Trillanes to boost environmental laws against violators

MANILA, October 18, 2011-Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV sought to boost the environmental protection campaign through the creation of the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) which is the primary task of the proposed agency shall be to monitor, to enforce and to ensure compliance with environmental laws under Senate Bill No. 168.

Trillanes wants a corps of implementers that would ensure strict compliance to environmental laws, as well as prosecute and punish violators under the bill.  

  

Trillanes explained that we are experiencing widespread environmental degradation due to years of neglect, haphazard policy-making and weak local environmental management, something needs to be done, lest we suffer the ill-consequences of our long-time neglect which would be further aggravated by climate change like what is now happening in Bulacan.

Trillanes said that while the state is bound by its commitment to protect the environment, existing laws relating to environmental protection are somewhat inadequate in terms of implementation and enforcement. 

The bill will create a NEPA board that will craft policies on enforcement of environmental laws.

Under the measure, the Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will serve as Chairman and the Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ) as the Vice Chairman. Others members are representatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Maritime Industry Authority (MIA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

Other key tasks and responsibilities of the NEPA Board are as follows: Formulate and implement an integrated approach to the enforcement of environmental laws; undertake the enforcement of environmental laws and investigate violators; arrest and apprehend as well as search violators and seize or confiscate the effects of the violations. For this purpose, prosecutors and enforcement officers of the agency are authorized to possess firearms in accordance with existing laws. Likewise, enforcers are authorized to enter premises for the purpose of conducting investigations; monitor, in coordination with the BOC, the Philippine Port Authority, the MIA, DENR and other agencies; prepare for the prosecution and cause the filing of appropriate criminal and civil charges against the violators. For this purpose, the agency shall coordinate with the DOJ; and recommend to the appropriate agency the forfeiture of properties and other assets belonging to the violators.

Trillanes said that these violators are not just transgressors of the law. Those who commit environmental crimes usually go unpunished. It is normally the people and the environment that greatly suffer from the dire consequences of their illicit acts. It is high time that we ran after these perpetrators and apply the full force of the law against them. (Jason de Asis)

15 top-ranking NIA execs relieved in massive revamp

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, October 17, 2011-Fifteen top-ranking officials of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), including the deputy administrator, were relieved from their posts in a sweeping top-level revamp ordered by President Aquino.

The revamp affected three (3) officials from the NIA central office, eight (8) regional managers, one (1) operation manager and one (1) project manager.

NIA Administrator Antonio Nangel said that the reshuffle is meant to vigorously implement the rice self-sufficiency program (RSSR) and the food self-sufficiency program (FSSR) of the Aquino administration. He said the redistribution of subordinate NIA personnel is also intended to better achieve the mission, vision and predicate objectives of the NIA as spelled out by President Aquino and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

The overhaul was ordered by President Aquino after NIA accomplished only 25 percent of its target of 30,958 hectares while spending over 60 percent of its P14.88 billion budget.

Relieved in the NIA central office through Board of Directors Resolution 7708-11 were deputy administrator for engineering and operations Democratico Grana Jr., internal audit services department manager Robert Suguitan, operations department manager Gregorio Dumandan and Region 7 engineering and operations division manager Dexter Patrocinio.

Grana was designated as overall chief of the project inspectorate and advisory group. He was replaced by Suguitan whose post was taken over by Dumandan who in turn was succeeded by Patrocinio.

Also replaced were regional managers John Celeste (Region 1), Manuel Collado (Region 3), Efren Roqueza (Region 4-A), Modesto Membreve (Region 7), Alberto Lacuaren (Region 9), Julius Maquiling (Region 10), Felix Razo (Region 11) and Alejandro Aberca (Region 13); operation managers Mariano Dancel and Reynaldo Puno and project manager Reinerio Irinco.

Celeste was designated RSSP manager for northern Luzon and was replaced by Collado whose post was taken over by Puno. Puno’s post as operations manager of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems, the operator of the Pantabangan Dam, was taken over by division manager Josephine Salazar.

Roqueza was named RSSP area manager for Visayas and was replaced by Romeo Anonuevo. Membreve took the place of Aberca who replaced Lacuaren. Membreve was replaced by Diosdado Rosales. Maquiling swapped posts with Razo.

Dancel, operations manager of the Magat River Integrated Irrigation Systems, the second largest irrigation system, was reassigned as RSSP area manager for southern Luzon and was replaced by Helsy Bermudez, division manager of Region 1.

Irinco, project manager of the Help for Catubig Agricultural Advancement Project, was named RSSP staff under the Office of the Administrator, replaced by Amadeo Montejo.

Prior to the revamp, the President was dismayed that only 25 percent of the targeted 30,958 hectares was accomplished as of June 30, 2011. (Jason de Asis)

Senate on the way to approve 2012 budget

MANILA, October 17, 2011-Senator Franklin Drilon, chair of Senate Finance Committee has wrapped up committee deliberations on the individual budgets of national government agencies and now on-track in approving the proposed P1.816 trillion 2012 national budget.

Drilon said that the 2012’s proposed budget has been transmitted by the House of Representatives to the Senate on Wednesday and was referred to the Finance Committee.

“We will diligently work for the passage of the budget so that by January 1, we will have an approved national budget for 2012,” Drilon said, adding that the panel will review the amendments incorporated by the House in the budget.

Drilon said that House Bill No. 5023 or the proposed General Appropriations Act of 2012, which was approved by the House Tuesday, will be sponsored in plenary when sessions resume on November 14.

He explained that on November 22, plenary debates would be completed which is also the date of the simultaneous approval on second and third reading in the Senate.

On November 23 to 28, a bicameral conference committee will be convened to reconcile disagreements between the Senate and the House versions of the budget.

Drilon assured that the passage of the government’s spending plan before lawmakers go on a holiday break on December 17.

The proposed outlay for next year is 10.4% higher from the current year’s outlay of P1.645 trillion. Next year’s budget represents 16.5% of gross domestic product (GDP), or the value of goods and services produced by an economy in a given period.

According to departmental allocations, the Department of Education has the highest with P238.8 billion budget, followed by Department of Public Works and Highways, P125.5 billion, Department of National Defense, P107.9 billion, Department of Interior and Local Government, P49.4 billion, and Department of Agriculture, P54 billion.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development will get P49.4 billion; Department of Health, P44.4 billion; Department of Transportation and Communications, P34.6 billion; Department of Agrarian Reform, P18.3 billion; and the Judiciary, P15.7 billion.

Prior to this, Congress managed to pass the 2011 General Appropriations Act before yearend, the first time the government functioned on an operational budget in the last decade last year. (Jason de Asis)

Lyceans conducted search for Mr. and Ms. NSTP of the year

BALER, Aurora, October 16, 2011-Lyceum of the East students conducted search for mister and miss national service training program (NSTP) of the year led by NSTP President Apple Joy Abando at dela Torre Beach Resort, Brgy. Zabali.

The said event is the first in all existing colleges and universities in Aurora where the Lyceum of the East took the courage to conduct the same under the NSTP subject.

Mr. Glen Padegdeg, Chief Operating Officer and Mr. James Frances Gose, Vice President of the school said that the students proposed the project in coordination with their NSTP coordinator. The duo lauded the leadership of NSTP lyceans.

Ms. Linda Esteban, school administrator said that most institutions of higher learning, the academe is their major concern and not so much of personality development. Lycean students parade on the stage to exhibit their charisma, beauty, poise and bearing towards the end of attaining personality development.

“We conducted this activity in order to have a colorful and significant end of the semester,” Abando said. “I am sure that each one of us, particularly my fellow students are happy, and very proud to be members of the Lyceum of the East family,” she added.

Each candidate showed their creative attires which was made of recycled materials, casual wear, beach attire and talent.

Students who were awarded best in casual attire were Mr. Jimson Aquino and Ms. Joana Ibay, best in beach attire were Jimson and Ms. Josephine Ola, best in talent were Mr. Ronnie Balbuena and Ms. Samantha Angala and best in creative attire were Jimson and Joana.

Among the rest,  Mr. Jefferson Bihasa and Ms. Joanna Ibay hit the 2^nd runner-up, Mr. Ronnie Balbuena and Ms. Josephine Ola were awarded 1^st runner up and Mr. Jimson Aquino and Ms. Samantha Angala won the coveted title Mr. and Ms. NSTP of the year. (Jason de Asis)

Lyceum of the East conducted 3 day leadership seminar

BALER, Aurora, October 16, 2011-The Lyceum of the East in coordination with the 48^th Infantry “Guardians” Battalion, Philippine Army conducted a 3 day leadership seminar with environment aspects at dela Torre beach resort, Brgy. Zabali.

The first day of the activity was the search for Mr. and Ms. National Service Training Program (NSTP). All the students participated until midnight.

The following day, Ltc Kurt decapia, battalion commander of the 48^th IB discussed the leadership skills and characteristics of a true leader where the student participants analyzed the different traits of a leader in managing their constituents and/of the country.

Ms. Erlinda Esteban, School administrator also discussed how to develop self confidence and knowing onself as a leader.

Mr. Mark Tubay also shared the relevance of spiritual discipline to leadership.

On the third day, a joint effort with the soldiers of 48^th IB together with the faculty, staff and students of Lyceum conducted mountain climbing and tree planting at the mountainous portion before Pag-asa, Sitio Digisit, Brgy. Zabali.

After that they conducted rapelling, slide for life and other obstacle course including team building where the students shared their unforgettable experience during and after the events.

Airachelle Valino said that they learned decision making, unity, camaraderie, physical and spiritual development, not withstanding hurdling obstacle courses which manifested being courageous.  

1lt Rodulfo Cordero, civil military operation chief said that the army battalion is always willing to help Lyceans in every endeavor for the development of the students.

Ms. Apple Joy Abando, NSTP president said that the success of the seminar is a collaborative effort of each and everyone who entrust their college education to the Lyceum of the East, the ever-high spirited officers and members of the administration and the 48^th IB.

Under NSTP, all freshmen students enrolled in baccalaureate degree are required to complete one (1) NSTP component of their choice as a graduation requirement.

The major objective is to be able to internalize virtues of foundation of leadership, and how it applies on an individual, team, and institutional level vis-à-vis national development in the context of self-awareness and values integration and promotion framework for understanding human nature. (Jason de Asis)

P150-M biomass plant to provide 24/7 electricity in northern Aurora

DINALUNGAN, Aurora, October 15, 2011-A Filipino company has started construction of a P150-million biomass gasification power plant in this town which is projected to provide 24-hour rural electrification to around 250 households.

Eco Market Solutions, which has investments in agro-industrial processing and in information technology, is now building the power plant at an eight-hectare site in Barangay Dibaraybay. Commissioning of the plant is expected to start in two months.

Gao Pronove, EMS president said that the power plant, which will have a maximum power-generating capacity of up to two megawatts, will provide scalable and green power on a 24-hour basis.  He said that at present, residents of this town only get four hours of electricity a day at the most.

Pronove said they are using Indian technology in building the biomass plant which will utilize rice hull, coconut husks, “palapa” (coco fronds) and branches as fuel. He said these agricultural wastes used to be disposed of by local rice and coconut farmers, not knowing they may be used to run the plant.   

Rice hull production in the country is estimated at 45.2 million tons a year and is mostly generated in the major rice-producing regions such as Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon (where Aurora is from), Southern Tagalog, and Western Visayas.

Coconut residues are abundant in Southern Tagalog, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and in Davao.   

Pronove said EMS is now buying up to P500,000 worth of coconut residual wastes like coconut husks and fronds for the project.

“We will gasify the agricultural waste and turn it into gas,” he explained, adding the plant will produce nitrogen, hydrogen, methane gas, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

Pronove said EMS expects to install the power-generating equipment by next month and have a “soft opening” in November. “Then we will have full-blast operation in December,” he said.

He added that the plant is just a pilot project with an initial capacity of 250 kilowatts and when it becomes successful, EMS will increase its capacity to an additional 750 kilowatts for a total of 1,000 kilowatts in the whole of Dinalungan and expand its coverage areas by adding 500 kilowatts each in the nearby towns of Casiguran and Dilasag which gets electricity supply of only one hour a day.

EMS will also seek the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission of a power service agreement between the firm and the Aurora Electric Cooperative (Aurelco) wherein excess power produced by the plant will be sold to Aurelco.

Pronove said his company ventured into green and renewable energy because the global green economy is growing and that EMS is on track to take full advantage of its fast growth. “There is now a global green economy. You need green power so you can have a green industry. That’s where the Philippines needs to position itself,” he added.

He said EMS technology  is 20 percent cleaner than power plants run by diesel engines and is relatively cheaper, more efficient and sustainable than the existing power supply in many non-grid areas in the Philippines.

Earlier, the Department of Energy bared plans to undertake an aggressive campaign to encourage more investments in the local biomass sector, as it expects only P32 billion worth of committed and indicative projects to come in over the next four years.

DOE documents showed that these biomass projects are expected to generate a marginal 276.7 megawatts between now and 2015, with the majority coming on stream in 2014.

In spite of the fact that the country generates substantial volumes of waste residues which can be used as fuel such as agricultural wastes, energy crops, forest residues and municipal and urban wastes, no other projects have been committed or indicated by investors over the medium and long-term.

The DOE noted that despite its potentials, biomass utilization in the country is mostly for non-power applications such as biofuels in the transport sector, fuel wood in the household and commercial sectors and waste residues in agro industries. (Jason de Asis) 

Catholic educators back Aquino on Marcos burial

MANILA, Oct. 14, 2011— Catholic educators are behind President Benigno Aquino III for rejecting any state honors for the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos.

In a statement issued Friday, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) lauded Mr Aquino’s decision amid “misguided calls” for a hero’s burial for Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Makati City.

“We are one with him in the conviction that doing so would be ‘the height of injustice’ against the Filipino people and most especially to those who suffered during the martial law years,” the CEAP said.

“We strongly believe that the only way forward is for the transgressors to apologize and let justice run its due course. Justice is the only way to unity,” it added.

In an interview with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) on Wednesday, Mr Aquino said that he will not allow state burial for the staunch rival of his late father – Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino.

“It really would be, I think, the height of injustice to have any honors to the person who was the direct mastermind of all of their sufferings," he said.

Mr Aquino also said that many victims of the Martial Law have not been accorded any apology and the bill providing for their compensation is still pending before the Congress. [CBCPNews]

Mining firm’s withdrawal of application a victory for the people—Church group

TABLAS, Romblon, Oct. 13, 2011—The recent withdrawal of a mining firm of its application to explore the island of Romblon is a victory for the people who continue to fight for human rights and integrity of creation, an ecumenical group against mining said.

The Romblon Ecumenical Forum Against Mining (REFAM) said the victory of the people is only the beginning of a life-long commitment to protect the island from the threats of environmental degradation.

Mining firm Ivanhoe Philippines has earlier withdrawn its application for a mining exploration of the island according to a letter sent to Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

In a letter dated September 30, 2011 to the MGB, Ivanhoe Philippines President Leo S. Deiparine said the company’s board decided to withdraw its applications “based on Tablas as a low priority exploration target for Ivanhoe Philippines and the strong opposition of the local politicians for the approval of our applications.”

REFAM’s convenors Msgr. Nonato Ernie V. Fetalino, a Roman Catholic priest and Bishop Ronelio Fabriquer of the Philippine Independent Church both called for the scrapping of Mining Act of 1995.

The group is seeking for the enactment of a new law that would rationalize the mining industry, “protect and promote human rights and establish No-Go Zones, based on alternative minerals management bills lodged in Congress.”

The mining advocates said they are right into “the middle of a spiritual battle against greed and corruption” and they will continue the fight to “defend the integrity of creation and human rights.”

Meanwhile, local officials and residents in the island also lauded the withdrawal of the mining application in the province.

Romblon Representative Eleandro Jesus F. Madrona said he received a copy of the letter dated October 11, 2011 from MGB-IVB Regional Director Roland de Jesus informing him of the withdrawal.

“It is indeed the unity and strong opposition of the people of Romblon against mining which resulted to the withdrawal of the application for exploration permit of Ivanhoe Philippines. This is a giant step towards a mining-free Romblon,” he declared.

Madrona has recently filed House Bill 4815 in Congress declaring the province of Romblon a mining free zone.

Meanwhile, Romblon Governor Eduardo Firmalo stressed they will continue their fight to preserve the healthy ecology of the island. He has earlier issued an Executive Order declaring an indefinite ban on metallic mining in the province.

“The power of the people and the political will of the leaders with the help of the civil society and religious sector clearly manifest the strong position of the province. We will continue to defend the right of our people to a balanced and healthy ecology,” he said.

Ivanhoe Philippines is a subsidiary of Canada-based Ivanhoe Mines. The company’s application to do mining exploration in the island has created uproar among the local community, especially the indigenous people who will be displaced if the exploration goes through.

More than 15,000 hectares in Tablas island that span the municipalities of Odiongan, San Andres, Calatrava, San Agustin, Sta. Maria, Alcantara and Looc have been eyed for exploration of gold and copper. (CBCPNews)

Priests, nun helps clean up clean up coastal waters

MANILA, Oct. 12, 2011— Several Catholic priests and a nun are joining a team of “scubasureros” for an underwater cleanup in Visayas.

Fr Tito Soquino, executive director of the Sto. Niño De Cebu Augustinian Social Development Foundation, said the church people are part of a diving group called Seaknights which collect garbage from the sea.

“There are 5 to 10 priest scuba divers who are involved in this. As a matter of fact, there is also a nun who is still training,” Soquino said during a press briefing in Manila Wednesday.

“We train people to become scuba divers. We ask them to be concern about the marine environment,” he said.

Since the goal of the group is to protect the coastal marine resources, he said, they are hoping that more people particularly priests will join them as time goes on.

“We are encouraging the clergy (to join)… our aim is to develop more priests who will join and become scuba divers,” Soquino said.

The activity is part of this year’s “Duaw sa Sto. Niño” or the visit of the image of the Holy Child Jesus through a fluvial procession to Biliran province on October 20 in coordination with the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Coastguard.

Bringing the Sto. Niño closer to the people and spreading the Church’s teachings on ecology, particularly the fight against climate change and what the people can do to respond to the problem, are the themes of the event.

“The Duaw Sto Nino is one of the major projects of the foundation wherein the Sto. Nino visits the different islands in the archipelago. It’s part of the Thousand Islands project which aims to reach out to 1,000 islands in the country particularly those vulnerable to climate change,” said Soquino.

The priest added that it is also for this reason that Naval Bishop Filomeno Bactol asked them to also visit his diocese.

“He invited us to also visit the diocesan shrine of the St. Therese of the Child Jesus in Calubian, Leyte, to precisely help in the diocesan program of environmental protection,” he said.

The shrine will be celebrating its fiesta on October 22.

Soquino said this is the first time that the Sto.Nino will be visiting a diocese outside Cebu.

“The Sto. Nino being an important icon in the Catholic faith here in our country is going out, reaching out to the islands to remind us of our role in becoming stewards of creation,” he said. [CBCPNews]

Reds 8 fatality and 9 firearms recovered in Abra clash

TINEG, Abra, October 11, 2011-The soldier troops encountered some thirty (30) armed members of the New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday morning at Barangay Caganayan in this town which resulted to 8 fatalities and the recovery of 9 high powered firearms like 4 M16, 4 baby armalite and 1 M14. Other recovered were 1 laptop, subversive documents and personal belongings of the rebels.

The 41^st Infantry Battalion under the 503^rd Infantry Brigade led by First Lieutenant Capoquian was conducting combat patrol around 7:45 in the morning to check the validity of reports (as tipped-off by a resident) of NPA in the place led by a certain Loverito Bernal alias Ka Oxi who died on the spot after the returned of gun burst.

Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) spokesman Cpt Jovily Carmel D. Cabading said  that among the 8 body counts, there were 2 amazons confirmed on the part of the enemy based while there is one (1) killed in action (KIA) on the government side who was identified as Cpl Lloyd D Tega from Philippine Army.

An OV10 and MG Fighters from the Philippine Air Force provided close air support to the ground troops yesterday afternoon.

Northern Luzon Command Chief Major General Jessie Dellosa has reminded the troops on the ground to inform the local folks that the wounded NPA rebels will be given appropriate medical attention. 

Dellosa said that our soldiers are not happy with the death of our fellow Filipinos (especially those NPAs, whose angst and gripes, are being used and manipulated by their CPP leaders). It will be much better for everyone if they (NPA) will just return to the government’s fold and live in peace together with their loved ones. We are encouraging their (NPA) surrender rather than fight them in combat (and incur more deaths from both parties in the process.)

Cabading supported Dellosa’s claim by explaining further that there is nothing to be glorified about the death of NPAs. There is no victory in that. There are legitimate reasons why they became rebels and the roots of insurgency is known to many. We hope that they (NPA) will realize sooner that the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) who manipulates them (NPA) and agitates their gripes against the government does not want this insurgency to end because of the funds they (CPP) get/generate from extortion in the guise of what they call “revolutionary tax”. The present administration is doing its best in addressing these roots of insurgency. OPAPP is already exerting extra efforts in the negotiating table. Let us give ‘peace talk’ a genuine chance.  

Dellosa added that this is a major setback as far as the local terrorist movement is concerned.  It will definitely reduce their capability to launch immediate terroristic acts against peace-loving communities. However, this will not stop them (NPA) from planning another deliberate attack to portray that they are still strong and have influence. As much as we want to assure the public that the soldiers will always protect the communities against all groups that threaten their safety and security, we cannot achieve this without your full support and trust in your armed forces.

5^th Infantry Division chief Maj. General Rommel A. Gomez said in a telephone interview that the result of yesterdays firefights is a big collapsed with the “Abra-kilusang larangan guerilla (KLG) fronts” operating in the place.

“The rebels Abra Party Committee were only few now because of the setbacks according to our intelligence validation,” Gomez said.

“The mountainous terrain of Abra here in cordillera is convenient place for tourists attraction and not for the bandits like them, explaining that as of this reports the soldiers are still conducting clearing operation in the area.

As of this reports, Gomez said that the fatalities were turn-over to Mayor Edwin B. Crisologo Sr. for proper dispositions.

The cadavers were identified by local folks as Loverito Bernal alias Ka Oxy-the commanding officer of KLG Northeast Abra Party Committee, Reynaldo Masadao alias Ka Cris, Junjun Balbin alias Recti, a certain Ka Ogie (amazon), Ka Omeng, Ka Bunso, Ka Berlyn and Ka Winnie (amazon).

“Our air force plane fighters could not enter in the mountainous part of the encountered site because of zero visibility right now,” Gomez said.

  

Prior to this, Gomez has ordered his soldiers in the area to adhere human rights in the communities and also among the rebels who will be caught in the crossfire. (Jason de Asis)

Bishop dismayed over proposed P13.7 billion RH bill budget for 2012

MANILA, Oct. 10, 2011—Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo was dismayed upon learning the hefty 2012 proposed budget of the Department of Health (DOH) to implement the Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

“I am deeply saddened. The country has more issues we need to address first. Why is there a proposed budget already when the RH bill is still under debate?” asked Pabillo.

This after Sen. Pia Cayetano, one of Senate Bill 2865's authors, admitted during floor debates last Tuesday that the DOH had asked for P13.7 billion to implement the RH bill next year.

Filipinos were surprised when they learned of the new figure which was in contrast to what Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman stated months ago.

“We have been checking around with eligible authorities on the adequate budget on the implementation of RH bill, and they are talking about in the vicinity of 3 billion.”

“Why don’t they just help people in need especially now?” said Pabillo, referring to victims of recent typhoons Pedring and Quiel which swept the country, while packing relief goods bound for Nueva Ecija. (CBCP for Life)

Jinggoy to P’Noy: prosecute media killings in the country

MANILA, October 9, 2011-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada urged the Aquino administration to run after perpetrators of media killings in a recent Malacañang pronouncement of a relentless campaign of going against corrupt government officials.

Estrada said that President Aquino personally announced that the government intends to file numerous charges before the end of the year in relation to the uncovered anomalies and graft practices of the past administration. “I personally urge our President to also run after and prosecute personalities behind heinous media killings,” Estrada declared.

A 2010 report by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists showing 70 journalists in the Philippines have been murdered since 1992. 93% of these cases were categorized as complete impunity, referring to the status of investigation and meaning no convictions have been obtained. The remaining 7% were categorized with partial justice meaning some but not all of those responsible have been convicted and typically, assassins were convicted but not masterminds.

The report goes on to identify which beats were covered by the victims that is 61% of the victims covered politics, 43% covered corruption stories, and 23% covered crime stories.

Estrada who is the principal author of the measure said that the bill amends Article 248 of the Revised Penal Code to include another attendant circumstance – i.e. when the victim is a member of broadcast or print media – for a crime to qualify as murder.

Currently, murder is a capital offense punishable with reclusion perpetua to death.

The Senate is scheduled to continue plenary deliberations on Senate Bill 455 which classifies killing of media members in the exercise of their duty as a crime of murder.

Estrada explained that the passage of the bill is upholding the constitutionally-guaranteed right to press freedom. This will act, at the very least, as a deterrent against assault to the so-called Fourth Estate. Further, this will empower the media to perform their sworn duties without fear and with utmost responsibility. (Jason de Asis)

Estrada to investigate probe of Keppel Shipyard tragedy

MANILA, October 9, 2011-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada who is also chair of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development and the joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment urged the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to conduct a thorough investigation into the “tragedy” of the Keppel Shipyard at Subic, Zambales where at least six workers were killed and many others were injured after a huge, tons-heavy steel platform in the area collapsed.

Reports revealed that the elevated platform was being used as a bridge by the workers repairing M/V Tombarra, a 22,650-ton container ship, at the drydock of Subic Shipyard and Engineering Inc., an enterprise managed by Singapore's Keppel Shipyard Limited in Barangay Cawag which is part of a special economic zone. Keppel is said to be engaged in ship repair and conversion, shipbuilding and offshore engineering.

Estrada declared that we must leave no stone unturned in examining all the circumstances behind this horrible incident as well as all the factors that might have contributed to it, and in ultimately determining if there was any lapse in the overall ensuring of safety measures in the said workplace.

“Even though there are claims that Keppel has been given high marks in safety checks done by authorities especially the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and that the company is said to be taking full responsibility for the incident and is already investigating this through its safety department,” Estrada said.

Estrada personally made a site inspection on the premises of another shipyard in Subic, Korean shipbuilding firm Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC), after a spate of incidents there that caused the death of several Filipino workers in 2009.

Through the said inspection and the overall scrutiny into the incidents, several lapses in and direct violations of safety measures at the Hanjin shipyard were discovered.

Estrada reiterated his calls on DOLE to conduct its own thorough investigation of the Keppel incident, come up with a detailed report of it at the soonest time possible and ensure that all the victims will be completely attended to.

The senator also expressed his sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the affected workers in the said tragedy. (Jason de Asis)