Malacanang said today President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s frequent trips to her home province, Pampanga is motivated by her desire “to give back her gratitude to her kabalens by making sure that their most basic needs are met adequately before she steps down in 2010.”
This was the explanation given by Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo at her regular Monday press briefing this afternoon.
Visiting Pampanga, including the President’s trip to Porac today, is “a logical thing to do. You go to your hometown or home province before you step down to return to your constituents the support and trust they have bestowed on you. And in the case of the President, she is giving back her gratitude to her kabalens,” Fajardo said.
She was reacting to Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay’s suspicion that Mrs. Arroyo intends to run for a congressional seat in her province to stay in power.
“I have been in several meetings, including Cabinet and her private meetings, and never did I hear her say she plans to run for Congress,” Fajardo said.
So to be honest, she added, “we don’t have any knowledge of her plans after 2010. What we are sure of is that there will be elections in 2010 and all of us are preparing for that,” she said.
As to whether there is a Constitutional prohibition against her seeking a congressional seat or any other lower position, Fajardo said she was not aware of any such prohibition.
She said the President is determined to pursue the automated election “because this will be one of the legacies that she will leave when she steps down in 2010.”
She cited the example of outgoing Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales (now Presidential Legal Counsel) who wants to retire and serve Iloilo City, “which gave him support in the same manner that President Arroyo before leaving Pampanga wants to ensure that she will give her provincemates what they need before stepping down.”
PGMA earmarks P150-M budget to fight A/H1N1 flu
MANILA, June 8 – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has earmarked P150 million budget for the country's fight against the Influenza A (H1N1) disease.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo on Monday reiterated this during a press briefing on Monday at the New Executive Building when asked when asked if there were enough funds to combat the dreaded virus which has already contracted 33 people.
Fajardo said the budget was in place should Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ask for more assistance from Malacañang, the national coffers and the regular budget of the Department of Health (DoH).
”The budget which the President released covers expenses of hospitals monitoring cases under observation (CUOs), laboratory expenses, training of personnel on A/H1N1, personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gas masks and gowns, and stockpiling of Tamiflu medicine,” Fajardo said.
She also said that director Yolanda Oliveros of the National Center for Disease and Prevention and Control Center (NCDPC) handled the logistics against A/H1N1.
President Arroyo directed the DoH last Sunday "to do everything within its means" to contain the spread of the influenza A/H1N1 virus, which had forced school authorities to postpone for a week the opening of classes in private schools, colleges and universities.
Mrs. Arroyo also asked the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to help the
DoH in preventing the spread of the flu virus and educating the people on what steps to take in case the disease contracted them.
Economy on the way up- Businessmen
DOH reports 13 new cases of Influenza A (H1N1)
The Department of Health reported 13 new cases of Influenza A (H1N1), raising the number of confirmed cases to 46
Of the 13 new new cases 5 of them are foreigners and 8 are Filipinos all of which have history of travelling to different countries.
But Secretary Duque assured the public that there’s nothing to worry about because all cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in the country are mild compared to the cases of other countries.
Duque readies DOH for shift toward mitigation
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III today reported that the total number of cases of Influenza A (H1N1) in the country has now reached 46 after confirming 13 more cases over the weekend.
“We have reached 46 and although it’s a big number we are fortunate that all of these are just mild cases which are consistent with most of the cases of A (H1N1) we are seeing in other affected countries,” Duque said.
The 13 new confirmed cases include 8 Filipinos and 5 foreigners. Five are females and 8 are males with age range of 12-63 years old. Four of the cases are students of the De La Salle University, while one is the first confirmed case from the FEU-East Asia College. Eight of the 13 new cases have history of travel to the US, Japan and Canada.
“All are responding well to treatment. Contact tracing is still on-going,” Duque said.
Duque announced that with the more complete profile of the A(H1N1) virus seen in local cases, which is mostly mild in nature, the DOH is set to shift its control strategy from containment to mitigation.
“This means that we only do early detection and aggressive treatment of cases as they come especially for those with high-risk preexisting conditions. Those manifesting with mild symptoms can be managed and monitored at home so that only patients at risk who develop complications will have to be hospitalized,” Duque explained.
With the mitigation strategy, Duque said that government will also veer away from contact tracing and instead focus on controlling the disease as is being done for other emerging and reemerging diseases in the country.
“H1N1 will now become part of our Influenza-like Illness (ILI) surveillance activity and one of our notifiable diseases. It offers little benefit to do extensive tracing of this virus when it is clear that the disease can be passed on to others at a rate faster than it will ever be humanly possible to find the contacts,” Duque said.
Duque cited the efforts of other affected countries such as the US and Mexico where the number of cases have been increasing so fast. These countries have managed to curb down the case fatality rate due to A (H1N1) through early diagnosis and antiviral treatment as well as targeted and appropriate management of patients at risk for developing flu complications.
Duque added that with the more complete mild picture of the virus observed among positive cases in La Salle and East Asia University, there may be no need to order school closure in the future even with a confirmed case.
“Sick students can just be asked to stay at home while they have the symptoms, if mild, so that they do not pass on the virus to others. Of course, they should be closely monitored by their parents and guardians while they are given supportive treatment at home. School authorities can also contact DOH and report an unusually high number of influenza-like illnesses in their schools so that we can immediately investigate,“ Duque said.
Meanwhile, in light of the A (H1N1) scare which swept over several offices last week, DOH just recommends isolating a suspected or confirmed case, let them stay home if they are sick. Duque also advised offices to immediately notify DOH regarding these cases.
“There is no need to wear masks, quarantine entire rooms or floors and suspend business activities. All businesses, however, should have a contingency plan to ensure the continuity of their operations,” Duque said.
Duque reiterated that only those who qualify as CUOs including close contacts of confirmed cases are tested and given free treatment and hospitalization in designated DOH referral hospitals.
At present, DOH includes the following high risk individuals as priority: 1) Those who have flu-like symptoms and have recently travelled from affected countries; 2) Symptomatic individuals who were known close contacts of confirmed cases. As yet there is no community-level outbreak of A (H1N1) as the DOH and local government units are able to contain its spread.
“Again, I emphasize early and appropriate health seeking behavior to the general public as we prepare for the increase in flu cases during the rainy season. For those with only mild symptoms, stay at home, take supportive treatment and vitamins and plenty of bed rest. If you have preexisting conditions like diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease and if you are pregnant or immunocompromised, also those at the extremes of age (i.e. <5>
Since May 1, 2009, the DOH has monitored a total of 541 CUOs. Of these, 46 are positive A(H1N1) cases, 98 have pending laboratory results, and 397 are negative for A(H1N1) and have been discarded. There are 91 new Cases Under Observation (CUOs) today.
In their latest report dated June 3, the World Health Organization reported 21,940 cases and 125 deaths from 69 reporting countries. Countries which are now included in the list of A (H1N1) affected countries are Barbados, Luxembourg and Saudi Arabia.
House leader laments precocious, exaggerated reaction over passage of Con-ass resolution
MANILA, June 8 -- House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Monday said he will take advantage of the congressional recess to consult with leaders of both Chambers of Congress -- the House of Representatives and the Senate -- and other sectors to get a clear picture on what to do next after the controversial approval of House Resolution 1109 which calls for the convening of a Constituent assembly (Con-ass).
Frankly, he said, even members of the Lower Chamber "are still in legal disagreement among ourselves as to the procedures to follow after approval of House Resolution 1109. I therefore need to clear the air as to legal procedure."
Nograles said he would consult with House and Senate leaders and concerned sectors to get a clear picture of what to do next.
He however lamented the "precocious" and "exaggerated" reaction of some political and even religious personalities "who are instigating public protests" as he pointed out that when the Senate approved a resolution calling to amend the Constitution by revising the present presidential system of government to federal system, "these personalities were eerily quiet and unconcerned."
"When the Senate approved Joint Congressional Resolution 10 which proposes to change the present system of government to federal system, even the so-called civil society, our church leaders and the traditionally noisy political personalities are nowhere in sight. These personalities were eerily quiet and unconcerned when, in fact, the Joint Congressional Resolution has the same purpose which is to amend the Constitution and it was overwhelmingly signed by 15 Senators. Is it because the House is an administration ally?" he said.
Instead of wasting their time creating monstrous traffic gridlocks because of their planned anti-Charter change (Cha-cha) protests, Nograles said those who are questioning HR 1109 should just bring their case to the Supreme Court.
"Some of the people who are instigating these protests are the very same people who are staunchly defending Cha-cha when they were the ones who are still in power. When will this end?" Nograles lamented as he appealed to the High Tribunal to step in and give a clear interpretation of the gray areas in the Constitution, particularly its provision on the modes of amending the Constitution.
The Speaker also clarified that the approval of HR 1109 does not mean that the House can already convene itself into Constituent assembly contrary to earlier pronouncement from some of his colleagues that Con-ass would be convened when Congress resumes session on July 27.
"I am not going to convene anything until the legal procedure (on Con-ass) has been threshed out," he said.
For his part, Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino said those who have expressed opposition against Charter change are driven by self-interest.
"HR 1109 puts fear on them that there may be changes," said Antonino, adding that among those in the forefront of protests are potential candidates for senator and president in next year’s synchronized national and local elections.
"Whatever they’re thinking of is for their self-interest. We should divest ourselves of our self-interests because if we don’t, then we will not be able to engage in dialogue," he said.
Instead, the Nueva Ecija solon has called on the senators to participate in discussions with the House of Representatives on how to go about implementing the Con-ass resolution
Remonde says Palace has nothing to do with Con-Ass, appeals anti-Con-Ass protesters for sobriety
MANILA– Malacañang on Monday morning said it has nothing to do with changes in the constitutions and appealed for sobriety to the anti-Constitutional Assembly groups, who will stage a protest rally in Makati City on Wednesday, June 10.
”These people are being misinformed by some oppositionists to destroy the image of the Arroyo Administration. We don’t know if the House of Representatives will continue their plans to change the Constitution,” said Press Secretary Cerge Remonde over radio station DZXL.
”President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Malacañang does not have anything to do with the Con-Ass issue. So we are asking protest rally organizers to be quiet in their Wednesday’s rally in Makati City,” Remonde said.
Remonde also said the opposition’s claim that President Gloria Arroyo, using the charter change and constituent assembly to perpetuate herself in power beyond 2010, are attempts “to demonize the current administration.”
Cerge Remonde said the President herself has confirmed — with the merger of Lakas Kampi CMD recently — that the elections would push through in 2010.
Asked if the President intends to run for Congress in 2010, Remonde said she did not.
He said that all the grim scenarios are being painted by the opposition because of the coming “election season.”
“In every election season you expect anything, including dirt to be thrown your way,” Remonde said.
He reiterated that the President has not, in any way, interfered with the functions of Congress in the charter change or ConAss issue. “So why is the opposition insisting she had a hand in ConAss?” Remonde asked.
He said the Palace respected the democratic rights of everyone “to express their dissent and feelings about anything, but they must do the same within the boundaries of the law.”
Amid threats of massive protest actions, congressmen-allies of President Arroyo are bent on pursuing Charter change (Cha-cha) via a Senate-less constituent assembly (con-ass).
Congressmen, led by Speaker Prospero Nograles, also shrugged off the warning made by Economic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto of possible economic disaster if Cha-cha initiatives continue.
Nograles said Recto’s warning came too late. “Secretary Recto did not make that statement when we were proposing and debating the issue of Charter change. Only now he warns us?” Nograles said in a report.
“It’s the job of the economic managers to take care of the economy, and it’s the job of Congress to propose and pass bills and resolutions by voting in public and in a transparent manner,” he said.
Nograles said the issue of how the Constitution may be amended – whether with or without participation of the Senate – has to be resolved now for the good of the nation.
That’s why the House “has taken a bold and unprecedented step to approve a con-ass resolution (No. 1109) precisely to end this endless conflict over Charter change,” he said.
"If the issue of amending the Charter is unclear to Mrs. Arroyo’s allies, it is crystal clear to senators, who have unanimously approved a resolution that Cha-cha without them would be unconstitutional and illegal," he said.
Constitutional experts, led by former Ateneo law dean Fr. Joaquin Bernas share the senators’ view.
Nograles and his colleagues want the matter to be resolved by the Supreme Court.
Nograles said if Recto warned that Cha-cha could cause more shocks on the economy that was moving toward recession, “it is also therefore also correct that the reason why our economy has been suffering from shocks since most of us can remember is because of this Cha-cha issue.”
“We have to find the answer now, because otherwise, this cycle of debates whether to Cha-cha or not to Cha-cha will continue to have shocking effects on the economy,” he said.
Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino has suggested that Nograles and other House leaders should talk personally and individually to senators and convince them to participate in the envisioned con-ass.
“This has to be an effort of the House leadership. If they authorize me, I will do it,” Antonino said.
Devanadera is new DOJ Secretary
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has appointed Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera as acting Secretary of the Department of Justice, vice Raul Gonzales, who requested for a “less strenuous” assignment to enable him to bring his sick child to France.
Gonzales also said earlier he plans to run for mayor of Iloilo City and would resign his DOJ post by November.
Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo today announced Devanadera’s designation as DOJ Acting Secretary during her regular media briefing where she said “the President made the best choice in Devanadera as she had served as acting secretary when Secretary Gonzales got sick.”
Gonzales’ appointment as Presidential Legal Counsel, vice Jesus Dureza who is expected to get a portfolio post on Mindanao affairs, was sent by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to Gonzales last June 4.
Devanadera was the first and only woman mayor of Sampaloc, Quezon. She held several positions with the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel (GOCC) where she made a major breakthrough in implementing the zero backlog policy that requires GOCC’s legal and administrative staff to finish their workload on time.
She served as Acting DOJ Secretary from September to November last year when Sec. Gonzales had an operation.
She also served as undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs at the Department of Interior and Local Government, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Local Government Academy, among others.
Fajardo said someone may eventually replace Devanadera at OSG so she can concentrate on being the Acting Justice Secretary after the position was vacated with the transfer of Sec. Gonzales as the new Presidential Legal Counsel.
Regarding former Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, Fajardo said he may shortly be given a new position that will enable him to use his talents in addressing concerns in Mindanao, which he prefers.
“As you will recall, Secretary Dureza was the LEDCO before he was named Presidential Adviser on Peace Process. It is possible he may likely get the same position but as of now we have not received his appointment yet,” she noted.
Fajardo said Gonzales talked with the President before she left for Korea and Russia.
On World Blood donor day, continue giving blood – Duque
Health Secretary Francisco Duque today, urged the country’s voluntary donors to continue giving blood even as it joins the international community in celebrating World Blood Donor Day on June 14.
“Giving blood is like giving the most precious gift to another person: the gift that will help heal the sick, the gift that will re-invigorate the giver, the gift that will preserve life. We do not lose blood when we give some because blood regenerates itself. As we donate blood, we re-fill our bodies with new and fresher blood,” Duque said.
Duque also disclosed that the present gap in the country’s blood supply may soon be filled as some provinces have already achieved 100% voluntary blood donation, while Metro Manila reached an average of 90%.
The said 90% achievement of Metro Manila is the combined collection by the Philippine National Red Cross – National Blood Center, the Department of Health (DOH) – Philippine Blood Center and the different government hospitals.
According to records of the DOH-National Voluntary Blood Services Program (NVBSP), a total of 510,495 blood units were collected in 2006 where 72% of this amount came from volunteer blood donors and 28% from replacement donors. Last year, almost 85% of the blood donors were volunteers.
“This year, we are targeting a hundred percent voluntary blood donation in keeping with this year’s theme, which is, appropriately, 100% Voluntary Blood Donation”, Duque said.
In 2005, the World Health Assembly passed a resolution recognizing that volunteer blood donors who donate blood regularly are important in maintaining a safe, adequate and sustainable blood supply.
This year’s celebration has “100% Voluntary Blood Donation” as its theme and majority of activities will take place in Baguio City. World Blood Donor Day is an effort to commit the country’s volunteer blood donor to give blood more than once a year. This is also an opportunity for the government to congratulate these “givers of life” for their altruistic deed.
The World Blood Donor Day is spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO) which aims to emphasize the role blood donors play in saving lives and improving the health of millions.
