Palace assures public of government efforts to
ensure riding public's safety
Government agencies such as the Land
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Labor and
Employment will lead efforts to ensure the safety of the riding public,
especially in the wake of Monday's deadly bus accident at the Skyway.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
head Herminio Coloma Jr. said Tuesday the Aquino administration will prevent
irresponsible operators and reckless drivers from getting government permission
to operate unsafe vehicles.
"The Aquino administration has always
prioritized the safety of the riding public. The objective is to prevent
irresponsible operators and reckless drivers from obtaining government
permission to operate unsafe vehicles that place the lives of the riding public
at risk," Coloma said at a media briefing.
He said the LTFRB already suspended for 30 days
the entire 78-unit fleet of Don Mariano Transport Corp., whose bus was involved
in Monday's accident that killed at least 18 people.
Also, Coloma said the DOLE will closely monitor
the compliance by bus operators of occupational health and safety standards.
The DOLE had also imposed a two-tier wage system
where bus drivers and conductors are entitled to a minimum wage and a
performance-based pay.
Coloma noted the DOLE's department order compels
bus operators to secure a Labor Standards and Compliance Certificate as a
requirement for renewing their franchises.
Meanwhile, Coloma said the government will
observe the principles of enforcement, engineering and education in preventing
a repeat of the bus tragedy.
He said enforcement involves making sure people
follow speed limits in thoroughfares, while engineering involves the safe
design and safety features of roads, including closed-circuit television
cameras.
Education aims to heighten public awareness on
the need for road safety, he added. PND (jl)
Palace open to use of speed monitoring devices
for buses
Malacañang on Tuesday indicated it is open to
the use of speed monitoring or limiting devices on public utility vehicles like
buses, to prevent a repeat of Monday's deadly accident where a bus flew off the
Skyway and crashed into the service road below.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
head Herminio Coloma said such a monitoring device could benefit bus operators,
to ensure bus drivers do not overspeed.
"Puwede ito gamitin as a monitoring or
control device. It will also be for the benefit of bus operators. Pati ang
pagsunod ng drivers to proper speed limits will also affect the fuel efficiency
of their vehicles (Such devices could benefit bus operators, they can make sure
drivers observe speed limits while going at a speed that maintains fuel
economy)," Coloma said at a media briefing.
He also said the Palace will let lawmakers debate
the merits of such a move and pass the appropriate bill.
Coloma cited the case of the Seat Belt Law,
which was eventually passed and is now a requirement in public transportation.
On the other hand, Coloma said the government
would rather continue letting the private sector operate public transport as it
is more efficient.
The government's role would be limited to
regulating the operations of the private sector, he said.
"Kung maaring gampanan ang paglilingkod ng
private sector, mas mainam sila ang magsagawa nito with proper regulation from
the government to protect and promote public interest (If it is possible, we
would let the private sector take over the operations. It is better that the
private sector operate the companies, with proper regulation by the government
to protect and promote public interest)," he said. PND (jl)
DOLE to strictly enforce order compeling bus
operators to adhere to occupational health and safety standards
To ensure President Benigno S. Aquino III’s
directive of prioritizing the safety of the riding public, Malacanang announced
on Tuesday that the Department of Labor and Employment would closely monitor
bus operators applying or renewing their respective franchises with the Land
Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to comply with
occupational health and safety standards.
This after a bus of the Don Mariano Transit
Corporation figured in an accident at the Skyway in Paranaque City on Tuesday
that resulted in its falling off the elevated highway and landing on a van
below. The mishap resulted in 18 deaths.
In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said that by
monitoring the implementation of DOLE Department Order No. 118-12 entitled
Rules and Regulations governing the employment and working conditions of
drivers and conductors in the public utility bus transport industry will
“compel bus operators to secure a labor standards certificate as a mandatory
requirement before they could apply or renew their franchise with the LTFRB.”
“The objective is to prevent irresponsible
operators and reckless drivers from obtaining government permission to operate
unsafe vehicles that place the lives of the riding public at risk,” Coloma
said. PND (rck)
Palace: Kerry visit a chance for Phl, US to
broaden cooperation on various issues
The visit of United States Secretary of State
John Kerry to the Philippines should be a chance for the Philippines and US to
broaden cooperation on various fronts, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said these fronts include economic and
security cooperation, people-to-people ties and humanitarian assistance and
disaster response and cooperation.
"As stated by (Foreign Affairs) Secretary
Albert del Rosario, the visit of Secretary John Kerry presents an opportunity
for the two countries to discuss the broadening of economic and security
cooperation, strengthening of people-to-people ties and humanitarian assistance
and disaster response and cooperation on regional issues," Coloma said at
a media briefing.
Kerry arrived in the Philippines Tuesday morning
and is expected to meet with President Benigno S. Aquino III in the evening.
Meanwhile, Coloma said the reported announcement
by Kerry that the US will boost maritime security assistance to the countries
of Southeast Asia amid rising tensions with Beijing is consistent with the
country’s stand to defend freedom of navigation and freedom of aviation and
flight.
He said the Philippines joined the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations and Japan in last weekend's ASEAN-Japan
Commemorative Summit in stressing the importance of freedom of navigation in
the seas and freedom of flight.
Earlier reports indicated Kerry pledged an added
$32.5 million for ASEAN members to protect their territorial waters and
navigational freedom in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Kerry arrived in Manila Tuesday afternoon for a
two-day official visit to the Philippines.
Welcoming him at the Ninoy Aquino International
Airport Balagbag Ramp were Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr.
and officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Upon arrival, Kerry proceeded to the Manila
American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio. He is to meet with DFA
Secretary Albert del Rosario in the afternoon.
In the evening, he will pay a courtesy call on
President Benigno S. Aquino III at Malacañan Palace. President Aquino will then
host a dinner for him.
On Wednesday, Kerry will visit Tacloban City,
one of the areas hit hard by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), and meet people
affected by the typhoon and those involved in relief efforts. PND (jl)
Palace: President Aquino to meet with visiting
UN Secretary General
President Benigno S. Aquino III will meet with
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who will visit the Philippines
later this week, Malacañang said Tuesday.
In a media briefing, Presidential Communications
Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the meeting will
take place before the UN official flies to Tacloban City.
"Ang alam ko, magkakaroon sila ng meeting,
after which the UN Secretary General will proceed to Tacloban (From what I
know, they will have a meeting, after which the UN Secretary General will
proceed to Tacloban)," Coloma said.
Tacloban City is one of the areas hit hardest by
super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) when it devastated Visayas and Southern Luzon
last Nov. 8.
Yolanda left more than 6,000 dead in its wake.
Coloma said the UN Secretary General is expected
to assess the damage caused by the calamity. PND (jl)
Taclobanons hold a candle-lighting rite to pay
tribute to Yolanda victims
(TACLOBAN CITY) Taclobanons held on Tuesday a
candle-lighting ceremony that covered the 10-kilometer main road of the city to
commemorate the 40th day of the people who perished due to super typhoon
“Yolanda” (Haiyan).
The "One Tacloban,” in coordination with
the Department of Tourism, spearheaded the activities to mark the final day of
mourning.
After holding the communal prayers, Tacloban
residents and visitors held the candle lighting ceremony along the main road
stretching from the Speaker Daniel Z. Romouldez Airport to downtown up to
Anibong District.
Some 1, 200 colored candles were placed 10
meters apart at the right side of the 10- kilometer main road from 4 p.m. until
7 p.m. Tuesday.
Filipino Catholic family members, relatives, and
friends usually gather on the 40th day after death of the departed loveone for
the holding of a solemn rite called "Patapos or Pacuarenta."
It is the belief that the souls leave the earth
for heaven on the 40th day after death.
The organizers requested everyone to wear white
clothes to mark this solemn occasion. PND (js)
Government assures Yolanda victims of enough
food for Christmas
The government on Tuesday reassured victims of
super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) they will have enough food assistance from the
government at least until Christmas.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said President Benigno S. Aquino III's
priority for the victims is still to make sure they have enough food.
"Patuloy ang daloy ng relief goods sa
kanila ... Sa pagkaroon ng sapat na pagkain, determinado ang pamahalaan na
siguraduhing may sapat silang pagsasaluhan sa Pasko (The distribution of relief
goods to them will continue. As far as food security is concerned, the
government is determined to ensure they have enough to eat at Christmas),"
Coloma said at a media briefing.
Several families remain displaced in the wake of
Yolanda, which devastated Visayas and Southern Luzon last November and left
more than 6,000 dead.
Coloma said the families, especially those in
severely affected areas, will continue to receive food packs.
"Hindi natitinag ang commitment na ito
(That commitment of the President has not waned)," he said. PND (jl)
Palace reassures: No politics in going after
Yolanda rehab profiteers
Malacañang on Tuesday reassured the public there
will be no politics in going after those seeking to make a profit from the
rehabilitation work in the wake of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Presidential Communications Operations Office
Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said rehabilitation czar Panfilo Lacson
has coordinated with the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the
Philippine National Police he once headed.
"Si Sec. Lacson ay kumilos na sa kanyang
obserbasyon at sinabi niya sa kanytang pahayag na siya ay nakipagugnayan sa law
enforcement agencies. Dahil sa lugar na pinuntahan niya may PNP kung saan siya
dating hepe, siya mismo ang nakipagugnayan sa law enforcement agency (Sec.
Lacson is acting on his observations and is working with law enforcement
agencies, including the PNP that he once headed)," Coloma said at a media
briefing.
He added it is clear that all the government's
actions on rehabilitation and reconstruction do not take politics into
consideration
Last weekend, Lacson disclosed some parties are
out to make a profit in the rehabilitation efforts. He said he has asked the
appropriate government agencies to look into such activities.
For his part, Coloma stressed the government's
focus is to help communities recover from the destruction brought by Yolanda.
Yolanda left more than 6,000 dead after ravaging
the Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon last Nov. 8.
"Malinaw naman sa lahat na kilos ng
pamahalaan sa rehabilitation at reconstruction ng nasalantang lugar na walang
consideration diyan ang pulitika (It is clear from the government's actions
that there is no politics involved in the rehabilitation and reconstruction
work)," he said. PND (jl)
Palace: High remittances by OFWs good news for
them, economy
The high cash remittances from overseas Filipino
workers as of October is good news not only for the OFWs and their families but
for the economy as well, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Operations Office
head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the Palace hopes such high levels of remittances
can be maintained.
"Siyempre good news ito lalo sa pamilya ng
mga OFW natin. At good news din ito para sa ating buong ekonomiya (Of course
this is good news to the OFWs' families. And it is good news as well for our
economy)," he said at a media briefing.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas earlier reported
that cash remittances from OFWs so far this year totaled $18.54 billion.
For October alone, inflows went up to $2.1
billion, the highest monthly increase this year.
Coloma noted the remittances from OFWs make up a
significant part of the Philippines' Gross National Product.
"Batid natin ang remittances ng OFWs ay
malaking bahagi ng GNP. At sana magpatuloy pa ang pagtaas nito (We are aware
remittances by OFWs make up a big part of the GNP. We hope this will
continue)," he said. PND (jl)
US Secretary of State Kerry to discuss ongoing
relief efforts in Tacloban
(TACLOBAN CITY) United States (US) Secretary of
State John F. Kerry will visit the storm hit Tacloban City on Wednesday to
discuss with the Philippine officials and other stakeholders how the United
States can continue to contribute to the relief and reconstruction work here.
Kerry began on Tuesday his 2-day visit to the
Philippines. It was his first visit as US Secretary of State.
During his visit, Secretary Kerry will meet with
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del
Rosario.
"In Manila, the Secretary will meet with
senior Philippine officials to discuss ways to build on our already-strong
economic, security, and people-to-people relations," Jen Psaki, the
spokesperson for the United States Department of State, said in a statement
posted in the US Embassy Manila.
"Then, the Secretary will visit the
storm-hit city of Tacloban to witness first-hand the recovery efforts that are
taking place there and discuss how the United States can continue to contribute
to the relief and reconstruction work," Psaki said. PND (js)
Kerry visits Manila American Cemetery and
Memorial in Taguig City
Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry
visited the American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City after arriving
Tuesday for a two-day visit to the Philippines.
Kerry led the wreath-laying for American and
Filipino servicemen who perished during World War II in the Philippines and in
Asia.
American and Filipino forces fighting together
during the war made a strong bond between the two countries, Kerry said. The
Manila American Cemetery and Memorial is the biggest cemetery in the world for
Americans who died in World War II.
“That is a significant statement on how we stood
shoulder-to-shoulder in the wake of World War II and against tyranny,” Kerry
said during a meeting with local and American businessmen in Manila.
The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in the
Philippines occupies 152 acres on a prominent plateau. It contains the largest
number of graves of US military dead of World War II, a total of 17,201, most
of whom lost their lives in operations in New Guinea and the Philippines. PND
(as)
Kerry makes courtesy call on President Aquino
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday
evening made a courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Music
Room in Malacañan Palace.
Kerry had arrived in Manila Tuesday afternoon
for a two-day visit.
With him were US Ambassador to the Philippines
Philip Goldberg, US State Department Deputy Chief of Staff Jonathan Finer and
US State Department Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs
Daniel Russel.
On the Philippine side were Philippine
Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia Jr.; Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.
and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire
Gazmin.
Shortly after arriving in the Philippines, Kerry
went to the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Fort Bonifacio.
He then met with DFA Secretary del Rosario in
the afternoon.
On Wednesday, Kerry is to visit Tacloban City,
one of the areas hit hard by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). PND (jl)
Kerry thanks US companies who helped
typhoon-devastated communities in the Visayas
US Secretary of State John Kerry expressed his
gratitude to American companies that extended their assistance to
typhoon-devastated areas in the Visayas region after the onslaught of typhoon
“Yolanda”.
In his message during his meeting with American
and local businessmen in Manila Tuesday, Kerry said the generosity of those
companies sent an example of the American spirit in helping the needy during
times of distress.
He thanked Coca Cola for donating trucks for the
delivery of relief supplies, Procter & Gamble for partnering with Coca Cola
to make small stores operate again after the storm and for providing immediate
boost to the local economy.
Kerry also thanked FedEx for allocating space on
their planes for the delivery of supplies, and for donating $500,000 for the
agriculture sector of communities affected.
He said he also appreciated CitiBank’s donation
to the Philippine Red Cross immediately after the disaster. Citibank is set to
announce additional commitment for the Philippine Red Cross, he said.
He also thanked the American Chamber of Commerce
in the Philippines (AmCham) for directing donations to communities needing
help, he said.
“We are really grateful for all those kinds of
efforts. That is great corporate citizenship, global citizenship. And we are
proud that the United States of America and American citizens and corporations
reached out not just with their hearts and words but with their actions,” he
said.
Kerry is scheduled to go Tacloban City Wednesday
to personally see the ongoing reconstruction efforts there and assess if the US
government needs to extend additional assistance.
He said the American government and US companies
helping the Philippines is a symbol of how great the Philippines-US partnership
is. PND (as)
