President Aquino thanks Chinese-Filipinos for
contributions to national progress
President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his
gratitude to Filipino-Chinese businesses for their contribution to
nation-building especially after the devastation caused by major disasters that
hit the country last year.
In his message during the Filipino-Chinese
Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc.'s (FCCCII) joint celebration of the
116th Philippine Independence Day and 13th Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day at
the Manila Hotel Tuesday, the President said Chinese Filipino businessmen have
never ceased partnering with the government to help calamity-stricken
communities.
"It is that spirit of dedicated service and
sincere sacrifice that we celebrate here—a spirit that likewise burned within
our forefathers as they fought for our freedom 116 years ago," the
President said in his message.
He mentioned the bravery of Chinese-Filipinos
such as General Ignacio Paua during the Filipino-American War, and General
Vicente Lim during the Second World War.
Both of them demonstrated utmost loyalty and
bravery for the right of Filipinos to live with dignity on their own soil, he
said.
This spirit has continued until now, with many
members of the federation involved in volunteer works such as setting up fire
brigades and building classrooms.
The federation has donated more than 9,200
classrooms, which have helped address the needs of students all over the
nation, the President said.
Also he said that the country is reaping the
fruits of reforms initiated by the administration in the bureaucracy.
"In stark contrast with the past, when
government served as an obstacle to the growth of industry and to development,
I assure you: our administration will continue partnering with you in pursuit
of a prosperity that truly benefits all," he said.
The President also vowed to continue working
towards protecting the rights of the people by combating corruption and
upholding the rule of law in every aspect of governance.
This, he said, is the greatest tribute that the
nation can give to the many who have fought for freedom: ensuring that the
Filipino people will have the wherewithal to rise from poverty, injustice, and
oppression.
At the same time, the President said he hopes
that the federation will continue to work with his administration not just
while he remains President, but even after he steps down from power in 2016.
PND (as)
Malacanang welcomes Chinese Envoy’s remarks that
dispute in West Philippine Sea is only ‘temporary’
Malacanang on Wednesday welcomed the statement
of Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua that the dispute in the
West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) is only “temporary”.
“We certainly welcome the change of tone; one
that would foster understanding between China and the Philippines when it comes
to the South China Sea,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a
press briefing.
During the celebration of the 13th
Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day on Tuesday, where President Benigno S. Aquino
III was also a guest speaker, Zhao said in his speech, “Compared with our
thousand-year-old friendship and extensive cooperation, the difficulties we are
facing on South China Sea are temporary.”
Zhao emphasized that it is the two countries’
common responsibility to handle the issue “in a proper and peaceful manner”.
“The Chinese government has always attached
great importance to its relationship with the Philippines, and I believe that
we have the wisdom, the patience, and the courage to settle the disputes
through negotiations and consultations,” he said.
Lacierda noted that the Philippines has “always
resorted to diplomatic means” to resolve the dispute with China.
“We have deliberately de-escalated our rhetoric
when it comes to the South China Sea,” Lacierda noted. “It is certainly a
welcome change for us to hear the Chinese ambassador speaking in a more
friendly tone.”
Manila and Beijing are locked in a territorial
dispute in the West Philippine Sea. PND (ag)
Palace pleased with appointment of three Cabinet
members
Malacanang said it is pleased with the
confirmation of the appointment of three members of the Cabinet by the
Commission on Appointment (CA) on Wednesday.
The bicameral CA confirmed the appointment of
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, and
Environment Secretary Ramon Paje.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda
congratulated the newly confirmed Cabinet members.
On Secretary De Lima’s appointment, Lacierda
said she “displayed true grace under pressure”.
He also said that Secretary Soliman “truly
deserved to be confirmed”.
Both De Lima and Soliman were bypassed by the CA
17 times and Paje 13 times since 2010. PND (ag)
