Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 4 PRs ( May 3 , 2013), Dispatch for May 6 , 2013 (Monday),
23 Photonews , 4 Weather Watch, 6 Regl.Watch , 2 OFW Watch , 18 Online News

Weather Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines PAGASA weather forecaster Fernando Cada on DZMM: -Kahapon po sa Metro Manila ay nakapagtala po tayo ng umabot sa 36 degrees Celsius. -Ang pinakamainit po na naitala natin kahapon ay bandang 1:50pm. -Buwan po kasi ng Mayo, usually po may mga thunderstorm sa hapon after nun mawawala rin. -Ang normal po, sa ikalawang linggo ng Mayo hanggang unang linggo ng June ang ating pagsapit ng panahon ng tag-ulan at iyon po ay kasabay din ng ating Habagat.

Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines ABS-CBN: Ayon sa PAGASA, hanggang Biyernes pa ng madaling araw maaaring masaksikan ang meteor shower na parte ng kometang Halley. Sa May 10 naman ay masasaksihan ang partial solar eclipse na makikita naman sa southern portion ng bansa.

Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines GMA resident weather forecaster Nathaniel Cruz: -Easterlies na lang ang umiiral sa silangang bahagi ng bansa. -Bahagyang huhupa ang pag-ulan kaya sa Luzon ay magiging mainit at maalinsangan ang panahon maliban sa central section hanggang Bicol region. -Sa Metro Manila, may posibilidad ang mahinang pag-ulan na mararanasan lalo na sa hapon o gabi pero mananatili pa rin ang alinsangan na tatagal sa loob ng 5 araw. -Sa Visayas, mainit at maaraw pa rin ang panahon. Pero sa central section ay posible ang kalat-kalat na pag-ulan, lalo na sa Catbalogan hanggang Tacloban. -Sa Mindanao, maalinsangan din maliban sa central section hanggang eastern section na makakaranas ng kalat-kalat na pag-ulan, pagkulog-pagkidlat, partikular sa Zamboanga peninsula, Sulu at Tawi-Tawi.

Weather Watch
15 hours ago PAGASA: 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued at: 5:00 PM SYNOPSIS: Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country. FORECAST: CARAGA and Davao region will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the northeast to east will prevail over northern luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Meanwhile, light to moderate winds coming from the east to northeast will prevail over the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas.

Weather Watch

May 6 , 2013 (Monday) CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

2 hours ago : : : : :

Mostly cloudy

PIA

Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

Friday PIA-4A/QUEZON: Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) deputy spokesperson Col. Neil Anthony Estrella urged the residents of Quezon Province to involve in community participation to totally eliminate insurgency problem in the area.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday

PIA-4A/QUEZON: DSWD-Region 4A recently conducted consultation dialogue on supplementary feeding program at Queen Margarette Hotel, Lucena City. This aims to discuss issues such as the supplementary feeding program omnibus guidelines with state auditors and proper utilization and submission of liquidation of LGUs to state auditors . The dialogue also aims to strengthen the implementation of supplementary feeding program in the province of Quezon.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday PIA-4A/QUEZON: The provincial tourism office and DTI-Quezon provincial office are promoting Quezon's products such as langgonisa, coco-based products, bread and pastry by conducting "Hello Quezon trade fair" at SM City Lucena.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Muling nagpulong ang PNP, COMELEC, DepEd at iba pang stakeholders upang siguruhin ang mga dapat gawin upang mas lalong mapaghandaan ang papalapit na eleksyon sa Mayo 13. Ayon sa PNP, walang anumang naitatalang kaso o pangyayari na may kinalaman sa eleksyon.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Ipinasa ng Sangguniang Panglunsod ang ordinansang bumubuo sa gender and development focal point kung saan 5% ng 20% development fund ng lungsod para sa bawat taon ng pagpapatupad ng ordinansa. Layon nitong kilalanin ang pantay na kontribusyon ng mga kababaihan at kalalakihan sa iba't ibang aspeto ng kaunlaran.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday PIA-4A/CAVITE: The Department of Interior and Local Government Region IV-A commended the Sangguniang Panglungsod of Bacoor for being the Outstansing Sanggunian in the 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities Category (Regional Level). The award cited the council's "exemplary performance in legislating measures for the period of July 1, 2010 to June 2012."

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines PHL Ambassador to Washington Jose Cuisia, Jr. on DZMM: Re: Latest sa dalawang Pinay na biktima ng human trafficking ng Saudi Arabian diplomat -Hindi natin matiyak iyan kasi under investigation iyan. Hindi namin masasabi na may human trafficking kasi hindi pa sinasabi sa amin ng authorities yung identity ng diplomat kaya huwag muna tayong mag-jump into conclusion muna. -Malalaman namin bukas kasi makakausap namin yung dalawa under the custody of US authority. Pero wala pa silang ibinibigay sa aming information. -Hindi namin alam (violation) kasi ang US media, ang suspetsa nila human trafficking. -Ang sinasabi ng US authority sa amin ay okay naman sila (dalawang Pinay).

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines PHL Consul General to Saudi Uriel Garibay on DZMM: Re: Update sa mga OFW sa Saudi -Ang latest po ngayong umaga dito sa Jeddah ay palipad na po pabalik diyan ang 5 nating kababayan na humingi ng repatriation. Sila po ay mga overstaying. -Mas madali pong mapapauwi ang mga umrah visa kasi wala po itong amo, walang mga sponsors. -Ang gobyerno din po (ang gagastos). Kasama din po ito sa repatriation program natin. -Mayroon na rin tayong napadala noong isang araw na na-endorse sa deportation center at mga 60 people lahat sila. -5,000 lang po kasi ang kapasidad ng deportation center dito sa Jeddah. -Mayroon na tayong mga 320 na mga babae at kabataan na nasa Consulate po. -Inaabot na ng maximum capacity ang ating shelter.

A. QUEZON
1. Farmers complete course on appropriate farming technology
By Carlo P. Gonzaga

Friday 3rd of May 2013

TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUCENA CITY, Quezon, May 3 (PIA) -- Eighteen rice farmers from the island municipalities of Perez and Alabat recently finished a course on suitable technology in rice farming. Entitled Pagsasanay para sa mga Angkop na Teknolohiya sa Pagpapalayan, (Training for the Proper Technologies on Farming) the training was held April 29-May 3, 2013 at the Ouans Worth Farm Resort located in this city. The activity, organized by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 4A, was conducted in response to the request of the island farmers during the consultation series conducted by Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala last year. According to ATI 4A, the activity aimed to provide the participants with knowledge and skills on the latest technologies on rice production. Resource persons came from the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA), PhilRice, graduates of training of trainors from the local government unit. Also part of the training was the visitation of experimental sites and technology demonstration at International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and PhilRice in Los Banos, Laguna. (CPG/PIA4A with report from Rolando V. Maningas, ATI4A)

B. CAVITE
1. DILG lauds city council of Bacoor for exemplary performance
By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 3rd of May 2013

TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis CITY OF BACOOR, Cavite, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region IV-A recently commended the City Council (Sangguniang Panglungsod) of Bacoor for being the Outstanding Sanggunian in the 1st to 3rd Class Municipalities Category (Regional Level). The award cited the councils exemplary performance in legislating measures for the period beginning July 1, 2010 to June 2012. DILG Provincial Director Efren Echavia and Cavite Cluster Head Mrs. Bhei Valenzuela presented the award to the people of Bacoor during last Monday's (April 29) flag raising ceremony. Mayor Strike Revilla thanked the DILG leadership for the recognition and lauded the City Council led by Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Rosette Miranda Fernando for bringing pride and honor to Bacooreos.

Present during the presentation were City Councilors Edwin Gawaran, Boy Solis, Rey Fabian, Jainy San Miguel, Atty. Venus de Castro, Rey Palabrica, Bayani de Leon, City Local Government Operations Officer Engr. Lito Rozul, and Sangguniang Panglungsod Secretary Atty. Khalid Atega. (PIO/CPG/RBF/PIA4A-Cavite)

C. LAGUNA
1. BIR launches electronic filing and tax payment system
By Carlo P. Gonzaga Friday 3rd of May 2013

TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna, May 3 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Region No. 9 convened recently all national government agencies (NGAs) in the province of Laguna to introduce the new electronic filing and payment system (eFPS) of taxes. Revenue district officer Carlos S. Salazar welcomed a hundred representatives of NGAs based in the province during the briefing held at BIR Region No. 9 located at Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Nicolas, this city. eFPS is a system developed and maintained by the BIR for electronically filing tax returns, including attachments, if any, and paying taxes due through the internet. Payment is made through e-payment or with the process of electronically paying tax liability through the internet banking facilities of authorized agent banks (AABs). With eFPS, transactions are made faster and convenient, a paperless tax filing and can also pay their taxes online through the convenience of an internet-banking service via debit facility from their enrolled bank account. Taxpayers can file and pay anytime and anywhere as long as there is a computer with internet connection. In addition, eFPS is interactive, one can have immediate information and feedback from the system when enrolling, e-filing or performing e-payments. It is self-validating where errors are minimized because all of the information supplied by the taxpayers is validated before final submission. It is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week including holidays. The transaction is secured and cost effective. In order to enroll and avail of eFPS, a taxpayer should register with BIR-Integrated Tax System. Submit certification from the president of the corporation/head of office authorizing two officers to file return and enroll in the eFPS, and a letter of Intent. For more information/details about eFPS, one may browse www.bir.gov.ph/info.eFPS or visit the nearest BIR office. (CPG/Raul M. Berano/PIA4A)

D. BATANGAS
1.

Tagalog news: Ordinansa sa GAD, ipinasa ng Batangas SP

By Mamerta P. De Castro Friday 3rd of May 2013

TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis LUNGSOD NG BATANGAS, Mayo 3 (PIA) -- Bilang pagpapahayag ng malakas na suporta at pagkilala sa papel na ginagampanan ng mga kababaihan sa kaunlaran at kapakanan, ipinasa ng Sangguniang Panlungsod noong April 18 ang ordinansang bumubuo ng Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point. Ang GAD ay isang prinsipyo ng kaunlaran kung saan kinikilala ang pantay na kontribusyon ng mga kababaihan at kalalakihan sa ibat ibang aspeto ng kaunlaran. Ito ay bubuuin ng Mayor bilang chairman, ang chairman ng committee on Family and Women ng Sangguniang Panlungsod bilang vice-chairman habang ang mga miyembro ay kinabibilangan ng mga kinatawan mula sa City Planning and Development Officer, City Health Officer, City Social Welfare and Development Officer, City Budget Officer, City Schools Superintendent, President of Association of Barangay Captains, Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President, Chairperson of Committee on Trade, Commerce and Industry and Operation of Market at chairperson ng Committee on Agriculture ng konseho. Ang mga civic organizations na miyembro ay ang Girl Scout of the Philippines, Boy Scout of the Philippines, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Jaycees Caballero, APEX, Batangas Rizalinos at KALIPI. Ilan sa mga tungkulin ng GAD Focal Point ay ang maging technical adviser sa pagbub uo ng mga programa at proyekto sa GAD sa lungsod at matiyak ang pagpapatupad nito. Ito rin ang tututok sa pagpapatupad ng mga GAD programs and projects sa barangay level. Oobligahin ang human resource department na repasuhin ang mga panuntunan, kinagawian sa pagkuha, pagsasanay, promosyon at retirement ng mga empleyado upang mawala o maiwasan ang gender biases o diskriminasyon sa mga kababaihan. Ang naturang ordinansa na akda nina Konsehal Claudette Ambida at Eloisa Portugal, ay paglalaanan ng pondong 5 porsyento ng 20 porsyentong Development Fund ng lungsod bawat taon para sa mapatupad ito. (Angela J. Banuelos/CPG/MPDC/PIA4A-Batangas)

E. RIZAL

05 MAY 2013.

Palace confident of achieving tourism target

Palace confident of achieving tourism target

Malacanang expressed confidence on Sunday that the government would reach its tourist arrival target of 5.5million by the end of 2013. In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said that tourist arrivals for the first quarter of this year has already breached the one million mark and thus bodes well for the Department of Tourisms target tourist arrivals. This marks the second time that the foreign visitor arrival has breached the one million mark kahit first quarter pa lang, Valte said. And because of that, the Department of Tourism will reach its 5.5-million arrival target for 2013, she added. In a statement, the DOT said that the 1.27-million tourist arrivals recorded from January to March of this year, a 10.76-percent growth from last years 1.15 million for the same period, was a result of governments stepped-up efforts to improve infrastructure, safety and facilities to allow ease of travel to various tourist spots in the country. Month after month, we bear witness to a steady upward performance and new record highs. This only means that the efforts of the Department and its partners are bearing fruit. To achieve our 2013 target of 5.5 million and 2016 target of ten million, the Department and its industry partners are actively working on stimulating greater demand overseas, while infrastructure agencies have committed to step up our convergence programs to facilitate entry and access to the different destinations in the country, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said. the expansion and development of secondary gateways could ease the volume of traffic in the primary gateways of Manila and open the country to more visitors by bringing them closer to their end destinations. Significant investments in the air transportation, as well as in the accommodation sector, are seen to beef up capacities in the years to come, he added. According to the DOT, Korea remains the leading visitor market, which captured 25.83% of the total inbound traffic with 328,454 arrivals, followed by the United States with 186,065 or 14.63% of the overall visitor volume. The Japanese market contributed the third biggest arrivals with 114,269 or 8.99%. Rounding up the top five visitor markets for the first quarter are China with 98,242 and Taiwan with 53,867 visitors. The Korean market rose by 23.93%, the highest among the top five major markets. Other key markets contributing significant volume of arrivals include Australia with 53,679; Singapore with 41,524; Canada with 38,486; Hongkong with 36,005; United Kingdom with 32,475; Malaysia with 27,212; and Germany with 22,491. Double-digit gains were recorded by the Russian Federation (26.9%), Hongkong (25.04%), Korea (23.93%), India (22.1%), Singapore (15.42%), Australia (12.65%), and Malaysia (11.86%). The ASEAN source markets

grew 14.82% while East Asia increased by 14.15%. PND (rck) TOP

04 MAY 2013.

President Aquino declares May 7 as a special non-working day in San Pablo City in Laguna in celebration of its 73rd Charter Anniversary Aquino administration remains committed to protect the people from enemies at all costs as provided for by the constitution
President Aquino declares May 7 as a special non-working day in San Pablo City in Laguna in celebration of its 73rd Charter Anniversary

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared May 7, which falls on a Tuesday as a special (non-working) day in the city of San Pablo in Laguna in commemoration of its 73rd Charter Anniversary. The Chief Executive issued the declaration through Proclamation No. 569 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on April 4 to give the people of San Pablo the full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies. San Pablo became a charted city on May 7, 1940 by virtue of the Commonwealth Act No. 520 otherwise known as "An Act Creating the City of San Pablo." PND (js) TOP Aquino administration remains committed to protect the people from enemies at all costs as provided for by the constitution

The Aquino administration vowed to continue upholding its mandate to protect all people following reports that the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) threatened to stage more offensive attacks against the government troops and civilians during the election period, a Palace official said on Saturday. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in an interview aired over government-owned station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday that the government is ready to repel any atrocity to be launched by the insurgents. The government remains committed to seeking peace with the CPP-NPA-NDF to end the armed conflict despite of the increasing atrocities being perpetrated by the communists rebels, Lacierda said. "Kausap po natin si (Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles) Secretary Ging Deles tungkol diyan; ang sabi po niya kahit naman noong panahon na nag-uusap po ang government panel at saka ang CPP-NPA-NDF, patuloy po ang karahasan ng NPA," Lacierda said. Lacierda said the communist rebels' lack of sincerity stalled the peace negotiations between the two parties. "Napatunayan na po ni Pangulong (Benigno) Aquino III na ang kanyang pamahalaan wants peace talks. Peace is for everyone. We all invested in making sure that there is peace in the community, and it seems that the other party is not sincere in that effort to pursue peace," he said. The government expressed dismay that the communist rebels' leaders had withdrawn ceasefire and rejected the government's development programs, Lacierda said. "Maliban sa binawi po nila yung ceasefire na offer nila sa special track, na gusto ho natin, dine -demand pa po

nila na tanggalin ang CCT (Conditional Cash Transfer Program), at tanggalin ang PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan.) You know, CCT is meant to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty. What the NDF wants is to perpetuate the intergenerational subservience to communism, which is unacceptable to us," he said. The present activities of the rebels include extorting politicians for permit-to-campaign fees, destroying telecommunication facilities, as well as harassing the members of the police and the military and civilians. The Aquino administration earlier appealed to politicians who are campaigning for the May 13 elections to reject the reported demands of the CPP-NPA-NDF to pay "permit-to-campaign" fees, Lacierda noted. "Nung humingi po kami ng request sa publiko na ipaalam sa atin kung merong mga extortion activities, maganda po ang response ng ating publiko. They really informed the Philippine National Police (PNP) or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units, at nagre-respond po ang ating mga security agencies," he stressed. With the cooperation of the public, Lacierda said the law enforcement agencies have already apprehended lawless elements for extorting money from candidates and their supporters and civilians in Sorsogon, Bulacan and Samar. Despite of the continuing atrocities being carried out by the NPA members, the government still encourages the communist rebels to go back to the fold of the law and ito be part of the current developments. PND (js) TOP

03 MAY 2013.

Aquino inaugurates newly upgraded Naga City Hospital Malacanang says Aquino government has taken significant steps to deter extra judicial killings President Aquino says government to bid out Sabang Calabanga Port project in Camarines Sur Malacanang says law enforcement agencies have mapped out action plan to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible May 13 elections President Aquino vows to Secretary Ona that he will take some rest after elections
Aquino inaugurates newly upgraded Naga City Hospital

(NAGA CITY) President Benigno S. Aquino III led the inauguration Friday of the newly upgraded Naga City Hospital for the health care needs of the poor Naguenos. Sa pagbalik natin dito sa Naga, hatid natin ang isa na namang magandang balitang bunga ng ating bayanihan at pagpiling iangat ang kapwa ---ang mas pinaunlad na Naga City Hospital, the President said in his message during the inauguration. Iisa ang diwa ng ating mga programang pangkalusugan: binibigyang-lakas natin ang ating mamamayan para maiangat, hindi lamang ang kanilang mga sarili, kundi maging ang buong bayan, he said. The Department of Health allocated P15 million under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program for the upgrading of the hospitals main building. Under the P15-million upgrade, the DOH enhanced the Naga City Hospitals operating room and delivery room complex. In addition to the facility upgrading, the DOH also allotted P3 million for the purchase and installation of modern

medical equipment such as portable anesthesia machine, ECG machine, and oxygen therapy set. Aside from enhancing the medical capabilities of the Naga City Hospital, the President said the expansion and rehabilitation works of the Bicol Medical Center, also located in Naga City, is also ongoing to widen its services especially to poor Bicolanos. He added that this initiative is being supported by the DOH and the office of Sen. Franklin Drilon. The President pointed out that providing the health care and social services needs of Filipinos, as well as increasing the budgets of agencies providing health care services andsocial support were among his top priorities when he assumed office in 2010. Nariyan ang pagtataas natin ng pitumput walong porsyento sa budget ng DOH, at ng dalawandaan at animnaput walong porsyento naman para sa DSWD, he said. According to the President, his administration wants to make sure that assistance reaches poor Filipinos under its Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, adding that when he assumed the presidency in 2010, the government had only 800,000 registered household beneficiaries under the program. Today, more than 3.9 million households are benefiting from the program. More and more Filipinos are also being covered by the expanded coverage of the governments universal health care program. The President noted that more enhanced medical professional services are also being given to the less fortunate Filipinos. The government has so far deployed more than 50,500 nurses in different parts of the country under the DOHs RN Heals Program, the President said. The Naga City Hospital is a non-profit, service oriented institution catering to the health care needs of poor Naguenos. Licensed to operate as a primary hospital, the Naga City Hospital has a bed capacity of 16 but actually implementing 29 beds. There are 10 beds for medicine, 10 for pediatrics, four for obstetrics, two for isolation room and three for infirmary. A primary hospital, Naga City Hospitals services are limited to providing firsthand contact emergency cases and confinement for simple cases. The Naga City Hospital upgrading under the new DOH classification minimizes referrals to other tertiary hospitals in the medical management of tertiary medical cases. With the upgrade, the hospital could now provide wider laboratory services for more patients requiring diagnostic examinations. As BEMONC (Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care) hospital, the Naga City Hospital is now a referral hospital for emergency medical neonatal and obstetrical care cases. Among those who attended the inauguration were Interior and local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Health Secretary Enrique Ona. PND (as) TOP Malacanang says Aquino government has taken significant steps to deter extra judicial killings

The Aquino government assured the public that it has taken significant steps to deter extrajudicial killings, a Palace official said on Friday. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday that the Chief Executive had already created an inter-agency committee in order to deter extra-judicial killings and other human rights abuses. "We will continue our efforts to stop the impunity against journalists, the extralegal killings," Lacierda said. The government vowed to effectively enforce its policy to go after the perpetrators of extra judicial killings and other human rights abuses, Lacierda said. Lacierda said President Aquino created an inter-agency committee (IAC), through Administrative Order No. 35 last November, to investigate human rights abuses by state and non-state forces and ensure a focused probe and speedy resolution of all unsolved and new cases. "May task force tayo tungkol diyan na tinayo si Pangulong Aquino, at si Secretary Leila de Lima po ang tumitingin dito sa mga extralegal killings. So we are looking into all these extralegal killings," Lacierda said. Under AO 35, the secretary of the Department of Justice serves as chairperson of the IAC, which members include the head of the Presidential Human Rights Committee, the secretaries of the Departments of the Interior

and Local Government and National Defense, the presidential advisers of the Peace Process and Political Affairs, chief-of-staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National police chief and the National Bureau of Investigation director. The chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights and the Ombudsman sit as observers and resource persons in the IAC. "But, again, let me also explain that when we look into each particular incident, we also look into the motives, and there were able to segregate kung ano talaga yung politically motivated or may mga ibang reaso ns for the extralegal killings of journalists," Lacierda said. PND (js) TOP President Aquino says government to bid out Sabang Calabanga Port project in Camarines Sur

(CALABANGA, Camarines Sur) The government will be bidding out the P50-million Sabang-Calabanga Port project which is designed to improve the trade and tourism sectors of this province, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Friday. During his meeting with local leaders and residents of Calabanga here in Camarines Sur, the President said the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has already allocated P50 million for the project that will be bidded out this August. The government is working to seal the project so that the people of Camarines Sur especially those in Calabanga could benefit from the project. Ang handog nito sa mahal nating mga taga-Calabanga ay mas maunlad na komersiyo at turismo. Nagpapasalamat nga po tayo kay Attorney Leni Robredo na talaga namang puspusang tinututukan ang progreso ng inisyatibang ito, the President said in his message here. The President also said he expects travel time to become much faster when the Bicol Commuter Train begins servicing the Naga-Legazpi City route starting April next year adding that this will further enhance commerce and tourism in the Bicol region. He also said that the government has also completed major infrastructure for the provinces agriculture sector. The Aquino administration has so far completed 52 projects and theres an ongoing 15 irrigation projects that will benefit 27 towns in Camarines Sur including Calabanga. According to the President, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also continues to help the poor Bicolanos. In 2010, Camarines Sur had 3,970 households benefiting from the program and in March 2013, there are 108,497 households registered under the program, which is 99.9 percent of the governments target fo r the whole year, the chief executive said. The President said there were 800,000 recipients during the previous administration and the number of beneficiaries is now more than 3.9 million nationwide under the present government. Sa mga proyektong ito, di po bat malinaw naman na ang dating napapabayaan, ngayon nabibigyan na ng panahon. Ang dating imposible, ngayon lagi nang naaabot, the President said in Bicol dialect. At malinaw din po na hindi isang tao ang gumawa ng pagbabago. Naabot ito sa pakikipa gtulungan ng bawat Pilipino ---kayo ang gumawa nito. Kaya nga po lalo pa nating mapapaspas ang pagsulong ng ating bayan tungo sa malawakang pag-unlad, kung dadami ang mga makikibuhat sa halip na magiging pabigat lamang, the President added. During his speech, the President asked the people of Calabanga to vote for candidates supportive of the administrations cause so that reforms and development will also continue in Camarines Sur. Joining the President during his visit here were Transportation and Communication Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas and Secretary Jesse Robredos widow, lawyer Leni Robredo who is running for representative of the third district of Camarines Sur. PND (as) TOP Malacanang says law enforcement agencies have mapped out action plan to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible May 13 elections

Law enforcement agencies have mapped out an action plan to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct of the May 13 automated national and local elections, a Palace official said on Friday. Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched the Oplan Last Two Weeks to enable the DILG and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to maximize the deployment of their men in the field during Election Day. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is coordinating with the PNP to carry out their mandate in ensuring a peaceful and orderly elections and the safety of the people, Lacierda said. "In fact, DILG came out with the Operation Last Two Weeks to discuss the security situations. They conducted a presscon, discussing how many armed groups have been disbanded, ilang mga firearms ang na-confiscate. We want to ensure a peaceful and credible elections come Election Day," Lacierda said. Lacierda said President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the DILG, the PNP, the AFP and other concerned government agencies to beef-up their security preparations for the elections. "Early on we already had a meeting with the PNP and the AFP, and the President gave the marching orders for them. Our aim really is to have peaceful elections and so the AFP and the PNP forces have been coordinating to ensure that," Lacierda said. PND (js) TOP President Aquino vows to Secretary Ona that he will take some rest after elections

CALABANGA, Camarines Sur) Before thousands of Bicolanos here, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday vowed to Health Secretary Enrique Ona that he will take at least one day of his much needed rest immediately after the election period to keep himself healthy. Secretary Ona met with President Aquino Friday morning when he inaugurated the Naga City Hospital which was a project of the Department of Health under its Health Facilities Enhancement Program for the upgrading of the hospitals main building. President Aquino said Secretary Ona looked at him from head to toe, as though he was trying to examine him, and told him that he should take some rest. Ako poy masunurin sa aking doktor. Sabi niya, magpahinga ka. Umasa ka, Sec. Ike, malapit na. Malapit nang matapos ang eleksyon. Pag natapos yung bilangan, bigyan mo ako ng isang linggo, magpapahinga tayo ng isang araw pag tapos nunsiguro bandang Sunday, the President said. President Aquino admitted he was having trouble delivering his speeches smoothly at Team PNoy sorties, initially attributing it to simple colds, which, he said, affected his voice on top of the hectic schedule he had to deal with during the campaign period. Ang boses po natin ay hindi na yata pang-Pilipinas Got Talent at pang-Kermit the Frog na, pagpapasensyahan na ninyo na muna ako, he would often tell the public jokingly. "Alam po ninyo nahihirapan po akong magsalita sa inyo, ganito ang boses e. OK lang po sa akin mapagod, OK lang po sa akin lahat ng pagod na ito, lahat ng hirap na ito, dahil kayo naman ho talaga ang lakas ko. Nahihiya lang po akong iparinig sa inyo ang boses na ganitong parang sampung paper bag yata ang dinaanan e; nalulon pa yung paper bag." Over the last three months, President Aquino visited several provinces in Visayas and Mindanao. This week, he has been to Batangas, Quezon, Tarlac, Pangasinan and here in Camarines Sur to woo voters support for the 12 senatorial bets of his administration. Malacaang recently stated as a matter of fact that President Aquino is in the pink of health despite his coughing fit. Siguro panay kampanya ni Presidente, e natural lang yan sa kanya, his spokesman, Edwin Lacierda, said. He wants to campaign for his candidates. And we have no indication of any problems, Lacierda stressed. PND (hdc) TOP

03 MAY 2013 Bagong 'upgrade' na Osptal ng Naga, pinasinayaan ng Pangulong Aquino Gumawa ng karampatang hakbang ang gobyernong Aquino upang masagkaan ang mga 'extra judicial killings'Palasyo Isusubasta ng gobyerno ang Sabang-Calabanga Port project sa Camarines Sur, sang-ayon sa Pangulong Aquino Naihanda na ng mga alagad ng batas ang action plan, sabi ng Palasyo para tiyaking malaya, maayos, matapat at mapayapa ang halalan sa Mayo 13 Bagong 'upgrade' na Osptal ng Naga, pinasinayaan ng Pangulong Aquino

LUNGSOD NG NAGA) Pinasinayaan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Ospital ng Lungsod ng Naga na ginawa upang higit na makatugon sa kailangang pangkalusugan ng mga maysakit na mamamayan ng lungsod na ito. Sa pagbalik natin dito sa Naga, hatid natin ang isa na namang magandang balitang bunga ng ating bayanihan at mithiing iangat ang kapuwa---ang mas pinaunlad na Naga City Hospital, wika ng Pangulo sa mensahe sa pasinayang idinaos. Iisa ang diwa ng ating mga programang pangkalusugan walang iba kundi binibigyang lakas natin ang ating mamamayan para maiangat, hindi lamang ang kanilang mga sarili, kundi pati ang buong bayan, dugtong ng Pangulo. Inilaan ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan ang P15 milyon buhat sa Health Facilities Enhancement Program nito upang ayusin ang main building ng pagamutan at inayos ang operating room at delivery room complex. Bukod sa pag-aayos ng pasilidad ng pagamutan, naglaan pa ang DOH ng P3 milyong pambili at gugol sa istalasyon ng makabagong mga kagamitang medikal na gaya ng portable anesthesia machine, ECG machine at oxygen therapy set. Sinabi ng Pangulo na hindi lamang ang Ospital ng Lungsod ng Naga ang pinalawak ang serbisyo at inayos, kundi pati ang Bicol Medical Center na nasa lungsod ding ito upang matugunan ang kailangang pangkalusugan ng mga Bicolano, lalo na ang mga dukha. Binanggit din ng Pangulo na ang hakbang na ito ay magkatuwang na ginagawa ng DOH at ng tanggapan ni Senador Franklin Drilon. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na pangunahing pakay niya sapul nang manungkulan noong 2010 na mabigyan nang lubos na kailangang pangkalusugan at panlipunan ng mga Pilipino, lalo na ng mga dukha, kaya dinagdagan niya ang budget ng mga ahensiyang nangangasiwa rito. Itinaas natin ng 78 porsiyento ang budget ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan at 268 porsiyento ang ukol sa Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran, sabi ng Pangulo. Idinugtong pa ng Pangulo na ibig matiyak ng administrasyon niya na nararating ng tulong ang mga dukhang Pilipino sa ilalim ng Programang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino na ngayon ay umaabot na sa 3.9 milyong tahanan ang nakikinabang buhat sa 800,000 nang manungkulan siya noong 2010. Parami nang parami, sabi ng Pangulo, ang nasasakop ng pinalawak na programang universal health care ng pamahalaan. Ayon sa Pangulo, pinag-ibayo na ang propesyonal na serbisyong medikal sa mga kapus-palad na Pilipino at umaabot sa 50,500 nars ang naipadala sa iba-ibang panig ng bansa sa ilalim ng RN Heals Program ng DOH. Ang Ospital ng Lungsod ng Naga na dati-rating naglilipat lamang ng mga may mabibigat na sakit sa tertiary hospitals ay maaari na ngayong maglapat ng lunas sa mga tertiary cases.

Sa mga serbisyong maibibigay ngayon ng ospital ay ang Basic Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care at dito na maipadadala ang emergency medical neonatal and obstetrical care cases. Kasama ng Pangulo na dumalo sa pasinaya ng ospital dito sina Kalihim Manuel Roxas II ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan, Joseph Emilio Abaya ng Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon at Enrique Ona ng Kalusugan. PND TOP Gumawa ng karampatang hakbang ang gobyernong Aquino upang masagkaan ang mga 'extra judicial killings'Palasyo Gumawa na ng mga karampatang hakbang ang gobyernong Aquino upang masagkaan ang mga extra judicial killings, tiniyak ito ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda Biyernes. Sinabi ni Lacierda sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang na nilikha na ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang isang inter-agency committee (IAC) upang masawata ang extra-judicial killings at iba pang paglabag sa karapatang pantao. Ipagpapatuloy namin ang pagsisikap na masugpo ang walang habas na pagpaslang sa mga mamamahayag at ang mga extralegal killings, sabi ni Lacierda. Nangako ang pamahalaan na puspusang ipatutupad ang patakaran nitong dakpin at usigin ang mga may kagagawan ng extra judicial killings at iba pang paglabag sa karapatang pantao, dagdag pa ni Lacierda. Ayon kay Lacierda, noon pang nakaraang Nobyembre nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang Kautusang Pampangasiwaan Blg. 35 na lumikha ng inter-agency committee upang magsiyasat sa paglabag sa karapatang pantao ng state and non-state forces at matiyak na nakatuon ang pagsisiyasat at mabilis na paglutas sa lahat ng hindi pa nalulutas at mga bagong kaso. May task force tayo tungkol diyan na nilikha ng Pangulong Aquino at si Kalihim Leila de Lima po ang tumitingin sa extrajudicial killings. Lahat po ng extrajudicial killings ay sinisiyasat, w ika pa ni Lacierda. Sa ilalim ng AO 35, ang Kalihim ng Katarungan ang tagapangulo ng IAC at mga kagawad ang puno ng Presidential Human Rights Committee at ang mga Kalihim ng mga Kagawaran ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan at Tanggulang Bansa, mga tagapayo ng Pangulo ukol sa prosesong pangkapayapaan at Political Affairs, ang puno ng estado mayor ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas (AFP), puno ng Pambansang Pulisya (PNP), at direktor ng Pambansang Kawanihan ng Pagsisiyasat (NBI). Ang tagapangulo ng Komisyon ng Karapatang Pantao at ng Ombudsman ay magsisilbing tagamasid at resource persons sa IAC. Ibig kong linawin na kapag siniyasat ang isang insidente, aalamin din ang motibo at nang sa gayon malaman kung talagang ang dahilan ay pulitika o may mga iba pang sanhi ang extrajudicial killings ng mga mamamahayag, paliwanag pa ni Lacierda. PND TOP Isusubasta ng gobyerno ang Sabang-Calabanga Port project sa Camarines Sur, sang-ayon sa Pangulong Aquino CALABANGA, Camarines Sur) Isusubasta ng pamahalaan ang P50 milyong proyektong Sabang-Calabanga Port na idinisenyo upang mapasigla ang kalakalan at turismo sa lalawigang ito, alinsunod sa pahayag dito ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Biyernes. Sinabi ng Pangulo sa pulong niya sa mga lokal na lider at mamamayan ng bayang ito na naglaan na ang Kagawaran ng Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon ng P50 milyon para sa proyektong itong nakatakdang isubasta sa Agosto. Ang proyektong ito ay makatutulong sa mga mamamayan ng Camarines Sur. Lalo na sa bayan ng Calabanga. Ang handog nito sa mahal nating mga taga-Calabanga ay mas maunlad na komersiyo at turismo. Nagpapasalamat nga po tayo kay Atty. Leni Robredo na talaga namang puspusang tinu tutukan ang progreso ng inisyatibong ito, wika ng Pangulo. Ipinaliwanag ng Pangulo na inaasahan niyang magiging higit na mabilis ang biyahe rito kapag sinimulan na ang serbisyo ng Bicol Commuter Train mula sa Naga patungong Legazpi City buhat sa Abril ng susunod na taon na tiyak na magpapasiglang lalo ng komersiyo at turismo sa buong rehiyon ng Bicol. Sinabi pa ng Pangulo na natapos na rin ng pamahalaan ang malalaking imprastraktura para sa sektor ng agrikultura sa lalawigang ito. Nayari na ng administrasyong Aquino ang 52 proyekto at may kasalukuyan pang tinatapos na 15 proyektong patubig na pakikinabangan ng 27 bayan ng Camarines Sur, kabilang ang Calabanga. Binanggit din ng Pangulo ang patuloy na pagtulong ng Programang Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran para sa mararalitang Bicolano.

Noong 2010, sabi ng Pangulo, 3,970 tahanan sa Camarines sur ang nakikinabang sa programang ito ngunit noong Marso 2013, umabot na sa 108,497 ang mga tahanang nasa ilalim ng programang ito na 99.9 porsiyento ng pakay ng pamahalaan para sa buong taong ito. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na 800,000 ang tumatanggap ng biyayang ito sa ilalim ng dating administrasyon at sa ilalim ng kanyang pangasiwaan, ito ngayon ay 3.9 milyon nang mga benepisiyaryo sa buong bansa. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo sa pagsasalita sa wikang Bicolano na ito ang katunayang ang dating napapabayaan, ngayon ay nabibigyan na ng karampatang tulong na kailangan. At malinaw din po na hindi isang tao ang gumawa ng pagbabago. Naabot ito sa pakikipagtulungan ng bawat Pilipinokayo ang gumawa nito. Kaya nga po lalo pa nating mapabibilis ang pagsulong ng ating bayan tungo sa malawakang pag-unlad kung darami ang mga makikibuhat sa halip na maging pabigat lamang, pagbibigay-diin pa ng Pangulo. Hiniling din ng Pangulo sa mga mamamayan ng Calabanga na iboto ang mga kandidatong kabalikat ng administrasyon upang ang mga reporma at kaunlaran ay magpatuloy sa buong Camarines Sur. Kasama ng Pangulo sa pagtungo rito sina Kalihim Joseph Emilio Abaya ng Trasportasyon at Komunikasyon, Kalihim Manuel Roxas II ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan, at ang balo ng yumaong Kalihim Jesse Robredo, manananggol na si Leni Robredo na kandidato sa pagka-kinatawan ng ikatlong purok ng Camarines Sur. PND TOP Naihanda na ng mga alagad ng batas ang action plan, sabi ng Palasyo para tiyaking malaya, maayos, matapat at mapayapa ang halalan sa Mayo 13 Nakahanda na ang action plan ng mga alagad ng batas upang tiyaking malaya, mapayapa, maayos, matapat at kapani-paniwala ang gagawing automated na halalang pambansa at lokal sa Mayo 13, ayon sa Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda Biyernes. Binigyang diin ni Lacierda sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang na naglunsad ang Kagawaran ng Interyor at Lokal na Pamahalaan (DILG) ng Oplan Last Two Weeks upang magkaroon ng pagkakataon ang DILG at ang Pulisyang Pambansa na maitalaga ang mga tauhan nila sa Araw ng Halalan. Nakikipag-ugnayan naman ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas sa PNP sa pagsagawa ng tungkulin nilang tiyaking mapayapa at maayos ang halalan at ang kaligtasan ng sambayanan, sabi pa ni Lacierda. Ang DILG ay mayroon nang Operation Last Two Weeks upang talakayin ang kalagayang pangkapanatagan. Nagdaos sila ng pulong-balitaan at tinalakay kung ilan nang sandatahang pangkat ang nalansag nila at gaano karaming sandata ang nasamsam na. Ibig nating matiyak na magiging mapayapa at kapani-paniwala ang halalan, dugtong ni Lacierda. Sinabi ni Lacierda na inutusan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang DILG, Pambansang Pulisya, Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at iba pang kinauukulang tanggapan ng pamahalaan na pag-ibayuhin ang paghahandang pangkapanatagan kaugnay ng halalan. Una nang nagpulong ang PNP at AFP kung saan ginawa ng Pangulo ang mga utos niya. Ang layunin ay magkaroon ng tunay na mapayapang halalan at ang AFP at PNP ang nagtutulungan para tiyaking magiging mapayapa at maayos ang halalan, wika pa ni Lacierda. PND TOP

President Benigno S. Aquino IIIs Speech during the Inauguration of the Naga City Hospital Peafrancia Ave., Naga City, Camarines Sur 03 May 2013 Salamat po. Maupo ho tayo lahat.

Secretary Mar Roxas; Secretary Ike Ona; Secretary Jun Abaya; of course, butihing Mayor natin John Bongat; Vice Mayor, ito yung pinaka mellifluous voice, Gabby Bordado; ating susunod na kongresista, Leni Robredo; Dr. Gloria Balboa; Dr. Luningning Luciano; officials and employees of the Naga City Hospital; local government officials present; fellow workers in government; mga namumutan kong kahimanwa. Tumango po si John, mukhang tama. Parang kailan lang nang namumuno dito si Jesse. Parang kailan lang nang pinatunayan ng kanyang tsinelas leadership ang kakayahan ng Naga na tumahak sa tuwid na landas ng kaunlaran. At narito na n ga po tayo, tinatamasa ang mga kongkretong tagumpay na resulta ng inyong pakikihakbang sa ating krusada sa mabuting pamamahala. Kaya naman, sa aking mga Boss na Nagueo: Salamat saindong pagiging kusog asin inspirasyon kan gobierno. Dios mabalos saindong pagiging sandigan nin positibong reporma. Kamo po ang guminibo asin padagos na nagigibo nin mga pagbabago. Kahapon ho kasi Ilokano ang binibigkas ko eh. Sa pagbabalik natin dito sa Naga, hatid natin ang isa na namang magandang balitang bunga ng ating bayanihan at pagpipiling iangat ang kapwa: ang mas pinaunlad na Naga City Hospital. Sa ilalim po ng ating Health Facilities Enhancement Program, naglaan po tayo ng labinlimang milyong piso para sa pagpapaayos ng main building ng ospital at para sa pagpapaunlad sa operating room at delivery room complex nito. Naglaan din po tayo ng dagdag na tatlong milyong piso para naman sa pagbili raw ng ating mas moderno at mas bagong mga kagamitang medikal tulad ng portable anesthesia machine, ECG machine, at oxygen therapy set. At syempre po dahil naniniwala tayo kay John, pag siya ay kumatok kay Secretary Ona at may kulang pa, gagawan ng paraan ni Secretary Ona ang kakulangan pa. Dahil tiwala po tayong yung tulong aabot talaga sa nangangailangan. Kaakibat naman po ng proyekto nating ito, kasalukuyan na rin nating isinasaayos at pinapalawak ang serbisyo ng Bicol Medical Center, muli sa pangunguna ng DOH, at sa suportang ipinagkaloob po ni Senator Frank Drilon nagsisilbing bukal ng pag-asa at pagkalinga ang inisyatiba nating ito para sa mga kababayan nating Bicolano. Iisa ang diwa ng ating mga programang pangkalusugan: binibigyang-lakas lakas natin ang ating mamamayan para maiangat, hindi lamang ang kanilang mga sarili, kundi maging ang buong bayan. Kaya naman, simula nang ta yoy manungkulan, walang patid nating inaangat ang budget para sa mga ahensyang direktang nangangalaga sa ating mga kababayan. Nariyan ang pagtataas natin ng pitumput walong porsyento sa budget ng DOH, at ng dalawandaan at animnaput walong porsyento naman para sa DSWD. At sinisiguro po nating umaabot ang benepisyong hatid nito sa mas nakakarami nating kababayan. Sa katunayan, ang dinatnan nating halos 800,000 registered household beneficiaries ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, umabot na ngayon sa mahigit 3.9 milyong kabahayan na naisasalba sa gutom at kahirapan at binibigyan ng pag-asa. Nariyan din ang mas maraming bilang ng mga Pilipinong nakakatanggap ng de-kalidad na atensyong medikal dahil sa mas pinalawig na PhilHealth coverage. Batid din po nating walang silbi ang mga bagong pasilidad na tulad nito, kung kapos naman tayo sa mga propesyonal na mag-aaruga sa ating mga mamamayan. Ang tugon natin sa hinaing ng mga komunidad na talagang nangangailangan ng kalinga: ang mahigit limampung libo at limandaang nurses na naipadala natin sa ibat ibang bahagi ng bansa sa ilalim ng ating RN HEALS Program. Ganitong pagkalinga ang hatid ng tuwid na daan: agaran at mapagkakatiwalaan. Malinaw sa ating hindi madadaan sa tapal ng albularyo ang mga suliraning matagal nang pumipilay sa sambayanan. Hindi basta-bastang madadaan sa cares ang kanser ng kurapsyon at panlalamang. Nakasalalay sa mas pinalakas na serbisyong panlipunan ang pagpuksa sa kalakaran ng lumang sistema. Walang duda po: sinasalamin ng ospital na ito ang mabuting adhikain ni Jesse para sa Naga. Simbolo ito sa positibong pagbabagong tinatamasa natin bilang bansa dahil sa ating pagkakaisa. Hindi tayo madidiskaril sa ating hangarin: sa mabuting pamamahala, maaasahan ang isang estado na handang umagapay sa mamamayan sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Tiwala akong sa bayanihan ng mga Boss nating Nagueo, at sa patuloy nating pagiging lakas at inspirasyon para sa isat isa, buong tatag nating bubuhatin ang ating bayan at talagang abot-kamay natin ang mas matatayog pang adhikain. Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat sa lahat. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS

06 MAY 2013

Daylight - Good News about the Philippines and Pinoys - Vol. 3 Issue 13 Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges: Yao Ming, Shanghai Sharks visit Manila for Clinic, friendship games Roxas tells Mancao to return to fold of law DTI warns public against biz scam soliciting money while posing as Secretaries Domingo and Ochoa DPWH construct access road to amazing rock formation in Ilocos Norte Rich coral reefs take center stage at PH Ocean Month celebration PNP deploys 30 thousand personnel for upcoming May 2013 polls BSP conducts public information campaign for students BSP releases report on the Philippine Financial System for the second semester of 2012 POEA cancels license of overcharging recruitment agency Abandoned seniors find life-worth living at Haven for the Elderly 2 Customs officials face administrative and criminal charges Statement of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad on Standard & Poor's upgrade of Philippine sovereign credit ratings Q1 infra spending soars by 50.1% Y-O-Y; Abad: Disbrusements now more precise, falling in the right spots Cops assigned to local officials during poll period should be in uniform - DILG Davao consumer organizations to federate for louder voice Phl, Japan ink grant for hydropower projects in Ifugao and Isabela 35 Filipinos due home from Syria, 123 others awaiting repatriation Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges: Yao Ming, Shanghai Sharks visit Manila for Clinic, friendship games Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 4 May 2013 - Former National Basketball Association (NBA) star center Yao Ming, together with his team, the Shanghai Sharks, is in Manila as part of the Philippines-China Years of Friendly Exchanges (YFE) agreed upon by Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III and former Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2011. The Sharks arrived in the country a day ahead of the former Houston Rockets cager who flew in yesterday, May 03. Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the visit will be highlighted by a basketball clinic and a couple of exhibition games with Philippine teams. On May 05, the Sharks will hold a basketball clinic for less fortunate children at the Multi-Purpose Arena of PSCPhilsports in Pasig City. They will then have to face the Smart Gilas Team and the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Selection in separate matches on May 06 and May 07, respectively. Dubbed by organizers as friendship games, the exhibition matches are supported by SM Mall of Asia Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum, ATC Pharmaceuticals, Friends of the Philippines Foundation, Anchorland, Vikings and Oishi. TV5, the major sponsor of the event, will do a live telecast of the friendship games. Yao Ming and the Sharks will also pay a courtesy call on Vice President Jejomar C. Binay at the Coconut Palace. They are set to depart on May 09. The YFE is a joint initiative by the Philippines and China to encourage more people-to-people exchanges to strengthen understanding and mutual trust between them. END |TOP| Roxas tells Mancao to return to fold of law Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Manila, Philippines Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Friday/May 3 called on former Police Senior Supt. Cezar Mancao to return to the fold of the law, saying that as a fugitive, he is more prone to be easy target for those wanting to get him killed. If it is safety that he is concerned of, then safety is clearly best secured while under government custody, Roxas said in a statement. Mancao, accused of murder for the 2000 killings of public relations agent Salvador Bubby Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito, bolted from the National Bureau of Investigation jail Thursday, claiming he feared for his safety. In phone interviews with the media, Mancao accused former Sen. Panfilo Lacson as being behind the move to transfer him from the custody of the NBI to the Manila City Jail, where, he said, his life could be in danger. He also cried of injustice.

Lacson is former chief of the Philippine National Police and the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF), some of whose agents allegedly killed Dacer and Corbito. Natakot siya sa proposal na ipadala siya sa Manila City Jail after other suspects wanted equal treatment, Roxas explained. So how can he be a victim of injustice when in fact, he is a beneficiary of special treatment because he was not put in jail with everybody else? Roxas pointed out that if Mancao wants protection from the state, he should put himself under the custody of the law. As a fugitive, anybody could harm him. This is not a threat. This is a possibility, he said. The DILG Secretary assured that every effort is being exerted to find Mancao. Right now, he is a fugitive like all other fugitives and so we will be placing him in the same watch list and in the same process and procedures like all other of these fugitives, Roxas said. |TOP| DTI warns public against biz scam soliciting money while posing as Secretaries Domingo and Ochoa Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) once again issued a warning to the public against an on-going scam supposedly soliciting funds for the national and local elections on May 13, 2013. The warning came in the light of numerous reports received by the DTI that some unscrupulous groups and individuals are soliciting money for the upcoming elections by namedropping Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. As a matter of policy, solicitation is not allowed in the Department and sanctions are in order to those found doing so, said Secretary Domingo. We appeal to the general public to be watchful and discriminating not to fall prey to modus operandi such as these, he said. In the fourth quarter of last year, the DTI issued a warning to the public against reports that some individuals are soliciting items from stores and business establishments by ordering goods on behalf of the Trade Secretary supposedly for the conduct of various functions and events. Aside from stores and establishments, these fraudulent individuals pretending to be the DTI Secretary contacted several Ambassadors for the same purpose. Also last year, a text message scam spread around notifying mobile phone users that they reportedly won cash prizes and that the winners can only claim their prizes by calling a certain individual declaring himself to be Secretary Domingo. Should the public come across similar incidents, the DTI advises to report these to DTI Direct at 751.3330. The public can also verify the legitimacy of promos through www.dtincr.ph. |TOP| DPWH construct access road to amazing rock formation in Ilocos Norte Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph The amazing white rock formation in Burgos, Ilocos Norte will soon be more accessible as the Department of Public Works and Highways undertakes the construction of a road leading to this tourism destination. In his report to DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson, DPWH Region 1 Director Veniedo Reyes said that works are in full progress for the concrete paving of 3.466 kilometers access road to the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation. Reyes during his inspection, has directed DPWH Ilocos Norte 1st District Engineer Nestor Pasion and Project Engineer Angelito Dian to take advantage of the summer season to facilitate completion of the project as scheduled by October 2013 for a five (5) months construction period. Also integrated in the P70 Million fund for the concrete paving works of carriageway and shoulder are construction of line canal, installation of box and pipe culverts, slope protection works, provision for coconet or the installation of coco fiber erosion control net, and safety devices such as guardrails and warning and informative signs. Listed as one of the projects under the so-called Convergence Program for Enhancing Tourism Access of the DPWH and Department of Tourism, the construction of Kapurpurawan Road will make adventure to the white creamy colored limestone structures and products of a weathering and sedimentation a lot more fun. The whole formation has a smooth curving iconic shape head, cradle and the resting dragon. Kapurpurawan actually comes from the Ilocano word puraw which means white. The place c an be reached an hour and a few minutes travel north of Laoag City and offers a breathtaking view of the different rock shapes that can completely amaze tourists who visit the place. Meanwhile, Secretary Singson said that more key infrastructure will be put in place in order to support the development in the tourism sector as the Aquino administration place importance to tourism as a key factor in helping re-distribute the wealth from those in the upper class who frequently travel down to the medium and lower class who makes a living in the tourism trade to realize the inclusive growth vision. This move is also expected to generate job opportunities living in these tourism destinations. To further boost tourism by making road travel more fun in the Philippines and confident of the DPWHs capability to realize completion of key infrastructure projects nationwide based on the National Tourism Development Plan at the right cost, right quality and right on time, the government continues to provide ample investment for vital access roads for tourism areas, airports, and seaports, and other infrastructure requirement pouring P7.987 Billion in CY 2012, P11.950 Billion in 2013 and will rise to whopping P18 Billion in CY 2014.

|TOP| Rich coral reefs take center stage at PH Ocean Month celebration Source: http://www.denr.gov.ph The richness of the countrys coral reefs is the main focal point of the observance of the Month of the Ocean (MOO) this May, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje announced today. Paje said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has lined up various activities for this years celebration, which falls under the theme Ang Bahura ay Kagubatan sa Karagatan, Ating Pangalagaan! (The Coral Reefs are the Forests of the Seas, Let Us Protect Them). The focus on coral reefs highlights the premium that we put on our coral reefs, which protect our coastlines naturally and give tremendous economic benefits to millions of Filipinos particularly through fisheries and tourism, said Paje, who represented the Philippines at the Sustainable Ocean Summit held in Washington, D.C. from April 22 to 24. He said the iconic species of MOO 2013 is the thresher shark (Alopias pelagicus) that can be regularly seen in Monad Shoal in Cebus Malapascua Island. Classified as a vulnerable species, this predators presence is an indicator of the reef ecosystems good health, Paje said. The Philippines is home to Palawans Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which was declared as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention. The country is also home to the Apo Reef Natural Park in Occidental Mindoro, considered the second largest contiguous coral reef system in the world, next to Australias Great Barrier Reef. These two world-renowned reefs, along with the other coral reefs in the countrys 240 million hectares of water, and the biodiversity that thrives within them, provide food security to Filipinos, who source 80 percent of their protein requirement from the oceans. One of the highlights of the month-long celebration will be the launch of the DENRs Sustainable Coral Reef Ecosystem Management Program (SCREMP) on May 20. The SCREMP is a national program where the protection and rehabilitation of the coral reef ecosystems will be conducted with a strategic, sustainable and ecosystem-based approach. The program includes the awarding of winners of a photo competition featuring the underwater beauty of the Philippines coral reef ecosystem. The Coastal Law Enforcement Manual, a guidebook for multisectoral groups enforcing laws to protect the countrys coastal and marine resources, will also be launched. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the promotion of responsible diving will be signed between the DENR and the Reef-World Foundation during the SCREMP launch. A separate MOA, with the local government of Boracay as additional signatory, will be signed on May 30 to launch the implementation of the foundations Green Fins project on the island. The MOO will also see diving enthusiasts and coral reef advocates participate in the Linis Bahura: Sisid para sa Kalikasan 2013, where they will collect crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci) from the coral reefs along the Verde Island Passage in Pagkilatan, Batangas. This kind of starfish is known to destroy entire coral reef populations by feeding on live coral tissues. Information materials on the richness of coral reef ecosystems, their economic importance, and the various ways to conserve and sustain them will be displayed or posted at all MRT-3 stations along EDSA for the whole month of May. A group of artists from the Dolphins Love Freedom group will restore the year-old Biodiversity Mural Wall of the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC) in Quezon City. The Wall was painted last year during the celebration of MOO 2012. For one month starting May 15, an interactive walking tour promoting 22 ecotourism sites established under the DENRs Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project (ICRMP) will be exhibited at the NAPWC. On May 19, coral reef advocates will hold a bike parade from Quezon City to Roxas Boulevard to drum up awareness on the state of the countrys coral reefs. Finally, on May 29-30, the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion (SSME) Sub-committee on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) will hold a meeting on initiatives on establishment and management of MPAs within the region.

The meeting will also see the launch of the State of the Coral Triangle Report, detailing the state of coral reef ecosystems and resources within the Coral Triangle. The Philippines is an active member of the six-country Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security. The Coral Triangle is known to contain 40 percent of the worlds coral reef fish species and 75 percent of the worlds coral species, 53 percent of these were found to be resilient to clima te change. MOO was first observed in 1999 by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 57. # |TOP| PNP deploys 30 thousand personnel for upcoming May 2013 polls Source: http://www.pnp.gov.ph The Philippine National Police will deploy 50% or 21,885 PNP personnel performing administrative jobs and undergoing training to augment troops in the field as part of its maximium deployment of uniformed personnels duties for the synchronized National and Local Elections on May 13, 2013. Recently, the Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, Hon Mar Roxas, annouced the launching of OPLAN Last Two Weeks that needs full administrative and operational PNP functions to further intensify the sec urity coverage before, during, and after the election day. The implementation of maximum deployment includes the activation of the PNP Reactionary Standby Support Force (PNP-RSSF) composed of 1,230 uniformed personnel from the Directorial Staff (D-Staff), 2,689 National Support Units (NSUs) and 6,273 Regional Headquarters (RHQs) administrative personnel. As well, 718 PNP uniformed personnel undergoing training at the Philippine Public Safety Collee (PPSC); 1,046 from National Police College (NPC); 9,549 from Police National Training Institute (PNTI); and 143 from PNP Intelligence Training Group (ITG) who are undergoing schooling, and the 237 newly graduates of Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) 2013 also joins the additional PNP force for the election duty detail. Meanwhile, PNP Chief Director General Alan La Madrid Purisima said that the deployment of personnel of the Special Action Force (SAF), being a specialized unit of the PNP, will be based on its own deployment plan in coordination with the PNP Directorate for Operations (DO). In addition, as a Specialized Reactionaty Support Force, SAF personnel shall be mobilized under a strategic arrangement to be determined by DO in coordination with the SAF Director. The PNP will mobilize all of its uniformed personnnel who performs administrative functions to supplement the number of police personnel in the field, especially in the fifteen (15) identified election hotspots, starting on May 8 up to May 16, 2013. The deployment of the 50% uniformed personnel performing administrative duties will be specifically detailed in different Municipal and City Police Stations nationwide as supplementary personnel in the conduct PNP patrols, checkpoints and anti-criminality operations. Police Director Catalino S Cuy, PNP Director for Personnel and Rescords Management (DPRM) and Commander of Task Group Human resource of Task Force SAFE 2013 said that the deployment personnel is covered with Special Orders for their temporary detail. |TOP|

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BSP conducts public information campaign for students Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will conduct a Public Information Campaign (PIC) called Be up to SPeed on BSP (or BSPeed) Role of the BSP in the Economy at the Assembly Hall of the BSP main office in Manila on 7 May 2013. BSPeed, which will be attended by college students in Manila-based schools, will be followed by similar sessions around the country for the rest of the year. BSPeed will cover topics on the role of the BSP in the economy, with emphasis on the three pillars of central banking, i.e., price stability, financial stability and efficient payments and settlements system. In addition, participants will also be briefed on recent economic developments and issues facing the Philippine economy. Moreover, an audio-visual presentation (AVP) on the New Generation Currency will likewise be shown. BSPeed is part of the BSP Economic and Financial Learning Program (EFLP) for the public, which rests on the philosophy that a well-informed citizenry in economics and finance becomes a more effective partner of the BSP in promoting the effectiveness of monetary policy and ensuring a safer banking and payments system. In particular, the EFLP aims to increase the level of understanding of essential economic and financial issues to help the public acquire the knowledge and develop skills needed to make sound economic and financial decisions. |TOP| BSP releases report on the Philippine Financial System for the second semester of 2012 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently released the Status Report on the Philippine Financial System1 for the second semester o 2012. The Report highlighted the assessment of the performance of the banking system and other financial institutions such as non-banks with quasi-banking functions and trust entities under BSPs supervision. Financial stability issues were also discussed in the Report Despite the global fragilities, the Philippine financial system continued to deliver a remarkable performance in 2012 with sustained profitability and stronger capitalization. Net profits were higher by 17 percent year-on-year at P122.3 billion mainly from interest-based revenue streams. Capital adequacy ratio for universal and commercial banks was at 16.9 percent and 18.0 percent on a solo and consolidated bases, respectively. Tier 1 was at 14.5 percent. Ratios are above the regulatory and the international minima.

Balance sheets strengthened with positive growths in assets, deposits and capital. Total resources steadily grew by 9.8 percent to P8,050.1 billion. Deposit liabilities and owners capital were the main source of funds. Core lending posted a double-digit growth of 14.3 percent on improving macroeconomic environment and increased corporate loan demand. The ratio of domestic credit to gross domestic product similarly rose to 40.0 percent from 38.6 percent last year. Outside the financial intermediation sector, Top 3 loan beneficiaries were real estate, manufacturing and transport-related sectors. Loan and asset quality have remarkably improved as NPL/NPA ratios of the banking system of 2.5 percent and 2.9 percent were at their record lows since the 1997 Asian financial crisis with NPL coverage ratio of 113.0 percent. This allowed local banks to fare better than the ASEAN-5 average in terms of asset quality and solvency. Further, liquid assetsto-deposit ratio remained strong at 57.5 percent from last years 56.4 percent. The strengths are attributable to the conscious efforts of financial institutions to strengthen its governance and operations at the backdrop of BSPs sustained, c alibrated and deep financial reforms

As to scale, the emerging financial landscape of the banking system became more streamlined, more technologically driven and responsiv to the diverse service delivery needs of modern Filipino banking clients. As of end-December 2012, there were 696 banks (726 banks in 2011) with 8,714 branches (8,324 branches in 2011) operating in the Philippines. Leveraging on technology, some banks have supplemented their brick-and-mortar channels by electronic delivery channels: internet and mobile banking. The System has become more responsive and financially inclusive with the diversified delivery channels, products and services including microfinance. With the sovereign upgrade of the Philippines, it is expected that the System will further expand. Thus, the BSP remains vigilant for any asset price bubbles and/or other vulnerabilities that can cause financial instability. Challenges also remain in the development of the financial markets and the infrastructure to support such developments to keep abreast with international norms. |TOP| POEA cancels license of overcharging recruitment agency Source: http://www.poea.gov.ph The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration recently cancelled the license of Lifeline International Philippines, Inc. for collecting excessive placement fee from an applicant for a job in Taiwan. Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the applicant complained that Lifeline International asked him to pay PhP120,000 as placement fee. He was able to pay PhP50,000 but was not issued a receipt. Cacdac said the amount required by the agency or the money actually paid by the applicant was way bigger than the prevailing wage of PhP27,000.00 in Taiwan. POEA rules limit the payment of placement fee to an amount equivalent to one month salary of the worker. The applicant alleged that he was able to sign a contract but was not actually deployed to Taiwan, hence the filing of the complaint. Cacdac said that for violating the rule on payment of placement fee (Section 2 (b) Rule I, Part VI of the POEA Rules

and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Land-based Overseas Workers), the agency was meted the penalty of cancellation of license. The officers of the agency at the time of the commission of the offense were also disqualified from participating in the business of recruitment of Filipino overseas workers. The POEA also found Lifeline International liable for pre-mature collection of fees and was meted the penalty of suspension of license for four months or payment of PhP200,000 fine. For not issuing a receipt, the recruitment agency was meted another penalty of 4-month suspension of license or fine of PhP200,000. Cacdac also ordered the respondent agency and Country Bankers Insurance Corporation to refund to the complainant the amount of PhP50,000 which was paid as placement fee. |TOP| Abandoned seniors find life-worth living at Haven for the Elderly Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph What is more painful for an 80 year old elderly than to be abandoned by the very persons whom he thought would care for him in his twilight years? Such is the case of Lolo Dominador Estrada of Pandacan, Manila. After he lost his wife in a hit and run accident in 2010, he also slowly lost his five children who left him one after the other. With no one to depend on for his daily survival, Lolo Dominador was forced to roam around scouring for leftover food from piles of trash on the road. With old age already taking its toll on his health, Lolo Dominador slowly lost his normal mental functioning. He wandered aimlessly around the city. Concerned citizens took pity of him and brought him to the Haven for the Elderly in Tanay, Rizal, one of the three centers for abandoned older persons managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The other two are the Golden Reception and Action Center for the Elderly and other Special Cases (Graces) in Bago Bantay, Quezon City, and the Home for the Aged in Regions IX and XI. Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman said that Lolo Dominador is just one of the many elderly people who are being abandoned by their loved ones. To date, the DSWD is serving 401 abandoned older persons in the three centers. The Haven for the Elderly which was established three years ago has 141 abandoned elderly residents aged 60 to 104. The seniors at the three DSWD centers are apart from the abandoned older persons staying in centers managed by non-government organizations and local government units. We recognize that though we Filipinos really care for our elders, there are factors that also drive families to abandon their elders especially if they are already sickly and can no longer function normally, Secretary Sol iman said. Secretary Soliman explained that only three years in operation, the Haven for the Elderly provides various services to make the elderly feel secure as they reach their golden years. Home away from home in their twilight years True to its mandate as a social institution, the Haven for the Elderly provides high quality services for neglected, abandoned, and homeless Filipino senior citizens. Among the services at the center are home-life, dietary and health, spiritual, livelihood, socio-cultural, and recreational services. The center has complete medical staff that includes resident doctors, nurses, nutritionists, psychologists, and houseparents who look after the elderly residents nutrition, health and well -being. The Haven for the Elderly resides on acres of lush gardens with views of rolling mountains surrounded by trees providing healthy and nurturing environment for the elders. It also promotes balanced lifestyle by fostering independence and providing social care. At the center, residents are encouraged to hone their skills, trying their hands at gardening, poultry raising, and craftsmanship. Lola Juana Troyo, an 84-year old native of Leyte and one of the 141 elderly residents of the center expressed, Laking pasasalamat ko sa DSWD dahil tinangap at kinupkop nila ako. Mag-isa na lang ako sa buhay, wala na akong pamilya. Nang ako ay magkasakit dahil wala na ngang mag-aalaga sa akin, lumapit ako sa DSWD at dito ako dinala. Ngayon, magdadalawang taon na ako dito, masayang-masaya ako at kuntento sa serbisyo na ibinibigay ng DSWD (I am very thankful to DSWD because they accepted and took care of me. Im already alone and I have no family to go to. When I got sick, the DSWD brought me here at Haven for the Elderly. Now, Ive been staying here fo r almost two years and I am truly happy and contented with the services of the staff of DSWD). Lolo Dominador said that his stay at the Haven for the Elderly made him forget the weariness of life because of the various productive activities that the center provides. Dito, hindi ako nababagot dahil nag-aalaga ako ng manok at nagtatanim ng gulay at halaman (Here, I do not feel bored, I am raising poultry and planting vegetables and other crops), he happily shared. According to Ricky Bunao, Head of Haven for the Elderly, Improvements of our facilities are being done to sustain the physical, social, emotional, and mental functioning of the elderly residents. We also undertake researches on effective strategies, innovations, approaches, and techniques along rehabilitation of older persons. Activities aimed at enhancing their vocational skills to encourage them to become productive are also being done.

He said, We continue to coordinate with local government units to find their relatives and be re -united with them. If the relatives cannot take their elders home, they can come and visit them. With the efforts to improve further the services of the center, Bunao is hopeful that the seniors here would somehow be able spend their twilight years meaningfully and with dignity. 3rd Anniversary On April 22-25, the Haven for the Elderly celebrated its third anniversary with the theme, Nagkakaisa sa Maayos at Mahusay na Paglilingkod sa mga Nakatatanda. The theme demonstrates the overwhelming support of the diffe rent partners of DSWD in taking care of the underprivileged older persons. One can observe the genuine compassion of the volunteers and partners as they interacted with the elderly residents all throughout the program. Through the years, these partners shared not only material things but also their time and effort. Some partners would go to the center to conduct parties for the entertainment of the elderly residents. Others would go there to help the caregivers feed the bed-ridden seniors and to conduct medical mission. Still others would go there to give livelihood skills training for the still physically fit senior residents. In recognition of the invaluable support of partner-non-government organizations and individuals to the center, the DSWD handed them awards of appreciation. The DSWD awarded an individual sponsor, Ms. Arlene Timog, who has supported the center for more than eight years. Ms. Timog said she believes in giving without expecting something in return. It gives her joy to help especially the elderly. Other activities that marked the centers third anniversary celebration were tree planting, livelihood product exhibit, wellness-activities, photo and video exhibit, mass, launching of convergence extension office and sports fest for the staff and the elderly. |TOP| 2 Customs officials face administrative and criminal charges Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph THE Revenue Integrity Protection Service (RIPS) of the Department of Finance (DOF) filed separate complaint affidavits to the Office of the Ombudsman against 2 customs officers on Thursday, May 2, 2013. Recaflor Edward Fuerte De Leon, a Customs Operations Officer V stationed at the Port Area of South Harbor, Manila, and Abel Batino Bayot, a Customs Operations Officer III of the Cavite Export Zone, have been separately charged for declaring misleading information in their respective Statements of Assets and Liabilities (SALNs) over a span of several years. Likewise, the two have been indicted for failing to declare a number of their personal properties. RIPS has also accused the officials of taking suspicious trips abroad. De Leons SALNs show that from 2003 to 2011, he had declared two farm lots in the province of Zambales which were allegedly purchased separately from 1986 to 1989. However, certification obtained by RIPS from the Office of the Provincial Assessor of Iba, Zambales shows that no property, whether land or improvements, are declared in the names of De Leon or his wife and child. RIPS also accuses De Leon of failing to declare ownership of firearms, as Certification from the Philippine National Police (PNP) shows his ownership of several of them. Lastly, the agency alleges that, in violation of Executive Order (EO) 6, series of 1986, De Leon left the country on two separate occasions without the requisite travel authority. A Certification from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) states that De Leon left the country for Bangkok in 2001 and for Hong Kong in 2009. EO 6 (s. 1986) requires all government employees to secure travel authority from the government before leaving the country. De Leon has worked for the government since 1981. In Bayots case, the official is charged for declaring two ghost properties in his SALNs. Bayot listed ownership of a coffee farm in Amadeo, Cavite and a residential lot in Bacoor, Cavite in his SALNs from 2004 to 2011. However, certifications obtained by RIPS from the respective offices of the assessors of Amadeo and Bacoor show that no such properties are registered under his name or those of his wife or child. Likewise, Bayot had also declared ownership of a house and lot in Amadeo. However, the same certification from the Municipal Assessor of Amadeo shows that though Bayot is the owner of a residential building in the said municipality, the land on which it is erected is registered under the name of a certain Carmen Batino, married to Dominador Bayot. RIPS also charges Bayot of declaring misleading information and failing to declare several personal properties in his SALNs. The affidavit against Bayot states that in his SALNs from 2004 to 2010, he declared ownership of a Honda car and a Mitsubishi Pajero. However, while the vehicles did not appear anymore in his 2011 SALN, Bayot apparently reported a Mitsubishi Montero in lieu of the other two vehicles. Incidentally, the LTO certifications, respectively dated September 10, 2012 and October 19, 2012, show only Bayots ownership of the Mitsubishi Pajero and the Honda Civic, but not the Mitsubishi Montero. The agency argues that these vehicles should have been continuously reflected in Bayots SALN for 2011 per LTO certifications. Alternatively, since no LTO records support Bayots ownership of the Mitsubishi Montero, the same should not have been reflected in his 2011 SALN, as alleged by RIPS in its complaint. On the other hand, a certification from the PNP shows that Bayot owns several firearms. However, the affidavit states that such were not declared by him.

Bayot is also accused of suspiciously travelling to Hong Kong from June 3 to 6, 1995. RIPS obtained certification from the BI shows that Bayot left for Hong Kong on the said date. However, another certification from the Central Records Management Division of the DOF shows that no travel authority was issued to Bayot for the said time. De Leon and Bayot are answerable for administrative and criminal penalties should the Office of the Ombudsman find substantial evidence of the charges against them by virtue of its express powers under The Ombudsman Act of 1989. Recently, RIPS pressed similar charges against Romalino G. Valdez and Jose C. Tabanda, both from BOC last April 25, 2013. RIPS is the anti-graft arm of the Department of Finance, created pursuant to Executive Order No. 259, s. 2003, to detect, investigate, and prevent corrupt practices committed by erring revenue officials and employees under the DOFs jurisdiction, including the Bureau of Customs (BOC). |TOP| Statement of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad on Standard & Poor's upgrade of Philippine sovereign credit ratings Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph Today, the Philippines has gained its second investment grade credit rating. Standard & Poors (S&P) Ratings Services has elevated the Philippines sovereign credit ratings to BBB- from BB+, with a stable outlook. This upgrade affirms the global markets renewed and heighte ned confidence in our country as a viable investment center in Asia. S&P attributed this upgrade to the countrys improved fiscal profile, declining reliance on foreign currency debt, increased revenue collection, and macroeconomic stability, among other factors. Indeed, the reforms pursued by the Aquino Administration are now bearing fruit. Still, we cannot afford to be complacent: we must work harder to translate these reforms into direct, immediate and substantial dividends for our people, especially the poor. With this, we intend to maximize the benefits of an investment grade credit rating. For one, it will help us lower the cost of financing, and eventually widen our fiscal space especially for infrastructure spending. An investment grade credit rating also lowers our countrys risk profile, which could help us attract more investors and create more jobs. S&Ps upgrade inspires us in the Aquino Administration to sustain and even escalate the pursuit of reform, especially in improving the quality and impact of public spending, increasing revenue collections, as well as lowering the cost of doing business. |TOP| Q1 infra spending soars by 50.1% Y-O-Y; Abad: Disbrusements now more precise, falling in the right spots Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph Reaffirming the Administrations goal of strengthening the countrys infrastructure base, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) today announced that disbursements for infrastructure and capital outlay (CO) grew by 50.1 percent to P58.1 billion in the first quarter of 2013, up by 19.4 billion year-on-year. This, together with improved spending for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (MOOE) which climbed to P70.4 billion as of March, 25.1 percent higher year-on-yearhelped push first-quarter disbursements to P430.8 billion, 9.1 percent higher than comparable figures posted in 2013. Meanwhile, disbursements for the month of March hit P148.8 billion, up by 3.3 percent from levels recorded in the same period in 2012. Although our year-on-year growth figures for the first quarter may appear unremarkable, the data that defines these spending levels is actually very encouraging. We were able to make dramatic improvements in our infrastructure and MOOE disbursements, mostly because we routed more budgetary support to these items, instead of devoting more funds to tax subsidies and interest payments, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Butch Abad said. In other words, the single-digit growth is actually the result of us spending less on items that contribute little to our development strategy, such as tax subsidies to GOCCs or maturing loans for other entities outside the National Government. Were also working with lower interest rates that can help widen our fiscal space, which will ultimately favor the Administrations socio-economic growth platform, he added. According to a report by the DBM, year-on-year spending levels for Net Lending plummeted by over 300 percent in the first quarter, while tax expenditure funds (TEF) swung down by 83.5 percent. Interest payments also slowed down by 0.2 percent in the first three months of the year, compared to figures posted in the first quarter of 2012. Besides the improved pace of expenditures for the first quarter, were seeing greater precision in the way were implementing the budget. Disbursements are going exactly where theyre urgently needed: in programs and projects designed to boost our growth prospects, and which will translate to direct, immediate, and sustainable benefits to all Filipinos, Abad said. |TOP|

Cops assigned to local officials during poll period should be in uniform - DILG Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Manila, Philippines All policemen detailed to local elective officials as protective security personnel (PSP) during the election period should always be in full uniform, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said his office received reports that the police security personnel have performed their duties in civilian clothes allegedly because of pressure from local elective officials under their protection. In a memorandum circular to all local chief executives and other local elective officials, Roxas reminded them to strictly observe the provision of Republic Act 7166 that police personnel assigned to local officials should be uniformed, their name, rank and serial number written legibly and visible at all times. Local elective officials have to ensure that their official police security escorts are in their prescribed uniform in order to avoid outright termination of the protective security services and possible administrative and criminal charges against the PNP personnel, Roxas said. Kailangang siguruhin ng ating mga local officials na ang mga pulis na itinalaga sa k anila sa panahon ng eleksyon ay nakauniporme sa lahat ng pagkakataon kung hindi ay mapipilitan ang Comelec na i-recall ang mga pulis na ito at maaari pa silang makasuhan, he said. Section 32 of Republic Act 7166 or the Synchronized National and Local Elections and Electoral Reforms Act provides that the deputized law enforcement officer must be: (a) in full uniform showing clearly and legibly his name, rank and serial number which shall remain visible at all times; and (b) in the actual performance of his election duty in the specific area designated by the Commission. Under Comelec rules, only governors running for re-election or another elective office and whose complement have been provided by officers or members of the AFP, PNP, NBI or other government law enforcement agencies for at least one year on January 11, 2013, are allowed to retain a maximum of two currently detailed security escorts. Under the same rules, all other incumbent local elective officials, and candidates for all other elective positions could employ up to two security bodyguards from licensed and authorized detective and security agencies for the duration of the election period, upon application with the Committee on the Ban on Firearms and Security Personnel. However, candidates for mayoralty and regional offices in the ARMM are allowed to secure PSP from members of the PNP and AFP pursuant to Comelec Minute Resolution No. 13-0148. |TOP| Davao consumer organizations to federate for louder voice Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph The 24 consumer organizations (COs) in Davao Region are forming a federation in a bid to make a stronger stance towards consumer protection and empowerment. Department of Trade and Industry-Davao Region (DTI-Davao) Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Division (CWTRD) Chief Rachel S. Remitio said such move of the regions consumer organizations is a manifestation of their strong commitment as consumer advocates. As a federation, these consumer organizations will be working as one. Thus, their advoc acies will be felt more and they will be moving towards a common direction, she said. The province of Davao del Norte has the most number of COs wherein all of its 11 municipalities have their respective consumer group. Meanwhile, Davao del Sur has seven, Davao Oriental has three, Compostela Valley has two, and Davao City has one. Remitio said the leaders of the COs will meet anytime this month to further discuss their next steps in setting up a federation. It is targeted that by October this year, which is the Consumer Welfare Month celebration, the federations conceptual framework will already be firmed up. Meanwhile, DTI-Davao Regional Director Marizon S. Loreto said such move of the COs will greatly help the agency with its mandate to continuously protect the consumers. As advocates of consumer protection and empowerment, they can definitely help us out in cultivating this particular mandate, and DTI is indeed thankful and appreciative of this move, she said. This move of the Davao COs was among the outputs of the World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) Symposium conducted in Davao City last March.

Among the information that will be shared by the COs in their campaigns are the eight basic rights of consumers as well as their five major responsibilities. |TOP| Phl, Japan ink grant for hydropower projects in Ifugao and Isabela Source: http://www.neda.gov.ph MANILAThe Philippines and Japan yesterday signed grant agreements to set up mini-hydropower development projects in the provinces of Ifugao and Isabela, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). Harnessing hydropower potentials in the countryside will help the government in its strategy of intensifying the development and use of renewable and environment-friendly alternative energy resources, said NEDA Deputy Director-General Rolando G. Tungpalan. Through the Japan International Cooperation Agencys (JICA) grant, the project in Ifugao will construct an 810 kilowatt-capacity mini-hydropower plant in Barangay Haliap, Asipulo, Ifugao. Also provided in this project are hydropower equipment, the repair of existing irrigation facilities, and training for operators and plant supervisors. This project will then provide a reliable source of fund for the preservation and re habilitation of Ifugaos rice terraces. Also, the province is now developing its native rice varieties raised in its terraces for both the domestic and export markets, the NEDA official said. The grant amount for the Ifugao project is JPY893 million or PhP377.5 million. The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Provincial Government of Ifugao will implement this project from May 2013 to January/February 2015. Likewise, a mini-hydropower plant in Isabela with a 45-kilowatt capacity, including a substation, transmission facilities, a diversion canal, and power house will all be constructed. Isabela is also a significant source of agricultural products, especially palay and corn, for the country, said Tungpalan. The JICA grant amount for the Isabela project is JPY147 million or PhP62.14 million. The DOE and the National Irrigation Administration will implement the project from May 2013 to November 2014. The need for sustainable sources of electric power in these two provinces in Northern Luzon is important considering these are among the resource-rich but income-poor areas in country, he said. All the expressed objectives, Tungpalan added, are aligned with the strategies in the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, which is currently being updated for the mid-term. |TOP| 35 Filipinos due home from Syria, 123 others awaiting repatriation Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 2 May 2013 The Philippine Embassy in Damascus reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that 35 Filipinos safely crossed the Syrian-Lebanese border yesterday, May 01. The group, which is now under the care of the Philippine Embassy in Beirut, will take a flight for Manila via Doha, Qatar today. They will arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal I tomorrow, May 03 at 11:00 p.m. aboard Qatar Airways flight QR 644. Upon the groups arrival, the total number of repatriates will reach 3,986. Another 123 Filipinos have been granted exit visas by Syrian Immigration authorities and are awaiting repatriation. The Embassy in Beirut is currently processing their application for Lebanese transit visas and their flight booking. The DFA continues to urge all Filipinos who are still in Syria to seek immediate repatriation as the violence in the country continue to worsen. For assistance they may call the Embassy at 963-11-6132626, +963968955057, +963934957926, +963992264145, +963968953340, or +963958903893. The families of Filipinos in Syria may also provide the DFA with up-to-date information regarding their next-of-kins present location and contact details in Syria. Those who wish to do so may call the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (OUMWA) at (02) 834-3240 or 834-4583 or the DFAs 24-hour Action Center at (02) 8343333.

|TOP|

Last Updated:

04 MAY 2013

Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy

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President Benigno S. Aquino III (R) talks with DILG Secretary Manuel Roxas (L) as Liberal Party Camarines Sur Gubernatorial candidate Jose Anselmo Cadiz (center) listens, during the with the local leaders and the community at the Libmanan Covered Court Sports Complex in Barangay Station Church, Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Libmanan Covered Court Sports Complex in Barangay Station Church, Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). Listening behind the President are representative of senatorial candidate Sonny Angara, senatorial candidate and former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, and Joel Bonsol, LP Mayoralty Candidate for Libmanan. ( Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Libmanan Covered Court Sports Complex in Barangay Station Church, Libmanan, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). Listening behind the President are senatorial candidate and former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, and Joel Bonsol, LP Mayoralty Candidate for Libmanan. ( Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III endorses the Liberal Party (LP) candidates for the May 13, 2013 midterm election from the 3rdDistrict of Camarines Sur Province and Municipality of Calabanga, headed by Camarines Sur 3rd District Congressional candidate Atty. Leni Robredo, Calabanga Mayoralty candidate Vice Mayor Phillip Dumasala and Vice Mayoralty candidate Ramoncito Robles, during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Calabanga Peoples Center in Barangay San Francisco, Calabanga, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Calabanga Peoples Center (OCTAGON) in Barangay San Francisco, Calabanga, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03, 2012). Team PNoy includes Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Francis Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. (Photo by Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Liberal Party Camarines Sur 3rd District Congressional candidate Atty. Leni Robredo, Calabanga Mayoralty candidate Vice Mayor Phillip Dumasala and Vice Mayoralty candidate Ramoncito Robles, upon arrival for the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Calabanga Peoples Center (OCTAGON) in Barangay San Francisco, Calab anga, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Meeting with Local Leaders and the Community at the Don Servillano Platon Memorial National High School Covered Court in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tinambac, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03, 2012). Team PNoy includes Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Francis Joseph Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairperson Mary Grace PoeLlamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Sonny Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. In photo are LP Camarines Sur 4th District Congressional candidate Aga Muhlach and wife Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacaang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno s. Aquino III converses with Liberal Party Camarines Sur 4th District Congressional candidate Aga Muhlach during the Meeting with the local leaders and the community at the Don Servillano Platon Memorial National High School Covered Court in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tinambac, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. In photo are LP president Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and Muhlachs wife Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach. (Photo by Rolando Mailo / Malacaang Photo Bureau / PCOO) President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes baller bands to Liberal Party (LP) members and supporters from the 4th District of Camarines Sur Province and Municipality of Tinambac, after attending the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Don Servillano Platon Memorial National High School Covered Court in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tinambac, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by Jay Morales / Rolando Mailo / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III endorses the Liberal Party (LP) candidates for the May 13, 2013 midterm election from the 4thDistrict of Camarines Sur Province and Municipality of Tinambac, headed by Camarines Sur 4th District Congressional candidate Aga Muhlach, during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Don Servillano Platon Memorial National High School Covered Court in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tinambac, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The Liberal Party was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. In photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Muhlachs wife Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach. (Photo by Jay Morales / Rolando Mailo / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the meeting with local leaders and the community at the Don Servillano Platon Memorial National High School Covered Court in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Tinambac, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). Team PNoy includes Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Francis Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. Also in photo are LP Camarines Sur 4th District Congressional candidate Aga Muhlach and wife Charlene Gonzales-Muhlach. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Inauguration of the Naga City Hospital (NCH) in Peafrancia Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03, 2013). The upgrading of category of NCH under the new Department of Health classification minimizes referrals to other tertiary hospitals in the medical management of tertiary medicals cases. As a primary hospital, the NCH also renders services in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and minor surgery. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Naga City Mayor John Bongat, undrapes the marker during the inauguration of the Naga City Hospital (NCH) in Peafrancia Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The upgrading of category of NCH under the new Department of Health classification minimizes referrals to other tertiary hospitals in the medical management of tertiary medicals cases. As a primary hospital, the NCH also renders services in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and minor surgery. Also in photo are Health Secretary Enrique Ona and Atty. Leni Robredo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the facilities of the Naga City Hospital (NCH) during the inauguration ceremony in Peafrancia Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The upgrading of category of NCH under the new Department of Health classification minimizes referrals to other tertiary hospitals in the medical management of tertiary medicals cases. As a primary hospital, the NCH also renders services in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and minor surgery. Also in photo are Naga City Mayor John Bongat and Health Secretary Enrique Ona. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Naga City Mayor John Bongat, undrapes the marker during the inauguration of the Naga City Hospital (NCH) in Peafrancia Avenue, Naga City, Camarines Sur on Friday (May 03). The upgrading of category of NCH under the new Department of Health classification minimizes referrals to other tertiary hospitals in the medical management of tertiary medicals cases. As a primary hospital, the NCH also renders services in General Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, and minor surgery. Also in photo are Health Secretary Enrique Ona and Atty. Leni Robredo. (Photo by Jay Morales / Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the meeting with local leaders at the Lingayen 1 Central Elementary School covered court in Barangay Maniboc, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 2). Also in photo are theTeam PNoy candidates that includes Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Compaero Cayetano and Francis Joseph Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Jamby Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Sonny Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. (Photo by: Robert Vinas/ Jay Morales /Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the meeting with the local leaders and the community at the Lingayen 1 Central Elementary School covered court in Barangay Maniboc, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 2). The Liberal Party (LP) was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by: Robert Vinas/Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the meeting with local leaders at the Lingayen 1 Central Elementary School covered court in Barangay Maniboc, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 2). Also in photo are candidates of the Team PNoy that include Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Compaero Cayetano and Francis Joseph Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Jamby Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Sonny Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the inaugural drive-through of the Lingayen-Binmaley By-Pass Road in Barangay Quilbaol, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 02, 2013). The 1.65 kilometer by-pass road cuts travel time to 15 minutes for Dagupan commuters going to the provinces western section avoiding traffic in downtown Lingayen. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson during the inaugural drive-through of the Lingayen-Binmaley By-Pass Road in Barangay Quilbaol, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 2). The 1.65 kilometer by-pass road cuts travel time to 15 minutes for Dagupan commuters going to the provinces western section avoiding traffic in downtown Lingayen. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the inauguration of the LingayenBinmaley By-Pass Road in Barangay Quilbaol, Lingayen, Pangasinan on Thursday (May 2). The 1.65 kilometer by-pass road cuts travel time to 15 minutes for Dagupan commuters going to the provinces western section avoiding traffic in downtown Lingayen. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III distributes baller bands to Liberal Party (LP) members and supporters from the Municipality of Victoria after attending the Meeting with local leaders and the community at the Bulwagang Kalayaan Covered Court in Barangay San Fernando, Victoria, Tarlac on Wednesday (May 1). LP was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by: Ryan Lim/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledges the Liberal Party (LP) supporters upon arrival for the Meeting with Local Leaders and the Community at the Bulwagang Kalayaan Covered Court in Barangay San Fernando, Victoria, Tarlac on Wednesday (May 1). LP was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by: Ryan Lim/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) Please email us at pcoo.edp@gmail.com if you need a copy of last week's photo releases of PNOY

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