Drilon, Magsaysay appeal to NDF-NPA Participate in the elections, be sincere

Team PNoy campaign manager Sen. Franklin M. Drilon and former Sen. Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. on Tuesday/March 19 appealed to the Communist-led NDF and New People’s Army not to disrupt the conduct of a peaceful election in May, the first under the Aquino Administration.

“I challenge our fellow Filipinos who are members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to participate in the electoral process,” said Drilon, as the LP-led administration coalition candidates barnstormed the Caraga Region, one of the remaining hotbeds of the four-decade-old Communist insurgency.

One of the country’s poorest regions, Caraga is made up of the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.

“The best and most effective way to change the system is by electing to power the people that we believe will carry out the reforms we all want to see,” added Drilon.

Drilon and Magsaysay also challenged the National Democratic Front, which has held on-and-off peace talks with the government since the 1990s, to “demonstrate utmost sincerity in pursuing peace negotiations.”

The government, the two said, is “resolute in finding ways to achieve lasting peace” in the country.

“Panahon na ng kapayapaan. Tapos na ang digmaan. Let us give peaceful elections a chance,” said Drilon.

During the presidencies of Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos, Drilon was a consultant in the peace panels that were formed to reach out to Communist and Muslim rebels.

Magsaysay, whose father and namesake was instrumental in ending in the fifties the Huk rebellion tied to agrarian unrest, chided what he called wrongful activities attributed to NPA rebels such as imposing “campaign permits” from P50,000 to P5 million on political candidates visiting rebel-influenced areas.

“Team PNoy will not tolerate such activities as it will only worsen the problem on insurgency,” Magsaysay and Drilon said in a press statement.

Magsaysay said the government will “exhaust all means to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace” amid reports of the NDF’s insincerity in the stalled peace talks with the government.

“A peaceful Philippines is not impossible under the Aquino administration,” Magsaysay said.

“This is evident in the on-going discussions on the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the Bangsamoro entity in which the first of four annexes have already been signed,” Magsaysay said.

“Team PNoy supports all efforts at ending the conflict in Mindanao. That is why the President needs a majority in the Senate, to ensure the success of the peace negotiations with the MILF, as well as with the CPP-NPA-NDF,” Magsaysay said.

CREATE LEGACY FUND TO SECURE FILIPINOS' EDUCATION NEEDS—ANGARA

MANILA, March 18, 2013-In the light of the tragic death of UP Manila student Kristel Tejada, Senator Edgardo J. Angara called on government to tap establish a legacy fund for education out of the revenues derived from the exploitation of the country’s natural resources.

Angara explained that such legacy fund is a more durable and sustainable way of financing the country’s education needs compared to leaving it wholly up to annual Congressional appropriations.

“I call this a legacy fund because legacy means securing the future, and the future is our children,” he said.

“The unfortunate death of Kristel strikes at the heart of what every Filipino family values—education for their children,” said Angara. “As we pray for Kristel’s repose and condole with her family, we must also strive to prevent poverty from driving our people to such extreme measures.”

Angara lamented that public investment in education as a percentage of gross domestic product has been declining. From a high of 3.8 percent in 1998, the present ratio is down to 2.1 percent, barely half of the United Nations’ recommendation of at least 6 percent.

The K to 12 program alone will require as much as P56.6 billion by 2017-2018 to finance senior high school (Grades 11 and 12) enrollment and additional teachers, classrooms, seats, textbooks, and toilets.

Angara cited government’s income stream from the Malampaya natural gas project as a major source for the legacy fund.

He said government share in the proceeds from the Malampaya natural gas project amounted to half a trillion pesos for the past 11 years, averaging $1 billion a year. The remaining 13 years left to the project are expected to further yield P580 billion in revenues for government.

“We should take our cue from the likes of Norway and Timor Leste which have set aside a substantial portion of their oil and gas revenues for social services, especially education,” noted Angara.

Other important sources for the legacy fund are the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, both of which are expected earn about P100 billion each this year.

“The same principle applies—let government set aside a substantial portion of gaming and lottery earnings to support education,” said Angara.

“Our needs are staggering so our response should be resourceful and extraordinary,” he continued.

“The lack of funding should never be made an excuse to abandon reforms. Similary, the lack of money should never inhibit our youth from getting into school. We should be harnessing the potential of young Filipinos like Kristel, not squandering it.”

Legarda Launches LOREN sa Bawat Barangay in Baguio City

MANILA, March 17, 2013-Aiming to address unemployment and underemployment in the country, Senator Loren Legarda will launch tomorrow LOREN sa Bawat Barangay in Baguio City.

LOREN, which means Livelihood Opportunities to Raise Employment Nationwide, will be the implementation of Legarda’s four laws on livelihood and employment—the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Act, the Magna Carta for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), the Barangay Kabuhayan Act, and the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act.

“LOREN sa Bawat Barangay will be a consultation with various sectors of society and concerned local government agencies on how to raise employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. This is a program I did during my first term in the Senate and we will have it in every region in the country,” Legarda said.

LOREN sa Bawat Barangay will be composed of the following elements: implementation of the PESO Law, MSME Law, Barangay Kabuhayan Act, and Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act; conduct of jobs fair; and, disaster risk reduction (DRR) education and information campaign.

“We want to ensure that the livelihood laws we have made are implemented to fully benefit our people. We also want to secure the gains of our people and so it is important to make our communities disaster-resilient, which is why our DRR education and information campaign will be part of the LOREN sa Bawat Barangay,” Legarda explained.

Through the PESO Law, job seekers, including new graduates, are given information on available employment opportunities and services in their city or municipality. PESO officers should also offer job seekers with employment opportunities that are matched with their skills.

The MSME Law provides more assistance to entrepreneurs by requiring lending institutions to allocate at least eight percent (8%) of their total loan portfolio to micro and small businesses. It also provides access to new technologies and regular entrepreneurship training programs for workers to ensure the viability and growth of MSMEs in the country.

The Barangay Kabuhayan Act requires the establishment of livelihood and skills training centers in 4^th, 5^th and 6^th class municipalities for employment generation. It ensures that all livelihood and skills training centers offered by the national government are properly coordinated and implemented at the municipal level.

The Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act provides support to farmers and fisherfolk by requiring banks to allocate 25 percent of their loanable funds to the agriculture sector to finance the acquisition of equipment for farm production.

“This program will be a collaboration among government agencies to address unemployment and underemployment, and to provide not just jobs but also better earnings to the growing labor force,” Legarda said.

Legarda Deplores Student’s Suicide Due to Financial Woes

MANILA, March 16, 2013-Senator Loren Legarda deplored reports that a college student from the University of the Philippines-Manila committed suicide after she was forced to take a leave of absence for failing to pay her tuition fee.

“It is deplorable that this student had to take her own life, but it is even more regrettable if she indeed did it as she was unable to pay for her tuition fee,” said Legarda.

According to news reports, Kristel Tejada, freshman student at the UP Manila, committed suicide on Friday allegedly because she was not able to pay for her tuition fee, and was forced to take a leave of absence.

“Education is supposed to give hope to our youth as it will provide them wide opportunities in life, which is why our government is mandated to offer quality and accessible education to poor Filipinos through public schools and state universities and colleges (SUCs). But when education becomes inaccessible, especially to those who need it the most, then it defeats its purpose,” Legarda explained.

“We need to review the policies of our educational institutions especially our SUCs, which are supposed to prioritize students who are most unable to pay for tuition fees. This is the reason why I would want to take a deeper study on how we can expand our scholarship programs for college students,” she added.

The Senator said it would not be a big dent on the government’s education budget if college scholarships are given to the poorest of the poor since SUCs are already in place and have their regular annual appropriations from the national government.

Among Legarda’s priorities in her next term in the Senate is the expansion of the government’s scholarship program, ensuring one college graduate for every poor family, particularly by granting college scholarships to at least one member of each of the 3.8 million households that are beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program.

Fort Magsaysay hosts second leg of 4X4 off-road challenge

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, March 15, 2013-Fort Magsaysay Military Reservation (FMMR) recently hosted the second leg of Colt45 4X4 Extreme Series that was participated by Luzon members of the National Association of Filipino Off-Roaders (NAsFOR).

“This event seeks to promote Fort Magsaysay as a tourist destination where they can do various activities such as climbing, hiking, downhill mountain biking, camping, motocross riding, 4x4 off-road
driving, zip-line, and horseback riding as well as water sports in our coastal areas in Dingalan, Aurora namely kayaking, scuba diving, windsurfing, jet ski, and para-sailing,” said 7ID Commander Major General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.

“Now that we are seeing the death of insurgency and birth of peace and prosperity in Regions 1 and 3, it's high time that we transform certain parts of our camp into a place of leisure where families and
friends can bond. We want them to say that you haven’t been to Nueva Ecija if you haven’t visited Fort Magsaysay- the home of Kaugnay troopers,” Catapang added.

Participants had to go through three stages one of which was to go through rugged terrains.

In the end, JR Angeles of Nueva Ecija topped the leg with Edison Dunca of Pampanga ending second, and Red Diva of Isabela placing third.

The Reservation, with a total land area of 44,970 hectares, was created by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No.237 dated December 19, 1955.

It consists of the Cantonment area, Training Circuit, Kalinga sa Kawal off-based housing for military personnel, Jethropa Plantation, National Training Center (Balikatan area), and the Libingan ng mga
Bayani.

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.