President Aquino cites importance of
collaboration between government and entrepreneurs to achieve economic progress
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the
importance of the collaboration between the government and entrepreneurs to
explore avenues in expanding the potential of franchising in a bid to achieve
economic progress.
"The world’s economic spotlight now focuses
squarely on Asia, and the Philippines is among those at the forefront of this
period of promise," the Chief Executive said in his message to the
delegates and participants of Franchise Asia Philippines 2013.
Organized by the Philippine Franchise
Association (PFA), this year's event features a two-day international franchise
conference on July 17-18 which will highlight the latest trends and
developments in international franchising; three-day international franchise
expo on July 19-21; franchise educational seminars on July 19-21; and, the
Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) program on July 15-16.
With its theme “Asia to the World, The World to
Asia: Driving Growth to a Philippine Tiger Economy," Franchise Asia
Philippines 2013 continues to provide the platform that showcases the best of
Asian brands and provides the gateway for international brands to enter the
Asean market.
"Our emergent markets and recognition from
respected financial ratings services resonate this optimism, which consequently
open up opportunities for our people. May we be able to explore some of these
avenues through your gathering, as our entrepreneurs unite to expand the
potential of franchising," the President said.
President Aquino expressed confidence that the
industry will continue to thrive under the leadership of the Philippine
Franchise Association and drive revitalization in our communities.
"You, our aspiring development partners,
can help propel their initiatives by availing yourselves of the viable
investments in the field. Let this gathering galvanize you to work in unison,
nourishing the success of our homegrown enterprises and forging a more dynamic
and competitive business landscape," he noted.
"Integrity and solidarity are the twin
engines of our resurgent economy. I urge you to fuel these catalysts of reform
with us, as we strengthen our nation’s capacity to attain equitable, lasting
progress. May you have an innovative, empowering convention," he said. PND
(js)
Malacanang to confer with National Commission
for Culture and the Arts on the voiding by the Supreme Court of the 2009
National Artists awards on 4 awardees
Malacanang will confer with the National
Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on the recent ruling by the Supreme
Court invalidating the National Artist title awarded to four awardees in 2009.
Voting 12-1-2—with Associate Justice Arturo
Brion on medical leave and Associate Justices Mariano del Castillo and Marvic
Leonen abstaining, the SC ruled that former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
had committed grave abuse of discretion when she ordered the granting of the
prestigious National Artist Award to Cecile Guidote-Alvarez for Theater; Carlo
J. Caparas for Visual Arts and Film; Francisco Mañosa for Architecture; and
Jose “Pitoy” Moreno for Fashion Design.
The High Court, in its ruling on Tuesday (July
16) said that the former President gave "preferential treatment" to
the four and disregarded rules of the National Commission on Culture and Arts
(NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in selecting the
awardees, thus prompting the SC to void Proclamation Nos. 1826, 1827, 1828, and
1829 Arroyo issued in 2009.
In a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday,
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said they are awaiting the NCCA to
conduct its processes and the submission of its final deliberations on the
issue.
“The reason why there is an issue on that
particular award is because of the action taken by the former President. So
there is a process. There is a way of bringing it up to the Palace but I am not
privy or we will ask the body concerned, I think it’s the NCCA. The NCCA are
the ones who will recommend the National Artist nominees,” Lacierda said. PND
(rck)
Aquino appoints new officials in government
President Benigno S. Aquino III has appointed
new officials in various government agencies, a Palace official said.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda
announced the appointments during the regular press briefing in Malacañang on
Wednesday.
Lacierda said the Chief Executive signed on July
11 the appointment letter of former Land Transportation Franchising and
Regulatory Board Chairman Nelson Peña Laluces as Deputy Director General of the
Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines which is under the Department
of Trade and Industry.
Laluces replaced Andrew Michael S. Ong. His term
of office will expire on December 31, 2017.
Laluces had worked as partner in Ligon Solis
Mejia Florendo Law Firm since January this year until his appointment.
He also worked as partner in Rodriguez Laluces
Ecarma & Diaz Law Offices from November 2011 to October 2012 and 2000 to
September 2010. He was also the LTFRB Chairman from September 2010 until
September 2011 and held posts in the Department of Tourism from 1995 to 2000.
President Aquino also appointed last July 11 Dr.
Ray D. Roderos as Assistant Director General of the National Security Council,
replacing Fernando L. Mesa. His term of office is co-terminus with the
appointing authority.
A graduate of Philippine Military Academy (batch
1975), he held several positions in the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The President, likewise, appointed Romeo F.
Fajardo and Honorato S. delos Reyes as Acting Director III and Acting Director
II, respectively, of the Office of Civil Defense under the Department of
National Defense. PND (js)
