PANGILINAN ON RICE SMUGGLING WITNESSES: “CLEARLY, SOMEONE IS LYING”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, along with fellow senators investigating alleged rice smuggling in the Subic Bay Freeport, were dumbfounded by contradicting statements from key witnesses in Wednesday's hearing in the Senate, prompting the Committee to ask five of these witnesses to show cause letters explaining why they should not be cited for contempt of the Senate for lying under oath.

The five witnesses are Protik Guha, CEO of Amira Foods; Stefani Saño of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority; Cesar Bulaon of Metro Eastern Trading Corporation; Cesar Ramirez of a farmer's cooperative in General Santos; and Vicente Cuevas III.

"Clearly, someone is lying, or everyone is," said Pangilinan, whose Committee is the head investigating committee on rice smuggling. "We seek to know the truth. We will examine thoroughly their documents and decide how to proceed."

On its third hearing, Protik Guha, owner of the contested rice seized by the Bureau of Customs, denied that his company brought in the goods for distribution and sale in Philippine markets. This then prompted BOC Commissioner Ruffy Biazon to say that Guha's statement contradicts Metro Eastern's submitted documents. Guha also claims a farmer's cooperative represented by Ramirez emailed him asking they would be willing to buy the rice off of him.

"These all seem like a long chain of comical series of rigmarole, one that must have been going on for a long time. Only it is not funny, and the Senate investigating committee is not laughing," Pangilinan remarked.

Senate body to scrutinize Judiciary’s 2013 expenditure plan, says Drilon

The Senate Finance Committee will examine today (Thursday) the proposed expenditures plan of the Judiciary, announced its chairman Senator Franklin M. Drilon.

“We have already achieved the most remarkable reform in our judicial system last May, and now, what we need to do is to ensure that all the reforms that our people have been wanting for our judicial system will be carried out in this proposed expenditure plan,” said Drilon, referring to the impeachment of then Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The Judiciary will get P17.77 billion, including automatic appropriation, from P15.71 billion this year, or an increase of 13.08 percent, noted Drilon.

“The proposed 2013 budget will support the resolution of about 324,434 cases pending in the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals and Court of Tax Appeals, as well as to address the needed developments in the Judiciary,” said Drilon.

Of the proposed budget, Drilon said, P15.72 billion will go to the Supreme and Lower courts, an increase of 12.86 percent from P13.93 billion, while P1.32 billion will go to the Court of Appeals, P181.22 million higher than its present budget of P1.144 billion.

Also, P392.44 million will be for the country’s anti-graft court, the Sandiganbayan, P35.18 million higher than its 2012 budget of P357.26 million; P244.33 million to the Court of Tax Appeals, P31.41 million higher than its present budget of P212.92 million; and lastly, P90.94 million will go to the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, P16.42 million higher than its 2012 budget of P74.52 million.

Drilon also said his committee he will look into the allowances of the judges and justices, which the Supreme Court recently sought for its restoration.

Further, the committee will scrutinize the huge vacant positions in the Judiciary which, he added, resulted in a slow disposition of pending cases, noted Drilon.

“Our courts have a humongous collection of unheard and unresolved cases. This should be addressed if the government is reforming our justice system, and we will intervene by means of ensuring that the 2013 expenditures plan will carry enough budget to address the problem,” ended Drilon.

In a related news, the committee is also set to review the proposed budget of the Office of the Vice President amounting P420.55 million, including automatic appropriation, P15.75 million higher than its 2012 budget of P404.8 million, said Drilon. 

PANGILINAN FILES SENATE RESOLUTION HONORING ROBREDO

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has filed Senate Resolution No. 843 honoring the late Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo “for his outstanding contributions to governmental reforms in the country.”

Entitled, “A resolution expressing the sincere condolences and sympathy of the Senate over the passing of DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo and honoring him for his outstanding contributions to governmental reforms in the country,” the document cited Robredo’s achievements as mayor of Naga City, as President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, as Chairman of the Regional Development Council in Bicol, and as Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The resolution also cited Robredo’s achievements, among them the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service, the 1998 Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence as Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines, and the first-ever “Dangal ng Bayan” Award of the Civil Service Commission.

“The Filipino people are mourning for the untimely death of Secretary Robredo. The country lost a rare and exemplary public servant in the person of Secretary Robredo,” the resolution states.

LET EID'L FITR BE A REMINDER OF OUR GOALS FOR LASTING PEACE IN MINDANAO

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan today celebrates with the Muslim Filipino community as the holy month of Ramadan comes to an end. As he greets Muslim Filipinos, "Eid Mubarak," Pangilinan adds that this year's celebration of Eid'l Fitr must also mark "a deepening of genuine efforts to achieve lasting peace" in war-torn parts of Mindanao.

"Our dream for the Muslim Filipino community is for them to enjoy lasting peace--the kind that offers stability and paves the way for investments, economic growth, jobs, and true progress," Pangilinan points out. "If we recall, it was in the 1990s when the government pushed for an aggressive peace policy, and it was also at this time when we saw rapid development in cities such as Davao, Cagayan de Oro, and General Santos, among others. We know that this can be replicated in more areas around Mindanao."

Pangilinan, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Social Justice and Rural Development, adds, "We need to put an end to war and senseless violence once and for all. For it is only through lasting peace that we will see the progress and prosperity that have eluded our Muslim brothers and sisters for decades now. Everyone in the Philippines deserves the chance to live a stable, secure, and more abundant life--regardless of their religious affiliations and ethnic backgrounds. Let us break the cycle of violence that has kept many parts of Mindanao in chains, for the sake of a new generation of Filipinos who clearly deserve a better life."

Legarda Calls for Greater Local Government Participation Towards a Disaster-Resilient Agusan River Basin

Senator Loren Legarda today called for greater involvement of local governments in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley, and Davao Oriental  in the effective and collaborative management of the Agusan River Basin to address the risks and challenges, as well as maximize the opportunities brought by the river basin to their communities.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, is again organizing a Regional Workshop on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction to be held in Butuan City this August 23. It will be done in partnership with the Local Government Academy (LGA) and the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarrollo (AECID), targeting local government officials and other stakeholders.

The Senator, who is also United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, earlier led similar workshops covering the Pampanga, Bicol, and Cagayan de Oro River Basins.

“The Agusan River Basin faces several challenges. Beyond the threat of devastating floods during heavy rains, a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) found that domestic wastewater, solid waste disposal, and sedimentation due to erosion cause serious water quality problems, which threatens lives and sources of income. Seismicity and mercury pollution also put the area at risk,” she explained.

“An important feature of the area is the Agusan Marsh. It is deemed a ‘Wetland of National Importance,’ and hosts the widest expanse found in the Philippines of seven habitat types, including a very large area of swamp forest and peat swamp forest not found elsewhere in the country. We should also look into making the Marsh disaster resilient, as degradation of this area will affect not only people but also the rich biodiversity within,” she added.

In organizing the collaboration workshop, Legarda stressed that the task before leaders, especially of local governments, is straightforward.

“We have to make our communities safer, more resilient, and more prepared to respond whenever a disaster strikes. We should be able to engage all key stakeholders and sectors, to promote cooperation and coordination among themselves, to promote greater risk awareness in communities,” she stated.

“Now is the time to secure the future that we want for our people. Engaging officials and stakeholders at the local government level is a concrete step towards building communities’ resilience to disasters, which is why these workshops have become all the more important,” Legarda concluded.

Signing into Law of People's Survival Fund Bill a Triumph for the Filipino People - Legarda

Senator Loren Legarda called President Aquino’s signing into law of the People's Survival Fund bill a triumph for Filipinos and a concrete move towards a disaster-resilient Philippines.

“The enactment of amendments to the Climate Change Act of 2009, primarily the creation of the People’s Survival Fund (PSF), strengthens the three-year-old law by helping achieve its objectives through provision of funds to local governments and communities for their climate change adaptation programs. As we have seen clearly over the past few weeks, there is a pressing need to financially support disaster prevention efforts of local government units. The President's approval of the PSF affirms our nation's commitment to building communities’ resilience to disasters,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, principal author and sponsor of the Climate Change Act of 2009, and principal sponsor of the amendatory measure to the climate law, said that Congress approved the PSF bill in June. It was immediately transmitted to President Aquino who signed the law last Friday, August 17.

The PSF is a special fund in the National Treasury—in the amount of one billion pesos that will be appropriated annually under the General Appropriations Act—for the financing of adaptation programs and projects based on the National Strategic Framework on Climate Change. The fund may also be augmented by donations, endowments, grants and contributions.

“The degradation of our environment, coupled with the effects of climate change, such as heavy monsoon rains, prolonged droughts, and other extreme weather events, places us on a highly precarious position and endangers the lives of our citizens. The PSF will help local governments' adaptation activities, such as in the areas of land and water resources management, agriculture and fisheries, health, infrastructure development, and natural ecosystems,” she explained.

“This will also support the improvement of the monitoring, controlling and prevention of diseases triggered by climate change, establishment of forecasting and early warning systems, and strengthening institutional development, for local governments, for preventive measures, planning, preparedness and management of impacts relating to climate change,” she added.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction for Asia-Pacific, is also responsible for crafting and sponsoring several environmental laws like the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Awareness Education Act, the Renewable Energy Act, the Solid Waste Management Act, and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010.

“We are called upon by the Filipino people to safeguard them against the death, destruction, and poverty trap caused by disasters. There is no substitute for national and local government programs and budgets that are climate change-adaptive. The PSF will allow us to pole-vault toward ensuring disaster- and climate change-resilient communities,” Legarda concluded.

The amendatory law to the Climate Change Act of 2009, authored by Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Loren Legarda, also mandates the Department of Budget and Management to undertake the formulation of the annual government budget in a way that ensures the appropriate prioritization and allocation of funds to support climate change-related programs and projects.

Legarda Shares in Celebration of Eid’l Fitr

Senator Loren Legarda today expressed solidarity with Filipino Muslims as she enjoined all Filipinos, regardless of religious and spiritual beliefs, to share in the celebration of Eid’l Fitr.

“I wish to extend my greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters on the occasion of Eid’l Fitr. You have once again displayed deep faith and devotion, discipline and obedience as you observed the holy month of Ramadan.  The faith, humility, and patience that Eid’l Fitr symbolizes are virtues that we must all have as Filipinos,” Legarda said.

“As a feast of great importance to Muslims, the Eid’l Fitr has been a familiar occasion even to a Catholic-dominated nation, and I hope that it goes beyond familiarity as it paves the way for deeper respect and understanding among Filipinos regardless of faith or religious belief,” she stressed.

Legarda authored R.A. 9177, or the Eid’l Fitr Law, which decreed that the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar is a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Fitr. R.A. 9177 further decreed that the tenth day of Zhul Hijja, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar is a regional holiday in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the observance of Eid’l Adha.

Eid’l Fitr is celebrated on the sighting of the crescent moon by the billions who follow Islam, including the estimated 4 million Filipino Muslims.

“To our Muslim brothers and sisters, I wish you a joyous and meaningful celebration. And to the non-Muslim Filipinos, I enjoin you to take this occasion more than just another holiday. Let us all share in the celebration of this important occasion, as we witness the spiritual dedication that our Muslim brothers and sisters embody,” said Legarda.

Legarda Praises Humanitarian Workers on World Humanitarian Day

On World Humanitarian Day, Senator Loren Legarda praised the invaluable contribution of humanitarian workers, particularly those who were involved in rescue and relief efforts during recent disasters caused by typhoons and monsoon rains.

“We must recognize the herculean tasks that all humanitarian workers face and the inspired ways through which they address these challenges, especially now that natural hazards abound,” she said.

Noting the high number of natural hazards that occur in the Philippines, Legarda underscored the significance of humanitarian workers’ contributions to the Filipino people.

“We were the world’s worst-hit by disasters in 2011, and just last week we experienced flooding that submerged 80% of the nation’s capital. The contributions of humanitarian workers in the lives of the millions affected by these disasters cannot be understated. They often risk their own well-being as they save and help the vulnerable from the dangers that hazards bring and support authorities in delivering assistance,” she remarked.

World Humanitarian Day was established in December 2008, marking the day of the bombing of the UN Headquarters in Baghdad, where Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Iraq, Sérgio Vieira de Mello, and 21 of his colleagues perished in the course of humanitarian efforts.

“On World Humanitarian Day, beyond lauding their achievements, I also hope we can take the time to honor those who have lost their lives as they were saving others, and reflect on how we can contribute to the work that they do. Ultimately, humanitarian workers all over the world remind us that no task is too difficult when done in the service of others,” Legarda concluded.

HALOS P2 BILYONG PISONG PONDO NG ACEF, MAIPAPAMAHAGI NA SA MGA MAGSASAKA

Inaasahang magiging malaking tulong ang napipintong paglabas ng pondo ng Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) sa mga nangangailangang maliliit na negosyante sa sektor ng agrikultura matapos mapagkasunduan ng Department of Buget and Management, Department of Finance, Department of Agriculture, at Congressional Oversight Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM) na mailabas na ang nasabing pondo.

Sa isang en banc meeting ng COCAFM noong Huwebes, August 16, sa Club Filipino, na pinangunahan ng Chairman ng Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, Senador Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, naipangako ng DBM na aasikasuhin na nila ang pag-proseso ng mga nauprabahang mga grants at loans ng ACEF. Base sa kasalukuyang patakaran ng ACEF, 60 porsiyento ng pondo ang nakalaan para sa grants, 30 porsiyento para sa pautang, at 10 porsiyento naman para sa mga scholarships.

"Matagal nang nabinbin ang pondo dahil nirepaso muna natin at sinikap na maitama ang mga naging pagkakamali sa ACEF na ikinalugi nito," ani Pangilinan. "Natutuwa tayo at malinaw na ngayon na mailalabas na ang pondo para sa mga nangangailangang mga magsasaka at agri-preneurs."

Kasama rin sa nasabing pagpupulong ang mga kinatawan ng iba't ibang kooperatiba sa bansa na binigyang pagkakataon mailahad ang kanilang hinaing at pangangailangan mula sa programang ACEF.

"Layon naman talaga ng ACEF na gawing competitive ang maliliit na negosyo ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda upang makaahon sila at makasabay sa mga malalaking negosyante," dagdag ni Pangilinan. "Medyo nalulugi lang ang pamahalaan dahil sinamantala ito ng ibang indibidwal at grupo na di naman kwalipikado na makatanggap mula sa ACEF. Yan ang ating sinikap na maayos nang sa gayon e di naman parang gripo ang pagluwal ng pera mula sa kaban ng ACEF. At ngayon nga na mailalabas na ang pondo sa mga kwalipikado, inaasahan natin na aangat ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda."

Sinabi naman ni DA Secretary Proceso Alcala na sisimulan na ng kanyang tanggapan ang pagtanggap ng mga aplikante sa ACEF para sa scholarships.

"Natutuwa tayo na nagkakasundo ang iba't ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan para maiangat ang kabuhayan ng maliliit nating mga magsasaka at mangingisda," dagdag ni Pangilinan, na siya ring Chairman ng COCAFM. "Naiintindihan natin na mayroong alinlangan ang DBM dahil nga sa nangyari sa ACEF noong nakaraan. Naipaliwanag naman natin nang maigi sa kanila na maayos na ngayon ang sistema at sisiguraduhin ng COCAFM at ng DA na mapupunta ang pondo sa tamang mga kooperatiba at negosyo. Tapos na ang panahon ng panlilinlang at panloloko. Mahigpit na ang proseso. At ngayon, mailalabas na ang pondo para matugunan nag pangangailangan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda."

"Ang ACEF ay isa sa mga programa natin na makakatulong ng malaki para umangat ang kita ng ating mga manggagawa sa sektor ng agrikultura at pangingisda. Ito ang dahilan kaya di natin ito isinantabi lamang. Ang pag-angat ng kita ng ating magsasaka at mangingisda ang dapat nating prayoridad. Pag lumaki ang kanilang kita, aangat ang kabuhayan sa kanayunan, at magiging progresibo ang ating bansa."

Drilon wants intensified implementation of absentee voting law

Senator Franklin M. Drilon scored on the dismal implementation of overseas absentee voting law despite the huge expenses being proposed by the Commission of Elections (Comelec) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for that purpose.

“When we crafted this law, we have very good intention. We wanted to empower the OFWs voters in the hope that at least they can influence the result of the election by electing qualified leaders,” recalled Drilon.

“However, the result has been a bit dismal. The total registration is just about the size of two congressional districts, and the voters’ turnout is just a size of one congressional district,” stressed Drilon.

“I laid the blame on Comelec and DFA for not being able to increase awareness of the importance of this law,” he added.

Drilon, quoting DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario, said that of the 589,000 registered voters abroad in 2010, not even a half had actually voted in the last election equivalent to 153,323.

The DFA recently reported that they have added up more than 200,000 registered voters almost reaching the 800,000 target.

The 2013 National Expenditures Program has earmarked P105.04 million under the budget of Comelec for the implementation of the law which Drilon authored in 2003 and another P105.04 million under the DOF’s budget, said Drilon.

The Comelec, though, estimated a budget of P205.98 million to be able to implement the OAV program.

However, Drilon explained that any unfunded activities and services related to the AOV program that can be done and purchased within this year will be funded under the augmentation to be provided by the Department of Budget and Management in its 2012 budget.

Of the amount P205.98 million, Drilon said, P21 million is allocated for honoraria of personnel who will supervise the OAV program which the Senator found unreasonable.

“We must show some rationality in the allocation of these expenses by doing all what we can to increase the registration, to raise the consciousness among our overseas Filipino voters, and more importantly, to improve the voters’ turnout. Hindi nakukuha ang ganitong pagbabago sa biyahe. Nakukuha ito sa communication plan,” said Drilon.

“These expenses keep on going up and there are huge amount for honoraria, yet up to now, we don’t see efforts to make an effective implementing of the law. That is the money of Juan dela Cruz, and every peso we spend must show desirable result,” he added.

Drilon, Pacquiao lead opening of Iloilo River Esplanade today

Senator Franklin M. Drilon and Saranggani Representative Manny Pacquiao will lead today’s (Saturday) inauguration of the Iloilo River Esplanade, which is seen to boost Iloilo’s tourism, as well as increase environmental awareness among its residents.

“I am optimistic that this project will boost the tourism industry in the city which is also known for its grandiose celebration of Dinagyang Festival. But what is more important is the environmental awareness it will instill on the people of Iloilo, especially that we are doing all that we can to restore the vanished beauty of our river,” said Drilon.

The 1.2-kilometer esplanade was designed by a renowned architect, Paulo Alcazaren, who is responsible for developing the Singapore Quay. Its construction was funded with P70 million put together by Drilon through his Priority Development Assistance Fund.

“The new esplanade will offer a new destination for tourist and local residents, as well as families and friends who want to relax and have more leisure time where they can share time with each other, and capture and videotape cherished memories, said Drilon.

The esplanade has 1.2 kilometer pathways stretched along the 22-kilometer Iloilo River and has viewing decks that would provide visitors the chance to better appreciate the beauty of the river, he added.

Another salient feature of the esplanade is its delightfully designed landscape, planted with different kinds of ornamental plants.

Economically, the new esplanade will open business opportunities to small and medium businessmen, but Drilon ensured that the cleanliness and orderliness in the park will be properly observed and maintained.

The Senator also assured the safety of the visitors who are expected to flock the esplanade, with the local police to be fielded within the vicinity.

Drilon has been working on the cleaning up and redevelopment of the Iloilo River, which has been deteriorating over the years because of several factors including pollution, sedimentation, depletion of mangrove areas, and proliferation of manmade constrictions, among others.

Among the efforts that the Senator has already undertaken in redeveloping the river include the removal of the obstructions along the Iloilo and Batiano Rivers, the removal of 10 derelicts and 38 idle vessels which were blocking the river for more than a decade and the elimination of illegal fishpens and dikes at the river. All these efforts will allow the water to flow incessantly.

He is also pushing for the construction of a passenger terminal building by the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in a move to clear the road that is currently being used by PPA for the fast craft terminals.

Drilon also requested the President to allocate P344 million for the relocation of about 3,500 families who are living along the danger zones of the river and its tributaries.

All these activities, among others, are part of the short and long term plans for the Iloilo River which the Senator is committed to undertake until 2016.

Mahinang performance ng mga atleta sa Olympics, pinaiimbestigahan ni Trillanes

Pinabubusisi ni Senador Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV sa Senado ang nakadidismayang performance ng mga ipinadalang manlalaro sa katatapos lamang na London Summer Olympics at ang nakaraang Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

“Kinikilala natin ang talento ng mga atletang Pinoy at ang pagpapakita nila ng tyaga, dedikasyon, tapang at tibay ng loob sa iba’t ibang kompetisyon. Ngunit kitang-kita base sa mga nakaraang mga laro sa palakasan sa buong mundo maging sa rehiyon man na ang ating bansa ay hindi kayang makipagsabayan sa Olympics at napagiiwanan na ng ating mga kalapit bansa sa Asya,” pahayag ni Trillanes. 

Sa inihain nyang Senate Resolution No. 838, pinaiimbestigahan ni Trillanes sa Senate Committee on Amateur Sports Competitiveness at iba pang komite ang kalagayan ng isports sa Pilipinas matapos nga ang hindi magandang performance ng mga atletang Pinoy. 

Binigyang-diin ng senador na 16 na taon na ang nakalipas ng huling makasungkit ng medalya ang Pilipinas sa Olympics sa pamamagitan ni Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco na nakakuha ng silver medal sa boxing noong 1996 sa Atlanta Olympics. 

Sa pagnanais na iangat ang kalagayan ng isports sa bansa, nauna nang inihain ni Trillanes ang Senate Bill 3092 na bubuo ng Department of Sports. Ang ahensyang ito ang siyang gagawa ng mga polisiya, plano, koordinasyon, pagpapatupad, pagpapalaganap at pagpapaunlad isports sa bansa. 

“Ako ay umaasa na sa oras na maitatag ang Department of Sports, ang isports ay muling magiging bahagi ng pagpapaunlad sa mga kabataan – isang pwersang magpapaigting sa pagkakaisa at ating pagkamakabayan,” paliwanag ni Trillanes. 

Dagdag pa ni Trillanes ang gobyerno ay tila hindi napagtutuunan ang napakahalagang papel ng isports sa pangkalahatang kaunlaran kahit pa ito ay nakasaad sa Saligang Batas.

Legarda: Improve Governance, Avert Widespread Flooding

Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate on Climate Change, yesterday conducted a hearing on the state of disaster risk in the Philippines in light of last week’s devastating floods in Luzon and Western Visayas. 

Legarda emphasized the need to examine weaknesses in governance, especially in Metro Manila: poor implementation of environmental laws, inadequate action in dredging rivers, the conversion of watersheds into housing development, a growing number of informal structures on riverbanks and esteros, faulty design of flood control infrastructure, and inefficiency in flood mitigation operations. 

Because evidence suggests that extreme weather conditions are here to stay, Legarda stated that disaster prevention, more than disaster response preparedness, must become the new norm. 

“We need to follow laws, use technology to our advantage, bear in mind our growing population, and make sure that we have the information to be able to make quick and sound decisions. We must improve governance to avert widespread flooding,” she said during a press conference.

“I agree with MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino that Metro Manila cannot be completely free from flooding, but that does not mean we are helpless. We have to determine the causes of flooding. First, Metro Manila is highly congested with very little green spaces. Second, esteros, canals, lakes, and rivers are all obstructed due to the demands of the growing population for structures. Third, there is ground subsidence, which is a natural occurrence aggravated by the over-extraction of groundwater and due to heavy structures we have built on soft soil. Fourth, the implementation of our laws has been very lax. All these factors contribute to a high-risk environment and we must undertake measures necessary to address these problems and minimize the incidence of flooding in Metro Manila,” she explained.

“According to Dr. Fernando Siringan of the UP Marine Science Institute, our lakes and rivers are getting smaller due to settlements and other effects of human activities. We need to widen these waterways as a measure to prevent flooding. Perhaps we need to look at these more basic solutions as well, in addition to our seawalls, water pumps, and infrastructure designed to combat flooding,” she said.

Legarda added that because many areas are literally sinking centimeter by centimeter, if not meter by meter, every year which contributes to more intense flooding, flood control projects should take this into account.

As author of RA 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act, she also stressed upon the need for every community's garbage problems to be addressed through proper segregation, recycling, and utmost discipline.

“In the end, it comes back to us. We must effectively implement laws, update and comply with our comprehensive land use plans, clear our waterways, and fully understand that we cannot continue to abuse our environment if we want to become truly disaster resilient. We all want to be resilient to natural hazards, but we cannot achieve this without proactive, informed, and consistent efforts in addressing heightened challenges,” Legarda concluded.

ACEF TO BECOME FULLY FUNCTIONAL AFTER COCAFM EN BANC MEETING AUG 16

The COCAFM, under its Chairman Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, has helped resolve the release of P1.9 billion pesos of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF)--60 percent of which is earmarked for grants, 30 percent for approved loans, and 10 percent to scholarships. The ACEF will start processing applications for grants and scholarships starting in September.

In its en banc meeting held August 16 at Club Filipino, DBM Secretary Butch Abad has agreed in principle to release the ACEF to approved loan applications and it will be coursed through the Department of Agriculture. The DA will then coordinate with government financial institutions in expediting the loans and the collection of payment.

"We could not have been more pleased with what we have accomplished in this meeting. We have been discussing the mechanics and addressing the loopholes that have left the ACEF program riddled with corruption and controversies. We know the program could work to benefit the agriculture sector. We commend those who have patiently worked with the COCAFM in rebuilding the ACEF program and making it more relevant in meeting the current needs of our farmers and fisherfolk. Now we have a clearer roadmap for enhancing competitiveness for our small farmers through this new and improved ACEF."

Pangilinan also called on the DA, DBM, DOF and COCAFM to sign a memorandum of agreement to ensure that collected MAVs will go directly to the ACEF or fund 183. From 2007 to 2012, MAV collections were remitted to the general fund of the national budget.

"While we could not, and should not, disregard the unpaid loans and mishandling of ACEF funds in the past, it is important that the program continue and be implemented properly, as this can help improve the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk. Now with the help of all the stakeholders both in the public and private sector, we are now seeing the fulfillment of the mandate of the ACEF."

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala has said in the en banc meeting that it will start processing grant and scholarship applications to the ACEF in September. Under its new guidelines 30 percent of the fund will be alloted for loan and credit, while 60 percent will be alloted for grants and 10 percent for scholarships.

"The timeline between the approval of the new ACEF guidelines to its full implementation and release of funds were done in a little over a year,"Pangilinan says. "While we would have wanted it to be faster, we strove to be more cautious on how we ought to release the funds. But without the help of the DBM, the DA, the DOF, and our COCAFM leaders and proponents, we would not be able to yield concrete results. This is just the beginning. With regular consultations and meetings with all stakeholders as this one, we are confident that the full implementation and the proper utilization of the ACEF will positively impact the agriculture sector."

Also present in the en banc meeting were representatives from various agricultural and fisheries cooperatives around the country. Their pleas and recommendations were put on record and will be addressed in future meetings.

Legarda Defends PAGASA Employees: “They are the People’s Partner in Disaster Prevention”

Senator Loren Legarda expressed dismay at the delay in the release of benefits of personnel of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA, noting that they play a major role in disaster risk reduction (DRR) efforts in the country.

“PAGASA is the people’s partner in disaster prevention. They are already underpaid compared to their counterparts in other countries, and now even their benefits are being delayed. If we endeavor to become a disaster resilient country, our frontliners should be receiving the right compensation for the often extreme demands of their job. If we deprive them of their benefits, how are we going to convince other bright Filipino meteorologists to serve the people through the government?” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, emphasized that the Magna Carta for Scientists or Republic Act 8439 clearly provides that PAGASA weather forecasters are entitled to hazard allowances from 10 to 30 percent of their monthly basic salary.

“It is imperative that PAGASA personnel receive their due benefits. A big part of disaster risk reduction is getting the accurate and timely information. Our government must invest in PAGASA, but we are not just speaking of the technology. We must invest in the people who have the special skills, training, and hard-earned knowledge to give us the right weather and risk information,” Legarda stressed.

Legarda noted that after the lunch time protest of the PAGASA forecasters, hydrologists, and employees, they were eventually assured by President Aquino that they will receive their benefits for the first semester.

ACEF TO BECOME FULLY FUNCTIONAL AFTER COCAFM EN BANC MEETING AUG 16

The COCAFM, under its Chairman Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, has helped resolve the release of P1.9 billion pesos of the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF)--60 percent of which is earmarked for grants, 30 percent for approved loans, and 10 percent to scholarships. The ACEF will start processing applications for grants and scholarships starting in September.

In its en banc meeting held August 16 at Club Filipino, DBM Secretary Butch Abad has agreed in principle to release the ACEF to approved loan applications and it will be coursed through the Department of Agriculture. The DA will then coordinate with government financial institutions in expediting the loans and the collection of payment.

"We could not have been more pleased with what we have accomplished in this meeting. We have been discussing the mechanics and addressing the loopholes that have left the ACEF program riddled with corruption and controversies. We know the program could work to benefit the agriculture sector. We commend those who have patiently worked with the COCAFM in rebuilding the ACEF program and making it more relevant in meeting the current needs of our farmers and fisherfolk. Now we have a clearer roadmap for enhancing competitiveness for our small farmers through this new and improved ACEF."

Pangilinan also called on the DA, DBM, DOF and COCAFM to sign a memorandum of agreement to ensure that collected MAVs will go directly to the ACEF or fund 183. From 2007 to 2012, MAV collections were remitted to the general fund of the national budget.

"While we could not, and should not, disregard the unpaid loans and mishandling of ACEF funds in the past, it is important that the program continue and be implemented properly, as this can help improve the lives of our farmers and fisherfolk. Now with the help of all the stakeholders both in the public and private sector, we are now seeing the fulfillment of the mandate of the ACEF."

DA Secretary Proceso Alcala has said in the en banc meeting that it will start processing grant and scholarship applications to the ACEF in September. Under its new guidelines 30 percent of the fund will be alloted for loan and credit, while 60 percent will be alloted for grants and 10 percent for scholarships.

"The timeline between the approval of the new ACEF guidelines to its full implementation and release of funds were done in a little over a year,"Pangilinan says. "While we would have wanted it to be faster, we strove to be more cautious on how we ought to release the funds. But without the help of the DBM, the DA, the DOF, and our COCAFM leaders and proponents, we would not be able to yield concrete results. This is just the beginning. With regular consultations and meetings with all stakeholders as this one, we are confident that the full implementation and the proper utilization of the ACEF will positively impact the agriculture sector."

Also present in the en banc meeting were representatives from various agricultural and fisheries cooperatives around the country. Their pleas and recommendations were put on record and will be addressed in future meetings.