Sunday 3 November 2013

PIA News Dispatch - Thursday, October 31, 2013

Aquino government joins the nation in grieving for the death of retired Justice Andres Narvasa, Palace says

The Aquino goverment extended its deepest sympathy and condolences with the family of retired Chief Justice Andres Narvasa who died on Thursday morning, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

"Kaisa natin ang buong sambayanan sa pakikidalamhati sa pamilya ng pumanaw na dating Supreme Court Chief Justice Andres Narvasa kaninang umaga. Nagbibigay pugay tayo sa kanyang matapat na paglilingkod sa bayan bilang mahistrado, manananggol, at Law dean," Coloma said in a statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.

Narvasa, the 19th Chief Justice, died at 6:05 a.m. Thursday. He was 84.

Narvasa was appointed as 112th Associate Justice of the Supreme Court by then President Corazon C. Aquino on April 11, 1986, Coloma said.

Aquino appointed Narvasa as the Chief Justice on December 8, 1991. He served as Chief Justice until his retirement on Nov 30, 1998.

He was also the general counsel of the Agrava Fact-finding Commission, which investigated the assassination of Senator Benigno Aquino Jr.

"Hinangaan ng buong bayan ang mahusay niyang pangangasiwa sa prosekusyon laban sa mga isinakdal hinggil sa assassination ni dating Senador Benigno ‘Ninoy’ Aquino, Jr. bilang general counsel ng Agrava fact-finding board na binuo upang siyasatin ang pagpaslang sa dating senador," Coloma said.

"Itinanghal din ang kanyang husay sa larangan ng akademiya bilang Dean ng University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Civil Law, kung saan siya nagtapos ng abogasiya noong 1951 magna cum laude, at pumangalawa sa pumasa sa bar examination ng taon ding 1951," Coloma said. PND (js)


President Aquino leads launch of PhilHealth benefit package for people with disabilities

President Benigno Aquino III led the launching of PhilHealth's benefit package for persons with disabilities particularly those with lost or deficient limbs in a ceremony at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang Palace, Thursday.

In his speech, the President commended the PhilHealth for its newly-launched Z-MORPH (Z Benefits Rate for Mobility, Orthosis, Rehabilitation, Prosthesis Help) benefit package that aims to provide assistance such as prosthetic legs and other health care services for individuals without lower limbs.

"Nalulugod din po tayong ipakilala ang Z-MORPH Prosthesis Benefit Package—ang kauna-unahang PhilHealth benefit package na nakatuon para sa mga kababayan nating kabilang sa sektor ng Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)," the President said in his speech.

The Z-MORPH benefit package covers initial fitting of external lower limb prosthesis at a package rate of P15,000 per limb or P30,000 for both limbs for the entire pre and post-prosthetic management of either the foot, symes and ankle or below knee levels of amputation.

The PhilHealth launched its historic Z Benefits Packages on June 21, 2012, to provide assistance to members with illnesses like prostate cancer, acute lymphocytic leukemia, breast cancer, kidney transplant, coronary artery bypass, total correction of Tetralogy of Fallot and closure of ventricular septal defect.

President Aquino also lauded PhilHealth’s complete shift from traditional Fee-for-Service (FFS) to case-based payment system for all compensable medical and surgical cases.

“Dahil mas mabilis at mas tiyak nang malalaman ng mga miyembro ang sasaguting gastusin ng PhilHealth, maiiwasan na ang posibilidad ng sobrang singil sa mga pasyente, at masusulit ang kanilang benepisyong-medikal,” President Aquino said.

The case-based payment system is accepted internationally and will now pay a pre-determined amount for all compensable treatments and procedures. It enables members to immediately know how much they are entitled to in terms of benefits for a specific disease whether in government or private hospitals.

Also present during the event were Health Secretary Enrique Ona, PhilHealth President and CEO Alexander Padilla. PND (jb)


Aquino lauds PhilHealth for its new benefit package to persons with lost or deficient limbs

President Benigno S. Aquino III lauded the PhilHealth for introducing new benefit package for persons with lost or deficient limbs in a bid to bridge the social barrier between mainstream society and the disabled.

In his speech during the launching of the Z-MORPH (Z Benefits Rate for Mobility, Orthosis, Rehabilitation, Prosthesis Help) benefit package in a ceremony at the Heroes Hall in Malacanang on Thursday, the Chief Executive thanked the PhilHealth and other stakeholders for introducing a benefit package that aims to benefit persons with lost or deficient limbs.

"Ang pakikilahok at pagdadamayan pa rin ng ating mga Boss ang pinakamabisang tugon tungo sa mas masiglang bansa," the President said.

The government’s mandate, as embodied in the PhilHealth program, is to create a safety net for all Filipinos, including persons with disabilities.

"Kung kwalipikado kang PhilHealth member o dependent, at nangangailangan ka ng lower limb prosthesis na mas mababa sa tuhod, maaari mo nang makuha ang serbisyong ito sa halagang 15 libong piso kada limb prosthesis. Ibig-sabihin: Kung nabaldado ka, o naputulan ng paa, ipakikita mo lang ang iyong PhilHealth card, at maaari mo nang makuha ang kinakailangang serbisyo-medikal," he said.

Institutions that have expertise and capability in providing services for limb prosthesis such as University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, and Philippine General Hospital, are already available to provide the Z-MORPH services for eligible PhilHealth members and qualified dependents.

Raissa Laurel-Subijano, a girl who lost both legs during the 2010 Bar examination bombing on Taft Avenue, was given a chance to speak during the ceremony. She recalled her ordeal of losing both her legs and how she was able to survive and to walk again using prosthetic legs.

“My first goal was to be able to stand again. That was the first time I tried using my prosthesis. I was successful because I was fitted with good quality prosthesis and I was really blessed because of the doctors and donors and the collaborative efforts of the UP-PGH, the UERM-MMCI, Philippine School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, in less than six months, I was out of my wheelchair, walking like nothing happened,” she related.

She lauded the PhilHealth, on behalf of persons with disabilities, for launching a benefit package that will provide good quality prosthesis for persons who lost their limbs to be able to restore their confidence and to live a normal life again. PND (jb)


Aquino government ready to help undocumented Filipinos in Saudi Arabia following November 3 deadline for fixing legal status

The Aquino government assured it is always prepared to extend assistance to undocumented Filipinos in Saudi Arabia after the oil-rich kingdom gave foreign workers until November 3 to obtain legal status in the country, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said.

"Puspusan po ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng ating pamahalaan sa Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) sa pamamagitan ng ating Department of Foreign Affairs. Nakikipag-ugnayan din po ang Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers Affairs, si Vice President Jejomar Binay," Coloma said during the regular press briefing in. Malacanang on Thursday.

Coloma said Vice President Binay, concurrent Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, had already sent a letter to Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to appeal that foreign workers be given another extension to correct their working status in the kingdom.

After the Nov. 3 deadline, the Saudi government is expected to crackdown on illegal foreign workers.

"Isa sa mga naisulong na petisyon ng ating pamahalaan at partikular na isinusulong ni Vice President Binay, sa ulat na ating natanggap in coordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs ay ‘yung representation of the request of our OFWs for possible extension ng deadline at kung pwede rin silang bigyan ng due consideration sa iba pang mga administrative aspects nitong issuance na ito ng KSA," Coloma said.

"Pinagtutulungan po ng lahat ng ahensya ng pamahalaan ‘yung pagtulong at pagsuporta sa ating mga kababayang hindi pa nailalagay sa ayos ang kanilang documentation sa Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Binibigyan po sila ng assistance ng Department of Foreign Affairs through our embassy in Riyadh," Coloma stressed.

The crackdown against illegal workers started on March 28 because of the kingdom’s Saudization policy or nitaqat which encourages the employment of Saudi nationals in private firms.

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah stopped the crackdown against illegal immigrants and foreign workers in April, giving them three months to fix their status.

He deferred the deadline from July 3 to November 3, the end of the Islamic year, in response to requests made by Saudi companies and employers, who reportedly cited the backlog in the processing of documents in certain offices. PND (js)


President Aquino inspects NAIA Terminal 3 in preparation for All Saints' Day break

President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday conducted inspection at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City to ensure that proper security measures are in place in the four-day long weekend for All Saints' and All Souls' days observance.
The NAIA Terminal 3 was the last stop of the President in his regular inspection of public transport stations to check security measures being implemented by concerned agencies.

President Aquino, along with Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Transportation Secretary Jun Abaya, Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad, and Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma, arrived at the NAIA Terminal 3 around 2:30 p.m. after inspecting the new Coastal bus terminal and new Manila North Harbour Port in Manila.

The Chief Executive was welcomed by NAIA General Manager Jose Angel Honrado, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Director General William Hotchkiss, and NAIA Terminal 3 Manager Octavio Lina.

President Aquino led the inspection of X-ray machines, check-in counters, restrooms, and other airport facilities.

At the departure area, he interacted with several passengers and checked their convenience while waiting for their flights, even allowing some to take pictures with him.

While inspecting, the President was briefed by Honrado on status of the volume of passengers who will be going home to their respective provinces for the observance of the holidays.

After the inspection, the President, together with his Cabinet men, dined in a burger restaurant where he ordered burger, french fries and softdrink.

President Aquino earlier directed all pertinent agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of the commuting public in the coming Undas weekend.

The PNP has already beefed up security and police visibility in public cemeteries as they expect a surge of people on November 1 and 2.

The Department of Transportation and Communications, meanwhile, came up with an OPLAN Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2013, a centralized plan to ensure access to convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, safe, and secure transportation in the holidays.

As part of this security and safety plan, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) has been tasked to conduct monitoring activities and has installed help desks at NAIA terminals to address passenger concerns and for faster flight status verification. The CAAP has also increased frequency of airworthiness inspections nationwide.

For traffic mitigation, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has deployed additional units to help ease the flow of traffic in the metro. PND (jb)


Aquino inspects major terminals in Metro Manila

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspected Thursday the North Port Passenger Terminal Complex in Manila and the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport System in Paranaque City to ensure safe and comfortable travel of people going to the provinces for the holidays.

The President first visited the new North Port Passenger Terminal Complex in Tondo, Manila, considered as the country’s most modern seaport passenger terminal complex today. President Aquino inspected the terminal’s security system and the passenger area.

The North Port terminal can handle two million passengers a year, twice the annual capacity of the old port terminal. The complex has facilities ensuring passenger safety, security, and comfort.

The Manila North Harbor is undergoing modernization, redeveloping the port facilities and introducing modern cargo handling equipment and IT facilities.

After inspecting the North Port terminal, the President proceeded to the Southwest Integrated Provincial Bus Terminal in Paranaque City.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chair Francis Tolentino briefed the President on the ongoing projects in the provincial bus terminal that operates 24-hours a day and dispatches 900 buses every day with approximately 54,000 passengers.

Bus routes include Nasugbu, and Calatagan in Batangas. For buses with routes in Cavite taking the Aguinaldo Highway destinations include Alfonso, Amadeo, Mendez, Tagaytay, Silang, Imus and Bacoor.

And for buses using CAVITEX, destinations include Cavite City, Ternate, Maragondon, Naic, Tanza, Tejeros and Kawit. PND (as)


President Aquino believes public vigilance is key to successful budget reforms, Palace says

President Benigno S. Aquino III believes that public vigilance is the key to successful budget reforms to curb corruption, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said on Thursday.

"Ultimate reform will come about because of a well-informed citizenry that will make decisions that will empower their communities and transform the nation," Coloma said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang.

President Aquino remains committed to pushing for greater budget transparency and participation in the country, Coloma continued.

Coloma said the Government continues to work towards better openness, according to the Communications Secretary, as well as public engagement in fund expenditure management.

In a nationwide televised address on Wednesday night, President Aquino said there were forces behind the campaign to misinform the public and misdirect them from the real issue: stealing.

"Kagabi, tuwirang nilinaw ng Pangulo ang mga usapin at isyu tungkol sa Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), at ang President’s Social Fund. Ang paggugol ng pondo ng bayan ay nagbunga ng mas masinop at mas epektibong paghahatid ng serbisyo at nagpabilis pa sa pagsulong at pag-angat ng ekonomiya," Coloma said.

The President believes the DAP will stand legal scrutiny because it is consistent with the 1987 Constitution, Coloma said.

"Binigyang-diin ng Pangulo na ang paggastos gamit ang DAP ay malinaw na nakasaad sa Kostitusyon at iba pang mga batas. Sa nakalipas na tatlong taon at limang buwan, puspusan ang pagbabago at reporma para magtatag ng mas mahusay at matibay na sistema ng gobyerno," Coloma said.

"Ang dinedepensa po ng Pangulo ay ang taumbayan. Sinabi po niya doon sa kanyang quotation from Archibald MacLeish: “Truth is the weapon against the enemies of democracry and freedom.” Ang katotohanan ang sandata ng bayan para labanan ang mga pwersang laban sa pagbabago. Ito po ang konteksto nito... truth as the weapon for the people’s advancement," Coloma stressed. PND (js)


President Aquino satisfied with preparations by concerned agencies for Undas 2013

President Benigno S. Aquino III is "satisfied" with the necessary preparations of the government agencies for the safe observance of Undas, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said in a statement.

President Aquino inspected Thursday afternoon three major terminals in Metro Manila to ensure the safe and convenient travel, as well as the security of the Filipinos during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The President checked the new North Port Passenger Terminal Complex at Manila north Harbor in Tondo, as well as the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport System in Paranaque City, and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

In a statement, Secretary Coloma said that President Aquino is satisfied with the preparation of the pertinent agencies for Undas, and that he also directed the concerned officials to observe “focused alertness.”

“Naging katanggap-tanggap kay Pangulo ang kaayusan sa mga transport terminal. Nasiyahan siya na komportable ang mga pasahero at masaya sila sa kanilang pagbibiyahe,” Coloma said.

“Nagbilin siya sa mga opisyal na obserbahan ang focused alertness hanggang matapos ang Undas,” the head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office added.

In an interview with the media, Transportation and Communications Secretary Jun Abaya said that the President is “generally satisfied” with the preparation of the concerned agencies.

“Generally, mukhang satisfied, otherwise you would see it in his face kung meron siyang nakikitang malaking pagkukulang. Mukhang okay naman ‘yung naging appreciation niya sa pagpre-prepare po natin,” Abaya said.

The DOTC launched OPLAN Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2013, a centralized plan to ensure access to convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, safe, and secure transportation that started during the 2013 Barangay Elections, and will continue until the All Saints/All Souls Day holidays.

Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas, meanwhile, told reporters that the Philippine National Police remains on full alert to ensure safe and peaceful Undas weekend.


“In general, naka-alert naman ang PNP hindi lamang dito sa mga ports and airports pero pati hanggang sa kalye at sa iba pang kinalalagyan nila; at wala naman tayong nakikita o natatanggap na specific item,” Roxas said. PND (co)