President Aquino arrives in Malaysia for two-day
state visit
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S.
Aquino III arrived here for a two-day state visit. Philippine Airlines
chartered flight 001 carrying the President and his 57-member delegation
touched down at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 3:15 pm Thursday.
This is the President’s first state visit to
Malaysia since assuming office in 2010. The last Philippine leader to have made
a state visit in Malaysia was in 2001.
Accompanying the President were Foreign Affairs
Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary
Gregory Domingo, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential peace
adviser Teresita Deles, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary
Herminio Coloma Jr., Presidential Management Staff Chief Julia Abad, Mindanao
Development Authority Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, and Presidential Protocol
Chief Celia Anna Feria.
President Aquino is visiting Kuala Lumpur on the
invitation of Malaysia’s King or Supreme Head of State Tuanku Abdul Halim and
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
While in Malaysia, President Aquino will meet
King Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Prime Minister Razak, the Filipino community and
Malaysian businessmen.
The Palace said the government allocated P9
million for the President’s state visit to Malaysia. PND (as)
President Aquino inaugurates first Petron
service station built in Malaysia
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S.
Aquino III inaugurated Thursday the first service station built by Petron in
Malaysia since the company poured a huge amount of investment in the country
two years ago.
The Petron MRR2 Jalan Selayang station here in
Kuala Lumpur is the first station built by Petron following its investment of
$610 million in early 2012 to acquire 65 percent of publicly listed Petron
Malaysia Refining and Marketing Bhd, Petron Fuel International Sdn Bhd and
Petron Oil (M) Sdn Bhd.
These three companies comprise Petron Malaysia
which represents the single largest investment by a Philippine company.
Petron Malaysia is a subsidiary of Petron Corp.,
the largest oil refining and marketing company in the Philippines, which has
been operating for the past 80 years.
Ramon Ang, Petron’s chairman and CEO, said the
President’s visit inspires the company to create more value to its customers
and stakeholders while playing a major role in the energy needs of Malaysia.
Petron investments are expected to reach over $1
billion in the next few years especially with the upgrade of Port Dickinson
refinery and with the continuing expansion of its retail network.
Petron Malaysia has successfully completed the
re-imaging and upgrading of 300 out of 560 stations of Petron in Malaysia. The
company targets to complete the upgrade program by the end of this year.
Among the officials who accompanied the
President were Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary
Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene
Almendras, Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles, Presidential
Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Presidential
Management Staff Chief Julia Abad, and Mindanao Development Authority
Chairperson Luwalhati Antonino. PND (as)
President Aquino assures Filipinos in Malaysia
of continuing fight against corruption
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S.
Aquino III assured the Filipino community in Malaysia that his administration
will remain determined to fight graft and corruption to make the country a
better place for Filipinos.
During his message to the Filipino community at
a gathering held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel here, the President said
reforming the bureaucracy is continuing and his government will go after those
who have committed wrongdoings and abuses.
The Filipino community in Malaysia praised the
President for his firm stand against corruption and assured him of their
continuing support.
He also told Filipinos in Malaysia that the
Philippines improved a lot since his assumption to office in 2010. And despite
the recent calamities that hit the country, the Philippines posted a 7.2
percent GDP growth last year, one of the highest in Asia.
The government succeeded in creating more jobs
particularly in the business process outsourcing and semiconductor industry,
eliminated the backlog in classrooms and chairs and gave schoolchildren enough
books to use, he said.
And as the country reels from the devastation
caused by natural and man-made calamities last year, such as the quake in Bohol
and Cebu, the super typhoon "Yolanda" and the Zamboanga siege, the
good thing is that the government has money to rebuild hard-hit areas.
Many countries are also helping the Philippines
recover, he said adding he’s grateful about having Cabinet members who can
immediately provide solutions to different concerns.
In the long term, the goal is attaining
inclusive growth for Filipinos, he said. The government has increased the
number of families under its conditional cash transfer program to 4.4 million
this year from 3.9 million in 2013, the President added.
The country’s prospects for continuing economic
growth is also good, as the Philippines enters the “demographic sweet spot” or
having a large number of young work force contributing to the national economy.
Experts said these could continue for a few more decades.
The President also said that with the signing of
the agreement on the Bangsamoro, he wants the Mindanao region to be given an
opportunity to develop itself and in the long run, improve the living
conditions of the Muslim population in the south.
"Hindi ko magagawang mag-isa na ayusin
lahat ng problema ng Pilipinas. Pero habang naniniwala sa akin ang taumbayan,
sumasama sa akin ang aking mga boss, at tulung-tulong tayo sa direksyon na
tahakin ang tuwid na daan, oras lang ang pinag-uusapan bago natin maabot ang
gusto nating abutin,” he told the Filipino community.
Another good thing about the country today is
that Filipinos now have changing views about their country and fellowmen, he
said. He noted that more and more Filipinos are adopting the spirit of
volunteerism especially in the times of need and distress.
The Filipino community in Malaysia, during the
meeting with the President, donated more than P400,000 for the survivors of
Typhoon Yolanda.
“Malaki-laki na ang narating natin mula ‘nung
2010,” he said.
“Wala hong dahilan na ang susunod na salinlahi
daanan ‘yung problemang dinaanan natin na nagtulak sa atin sa kanya-kanya
nating tadhana ngayon. May obligasyon tayo at ginagawa na natin at gagawin pa
na ang ipapamana natin sa susunod na salinlahi ay ‘di hamak mas maganda kaysa
sa dinatnan natin.” PND (as)
Malaysian King, Prime Minister, receive
President Aquino at state welcome ceremony
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S.
Aquino III arrived at the Parliament House Friday morning here in Kuala Lumpur
for the state welcoming ceremony, the first event of his second day in
Malaysia.
The President was received by Malaysia’s king,
His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul
Razak.
He was given full military honors upon his
arrival and was also welcomed by other Malaysian officials.
After that, the President had a state drive with
His Majesty The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong to the Parliament House.
He and Prime Minister Najib met in a formal
meeting and proceeded a bilateral meeting with respective officials from the
two countries. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of agreements on
cultural and education cooperation.
They also issued a joint press statement on
various issues after their meeting. PND (as)
President Aquino, Prime Minister Razak agree to
cooperate on trade, defense and security
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) The Philippines and
Malaysia agreed on different areas of cooperation such as on commerce and trade
as well as defense and security.
In a press statement following his meeting with
President Benigno S. Aquino III, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said both
Malaysia and the Philippines could improve in terms of trade and investment.
“We must agree on this that once our bilateral
trade is at about $4.5 billion, but given the size of the Philippines, we
believe that the potential is far greater than that, and both our governments
agree that we should encourage the value and volume of bilateral trade to
increase, and President Aquino has brought a team of businessmen with him,”
Prime Minister Najib said.
The Malaysian leader said he believes that after
the President’s meeting with the Malaysian business community which is
scheduled Friday afternoon, the two nations could improve their bilateral
trade.
Also discussed during his bilateral meeting with
President Aquino was the matter of Islamic banking and finance, particularly
about the possibility of Malaysian companies participating in Islamic banking
in the Philippines.
Prime Minister Razak also expressed his
country’s readiness to train Filipinos in the field of Islamic banking and
finance in Malaysia. There is also a huge potential in terms of export products
to be promoted between the two countries, Razak added.
Aside from trade cooperation both leaders also
discussed security matters, underscoring the necessity of having closer
cooperation between their security forces, the military and the police.
Razak said he stressed during his meeting with
President Aquino the importance of timely exchange of intelligence as well as
ensuring high degree of deterrent.
The Philippines and Malaysia is also looking at
the possibility of establishing a hotline between their security forces to
immediately respond to any security incident or threat.
“We need to ensure immediate interdiction on our
Malaysian side as well as the Philippine side, so that is a very important
facet. Once we have peace and security, then trade and investment will flow in
the southern Philippines as well as in Sabah,” Razak said.
The Philippines and Malaysia reviewed the
aspects of their defense relations, particularly on training and education
exchanges between their armed forces and defense officials. The two countries
are also looking at continued joint training activities and intelligence
exchanges between them. PND (as)
President Aquino invites Prime Minister Razak to
come to Manila for the signing of Bangsamoro Peace Pact
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S.
Aquino III invited Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to come to the
Philippines for the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro at
the end of March this year. The peace talks between the government and Moro
Islamic Liberation Front was facilitated by Malaysia.
“The successful conclusion of the Mindanao peace
process finds root in the determination of both our peoples to strengthen the
foundations of peace and justice,” the President said in his press statement
after his meeting with the Malaysian leader.
“This makes possible the empowerment of all the
peoples of Mindanao. I look forward to welcoming Your Excellency in Manila for
the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.”
The President also said he believes Malaysia is
a reliable partner in pursuing the vision of a peaceful Mindanao, and the Asian
neighbor could further contribute to the development of the Land of Promise by
encouraging their businesses to invest in Mindanao.
The Filipino leader invited Malaysia to work
with Philippine companies to develop the Philippine palm oil industry, among
other sub-industries in agriculture.
“This is an area that aims to open more doors of
opportunity for growth for both our peoples,” he said.
The President also expressed his gratitude to
the people of Malaysia for helping the Philippines in the wake of typhoon
Yolanda that devastated the country late last year.
At the same time, President Aquino said he is
looking forward to seeing Prime Minister Razak in the 8th Philippines-Malaysia
Joint Commission Meeting, which will take place this year.
This meeting serves as an important opportunity
for the two countries to deepen their engagement by discussing bilateral
relations, and examining the progress of the initiatives they have forged so
far.
The President also announced the signing of
agreements on cultural and education cooperation which he said, will become the
foundation of even closer ties between Malaysia and the Philippines. PND (as)
Philippines gets Malaysia’s backing on peaceful
resolution of South China Sea dispute, says President Aquino
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) Malaysia has renewed
its support for the Philippines for the peaceful settlement of the dispute in
the South China Sea in which both countries are claimants to said territories.
“As brothers in ASEAN, our two nations believe
that the potential of our nations, and of our community, to prosper can only be
fully realized in an international context where rule of law is upheld,”
President Benigno S. Aquino III said in a statement he delivered after his
meeting with his Malaysian counterpart Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak at the
Prime Minister’s office here in Kuala Lumpur.
“The Prime Minister and I agreed on the peaceful
settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, in
accordance with the rule of law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of
the Sea (UNCLOS),” he added.
The two countries believe that adherence to the
rule of law, positive engagement and sincere dialogue are fundamental in
building a prosperous and peaceful Southeast Asia, President Aquino said.
Both the Philippines and Malaysia are claimants
to the contested territories. Other countries from the ASEAN seeking ownership
include Vietnam and Brunei. Non-ASEAN claimants are China and Taiwan.
The Philippines has elevated the territorial
dispute for international arbitration saying it has exhausted all diplomatic
means to resolve the issue peacefully. The move encountered strong objection
from China.
Other countries such as the US said it doesn’t
take sides but said its main interest is freedom of navigation in the area. It
is pushing for all parties to agree on a binding Code of Conduct in the South
China Sea to avoid miscalculations and lessen tensions. PND (as)
Department of Trade and Industry orders Meralco
to explain new billing statement
The Department of Trade and Industry, through
its Consumer Protection Group, has asked the Manila Electric Co. (MERALCO) to
explain to the public its latest billing statement, which caused confusion
among consumers, a Malacanang official said Friday.
On Thursday, the DTI-CPG summoned the executives
of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and MERALCO over the confusing
February billing statement, which included the power rate hike that was
temporarily stopped by the Supreme Court.
During a press briefing on Friday, Deputy
Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the DTI-CPG has asked MERALCO to
conduct information dissemination activities so as to avoid confusion among its
consumers.
“They had stated to MERALCO to conduct
information dissemination activities for consumers to understand the latest
billing statement it has issued in order to clarify the confusion among the
public as to the difference between the ‘amount due’, as well as the ‘total
amount due,’” Valte said.
“So it was clarified that the subscribers need
not pay the amount described as ‘deferred,’ pending resolution of the Supreme
Court TRO, and please pay in accordance with the SC TRO. So these amounts
apparently were included in the billing for purposes of being transparent to
its subscribers who are affected by the pending resolution of the Supreme
Court,” she added.
Valte also said that the DTI-CPG will be
monitoring the compliance of MERALCO on its commitment. She further said that
the ERC will continue its investigation on MERALCO, and has also asked the
power utility to explain in five days its new electric billing. PND (co)
President Aquino: Malaysia state visit could
improve Philippine Economy, develop Mindanao
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S.
Aquino III said that among the country’s gains in his two-day state visit here
in Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s reaffirmation of its assistance for Mindanao
peace, improvement in trade, and the creation of a banking and financial system
in Mindanao once a final peace pact is signed.
Malaysia has been helping the Philippines attain
peace in Mindanao for a decade, working as a facilitator in the talks, sending
monitoring teams, and other components of the peace process, the President said
in an interview Friday with Philippine media at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
In his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib
Abdul Razak, the Prime Minister noted that the two-way trade between the
Philippines and Malaysia is around $4.5 billion and has a lot of room for
improvement.
With the Philippines having a huge population,
with less than 100 million, increasing trade could benefit the Philippines and
its neighboring Asean countries such as Malaysia. And this should not happen
immediately, the President said quoting the Malaysian leader.
Malaysia, which has expertise in Islamic banking
is also willing to assist the Philippines put up Islamic banks in Mindanao once
a final peace agreement is forged.
“We have a state institution—financial
institution that should cater to the banking needs of our Muslim brothers,
which is called Al-Amanah. And what Al-Amanah has succeeded in doing from the
time it started was to basically exhaust the capital that was infused into it.”
“The MILF has been asking that it be turned over
to them, or we will actually sell them the entity, so that a new entity with
the necessary expertise will be able to service the banking needs in conformity
with the principles of Islam,” he said.
In his meeting with the business community here,
the President has also invited Malaysian businessmen to come to Mindanao and
invest. PND (as)
Private sector backing government solve energy
concerns
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) There are enough private
companies that are willing to help the government ensure steady supply of power
for the summer, the time consumption spikes due to increased energy demand,
President Benigno S. Aquino III said.
“The identified private entities that have
generating are, I understand, still willing to help ease that burden. Kaya lang
nga ‘yung plants, the baseload plants will be online starting 2015, especially
for Mindanao,” he told the members of the Philippine media in an interview at
the Mandarin Oriental Hotel here.
There is not much concern for the supply in
Luzon, and the Visayas, he said. Mindanao is much more of a concern because
hydroelectric power plants will easily be affected by El Nino.
The government he said had previously offered a
loan facility to set up generators that will use diesel to remedy the power
shortage, but when the rains came, investors lost interest, the President said.
But there are power generating companies who
remain committed to helping the government.
“If there are shortages, I understand, we are
already advanced in our discussions with the private entities that hold
generating capabilities,” he said.
The government is also using technology to
ensure a continued supply of electricity, according to the President. It also
has to work with private entities find new wells that could supply natural gas
to power electric generation facilities like the one being produced by
Malampaya.
Congressional intervention is also needed to
solve the country’s energy problems.
With the current laws, the government can’t
engage in power generation and retail, he said.
“Parang sinasabi yata hindi na natin gagamitin
‘yung Malampaya fund. That is why there is this law that will correct the
Presidential Decree that governs how to utilize the Malampaya funds,” he said.
“There is a bill pending in Congress right
now—in the Senate in particular—filed by Senator (Antonio) Trillanes that will
authorize us to use the Malampaya funds, for instance, to go into repairing the
grid and the transmission lines.” PND (as)
President Aquino invites Malaysian businessmen
to invest in the Philippines
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) President Benigno S. Aquino
III invited Malaysian businessmen to come to the Philippines and invest noting
they must seize the opportunity in a country with tremendous growth.
The President said in a business forum with
Malaysian investors at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel here that it is foresight
and oversight in planning that allowed his administration to move beyond
short-term gains and keep its eye on the long-term agenda for the country.
He said he expects the firm foundations of today
lead to permanent change that allows more and more Filipinos and foreign
partners, to harness the natural advantages of the Philippines.
“This is why, on top of our traditional
strengths in the services sector, we are focusing on the industries of
infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism,” he told Malaysian businessmen.
To realize this, the government ramped up
spending on vital infrastructure by increasing the national budget from $7.16
billion in 2013 to around $9 billion this year, the chief executive said.
“With this in mind, let me invite all of you to
come and visit the Philippines. It is certainly easier to do so today, since
our government has already liberalized the aviation industry and enacted
legislation that will entice more carriers to open or expand operations here,”
he said.
Businessmen coming to the Philippines could
visit factories and plantations, and could even take a detour to one of the
country’s beaches or malls afterwards.
He also told Malaysian investors to consider
Mindanao as the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forge a
final peace pact next month.
Mindanao has fertile land and a lot of
potential, he said adding the transition to peace in the region will also open
up opportunities in business, noted to the President.
The recent assessment of different global
entities such as the World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report
showed a 26-place jump in the country’s ranking over the span of three years
--from 85th in 2010 to 59th in 2013 makes the Philippines interesting.
The World Bank and International Finance
Corporation’s latest Ease of Doing Business Report recorded a 30-place jump in
the country’s ranking in the span of one year: from 138th place last year, to
108th in the report released for 2014, he noted.
The Corruption Perception Index, prepared by
Transparency International, also indicated an improved ranking for the
Philippnes -- from 134th in 2010 to 94th place today, he added.
After speaking before Malaysian businessmen, the
President had a meeting with top executives of Maybank, Air Asia and Genting
Berhad, some of the major companies in Malaysia. PND (as)
Malaysia and the Philippines sign cooperation in
education and culture
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) Malaysia and the
Philippines agreed to enhance cooperation in education and culture to further
strengthen their bilateral ties.
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak witnessed the signing of the agreement on
cultural, arts and heritage cooperation at the prime minister’s office here in
Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The agreement is aimed at developing and
enhancing bilateral relations between the two countries through cooperation in
the field culture, arts and heritage.
Both countries believe that enhancing the
relationship through this field would widen the knowledge and understanding of
their people.
Through the agreement, there will be close
cooperation between museums, archives, arts and heritage and cultural
institutions.
It will also enhance literature, performing and
visual arts as well as other related cultural activities. Exchanges of
archeological, museumological and archival materials of the two countries will
also be promoted.
The two countries will collaborate on research
and development, education and training and organize meetings and visit of
experts. They will also promote cultural exhibitions and performances in both
countries.
The agreement will be enforceable in three years
and could be renewed for another three years.
Aside from culture, the two countries also
signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of education.
Malaysia and the Philippines recognize the
importance of education and training to achieve national development as well as
for the cultivation of ties between their peoples.
Both countries will cooperate on school and
institutional linkages, teacher education and training, educational assessment,
planning and research, technical vocational education, and curriculum design and
development.
They will establish a joint working group to
review the implementation of the memorandum of understanding (MOU). The group
will meet once every 18 months alternately in the Philippines and Malaysia.
The MOU will be in force for five years and
automatically extended for another five years following its expiration. PND
(as)
Aquino welcomes aggressive expansion of
Malaysian companies in the Philippines
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: President Benigno S.
Aquino III expressed elation over the planned expansion of existing Malaysian
businesses in the Philippines as he invited others to come to the country.
In a meeting with the President at the Mandarin
Oriental Hotel here, Malayan Banking Berhad (Maybank) said it plans to widen
its banking network in the Philippines through expanded coverage in the Visayas
and Mindanao and additional investments of less than P300 million.
Malayan Banking Berhad President Datuk Abdul
Farid Alias and Maybank Philippines President Herminio Famatigan Jr. reported
the planned expansion to the President.
In his meeting with the top executives of Air
Asia Berhad and Genting Berhad, the President emphasized the Philippines’s
major thrusts on tourism and infrastructure development.
The chief executive encouraged officials of Air
Asia Berhad and Genting Berhad to expand their businesses in the Philippines.
He also thanked Air Asia for starting direct
flights from Kuala Lumpur to Kalibo, Aklan that will further boost tourism in
Boracay Island. Among Air Asia’s top executives who met the President were Tony
Fernandes, Air Asia Group CEO; and Aireen Omar, Air Asia Berhad CEO.
President Aquino also welcomed Genting Berhad’s
expansion in the country through its partnership with Resorts World Manila. He
invited Genting’s Star Cruises to make the Philippines a part of its regular
cruise destination.
He also wanted an expansion of the Genting-Star
Tourism Academy to further strengthen the pool of hospitality professionals in
the Philippines.
Genting’s partner in the Philippines are Tan Sri
Kok Lim, director of Genting Group; and David Chua Ming Huat, chairman and CEO
of Genting Hong Kong Ltd. PND (as)
Malaysia's King hosts state banquet for
President Aquino
(KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia) Malaysia’s king, The
Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, hosted a state banquet for President Benigno S. Aquino
III Friday.
The Malaysian royalty received the President and
the members of his delegation at Istana Negara, the king’s residence Friday
night.
After the state banquet, the President left
Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 11:20pm for Manila.
The President wrapped up his state-visit to
Malaysia by forging stronger ties with the Philippine’s Asean neighbor.
Among those tackled with his counterpart, Prime
Minister Najib Abdul Razak, were cooperation on defense and security, as well
as trade. The two countries also agreed on closer cooperation on education and
cultural exchanges.
While in Malaysia, President Aquino also met
Malaysian businessmen willing to invest in the Philippines particularly in
Mindanao.
The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) are expected to sign a final peace pact this month that
could open up a lot of investment opportunities for Malaysian companies.
The President’s trip to Malaysia is his first
since assuming office in 2010. The last Filipino leader to have a state visit
in Malaysia was in 2001. PND (as)
