Legarda: Enrich Our Festivals, Preserve Our Culture

MANILA, March 14, 2013-Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda encouraged Filipinos to carry on with the tradition of celebrating festivals in towns and provinces during her visit to Pampanga.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said that the conduct of grand and vibrant fiestas is part of the rich culture of the Philippines and it brings Filipino culture closer to the people.

“We must continue to enrich these celebrations, which not only remind us of the history and traditions of our towns and provinces, but also unite people and communities as they work together in making our festivals successful,” she said.

The Senator explained that festivals are effective tools in preserving Philippine culture since these are conducted every year and involve everyone in the community including the young citizens.

She added that fiestas also help boost local economy through tourism, citing some major festivals in Pampanga, such as the Giant Lantern Festival, the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, the Piestang Tugak or Frog Festival, the Apung Iru Fluvial Festival, and the Sinukwan Festival.

“Since Filipinos enjoy these fiestas in their towns and provinces, these celebrations become effective channels in bringing our culture closer to the people, especially to the youth,” she stressed.

“I urge all Filipinos to take that extra step of knowing more about the story behind the festivals in our country and take to heart the traditions passed on by our forefathers as these cultural treasures constitute the Filipino soul,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda to Pope Francis: Heal the Wounds of Division in the World

MANILA, March 14, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today welcomed the election of the Catholic Church’s new Pope.

“I join my fellow Catholics in rejoicing for the election of our new Pope. We should all pray for Pope Francis that he may accomplish his mission as Vicar of Christ and heal the wounds of division in the world,” said Legarda.

“The world is faced with many divisive issues and we find hope that Pope Francis will lead us to the path of reconciliation, respect, and continuous dialogue not only with our fellow Catholics and Christians but also with the members of other faith and religion that we may find unity even among our differences,” she added.

Early Thursday (Manila time), the cardinals of the Catholic Church elected Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina as the new Pope. He is now known as Pope Francis.

Legarda to Gov’t: Prevent Humanitarian Crisis from Sabah Conflict

MANILA, March 14, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today called on the government to do everything in its capacity to prevent the occurrence of a humanitarian crisis that could arise due to the ongoing conflict in Sabah.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that while the government is already preparing for the needs of Filipinos returning from Sabah and arriving at the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, it can also call for help from humanitarian organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“As our government is trying to provide humanitarian and consular assistance to Filipinos involved and are caught in the conflict in Sabah, many of those who have voluntarily evacuated from Sabah are proceeding to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi or Basilan, and with the influx of evacuees, there is a greater need for food, water, and temporary shelter,” she stressed.

“To prevent a humanitarian crisis, it would be prudent to seek assistance from the IFRC not only for those who are already in the country but also for the Filipinos who remain in Sabah. This we must do without abandoning reports of inhumane treatment of Filipinos in Sabah because these allegations need to be immediately verified by our government and action should be undertaken to put the alleged atrocities under check,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda to Gov’t: Prevent Humanitarian Crisis from Sabah Conflict

MANILA, March 14, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today called on the government to do everything in its capacity to prevent the occurrence of a humanitarian crisis that could arise due to the ongoing conflict in Sabah.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that while the government is already preparing for the needs of Filipinos returning from Sabah and arriving at the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, it can also call for help from humanitarian organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“As our government is trying to provide humanitarian and consular assistance to Filipinos involved and are caught in the conflict in Sabah, many of those who have voluntarily evacuated from Sabah are proceeding to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi or Basilan, and with the influx of evacuees, there is a greater need for food, water, and temporary shelter,” she stressed.

“To prevent a humanitarian crisis, it would be prudent to seek assistance from the IFRC not only for those who are already in the country but also for the Filipinos who remain in Sabah. This we must do without abandoning reports of inhumane treatment of Filipinos in Sabah because these allegations need to be immediately verified by our government and action should be undertaken to put the alleged atrocities under check,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda to Gov’t: Prevent Humanitarian Crisis from Sabah Conflict

MANILA, March 14, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today called on the government to do everything in its capacity to prevent the occurrence of a humanitarian crisis that could arise due to the ongoing conflict in Sabah.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that while the government is already preparing for the needs of Filipinos returning from Sabah and arriving at the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, it can also call for help from humanitarian organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“As our government is trying to provide humanitarian and consular assistance to Filipinos involved and are caught in the conflict in Sabah, many of those who have voluntarily evacuated from Sabah are proceeding to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi or Basilan, and with the influx of evacuees, there is a greater need for food, water, and temporary shelter,” she stressed.

“To prevent a humanitarian crisis, it would be prudent to seek assistance from the IFRC not only for those who are already in the country but also for the Filipinos who remain in Sabah. This we must do without abandoning reports of inhumane treatment of Filipinos in Sabah because these allegations need to be immediately verified by our government and action should be undertaken to put the alleged atrocities under check,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda to Gov’t: Prevent Humanitarian Crisis from Sabah Conflict

MANILA, March 14, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda today called on the government to do everything in its capacity to prevent the occurrence of a humanitarian crisis that could arise due to the ongoing conflict in Sabah.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that while the government is already preparing for the needs of Filipinos returning from Sabah and arriving at the provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan, it can also call for help from humanitarian organizations like the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

“As our government is trying to provide humanitarian and consular assistance to Filipinos involved and are caught in the conflict in Sabah, many of those who have voluntarily evacuated from Sabah are proceeding to Sulu, Tawi-Tawi or Basilan, and with the influx of evacuees, there is a greater need for food, water, and temporary shelter,” she stressed.

“To prevent a humanitarian crisis, it would be prudent to seek assistance from the IFRC not only for those who are already in the country but also for the Filipinos who remain in Sabah. This we must do without abandoning reports of inhumane treatment of Filipinos in Sabah because these allegations need to be immediately verified by our government and action should be undertaken to put the alleged atrocities under check,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda to Bulakenyos: Take Pride in Your Rich Historical Heritage

MANILA, March 13, 2013-Reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda urged the people of Bulacan to take pride in their rich historical heritage and to contribute to preserving and promoting it.

During her visit to the province, Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, said that Bulacan is home to many great men and women—heroes and artists alike.

“Bulakenyos are descendants of heroic and artistic Filipinos—the great propagandist Marcelo H. Del Pilar, the hero of Tirad Pass Gen. Gregorio Del Pilar, prominent poet Francisco Balagtas, musician Nicanor Abelardo, and National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino, among many others; and Bulacan is a province where several highlights in the history of our country happened,” she pointed out.

“I urge the people of Bulacan to help promote their historical heritage and contribute to a reawakening of the Filipinos’ pride for our history and culture,” she said.

The Senator also said that Bulacan was the venue of many historical events related to the country’s independence such as the signing of the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, the establishment of the Capital of the First Philippine Republic in Malolos, and the drafting and ratification of the Malolos Constitution.

“In this era of modernization and technological advancements, we are faced with the great challenge of reminding our citizens of their historical and cultural roots. While we acknowledge that there are more pressing needs, such as food, jobs, education, and healthcare, we should also take time to look back at our history, which would make us have a deeper appreciation of what we have now, like independence and democracy, which the heroes of our nation have mightily fought for,” said Legarda.

Legarda to 2013 Graduates: Explore More Options in Job-Searching

MANILA, March 12, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda urged college graduates to explore more options in searching for work opportunities, stressing that the government has various programs and agencies that can help those seeking for employment.

Legarda said that while the government is seeking for ways to generate more jobs, college graduates should explore other available options in the government, such as those provided for by Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), that could help them land a job.

“Public Employment Service Offices, which every local government unit must have, serve as information centers where job seekers can ask about available employment opportunities and services offered by the Department of Labor and Employment and other labor-related agencies,” she explained.

“Furthermore, PESO officers should take a more proactive role of being local employment policy advisers, employment creation managers, and training managers,” she added.

Legarda, co-author of Republic Act 8759 or the Public Employment Service Office Act of 1999, said that PESOs are tasked to urge employers and business owners to inform them about job vacancies, which they can offer to job seekers.

Every PESO should also undertake programs such as job fairs, livelihood bazaars, and other similar activities.

“Our graduates, armed with their diplomas and the knowledge and experience they have gained in the years they have spent in school, aside from applying directly to companies, should also visit the PESO in their areas since these offices can offer them not only employment opportunities but also information on how to get the job that they want,” Legarda said.

TEAM PNOY TO BRING ‘GOOD NEWS’ TO ELECTORATE

MANILA, March 12, 2013-Candidates of the administration coalition Team PNoy on Tuesday/Mar. 12 said President Aquino need not fret on the lack of media exposure of his administration’s various accomplishments.

Saying good governance always has a way of getting appreciated, the Team PNoy candidates vowed to do the relaying of the good news to the people themselves.

They cited the recent Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia surveys showing the continued domination of the administration’s senatorial candidates as proof of this appreciation.

Reacting to reports that President Aquino is dismayed over the lack of media exposure on his administration’s achievements, former Sen. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay said he will personally relay them to the electorate particularly the increased tourist arrivals, the construction of more classrooms and the soaring local stock market.

“This has to be appreciated by the people in the light of opposition claims that they can offer a better alternative,” said Magsaysay, son of the popular late President Ramon Magsaysay.

Former Sen. Jamby Madrigal said it is important for the electorate to put people in the Senate who can help the President continue his reform programs.

“We have to make sure that the programs he has put in place will be sustained so inclusive economic growth in the country can be realized,” Madrigal said.

The Team PNoy candidates pointed out that with the government’s revitalized tourism campaign, the country generated 37 million domestic travelers in 2011, exceeding the government’s 2016 target of 35 million.

The stock market, they added, has repeatedly broken records, most recently reaching the 6,800 mark.

By the end of this year, the government hopes to solve the shortage of 66,800 classrooms, they said.

PULSE ASIA POLL SHOWS PINOYS WANT ISSUE-ORIENTED CAMPAIGN, SAYS TEAM PNOY

MANILA, March 11, 2013-The administration coalition Team PNoy on Monday/March 11 said the latest Pulse Asia survey showing its continued overwhelming dominance of the opposition UNA only proves that the electorate is responding positively “to a clean, issue-oriented, and message-driven campaign.”

Team PNoy spokesman Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo said the nationwide poll released by Pulse Asia on Monday confirms what the Liberal Party-led coalition has been saying all along -- that "a clear positive message, more than mud-slinging campaign style coupled with hoopla and entertainment,  is what the people have been aching to hear from the candidates.”

“This campaign has always been about issues and our people are listening, responding, and reacting to our candidates in a meaningful way. All our sorties bear this out. Sawa na sila sa maka-lumang kampanya ng paninira," he said.

Bam Aquino’s almost 12% rise in the survey made him the biggest gainer of Team PNoy's positive campaign style. "In just one month, Bam rose from 13^th place to 6^th place without having to resort to mud-slinging,” Quimbo said.

Another significant survey gainer is Team PNoy candidate Grace Poe, the former MTRCB chairman. Despite being dropped by UNA from its slate, she got an 11.2% boost in her rating, landing her in the 4th-10th spot.

Quimbo said Poe’s meteoric rise “only means that UNA lacks endorsement power,” referring to UNA's decision dropping Poe and two other Team PNoy bets, Sen. Legarda and Escudero, as guest candidates from its slate last month.

“UNA’s decision has had a liberating effect on her. Noong nilaglag siya ng UNA, du’n pa tumaas ang rating niya,” Quimbo said. He likewise observed that Legarda and Escudero continue to top the surveys despite the dropping by UNA.

The Marikina lawmaker said the Pulse Asia survey “is a complete validation of the previous SWS poll conducted a week before the Pulse Asia survey which showed Team PNoy candidates holding an overwhelming lead over those of UNA.

“I wonder if this time, UNA will accept these results,” Quimbo said.

He also pointed out that the survey was conducted when the Sabah issue dominated the news headlines. “Again, this confirms our position that the said issue, contrary to what UNA candidates had been saying, will have no negative effect on Team PNoy candidates,” he said.

The pre-election survey, conducted between Feb. 24-28, showed that of the 15 candidates who have a ‘statistical chance of winning,” nine were under the Team PNoy slate while six were from UNA.

Re-electionist Senators Legarda, Escudero, and Alan Peter Cayetano – all from team PNoy-- shared the first three places while former Las Pinas Rep. Cynthia Villar, San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito Estrada, Bam Aquino, and Nancy Binay were in joint 4^th to 9^th places.

Poe was tied in 4^th to 10^th places, re-electionist Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel was at 4^th to 12^th place and re-electionist Gregorio Honasan at 8^th to 13^th place. Cagayan Rep. Jack Enrile and re-electionist Antonio Trillanes IV tied at 9^th to 15^th places; Aurora Rep. Edgardo “Sonny” Angara at 10^th to 15^th place; and former senators Juan Miguel Zubiri and Richard Gordon at 11^th to 16^th places. 

KIKO CALLS ON MALAYSIAN GOVERNMENT TO BE TRANSPARENT IN DEALING WITH PHILIPPINES IN SABAH CLASH

MANILA, March 11, 2013-Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan today urges the Malaysian in being forthright in dealing with the Philippines government amid reports of abuses by Malaysian police even on Filipino civilians.

“We urge te Malaysian government to allow Philippine diplomats to assess the conflict areas so as to ensure that there is no misinformation. At this point anyone can give out false data for propaganda purposes. The only way we can ensure that there are no abuses is if our diplomats are allowed to assess the situation in Sabah.”

Pangilinan says that reports of abuses are alarming, and if true could strain relations between the Philippines and Malaysia.

“There can never be an excuse in the massacre and abuse of innocent civilians. The Philippine government cannot stand idly by and turn a blind eye on such abuses to its citizens. We strongly urge the Malaysian government to give our diplomats full access and briefing on their operations in Sabah. Transparency should be easily given among friendly nations.”

“The bottomline here is that no matter the stake, we cannot allow grave abuses of authority among our citizens by other governments, especially on those who are innocent and are only caught in the crossfires.”

PNOY WILL NOT TOLERATE CHEATING, SAYS QUIMBO

MANILA, March 9, 2013-Team PNoy spokesman Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo on Saturday/Mar. 9 took exception to opposition claims that the appointment of Macabangkit Lanto to the Commission on Elections is part of a grand plan to rig the results of the midterm elections in May.

President Aquino, according to Quimbo, will not tolerate, much more, be involved, in any form of electoral fraud.

“Any insinuation to that effect is completely baseless and malicious. Such accusations only betray the ignorance of their knowledge of the President's personal history and conviction,” he said.

Quimbo pointed out that if there is anyone who has personally felt the pain of being victimized by electoral fraud, it is President Aquino himself.

“His father was cheated in 1978. His mother was robbed of victory in 1986. It was likewise the discovery of the electoral fraud that happened in 2004, that pushed the President to lead the opposition in 2007 to victory,” he said.

The President, according to Quimbo, has made unprecedented gains the last two years because of his “Daang Matuwid” program, because of the people's continued trust. Thus, a clean and credible election is important for the President.

“The baseless accusation against the President by UNA we fear is a prelude of how they plan to weaken him in the next three years,” he said.

United Nationalist Alliace secretary-general and campaign manager Toby Tiangco was quoted in news reports as saying that with Lanto in the Comelec, the stage has been set for a modified version of the 2004 elections where then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo allegedly cheated movie action king Fernando Poe Jr.

“For sure, his sense of imagination is running too wild,” Quimbo said, referring to who claimed that Lanto is an ace up the sleeve of Team PNoy campaign manager Franklin Drilon.

“How can one person possibly cheat in a commission composed of a chairman and six commissioners?” Quimbo asked.

“One thing is sure. The Liberal party-led administration coalition will not tolerate nor be a party to any electoral fraud,” Quimbo said. “Our party’s long history as a party will bear this out. “

“All this opposition talk about the stage being set for a 12-0 sweep is plain rhetoric that doesn’t make any sense. Even Lanto himself has said that he was more of a victim than a beneficiary in the alleged poll fraud that happened 20 years ago,” he added.

“It’s time that the opposition candidates talk more of their programs and alternative platform of government than letting their imagination run wild. Let’s go back to more relevant issues,” Quimbo said. 

Legarda To Establish LIFE

MANILA, March 9, 2013-During her visit to the Province of Leyte, reelectionist Senator Loren Legarda (Nationalist People’s Coalition) announced her plan to establish LIFE or the Legarda Institute For Environment.

Legarda, the United Nations Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, made the announcement after her visit to the Eastern Visayas State University in Tacloban City where she conducted one of her disaster risk reduction (DRR) roadshows.

“In the ongoing effort to integrate climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and environmental protection in our way of life, I have partnered with the Eastern Visayas State University to establish the very first Legarda Institute For Environment in the country,” she said.

LIFE is a research and training center for complex and innovative studies on climate change adaptation, disaster mitigation and environmental protection.

“This institute will provide the facility and means to acquire quality education in Environmental Science through research and development and experts on the field,” she explained.

Legarda said that the LIFE in EVSU will serve as template for the same institutes that she intends to establish in all regions in the country on her next term.

“If more Filipinos will have deeper understanding of the environment and climate change, we will have more partners not only in helping develop better climate adaptation and disaster mitigation policies and programs, but also in our education, information and communication campaign on these issues. I am hopeful that as a nation and as individuals, we will all be greatly aware of what we must do to make our communities disaster-resilient, and safe from the ill effects of the changing climate,” Legarda concluded.

3rd outage in 8 months Power cut off anew in Pantabangan

PANTABANGAN, Nueva Ecija – Residents of this municipality suffered yet another blackout – its third in eight months  - after the town’s electricity supplier cut off power supply to the municipal government-owned Pantabangan Municipal Electric Services (Pames) yesterday over millions of pesos in unpaid bills.

          First Gen. Hydro Power Corp. (FGHPC), which owns and operates the 132-megawatt Pantabangan-Masiway Hydroelectric Complex yesterday over Pames’ failure to pay power bills worth P1.7 million this January.

Dennis Gonzales, FGHPC vice president for business development, told The STAR by phone that Pames was disconnected from the grid at 12 noon. He said the firm was forced to cut off power because Pames failed to honor its commitment to pay its current account it is supposed to pay by February 25.

“We don’t want Pames’ bills to pile up so we are constrained to cut off power so they would settle their current accounts at least," Gonzales said.

Gonzales said FGHPC has installed four generating sets in the town’s schools to cushion the impact of the power interruptions in classrooms. He added that the firm is installing another three gen sets soon.

Asked if FGHPC is willing to enter into another compromise agreement with Pames over the latest round of power interruptions, Gonzales said they are not inclined to do so. “There are already three agreements that they have breached so what’s the point in entering into another compromise agreement?,” he said.

The STAR called Mayor Romeo Borja Sr. for his comment but he could not be reached.

          FGHPC first cut off supply to the town on July 23 last year due to Pames’ outstanding obligations of P80 million under a restructuring agreement. Electricity was restored on August 2 after a series of negotiations among the FGHPC, the provincial government and the municipal government and through the intervention of then-Interior and Local Governments Secretary, the late Jesse Robredo.

          This was repeated last February 11 when FGHPC again disconnected power over bills worth P4 million from July to December 2012. Power was restored two days later following another round of negotiations.  

          Prior to last month’s power cut-off, P28 million of the P80 million has been paid for by Pames of which P21 million was given by the provincial government via direct offsetting from the real property tax payment of CE Casecnan and FGHPC on behalf of the municipality. This means that Pames still has outstanding debt worth P52,264,222.75 which it incurred after entering into an agreement for the settlement of the obligation in August last year during the first power cut-off.

          The firm said it has been trying to hold off on the decision to cut off power supply to Pames but cannot afford to do so anymore because it also has to keep its operations viable as it also supplies power to two other electric cooperatives, a government agency and an industrial customer.

          FGHPC has been supplying power to Pames since December 2006 in spite of the expiration of the power supply agreement in December 2008. 

          In previous interviews, Borja said his administration has been looking for solutions to the problem which the town has been facing since he first assumed mayor in 2007. He said he inherited the problem from his predecessors.

          Borja tapped Kaltimex, another power firm last year to rehabilitate Pames through a 25-year contract that some councilors and leaders opposed reportedly because it did not go through public consultation. (Manny Galvez)

             

Ecija vice mayor assumes post as mayor in lieu of exec’s graft conviction

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija, March 8, 2013–Vice Mayor Ester Lazaro has assumed the mayorship of this city from Mayor Efren Alvarez whose motion for reconsideration on a graft conviction has been denied with finality by a division of the Supreme Court.

          Lazaro took her oath of office as mayor before Provincial Prosecutor Floro Florendo at the Sangguniang Panglunsod Thursday.

          Lazaro said a permanent vacancy in the office of the mayor had come about  which has given her authority to sit mayor as stipulated in the Local Government Code. She asked city residents to support her and set aside personal differences.

          Before her assumption, the Sangguniang Panlunsod approved a resolution stating that due to a permanent vacancy in the mayor’s office, Lazaro should assume the post to as not to affect the delivery of services to city residents. This after the SP took cognizance of a second bench warrant issued last February 15 by the Sandiganbayan’s fourth division which prompted the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police to carry out his arrest to no avail.

          The issuance of a second bench warrant was the offshoot of the issuance by the Supreme Court’s first division last February 6 of a resolution denying with finality Alvarez’s motion for reconsideration.      

It was the second time she assumed the post in four months. She also held the post from November 5 to 28 last year after Alvarez went on a prolonged absence owing to an earlier arrest warrant issued against him by the Sandiganbayan over a P240-million graft case.

          But Alvarez was reinstated on November 29 after his arrest warrant was lifted by the anti-graft court when he filed a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court. (Manny Galvez)

Legarda: Laws for Protection of Women Already in Place

MANILA, March 8, 2013-In celebration of International Women’s Day, Senator Loren Legarda(Nationalist People’s Coalition) advised Filipino women that there are adequate laws for the protection of their rights and promotion of their well-being.

“We have diligently toiled to enact pieces of legislation to protect the rights of women and promote their welfare. The greater challenge is to effectively implement these laws and educate women on their rights. Women around the country should be aware that they are sufficiently protected under various laws,” Legarda stressed.

The United Nations’ theme for this year’s celebration is, “A promise is a promise: Time for action to end violence against women.”

Legarda said that through the country’s laws on women’s rights protection—such as the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act—the Philippines can fulfill this promise.

“We recognize the significant efforts being undertaken by the Philippine government to curb violence against women. Now, we can do even better on this especially with the recent passage of the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which now covers attempted trafficking and accomplice liability,” she stressed.

She said that under the new law, recruitment in the guise of domestic or overseas employment for sexual exploitation, forced labor or involuntary debt bondage are considered human trafficking. Other acts considered as human trafficking are recruitment of any Filipino woman to marry a foreigner, engagement in sex tourism, recruitment for organ removal, and recruitment of a child to engage in armed activities abroad.

Legarda said that even laws on climate change—such as the Climate Change Act and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act—can help protect women, especially since human traffickers have the tendency to look for potential victims among survivors of disasters.

“It is important to realize that the changing climate will have its worst effects on the poorest of the poor. Men, women and children from marginalized and devastated communities are at high risk, and we must do everything in our power to stop these illegal operations, including making our communities disaster-resilient so as not to expose our citizens to abusive groups,” she stressed.

“We must stop the climate of impunity for those who exploit our women. This can only be achieved with intensified enforcement, effective prosecution, and a proper closure to thousands of cases that should not only bring the perpetrators behind bars, but also result to the re-integration of victims back into the mainstream of society to lead normal and secure lives,” she added.

“We must always strive to give equal opportunity to women and address their concerns to allow them to develop their full potential and contribute to nation building,” said Legarda.

GOV’T-BACKED LABOR BILLS APPROVED BY CONGRESS

MANILA, March 8, 2013-Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is proud to report that several administration sponsored labor measures were approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives during the 15^thCongress.

 

Sen. Estrada, who steered the passage of these measures in his capacity as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, cites that among these are the laws lifting the nightwork prohibition for women workers, strengthening conciliation-mediation as voluntary mode for labor dispute settlement, and strengthening tripartism, and the landmark Batas Kasambahay.

 

“Approval of these government-backed legislative measures certainly prove that the Senate and its Committee on Labor are effective and supportive partners of the current administration in pursuing an agenda of providing equal employment opportunities for all and maintaining industrial peace through democratic mechanisms and speedy labor dispute resolution,” Jinggoy asserts.

 

The rationalization of night work prohibition for women workers was identified as one of the priority measures submitted by the Aquino cabinet during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC). Sen. Estrada immediately acted on this as it was passed into law (Republic Act 10151) last June 2011.

 

The Batas Kasambahay, which updates compensation and benefits for household service workers, was also identified as a priority measure of the President as mentioned in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) in accordance to his social contract to the people.

 

Batas Kasambahay was signed into law last January 18, 2013 as Republic Act 10361 after languishing in the legislative mill for nearly two decades.

 

In connection, Sen. Estrada also co-sponsored Senate Resolution 816 concurring with the ratification of the ILO Convention 189 or the Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention saying that such move will send a strong signal to the international community that the country places on the promotion of the rights of domestic workers, including migrant domestic workers.

 

Further, the committee also probed the maltreatment case of Bonita Baran and incorporated its findings to enhance the provisions of then the Domestic Workers’ Bill on welfare protection, rescue and rehabilitation of abused house helpers, and dispute settlement.

 

The bills strengthening conciliation-mediation and tripartism, which were already approved by both houses of Congress and are awaiting the signature of the President, meanwhile are measures endorsed and closely monitored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) by way of complying with Philippines’ commitment to the International Labor Organization.

 

“In the forthcoming 16^th Congress, this representation will remain committed to introducing bills and supporting measures that protect our labor force and uphold their rights,” Sen. Estrada concludes.

Team PNoy hails appointment of 2 Comelec commissioners

MANILA, March 7, 2013-The administration coalition Team PNoy on Thursday/March 7 welcomed the appointment of two new commissioners of the Commission on Elections as a step forward in ensuring that the Comelec’s efforts towards having a clean and fair elections in May is more achievable.

“We welcome President Aquino’s appointment of former Ambassador Macabangkit Lanto and election lawyer Bernadette Sardillo as replacements for retired Commissioners Rene Sarmiento and Armando Velasco as this now completes the commission's membership during this very critical period. We hope that their addition will now afford the Comelec enough manpower to carry out pending reforms to make the elections orderly, peaceful and credible,” Team PNoy spokesman Rep. Miro Quimbo said. 

The Marikina representative likewise said the appointment will allow the Comelec to carry out steps “towards making the elections truly balanced.”

“We trust that the new appointees will serve as instruments, not obstacles, to the government's pursuit of transparency and accountability," Quimbo said.

Team PNoy senatorial candidate former Sen. Jamby Madrigal also welcomed the appointments, noting the two commissioners will bring to the poll body fresh perspectives on election reform consistent with the President’s “daang matuwid” program.

“I am glad that the vacancies in the Comelec have been filled with people of integrity and competence. I trust that the Commission will do its best to ensure a clean and honest election this May," Madrigal said.

Former Sen. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay meanwhile congratulated  Lanto and Sardillo on their appointments, saying they are welcome additions to the poll body.

“We are filled with optimism that, like the rest of the men and women of the Comelec, they will ensure that the mid-term elections will be clean and honest.

He advised the new appointees to be meaningful agents of change and work with a fair sound mind.

“We’re confident that they will contribute significantly to the Comelec’s conduct of clean, fair, orderly and peaceful elections in May as well as in future political exercises,” he said.