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| 12 DECEMBER 2007 | . | |
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| 12 DECEMBER 2007 | . | |
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PGMA's Speech during
the 100th Anniversary of the Philippine Columbian Association
(PCA) PCA Bldg., Plaza Dilao, Manila City December 11, 2007 |
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Happy 100th birthday to Philippine Columbian!
For 100 years now, the members of Philippine Columbian, being leaders and prime movers of various sectors of Philippine society, have demonstrated their commitment to the nation’s peace, growth and pride in the Filipino. Your new clubhouse complex’s marker aptly conveys the legacy of Philippine Columbian as a “sanctuary of Filipino nationalism.” Your centenary is a good time to remind us that the Club became the center for the campaign for Philippine Independence during the leadership of President Manuel L. Quezon and that it served as the headquarters of the Congress for Philippine Independence in 1934. And although World War II forced the club to hibernate when its building was razed to the ground in 1945, the Club rebounded to become the Philippine Columbian we know now: robust, progressive and committed to its advocacies. Your members’ involvement and contributions have shown that business does not exist for and by itself alone, and that efficient enterprise does not only improve private profitability. It benefits the larger society. For your sincere concern for making our economy more efficient and our governance more responsive, thank your very much. We envision a Philippines that is ready for First-World status in 20 years when we will have dramatically reduced poverty, created a robust middle class and have all the hallmarks of a modern society in strong, stable institutions. And by the time I leave the Presidency in 2010, we will have launched the Philippines well on its way to achieving that vision. Already we have moved mountains with our macroeconomic conditions through fiscal discipline, toward a balanced budget, pre-paying our debts and investing billions in human and physical infrastructure. These fundamentals are paying off in huge increases in investment, six (6) million new jobs and a strong peso and strong stock market. The single biggest act that led to the surge in our economy was the passage of our value-added tax law which in one bold stroke raised enormous amounts of new revenue. That act also sent an unmistakable signal that we are serious about moving the nation forward. But that isn’t all. Our complete focus on the economy, fiscal discipline, a balanced budget and the need for long overdue human and physical infrastructure help round out our economic gains. Our efforts are paying off. Our unemployment rate is the lowest in a generation. Our poverty rate is the lowest as well. Eradicating poverty is the central mission of this government and our society. As we enter the holiday season, it is essential that every person of means help those in need. The government is going to do everything in its power to be a catalyst for this process. We are making real progress in alleviating poverty. Our education and healthcare services to the poor are vastly improved. We have a long way to go, but only through a strong economy can we improve the plight of the poor. To that end, we have turned the corner on our economy. While we face short-term challenges in meeting our projects, revenues are up this year compared to 2006. The credit rating agencies have recognized that new revenue sources are here to stay and our budget will be balanced. This allows us to invest in job creation, better healthcare and more educational opportunities. These are the keys to lifting the poor up. We are doing that for the first time in a generation. We are optimistic. We will increase investment in our country and our people to improve our infrastructure to create an environment in which businesses feel confident to expand and employ more people, because more jobs means less poverty. Investing in the infrastructure also includes building up our environment. People need to breathe clean air and swim in clean water while we build manufacturing and bridges to span our waters. We will improve social services such as health insurance and anti-hunger programs. Patuloy tayong nakikibaka sa hamon ng kagutuman. Nakasentro ang plano sa murang pagkain, tulong sa nagugutom, patrabaho sa kalsada at kabukiran, gulayang pampamilya, microfinance, at dagdag sahod. Nakabase ang NEDA Hunger Mitigation Program Framework sa pagkilala na nagkakaroon ng gutom, una, dahil kulang ang pagkaing abot-kaya, at pangalawa, walang pambili ng pagkain. Sa gayon, dapat paramihin ang murang pagkain — ito ang supply side strategy — at palaguin ang kita at hanapbuhay ng masa — ito ang demand side. Sa supply side, bahagi ng plano ng NEDA na (1) palakasin ang produksiyon ng pagkain, at (2) pahusayin ang sistema ng paghatid ng pagkain, o iyong efficiency of logistics and food delivery. The program on logistics and food delivery consists of: Barangay Food Terminal and Tindahan Natin, ports (RORO), farm to market roads, efficient local transport, the food for School Feeding Program, and the creation of an NGO network to support feeding programs. I hope that on your centenary, Philippine Columbian will join this NGO network which is under the responsibility of the DSWD. We will boost educational support in our efforts to reduce poverty by investing in better school buildings, new textbooks and teaching materials, and training programs for teachers and school administrators. Education is a core value of Philippine society and family life. The hardworking men and women of this nation put their family first. And the best gift any family can give to a child, and any nation can give to its people, is access to a good education. We will invest in cutting red tape and eliminating corruption from the system. The people deserve an honest, hardworking government just as they are honest and hardworking. We aim to stamp out corruption and set a new standard of governance for our nation. Corruption saps the lifeblood out of our political system and must be stamped out. Our anti-corruption advisor, Tony Kwok, the former anti-corruption czar in Hong Kong who was a key player in efforts to clean up corruption there, believes that perceptions cloud the reality of our progress in reducing corruption and red tape. The fact is that we are undertaking a strong and steady effort to curb graft through criminal justice, administrative controls and procedural reforms. This effort is focused on the revenue agencies that have improved their performance in recent years and agencies that are in the frontline of day-to-day public services. We take this issue seriously. We believe perception will match reality in a few short years. However, this is a problem that has plagued the Philippines and other countries for generations. As experience has shown, it won’t be eliminated overnight but progress is being made. Not even the empty political rumblings of an ambitious few can bring our hard earned gains down. The actions of these few desperate men reveal just how out of touch they are with the hopes and dreams of the average Filipino. Filipinos want political stability, a bright economic future and social justice. The actions of these misguided men undermine each and every one of the genuine aspirations of real Filipinos. Instead of working to bring the nation together by working within our democratic process, their actions merely are fuel for selfish motives for personal gain. In the end, the rule of law prevailed. The transgressors will not hold this nation hostage with impunity. They will be punished to the full extent of the law. Justice shall be served and the interests of the nation upheld. The people can be assured that I lead with a steady hand to guide the nation to a new election and new leadership. We will not falter in keeping our hand on the tiller of the ship of state. We will also continue strong, focused leadership in the international arena to advance the interests of our nation and our people. Congratulations for a century of achievements and valuable contributions to national heritage and progress. I thank you all. I ask you to continue to help the country to ensure that we will indeed have an era of peace, re-assurance and hope. Mabuhay! |
| Gov't making progress vs. corruption -- PGMA |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared last
night that while corruption won’t be eliminated overnight, the government is
making progress against a “problem that has plagued the Philippines and
other countries for generations.” “We take this issue (corruption) seriously,” adding she believes that “perception will match reality in a few short years.” In her address before the Philippine Columbia Association at the PCA Clubhouse in Plaza Dilao, Paco, Manila on the occasion of the PCA’s 100th anniversary, the President said her administration is determined to root out corruption and set a new standard of governance for the country. “We will invest in cutting red tape and eliminating corruption from the system,” she said. “Corruption saps the lifeblood out of our political system and must be stamped out,” the President stressed. She said that Tony Kwok, the noted former anti-corruption czar of Hong Kong, believes that perception clouds the reality of the progress her administration is making in the fight against corruption and red tape. Kwok, who was a key player in Hong Kong’s successful fight against corruption and red tape, is the Arroyo administration’s anti-corruption advisor. “The fact is that we are undertaking a strong and steady effort to curb graft through criminal justice, administrative controls and procedural reforms, the President said. The government’s anti-corruption and anti-red tape drive is focused on revenue agencies – the front-liners in the delivery of day-to-day public services, she said. The President expressed her gratitude to the PCA for its “sincere concern for making our economy more efficient and our governance more responsive.” Her vision is for the Philippines to attain First World status in 20 years and that by that time “we will have dramatically reduced poverty, created a robust middle class and have all the hallmarks of a modern society.” By the time she leaves office in 2010, the country would be “well on its way to achieving that vision,” she said. “Already we have moved mountains with our macroeconomic conditions through fiscal discipline, toward a balanced budget, pre-paying our debts and investing billions in human and physical infrastructure. These fundamentals are paying off in huge, increases in investment, six million jobs in six years, a strong peso and a strong stock market,” the President pointed out. She cited the passage of the expanded valued-added tax (EVAT) law as the single biggest factor that led to the surge of the country’s economy. The passage of the EVAT, she said, also sent an unmistakable signal that “we are serious about moving the nation forward.” “But that’s not all. Our complete focus on the economy, fiscal discipline, a balanced budget and the need for long overdue human and physical infrastructure help round out our economic gains,” she said. These efforts, the President said, are paying off as shown by the unemployment rate, which is the lowest in a generation, the poverty rate is the lowest as well. “We are making real progress in alleviating poverty. Our education and healthcare services to the poor are vastly improved. We have a long way to go, but only through a strong economy can we improve the plight of the poor,” she stressed. |
| Statement of Cabinet Secretary Ricardo L. Saludo: Serbisyo, hindi survey, ang mahalaga |
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Hindi maikakaila na malaki
ang impluwensiya sa Pulse Asia survey ng mga bali-balita nitong mga nagdaang
buwan. Pero magbabago rin ang isip ng tao oras na makita nila na wala palang
basehan ang mga paratang sa gobyerno. Halimbawa, sinabi ng isang senador na
pera ng Philippine National Police (PNP) o pera ng mga negosyante ang
ibinigay sa mga gobernador at kongresista. Iyon pala, Liga ng mga Lalawigan
at partidong Kampi ang nagbigay. Importante rin na hindi agad-agad maniwala sa mga nagpaparatang nang walang basehan. May nagsabing gobyerno raw ang nagpasabog sa Glorietta, pero gas pala. May nagpuputak tungkol sa bank account sa Germany, tapos nang hingan ng katibayan, walang naipakita. May nagkuwento tungkol sa usapan ni Secretary Neri at ng Pangulo, tapos si Secretary Neri mismo, itinanggi ito. Sa atin pong pagbabasa o panonood ng media at Senado, tanungin nating lagi kung may katibayan ang nagpaparatang, at huwag basta maniniwala nang hindi sinusuri ang katibayan. Medyo may pagkiling din ang survey. Bakit corruption lang ang itinanong? Bakit hindi kakayahan sa palakad ng ekonomiya, pagtulong sa mga OFW na nagigipit, pagbalanse ng budget, pagbawas sa kahirapan? Pinakamalakas sa 20 taon ang paglago ng ekonomiya. Noong isang taon, ayon sa World Bank, mas mababa sa 10% ng populasyon ang naghihikahos na Pilipino, sa unang beses sa ating kasaysayan, at lalo pang bumaba sa 2007. At naibaba natin ang budget deficit mula P210 billion tungo sa P62 billion noong isang taon, at mababalanse na sa 2008. Tapos mahigit P30 billion ang dagdag sa budget para sa serbisyong panlipunan, at gayon din sa imprastraktura. Bakit hindi inilahok sa survey ang mga bagay na ito, kung saan nangunguna ang Pangulo? At kung talagang ibig alamin ang pananaw ng tao sa katiwalian, bakit hindi itinanong kung sino ang pinakatiwaling senador o negosyante? Mukhang pinag-iinitan si Pangulong Arroyo, lalo pa at maraming mga paratang na nasa media at Senado na makaiimpluwensiya sa pananaw ng tao. Gayon pa man, hindi na pinapansin ng Pangulo ang taas-baba ng mga survey. Abala lang ito sa kanyang walang pagod at walang tigil na pagtatrabaho para sa taong bayan. Iisipin pa ba niya ang mga bagay na ito sa kanyang pagdulog sa Emir ng Kuwait para sa buhay ni Marilou Ranario? Dapat pa ba niyang pag-abalahan ito habang binubuno ang mga mahalagang panukala kasama ang mga pinuno ng Kongreso? At paghatid niya ng mga pamaskong handog ng pamahalaan sa 600,000 pamilyang mahihirap sa iba't-ibang dako ng bansa, dapat pa ba siyang maabala sa mga survey-survey? Pinakamahalaga ang walang sawang serbisyo ng Pangulo sa milyun-milyong Pilipino, hindi ang rating niya sa mga survey ng 1,500 tao. ***** For further reference please call Secretary Ric Saludo at 0919-3959215 |
| PGMA orders drafting of human rights action plan and program |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
directed the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC) today to begin
drafting the country’s National Human Rights Action Plan and Program (NHRAPP)
that will “set the roadmap for human rights work for the next five years.” In her speech keynoting the commemoration of Human Rights Week held at the Heroes’ Hall in Malacañang this morning, the President urged all participants, stakeholders and sectors to participate in the human rights plan drafting to highlight the “importance we give in the promotion and protection of human rights shared by the entire family of man.” “The Presidential Human Rights Committee, chaired by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, shall begin activities necessary to bring all stakeholders in consultation for a National Human Rights Action Plan and Program, which will set the roadmap for human rights work for the next five years,” the President said. The President pointed out that the NHRAPP will contain, among others, steps in furthering the promotion of the rights of children, women and other vulnerable sectors. She said the team sent by the United Nations (UN) is supportive of the NHRAPP while Japan, the United States, Australia and New Zealand “are working with our investigative and security sectors which protect our society from lawless elements.” “We look forward to hearing soon from the European Union on the kind of assistance it can extend to us,” she added. The President also reiterated her government’s stance in the ongoing peace process in Mindanao and in alleviating poverty, saying the two are “closely intertwined with human rights.” The President has made the Mindanao peace process a top priority of her government’s legacy and has even stepped up the process through inter-faith dialogue, economic development and security. “Ang kapayapaan doon (Mindanao) ay isyu ng karapatang pantao, gayon din ang paglaya sa kahirapan, na siyang pangunahin nating hangarin,” the President said. |
| Toronto-based mining firm hails transparency, hassle-free processing of mining permit in RP |
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The president
and chief executive officer (CEO) of a Toronto-based mining firm hailed
today the speedy, transparent and hassle-free processing of his company’s
application for a permit to acquire Atlas Mining Development Corporation. Michael Joseph Carrick, president and CEO of CGA Mining Ltd., said it was only in the Philippines that his firm secured a mining permit without any hitches. “I am impressed, the permitting process here is extremely professional and transparent. It is most vigorous and most professional,” Carrick said. Carrick, who paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Malacanang this morning, said CGA operates six mines in different parts of the world: one each in China, Nigeria and Zambia, and three in Australia. CGA has sunk $200 million into its acquisition of the property and infrastructure of Atlas Mining, which is set to resume operations in December 2008. Atlas will be CGA’s seventh mining operation worldwide. Carrick said he sought an audience with the President precisely to personally express his appreciation for the speedy and transparent processing of his company’s acquisition papers on Atlas Mining. The fifth riches in mineral resources in the world, the Philippines has attracted foreign mining companies from different parts of the globe. The CGA executive said rich mineral resources are “significant to foreign investors in mining because mining investments are long term in nature,” he said. CGA has already hired 1,000 workers for its Masbate gold project. Another batch of 600 workers will be employed when actual mining operations resume by December 2008. The government has stepped up efforts to revitalize the mining sector in a move to cash in on high metal prices in the world market. It is targeting some $348 million in fresh capital inflows in the mining sector this year and an additional $6.5 billion in the next five years. |
| PGMA moves to strengthen Commission on Human Rights |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo moved today to
further strengthen the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to be at par with
other First-World countries. She said one of the hallmarks of a modern society is its strong and stable institutions and one of these institutions is the CHR. In her speech keynoting the commemoration of Human Rights 2007 in Malacanang this morning, the President said, “a strong and independent Commission (on Human Rights) is vital for the protection and promotion of human rights.” “We envision a Philippines that is ready for First-World status in 20 years, when we will have dramatically reduced poverty, created a robust middle class and have all the hallmarks of a modern society in strong, stable institutions,” the President said. “One of these institutions which we have all agreed that must be strengthened is the Commission on Human Rights. And therefore we endorse all the recommendations and requests made that will protect its fiscal autonomy, strengthen its financial resources and give it quasi-judicial powers. And this would be in the realm of legislation,” the President added. The President said that she will be asking the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to come up with a proposal “realigning” the CHR’s savings to be used for other programs and salary augmentation, rather than having to return it to the National Treasury. To this, the President received a rousing applause and cheer from those present. President Arroyo stressed that the Philippines, being “the most democratic country in the region” and a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights signed in December 1948 “underscores that all of us have a responsibility to respect, promote and protect human rights not only within our respective national borders but throughout the world.” “We are a firm believer in our commitment to be a true global citizen to advance the cause of human rights, economic progress and mutual security to secure global peace,” the President said. |
| PGMA directs DFA to ensure successful hosting of 2nd Global Forum on Migration |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed
the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to fine-tune its preparations for
the successful hosting by the Philippines of the Second Global Forum on
Migration and Development next year. "It is an honor for the Philippines to host such a prestigious event considering that the Philippines has a lot of Filipino migrants scattered all over the globe,” the President said. "This event is very close to the heart of every Filipino who has a relative working abroad. I am therefore directing the DFA to ensure its success," she added. "I am glad that the Forum will focus on migrants, protection, and empowerment for development,” the President said. "This will prove beneficial to our OFWs as well as their families in the Philippines." Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Esteban Conejos recently briefed UN Missions in New York on Philippine preparations for an informal consultative process wherein UN member-states discuss ways and means to enhance the contribution of global migration to development. The Philippine Mission to the United Nations disclosed that the Global Forum will be held in Manila in October 2008. According to Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Hilario Davide Jr., the Friends of the Forum, which is composed of countries and organizations assisting host Philippines, will hold its first meeting in Geneva on Dec. 17. In his briefing, Undersecretary Conejos said the Manila Forum can be expected to build on the outcome of the First Forum, which was held in Brussels on July 9-11, and will focus on the human rights situation of migrants on the ground. "The new issues to be taken up would be in line with the expectation that the perspective on the migration and development dialogue in the Philippines, as primarily a country of origin, would be different, or rather, complementary, to that of the first Forum in Belgium," he said. Conejos cited as examples the Philippine Worker Centers that the Philippines established to act as shelters for abused Philippine migrants in every major area where they were located as well as the contracts between the Philippines and host governments that protected the rights and benefits of Philippine migrant workers. |
| Help bring down basic food prices, DA told |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed
the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help bring down the prices of basic
food items in line with the hunger mitigation program of the government. "I have told the DA to ensure that affordable quality food is accessible, especially to our low-income families who are most affected by the rising cost of commodities," the President said. "Our Barangay Food Terminals (BFTs) and Bagsakan or drop-off points are consumer friendly and they offer affordable prices to our kababayans," she said. As of mid-October this year, 22 BFTs have been established in Metro Manila and six in Luzon and the Visayas. They sell basic foodstuff at prices lower than those sold in regular retail markets. These BFTs are now directly benefiting over 450,000 families. Under the President’s Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program (AHMP), the DA is targeting the establishment of 27 BFTs in Metro Manila this year, and 48 more in various regions all over the country. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has appealed to food suppliers to help pull down prices of basic commodities by bringing their produce directly to consumer-friendly Barangay Food Terminals (BFTs) and Bagsakan or drop-off points in Metro Manila. At the same time, Yap directed the DA's regional executive directors and personnel of the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) to coordinate closely with food suppliers in facilitating the transport and marketing of their goods to BFTs and bagsakan centers, where consumers can buy food staples such as rice, meat and vegetables at prices up to 12 percent cheaper than those sold in regular retail outlets. "Making affordably priced quality foodstuff accessible to low-income families' forms part of the hunger mitigation program of our government," Yap said. "This is why we are asking our suppliers to help us carry out this centerpiece anti-hunger program to guarantee the stable supply of basic goods to Metro Manila at prices within the reach of the ordinary consumer," he added. Yap assured food suppliers that the DA is ready to help them sell affordably priced goods while earning high profit margins for their produce through the removal of unnecessary trading layers and facilitating direct market linkages between producers and end-consumers. Among the BFTs now operating in Metro Manila are those in Barangays Holy Spirit, Pansol, Batasan Hills, Payatas and Kristong Hari in Quezon City; Barangays 129 in Smokey Mountain, 630 in PUP and 649 in Baseco, Manila; Barangay Signal Village; Barangays Tuktukan and Western Bicutan in Taguig; Barangay 198 in Pasay City ; Towerville Public Market in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan; and Bagong Silang in Caloocan. In the regions, two are already operational in Samar, and one each in Leyte, Antique, Biliran and Subic . On the other hand, nine bagsakan centers are already operational in Metro Manila. The latest bagsakan the President has inaugurated was in the Pritil public market in Manila. |
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President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Speech during the Human
Rights Celebration 2007 Heroes' Hall, Malacañang December 12, 2007 |
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH, SECRETARY ERMITA FOR YOUR
INTRODUCTION. CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS, CHAIRPERSON QUISUMBING; DEAN OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS, BISHOP ADAMS; MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS; UNDERSECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS, RAFAEL SEGUIS, REPRESENTING THE DFA WHICH IS THE VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRESIDENTIAL COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS; OTHER MEMBERS OF THE CABINET; SENATOR REVILLA; CONGRESSMAN TAÑADA; MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT WHO ARE HERE; MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND OTHER REPRESENTATIVES OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES; THE HEADS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF NGOs AND MEMBERS OF CIVIL SOCIETY PRESENT; OTHER DISTINGUISHED GUESTS; LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. AS CHAIRWOMAN QUISUMBING SAID EARLIER, THIS YEAR'S CELEBRATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS IS A MILESTONE BECAUSE THE UNITED NATIONS JUST LAUNCHED A FULL YEAR OF ACTIVITIES TO MARK THE 60th YEAR OF THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. AND WE ARE VERY PROUD THAT THE PHILIPPINES WAS ONE OF THE FIRST SIGNATORIES OF THAT DECLARATION. IN THE SPIRIT OF THE CONSTRUCTIVE INTERACTION URGED BY THE UNITED NATIONS, WE THANK OUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS -- REPRESENTED BY THE DIPLOMATIC CORPS HERE -- WHO HAVE GONE BEYOND JUST EXPRESSING CONCERN ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS ISSUES IN THE PHILIPPINES BUT THEY HAVE GONE ON TO EXTEND OFFERS OF COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE TO STRENGTHEN OUR CAPACITIES TO ADDRESS THESE ISSUES. WE TAKE THE ALSTON REPORT SERIOUSLY TODAY, AS WE DID WHEN IT WAS MADE ALMOST A YEAR AGO. NAPAKALUNGKOT ANG KASAYSAYAN NG ATING BANSA SA KARAHASAN SA PULITIKA NG KALIWA AT KANAN. INAASAHAN NATING WAKASAN NANG LUBUSAN ANG GANTIHANG ITO. WALANG DAPAT MAMATAY DAHIL SA KANILANG PANINIWALA SA PULITIKA. KINOKONDENA NATIN ANG ANUMAN AT LAHAT NG PAGPASLANG NG MGA AKTIBISTA AT MAMAMAHAYAG. NAKAPANAYAM NA NATIN ANG MGA PANGKAT NG PERYODISTA AT GAYON DIN MGA HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS. NAKIKIISA TAYO SA KANILANG PAGKASUKLAM. SINUSUNOD NATIN ANG MGA REKOMENDASYON NG MELO COMMISSION, KABILANG ANG PAGTALAGA NG MGA BUKOD NA KORTE, PABILISAN ANG PAGLILITIS, GAYON DIN ANG MAS MALAWAK NA PAGTULONG SA MGA BIKTIMA, AT DAGDAG-PONDO PARA SA MAS MARAMING IMBESTIGADOR. GAYA NANG IPINAKITA NG ATING VIDEO MAHIGIT LIMAMPUNG KASO NA ANG NASA HUKUMAN. AND ATING HINIHILING SA MGA KORTE NA TUPARIN ANG PANUKALA NG CHIEF JUSTICE PARA SA ANIMNAPUNG ARAW NA WALANG TIGIL NA PAGLILITIS. AND WE HAVE TOLD OUR MILITARY, AND IF THEY HAVE TAKEN IT TO HEART, THAT IF THERE ARE ROGUE ELEMENTS, THEY MUST BE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE. THEY KNOW AND WE ALL KNOW THAT NO PERSON IS ABOVE THE LAW IN THIS NATION. WHETHER A FORMER PRESIDENT, A MEMBER OF THE MILITARY, OR AN AVERAGE CITIZEN, ALL MEN AND WOMEN IN THIS NATION ARE EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW. THE DEATH OF ANY FILIPINO IN PURSUIT OF HIS OR HER RIGHT TO POLITICAL EXPRESSION VIOLATES HUMAN LIBERTY. BUT LET IT ALSO BE NOTED THAT TERRORISTS LIKE THE ABU SAYYAF AND ARMED COMMUNISTS ARE A THREAT TO THE SOVEREIGNTY OF THE NATION. AND THEY MUST BE CHECKED ONCE AND FOR ALL. WE WILL CONTINUE TO BRING PERPETRATORS TO JUSTICE, WORK WITH CONGRESS TO PASS NEW LAWS TO PROTECT VICTIMS AND JAIL CRIMINALS, AND THE OTHER LEGISLATION AS RECOMMENDED BY CHAIRWOMAN QUISUMBING AND EXHORT THE NATION TO LEAVE BEHIND ITS TERRIBLE LEGACY OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE AND CLAN VENDETTAS. THANKFULLY, AS WAS DRAMATICALLY SHOWN IN THE VIDEO, POLITICAL KILLINGS ARE WAY DOWN THIS YEAR. WE HAVE BEEN MEETING WITH SUCCESS IN THE FIGHT TO PUT AN END TO THE LEGACY OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE IN THE PHILIPPINES. BUT WE SHOULD NOT REST UNTIL WE REACH ZERO POLITICAL VIOLENCE. (APPLAUSE) THE PRESIDENTIAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE, MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO, CHAIRED BY EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ERMITA, IS NOW MANDATED TO BEGIN ACTIVITIES NECESSARY TO BRING ALL STAKEHOLDERS IN CONSULTATION FOR A NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION PLAN AND PROGRAM, WHICH WILL SET THE ROADMAP FOR HUMAN RIGHTS WORK FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. WE URGE ALL SECTORS OF OUR NATION TO PARTICIPATE. THE UNITED NATIONS COUNTRY TEAM IS SUPPORTING OUR NATIONAL ACTION PLAN. THANK YOU. AND THROUGH ITS VARIOUS AGENCIES, HELPING US TO PROMOTE THE RIGHTS OF CHILDREN, WOMEN AND OTHER VULNERABLE SECTORS AS DESCRIBED IN OUR VIDEO. JAPAN, THE U.S., NEW ZEALAND ARE WORKING WITH OUR INVESTIGATIVE AND SECURITY SECTORS WHICH PROTECT OUR SOCIETY FROM LAWLESS ELEMENTS. AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING SOON FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION ON THE KIND OF ASSISTANCE IT CAN EXTEND TO US. GAYA NANG SINABI NATIN, HINDI NATIN PINAPAHINTULUTAN ANG ANUMANG URI NG PAGLABAG SA KARAPATANG TAO. SUBALIT LIWANAGIN NATIN ANG ILANG BAGAY: GAYA NANG SINABI KO DOON SA VIDEO, ISINUSULONG KO MISMO ANG PROSESONG PANGKAPAYAPAAN SA MINDANAO SA BAGONG ANTAS NG TALASTASAN, NAKATUTOK SA INTERFAITH DIALOGUE, KAUNLARAN NG EKONOMIYA AT SEGURIDAD PARA SA LAHAT NG PANIG. KABALIKAT NATIN DITO ANG MARAMING BANSA. ANG KAPAYAPAAN DOON SA MINDANAO AY ISYU NG KARAPATANG PANTAO, GAYA NANG PAGLAYA SA KAHIRAPAN, NA SIYANG PANGUNAHIN NATING HANGARIN. WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS IN ALLEVIATING POVERTY WHICH AS PART OF THE THEME TODAY IS CLOSELY INTERTWINED WITH HUMAN RIGHTS. THE RATE OF POVERTY IS DOWN. EMPLOYMENT IS UP. OUR EDUCATION AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES TO THE POOR HAVE VASTLY IMPROVED. WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO, WE KNOW, BUT ONLY THROUGH A STRONG ECONOMY CAN WE IMPROVE THE PLIGHT OF THE POOR. TO THAT END, WE HAVE TURNED THE CORNER ON OUR ECONOMY. WHILE WE FACE SHORT-TERM CHALLENGES IN MEETING OUR PROJECTIONS, FOR EXAMPLE IN THE BIR, OUR REVENUES ARE UP THIS YEAR COMPARED TO 2006. OUR CREDIT RATING AGENCIES RECOGNIZE THAT THE NEW REVENUE SOURCES WHICH CONGRESS PASSED IN THE LAST SESSION ARE HERE TO STAY, THAT OUR BUDGET WILL BE BALANCED, AND THIS IS THE REASON WHY OUR STOCK MARKET IS UP AND THE PESO IS STRONG. THIS ALLOWS US TO INVEST IN JOB CREATION, BETTER HEALTH CARE AND MORE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. THESE ARE THE KEYS TO LIFTING THE POOR UP. WE ARE DOING THAT IN THAT MAGNITUDE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A GENERATION. WE ARE OPTIMISTIC. WE ENVISION THE PHILIPPINES THAT IS READY TO REACH FIRST-WORLD STATUS IN 20 YEARS, WHEN WE WILL HAVE DRAMATICALLY REDUCED POVERTY, CREATED A ROBUST MIDDLE-CLASS AND HAVE ALL THE HALLMARKS OF A MODERN SOCIETY IN STRONG, STABLE INSTITUTIONS. ONE OF THESE INSTITUTIONS WHICH WE HAVE ALL AGREED THAT MUST BE STRENGTHENED IS THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS. AND THEREFORE, WE ENDORSE ALL THE RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUEST MADE BY CHAIRPERSON QUISUMBING EARLIER; MEASURES THAT WILL PROTECT ITS FISCAL AUTONOMY -- WHICH MEANS THAT SECRETARY ERMITA WILL HAVE TO TRANSMIT THE APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION TO THE DEPARTMENT OF BUDGET AND MANAGEMENT; MEASURES THAT WILL STRENGTHEN ITS FINANCIAL RESOURCES; MEASURES THAT WILL GIVE IT QUASI-JUDICIAL POWERS AND THIS WOULD BE IN THE REALM OF LEGISLATION. A STRONG AND INDEPENDENT COMMISSION IS VITAL TO THE PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS. AND WE WILL ASK THE DBM TO STUDY HOW THE SAVINGS OF THE COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CAN BE APPLIED TO OTHER PROGRAMS AND SALARY AUGMENTATION RATHER THAN BEING RETURNED TO THE NATIONAL TREASURY. (APPLAUSE) WE CAN CLAIM ADVANCES ON HUMAN RIGHTS BECAUSE THE PHILIPPINES IS THE MOST DEMOCRATIC COUNTRY IN THE REGION. THE UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS UNDERSCORES THAT ALL OF US HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO RESPECT, PROMOTE AND PROTECT HUMAN RIGHTS NOT ONLY WITHIN OUR RESPECTIVE NATIONAL BORDERS BUT THROUGHOUT THE WORLD. WE STATED UNEQUIVOCALLY AT THE UNITED NATIONS IN SEPTEMBER AND AGAIN IN SINGAPORE JUST A FEW WEEKS AGO THAT AUNG SAN SUU KYI MUST BE RELEASED NOW. THE GOVERNMENT THERE NEEDS TO DEAL WITH HER AS A GENUINE POLITICAL FORCE AND MOVE QUICKLY TOWARD A DEMOCRATIC PATH. FOR ITS PART, NOW THAT ASEAN HAS TAKEN TANGIBLE STEPS TO BE A TRUE UNION, IT MUST ACCEPT ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL JUSTICE WITHIN ITS MEMBERSHIP. MALAKING HALAGA ANG IBINIBIGAY NG PILIPINAS SA ATING MGA RESPONSIBILIDAD SA MUNDO, MULA SA ASEAN HANGGANG SA PAGPAPADALA NG MGA PWERSANG PANGKAPAYAPAAN SA MGA BANSANG MAY LABANAN SA DAIGDIG. WE ARE FIRM BELIEVER IN OUR COMMITMENT TO BE A TRUE GLOBAL CITIZEN TO ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF HUMAN RIGHTS, ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND MUTUAL SECURITY TO SECURE GLOBAL PEACE. AND WE'RE GRATIFIED THAT BOTH THE U.N. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR, MR. ALSTON, HAVE COMMENDED THE PHILIPPINES FOR BEING A GOOD INTERNATIONAL CITIZEN, OPEN TO SCRUTINY ON OUR HUMAN RIGHTS CHALLENGES. YES, WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE CHALLENGES. AND TODAY, WE REPEAT OUR STRONG COMMITMENT TO MOVE ONWARD AND UPWARD IN OUR SHARED MISSION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND IN THE WORLD COMMUNITY. MABUHAY ANG KARAPATANG TAO! MARAMING SALAMAT SA INYONG LAHAT. (APPLAUSE) |
| PGMA authorizes grant of P10,000 performance bonus to all state workers |
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Malacanang announced today the grant of a
P10,000 performance bonus to all state workers who have been in government
service for at least four months. In a media briefing this afternoon in Malacanang, Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye handed out a copy of Administrative Order No. 213 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo authorizing the grant of the performance bonus for this year. Those entitled to receive the performance bonus are all personnel of national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned or controlled corporations (GOCCs), and government financial institutions (GFIs). Under the Order, government personnel hired whether on permanent, temporary, casual or contractual basis who have rendered at least four months of service as of Nov. 30, 2007 are entitled to receive the one time grant of a maximum of P10,000 as performance bonus. Those who have rendered less than four months of service as of Nov. 30, 2007 are also entitled to receive the bonus on a pro-rated basis as follows: - Three months but less than four months, 40 percent; - Two months but less than three months, 30 percent; - One month but less than two months, 20 percent; and - Less than one month, 10 percent. The Order stated that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall release additional funds to cover P7,000 for each personnel of national government agencies while the remaining P3,000 shall be uniformly funded through the availability of savings of each respective agency. The President said the granting of performance bonus is in line with her policy to improve the economic welfare of state workers and in recognition of their contribution to the robust growth of the economy and the “commendable effort exerted by government agencies in attaining efficiency in government operations that contributed to the generation of savings.” |
| PGMA plays Santa Claus in Masbate tomorrow |
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MASBATE CITY, MASBATE -- President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo will be coming to this Bicol island province tomorrow
(Thursday) to launch her administration’s Christmas Rice Distribution and
“Pamaskong Handog” Program at the provincial capitol grounds here. Aside from the pioneering rice-distribution program which shall be the highlight of her visit here, the President will also have two other earlier events in this island province – a briefing on the peace and order situation to be conducted by local chief executives and local military and police officials, followed by the Bicol Local Peace and Security Assembly (LPSA). At the Christmas Rice Program at the provincial capitol here at 2 p.m., the President – who will also be distributing gifts during the said launching activity – shall be assisted by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr., Presidential Management Staff head Cerge Remonde, and Masbate provincial officials led by Gov. Dr. Eliza Olga Kho, and Masbate’s three congressmen, namely, Narciso Bravo (1st Dist.), Antonio Kho (2nd Dist.), and Rizalina Lanete (3rd Dist.). The President’s visit shall be kicked off with a peace and order briefing at 12 noon, immediately upon her arrival at the Masbate City Airport . The meeting, to be held at the airport’s pre-departure area, shall tackle the peace and order situation in Masbate and the entire Bicol region, with presentations to be made by Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) commander, Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Obaniana, and Philippine National Police OIC regional director S/Supt Balligi Tira. The local peace and order briefing shall also be attended by the above-named Masbate provincial officials and Masbate City Mayor Socrates Tuason, Presidential Assistant for Bicol Affairs Chito Monzon, and other Bicol governors present. By 1 p.m., the President shall motor to a local resort in Barangay Nursery, Masbate City for the holding of the Bicol LPSA Program where some 300 participants are expected to converge to listen to the President’s message. The President – who will be presented with the Bicol LPSA Output -- shall be welcomed at the site by Masbate Vice Gov. Vicente Revil, Masbate City Vice Mayor Alan Cos and other local government officials. The Bicol LPSA is a “multisectoral undertaking that is aimed at strengthening local mechanisms to address peace and security problems with the active participation of various stakeholders in the region.” By 2 p.m., the President shall proceed to the capitol grounds here for the first-ever “Christmas Distribution Rice Program and Gift Giving.” |
| PGMA presents Bagong Bayani Awards to 12 outstanding OFWs |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred
today in Malacanang the most coveted Bagong Bayani Awards to 12 overseas
Filipino workers (OFWs) for their outstanding achievements, including their
remarkable contribution to the country’s economy. Organized by the Bagong Bayani Foundation Inc., the Bagong Bayani Awards is an international search for the country’s outstanding overseas workers. This year’s awards were given to OFWs in four categories, namely: Bagong Bayani Awards for Most Outstanding Employees, Bagong Bayani Awards for Community and Social Service, Bagong Bayani Awards for Culture and the Arts, and the Blas F. Ople Award Para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani. Those who received the Bagong Bayani trophy from the President in a simple ceremony held at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall this afternoon are Chitael R. Carmona, Vito S. De Raya, Cuadrato Gidoc Gaspi, Eduardo G. Gulmatico, Rolando B. Ocampo, Hazel H. Reposo, Jesus C. Sumook, Mary Jane Pajarillo Tupaz, Josefina Villarey, Roberto A. Abella, Francisco R. Roque and Richard G. Gabriel. Labor Secretary Arturo Brion, Bernardo Ople, brother of late Senator Blas F. Ople, and Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, president of the Bagong Bayani Foundation, assisted the President in the presentation of trophies to the OFWs awardees. The Blas F. Ople Award para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani was presented by the President to Mary Jane Pajarillo Tupaz, 41, of Puis, New Washington, Aklan, presently working as director of nursing at the Mohammad Dossary Hospital in Saudi Arabia. Tupaz was unanimously nominated for the award by the Philippine Labor Office in Alkhobar, her employer and co-hospital staff for her persistence and hard work and for helping a bleeding pregnant woman of four months on board an airplane from Dhahran to Manila in 2006. The awardees for the Most Outstanding Employees were: Chitael R. Carmona, 54, of Bacolod City and presently working as superintendent of Refrigeration Industries and Storage Co. (RISCO) in Kuwait; Vito S. De Raya, 58, of Cavite, now employed as education officer/senior lecturer of the College of Nursing, Ministry of Education in Brunei Darussalam; Capt. Cuadrato Gidoc Caspi, 48, of Sorsogon, a master mariner of Wallem Ship Management Ltd.; Eduardo G. Gulmatico, 55, of Tangub, Bacolod City, a senior house officer of Technip/NPCC Corporation in the United Arab Emirates; Rolando B. Ocampo, 53, of Bacoor, Cavite, a restaurant manager in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Hazel H. Reposo, 30, of Iloilo City, a housekeeper in the United States of America; Jesus C. Sumook, 35, an able seaman of the Day Star Shipping Ltd. In Sweden; and Josefina Villarey, 46, of Quezon City, a housekeeper and personal secretary in Kuwait. The recipients of Bagong Bayani Awards for Community and Social Service were Roberto A. Abella, 65, a project and senior engineer of the First Engineering Group of Companies in Libya, and Francisco R. Roque, of San Jose City, Nueva Ecija, a landscape engineer at the Public Authority in Agriculture Affairs and Fisheries Resources in Kuwait. The Culture and the Arts award was given to Richard G. Gabriel, 42, of Arayat, Pampanga, a sculptor, artist and painter in Italy. |
| President's detractors behind negative survey -- Malacañang |
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Malacanang charged today that the same sworn
political enemies of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who had orchestrated
the series of destabilization moves against her administration were behind
the latest Pulse Asia survey on corruption in the Philippines. In his regular weekly press briefing in Malacanang this afternoon, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that “from what we know, certain individuals and groups of individuals are behind the survey” to besmirch the President’s reputation. Culled from the opinion of 1,200 respondents out of a population of 85 million, the Pulse Asia survey result described the Chief Executive as the most corrupt President in Philippine history. “It’s a pity that because of politics, certain elements -- organizations or individuals – are using the survey as a fodder for their relentless attack on the President,” Ermita said. He said the President remains firmly focused on governance and other important things such as improving the economy and saving the lives of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). No amount of survey will distract her from doing what is good for the country and the Filipino people. She has no time to engage her detractors who do nothing but criticize her for their own selfish ends, Ermita added. “The President continues to implement her plans to uplift the people’s lot, unmindful of the recent Pulse Asia survey on corruption in the Philippines,” he said. Ermita pointed out that the President went out of her way, probably the only president to do so -- to rescue overseas Filipino workers from certain death. The President saved not only Marilou Ranario from death but also Angelo dela Cruz, Roberto Tarongoy and Sara Demetera, to mention only four of them. Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye also reacted to the Pulse Asia survey, saying corruption is something that the President takes seriously. In a statement, Bunye pointed out that the Arroyo administration has implemented several measures to curb the opportunities for corruption. “It is this administration that has implemented the electronic procurement system which has not only expedited government purchases but also increased savings.” He added that programs to run after tax cheats and smugglers are in full force. Bunye also pointed out that even the conviction rate by the Sandiganbayan has gone up from 12 percent to 33 percent, including high-profile cases involving a former president of the country and a general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). “In recognition of our efforts, the Millennium Challenge Corporation granted the Philippines in June 2006 the equivalent of P1 billion to further enhance our anti-corruption campaign,” he said. Last week in London, the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank Corp. (HSBC) hailed the Philippines for being the first among borrowing countries in Asia in terms of data transparency. Today, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of a Canadian mining corporation lauded the Philippine government for the expeditious, transparent and hassle-free action on his company’s application for mining permit. Michael Joseph Carrick personally conveyed to the President in Malacanang this morning his appreciation for the “extremely professional and transparent” action taken on his company’s application for a mining permit. Carrick’s firm, CGA, has invested $200 million in the acquisition of Atlas Mining and Development Corporation. Atlas is scheduled to be fully operational in December 2008. |
| Top OFW awardee lauds PGMA's program for 'Global Filipinos' |
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The celebrated case of Marilou Ranario, a
Filipina maid who was saved from the gallows for killing her employer in
Kuwait through the intercession of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, is a
clear proof that the national government is on-hand to protect the lives,
welfare and safety of eight million Filipinos working around the world. Mary Jane Pajarillo Tupaz, the recipient of the 2007 Blas F. Ople Award Para sa Natatanging Bagong Bayani, stressed this as she hailed the President’s efforts to help not only Ranario, but other similarly situated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are either under detention or facing legal problems abroad. “What she did to Ranario is a clear indication of her all-out support to millions of OFWs around the globe,” Tupaz said in her brief message after she received the Bagong Bayani trophy from the President herself in simple rites at Malacanang this afternoon. Marilou Ranario was saved from execution after the President personally appealed for her life to the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah who commuted her death sentence to life imprisonment. Tupaz also said she was very grateful because the government has always been recognizing the efforts of the Filipino workers abroad to help fuel the Philippine economy. Rising from the ranks, Tupaz, 41, a native of Aklan was appointed director of nursing at the Mohammad Dossary Hospital in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has spearheaded various medical missions and socio-civic activities for her fellow OFWs. For his part, Capt. Gregorio S. Oca, president of the Bagong Bayani Foundation, Inc. (BBFI), also lauded the President for helping Ranario and ensuring the protection of lives and welfare of all OFWs. Organized by the BBFI, the annual international search for Bagong Bayani Awardee is aimed at recognizing and paying tribute to OFWs’ sacrifices for their family and for the country, as a whole. |
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye: On Pulse Asia survey |
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The problem of corruption is something that
President Arroyo takes seriously and this administration has implemented
several measures to curb the opportunities for corruption. It is this administration that has implemented the electronic procurement system which has not only expedited government purchases but also increased savings. Programs to run after tax cheats and smugglers are in full force. Even the conviction rate by the Sandiganbayan has gone up, from 12 to 33 percent, including high profile cases involving a former president and a ranking AFP General. In recognition of our efforts, the Millennium Challenge Corporation granted the Philippines in June 2006 the equivalent of P1 billion to further enhance our anti-corruption campaign. Just last week, the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Corp. praised the Philippines for being the first among borrowing countries in Asia in terms of data transparency. We therefore vehemently challenge the survey results which could have been influenced by a number of distorting factors such as the sample (1,200 respondents out of 84 million Filipinos), possibly misleading questions and even the person or persons who commissioned the survey. |
