Christmas Message of Senator Loren Legarda

I pray for a peaceful, bountiful and joyful Christmas Season for everyone.

May we all be grateful for the blessings received and welcome the coming year full of hope and with a strong resolve to make our communities safe from disasters.

I wish everyone a green and safe Christmas and New Year.

SENATOR ANGARA'S CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

This Christmas feels like deja vu: we mourn once again for another thousand victims of a year-ender megastorm. For the 65 years that we have been recording our weather, Typhoon Pablo may be the second deadliest storm to date, after Typhoon Uring, which killed more than 5,000 people in 1991.

This Christmas Eve, while many of us gather around a table with a warm meal, let us pause for a moment of silence to give our respects to our countrymen in Mindanao. That while we celebrate this night with the laughter and joy of our family and friends, many in Mindanao weep and have to bury their dead. To them, it is a painful season.

May our silence be solemn and true, so that even for just a moment, we also grieve. But then, let this grief be replaced with hope. That despite all the irreversible damage to families and futures, there is still something to look forward to. For there is still tomorrow, and we still have each other. Many may have lost a part of their kin, but they still have us, the whole Filipino family.

We are not alone in looking forward to this tiny spark of hope. Other nations have come to share our grief, and we are very grateful. Let us thank all the local, national, and international governments and non-governmental organizations. Let us also thank the various institutions, corporations, and organizations that have lent us a helping hand. 

Some of them are the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Save the Children Foundation, Metrobank Foundation, the Catholic Church, the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, and the Philippine National Police. 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Food Authority (NFA) never failed to make their presence felt as they themselves spend their Christmas holidays with the victims of the Typhoon.

To the many groups, families, and individuals who have showed their support by giving aid or soliciting aid, may God bless all of you and all of us, and keep us determined in drawing strength from each other, especially this holiday season.

May we all continue to share our blessings and inner strength to those who may find it difficult to comprehend the meaning of Christmas in such challenging times. May the true value of Christmas show itself in our kindred spirit as a Filipino family and as a Filipino nation. May we all have the courage to hope and smile once again.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Legarda Alarmed Over Reports of Human Traffickers in Mindanao's Devastated Communities

MANILA, December 22, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda expressed extreme alarm over reports of human traffickers prowling Mindanao's devastated communities in the wake of Typhoon Pablo, and urged local government officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant.

“I have always emphasized that disasters are linked inextricably to poverty and socio-economic inequality. It is important to realize that the changing climate will have its worst effects on the poorest of the poor, and nowhere is this clearer than in these reports of human traffickers prowling Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk, and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations once and for all,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, was reacting to a report that human traffickers are looking for potential victims among the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this will only become more pronounced as our people are left vulnerable due to disasters. We are now seeing the intersecting forces of natural hazards and human greed, and how they threaten those who are already marginalized. This is an issue of utmost importance,” she said.

“We have seen the need to strengthen the existing law, and we have acted swiftly on it. But human trafficking, and the related problems of the illegal sex trade, forced labor, and other forms of slavery, is a complex web. Battling it requires concerted effort from all sectors of society,” she added.

“Remember that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society and this is the injustice that we must act against. Those responsible must be caught and subjected to our criminal laws. Furthermore, we also look forward to the immediate enactment of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” Legarda stressed.

The proposed measure is a strengthened version of the anti-trafficking law as it covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, among other salient features, thereby covering more individuals.

Legarda Urges Filipinos: Find Unity Among Diversity

MANILA, December 22, 2012-As the country celebrates the Christmas season, Senator Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to find unity among diversity.

“In a few days we will be celebrating Christmas, an occasion observed by Catholics. But even non-Catholic Filipinos respect the occasion and join us in celebration. This is what we, as a nation, must aim to do—respect one another’s beliefs and culture. We must find unity among diversity,” Legarda said.

The Senator explained that this is the reason why she has been proposing measures that seek to bring an awareness of other people’s culture.

Legarda co-sponsored Senate Bill 3289, declaring the Chinese New Year a special holiday in the Philippines, which was recently approved on Second Reading by the Senate. It aims to recognize the immense contribution of the Chinese-Filipino community in the Philippines.

She also filed a bill declaring the first week of February as “World Interfaith Harmony Week” in the Philippines. The measure will mandate all government agencies to observe activities advancing the message of harmony and goodwill in accordance with religious traditions and practices during the Interfaith Harmony Week.

“We need to find genuine understanding among people of different faiths and belief systems. We must push for a harmonious society that is democratic, and built on communication and mutual respect,” Legarda stressed.

Legarda also authored the declaration of Eidul Adha as a national holiday.

Legarda Alarmed Over Reports of Human Traffickers in Mindanao's Devastated Communities

Senator Loren Legarda expressed extreme alarm over reports of human traffickers prowling Mindanao's devastated communities in the wake of Typhoon Pablo, and urged local government officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant.

“I have always emphasized that disasters are linked inextricably to poverty and socio-economic inequality. It is important to realize that the changing climate will have its worst effects on the poorest of the poor, and nowhere is this clearer than in these reports of human traffickers prowling Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk, and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations once and for all,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, was reacting to a report that human traffickers are looking for potential victims among the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this will only become more pronounced as our people are left vulnerable due to disasters. We are now seeing the intersecting forces of natural hazards and human greed, and how they threaten those who are already marginalized. This is an issue of utmost importance,” she said.

“We have seen the need to strengthen the existing law, and we have acted swiftly on it. But human trafficking, and the related problems of the illegal sex trade, forced labor, and other forms of slavery, is a complex web. Battling it requires concerted effort from all sectors of society,” she added.

“Remember that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society and this is the injustice that we must act against. Those responsible must be caught and subjected to our criminal laws. Furthermore, we also look forward to the immediate enactment of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” Legarda stressed.

The proposed measure is a strengthened version of the anti-trafficking law as it covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, among other salient features, thereby covering more individuals.MANILA, December 21, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda expressed extreme alarm over reports of human traffickers prowling Mindanao's devastated communities in the wake of Typhoon Pablo, and urged local government officials and citizens alike to remain vigilant.

“I have always emphasized that disasters are linked inextricably to poverty and socio-economic inequality. It is important to realize that the changing climate will have its worst effects on the poorest of the poor, and nowhere is this clearer than in these reports of human traffickers prowling Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk, and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations once and for all,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, was reacting to a report that human traffickers are looking for potential victims among the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental.

“The problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this will only become more pronounced as our people are left vulnerable due to disasters. We are now seeing the intersecting forces of natural hazards and human greed, and how they threaten those who are already marginalized. This is an issue of utmost importance,” she said.

“We have seen the need to strengthen the existing law, and we have acted swiftly on it. But human trafficking, and the related problems of the illegal sex trade, forced labor, and other forms of slavery, is a complex web. Battling it requires concerted effort from all sectors of society,” she added.

“Remember that traffickers target the most vulnerable sectors of society and this is the injustice that we must act against. Those responsible must be caught and subjected to our criminal laws. Furthermore, we also look forward to the immediate enactment of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,” Legarda stressed.

The proposed measure is a strengthened version of the anti-trafficking law as it covers attempted trafficking and accessory or accomplice liability, among other salient features, thereby covering more individuals.

Sen Angara gives up gubernatorial bid

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Edgardo Angara has backed out of the gubernatorial race in Aurora province, his son confirmed to Rappler.

He will be substituted by his younger brother, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara. (The deadline for substitution is December 21, Friday.)

"Dad was really a reluctant candidate, but many were pushing him to run," said son Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara.

Senators are only allowed two consecutive terms or a total of 12 years. But they are allowed to return after a 3-year break.

Senator Angara has served a total of 4 terms. He first served his two consecutive terms from 1987 to 1998. He returned to the Senate in 2001 and was re-elected in 2007.

The senator's sister, Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, is the incumbent governor. She is on her third and last term in the capitol, too.

The younger Angara, Sonny, is one of the senatorial candidates of the Liberal Party. (CARMELA FONBUENA)

Sen. Angara umatras sa pagka-gobernador ng Aurora

BALER, Aurora, December 20, 2012-Umatras na sa laban sa pagka-gobernador ng lalawigan ng Aurora si Senador Edgardo J. Angara at ipinalit ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid na kasalukuyang alkade ng bayang ito.

 

Sa text message ng anak ni Senador na si Cong. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, kinumpirma nito ang pag-urong ng kandidatura ng kanyang ama at kinumpirma rin ito ng provincial election supervisor ng Aurora na si Atty. Gilbert Almario.

 

Opisyal na naghain ng kanyang withdrawal of candidacy with substitution ang Senador noong Huwebes ng tanghali sa panlalawigang tanggapan ng Commission on Election kasabay ng paghahain naman ng Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at Certificate of  Nomination with Acceptance (CONA) ni Baler Mayor Arthur J. Angara.

 

Si Mayor Angara ay nasa huling termino bilang Punong Bayan ng Baler at makakatunggali sa pagka-Punong Lalawigan ang kasalukuyang Bise Gobernador ng Aurora na si Atty.Gerardo Noveras.

 

Sa kanyang facebook account, ipinahayag ng Alkalde na tinatanggap niya ang bagong hamon na ibinigay sa kanya. “Nais kong ipagpapatuloy ang aking nasimulan sa bayan ng Baler, sa aking minamahal na probinsya ng Aurora. Ang aking mga nasimulang reporma sa munisipyo ay aking susubukang gawin sa Kapitolyo,” sabi nito.

 

“Ako po ay opisyal na naghain ng aking candidacy para sa pagiging Gobernador ng Aurora ngayong araw, ika-20 ng Disyembre, 2012. Aking papalitan si Sen. Edong Angara bilang standard bearer ng Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino para sa Gobernador ng Aurora,” pahayag ng Alkalde.

 

Wala namang ibinigay na dahilan ang mga Angara kung bakit umatras sa laban ang Senador sa pagka-gobernador ng lalawigan na hawak ngayon ng kanyang kapatid na si Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo na nasa huling termino na.

 

Si Angara-Castillo ay naghahangad na muling bumalik sa Kamara para palitan ang kasalukuyang kinatawan ng nagiisang distrito ng Aurora na si Cong.Juan Edgardo Angara na kumakandidato namang senador sa ilalim ng Liberal Party ng administrasyon..

 

Ikinagulat naman ni Noveras ang naging desisyon ng Senador at hindi diumano niya ito inaasahan. “Ganun pa man, hindi pa rin ako kampante na si Mayor Angara ang kalaban ko, lalo akong magsisipag ngayon at magsisikap para manalo,” sabi nito.

 

Wala namang maisip na dahilan si Noveras sa pag-atras ng senador sa kanilang duwelo pero may hinala ito na tinanggap na ng mambabatas ang matagal ng iniaalok na posisyon sa kabinete ni Pangulong Noynoy. (Ronald Madrid Leander)

Angara withdraws gubernatorial bid in shocking announcement

BALER, Aurora, December 20, 2012-Sen. Edgardo Angara, who is eyeing the governorship of his province in the 2013 elections, yesterday announced he was withdrawing from the race in  a shocking announcement that jolted Aurorans, much the same way they greeted the stunning knockout loss of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

          Less than four months after he launched his gubernatorial bid during his 78^th birthday celebration here last September 30,  Angara made the announcement following a   meeting with local political leaders at his residence in Barangay Reserva at around 11 am   yesterday.

          He will be replaced as standard-bearer of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino by his younger brother, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara.

          The STAR called all the Angaras – Senator Angara,  his Congressman Juan Edgardo, his sister Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and the     senator’s running mate and nephew Rommel - for their statements. But for one reason or another, none of them returned the calls nor can be reached.   

          But a local political leader of the Angaras, who was privy to the meeting but  who begged off anonymity, confirmed  the meeting and the announcement.

          The senator, the leader said,   told those present that he received a position in the Cabinet which he had accepted. He declined to specify what particular position it was.

          Those present were the governor, Rommel and Mayor Angara who was himself reportedly taken aback by the announcement. Some of the Angaras’ political leaders reportedly even shed tears.

          Mayor Arthur was earlier tipped to run against Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras but he was viewed as a “weak” bet to mount a serious challenge  to the vice governor.

          Sources said one of the compelling reasons for the senator’s withdrawal, aside from the offer was the low ranking of his son, Congressman Angara in recent surveys. The Harvard-educated congressman, a recipient of the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), was ranked 13^th in the latest Social Weather Stations Survey, down from a high of seven a months ago.

          Only last month, the senator called on his political leaders in the province to explain to Aurorans that he would not be able to devote himself full-time in the campaign trail because he would also be helping his son out. “Tell them I have to help Sonny in his own senatorial bid,” he said, adding that anyway, people ask for him in places where his son goes for consultations.    

          Angara is the longest-serving senator in the post-Edsa Senate with Aurora leaders saying it’s about time the province benefit from the services of its own son. (Manny Galvez) 

“We are Bringing Filipino Heritage to the World Audience” Legarda Welcomes Quai Branly Museum President

MANILA, December 20, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today welcomed Musée du Quai Branly President Stéphane Martin, and Ms. Constance de Monbrison, Curator at the Musée du Quai Branly, who are in the country for the 2013 Philippine Exhibition at the Paris, France museum. 

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Committee on Cultural Communities, said that Mr. Martin will give details about the upcoming exhibition “PHILIPPINES: Archipelago of Exchange,” that will be held on April 9 to July 14, 2013 at the Quai Branly.

  

“We are very fortunate to have been chosen as the featured exhibiting country at the Musée du Quai Branly, which is the premier museum in France for indigenous art and culture. Through the agreement to loan Philippine artworks and artifacts for the exhibition, we are bringing Filipino artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage to the world audience,” she said.

Legarda explained that the exhibition, which is a partnership project between France and the Philippines, is another opportunity to create awareness of the rich Philippine heritage within the international community.

“Through this, we reaffirm our commitment to promote Filipino artisanship, uphold traditions that give meaning to our identity, and express pride in our unique history,” she stressed.

Legarda has taken several initiatives to further promote Philippine culture to Filipinos and foreign citizens alike. She has set up several cultural exhibits to showcase exceptional skills and world-class products of indigenous peoples.

Army general asks NDf-CPP-NPA for bilateral ceasefire in disaster areas

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The chief of the Army’s 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division (7^th ID) based in this camp yesterday called on the National Democratic Front (NDF), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) to forge a bilateral ceasefire with government forces in known disaster-prone areas all over the country.

            

         Brig. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr, 7^th ID commanding general said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the NDF-CPP-NPA are waging a struggle against a common enemy of the state which is climate change.

        

        “We are now fighting a new war that is climate change. The challenge is for our counterparts from the NDF-CPP-NPA to agree to a ceasefire in  disaster-prone areas all over the country and to help build disaster-proof facilities such as school buildings that can be converted into evacuation centers during calamities,” Catapang said.

“Why do we only declare a ceasefire after a disaster has happened when there is already loss of lives. Let us declare it now,” he said.

       

      Catapang said the gravity of the damage wrought by typhoon Pablo in Mindanao where over 1,000 died, 800 still missing and P24 billion was lost calls for concerted action. “It is high time to roll up our sleeves and instead of   

engaging in warfare against fellow Filipinos, we must unite and help rebuild the affected communities,” he said.

Catapang said the 7^th ID has fully committed itself to helping those affected by deploying soldiers in the affected areas.

   

      He said the division, which holds jurisdiction over Army units in 13 provinces in Central Luzon and Northern Luzon cancelled most of its Christmas Celebration activities and the money that was intended for these was instead donated to calamity victims.

Each one of the 7^th ID’s soldiers also pledged to donate at least one canned good.

Catapang said the division also held fund-raising events such as the commander’s cup, battle of the bands among others, proceeds of which will be forwarded to the affected communities.

A collection booth will be set-up by the 7^th ID at NE Pacific Mall in  Cabanatuan City for those who want to donate relief goods to the calamity victims.  These donations and relief goods will be transported to Villamor Air Base via military truck and delivered to Davao via a cargo plane and received by one of its brigades based in Davao Oriental on December 28.

       Catapang’s call on the NDF-CPP-NPA was prompted by a study conducted by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) International Disaster Data Base from 1905-2003 which indicated that typhoons and storms account for the highest percentage of deaths (66%) of the nine listed form of natural and man-made disasters such as earthquake, volcanic eruptions, flood, landslide, infectious diseases, tidal waves, drought, fire and pest infestation.

          Based on records, from January to December of 2011, of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), 19 tropical cyclones entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, 10 of which were  destructive among them Bebeng (May 8-11), Chedeng (May 20-28), Falcon (June 21-25), Juaning (July 25-28), Kabayan (July 28-Aug 5), Mina (Aug 21-29), Pedring (Sept 24-28), Quiel (Sept 29-Oct 2), Ramon (Oct 10-14), and Sendong (Dec 15-18).

          Affected by these cyclones were Regions 1, 2I, 3II, 4-A, 4-B, 5 to 13, the  Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region which left 1,541 dead, affected 2,062,647 families (9,867,622 persons), totally damaged 38,088 houses, and P26,502,337,198.73 trillion worth of properties.

          Catapang said based on these, it is evident that the threat posed by these natural calamities further enhanced by climate change and global warming generates more casualties than any other threats like crimes and insurgency.

          He said the AFP is seeing the death of insurgency and the ushering in of  development in Regions 1 and 3.

          “Ultimately, we will be fighting a different war, a war on Climate Change,” he said. (Manny Galvez)

BRIGADIER GENERAL CATAPANG: Challenges the CPP-NDF-NPA to Unite with the AFP Against Common Enemy “Climate Change”

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – Brigadier General Gregorio Pio P Catapang Jr AFP, Commander, 7ID, PA challenged the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in fighting the common enemy, “Climate Change”, today.

            “We are now fighting a new war that is Climate change”, General Catapang said.  The challenge was for the CNN to declare a bilateral ceasefire on disaster prone areas all over the country and to help in building disaster proof school building that can be converted into evacuation centers during disasters, which is based on the geo-hazard maps, jointly with the AFP and other stakeholders.

            “With the recent disaster that struck Davao Regions in Mindanao when troops of 7^th Infantry are also assigned, which resulted to more than 700 deaths, more than 800 still missing and destruction of agricultural and infrastructures with a total damage of more or less P19 billion, it is high time for us to consider the threat brought about by these natural calamities.” 

            “We will help those who were affected by Typhoon Pablo in Davao Regions”, the Commander said.

            The Division had already cancelled most of its Christmas Celebration activities and the money that was intended for the said activity will be donated to the victims of the said disaster.  Moreover, individual soldiers from this unit will donate at least one canned good. Proceeds from the Commanders Cup, Battle of the Bands and Soul runner will also be donated to the victims.  In partnership with the Civil Society Group, the Division had collected relief goods and other pledges from other sectors.  A collection booth will also be set-up in NE Pacific Mall, Cabanatuan City for those who still wants to donate relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Pablo.  The donations and relief goods will be consolidated at the Division Headquarters and will be transported to Villamor Airbase via military truck and will be delivered to Davao Region via C130 Cargo plane which will be received by one of our Brigade in Mindanao based in Davao Oriental on 28 December 2012.

            The threat posed by these natural calamities was further enhanced by the effects of “climate change/global warming”.

Base on the study conducted by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) International Disaster Data Base from 1905-2003 data, typhoons/storms gain the highest percentage for death (66%), injured (62%) and affected (78%) out of the nine (9) listed form of disaster (Earthquake, Volcanic disaster, Floods, Slope disaster, Infectious diseases, Tidal waves, Drought, Fire and Pest disasters).

            Base on records, from January to December of 2011, of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), nineteen (19) Tropical Cyclones entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).  Among the nineteen (19) TCs listed, ten (10) were destructive namely; Tropical Storm (TS) Bebeng (May 8-11), Typhoon Chedeng (May 20-28), TS Falcon (June 21-25), Typhoon Juaning (July 25-28), Typhoon Kabayan (July 28-Aug 5), Typhoon Mina (Aug 21-29), Typhoon Pedring (Sept 24-28), Typhoon Quiel (Sept 29-Oct 2), Tropical Depression Ramon (Oct 10-14), and TS Sendong (Dec 15-18).

            The affected Regions by these Tropical Cyclones were Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, CAR and NCR left a devastating effects.  On casualties-1,541 dead, affected families/person-2,062,647 families/9,867,622 persons, totally damage houses-38,088 houses, and damage to properties-Php 26,502,337,198.73 Trillion.  Among the 10 destructive TCs, TS Sendong was the most destructive.

            With these records, it is evident that the threat posed by these natural calamities further enhanced by climate change/global warming generates more casualties than any other threats like crimes and insurgency problem.

            “We will be seeing the death of insurgency and the birth of development in Regions 1 and 3 and we will be fighting a different war, a war on Climate Change”, General Catapang said.

            “Why do we only declare ceasefire after a disaster happened when there are already loss of lives and casualties; Let us declare it NOW”, Commander added.

7ID believes that safety is paramount-no one is more concerned with our people than we are. Let us unite and fight the new kind of war “The war on Global Warming and Climate Change”. 

Kaugnay Meets the Press

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army spearheaded by Brigadier General Gregorio Pio P Catapang Jr, meets the press to provide information to the public during a one (1) day media fellowship at the Kaugnay Clubhouse, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on December 15, 2012.

            The activity was highlighted by a press conference of on the Year-End Report of the 7ID, Operations’ Accomplishments, Bayanihan efforts in ‘Winning the Peace”, contribution to the Peace and Development endeavors of the National Government and other current activities on the Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Operations efforts for the victims of typhoon “Pablo.”

            The Commander, 7ID also took the opportunity to discuss actions of the Command in helping the victims of typhoon Pablo like cancellation of Division Christmas party, donation of Ninety  Pesos (P 90.00) equivalent to one (1) day Subsistence allowance, fund raising such as “Battle of the Band” and “Commanders’ Cup” and partnership with the stakeholders to provide humanitarian assistance.

            “Used clothing, food stuffs, items for personal hygiene, toys and cash donations is highly appreciated and on December 22, 2012, all collected donations will be brought to the victims of typhoon Pablo in Davao Region via C130 Cargo plane.”  the Commander said.

            “I also extend my deepest sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of typhoon victims, we at 7ID always find ways to make them happy specially this coming Christmas day.”, he added.

Senate urged to scrap tax on international carriers

MANILA, December 19, 2012-Senator Franklin M. Drilon today sought the approval of a proposed measure removing the taxes on international carriers and shippers, a move that will help achieve government’s target of 10 million tourist arrivals by 2016.

In his sponsorship speech delivered today, Drilon, acting chairman of Senate Ways and Means Committee, said the approval of Senate Bill 3343 will establish the country as a tourism hub and elevate its status as a viable gateway to Asian neighbors.

“I stand before you today to present a measure that will help usher in the great promises of the highly-touted tourism sector of our country. More work has to be put in place to achieve a sustainable growth in the tourism sector,” stressed Drilon.

He said that in order to boost tourist arrivals in 2016, the government should move to increase the capacity of local and foreign carriers for tourists to 15 million seats from current six million seats.

However, Drilon said airline companies seemed reluctant to increase their seating capacity because of the alleged “inequitable airline tax regime” in the country.

At present, international carriers and shippers are required to pay 2.5 percent Gross Philippine Billings Tax (GPBT) and 3 percent common carriers’ tax (CCT).

It was revealed in a public hearing conducted by the Committee then headed by Senator Ralph Recto that the Philippines remains the only country that imposes such taxes on international carriers, noted Drilon.

“There is an urgent need to address this very serious matter to avert undue escalation. We should dissuade the few remaining foreign carriers operating locally from transferring to other countries,” stressed Drilon.

In a move to resolve this, the Committee proposes a reciprocity clause in which GPBT will only be waived when foreign carriers whose home countries likewise give a similar tax exemption to Philippine carriers.

For the CCT or the percentage tax, the Committee proposes to exempt from the payment international carriers insofar as the transport of passengers is concerned. Likewise, the bill also included the transport of passengers by international carriers in the list of transactions that are exempt from the payment of the value-added tax.

“The removal of these airline taxes will improve the present situation where our tax policies seem to directly contravene our tourism goals,” said Drilon.

Even though the bill will forego revenues of up to P2.5 billion (P919 million from GPBT and P1.602 billion from CCT), Drilon emphasized that such foregone revenues can be easily recouped, if not surpassed, amidst projected increases in tourist arrivals due to lower and more affordable airline fares and the expected surge in the airline industry.

“The Department of Tourism estimates that the increase in tourist arrivals will generate P455 billion in 2016 and will provide six million jobs,” said Drilon, noting that, with the approval of the bill, international arrival is expected to increase to 5.55 million in 2013, 6.75 million in 2014, 8.126 million in 2015 and 10 million in 2016. For the first 10 months of 2012, tourist arrival is recorded at 3.5 million, 9.18 percent higher than the 3.1 million recorded in 2011.

Lastly, the enactment of this measure will translate to lower traveling costs for overseas Filipino workers who will be enjoying lower fares to the country. Likewise, it will lower business costs for domestic carriers with foreign operations as soon as the tax exemptions on their gross billings are reciprocated by other countries, ended Drilon.

NPA Burned Construction Equipment in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – Two heavy duty construction equipment owned by Northern Builders Corporation (NBC) were burned down by the New Peoples Army in Barangay Putlan, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija on Saturday, 7:30pm.

            Two heavy duty mixer truck were burned down by more or less eight unidentified men and two amazons armed with two Cal.45 pistols, one M653 rifle, two M16 rifles and one Garand rifle within the compound of the sub-office of NBC at the said barangay.

            Based on initial investigation, five fully armed men with one amazon pretending to be locals asking for solicitations gained entry in the compound of Northern Builders Corporation and immediately  detained the security guard.

Responding forces of 3^rd Infantry Battalions immediately rushed to the scene and found out that all of the workers were detained in one room. They were immediately freed by the troops.

Initial investigation also reveals that the same NPA group is responsible for the similar five burning incident during the recent past.  An attempted burning of one steam roller (pison) owned by Northern Builders Corporation at Sitio Calvelo, Brgy Piut, Carranglan, NuevaEcija on 01 September 2012.  The burning of six dump trucks and one mixer truck owned by RBR Builders along TPLEX in Brgy Singat, Gerona, Tarlac on 02 September 2012.  The burning of one backhoe, one grader and one steam roller (pison) owned by Northern Builders Corporation at Sitio Maligaya, Brgy Sta Ines East, Sta Ignacia, Tarlac with damages amounting to P8 Million on 12 September 12.  The burning of one dump truck at Regoyal Construction Site in Brgy Pesa, Bongabon, NE on 12 November 2012 and the burning of one backhoe and one dump truck owned by AP Palacious contracting in Sitio Dimani, Brgy Villa, Maria Aurora, Aurora with damages amounting to P9 million that resulted to the death of 2 civilians and wounding of one police officer and 2 other civilians when they responded to an arson incident perpetrators.

Commander, 7ID, PA, General Gegorio Pio P Catapang Jr AFP, condemns this criminal act. 

“These are criminal syndicates who extort money from contractors. They resort to burning equipment when their extortion demand were denied”, General Catapang said.

“We will ensure that developmental projects by the government will push through and we encourage the support of all stakeholders to help in securing and protecting this projects by providing information to the whereabouts of these perpetrators so that justice may be served”, he added.

We will continue to secure all government projects, appropriate criminal charges will be filed in coordination with the PNP against these criminals.