President Aquino welcomes Indonesian Special
Envoy to Malacanang
President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed
Indonesian Presidential Special Adviser and Envoy His Excellency TB Silalahi
who called on him in Malacanang on Thursday.
Joining Silalahi were Indonesian Minister for
State-Owned Enterprises Dahlan Iskan and Indonesian Ambassador to the
Philippines Yohanes Kristiato Soeryo Legowa.
Joining the President in welcoming the
Indonesian visitors were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary
Gregory Domingo and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia.
The further strengthening of bilateral ties
between the Philippines and Indonesia in the fields of investments and energy,
particularly geothermal production, is expected to be discussed. PND (rck)
President Aquino signs into law a consolidated
bill that will strengthen the Bureau of Corrections and safeguard the basic
rights of prisoners
President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into
law a consolidated bill aimed at strengthening the Bureau of Corrections
(BuCor) in a bid to promote the general welfare and safeguard the basic rights
of prisoners.
The Chief Executive signed on May 24 the
Republic Act No. 10575 (An Act Strengthening the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor)
and Providing Funds Therefore) otherwise known as “The Bureau of Corrections
Act of 2013″.
The law is a consolidation of House Bill 6887
and Senate Bill 3335 that were passed by the House of Representatives and the
Senate on February 5, 2013 and February 6, 2013, respectively.
President Aquino said it is the policy of the
State to promote the general welfare and safeguard the basic rights of every
prisoner incarcerated in the country's national penitentiary.
The State also recognizes its responsibility to
strengthen government capability aimed towards the institutionalization of
highly efficient and competent correctional services, the President said.
The law seeks to modernize, professionalize and
restructure the BuCor by upgrading its facilities, increasing the number of its
personnel, upgrading the level of qualifications of their personnel and
standardizing their base pay, retirement and other benefits, making it at par
with that of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).
Under the law, the BuCor shall be in charge of
safekeeping and instituting reformation programs to national inmates sentenced
to more than three (3) years.
The safekeeping of inmates shall include decent
provision of quarters, food, water and clothing in compliance with established
United Nations standards. The security of the inmates shall be undertaken by
the Custodial Force consisting of Corrections Officers with a ranking system
and salary grades similar to its counterpart in the BJMP.
The reformation programs, which will be
instituted by the BuCor for the inmates, shall include Moral and Spiritual Program,
Education and Training Program, Work and Livelihood Program, Sports and
Recreation Program, Health and Welfare Program; and Behavior Modification
Program, to include Therapeutic Community.
The BuCor director and deputy directors shall
serve a tour of duty not exceeding six years from the date of appointment.
The BuCor, which operates with a directorial
structure, shall be responsible for the conduct of classification of each and
every inmate admitted to the BuCor.
"Aside from those borne of the provisions
under Rule 8, Part I, Rules of General Application of the United Nations
Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and that of the existing
regulation of the BuCor on security classification (i.e. maximum, medium and
minimum security risk), inmates shall also be internally classified by the DRD
and segregated according to crimes committed based on the related penal codes
such as Crimes Against Persons, Crimes Against Properties, Crimes Against
Chastity, so on and so forth, as well as by other related Special Laws, Custom
and Immigration Laws," the President said.
The BuCor shall employ full computerization in
the build-up, maintenance and transmittal of necessary inmate records to all
its Prison and Penal Farms and other recipient agencies.
The BuCor shall maintain a custodial
personnel-to-inmate ratio of 1:7 and reformation personnel to inmate ratio of
1:24.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM)
shall rationalize the existing organizational structure and staffing pattern of
the BuCor in accordance with the provisions of this Act and relevant
compensation and position classification laws, rules and regulations.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) shall design and
establish a professionalization and qualifications upgrading program for
personnel of the BuCor, in coordination with the Civil Service Commission (CSC)
and the Commission on Higher Education, through an off-campus education program
or other similar programs within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this
Act.
The law seeks to establish attrition system for
the personnel of the BuCor within five (5) years from the effectivity of this
Act. Within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act, the BuCor shall
establish a system of promotion for the personnel of the BuCor.
The law also provides for the establishment of a
performance evaluation system which shall be administered in accordance with
the rules, regulations and standards, and a code of conduct for the personnel
of the BuCor to be promulgated by the BuCor through the DOJ.
The funds required for the implementation of
this Act including personnel benefits shall be taken from the budget of the
BuCor for the current fiscal year and also from the collections from clearances
and certification fees, income from institutional projects subject to memoranda
of agreements (MOAs), contracts or joint venture agreements; and other
miscellaneous incomes (outside MOAs and contracts), such as penal farm
agro-production and inmate handicraft industry.
Such amounts as may be necessary to implement
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Under the law, the implementation of this Act
shall be undertaken in staggered phases, but not to exceed five (5) years,
taking into consideration the financial position of the national government:
Provided, That any partial implementation shall be uniform and proportionate
for all ranks.
The DOJ, in coordination with the BuCor, the
CSC, the DBM and the Department of Finance (DOF), shall, within ninety (90)
days from the effectivity of this Act, promulgate the rules and regulations
necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.
The BuCor, through the DOJ and the DBM, shall
jointly submit to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives an annual report on the implementation of this Act.
This Act shall take effect 15 days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least 2 newspapers of
general circulation, whichever comes earlier. PND (js)
President Aquino declares June 11 as special
non-working day in Sagay, Negros Occidental in celebration of its 17th Charter
Day
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared
June 11, which falls on a Tuesday, as a special (non-working day) in the city
of Sagay in the province of Negros Occidental in celebration of its 17th
Charter Day.
The Chief Executive issued the declaration
through Proclamation No. 584 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.
on May 28, to give the people of Sagay the full opportunity to celebrate and
participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.
On June 11, 1996, the municipality of Sagay was
converted into a city by virtue of Republic Act 8192. PND (js)
Aquino adminstration welcomes report that
Philippine economy expanded to 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013
The Aquino administration welcomed reports that
the Philippine economy, as measured by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
expanded by 7.8 percent in the first quarter of 2013, assuring that it remains
focused on fostering inclusive growth.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail F.
Valte issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on
Thursday after the National Statistics Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that
the Philippines’ GDP grew by 7.8 percent—the highest quarterly growth rate
posted under the Aquino administration.
Valte said that the GDP figure is also the
highest in a non-presidential election year since 1988.
"Based on initial readings, our economy
outperformed that of all Asian economies in terms of first quarter growth,
including China, which grew by 7.7 percent, Indonesia, which grew by 6.0
percent, and Malaysia, which grew by 4.1 percent. These results surpassed
almost all market expectations," Valte said.
"Growth was felt in almost all sectors,
most notably in local manufacturing, which grew by 9.7 percent. The
continuation of government public expenditures was also key, increasing by 13.2
percent. This was helped by the growth in government spending in public
construction, which expanded by 45.6 percent. By expenditure, capital formation
likewise grew by 47.7 percent," she said.
Valte said the business confidence and consumer
optimism fuelled the GDP growth.
"Without doubt, the confidence of both
investors and consumers remains strong, as economic activity accelerates even
in an uncertain global economic climate," she stressed.
Since the Aquino administration took office, the
government has been working to drastically expand social safety nets to help
the most vulnerable sector in country.
"Most noteworthy is the four-fold increase
in the budget of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, which to date has
helped more than 3.9 million Filipino households. The recent election results
show that the public has confidence in the President, and agrees with the
direction the country is going," Valte said.
The Aquino administration will continue to
promote and expand policies that lead to a Philippines where no one is left
behind, Valte said. PND (js)
Coloma inducts FAMAS officers, trustees
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. of the
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) inducted into office in
Malacanang on Thursday the newly elected officers and trustees of the Filipino
Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS).
The inductees were Angelo “Eloy” Padua,
president; Alice H. Reyes, first vice president; Efren Montano, second vice
president; Francia Conrado, secretary; Dennis Aguilar, treasurer; Tita Arcilla,
auditor; Art Tapalla and Elvira Gonzalez, PROs; Brian Lu, marshal.
The trustees who took their oaths were Teresita
A. Tan, Wilberto Villamin, Saturnino Sofranes, Juan Asuncion, Clesencio
Rambaud, Jun Velasco, Nerio Jedeliz, Edgar Godin and Richel Dorotan.
Also inducted were appointees Fernan B. Reyes,
consultant and Christian Villasis, Felicito Cervantes and Noli Cabrera, legal
counsels.
Currently in its 61st year, FAMAS is the oldest
existing film industry award-giving body in the Philippines and one of the
oldest in Asia.
The FAMAS Awards are the annual honors given by the
FAMAS which is composed of prize-winning writers and movie columnists, for
achievements in the Philippine film industry for a calendar year.
The FAMAS Award is one of the highly
distinguished film award bodies in the country. Other award-giving bodies
include the Luna Awards (Film Academy), the Gawad Urian Awards of the Manunuri
ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Filipino Film Critics), and the Star Awards for Movies
and Television by the Philippine Movie Press Club. PND (as)
Aquino signs anti-drunk driving law
President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law
on May 27 Republic Act 10586 or the Act Penalizing Persons Driving Under the
Influence of Alcohol, Dangerous Drugs, and Other Similar Substances to protect
the public’s road safety from the ill-effect of these substances, a Palace
announced on Thursday.
The new law mandates driver’s education to all
getting licenses or renewing their licenses, Deputy Presidential spokesperson
Abigail Valte said in the press conference in Malacanang Thursday.
The driver’s education should now include the
course on the information relative to safe driving, including the consequences
of driving or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of the those
substances, she said.
Under the new law, law enforcement agencies are
empowered to conduct field sobriety, chemical, and confirmatory tests, Valte
said.
A law enforcer, suspecting a driver to be
driving under the influence may pull him over and could ask to undertake a
sobriety test. Suspected individuals may be subjected to a breathalyzer to
determine the alcoholic content in their system.
The law also mandates mandatory alcohol and
chemical testing of drivers involved in motor vehicular accidents, whether it
resulted in death or in physical injuries.
The law also calls for corollary acquisition of
equipment to enforce the particular policy.
Violation resulting to physical injuries or
death carries a penalty of three-month imprisonment and a fine ranging from
P20,000 to P80,000, Valte said.
Stiffer fines are imposed against offenders that
caused physical injury, Valte explained. The fine goes up to P100,000 to
P200,000 and also longer jail time.
If the violation involves homicide, the fine
goes up to P300,000 to P500,000 as well as imprisonment.
With the approval of the law, the Philippine
Information Agency, the Land Transportation Office, and the local government
units are mandated to conduct a nationwide information campaign for the effects
and the parameters of the new law.
The law will take effect 15 days after
publication either in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of general
circulation.
To protect the public from unscrupulous law
enforcers who may take advantage of the implementation of the new law, Valte
encouraged the public to report any abuse or wrongdoing by law enforcers.
“You can always report any law enforcement
officer that will—abuse this particular new law. The grievance mechanisms are
in place and we do encourage the reporting of law enforcement officers who may
want to take advantage of this new particular law,” she said.
Law enforcers will undergo training for the
implementation of the new policy and money will be available to government
agencies in purchasing equipment for the implementation of the law. PND (as)
President Aquino signs into law a consolidated
bill amending the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003
President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into
law a consolidated bill amending the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003,
allowing more overseas Filipinos worldwide to cast their votes in Philippine
elections
The Chief Executive signed last May 27 the
Republic Act 10590 (An Act Amending Republic Act 9189, Entitled "An Act
Providing for a System of Overseas Absentee Voting by Qualified Citizens of the
Philippines Abroad, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes.")
The Act otherwise known as "The Overseas
Voting Act of 2013” is a consolidation of Senate Bill 3312 and House Bill 6542.
The Senate and the House of Representatives
passed the consolidated measure on February 5, 2013 and February 6, 2013,
respectively.
The amendment to Republic Act 9189 will provide
easier access to overseas Filipinos through field and mobile registration
centers.
Under the law, Overseas Filipino voters may file
their application personally at any post abroad or at designated registration
centers outside the post or in the Philippines, as approved by the Commission
on Elections (Comelec).
All applicants shall submit themselves for live
capture of their biometrics while the Comelec shall issue an overseas voter
identification card to qualified voters.
With the passage of the law, overseas Filipino
voters, who are not disqualified by law and at least 18 years of age on the day
of elections, may be allowed to cast their votes not only in presidential and
midterm elections, but in all national referenda and plebiscites as well.
The new law allows those who have reacquired or
retained their Philippine citizenship under Republic Act 9225, otherwise known
as the Citizenship Retention and Reacquisition Act of 2003 to cast their votes.
Qualified Philippine citizens abroad who have
previously registered as voters pursuant to Republic Act No. 8189, otherwise
known as the Voter’s Registration Act of 1996, shall apply for certification as
overseas voters and for inclusion in the National Registry of Overseas Voters
(NROV.)
In case of approval, the Election Officer
concerned shall annotate the fact of registration/certification as overseas
voter before the voter’s name as appearing in the certified voters’ list and in
the voter’s registration records.
The law allows the creation of a Resident
Election Registration Board (RERB) to be posted abroad. The RERB will have the
power to approve, disapprove, deactivate, reactivate and/or cancel registration
records.
The RERB in the Office for Overseas Voting
(OFOV) shall be based in the main office of the Comelec and shall be composed
of a senior official of the Commission as the Chairperson and one (1) member
each from the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Labor and
Employment, whose rank shall not be lower than a division chief or its
equivalent.
No member of the RERB shall be related to each
other or to an incumbent President, Vice-President, Senator or Member of the
House of Representatives representing the party-list system of representation,
within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.
The Comelec shall maintain a National Registry
of Overseas Voters or NROV containing the names of registered overseas voters
and the posts where they are registered.
"Likewise, the Comelec shall maintain a
registry of voters (ROV) per municipality, city or district containing the
names of registered overseas voters domiciled therein. The Commission shall
provide each and every municipality, city or district with a copy of their
respective ROVS for their reference,” the law stated.
The Comelec shall, through the posts cause the
publication in a newspaper of general circulation of the place, date and time
of the holding of a regular or special national election and the requirements
for the participation of qualified citizens of the Philippines abroad, at least
six (6) months before the date set for the filing of applications for
registration.
The law mandates Comelec to adopt more efficient
and reliable technology for onsite remote registration and elections.
The law authorizes the Comelec to establish an
Office for Overseas Voting (OFOV) tasked specifically to oversee and supervise
the effective implementation of the Overseas Voting Act.
It also establishes the Overseas Voting
Secretariat under the Department of Foreign Affairs to assist the OFOV, and to
direct, coordinate and oversee the participation of the DFA in the
implementation of the Overseas Voting Act.
The amount necessary to carry out the provisions
of this Act shall be included in the budgets of the Comelec and the DFA in the
annual General Appropriations Act.
The Comelec shall promulgate rules and
regulations for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this
Act within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this act.
This Act shall take effect 15 days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least 2 newspapers of general
circulation. PND (js)
Aquino signs laws creating additional courts
President Benigno S. Aquino III signed five laws
on May 24 creating additional courts in Pampanga, Rizal, Bohol, Cebu, Zamboanga
Sibugay, and North Cotabato.
The President signed Republic 10582 a law
creating six additional branches of the regional trial court in the third
judicial region in Angeles City in Pampanga, amending Batas Pambansa 129 or The
Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980.
The President also approved the Republic Act
10580 creating five additional branches of the regional trial court in the
fourth judicial region to be stationed in Morong, Rizal. The new law also
amends Batas Pambansa 129.
Also signed by the President is Republic Act
10579 that creates an additional branch of the regional trial court in the
seventh judicial region to be based in Talibon, Bohol.
Republic Act 10578 was also signed by the
President on May 24 creating two additional branches of the municipal trial
court in the cities and seven additional branches of the regional trial court
in the seventh judicial region stationed in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.
Also the President approved Republic Act 10577 a
law creating two additional branches of the regional trial court in the ninth
judicial region in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Republic Act 10576 was also signed by the
President to put up an additional branch of the regional trial court in the
12th judicial region in Kidapawan City in North Cotabato.
With the approval of the new laws, the Supreme
Court is expected to assign the branch number for the newly created branches of
the municipal and regional trial courts.
The law mandates the chief justice of the
Supreme Court, in coordination with the secretary of the Department of Justice
to immediately include in the court’s program the implementation of the new
laws.
The funding requirements for the creation of new
branches of trial courts will be included in the annual General Appropriations
Act.
The laws take effect 15 days after the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two newspapers of
general circulation. PND (as)
