund for the scholarship of some
4,041 students transferring to state universities and colleges across the
country was allotted by the commission.
The Student’s Grants in Aid program for Poverty
Alleviation will be aligned with the Aquino administration’s Conditional Cash
Transfer Program being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and
Development. PND (as)
Aquino urges employers to work with government
in crafting policies for labor sector aimed at job creation
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on
employers to work together with his government to craft policies for the labor
sector aimed at creating more jobs for the Filipino people.
In his message to the Employers Confederation of
the Philippines (ECOP), the Chief Executive underscored the importance of the
collaboration between the government and the confederation to advance the
interest of the Filipino public.
"Let your resounding voice enrich our
discussions with insights on the market and corporate designs that reflect our
commitment to inclusive development. Together, we can craft policies founded on
balance, synergy, and mutual benefit, as we open the doors towards far-reaching,
sustainable opportunities for the Filipino public," the President told
ECOP on the occasion of its 34th National Conference of Employers.
The ECOP opened on Thursday the 34th National
Conference of Employers (NCE 34) which has for its theme “Inclusive Growth:
Vision, Prescriptions and Action,” at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The
2-day event will end on Friday.
"The road to prosperity is paved by our
efforts to harmonize our forward march along the straight and righteous path.
This underscores the collaboration required of our sectors, as we fuel our
momentum in the revitalization we have now established," the President
said.
The President expressed hope that the gathering
may inspire the country's private stakeholders to participate more actively
while government continues its efforts to widen the avenues of dialogue with
the labor sector.
"Let us continue to place our fellowmen at
the front and center of our endeavors. They remain our country’s greatest
asset, empowering our nation as they realize their potential. May we enable
them further to become dynamic contributors to nation-building, as we forge the
equitably progressive society we have long aspired for," he said. PND (js)
President Aquino signs consolidated bill into
law that seeks to amend the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines
President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into
law a consolidated bill that seeks to amend the Meat Inspection Code of the
Philippines to end the proliferation of so-called botcha or double-dead meat in
markets through stiffer penalties on its sale, transport and handling.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte
announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday that the
Chief Executive signed last May 15 Republic Act 10536 otherwise known as An Act
Amending Republic Act 9296, otherwise known as The Meat Inspection Code of the
Philippines.
Under the law, the carcass or parts of carcass
or food animals which were slaughtered from unregistered/unaccredited meat
establishments and have not undergone the required inspection will be
classified as "hot meat." It also includes undocumented, illegally
shipped, and unregistered carcass, parts of carcass and meat products coming
from other countries and those that are classified as "hot meat" by
the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).
Under Section 56 of the Republic Act 10536
(Fines and Penalties), any violator of the act, upon conviction, shall be
punished by imprisonment of not less than six (6) years and one (1) day but not
more than twelve (12) years or a fine of not less than One hundred thousand
pesos (P100,000) but not more than One million pesos (P1,000,000) or both
depending upon the discretion of the court.
The offender shall be obliged to pay to the
concerned consumer whatever damage may have been suffered by the latter as a
consequence of the unlawful act.
If the offender is a juridical person, all
officers such as, but not limited to, its president, manager or head of office
responsible for their unlawful act shall be criminally liable, in addition to
the cancellation of certificates or accreditation and/or registration.
If the offender is a public official, the
penalty shall include perpetual disqualification to hold public office.
In addition, the National Meat Inspection
Service and the local government units shall impose additional fines and
penalties for the offender.
Any person, firm or corporation that slaughter
any food animal or prepare meat or meat product in any meat establishment
except in compliance with the requirements of this Act or slaughter or handle
in connection with slaughter, any food animal in a manner not considered humane
shall be fined P50,000 for the first offense, P75,000 for the second offense
and P100,000 plus prohibition from conducting business for two (2) years for
the third and succeeding offenses.
Any person, firm or corporation that sell,
transport, offer or receive for sale or transportation in commerce carcasses or
parts thereof, meat or meat product required to be inspected under this Act
unless they have been so inspected and passed and do any act while they are
being transported in commerce or held for sale, which is intended to cause or
has the effect of causing such articles to be adulterated or misbranded shall
be fined with two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000) for the first offense,
three hundred thousand pesos (P300,000) for the second offense and five hundred
thousand pesos (P500,000) plus prohibition from conducting business for two (2)
years for the third and succeeding offenses.
Anyone who violated sections 49 (Printing of Official
Marks), Section 50 (Forging Official Marks), Section 51(Absence of Ante-Mortem
Inspection), Section 52 (Interference in the Conduct of Inspection) and Section
54 (Unlawful Shipment) shall be fined with two hundred thousand pesos
(P200,000) for the first offense, three hundred fifty pesos (P350,000) for the
second offense and P500,000 plus prohibition from conducting business for three
years for the third and succeeding offenses.
Anyone who violated Section 53 (Unlawful
Trading) shall be suspended for six months for the first offense and dismissal
from government service for the second violation.
Under Section 58 (Confiscation), any carcasses,
parts of carcasses or products of carcasses found to have been prepared,
handled, packed, stored, transported or offered for sale as human food not in
accordance with any provisions of this Act shall be confiscated and disposed of
as provided in the Implementing Rules and Regulations at the expense of the
person, firm or corporation found to be in violation thereof.
Under the new act, the National Meat Inspection
Service shall be headed by an Executive Director, a Deputy Executive Director
and Regional Technical Directors III, all appointed by the President. The
administrative, technical and support services of the NMIS shall be
strengthened as may be appropriate and necessary to carry out effectively the
provisions of this Act.
This Act shall take effect after 15 days from
its publication in the Official Gazette or in 2 newspapers of general
circulation. PND (js)
President Aquino signs a consolidated bill into
law setting Philippine Standard Time and institutionalizing the first week of
the year as the ‘National Time Consciousness Week’
President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into
law a consolidated bill setting the Philippine Standard Time (PST) and
institutionalizing the first week of the year as the "National Time
Consciousness Week."
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte
announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday that the
Chief Executive signed last May 15 Republic Act 10535 or "An Act to set
the Philippine Standard Time in All Official Sources throughout the country, to
provide funds for the installation, operation and maintenance of synchronized
time devices to be displayed in key public places and to declare the first week
of every year as National Time Consciousness Week."
The new law otherwise known as The Philippine
Standard Time (PST) Act of 2013 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3284 and
House Bill No. 164 that was passed by the Senate and the House of
Representatives on February 4, 2013.
The Act mandates all national and local
government offices to display Philippine Standard Time on their official time
devices, including bundy clocks, in accordance with the official time provided
by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) using its network time protocol.
All of these offices shall coordinate, at least
once a month, with the PAGASA to synchronize their official timepieces and
devices.
The PAGASA's Time Service Unit, in coordination
with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shall be tasked to
monitor, maintain and disseminate the PST throughout the country. The PAGASA
shall operate and maintain a timekeeping system to perform these functions and
shall endeavor to install and maintain sufficiently large and prominently
displayed synchronized time devices in all their field stations and in key
public places.
The procurement of equipment necessary for the
automatic dissemination of time with global positioning system (GPS) shall be
in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9184 (Government
Procurement Reform Act). The DOST shall be the procurement overseer of the said
equipment.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC)
will also require the participation of all government and private television
and radio stations to ensure synchronization of timekeeping devices even in the
most remote parts of the country.
Owners of private television and radio stations
who shall fail to calibrate and synchronize their time devices with the
Philippine Standard Time during their broadcast shall, upon hearing and due
proceedings, be penalized with a fine of not less than thirty thousand pesos
(P30,000) but not more than fifty thousand pesos (P50,000) in the first
offense. A subsequent offense will merit a revocation and cancellation of their
franchises to operate.
The fine to be collected as penalty for the
violation of this Act shall be deposited in the general fund of the National
Treasury.
The law also institutionalizes the first week of
the year as "National Time Consciousness Week."
The PAGASA, in coordination with the DOST, the
NTC, the Department of Transportation and Communications, the Department of
Interior and Local Government, the Department of National Defense, Department
of Health, the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), shall promulgate the necessary guidelines for the effective
implementation of the calibration and synchronization of the timekeeping
devices and implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act.
This Act shall take effect after 15 days from
its publication in the Official Gazette or in two 2 newspapers of general
circulation. PND (js)
