President Aquino administers oaths of office to
newly appointed government workers
President Aquino administered the oaths of
office to newly appointed government workers in ceremonies held in Malacanang
on Monday.
Leading the list of new government leaders was
Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel at the Office of the
President, who was accompanied by members of his family.
The others who took their oaths before the
President were Jose Reano, undersecretary at the Department of Agriculture;
Florita Villar, undersecretary at the Department of Social Welfare and
Development; Luz Cantor, undersecretary at the Department of Budget and
Management; Raul Aguilos, undersecretary at the Department of Energy; Mildred
Hermogenes, assistant secretary at the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal
Counsel;
Marguerite Therese Lucita-Tesoro, assistant
secretary also at the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel; Ma.
Caridad Manarang, assistant secretary at the Department of Finance; Paz
Benavidez II, assistant secretary at the Department of Agriculture; Ma. Chona
David Casis, assistant secretary at the DSWD; Jaime Fortunato Caringal, assistant
secretary at the Department of Transportation and Communication; Lino Dabi,
assistant secretary at the DOTC; Edwin Lopez, assistant secretary at the DOTC;
Alfonso Tan, Jr., assistant secretary at the
Land Transportation Office; Tina Rose Marie Canda, assistant secretary at the
Department of Budget and Management; Daniel Ariaso, Sr., assistant secretary at
the DOE; Kenneth Tanate, assistant director general at the National Economic
and Development Authority; John Philip Sevilla, Commissioner at the Bureau of
Cutoms; Siegfred Mison, Commissioner Bureau of Immigration; Emmanuel Dooc,
Commisssioner at the Insurance Commission; Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena,
Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard;
Agaton Teodoro Uvero, Deputy Commissioner of the
Assessment and Operations Coordinating Group of the Bureau of Customs; Jessie
Dellosa, Depputy Commissioner, Intelligence Group, Bureau of Customs; Ariel
Nepomuceno, Deputy Commissioner, Enforcement Group, Bureau of Customs; Cristino
Panlilio, member, Board of Directors, Philippine National Construction
Corporation; Rosanna Mojica Escareal-Velaso, member, Board of Directors, PNCC;
Elpidio Jamora, member, Board of Directors, PNCC; Tomas Falgui II, member, Board of Directors,
PNCC; and Leandro Gazmin, director, Department of Agriculture. PND (rck)
Palace to continue push for inclusive growth
regardless of survey results
Malacañang on Monday said it is undaunted by the
findings of a Pulse Asia survey showing 43 percent of Filipinos consider
themselves worse off in December 2013 compared to December 2012, adding it will
continue to work for inclusive growth.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said such
a perception is "understandable" because of the natural and manmade
calamities that hit the country in the last quarter of 2013.
"Like (President Benigno Aquino III) said,
these are perceptions and we recognize these perceptions (are) very
understandable in 2013. Tuloy ang trabaho namin, we will not be daunted by that
survey (As President Benigno Aquino III said, these are perceptions and we
recognize them. We will continue our work for inclusive growth, we will not be
daunted by that survey)," Lacierda said at a media briefing.
He was responding to questions surrounding the
survey of Pulse Asia conducted Dec. 8 to 15 last year.
In that survey, 43 percent of Filipinos said
they are worse off while 41 percent said their situation remained unchanged.
Only 15 percent said their quality of life improved.
Lacierda, however, maintained the President is
not governed by surveys and will continue to "do the right thing"
even if such a thing is unpopular. PND (jl)
Palace: Open data initiative shows Aquino admin
not keeping secrets from public
The setting up of a website that offers
"open data" is further proof that the Aquino administration is not
keeping secrets from the Filipino people, Malacañang said Monday.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the
executive branch is putting out all its data so the public can analyze them and
use them in solving their problems.
"We're not afraid of any secrets. We're
very open about it. This is an administration where you saw a number of data
coming out, the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) and DAP
(Disbursement Acceleration Program), all the national concerns, we never shied
away from disclosing what the public deserves to know," Lacierda said at a
media briefing.
But as for the Freedom of Information bill,
Lacierda said there may be concerns from the legislative branch that have to be
threshed out first.
He added President Benigno Aquino III has been
"circumspect" in using his powers, including the certification of
certain bills as urgent.
"Like Secretary (Herminio Jr.) Coloma (of
the Presidential Communications Operations Office) said, the President is
circumspect in his powers to declare a certain bill urgent," Lacierda
said.
Meanwhile, Lacierda appealed to hackers not to
attack the Open Data website, which he said is a step toward transparency.
"We would like to ask those who would like
to deface this Open Data Philippines, it is a step towards transparency and
accountability ... Sana huwag naman (We hope they won't attack it)," he
said. PND (jl)
President Aquino to lead the launching of Skyway
Stage 3 project and various events this week, Palace official says
President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead this
week the launching of the Skyway Stage 3 project in a bid to decongest traffic
in Metro Manila, a Palace official said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in
the regular press briefing that the Skyway Stage 3, a 14.8-kilometer
expressway, will connect the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to the North Luzon
Expressway (NLEX)
The skyway will stretch from Buendia (now known
as Senator Gil Puyat Avenue) , Makati City to Balintawak, Quezon City, Lacierda
said.
Expected to be completed in 2017, Lacierda said
the project is a tangible sign of the progress that can be attained when the
public and private sector work together. He said the Skyway Stage 3 will not
only benefit Metro Manila residents by decongesting traffic but will also
stimulate trade and travel throughout Luzon.
Lacierda said the President will also be the
guest of honor at the 65th anniversary of the Insurance Commission, and meet
with around 250 participants of the Winter Escapade of the Ambassadors, Consuls
General, and Tourism Directors Tour (ACGTDT) Philippine Country Team in Canada.
"These ACGTDT visits take place every year,
not only to give Filipinos and their families residing abroad the chance to
tour Metro Manila and other notable destinations, but also to foster a stronger
sense of nationalism," he stressed.
"The events of this week recall what
President Aquino said in his New Year’s message: “In the remaining chapters of
our term, we will not waste a single second; every meaningful contribution of
every Filipino will help us to win the fight to achieve true progress,” Lacierda
said.
The Aquino administration also encouraged all
Filipinos to take part in “One Nation in Prayer,” at 5 p.m. Monday in the
Malacañan Palace grounds.
The President will lead the Filipino people in
the holding of interfaith prayer in remembrance of the lives lost to the
tragedies of 2013.
"The President, together with survivors of
the Zamboanga Siege, Bohol earthquake, and Typhoon Yolanda, as well as
representatives of different faiths, government, and civil society, will lead
the interfaith prayer to draw the strength and determination our country needs
to press on and realize our shared aspirations, despite the challenges we have
surpassed and the challenges that remain," Lacierda said.
"We have every confidence that the
extraordinary spirit our country displayed in overcoming the challenges of 2013
will carry over to this year. The prayers we offer this afternoon will be
matched with the determination and hard work necessary for our hopes to be
fulfilled," Lacierda said.
"As we commemorate the tragedies and
challenges of the past, we do so with the firm resolve to do all we can for our
countrymen—not only to accelerate rebuilding and recovery in affected areas,
but also to spur meaningful, inclusive growth across the entire
archipelago," he said. PND (js)
President Aquino declares February 10 as special
non-working day in the City of Laoag in celebration of 'Pamulinawen' Festival
President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared
February 10, which falls on a Monday, as a special non-working day in the city
of Laoag, Ilocos Norte in celebration of the Pamulinawen Festival and the feast
of its patron saint William the Hermit.
The Chief Executive issued the proclamation by
virtue of Proclamation No. 704 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.
on January 8 to give the people of Laoag City the full opportunity to celebrate
and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.
The Pamulinawen Festival is the annual fiesta of
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte to honor St. William, the patron saint of Laoag. The
residents believe the patron saint intercedes to the Lord to save Laoag from
calamities.
The festival showcases the Ilocano culture in
dance and drama. PND (js)
President Aquino leads prayer for nation
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday led
Filipinos in prayer to honor the memory of those who died in natural and
manmade calamities last year, and to seek Divine Guidance in rebuilding
affected communities.
The President also led Filipinos at the “One
Nation in Prayer: Isang Bansa Isang Panalangin” at the Malacañan Palace grounds
in thanking God for the strength to withstand their loss and rebuild.
"Hindi po namin alam ang laman ng
kinabukasan. Gayumpaman, buong tiwala at pag-asa namin itong haharapin, dahil
alam naming anuman ang mangyari, ay naaayon sa Inyong mabuting plano. Alam
naming nagbubukal ito sa Inyong walang hanggang pagmamahal sa sangkatauhan.
Alam naming sa bawat unos, bibigkisin Mo kami, sa bawat pagkadapa, ibabangon Mo
kami, sa bawat pagkabigo, hahandugan Mo kami ng lakas at tatag ng loob. Hindi
man alam ang pangalan, hindi man kaano-ano, turuan Mo kaming magmahal nang
walang kondisyon o hinihinging kapalit. Tulungan Mo kaming patuloy na ibigin
maging ang mga nakalimot sa Inyong mga dakilang Kautusan (We may not know what
the future holds. But we will face the future with trust in You. We know You
will help us recover from every setback. Help us to love without condition and
follow your will)," he said.
The President also said no less than the
preamble of the 1987 Constitution had Filipinos implore the aid of Almighty God
to "build a just and humane society."
Also, he thanked God for guiding Filipinos and
helping them get through these successive tragedies.
"(M)apaluhod man ng trahedya, hindi
natitinag ang Pilipino. Hinangaan ng buong mundo ang pambihirang tatag ng loob,
tibay ng pagkakaisa, at lalim ng aming pananampalataya. Humugot kami ng lakas
sa pananalig sa Iyong pag-ibig at kalooban. Panatag naming hinaharap ang
anumang pagsubok, hindi kailanman sumusuko at nawawalan ng pag-asa, dahil alam
naming nariyan Kayo’t hindi nawawala sa aming tabi: gumagabay, nagbabantay; at
kasamang pumapasan sa mga suliranin (Tragedies may bring us to our knees but
they will not faze us. The world has admired the strength of Filipinos and
their faithfulness. We will face all challenges, we will not surrender and we
will not lose hope because we know You are there to guide and protect
us)," he said.
Monday's prayer was for Filipinos affected by
the failed siege of Zamboanga City by followers of Moro National Liberation
Front founding chairman Nur Misuari last September; a magnitude-7.2 quake that
devastated Central Visayas in October; and super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan),
which left more than 6,100 dead last November.
Survivors of last year's tragedies who attended
the event offered prayers in their respective tongues. They included:
Idris Lim, Zamboanga City siege; Dioscoro
Robles, Bohol quake; Rowena Borines, Typhoon Yolanda
Religous and civil leaders at the event
included:
Datu Cosme Lambayon, National Commission on
Indigenous Peoples;
Bishop Jonel Milan, Philippine Council of
Evangelical Churches (PCEC)-Hope of Glory Christian Church; Isaias Samson, Jr.,
Iglesia ni Cristo; Imam Ebra Moxsir, Muslims Manila, and Archbishop Luis
Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
Lambayon asked God to bless the nation and its
leaders, and asked for freedom from upcoming calamities.
Milan prayed for forgiveness for destroying
Mother Earth and for the protection of the Philippines.
Samson thanked God for giving the victims
inspiration with help from fellow Filipinos and the international community,
and sought protection from calamities.
Moxsir sought divine guidance for the country's
leaders.
Tagle asked God to help Filipinos face the
future and rebuild with hope.
Present at the event were Cabinet members,
survivors of last year's tragedies and members of business communities. PND
(jl)
President Aquino seeks deliverance from tropical
depression 'Agaton'
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday asked
God to spare Filipinos from the ill effects of the low-pressure area that was
formerly Tropical Depression "Agaton" (Lingling).
The President, who led the nation in a prayer
for Filipinos affected by last year's tragedies, said many Filipinos in
Mindanao are suffering from Agaton's floods and landslides.
"Marami rin po sa aming mga kababayan
ngayon sa Mindanao ang sinasalanta ng masamang panahon dulot ni Agaton. Nawa’y
humupa na ang mga pag-ulan at pagbaha sa mga apektadong lugar, upang hindi na
madagdagan pa ang pinsalang hatid nito (Many of our fellow Filipinos in
Mindanao are affected by bad weather conditions brought by Agaton. May the rain
and floods in the affected areas finally end, so they will no longer bring
added suffering)," he said.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council had said Agaton caused at least 40 deaths and millions of
pesos in damage to agriculture and infrastructure.
While Agaton had weakened into a low-pressure
area earlier Monday, authorities said there may still be moderate to heavy rain
and thunderstorms especially over Caraga and Northern Mindanao.
These rains may trigger flash floods and landslides,
the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration
said. PND (jl)
Palace: President Aquino asked Sen. Revilla to
make sure CJ impeachment vote is based on merit
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Sen. Ramon
Revilla Jr. in 2012 during the impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato
Corona, and recalls asking him to vote based on the merits of the evidence,
Malacañang said Monday.
In a media briefing, Presidential Communications
Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said the President
wanted to verify persistent reports that the senator-judges were being
pressured by some interest groups.
"The President met with Senator Revilla to
verify persistent reports that the senators were being pressured by interest
groups to influence the outcome of the impeachment trial, and he asked the
senator to decide on the basis of its merits. The senator said that he will do
what is right and he voted to convict then Chief Justice Corona," Coloma
said.
But Coloma also said the President deplored the
"unfair insinuation" made by Sen. Revilla against presidential sister
Maria Elena Aquino-Cruz and her husband Eldon.
He said the Czech ambassador already stated that
the Cruzes were "not in any way involved in the MRT project in which a
Czech firm was interested."
Meanwhile, Coloma reminded Revilla the main
issue is the proper use of Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations for
which the senator was accountable.
"It is his duty to start explaining to our
people how his PDAF allocation was actually spent," he added.
Coloma also said the President does not recall
telling Revilla "ibalato mo na lang sa akin ito," which supposedly
suggested the President asked Revilla to accommodate his wishes.
"Yun po ang naaalala ng Pangulo. Wala pong
salitang ‘ibalato mo na lang sa akin ito,’ wala pong ganoon (The President did
not recall asking Revilla for such a favor)," he said. PND (jl)
