PIA Calabarzon 3 PRs ( April 3 , 2013), Dispatch for April 4 , 2013 (Thursday), 10 Weather Watch,...

7/28/2019 PIA Calabarzon 3 PRs ( April 3 , 2013), Dispatch for April 4 , 2013 (Thursday), 10 Weather Watch, 8 Regl.Watch , 1

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Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 3 PRs ( April 3 , 2013), Dispatch for April 4 , 2013 (Thursday)

, 10 Weather Watch, 8 Regl.Watch , 14 Online News

Weather Watch

3 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Ricky Fabregas on DZMM:

-Naranasan ng Metro Manila ang pinakamainit na temperatura kahapon na pumalo sa 35.2 degrees Celsius habang sa

Subic naman ay umabot sa 36.7 degrees Celsius at sa Tuguegarrao ay 36.3 degrees Celsius naman.

-Easterlies pa rin po ang nakakaapekto sa silangang bahagi ng bansa.

-Ang buong bansa ay magkakaroon ng bahagyang maulap na papawirin na may pulu-pulong pag-ulan o pagkidlat-

pagkulog lalo na sa dakong hapon o gabi.
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2/23

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

GMA: Tuwing tag-init ay nagiging patok ang paggamit ng inflatable pool. Sa kabila nito ay nagbabala ang DoH na dapat

sunding maigi ang mga babala at alituntunin sa paggamit ng inflatable pool bukod pa sa pagtiyak na malinis ang tubig

nito.

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Patuloy na nakakaramdam ng matinding init ang mga residente ng General Santos City dahil sa

maalinsangan panahon na sinamahan pa ng ipinapatupad na pitong oras na rotating brownout. Labis namang ikinainis

ng mga residente ng General Santos City ang kawalan ng kuryente sa kanilang lugar. Samantala, naramdaman din ng

matinding init ang Tuguegarao.

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

GMA-7 resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras:

- Ngayong araw ay naitala ng PAGASA ang bagong pinakamainit na temperatura sa Metro Manila ngayong 2013. Pumalo

sa 35.2 degrees Celsius ang temperatura sa PAGASA Science Garden sa Quezon City kaninang 3:00 ng hapon.

- Sa Tuguegarao, naitala kahapon ang hottest day para sa buong bansa na umabot sa 36.8 degrees Celsius. Doon dinnaitala ang pinakamainit na temperatura sa bansa sa nakalipas na apat na dekada na umabot sa 42.2 degrees Celsius

noong May 1969.

- Paliwanag ng PAGASA, nakakadagdag sa init na nararamdaman ang pag-iral ng easterlies o ang hangin na nanggagaling

sa karagatan ng Pilipinas at bukod sa mainit na panahon ay may dala rin itong pag-ulan sa may silangang bahagi ng

bansa.

- Sa datos ng Weather Central, apektado ng mga pag-ulan na dulot ng easterlies ang Hilagang Luzon at dito sa Metro

Manila, mababa ang tsansa ng pag-ulan bukas, halos 0 percent po yan.

- Mararamdaman pa rin natin ang maalinsangang panahon. 2:00 ng hapon bukas ay 37 degrees Celsius ang init factor at

pagsapit ng 8:00 ng gabi, 32 degrees Celsius pa ang ating pakiramdam.

- Ang Visayas naman ay posibleng makaranas ng mahinang pag-ulan, lalo na sa may silangang bahagi gayundin sa

malaking bahagi ng Mindanao bukas sa may southern hanggang sa may western part.

Weather Watch

13 hours ago
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3/23

ABS-CBN: Nalusaw na ang binabantayang LPA malapit sa bansa at pumalit na rito ang easterlies. Samantala, naitala

naman ang 35.2 degrees Celsius na temperatura sa Metro Manila ngayong araw at magpapatuloy pa rin ang

maalinsangang panahon sa mga susunod na araw. Makakaranas naman ng magandang panahon ang buong Luzon.

Magiging maulap naman ang panahon sa Samar at Leyte habang maganda naman ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng

Visayas. Asahan din ang maulap na panahon sa Surigao at Cagayan De Oro, pati na rin sa Dipolog. Maganda naman ang

panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Mindanao.

Weather Watch

13 hours ago

GMA: Panahon na naman ng pagtutuli dahil summer season. Sa kabila nito ay nagpaalala ang DoH na dapat matiyak na

malinis at ligtas ang proseso ng pagtutuling gagawin. Ayon pa sa kagawaran, bagamat walang batas sa Pilipinas na

nagsasabing magpatuli ang mga lalaki ay nakaugalian na ito ng mga Pilipino bilang bahagi ng isang importantengtradisyon. Sa kabila nito ay nilinaw ng DOH na walang kaugnayan ang pagpapatuli sa pagtangkad ng isang lalaki.

Weather Watch

15 hours ago

(03APRIL2013-03) 24-HR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5PM today.

SYNOPSIS: Easterlies affecting the eastern section of the country.

FORECAST: The whole country will have partly cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the

afternoon or evening.

Moderate to occasionally strong winds blowing from the east will prevail over Extreme Northern Luzon and its coastal

waters will be moderate to occasionally rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the east to

northeast with slight to moderate seas.>> NDRRMC OPCEN

Weather Watch

16 hours ago

ANC: Easterlies still affect the eastern section of country. Samar and Leyte will have partly cloudy skies with light rainswhile Dumaguete and Bacolod will be partly cloudy to clear skies. Antique and Roxas City will have mostly clear skies.

Baguio City, Subic, Tagaytay and Legazpi City are expected to be partly cloudy. Meanwhile, a temperature of 35.2

degrees Celsius has been recorded in Metro Manila around 3:00 this afternoon, making it the hottest temperature for

NCR since the year started.
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4/23

Weather Watch

17 hours ago

DZBB: Pumalo na ng 35.2 degrees Celsius ang pinakamataas na temperaturang naitala sa Metro Manila ngayong taon.

Ayon kay PAGASA weather observer Nelson Dianela, ito ang naitala nila sa Quezon City Science Garden kaninang 3:00 ng

hapon.

Weather Watch

17 hours ago

GMA News TV: Patuloy na mararanasan ang mainit na panahon sa malaking bahagi ng bansa bukas. Naitala naman

ng PAGASA kahapon ng 2:00 ng hapon sa Tuguegarao ang pinakamainit na temperatura sa bansa na 36.8 degrees

Celsius. Nakadagdag din daw sa init ang easterlies.

Weather Watch

April 4 , 2013 3 hours ago

CAVITE : SunnyLAGUNA : SunnyBATANGAS : Fair weatherRIZAL : SunnyQUEZON : Sunny
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5/23

PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

about an hour ago

PIA-4A: President Benigno S. Aquino lll is expected to visit Cavite at 2:00 -3:00PM today (April 5, 2013) for the briefing

and inspection of the Ternate-Nasugbu road project in Ternate, Cavite and meeting with the local leaders and the

community at Dasmarinas National High School, Barangay Burol, Area B, Dasmarinas City, Cavite.

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago.

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Department of Trade and Industry - Rizal is set to hold an Orientation on Shared Service Facilities on

April 5 (Friday), 1:00-4:00pm at La Travieza Seafood Restaurant, Circumferential Road, Antipolo City. The activity aims to

educate attendees on SSF's and necessary information regarding them.

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Magsasagawa muli ang DTI-Rizal ng Weekend Market sa Ynares Center, Antipolo City sa darating na

April 12-13. Layunin ng Weekend Market na tulungan ang mga lokal na food processor at magsasaka ng Rizal na

makapagbenta ng kanilang mga produkto.

PIA Regional Watch

17 hours ago
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6/23

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Philippine Air Force and Team Energy Pagbilao power station signed recently a

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed of partnership of resources and equipment during emergency situations.

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: A total of 714 grade six students from three municipalities (Cainta, Taytay and Angono) in five (5)

different schools (San Isidro Elementary School, Cainta Central School, Exodus Elementary School, Joaquin Guido

Elementary School and Angono Elementary School) graduated under PNP Rizal's Drug Abuse Resistance Education

(DARE) program. DARE is a program held by the police for the second year which educates grade six elementary

students on the harmful effects of illegal drugs. Among the lessons highlighted are eight ways to refuse offers to take

drugs, resisting gang and group violence and alternative activities to keep the youth drug-free.

PIA Regional Watch

4 hours ago

PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isang dayalogo sa mga may-ari at namamahala ng mga bangko sa bayan ng Sto.Tomas ang

isinagawa ng PNP, kaugnay ng pagsusulong nila ng pagkakaroon ng CCTV camera sa mga bangko at business

establishments sa bayan upang maiwasan ang krimen at nakawan.

PIA Regional Watch

yesterday

PIA-4A/QUEZON: Nelson Bautista, regional corporate communications officer of the National Grid Corporation of

the Philippines {NGCP}today cnnducts information campaign on public safety/anti electrocution in different radio

stations in Quezon province.This aims to take care the people in the province living near the high voltage NGCP

transmission lines.

PIA Regional Watch

yesterday

PIA-4A: The National Nutrition Council (NNC)-4A has created today the regional Bantay Asin task force composed of

representatives from the DOH-CHD including agencies under its supervision like the Food and Drug Administration,

Health Operations Service and NNC; other regional line agencies including the DTI; DOST; DepEd; Philippine Ports

Authority; Bureau of Customs; DILG; and the PIA.
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7/23

PIA OFW Watch

A. QUEZON1. Tagalog news: Bagong computer laboratory pinasinayaan sa Lucena

By Ruel M. Orinday

Wednesday 3rd of April 2013

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LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Abril 3 (PIA) --Pormal na pinasinayaan ng pamahalaang

panlalawigan ng Quezon ang Serbisyong Suarez Computer Literacy Program Computer

Laboratory sa Gulang-Gulang National High School sa lungsod na ito noong Abril 1.

Sinabi ni Quezon governor David Suarez na siyang nanguna sa pagpapasinaya na napakahalaga

sa mga mag-aaral ang nasabing programa dahil aniya sa modernong panahon ay kinakailangan

ang may sapat na kaalaman tungkol sa computer ang mga kabataang mag-aaral.

Aniya, ang programa ay naisip na tugon ng pamahalaang panlalawigan upang mas matulungan
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8/23

maging modernisado ang pag-aaral ng mga kabataan sa mga pampublikong eskuwelahan.

Inaasahan rin na masasagot ng programang ito ang nagiging problema ng mga naghahanap ng

trabaho dahil sa kawalan ng kaalaman sa paggamit ng computer.

Sa kasalukuyan, umabot na sa limamput limang computer laboratory ang naipagawa ng

pamahalaang panlalawigan sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon at ginawa na din na mandatory ang

pagkakaroon ng computer education sa mga high school.

Bukod sa pagiging computer laboratory, gagawin din na isang english speech laboratory ang

mga gusali upang maging bihasa ang mga mag-aaral sa pagsasalita ng wikang Ingles na

makakatulong sa magiging trabaho ng mga ito sa hinaharap.

Lubos naman ang pasasalamat ng mga guro sa pamumuno ng principal nito na si Myla

Rosanna Berry at ng mga magulang sa pamumuno ng PTA President na si Alberto Casido.

Ayon sa mga ito, malaking tulong sa kanilang mga mag-aaral ang naturang computer

laboratory na "fully airconditioned" at bukod sa mga computer set ay mayroon din itong LCD

projector.

Nakiisa sa aktibidad ang opisyal ng naturang barangay, mga guro at magulang ng naturang

paaralan, mga miyembro ng Kalipunan ng mga Babaeng Pinuno sa Lucena Inc. at ng Kalipunan

ng Liping Pilipina sa naturang barangay. (PIO/CPG/RMO/PIA4A)

B. LAGUNA

1. NNC 4A creates Bantay Asin task force

By Carlo P. Gonzaga

Wednesday 3rd of April 2013TweetFacebookYahooEmailShareThis

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, April 3 (PIA) --The National Nutrition Council (NNC) 4A formed

yesterday the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF) to manage and coordinate the

National Salt Iodization Program (NSIP) in the region.

The group will formulate an annual NSIP operation plan, organization of provincial BATF, and

coordination with stakeholders like salt producers and traders.


9/23

It is also tasked to lead the advocacy in the region to fully and effectively implement Republic

Act No. 8172 An Act Promoting Salt Iodization Nationwide and for Related Purposes or ASIN

Law passed in December 1995.

The law mandates the elimination of iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) through cost-effective

preventive measure of salt iodization. Thus, all food-grade salt for human and animal

consumption should be iodized whether locally produced, imported, and traded or

distributed.

According to NNC4A, there is a need to create the task force because efforts were not

sustained to fully implement ASIN Law that resulted to the deteriorating status of IDD in the

region based on the 2011 FNRI survey results.

The members of the task force, aside from DoH-CHD, include DoH-CHDs Regulations Licensing

and Enforcement (RLE) division, Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Health Operation

Service and National Nutrition Council (NNC).

Other member agencies are the Department of Industry (DTI); Department of Science and

Technology (DOST); Department of Education (DepEd); Philippine Ports Authority (PPA);

Bureau of Customs (BoC); Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); and the

Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the PNP Maritime Police. (Carlo P. Gonzaga, PIA4A)

2. City Of Cabuyao, recognized for good governance

By Alan C. Ortillano

Wednesday 3rd of April 2013

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CABUYAO CITY, Laguna, April 3 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government

(DILG) recognized the city of Cabuyao for achieving an excellent score of 95.30 in the Anti-Red

Tape Act-Report card Survey (ARTA-RCS) for the Fiscal Year 2012.

DILG Provincial Director Lionel L. Dalope presented the certificate of recognition to Cabuyao

City Mayor, Isidro L. Hemedes Jr during the flag-raising ceremony last March 18, 2013.

The ARTA-RCS project was implemented pursuant to Republic Act 9485, otherwise known asthe Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, which requires all government offices to draw up their Citizens

Charters, an official document that communicates, in simple terms, the service standards or

pledge on frontline services provided by a local government to citizens.

On the other hand, Ernani G. Himpisao and members of Lupong Tagapamayapa of Barangay

Mamatid also received certificate of recognition as Outstandng Lupon of Laguna Component

City Category during the 2013 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives and Awards (LTIA)

Implementation for the period covered January to December 2012.


10/23

This is in recognition of the Lupon Tagapamayapas contribution in the promotion of the

Katarungang Pambarangay (KP) objective to strengthen the efficacy of the KP as an indigenous

mediation structure capable of resolving disputes within a community, and beyond the formal

courts of justice. It aims to institutionalize system of granting economic benefits and other

incentives to Lupong Tagapamayapa for reason of exemplary performance in settling disputes

within their community.(CIO/CPG/ACO/PIA4A)

03 APRIL 2013.

President Aquino urges midwives to sustain their excellence and embody the core values

of integrity, professionalism and accountability

President Aquino directs DOJ to look into Burgos case

President Aquino declares April 19 as a special non-working day in Tarlac City in

celebration of 15th Charter Day

Philippine-Malaysia relations remain strong despite Sabah conflict, says Palace

Palace: Transition Commission could effectively draft Bangsamoro Basic Law

President Aquino urges midwives to sustain their excellence and embody the core values ofintegrity, professionalism and accountability

President Benigno S. Aquino III urged the country's midwives to sustain their excellence in accordance toglobal standards, and embody the core values of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.

"Midwives, being key providers of health care to mothers and newborns, are in the frontline of our goal for anempowered, productive citizenry," the Chief Executive said in his message to the Philippine League ofGovernment and Private Midwives Inc. (PLGPMI) on the occasion of the 14th General Assembly ofMidwives.

The PLGPMI opened on Wednesday the 14th General Assembly of Midwives at the Legend Palawan Hotel,Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The event, which has for its theme "Iwagayway ang KalusuganPangkalahatan ng mga Ina, Anak at Midwives," would end on Saturday.

"May this gathering further strengthen your League, as you equip your members with advanced, relevantknowledge and skills that redound to the welfare of your patients," the President said.

"The Filipino people are called upon in this era of daylight to uphold our movement for change with passionand dedication. Let us be steadfast on the straight and righteous path of equitable progress," he noted.

The assembly aims to equip the midwives with the necessary skills in accordance to the Global Standardsset by the International Confederation of Midwives through the enactment of appropriate legislative andregulatory measures. PND (js)

TOP

President Aquino directs DOJ to look into Burgos case

President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the Department of Justice, headed by Secretary Leila De Lima,to look into the circumstances leading to the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos, PresidentialSpokesperson Edwin Lacierda said on Wednesday.
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In a press briefing held in Malacanang, Lacierda said the President issued his instructions in fulfillment ofthe President's pledge that any receipt of new evidence or leads will receive the scrutiny the case deserves.

In response, De Lima immediately instructed the National Bureau of Investigation "to conduct a focused,dedicated, and exhaustive investigation on the case of Jonas Burgos, Lacierda noted.

Upon the direction of the President, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has instructed the National Bureau ofInvestigation to conduct a focused, dedicated, and exhaustive investigation on the case of Jonas Burgos,

Lacierda said.

As chief executor of our laws and as commander-in-chief, the President is mandated to do justice to everyman, he added.

Jonas, a political activist and son of the late press freedom fighter Jose Burgos, was abducted in arestaurant at the Ever Gotesco Mall along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on April 28, 2007. PND(rck)

TOP

President Aquino declares April 19 as a special non-working day in Tarlac City in celebration of 15thCharter Day

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared April 19, which falls on a Friday, as a special non-working dayin the city of Tarlac in celebration of its 15th Charter Day.

The Chief Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 561 signed by Executive SecretaryPaquito N. Ochoa Jr. on March 13, to give the people of Tarlac City the full opportunity to celebrate andparticipate in the occasion.

The citizenry overwhelmingly supported the conversion of Tarlac town into a component city through aplebiscite held on April 18, 1998.

Tarlac town was proclaimed as a component city on April 19, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8593. PND

(js)TOP

Philippine-Malaysia relations remain strong despite Sabah conflict, says Palace

Close relations between the Philippines and Malaysia remains the same despite the recent conflict in Sabah,Malacanang said on Wednesday.

There has been no change in the relationship with Malaysia, Presidential spokesman Edwin lacierda saidin a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.

There has been no strain with our relationship in Malaysia. We recognize that this was an attempt by a few

that should not affect the relationship of the whole.

Lacierda was responding to questions whether the conflict in Sabah has affected the relations between thetwo countries. Malaysian forces assaulted a group of Filipinos claiming Sabah as part of the Sulu Sultanate.

The violence resulted to hundreds of Filipinos living or working in Sabah going home to avoid the conflict orbeing rounded up by Malaysian authorities.

At the same time, Lacierda made an assurance that the Philippine government continues to help Filipinosaffected by the conflict.

If they need assistance, we will provide them; if they need employment, we will help them; if they need to go

back to Sabah, we will provide legal documentation for those who would like to return to Sabah, he toldPalace reporters.

Asked if the government could provide jobs to thousands of returnees from Sabah, Lacierda said severalgovernment agencies are working together to address the problem.

While the government cant provide jobs to displaced Filipinos in one day, agencies such as the TechnicalEducation and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), the Department of Social Welfare and Development(DSWD) and the Overseas Filipinos Welfare Administration (OWWA) are doing everything to help Filipinoswho lost their jobs in Sabah.

The government is assisting those who want to return to their respective provinces and also working to helpthose who had opted to return to Sabah.
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Most of them may mga probinsya. Alam naman nila saan sila galing, so umuuwi sila at saka dumidiretsosila sa probinsya. But they leave with us their numbers in case some of them would like to go back toSabah, Lacierda said.

Some estimates said around 100,000 Filipinos are expected to return to Mindanao as a result of theinstability in Sabah. But Lacierda said the government has a lesser figure than the current estimates.

The Palace official also made an assurance that regardless of the figures, the government is ready to assistdisplaced Filipinos returning from Sabah. PND (as)

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Palace: Transition Commission could effectively draft Bangsamoro Basic Law

Malacanang expressed optimism that the Transition Commission (TransCom) could do its mandate ofdrafting the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law based on the Framework Agreement agreed upon by thePhilippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last year.

Ang mandato nila [TransCom] is to come up with the Basic Law. Yun ang magiging trabaho nila: to draft theproposed Bangsamoro Basic Law with provisions consistent with the 2012 Framework Agreement,Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday.

Ang kailangan natin dito gumawa ng Basic Law. So I think thats something that is doable. All the membersof Transition Commission are members of the Bangsamoro. So I dont see any problem there. They will bediscussing it, he said on the first en banc of the TransCom.

He said that the discussions will push through because the common aspiration of both sides is peace anddevelopment in Mindanao.

With regards to the postponement of the peace talks that might affect the timeline in crafting the Basic Law,Lacierda said the government thinks otherwise, echoing the statement of the MILF saying that the finalpeace pact will be signed.

Asked to comment whether the recent dissolution of the Malaysian parliament to give way for an election

may affect the peace talks, Lacierda said he can t speculate on the outcome of Malaysias political process.

The election in Malaysia is supposed to be held within 60 days from the dissolution of the parliament.

I cant speculate right now as to whether it will have an effect on the peace talks. But, a s a matter of policy,Malaysia has been our facilitator for these talks and they have been very helpful, he said. PND (as)

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03 ABRIL 2013
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Nanawagan ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga komadrona na ipagpatuloy ang mahusay at marangal na

paglilingkod

Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang DOJ na siyasatin ang kaso ni Burgos

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Abril 19 na special non-working day sa Tarlac City upang ipagdiwang ang

15th Charter Day ng lungsod

Maganda pa ang samahan ng Pilipinas-Malaysia, sa kabila ng gusot sa Sabah

Tiwala ang Palasyo na ang Transmission Commission ay makagagawa ng mabisang Bangsamoro Basic Law

Nanawagan ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga komadrona na ipagpatuloy ang mahusay at marangalna paglilingkod

Hiniling ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa mga komadrona sa buong bansa na ipagpatuloy angkanilang mahusay na paglilingkod nang salig sa pamantayang pandaigdig na kumakatawan sapagpapahalaga sa karangalan, propesyonalismo at pananagutan.

Ang mga komadrona ay mga tuwirang tagapangalaga ng kalusugan ng mga ina at bagong silang namga sanggol na nasa unang hanay ng ating mithiing masigasig at kapaki-pakinabang na mamamaya n, wika ng Pangulo sa kanyang mensahe sa Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives Inc.(PLGPMI) kaugnay ng Ika-14 na Pangkalahatang Kapulungan ng mga Komadrona.

Nagsimula Miyerkoles at magtatapos sa Sabado ang nasabing kapulungan ng PLGPMI sa LegendPalawan Hotel sa Lungsod ng Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan. Paksang-diwa ng pagtitipong ito angIwagayway ang Kalusugang Pangkalahatan ng mga Ina, Anak at Komadrona.

Ang pagtitipong ito nawa ay lalo pang magpatatag sa inyong Liga habang ibayo ang pag sisikap ninyonglalo pang magtaglay ang inyong mga kasapi ng makabago at makabuluhang kaalaman at kahusayangpakikinabangan ng inyong mga pasyente, dugtong ng Pangulo.

Tinatawagan ang sambayanang Pilipino sa panahong ito na puspusan at masigasig na ipagpatuloy angating sinimulang mga pagbabago. Manatili tayong tumatahak sa tuwid at tamang landas ng laganap nakasaganaan, sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino.

Hangarin ng kapulungan na lalo pang taglayin ng mga komadrona ang karampatang kasanayangnaaalinsunod sa Pandaigdig na Pamantayang itinakda ng Pandaigdig na Kumpederasyon ng mgaKomadrona sa pamamagitan ng pagpapatibay ng mga kaukulang batas at mga alituntuning dapat sundin.PND

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Inatasan ng Pangulong Aquino ang DOJ na siyasatin ang kaso ni Burgos

Inatasan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Kagawaran ng Katarungan na alamin ang mga bagayna may kaugnayan sa pagkawala ng aktibistang si Jonas Burgos, sang-ayon sa Tagapagsalita ngPangulo na si Edwin Lacierda.

Sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles, sinabi ni Lacierda na iniutos ng Pangulo kay Kalihim Leila

de Lima ng Katarungan ang bagay na ito bilang pagtupad sa pangako ng Pangulo na ano mangkatibayang matanggap o mahalagang bagay na may kaugnayan dito ay dapat lamang na masusing pag-aralan.

Kaugnay ng utos ng Pangulo, pinakilos agad ni De Lima ang Pambansang Kawanihan ng Pagsisiyasat(NBI) na magsagawa ng puspusan at malawakang pagsisiyasat sa kaso ni Jonas Burgos, sabi niLacierda.

Bilang Punong Tagapagpatupad ng mga batas ng bansa at bilang commander-in-chief, ang Pangulo aymay saguting tiyaking nakakamtan ng bawat tao ang katarungan, wika pa ni Lacierda.

Si Jonas Burgos ay isang political activist at anak ng yumaong Jose Burgos na tagapagtanggol ngkalayaan ng pamamahayag. Dinukot umano si Burgos sa isang restawran sa Ever Gotesco Mall sa

Commonwealth Avenue sa Lungsod ng Quezon noong Abril 28, 2007. PNDTOP

Idineklara ng Pangulong Aquino ang Abril 19 na special non-working day sa Tarlac City upangipagdiwang ang 15th Charter Day ng lungsod

Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Abril 19, natapat sa araw ng Biyernes, bilang specialnon-working day sa Lungsod ng Tarlac upang ipagdiwang ang Ika-15 anibersaryo ng nasabing lungsod.

Ginawa ng Pangulong Aquino ang deklarasyon sa pamamagitan ng proklamasyon Blg. 561 na nilagdaanni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Marso 13 upang bigyan ng pagkakataon angmga mamamayan ng Lungsod ng Tarlac na makalahok sa mga kasayahan at seremonyang kaugnay ng

pagkatatag ng kanilang lungsod.
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Buong pagkakaisang pinagtibay ng mga mamamayan ng Tarlac ang pagiging lungsod ng bayan nila saidinaos na plebisito noong Abril 18, 1998.

Ang bayan ng Tarlac ay naging component city noong ika-19 ng Abril, 1998 sa pamamagitan ng Batas ngRepublika Blg. 8593. PND

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Maganda pa ang samahan ng Pilipinas-Malaysia, sa kabila ng gusot sa Sabah

Hindi nagbabago ang magandang samahan ng Pilipinas at Malaysia sa kabila ng sumiklab na gusot saSabah kamakailan, ayon sa pahayag ng Malacanang Miyerkoles.

Walang pagbabago sa samahan natin at ng Malaysia, wika ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo EdwinLacierda sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles.

Idinugtong ni Lacierda na maganda pa rin ang samahan natin at ng Malaysia, bagaman batid natingtinangka nang ilan na sirain ang samahan subalit hindi ito nagtagumpay.

Ito ang isinagot ni Lacierda sa tanong ng reporter kung naapektuhan ang samahan ng dalawang bansa.Sinalakay ng mga kawal ng Malaysia ang isang pangkat ng mga Pilipino na umaangkin sa Sabah dahil

bahagi raw ito ng Sultanato ng Sulu.

Kaalinsabay nito, tiniyak ni Lacierda na patuloy na tinutulungan ng pamahalaan natin ang mga Pilipinongapektado ng sigalot na ito.

Kung kailangan nila ang tulong, tutulungan natin sila. Kung kailangan nila ang hanapbuhay, tutulungandin natin sila. Kung ibig nilang bumalik sa Sabah, bibigyan natin sila ng dokumentasyong legal para silamakabalik, sabi pa ni Lacierda.

Sinabi ni Lacierda na kumikilos na ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan para tulungan ang libu-libong nag-uwiang Pilipino buhat sa Sabah.

Kung hindi man lahat sa mga nag-uwian ay mabibigyan ng trabaho ng gobyerno, sila ay tinutulungan ng

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), ng Kagawaran ng KagalingangPanlipunan at Kaunlaran (DSWD) at ang Overseas Filipino Welfare Administration (OWWA) sa kanilangmga problema.

Karamihan sa kanila ay may probinsiya. Alam naman nila kung saan sila galing kaya umuuwi sila atsaka dumidiretso sa probinsiya nila. Iniiwan nila sa amin ang kanilang numero sakaling ibig ng iba sakanilang bumalik sa Sabah, dagdag ni Lacierda.

Ayon sa taya ng iba, aabot sa 100,000 Pilipino ang inaasahang uuwi sa Mindanao dahil sa ligalig saSabah. Gayunman, sinabi ni Lacierda na higit na maliit ang bilang ng mga nagbalikang Pilipino kaysa sataya ng iba.

Gayunman, binigyang diin ni Lacierda na ano man ang bilang ng nag-uwian, tutulungan ng pamahalaan

ang mga nasabing Pilipino na galing sa Sabah. PNDTOP

Tiwala ang Palasyo na ang Transmission Commission ay makagagawa ng mabisang BangsamoroBasic Law

Nagpahayag ng pag-asa ang Malacanang na magagawa ng Transmission Commission ang tungkulinnitong balangkasin ang panukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law alinsunod sa Framework Agreement nanapagkasunduan ng pamahalaang Pilipino at ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) noong isang taon.

Ang mandato nila (TransCom) ay gumawa ng Basic Law na ang tadhanain ay bumalangka s ngpanukalang Bangsamoro Basic Law na naaayon sa 2012 Framework Agreement, wika ng Tagapagsalita

ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Miyerkoles.

Ang kailangan natin dito, gumawa ng Basic Law. Palagay ko ay magagawa iyon. Lahat n g mga kagawadng Transition Commission ay mga kasapi ng Bangsamoro kaya wala akong makitang problema dito. Pag-uusapan nila iyan, wika ni Lacierda.

Idinugtong niya na matutuloy ang pag-uusap sapagkat iisa ang layunin ng magkabilang panig at iyon ayang kapayapaan at kaunlaran ng Mindanao.

Sinabi ni Lacierda na tungkol naman sa pagbuwag sa Parlamento ng Malaysia kamakailan para bigyangdaan ang halalan na baka makaapekto sa usapang pangkapayapaan, inihayag ni Lacierda na ayawniyang mag-ispekulasyon sa kalalabasan ng prosesong pulitikal sa Malaysia.

Ang halalan sa Malaysia ay inaasahang gagawin sa loob ng 60 araw matapos buwagin ang Parlamento.
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Hindi ako maaaring mag-ispekulasyon kung makaaapekto ito sa usapan sa kapayapaan, ngunit bilangpatakaran, ang Malaysia ang tagapamagitan natin sa mga usapang ito at malaki ang naitulong nila,dugtong ni Lacierda. PND

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ONLINE NEWS

RIL 2013

1. The road to ASEAN Financial Integration

2. DSWD remains ready to provide assistance to Filipino families returning from Sabah

3. Labor dispute in Zest-O Corporation, settled in just 6 days

4. 2012 approved Foreign Investments posts highest level since 1996

5. Issuance of cheque assistance to Andrea K. Sangkupan

6. DOF, BIR, BOC close ranks against oil smuggling

7. 3 Caraga LGUs get P17-M Performance Challenge Fund

8. Transition Commission opens first official meet, calls on people's support

9. US gives full support to Philippine Arbitration Bid, vows to work with Phl in seeking peacefulresolution of West Philippine Sea row

10. US reiterates commitment to address grounding of USS Guardian, full cooperation on

independent probe by Phl

11. DENR teams up with COMELEC, DILG for waste-free polls

12. SSS at Executive Labor Forum

13. DOT, IDMI to launch fun kiosks

14. Another fake Traffic Enforcer arrested along Roxas Boulevard

The road to ASEAN Financial Integration

Source:http://www.bsp.gov.ph

Summary Report of the Combined Study on Assessing the Financial Landscape and Formulating Milestonesfor Monetary and Financial Integration in ASEAN

The Central Bank Governors from ASEAN member states (AMS) launched at the sidelines of the 9th ASEANCentral Bank Governors Meeting on 3 April 2013 in Brunei Darussalam the Summary Report entitled TheRoad to ASEAN Financial Integration - A Combined Study on Assessing the Financial Landscape andFormulating Milestones for Monetary and Financial Integration in ASEAN.

The Summary Report is a joint initiative of the ASEAN central banks and monetary authorities, the ASEANSecretariat and the Asian Development Bank. The Central Bank Governors view this Report as an importantreference for ASEAN to further guide its financial integration process.

The Summary Report highlights ASEANs financial integration framework in the areas of financial services,capital account, payments and settlement systems, and capital markets. These efforts will be complementedby capacity-building initiatives, infrastructure building, and an enabling intermediation environment that iseffective and efficient for financial flows, while ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place to preservefinancial stability. Taking into account the diversity of financial market development, economic structure andpriorities in establishing the necessary preconditions among AMS, the Report emphasizes that theimplementation process of the key milestones needs to be managed effectively. In this regard, individual AMSwill be accorded flexibility to determine the timelines and preconditions corresponding to the state ofpreparedness of their economies.

The Summary Report is available for viewing at the web sites of the ADB, ASEAN Secretariat and ASEAN
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central banks and monetary authorities.

|TOP|

DSWD remains ready to provide assistance to Filipino families returning from Sabah

Source:http://www.dswd.gov.ph

Center in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, DSWD staff help children disembark from a marine truck that fetched Filipinoswho arrived in the Bongao port. As of March 28, a total of 4,721 Filipinos mostly from Tawi-Tawi and Sulureturned to the country following the crackdown of the Malaysian government on undocumented foreign

nationals. The displaced families were immediately provided by the Department with family packs (rice,canned goods, and noodles), hygiene kits (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, alcohol, towels, etc) andtransportation assistance to return to their places of origin.

|TOP|

Labor dispute in Zest-O Corporation, settled in just 6 days

Source:http://www.dole.gov.ph

In a matter of six (6) days, the National Concilliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) Regional Branch IIIeffectively facilitated the settlement of labor dispute in Zest-O Corporation in Marilao, Bulacan.

I have always said that as long as both parties are open for negotiation, workplace harmony is alwayspossible. I commend the management of Zest-O Corporation and the officers and members of the Zelum

Labor Union for their cooperation and willingness to sit down and discuss their differences, Labor andEmployment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said.

In his report to the Secretary, NCMB Executive Director Reynaldo Ubaldo said that in 05 March 2013, theZelum Labor Union, representing the rank-and-file employees of Zest-O Corporation, filed a preventivemediation case against the beverage company on the grounds of unfair labor practices, specifically,harassment and illegal suspension of union officers and members.

However, with the assistance of Concilliator-Mediator Maribeth Gopez, it only took one conciliation meeting forthe parties to settle their case.

During the conciliation meeting held last 11 March 2013, we found out that some of the company policieswere not properly enforced and, that, the workers themselves admitted to have violated some of these

policies, Con-Med Gopez said.

On that same meeting, both parties agreed to settle their differences. As part of the settlement, members andofficers of the union who were suspended were allowed to report back to work.

The union and the management were also advised to attend training workshop on Labor ManagementCooperation, Grievance Handling, and Voluntary Arbitration.

Labor Management Cooperation, or LMC, is a voluntary body composed of representatives from labor andmanagement who will identify and resolve issues of common interest. It is designed to preserve and restoreindustrial peace and encourages management and workers to keep their lines of communications open,Baldoz explains.

Zest-O Corporation currently employs 380 workers located at Km. 22, McArthur Highway, Abangan Sur,Marilao, Bulacan.

|TOP|

2012 approved Foreign Investments posts highest level since 1996

Source:http://www.nscb.gov.ph

Total approved foreign investments (FI) for 2012 surpassed the previous years record level of PhP 258.2billion, up by 12.0 percent reaching PhP 289.1 billion worth of investment pledges. Likewise, the approved FIfor Q4 2012 was the highest since 1996.

In the fourth quarter of 2012, total FI approved by seven investment promotion agencies (IPAs), namely Board

of Investments (BOI), Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA),and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) as well as Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB),BOI-Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BOI-ARMM), and Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA),amounted to PhP 230.2 billion, 37.1 percent higher than PhP 167.9 billion approved in the same period of theprevious year.

The top three investing countries for the fourth quarter of 2012 were Netherlands, Japan and the UnitedStates of America (USA). Netherlands pledged PhP 100.9 billion or 43.8 percent share during the quarterwhile Japan and USA committed PhP 50.9 billion or 22.1 percent and PhP 32.8 billion or 14.3 percent,respectively, of the total approved FI.

Manufacturing remained the top industry to receive PhP 136.8 billion worth of investment pledges or 59.4percent. Transportation and storage came in second with investment pledges valued at PhP 50.0 billion,contributing 21.7 percent, followed by information and communication at PhP 14.5 billion or 6.3 percent.
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Approved investments of foreign and Filipino nationals in the fourth quarter of 2012 totaled PhP 330.1 bill ion,44.9 percent higher than PhP 227.8 billion registered in the same period of the previous year. Pledges fromFilipino nationals stood at PhP 99.9 billion which accounted for 30.3 percent of the total approved investmentsduring the quarter.

Foreign and Filipino ventures approved by the IPAs for the fourth quarter of 2012 are expected to create45,198 jobs, declining by 15.8 percent from previous years projected employment of 53,695 jobs. Out ofthese anticipated jobs, 69.3 percent or 31,342 jobs would come from projects with foreign interest.

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Issuance of cheque assistance to Andrea K. Sangkupan

Source:http://www.owwa.gov.ph

Last 23 March 2013, OWWA ARMM OIC Habib G. Malik visited the remote area of Barangay Tunggol, Gen.Salipada K. Pendatun, Province of Maguindanao, to personally release the P50,000.00 cheque issued byOverseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in favor of Ms. Andrea K. Sangkupan under its DisabilityAssistance Program.

Ms. Sangkupan, a former HSW in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was not able to finish her two (2)-yearemployment contract due to a vehicular accident she met last 14 September 2012 and which virtuallyrendered her physically incapacitated to perform her work. After undergoing initial treatment in UAE and uponissuance of physician's clearance that she is fit to travel, her employer repatriated her to the Philippines on 12December 2012. She's an active member of OWWA when the accident occurred.

The family of Ms. Sangkupan was very grateful of the assistance extended by OWWA, adding that the amountwill be used in her continuous rehabilitation and physiotherapy treatment.

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DOF, BIR, BOC close ranks against oil smuggling

Source:http://www.dof.gov.ph

The Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Internal Revenue together have undertaken acampaign to curb oil smuggling and bring smugglers to justice.

One of this administrations priorities is to combat smugglers directly, especially in high-risk commoditiessuch as oil. We in the DOF and its attached agencies are using a proactive, information-driven approach to

fight oil smuggling. This is part of establishing tuwid na daan for all businesses in the Philip pines, FinanceSecretary Cesar Purisima said.

According to the latest data from the Department of Energy, Philippine oil demand amounted to 106.9 millionbarrels in 2011. However, current BOC data only records 67.6 million barrels of oil imported in the same year,signifying a discrepancy of 39.3 million barrels that is likely made up through smuggling.

As part of the DOFs Run After The Smugglers (RATS) campaign, nine cases have been filed against oilsmugglers since the start of the Aquino administration, with total dutiable value of products amounting toP37.97 billion pesos.

Last year, the BIR issued Revenue Regulation 2-2012, which would have changed tax administration onpetroleum products to require upfront payment of VAT and excise tax on imported oil. If the oil was to be used

within special economic zones and qualifying for tax exemptions, tax-exempt parties would have been able tofile for refunds under RR 2-2012.

Implementation of RR 2-2012, however, was delayed for nearly a year due to a petition filed by CongressmanCarmelo Lazatin of Pampangas 1st district, which resulted in a temporary restraining order issued on March16, 2012 by Regional Trial Court Branch 58 judge Philbert Iturralde. Iturralde followed up the TRO by issuinga writ of preliminary injunction against RR 2-2012 on April 4, 2012.

It took almost a year for the Court of Appeals to reverse Iturraldes order on February 14, 2013. In thedecision, the CA noted that the contested RR was issued as a corrective measure to ensure t he collection ofcorrect taxes from whom they are due, as explicitly delineated in the introduction of said rules.

The decision further read that It cannot be overemphasized that any injunction that restrains the collection of

taxes, which is the inevitable result of the suspension of the implementation of the assailed RR is a limitationupon the right of the government to its lifeline and wherewithal.

The BOC has been instructed to implement the RR and should hold oil importations until payment of VAT andexcise tax.

In addition to the smuggling cases filed, the BIR is conducting detailed audits of subject companies that thedepartment has identified to be high-risk smugglers.

DOF Responds with Targeted Efforts

In response, the DOF has mobilized various initiatives to address oil smuggling.

The Department of Finance and its attached agencies have visited seven major district ports to gather data,among them major oil importing ports such as the Port of Limay. The first wave of visits were undertaken from
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February 5 to March 15, and the second wave of visits will begin by April to the Manila International ContainerPort, the Port of Manila, the Port of NAIA, and the Port of Batangas, another major oil importer.

The DOF will also soon implement a system of port accreditation for commodities at high risk of smuggling.Only particular ports will be accredited for importation of sensitive commodities such as oil and steel, subjectto standards and technical requirements. Accredited ports are to submit to the DOF monthly reports that willbe cross-checked with data from the Department of Energy and the Philippine Ports Authority, on a pervolume, and per vessel basis.

The port accreditation system will prevent port shopping, and hinder unethical importers from literallyevading tax collection, Purisima said.

All importers of sensitive commodities will also be asked to submit annual rolling import plans indicatingquantity, type, source and location of intended port arrival.

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3 Caraga LGUs get P17-M Performance Challenge Fund

Source:http://www.dilg.gov.ph

A total of P17-mill ion has been released by DILG Caraga to Butuan City, and the provinces of Agusan del Surand Surigao del Sur as recipients of the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF).

A banner program of the DILG, PCF is a performance-based incentive conferred to LGUs for being passers of

the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) whose criteria is compliance to the Full Disclosure Policey and noadverse finding by the Commission on Audit.

Regional Director Lilibeth A. Famacion said that PCF should be utilized for local development projects on theMillennium Development Goals, tourism and local economic development, compliance to the objectives of thePhilippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Ecological Solid WasteManagement Act of 2000.

This is to stimulate their performance in putting a premium on development initiatives for their constituents,Famacion said.

Of the P17-M, P3-M went to the city government of Butuan through City Mayor Ferdinand M. Amante, Jr., andP7-M each was received by the Province of Agusan del Sur and the Province of Surigao del Sur.

According to Famacion, Butuan City will use its PCF for the establishment of fountain with sound andinformation System at Guingona Park.

On the other hand, Agusan del Sur will utilize the fund for the Construction of Upgrade Bio-sand FilterFacilities and the Establishment of Rainwater Collection, while Surigao del Sur will use the fund for theRehabilitation / Repair of Brgy. Dughan-Causwagon-San Roque-Gamut Farm-to-Market Road in theMunicipality of Barobo. - Florian Faith Jr. P. Bayawa.

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Transition Commission opens first official meet, calls on people's support

Source:http://www.opapp.gov.ph

Transition Commission (TC) chair Mohagher Iqbal on Wednesday urged partners from the government,legislation and the international community to support the work of the all-Bangsamoro TC who convened forthe first time to mark the beginning of its task of drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will pave the waytowards the establishment of the new Bangsamoro entity.

Let me call on our partners from government to work hand in hand with us in trusting an instrument that willembody the Bangsamoro ideals and aspirations and create new relations founded on the principles of parity ofesteem and mutual respect, said TC chair Mohagher Iqbal in his welcome remarks.

I call on the honourable members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to help us handle theremaining stages of this arduous process, he added while also urging the international community to help theTC so that the lessons we may learn here will also help others.

Composed of 15 members of various ethnic backgrounds, the TC held a ceremony to open its first en bancmeeting at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City. Joining them were Presidential Adviser on the PeaceProcess Teresita Quintos Deles, Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Professor MiriamCoronel-Ferrer, Senator Teofisto Guingona III, Congressman Jesus Sacdalan, among others.

On the same note, Deles encouraged the public to join in prayers and hope as we wish the best best for themembers of the Transition Commission whose critical work shall begin today.

The days ahead for this Commission will be long and filled with challenges and hardships but also, we areconfident, with much wisdom and courage, she said.

As the Commission proceeds with its important task, we anticipate to see it working more and more not as apartitioned body representing the Philippine Government on one side and the MILF on the other side but asone collegial body which shall be able to craft inclusive frames and processes and draw out multiplestakeholders' perspectives and sentiments in the shaping of participatory and empowering social and political


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institutions in the future Bangsamoro, added Deles.

For her part, Coronel-Ferrer congratulated the 15 men and women of the TC who will immediately begin itswork after its en banc meeting this afternoon.

We have moved forward. We have faced many challenges. We have not been defeated. And now there aremore of us to continue this process, she said in her closing remarks.

I tried to imagine how the Bangsamoro political entity would look like using no other than the letters GPH-MILF as guidepost, Coronel-Ferrer stated.

The GPH panel chair said that G stands for good governance, P for political parties with platforms, H forhuman rights, M for mechanisms with which to effect and implement shared governance, I for inclusiveinstitutions and practices, L for leadership, and F for fiscal autonomy which is essential towards achievingpolitical autonomy.

Executive Order 120 signed by President Benigno Aquino III on December 17, 2012 mandated the creation ofTC, a 15-member body tasked to draft the Basic Law which will be certified as urgent bill by the President andsubmitted to Congress for passage. Once the law is ratified through a plebiscite in the proposed core territoryof the Bangsamoro, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will be abolished and the Bangsamororegion will be established.

As provided in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed on October 15, 2012, the drafting of the

provisions of the Bangsamoro Basic Law shall be consistent with all agreements of the GPH and MILF.

Talks to resume next week

Formal exploratory talks between the GPH and the MILF peace panels will resume on the second week ofApril in Kuala Lumpur to finalize three out of the four annexes.

The Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities (TAM), which lays out the road map for theestablishment of Bangsamoro, was signed by the parties on February 27. Almost to its completion are theannexes on Power-sharing, Wealth-sharing, and Normalization.

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US gives full support to Philippine Arbitration Bid, vows to work with Phl in seeking peaceful

resolution of West Philippine Sea rowSource:http://www.dfa.gov.ph

03 April 2013Describing Manilas move to seek arbitration as a step in the right direction, United States(US) Secretary of State John F. Kerry on April 02 assured Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del RosarioWashington will continue to work with the Philippines in seeking a peaceful solution to the conflicting claims inthe West Philippine Sea (WPS), particularly in the coming ASEAN and related meetings.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Secretary Kerry gave his full support to thearbitration efforts in his remarks before members of the press and later in his meeting with Secretary delRosario at the State Department on April 02 the first between the chief diplomats of the two allies since theformer senator assumed his new position early this year.

The Philippines is one of our five Asia-Pacific allies and a very, very important relationship at this point in timewhen there are tensions over the South China Sea, where we support a code of conduct, Secretary Kerrysaid in his statement before the press. We are deeply concerned about some of these tensions and wouldlike to see it worked out through a process of arbitration.

Secretary del Rosario said this after his meeting with Secretary Kerry: We spoke at length about the situationin the West Philippine Sea. Secretary Kerry emphasized the importance the United States gives tomaintaining peace and stability in the area. More importantly, Secretary Kerry assured me that the US iscommitted to supporting the efforts of the Philippines to settle the disputes peacefully and in accordance withthe rule of law.

I also updated Secretary Kerry on our arbitration initiative. I emphasized its importance to the future stabilityof our region in particular and to the future efficacy of international law in general, said Secretary del Rosario,who was accompanied in the meeting by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., Foreign AffairsAssistant Secretary Carlos D. Sorreta, Deputy Chief of Mission Maria Austria, and Director Rosalita S.Prospero of the DFA Office of American Affairs.

I stressed that we are committed to seeing this arbitration through. There should be no confusion or anydoubts about our resolve, the Secretary said, adding that Secretary Kerry is fully supportive of the UnitedNations Convention on the Law of the Sea and was one of its strongest advocates for its ratification in the USSenate.

Both Secretary del Rosario and Secretary Kerry also agreed to work together in the context of the ASEAN andother related meetings this year on addressing the situation in the West Philippine Sea through peacefulmeans.

We agreed to work closely together, particularly in the coming ASEAN ministerial and summit meetings to

maintain peace in the area and to resolve the disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with the
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rule of law, the Secretary said.

I also welcomed Secretary Kerrys commitment to work with Brunei, the current ASEAN chair, on the issue ofthe West Philippine Sea. Both the United States and Brunei know that the Philippines is committed to thearbitration case it has filed, Secretary del Rosario said.

Secretary Kerry made this commitment when he met with His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei atthe State Department on 11 March 2013.

Secretary del Rosario also thanked Secretary Kerry for focusing on the issue of the peaceful settlement of theWest Philippine Sea when he was in the Senate. Secretary Kerry was a moving force behind a Senateresolution on the peaceful settlement of disputes in the West Philippine Sea, the Secretary said.

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US reiterates commitment to address grounding of USS Guardian, full cooperation on independentprobe by Phl

Source:http://www.dfa.gov.ph

03 April 2013Reiterating Washingtons apology over the grounding of the USS Guardian, Secretary of StateJohn F. Kerry on Tuesday, April 02, assured Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario that the UnitedStates (US) will cooperate with the Philippines in addressing issues related to the damage caused by theincident on Tubbataha Reef.

Secretary Kerry once again expressed his deep regret over the incident. He reiterated the cooperation of theUnited States in efforts to address the damage caused by the grounding, Secretary del Rosario said in astatement after meeting his American counterpart at the Department of State on Tuesday. Secretary Kerryalso restated that the US will fully cooperate with the independent investigation begin conducted by thePhilippines of the incident.

I would like to reiterate my own assurance to the Filipino public that every effort will be made to obtain propercompensation. We also are of the view that a long term commitment of resources by the US to the future well-being of the reef is important, Secretary del Rosario explained.

With the ship off the reef, our teams will be carrying out a joint assessment of the damage, after which moredetailed discussions will be held on the appropriate and as well as timely compensation, Secretary delRosario said, adding that the joint damage assessment by the Philippines and the US is scheduled on April 8.

We were both thankful that in removing the USS Guardian, no further damage was done to the reef, theSecretary said, a few days after the remaining portions of the American minesweeper were removed fromTubbataha.

We also both agreed that we would not let this incident delay or derail our efforts to deepen our securitycooperation, including plans to increase the rotational presence of US forces in the Philippines to help buildthe defense capacity and increase the maritime domain awareness of the Philippines, the Secretary added.

Both Secretary Kerry and I want to get to the bottom of what truly happened. He said he is a full partner ofthe Philippines in finding out what happened and that the US government will cooperate fully with theinvestigation that the Philippines is conducting, Secretary del Rosario said.

We both agreed that it is important to understand what happened and to take the necessary navigationalsafety measures to protect the reef and that would prevent other ships from grounding there.

According to the Secretary, the Philippine investigating team will be in Japan this week to examinedocumentary and physical evidence as well as meet with the US investigating team.

Secretary Del Rosario was accompanied in the meeting by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia,Jr., Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Carlos D. Sorreta, Deputy Chief of Mission Maria Austria, and DirectorRosalita S. Prospero of the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of American Affairs.

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DENR teams up with COMELEC, DILG for waste-free polls

Source:http://www.denr.gov.ph

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has joined forces with the Commission onElections (Comelec) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to ensure a garbage-free election campaign.

A joint memorandum circular (JMC) was signed by the heads of the three agencies to make sure that localofficials, political parties, party-list organizations, candidates and their supporters will adhere to the provisionsof Republic Act (RA) No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, during the campaignperiod.

RA 9003 provides for a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management system to ensurethe protection of public health and the environment through the adoption of environmentally sound methodslike waste avoidance and volume reduction.

Signatories to the JMC are DENR Undersecretary and Chief of Staff lawyer Analiza Rebuelta-Teh,


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representing DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje; DILG Assistant Secretary Rolando M. Acosta, representingDILG Secretary Mar Roxas; and Comelec Commisioner Lucenito N. Tagle, representing Comelec ChairmanSixto Brillantes Jr.

Teh said the three agencies were compelled to come up with the JMC and launch a campaign dubbedBasura-Free Election 2013: Kalat Ko Sisinupin Ko in anticipation of a deadly avalanche of election trash thatwould likely produce heaps of garbage all over the country once the campaign season goes full swing.

Through this garbage-free campaign, we hope to minimize and properly manage the volume of garbage fromcampaign materials during the national and local elections, Teh said.

She said the undertaking also seeks to secure the commitment of all participants in this years midtermelections to properly manage waste during the election period and encourage them to adhere to relevantprovisions of Comelec Resolution No. 9615, which is the implementing rules and regulations for the FairElection Act, and other relevant laws.

We expect all those involved in the elections to observe earth -friendly campaign practices to ensure a waste-free election campaign, Teh said.

Under the JMC, the DENR, the DILG and the Comelec are tasked to ensure the strict implementation of agarbage-free campaign; compel all participants in the midterm elections to observe pertinent provisions of RA9003 and other relevant laws, ordinances and guidelines; and disseminate the JMC and its attachedguidelines to all concerned.

Comelec, together with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, will monitor and tear down materialsfound violating the Fair Election Act in the National Capital Region.

The poll body and its deputized agencies, DENR regional executive directors, regional directors of theEnvironmental Management Bureau, provincial environment and natural resources officers, communityenvironment and natural resources officers, DILG regional directors and the Sangguniang Kabataan aredirected to monitor compliance of local government units, political parties, party-lists, candidates and theirsupporters to the JMC and its attached guidelines.

Civil society, youth groups and private individuals are also encouraged to report any violations of the JMC andits guidelines, which are enforced from January 13 to June 12, 2013.

Sanctions await those who will violate the joint circular using the penalties provided under the LocalGovernment Code, RA 9003 and other applicable laws.

Under the guidelines, all political parties, party-lists and candidates are directed to:

adhere to a litter-free campaign;

minimize use of non-reusable and disposable materials and promote the use of recyclable, biodegradableand non-hazardous materials;

exercise best effort to use reusable materials and alternative methods of campaigning such as socialnetworking sites and text messaging;

adhere to RA 3571 that prohibits the cutting, destroying or injuring of planted or growing trees, floweringplants and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises or in anyother public ground;

post campaign materials in common poster areas such as plazas, markets, barangay ce nters and the like inaccordance with the provisions of the IRR of the Fair Election Act. A common poster area does not refer to apost, a tree, the wall of a building or an existing public structure that is in active use;

clean up the surroundings after each activity;

observe waste segregation, 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle) and proper waste disposal during campaignmeetings and other related activities;

coordinate with the Solid Waste Management Unit of the LGU and/or barangay regarding the proper

segregation, collection, recovery, recycling, and safe disposa of garbage;

submit the name/s of their duly designated point person/s to COMELEC to ensure compliance to theseguidelines.

For purposes of waste segregation, local government units (LGUs) and the Department of Education willprovide properly labeled receptacles or racks at designated voting centers without any campaign labelidentifying the political parties, party-list groups and candidates.

LGUs are required to reuse, recycle and property dispose of election campaign materials immediately afterthe election period.

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SSS at Executive Labor Forum
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Source:https://www.sss.gov.ph

The Social Security System (SSS) engaged more than a hundred employer representatives (left photo) to anhour-long orientation on SSS coverage, benefits of active SSS membership and SSS plans and programsduring the "2013 Executive Labor Forum: Social Welfare Program and Updates" held at the Clark Museum atthe Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga province on March 21.

Employees from the SSS Member Relations Department and SSS Angeles Branch also provided on-siteservices such as mobile data capture for members applying for the Unified Multipurpose Identification System(UMID) card, online verification of SSS records and forms issuance. The event, which was organized by theClark Social Welfare Coordinating Council (CSWCC), also featured presentations from the Philippine HealthInsurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and the Pag-IBIG Fund. Right photo shows SSS MRD Member EducationSection Head Bella Bermudo (center) respond to questions from the audience during the Open Forum. Alsopresent were (right photo, from left) Mary Jocelyn Retuya, Pag-IBIG Fund Central Luzon Area Head forProvident Operation, and Jose Rizal Tarun, Officer-in-Charge of SSS Angeles Branch.

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DOT, IDMI to launch fun kiosks

Source:http://www.tourism.gov.ph

The Department of Tourism (DOT) has partnered with Illuminate Dynamic Media, Inc. (IDMI) in promoting thecountrys various destinations through the installation of digital information kiosks at strategic locations inMetro Manila. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed on 26 March 2013, which provides for theidentification of critical sites by the DOT, while IDMI will take responsibility of the deployment, installation, andmaintenance of these facilities.

These digital tourist information kiosks are set to be deployed at highly visible places such as airports, hotels,malls, bus terminals, MRT, and LRT stations to cater to the travel needs of both local and international touristsfor quick, round-the-clock information about local business services, accommodations, places of interest,foreign exchange rates, and emergency telephone numbers. There is also a what-to-do list section where onecan get the latest information on events, mall sales, and bazaars going on in the area. It will also include adevice charger, digital photo booth, and WiFi zone. With this welcome innovation, first-time travelers to thePhilippines will now find it easier to access information about the country.

Tourism has undoubtedly become everybodys business. We are grateful that the government and privatesector are investing in tourism with optimism and confidence. We welcome this new public-private partnership

with IDMI, in spreading and sustaining the fun in traveling around Metro Manila, and soon all over thecountry, Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said.

Secretary Jimenez added that these digital tourist information kiosks contribute significantly to the goal ofcreating seamless travel around the Philippines. This is what 21st century tourism is all about: fast, easy, andconvenient travel information. Hopefully, these high-tech tourism officers will not only further add that charm toour airports, bus terminals, train stations, but also become a source of pride for us as a people of ingenuityand innovation, the tourism chief concluded.

According to IDMI president and CEO Michael Aguilar, the project initially intends to cover Metro Manilabefore going nationwide. IDMI is also eyeing to build 500 kiosks over time. We are very happy to join handswith the DOT in revolutionizing information dissemination. IDMI has been an active player in the advertisingfield, said Aguilar. Aimed at engaging people, these digital tourist information kiosks are perfect examples of

Filipino hospitality ready to help the traveling public and inform everyone of what the Philippines has tooffer, Mr. Aguilar added.

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Another fake Traffic Enforcer arrested along Roxas Boulevard

Source:http://www.mmda.gov.ph

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today apprehended another individualmisrepresenting himself as an active traffic enforcer along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

Marcelino Trias, 51 years old, allegedly flagged down a Land Cruiser traversing the westbound lane of RoxasBoulevard corner Kalaw Street this morning for no apparent violation.

Traffic constables Jason Edroso and Efren Ruzon, JR., members of the MMDA E-wheels patrol assigned atthe area, spotted and approached Trias, who immediately run away.

After a long chase and with the help of personnel from the MMDA Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group whowere passing by the area at the time of the incident, Trias was arrested and was brought to the MMDA officefor questioning.

Trias was caught wearing an old MMDA enforcer uniform Type A. He also had with hi

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