 |
||
| 07 FEBRUARY 2008 | . | |
|
|
||
| 07 FEBRUARY 2008 | . | |
|
|
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye: On Senate investigations |
|
Senators Lacson and Cayetano just betrayed the real intent behind these
investigations supposedly in aid of legislation. They are not after truth and justice, and making laws. They simply cannot wait for the 2010 elections and they want to bring this government down now. |
|
|
| PGMA leads groundbreaking rites for road project in Taguig and school bldg. in Marikina |
|
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the groundbreaking rites this morning
for the construction of a P69.68-million diversion road project in Taguig
City and a P75-million high school building in Marikina City. Both infrastructure projects are in line with the President’s policy of “frontloading the infrastructure boom and expansion of public services” as a springboard for further economic growth. In Barangay Palingon, Taguig, the President led the other guests composed of Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Taguig City Mayor Sigfrido Tinga, Pateros Mayor Jaime Medina, and other local officials in laying the time capsule symbolizing the start of construction of the 28-meter roadway portion of the Taguig-Pateros Diversion Road Project. The P69.68-million road project forms part of the Commando Link Road Project which will connect Circumferential Road-5 (C-5) and the Maestrang Pinay Road to improve access to and from inner Pateros and Taguig areas, particularly the Global City in Fort Bonifacio. Once completed, the road project will serve as a major alternate route between the cities of Taguig and Pasig and the town of Pateros and will greatly reduce traffic congestion in major thoroughfares in that part of Metro Manila. The project is also expected to spur economic development within the area as it complements road linkages to C-5, the Pasig-Pateros-Taguig-Alabang Road and Gen. Santos Street in Taguig. After being briefed on the requirements and features of the Taguig-Pateros Diversion Road Project, the President proceeded to Marikina City to spearhead the groundbreaking ceremonies for the construction of a four-storey high school building in Barangay Sta. Elena, Marikina. Upon completion, the P75-million, 20-classroom school building will benefit some 5,000 high school students of Barangay Sta. Elena. The school building project forms part of the commitment of the President to construct 10,000 classrooms this year under her "Karunungan Sagot sa Kahirapan" program that hopes to empower students with knowledge through education as a means of rising above poverty. The President recently ordered a "surge in infrastructure spending” as a springboard for further economic growth and to cushion the effects on the Philippines of the slowdown in the United States economy. |
|
|
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye |
|
The President has directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct
preliminary investigation against those who may be liable for violation of
procurement laws as well as anti-graft laws in connection with the canceled
NBN/ZTE project. The President has also directed the PNP/NBI (Philippine National Police/National Bureau of Investigation) to discuss with Congress the possibility of entering into a MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) on the service of warrants of Congress. |
|
|
| PGMA ups credit facility for Medium, Small-Scale Enterprises to P50 billion |
|
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered an increase of up to P50
billion in the loan facility for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
this year to accelerate the growth of small-scale enterprises and boost the
government’s anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs. The President also directed Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director-General Cerge Remonde, who is also the oversight official for MSMEs, to study the possibility of further lowering the interest rates on loans to micro enterprises. The presidential directive was also addressed to government financial institutions (GFIs). Remonde announced the President’s order in a press briefing at the New Executive Building (NEB) in Malacanang this afternoon. He said the President issued the order in a move to “sustain their (MSMEs) indispensable contributions to the country’s overall economic growth and generate more jobs and income for the people.” Last year, P25 billion was allocated for the administration’s microlending program. This year’ credit facility for MSMEs has been raised to P40-P50 billion, P32 billion of which will be made available to SMEs. At the same time, Remonde called on Congress to finally pass the amendment to the Magna Carta for Entrepreneurs now in the bicameral conference committee. He explained that the President’s order on “frontloading of MSMEs” came in tandem with her directive on the “frontloading” of infrastructure projects to strengthen the government’s anti-poverty and anti-hunger programs. The PMS chief cited the success of the MSMEs program, which covers almost all municipalities nationwide except 42 mostly in conflict areas, including Abra and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan). This success, Remonde said, was reflected in a recent survey which showed a decline of self-rated poverty from 57 percent three months ago to 46 percent -- the lowest since 1987. Remonde described the survey result as solid proof that government efforts to fight poverty is “gaining ground.” The MSMEs development thrust is very much a part of the poverty-alleviation program, he added. So far, 1,458 municipalities are already covered by the MSMEs program. The areas still not yet covered will be given priority this year, Remonde added. “We have the funds for the program since the repayment of past loans is 98 percent. This is the reason why we have enough money,” he said. The PMS head also pointed out that the proposed amendment to the Magna Carta for SMEs would further boost MSMEs as it would require banks to set aside 10 percent of their total loan portfolio for SMEs. Current loan interest rates for SMEs range from 9 percent to 14 percent, while those for microfinance range from 10 percent to 12 percent per annum. |
|
|
| Lozada, sister requested security – Atienza, Razon |
|
Environment Secretary Lito Atienza flatly denied today media and opposition
claims that Philippine Forest Corp. (PFC) president and chief executive
officer Rodolfo Lozada Jr. was abducted by government authorities upon his
arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Hong Kong last
Tuesday (Feb. 5). In a press conference this morning at the New Executive Building (NEB) in the Malacanang complex, Atienza distributed to members of the media photo copies of Lozada’s letters to Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Avelino Razon Jr. requesting for “protective escort for me and my family’s safety and wellbeing.” In another letter to Razon, this time in his own penmanship, Lozada said: “Kindly extend security detail for my arrival at NIA 3, on 5 Feb 08 Flt Cx 919 coming in from Hong Kong. “You assistance will be highly appreciated.” Both letters were dated Feb. 5. In another handwritten letter to the “Philippine Senate,” Lozada said: “Dear Sir, I have never spoken to media on the ZTE issues and the personalities allegedly involved. “The reported incidents are malicious fabrications and certainly never came from me.” Lozada’s sister Carmen also wrote Razon on Feb. 5 requesting for “protective escort for my brother to ensure his safety and wellbeing.” “The undersigned is the sister of Mr. Rodolfo “Jhun” Noel Lozada Jr. a crucial witness to the National Broadband Network (NBN) controversy, now under Senate investigation. “In view of the threats to his life, may I request for a Protective Escort for my brother to ensure his safety and wellbeing,” Carmen said in her letter to Razon. Atienza and Razon held the press conference at the NEB to “explain, clarify and correct” slanted reports and opposition posturings on the Lozada issue. The DENR chief said he did not really get to know Lozada who was already with the PFC before the former was named as DENR secretary. The PFC is an agency under the DENR. Atienza added that he was surprised when Lozada was mentioned as a possible witness in the ZTE controversy because “walang kinalaman sa trabaho niya (it has nothing to with his job).” But Atienza said that upon learning that Lozada was a witness in the ZTE issue he advised the FPC official not to allow himself to be used by politicians. “Mag-ingat ka. Huwag kang pagamit sa kanilang political agenda… Do not play into their hands.” For his part, Razon said it was not “proper” for the family of Lozada to file a petition for habeas corpus and a writ of amparo since they had already seen their kin. The Lozadas filed the said petitions Wednesday. “Kailangan, sabihin nila kung anong rights ang na-violate,” Razon said, as he pointed out that Lozada was never held incommunicado. The PNP chief asserted that Lozada had free use of his cellular phone, and was even asked where he wanted to go after his arrival. Also, Lozada even held a press conference “na walang pumipigil sa kanya, ‘di rin siya pinigil na sumama sa Senate… He had exercise of his free will,” Razon said. The PNP chief explained that a PNP security detail headed by Police Supt. Paul Mascarinas escorted Lozada upon his arrival at 4:30 p.m. from Hong Kong. The PNP escort with Lozada “umikot-ikot muna” to ensure that they were not being tailed by any suspicious party who could be after Lozada. Razon said the group had dinner at a restaurant before Lozada, at his request, was brought to La Salle Greenhills. There, Lozada was seen by his wife and family at around 10 p.m. In his letter to Atienza requesting for authority to travel abroad, Lozada said that “I have to leave on January 30, 2008 via Hongkong for a pre-conference meetings with all other participants (to the Feb. 4-5 London fuels conference) with an interest in alternative fuels.” Meanwhile, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye, who acted as moderator of the press conference, called on the Filipino people: “Huwag na nating gatungan ang grandstanding… Sobra na… Iwasan na natin itong mga pointless investigations…” Bunye noted that despite the marathon investigations supposedly in aid of legislation, the Senate still has to come up with legislations based on its high-profile investigations. He stressed that the kidnap yarn has not affected President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who, he said, is going about her “normal work.” “I don’t think this will distract the President too much,” Bunye said. |
|
|
| Lakas leaders reaffirm support for PGMA |
|
Congressional leaders belonging to the Lakas Party reaffirmed today their
full support for the socioeconomic and political policies of President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the Lakas members met with the President this morning at Malacañang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room. “The meeting had a three-fold purpose: one, to reiterate our support to the President and her administration, particularly in sustaining the present economic growth; two, to manifest our support to our new Speaker, Speaker Nograles, and third, to resolve to go forward,” Lagman said in an ambush interview. Lagman underscored the need for the country to go forward and for the executive and legislative branches of government to carry out their respective duties and responsibilities to the people. Ilocos Sur Rep. Eric Singson said the Lakas leaders met with the President to reaffirm their full support for her administration. “We came here to express to the President our full support for her entire economic program and we all hope that we keep on moving forward for the benefit of our people,” Singson said. Marikina City Rep. Del de Guzman said they assured the President of their support for her administration in the wake of leadership change in the House of Representatives. “We want to maintain unity among the Lakas, KAMPI and other coalition partners in the Congress and support all programs of the President for the continuing progress and development of our country,” De Guzman said. House Speaker Prospero Nograles echoed the statement of the Lakas lawmakers, saying the meeting with the President was a “very good meeting” as they were able to iron out all the differences among the members of the House coalition. “I think we were able to iron out all the things and may kaunting explanation kung ano ang nangyari, but it is best kausapin na lang para sa reconciliation and unification of the party, pagkatapos, we expressed our full support for the President,” Nograles said. Nograles said he expected that more congressmen would come out openly to express their support for the President’s economic and political policies. “Alam mo Tuesday morning lang nangyari ito so, kailangan dahan-dahan tayo but we will get” their support,” he said, referring to the change in the House leadership. Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo said that those who had voted for former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. had fully explained their sides and expressed their full support for the President. “Sabi nila kahit sila ay bumoto para kay Speaker JDV, sila ay para kay Madam President. And they said that, if ever, huwag naman sana, we will not join the opposition no matter what happens, iyon ang sinasabi nila,” Congressman Arroyo said. |
|
|
| PGMA orders probe to pinpoint personalities liable for violation of anti-graft law on ZTE |
|
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed today the Department of Justice
(DOJ) to conduct an investigation to pinpoint those who may be held liable
for violation of the procurement and anti-graft laws in connection with the
cancelled national broadband network (NBN)-ZTE project. In a statement, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye said the President also directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to discuss with members of both Houses of Congress the possibility of entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the service of warrants by Congress. Bunye also said that the President was not affected by the hullabaloo surrounding the return to the country of Rodolfo Lozada Jr., the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Philippine Forest Corporation (PFC), a government agency under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). In a press conference at dawn today (Thursday), Lozada announced his resignation as PFC chief. Bunye told a press conference at the New Executive Building (NEB) in the Malacanang complex today that the President was going about her “normal work.” “I don’t think this will distract the President too much,” Bunye said, referring to the controversy surrounding Lozada’s alleged abduction upon his arrival Tuesday from Hong Kong. Bunye also downplayed the continuing investigations in the Senate, particularly those orchestrated by opposition Senators Panfilo Lacson and Alan Peter Cayetano. The spate of Lacson-Cayetano investigations, Bunye said, “just betrayed the real intent behind these investigations supposedly in aid of legislation.” “They are not after truth and justice, and making laws. They simply cannot wait for the 2010 elections and they want to bring this government down now,” he said. Bunye also dismissed speculations that Lozada’s revelations at his press conference would create political unrest: “Pagod na ang tao sa unrest, unrest…” “Kahit papaano, umu-unlad ang bansa… more than any other Philippine President has accomplished,” he said. “Nililinaw lang. Minsan, ‘di malinaw ang pagre-report…” Bunye lamented. On the continuing Senate inquiry into the ZTE broadband project, which President Arroyo had scrapped, Bunye noted that the Senate still has to come up with legislations based on its endless investigations “in aid of grandstanding.” “Huwag na nating gatungan ang grandstanding. Sobra na. Iwasan na natin itong mga pointless investigations na wala namang kahihinatnan,” Bunye urged. “Maliwanag na pulitika lang ang motibo. Walang maipakitang legislation…” added Bunye. The presidential spokesman added that “if there is any clear evidence of wrongdoing,” the appropriate forum would be the courts, particularly the Sandiganbayan or the Ombudsman.” |
|
|
| PGMA to lead groundbreaking, inspection of infra projects in Gingoog Friday |
|
GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will
visit Misamis Oriental tomorrow (Friday) to lead the groundbreaking and
inspection of government priority infrastructure projects that would pave
the way for the improvement of the economic condition of the province and
neighboring municipalities. First itinerary of the President upon her arrival here Friday morning is to inspect the ongoing concreting of the 292-meter approaches of the P112-million Diosdado Macapagal Bridge at Barangay Binakalan, Gingoog City. After the inspection, the President is scheduled to lead the lowering of the time capsule for the improvement and concreting of the Gingoog-Claveria-Villanueva Road that links Gingoog City to the municipalities of Claveria and Villanueva. Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno, Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona, 2nd District Rep. Danilo Lagbas and other local officials are expected to assist the President in the inspection and groundbreaking rites. The interconnection road will serve as an alternate route to the existing Iligan-Cagayan de Oro-Butuan Road, which is shorter by some 25.30 kilometers compared to the old national highway. One of the main objectives of the rehabilitation of the Gingoog-Claveria-Villanueva Road is to provide better access to vast agricultural lands and agro-industrial areas within the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. The improvement of existing alignment, lowering of grade and concreting of the 47.10-kilometer road will cost P824.45 million. Once completed, the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge and the Gingoog-Claveria-Villanueva Road will improve accessibility to upland far-flung barangays and upgrade land market values as well as disperse economic development. These projects will directly benefit local and foreign investors, traders and farmers. |
|
|
