Legarda: Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro Needs Closer Scrutiny, Extensive Consultations

MANILA, October 9, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today said that she welcomes the draft Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro as the first of many steps toward the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao and stressed that the agreement needs closer scrutiny and must undergo extensive consultations.

“While the important details of this Agreement have yet to be formulated, the opportunities for continuing dialogue and the prospects for peace should be welcomed by all Filipinos,” she said.

“As a legislator, I will carefully study the Framework Agreement and its subsequent companion documents to determine how this Agreement conforms to the spirit and intent of our Constitution.  There are provisions in the Framework Agreement that invite closer scrutiny and I trust that questions that may arise would be answered through a process of extensive consultations,” she explained.

Legarda noted that Congress still needs to enact a law in order to give life to the new political entity envisioned by the Framework Agreement.

“I look forward to the inputs of the relevant bodies that will be constituted to formulate a draft that is representative of the sentiments and wishes of the people,” she added.

“As a legislator, I will do my part in ensuring that the new legislation becomes an instrument by which we can finally achieve lasting and durable peace in Mindanao,” Legarda concluded.

KIKO: THERE WILL BE NO REAL PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT PEACE

MANILA, October 9, 2012-Senator Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan today says that the breakthrough in the peace process between the government and the MILF that brought forth the Bangsamoro will help pave the way for progress and development, and must therefore be given a chance by pundits before jumping to conclusions.

“It all starts with a cessation of hostilities. We cannot hope to have progress when there is war. Let’s not fool ourselves into thinking we can reach developed nation status without ending armed conflict in the countryside,” Pangilinan stresses.

He adds, “We have been trying to achieve peace in a certain way for decades, and now we are trying to do it another way. The best thing that could happen is that we have broken the status quo. That is a good start, in my opinion.”

Pangilinan, who has been advocating for the continuation of the peace talks and its eventual resolution, says that even if a small window has opened in the interim, it would be enough to see progress in the Mindanao region.

“We have seen how Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, and other such cities have flourished when a cessation of armed conflict was implemented during the Ramos administration. These regions have since progressed exponentially. Once economic progress sets in, the people themselves will work hard to sustain that progress. We must not forget that poverty is the main reason why there is social unrest.”

“The government must seize this opportunity and act quickly as soon as that window of opportunity presents itself to introduce and implement economic reforms and development in the region.”

Trillanes: Enrile caught lying again on baselines law claim

MANILA, October 8, 2012-Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV on Monday presented Senate records to prove that  he was the principal author of the baselines law in the Senate, debunking claims by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile that Trillanes merely copied his  version of the archipelagic baselines bill, which was later enacted as Republic Act No. 9522.

According to the official records of the 14th Congress of the Senate, Trillanes filed the first version of the baselines bill, Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1467, on 14 August 2007.

The other senators who filed their versions of the bill were former Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel (SBN 2144, filed on 26 March 2008) Senator Edgardo Angara (SBN 2184, filed on 22 April 2008), former Senator Rodolfo Biazon, (SBN 2215, filed on 29 April 2008) and Enrile (SBN 2216, filed on 29 April 2008).

“This clearly shows that Sen. Enrile was only the fifth senator to file a similar bill, eight and a half months after I filed my baselines bill. The substitute bill, SBN 2699, which was sponsored by the Committee on Foreign Relations, further acknowledges the fact that I am the principal author of the Philippine Baselines Law at the Senate,” Trillanes added.

The young senator further noted that it was the Committee on Foreign Relations, chaired by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, which sponsored the baselines bill, contrary to the claim of Enrile that he sponsored the measure.

“These records do not lie. Once again, Senator Enrile has been caught lying on an issue just so he could destroy other people’s reputations and divert the public’s attention, “Trillanes said.

Legarda Files Bills to Amend Cybercrime Prevention Act and Decriminalize Libel

MANILA, October 8, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda filed a bill to repeal the libel and takedown provisions of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

“In seeking repeal of the two clauses through Senate Bill 3295, I hope to eliminate the chilling effect that may impose undue boundaries on our people’s exercise of freedom of expression,” Legarda said.

“Consistent with the Constitutional mandate of promoting free expression, it is imperative for institutions such as the legislative branch of government to adopt a policy towards the proliferation of a free market of ideas,” she added.

Legarda also noted the need to strike a balance between the government’s role to protect its citizenry and uphold its freedom of expression.

“The vulnerability of the cyberspace to pollutants, such as pornography, cybersex, fraudulent practices and promotion of human trafficking were precisely the reasons for the passage of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012,” she noted.

“However, adopting such policy to prevent pollutants   from spoiling the minds of our people must not be done at the expense of our valued right to free speech,” Legarda noted.

Moreover, the Senator filed Senate Bill 3294 to decriminalize libel, removing the penalty of fine and imprisonment in libel cases.

“While the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech, experience has shown us that such is easily stifled with the mere threat of criminal libel,” Legarda noted.

“Apart from threatening our citizenry’s long-cherished Constitutionally-guaranteed freedom, the continued criminalization of libel will be a huge hindrance in efforts aimed at promoting good governance and exacting accountability on our public officials,“ she added.

Legarda filed similar bills in 2001 and 2007.

Legarda Hails Approval on Third Reading of Expanded Anti-Human Trafficking Bill

MANILA, October 8, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today hailed the Senate’s approval on Third Reading of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Bill, which will strengthen Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

Legarda, sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2625 or the proposed Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act of 2012, expressed optimism that the proposed measure when passed into law will significantly improve the country’s fight against human trafficking, stressing that even acts that shall constitute attempted trafficking in persons will be punishable under this measure.

“This measure expands the enumeration of acts that promote trafficking, to include an act to destroy or tamper with evidence, to influence witnesses in an investigation, or to utilize one’s public office to impede an investigation or the execution of lawful orders. Meanwhile, the privilege of confidentiality now being enjoyed by the accused in a trafficking case will be removed,” she explained.

Legarda also said that protection to trafficked victims shall be given in the form of custody and interim protection under the power of the DSWD or an accredited shelter institution; while prosecution efforts will be heightened by shielding, to a reasonable extent, law enforcement officers and social workers from harassment suits for lawful acts done in good faith during authorized rescue operations, investigation or prosecution of a case.

Furthermore, a permanent secretariat within the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) will be established to ensure continuity of programs and to take the battle against trafficking to a higher plane of strategic action and public awareness. This secretariat will collect comprehensive criminal justice data on trafficking in persons and will train prosecutors and law enforcers.

"Now that the Expanded Anti-Human Trafficking Bill has been passed on third reading, we are that much closer to providing lasting and effective solutions to the scourge of trafficking in persons,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda: PHL to Reach MDG Target on Child Mortality with 100% Newborn Screening Coverage

MANILA, October 8, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda urged government agencies, health institutions, local government officials, and the private sector to unite in meeting the United Nations Millennium Development Goal Target on child mortality by ensuring 100% Newborn Screening Coverage through the full implementation of the Republic Act 9288, also known as the “Newborn Screening Act of 2004”.

“While I welcome the 26.4 percent increase in Newborn Screening coverage as noted in a report conducted by the University of the Philippines, the National Institutes of Health, and the Newborn Screening Reference Center, I believe that we can still do better as we bridge the communication gap and expand screening for Filipino newborns,” Legarda said in her privilege speech.

“If we were able to jump from 15.6% in 2007 to 42% in 2011, the vision of providing newborns, regardless of socio-economic status, with a comprehensive, affordable, and accessible newborn screening should not be out of reach,” she added.

Legarda, who authored the law, also cited a United Nations Development Programme report, which noted a 60% decrease in under-five mortality rate in the Philippines for the past 16 years from 80 deaths in 1990, to 32 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006.”

“The problem lies with the lack of information and awareness that such procedure is available, especially for those who deliver their babies at home,” she said.

“With only three years left until the deadline to reduce child mortality, our government needs all the help and support it can get to save our children from unnecessary death,” the legislator noted.

Newborn screening, which must be done one to three days after birth, is a public health program aimed at early detection of genetic or metabolic conditions, which may lead to severe mental retardation, cataract, anemia, and even death if left untreated. Newborn babies of the poorest 5.2 million families identified by the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction can avail of free newborn screening as part of PhilHealth’s Newborn Care Package. 

Legarda Hails Tamaraw Population Growth; Pushes for Heightened Public Awareness on Endangered Species

MANILA, October 8, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today hailed the reported Tamaraw population growth in the Iglit-Baco National Park and pushed for heightened public awareness about the status of endangered species and how they can be protected.

“This success is owed to the dedication of the men and women who have worked tirelessly over the past decade in order for the tamaraw to thrive. Heightened awareness about the tamaraw, as well as otherendangered species, will serve to increase their chances of survival,” she remarked.

According to the Tamaraw Conservation Program (TCP), numbers of the critically endangered Bubalus mindorensis , a small buffalo species found on Mindoro island, have been rising little by little since 2000.

“Economic development threatens many of our indigenous animal species. Poaching, illegal logging, and the destruction of their habitat remain the greatest challenges. Through our concerted efforts, and aided by laws such as the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, we can eliminate these threats,” she said.

Legarda noted that today the official count of tamaraw spotted in the 75,000-hectare Iglit-Baco National Park stands at 327, but that this covers only 16,000 hectares or 20% of the entire reserve. Officials say that the actual number may be far higher.

“It gives me great joy to know that initiatives of both the government and wildlife conservation advocates are bearing fruit, and that future generations will not be deprived of seeing them in their natural habitat. This should inspire us to continue the campaign,” she concluded.

KIKO HAILS BREAKTHROUGH IN PEACE PROCESS

MANILA, October 8, 2012-Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Sunday hailed the recent breakthrough in the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that helped create the entity Bangsamoro, the entity that will now replace the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

“We have repeatedly said that the ARMM is a failed experiment. It is about time that we provide our brothers in the south a new, more appropriate political body that will promote the best interests of Muslim Mindanao in line with what has been guaranteed them under the 1987 Constitution. The ARMM has proven to be outdated and unable to respond with the changing times, and has failed to meet the needs of Filipinos in the region. We are confident that the creation of the Bangsamoro, as a tangible output of the peace process, will be more responsive to the needs of Filipinos in the south.”

“We hope that this will offer a good start and a brighter hope to those of us who seek lasting peace in Mindanao,” Pangilinan emphasized.

Pangilinan also pointed out that lasting peace and security in the region are bedrocks of economic progress.

“Economic prosperity has shown to be a natural neutralizer of social unrest. The creation of jobs and enterprises, and the realization of the potential of our fellow Filipinos in the south, will usher in a renaissance in the Philippines unlike any other we have experienced before. That said, we will fully support this move that will affect the lives of millions of Filipinos who have waited generations for peace to finally come to more parts of Mindanao.”

Drilon: Peace pact with the MILF key to addressing poverty in Mindanao

MANILA, October 7, 2012-Senator Franklin M. Drilon today welcomed the forging of a framework agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which he said would pave the way for a final and lasting peace and will open doors of opportunities for much-needed livelihood and socio-economic programs in the entire Mindanao.

Drilon, a former justice and executive secretary, also lauded the government and the MILF for exercising transparency and consultations with the stakeholders in forging a peace agreement.

“The negotiations, in my view, are characterized by transparency and proper consultations with the people of Mindanao which are very essential for a peace pact to be fully and effectively implemented,” said Drilon, who, in 2008, brought to the Supreme Court the signing of Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain as it lacked transparency and violated the Constitution. The Court declared it unconstitutional.

He also echoed the invitation of the President to the Filipino people to examine the agreement and to participate in public discourses before the signing of the agreement.    

“The problems of Mindanao, particularly the high poverty incidence and the poor infrastructures, have been aggravated by the decades-long insurgencies and armed conflicts in the region. They could not be addressed successfully if a peace accord is not signed by the government and the MILF,” stressed Drilon who also served as a consultant to the peace process during the administrations of the late President Corazon Aquino and former President Fidel Ramos.

“The signing of the peace agreement will help solve delays in the implementation of infrastructure projects and fast-track government’s efforts to boost and upgrade agricultural, tourism and commercial infrastructures in Mindanao,” he added.

He also said that even Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson admitted his agency has been facing problems in implementing key infrastructure projects in ARMM because of peace and order problems.

He noted that under the proposed P2.006-trillion 2013 national budget, P258.4 billion has been allocated for Mindanao. In the P165.6 billion 2013 budget of the DWPH, 26.4 percent of it, equivalent to P43.72 billion will go to Mindanao to ramp up the construction of roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects basically meant to uplift the condition of Mindanao.

People's Trust in Loren Soars Legarda Attributes High Trust Rating to Hard Work, Consistent Advocacies

MANILA, October 7, 2012-Grateful of the confidence of Filipinos in her, Senator Loren Legarda said that the high trust rating she received in the recent Pulse Asia Survey can be attributed to the quality of work she has been doing and for being consistent with her advocacies.

“I am grateful that I have earned the respect and trust of the Filipino people. The results of the survey are a symbolic representation of the Filipinos’ confidence in the kind of governance I espouse. I owe it to the people to work hard and work sincerely for the causes that I believe will be beneficial to our nation and our people,” said Legarda.

The Senator scored a trust rating of 81% in the Pulse Asia Survey conducted from August 31 to September 7, 2012. High-ranking national officials who were included in the survey are President Benigno Aquino III with 78%, Vice President Jejomar Binay with 84%, and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile with 65%.

Legarda has consistently worked for the protection of the rights of women and children, authoring laws such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Anti-Child Labor Law, and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.

As Chair of the Committee on Foreign Relations, Legarda has sponsored the approval of twelve (12) international agreements, recently ushering the Senate's concurrence in the ratification of the International Labor Organization Convention 189 (Convention Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers) and the Maritime Labor Convention, 2006, which both aim to provide better protection to Filipino workers.

Moreover, Legarda authored several measures to promote every Filipino's right to health such as the Newborn Screening Act, the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act, the Food and Drug Administration Act, and the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.

To promote the resilience of rural livelihoods and support small enterprises, she authored the Barangay Kabuhayan Act, the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act, and the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Act.

A known champion for environmental protection, climate change adaptation (CCA), and disaster risk reduction (DRR), Legarda authored and sponsored laws such as the Clean Air Act , the Solid Waste Management Act, the Climate Change Act, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act,  and the People's Survival Fund Act. For these efforts, she was appointed by the United Nations as a Regional Champion for DRR and CCA for Asia-Pacific.

For her outstanding work for the cause of Muslims, Legarda was given the title of Bai a labi (Honorary Muslim Princess) by the Marawi Sultanate league.

“I am glad to know that there is growing clamor for sustainable development, protection of women and children, promotion of workers' right to decent work, and provision of better opportunities in the countryside.  It gives me better motivation and more strength to continue working towards my vision of a resilient Filipino society,” said Legarda.

Legarda Files Bill to Make Chinese New Year a Special Working Holiday

MANILA, October 7, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda recently filed a bill to declare Chinese New Year as a special working Holiday in the Philippines.

“The Filipino-Chinese have played a key role in the economic and cultural development of the Philippines. This bill seeks to recognize the immeasurable contribution of the Filipino Chinese community in our country and strengthen the Filipino-Chinese amity by declaring the day on which the Chinese New Year falls each year as a special working Holiday throughout the entire Philippines,” she explained.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, noted that at present, the ethnic Chinese and the Filipinos with Chinese ancestry make up about 1.3% and 22%, respectively of the country’s population.

“Their known acumen in entrepreneurship and solidarity with their host country—as expressed in their volunteer organizations, have continued to strengthen ties among various communities,” she remarked.

“Given the commercial and cultural linkages that have been forged between Filipinos and Chinese, it is fitting that we declare Chinese New Year as a special working Holiday,” Legarda stressed.

The Senator has been seeking ways to “find unity among diversity” especially among Filipinos who have different culture, beliefs, and groups. She authored the Eid’l Fitr Holiday Law which decreed that the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Islamic calendar be made into a national holiday for the observance of Eid’l Fitr.

Last month, Legarda also filed a bill declaring the first week of February as “World Interfaith Harmony Week” in the Philippines, which aims to build genuine understanding among people of different faiths and belief systems.

KASAMBAHAY BILL BICAM SET ON OCTOBER 8

MANILA, October 7, 2012-The two chambers of Congress are set to meet on Monday to reconcile the disagreeing provisions of the Kasambahay Bills.

 

The bicameral conference committee meeting is scheduled on October 8 and 9.

 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, is hopeful that both houses could report to the plenary a final version of the Batas Kasambahay before the Congress enters another session break on October 19.

 

“If all things go favorably, we can submit the Congress-approved version of Kasambahay Bill to President Aquino by November. The landmark legislation for all domestic workers can be enacted into law before the year ends. I believe it is the perfect present for all kasambahay this Christmas,” shares Sen. Estrada, who is the principal author of the measure.

 

The Senate version, embodied under Senate Bill 78 which was passed as early as December 2010, seeks to amend the relevant articles of the Labor Code and provide additional benefits and protection to the househelpers.

 

Senate Bill 78 increases the minimum monthly wage of domestic workers from Php 800 to Php 2,500 in National Capital Region; from Php 650 to Php 2,000 in chartered cities and first-class municipalities; and from Php 500 to Php 1,500 in other municipalities.

 

All household helpers should also be covered by the Social Security System (SSS), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Home Development Mutual Fund (or PAG-IBIG) and Employees Compensation Commission (ECC).

 

Sen. Estrada also plans of introducing a grievance procedure for domestic workers experiencing abuse and maltreatment, following the Senate Labor Committee hearing on the harrowing case of kasambahay Bonita Baran.

 

On the other hand, House Bill 6144 seeks to create a special law to be known as “Domestic Workers Act,” which enumerates the rights and privileges of domestic workers and establishes standards on pre-employment, employment terms and conditions, and post-employment. It also contains an article for the regulation of private employment agencies deploying domestic workers.

 

House Bill 6144 also delegates to the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards the determination of appropriate minimum wages of domestic workers. It also drafts a penal provision of not less than Php 10,000 fine for violation of the provisions of the proposed act, without prejudice to filing appropriate civil or criminal action by the aggrieved party.

 

The House of Representatives passed their version of the bill last September 2012.

 

“Despite the differences on how they are written, I think both chambers are united in the cause of finally coming up with a measure that will protect and advance the welfare of the kasambahay,” acknowledges Jinggoy.

 

Further, Sen. Estrada cites that the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention 189 on Domestic Work will figure in the discussions on Monday as a reference for the international standards concerning domestic work. The Senate ratified the convention last August 6, 2012.

 

Batas Kasambahay is also poised to become the enabling law of the convention.

 

The Upper Chamber has named Sen. Estrada as Chairman of the Senate panel, while Senators Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr., and Manuel “Lito” Lapid are named as its members.

 

The House of Representatives, meanwhile, designated Representatives Emil Ong, Juan Edgardo Angara, Juan Ponce Enrile, Jr., Rufus Rodriguez, Walden Bello, Magtanggol Gunigundo, Janette Garin, Edcel Lagman and Ma. Milgaros Magsaysay as conferees to the conference committee.

Legarda to Launch HIBLA Pavilion at Manila FAME 2012

MANILA, October 6, 2012-This Indigenous People's Month, Senator Loren Legarda will underscore her commitment to the welfare of our indigenous peoples through her latest initiative, the HIBLA Pavilion of Textiles and Weaves of the Philippines, to be launched at Manila FAME 2012 this October 17.

  
“After the resounding success of the first permanent textile galleries in the country which we launched last May, we are now going beyond promoting awareness about our traditional arts and crafts. We are opening doors of opportunities for weaving communities and Schools of Living Traditions (SLTs) through the HIBLA Pavilion, and generating greater patronage for cultural enterprises and creative industries of our indigenous peoples,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities and patron of the National Museum's Hibla ng Lahing Filipino: The Artistry of Philippine Textiles, noted that a website featuring all the HIBLA Pavilion textiles and crafts, as well as the SLTs and weaving centers that created them, will be launched at the event.

“The HIBLA Pavilion will showcase the best textiles of the Ivatan of Batanes, Gaddang of Mountain Province, Mangyan of Oriental Mindoro, Panay Bukidnon of Iloilo, Subanen of Zamboanga del Sur, Ata Talaingod of Davao del Norte, T’boli of South Cotabato, B’laan of Saranggani, among other cultural communities,” she said.

  

“Exceptional textiles and crafts from weaving and handicraft centers in Ilocos Sur, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, Samar, Aklan, Iloilo, Antique, Zamboanga del Sur, and Bukidnon will also be featured in the four-day exhibition from the 17th to the 20th of October at the SMX Convention Center,” she added.

  

The Senator is also the author of the Philippine Tropical Fabrics Law of 2004, which mandated the use of indigenous fibers for the official uniforms of government officials and employees, with the objective of strengthening the local fiber industry.

Furthermore, Legarda helped the National Museum organize the Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge, which enriched citizens' knowledge on tropical fabrics and the culture of weaving, and explored the local technology, adaptation and innovations to perform and renew weaving customs.

“Against a backdrop of a fast-changing globalized world, we aim to promote, preserve, and sustain the many weaving methods deeply rooted in the Filipino culture. We aim to support our talented weavers, our culture-bearers, and encourage them to continue weaving and pass on their expertise to the next generations. The HIBLA Pavilion is our latest endeavor to nurture our weaving traditions and support the livelihood of our indigenous cultural communities,” she concluded.

12-hour power interruption in Nueva Ecija and Aurora this Sunday

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, October 6, 2012-The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced Thursday that certain parts of Nueva Ecija and Aurora towns will be experiencing a 12-hour power interruption this Sunday, October 7.

NGCP Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Officer Lilibeth Gaydowen said, “Patrons of Nueva Ecija Electric Cooperative II in the towns of Talavera, Sta. Rosa, Bongabon, and Natividad and customers of Aurora Electric Cooperative in the municipality of San Luis will have power outage from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.”

“This power outage will make way for the annual preventive maintenance and testing of power transformers and its associated equipment, and simultaneously repair and maintenance of selected line hardwares along the affected transmission line segments,” Gaydowen added.

Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion. (Joelyn G. Baluyut)

MORE INCENTIVES FOR BIOFUEL R&D SAYS ANGARA

MANILA, October 5, 2012-During the recent Department of Energy (DOE) budget hearing, Senator Edgardo J. Angara renewed his call for more support for research and development (R&D) on  alternative fuels, eyeing it as a new economic venture for the country. 

Angara, Chair of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, spoke in response to the DOE saying that they affiliate their biofuel programs with state universities and colleges (SUCs) depending on the resources within their region.

"We have to provide incentives, monetary if necessary to existing SUCs especially when we are facing problems with sources of biofuel in the country.  These SUCs can provide us with R&D and a more focused approach in solving problems," said Angara. 

He explained that one of the many problems is the perennial battle between food and non-food biofuel producers. 

The veteran lawmaker continued,"If the government will support us in our efforts, we can convince producers to dedicate more of their energy in producing biofuel thus increasing the country's biofuel supply by 5 percent like the DOE suggested."  

Noting that biodiesel and biofuels are priced at a premium level compared to fossil fuels like gasoline, Angara explained that the country can consider exporting to markets in Brazil, India, China and Canada if excess supply is generated.  

DOE Sec. Jose Rene Almendras admitted that the awarding of incentives for R&D stopped a few years ago. 

Angara concluded, "There is a need for government to intensify efforts especially on R& D on biofuel. This is crucial since we need to encourage producers with incentives to address high initial cost of producing and inventing devices for production of biofuel. "

Angara, who is also Chair of the Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), authored the Biofuels Act of 2006 (RA 9367) and the Renewable Energy Law (RA 9513). (Rikka Sotto w/ Anna Amores)

Legarda Underscores Filipino Teachers’ Multifaceted Role as World Celebrates Teachers’ Day

MANILA, October 5, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda underscored the multifaceted role of Filipino teachers as countries worldwide celebrate World Teachers’ Day today.

“Our teachers are primarily the second parents of our children. But they have fulfilled other roles in our society. Our teachers are the most reliable and dedicated public servants. They are being constantly called upon by officials of the local and national government to assist in various civic activities which contribute to the welfare of the community and the country, most notable of which is when they perform their functions during election period, and assist the National Statistics Office in gathering data even in the remotest places,” Legarda stressed.

The Senator noted that as educators, Filipino teachers already have a load of work as based on statistics of Department of Education for school year 2010-2011, more than 615,000 teachers are serving over 21 million primary and secondary students.

“As we pay tribute to our teachers, I stress once more the need to pursue the changes we eagerly want for our teachers because despite their significant contributions to the country, teachers, especially those in public schools, remain among the lowest paid government workers,” she pointed out.

“Teachers are considered the heart of our educational system, heralded as the molders of our children’s future, and among the most prized leaders of the country. It is only fitting that they be respected, protected, and given the privileges that they deserve including better compensation packages and other benefits,” Legarda said.

Legarda is the author of Senate Bill 10 of the Magna Carta of Teachers and Non-Teaching Personnel Act. This proposed measure seeks to ensure teachers and non-teaching personnel the security of tenure, timely payment of their salaries on a monthly basis regardless of semestral or summer vacations, annual salary adjustment to mitigate the effects of inflation, and gratuity benefits for those who retire before reaching the compulsory retirement age of 60.

P-Noy to witness oath taking, proclamation of LP bets in Pampanga today

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga October 5, 2012-President Benigno Aquino III will witness today the oath taking and proclamation of Liberal Party (LP) 2013 midterm election bets in Pampanga at Heroes Hall in City of San Fernando.

 

The oath taking will be administered by Transportation and Communications Secretary and acting LP President Joseph Emilio Abaya.

 

Prior to the event, Aquino will inspect the on-going construction of the nearby school building of City College of San Fernando that will be completed by the end of October.

 

 

The P100 million edifice has four-floors and will accommodate students taking tertiary degrees in Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), Elementary Education, Secondary Education, Business Administration, and Information Technology.

 

The Chief Executive shall likewise be briefed on three other major projects of the city government of San Fernando namely Lazatin Fly-Over, Sagip-Ilog, and Tail Dike Breaching and Re-Channeling of Gugu Creek.

 

One of the oldest political parties in the Philippines, LP was founded on January 19, 1946 by former President Manuel Roxas.

 

Roxas formed it from what was once the “Liberal Wing” of the old Nacionalista Party.

 

Three more LP members would later be elected President:  Elpidio Quirino, Diosdado Macapagal and Aquino.

 

Two other former Chief Executives of the land came from the ranks of LP, being former members of the Party that chose to follow a different path and joined Nacionalista- Ramon Magsaysay and Ferdinand Marcos. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

On the Philippine Stock Exchange Index’s latest record high

MANILA, October 4, 2012-Today, the Philippine Stock Exchange Index reached another record high of 5,443.74 points. This marks the 46th time the PSEi has broken its own record in 26 months.

This latest record-breaker is proof positive of confidence in the vibrancy and dynamism not only of our local bourse, but in the Philippines as an investment destination and a growing market. This bullishness in our stock market is in marked contrast to the uncertainty in other markets. It serves as market validation of good governance as the enabler of more inclusive economic growth. It offers continued prospects of a full-scale turnaround of our country.

The Aquino administration continues its efforts to provide the basis for enduring confidence: both by foreign investors and Filipinos. We continue the commitment we share with our citizens to enact reforms that matter, and to achieve lasting change by strengthening our institutions so that they are empowered to continue the virtuous cycle, which we fully believe will allow us to reach even more record highs in the future.