Japan reiterates support for lasting peace in Mindanao

PILAR, Bataan-Learning valuable lessons from history, Japan has shifted gear from being a Philippine adversary to an ally in pursuing peace and prosperity, particularly in Mindanao.

 

In his speech during the 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan rites today, Japanese ambassador Toshinao Urabe said that the two nations are now strategic partners sharing common values.

 

"We are proud of and are committed to continue our contribution in peacekeeping efforts in Mindanao. Japan will continue to contribute proactively to the peace, stability and prosperity, not only for this region, but also for the international community," Urabe said.

 

The ambassador also reiterated President Aquino's remark during the signing ceremony of the comprehensive agreement on the Bangsamoro which says "Japan plays a consenting role on the progress of the Mindanao peace process,"

 

Among the initiatives of the Japanese government in Mindanao include community development by constructing schools, clinics, wells and training facilities, while at the same time promoting human resources development. 

 

In addition, it is also working for economic development geared towards sustainable development through cooperation focused on agriculture, mining and manufacturing, and large-scale infrastructure development among others.

 

Aside from this, it should be noted that exchange of visits and contacts between the two nations continue on a regular basis.

 

"Our soldiers were working shoulder to shoulder in the UN peacekeeping operations at the Golan Heights prior to the Syrian crisis," concluded Urabe.

 

History recounts that on April 9, 1942, approximately 78, 000 Filipino and American soldiers stationed in Corregidor and Bataan formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma.

 

These prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O' Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in what would infamously be known as the "Bataan Death March".

 

The Dambana ng Kagitingan was built on top of Mt. Samat in 1966 in memory of those soldiers.

 

The shrine's most distinct feature is 92-meter Memorial Cross which is made up of marble, steel, and concrete. (Marie Joy L. Simpao)

NLRC sheriff reinstates ousted Ecija university prexy in tense return

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–The National Labor Relations Commission yesterday officially reinstated a university president who was  unceremoniously ousted from his post two years ago in a tension-filled return marked by a confrontation between the lady sheriff and school officials.

          Prof. Manuel Palomo Sr. was accompanied by NLRC Region 3 Sheriff Aida Gervacio who served at 10 am the writ of execution of the 28-page March 11 decision issued by regional labor arbiter Mariano Bactin which ruled that Palomo Sr.’s dismissal as Wesleyan University president was illegal and unjustified. With him was his son and namesake Manuel who was also ordered reinstated as chief administrative officer by the NLRB.

          Palomo was ousted last March 11,2012 in a resolution of the WUP’s board of trustees (BOT). It was affirmed on the same day by the United Methodist Church’s College of Bishops (COB) which selects the university  president as well as the members of the BOT.

          In ordering Palomo Sr. reinstated, the NLRC  also ordered the BOT and the COB to indemnify him P8.544 million in backwages; actual, moral and exemplary damages and attorney’s fees. Palomo was represented in the labor suit by lawyer Valentino F.P. Alberto. 

          The serving of the writ was marred by tension when Gervacio confronted the security officers and university officials manning the gate when they barred the Palomo father-and-son and Gervacio from entering the university compound allegedly on instructions from the school’s officer-in-charge Pacifico |Aniag.

          Gervacio was likewise denied entry inside the gate by security officer Julio Minor, prompting her to remark : “Why don’t you allow us to go in? The Wesleyan is not treating its visitors well,” she said.       She warned that the security officers run the risk of being cited for contempt.

          The two Palomos stayed inside their vehicle while Gervacio was confronting the university officials. They left without alighting from their car.

          Gervacio was met outside the school’s premises by Ma. Niña Regala, Aniag’s secretary and general services officer Crisaldo Vicencio. Regala received the copy of the writ and signed it under the acacia tree amid the scorching heat in the presence of the media, security guards of the school and two lawmen who stood guard outside with a patrol car on standby. 

          A brief commotion ensued when other vehicles were also barred from entering the school premises. A mother asked the guard on duty if she could be permitted to go in as she was to have her child enrolled.

          Aniag was not around when the writ was served. He has not been returning calls nor answering text messages on his mobile phone.

          His executive assistant Reynaldo Samonte said he was on a four-day meeting in his hometown in Bulacan and will return on Friday.       Samonte said they won’t allow Palomo to go inside the school since they have secured an injunction preventing him from entering the school compound.

          Gervacio said with the serving of the writ, Palomo  Sr. is now considered officially reinstated even if he has not set foot inside the university even with the injunction which, she said, is not permanent. She said his reinstatement is effective March 11 when the decision was made.

          Palomo Sr. said that based on the implementation of the writ of execution by the sheriff, which has become final, he said he expects Aniag to step down as OIC to give way to him.

          “I now expect the OIC to show some chivalry and delicadeza to immediately vacate the position and give way to me as the legal president,” he said. “He should now pack his bags and go back to Bulacan to where he belongs.”

          He said the College of Bishops had assured him that they would respect the NLRC decision ordering his reinstatement.      

          He said the injunction being cited in preventing him from entering the school is not applicable in his case because he has already issued an affidavit of undertaking not to enter the school premises or any of its campuses without any order issued by the court or other agency or entity having jurisdiction on the case.

          Palomo clarified that he never intended to enter the school but the writ stated that his reinstatement required him to be physically present.

          He said he didn’t feel bad about not being able to gain entry inside the school. However, he lamented the shabby treatment Gervacio was subjected to in enforcing the writ. “Imagine an agent of the law being given that kind of treatment?” he asked.                   

          The NLRC said it “found substantial, convincing and competent evidence” that Palomo – who was elected to a five-year term in 2009 which will end this April 30 - was illegally and unjustifiably dismissed as university president after careful evaluation of the facts presented.

          After serving for over two years, Palomo filed a one-year leave of absence without pay on June 11,2011 amid graft allegations against his administration. He said he was doing it for the sake of peace within the university.

In issuing the ruling, the NLRC noted that it gives respect to the UMC which owns and runs the university, thinking that it should be the champion in upholding the basic rights of its members, officers and employees. “However, in the case of the complainant, we failed to see all his basic rights were duly protected and respected. We cannot close our eyes to reality, particularly if the basic rights of our citizens will be trampled, disregarded and denied by those persons and parties who are supposed to uphold them,” the decision said.

It added that the act of the BOT recommending to the COB the summary dismissal of Palomo which the latter approved in just a one-day period “is a clear case of deprivation of the complainant’s right to due process, the right and opportunity to know the charges against him and to have a hearing to explain his side, and confront his accusers.” (Manny Galvez)

Legarda Condoles the Passing of Don Emilio Yap

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda expressed her condolences to the family of Don Emilio Yap, who passed away last April 7.

“Don Emilio was a philanthropist. He cared about his people. I have many fond memories of him. He was a kind, supportive friend who sincerely cared and gave wise counsel. I am forever grateful to him for the break he gave me as a Bulletin columnist for many years. He will be missed,” said Legarda.

“Don Emilio was best known as head of the Manila Bulletin and as a very successful businessman. But many people and organizations also know him as a great philanthropist who shared his wealth with various advocacy groups through his generous donations.”

“His business undertakings alone provided employment to many Filipinos and supported many families. He had a big heart for supporting numerous organizations, humanitarian causes and development programs. He would immediately donate to victims of calamities and was quick to help Filipino citizens in need. He supported social welfare programs of the government and regarded quality education highly.”

“He was a businessman who knew that whatever he gained, he should also generously give back to the people who helped him and patronized his undertakings. He knew it was part of his responsibility to contribute to the social and economic development of the country. Don Emilio Yap was a great man with a generous heart,” said Legarda.

NOLCOM celebrates 27 years of public service, nation building

CAMP AQUINO, Tarlac City-Public service and nation building emerged as the soul of the 27th Founding Anniversary of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 

NOLCOM Commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. said that this year’s theme “Dalawampu’t Pitong Taong Bayanihan, Tungo sa Kapayapaan, Kaunlaran at Kasaganahan” highlighted the transformation of armed forces’ campaign goals, gearing toward lasting peace, progress and prosperity.

 

Three inter-related tools of the unified command brought this milestone: focused military operations, intensified stakeholders’ engagement and peace and development activities.

 

“We firmly believe in the importance of strengthened and intensified stakeholders’ engagement as a solution to end struggles with New People’s Army remnants. We have gradually liberated and empowered our areas against vulnerability to internal threats and insurgencies,” Catapang emphasized.

 

NOLCOM became the first unified command to have all 22 provinces within its area of responsibility to be declared as insurgency free and ready for further development.

 

Meanwhile, Catapang assured that NOLCOM will remain steadfast in the performance of its duty and will continuously adhere to the Command’s mantra: Kawal disiplinado. Bawal Abusado. Dapat Asintado.

 

“We, the NOLCOM, will remain sterling in the performance of our sworn duties, not only by defending the nation, but as well as serving the Filipino people the best way we can through bringing peace, progress and prosperity. Let us all get hold of our shared peace dividend. In NOLCOM areas, no man shall be left behind,” Catapang ended. 

PNoy to lead 72nd Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Bataan

PILAR, Bataan-President Benigno Aquino III will lead the 72^nd Araw ng Kagitingan rites in Dambana ng Kagitingan, Pilar, Bataan – his fourth as head of state.

 

Upon arrival, the Chief Executive will be accorded with full military honors by officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and shall then offer a wreath to the shrine.

 

This will be followed by messages from Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe and United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg and the President’s keynote address.

History recounts that on April 9, 1942, approximately 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers stationed in Corregidor and Bataan formally surrendered to the Japanese army under Lt. General Masaharu Homma.

These prisoners of war were transferred to Camp O’ Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in what would infamously be known as the “Bataan Death March."

The Dambana ng Kagitingan was built on top of Mount Samat in 1966 in memory of those soldiers.

The shrine’s most distinct feature is a 92-meter Memorial Cross which is made up of marble, steel, and concrete.

At the base of the cross is a sculptural bas relief that depicts important historical events and battles in the Philippines.

 

This year’s commemoration is guided by the theme “Balik-tanaw sa Sakripisyo ng Beterano, Gabay sa Landas ng Pagbabago.”

Holy Rosary Parish invites Kapampangans, devotees to heritage churches Lenten pilgrimage

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga-The Holy Rosary Parish in Angeles City invites Kapampangans and devotees to join its 2014 Lenten pilgrimage of seven heritage churches in Pampanga, which begins this Wednesday, April 9.

 

“The pilgrimage will visit St. Bartholomew Church in Magalang, St. Augustine de Lippo Church in Lubao, Sta. Rita de Cascia Church, St. James the Apostle Church in Betis in Guagua, Sta. Ana Church, San Guillermo Parish Church in Bacolor, and St. Catherine in Arayat,” the parish said in a statement.

 

Church tours will be followed by a spiritual talk given by the parish priest and church leaders.

 

Each pilgrim will be charged P800 inclusive of breakfast, lunch and dinner.

 

For more information, please call (045) 888-6355 or 322-9990. 

DOLE CL partners with Bus Regional Tripartite Council in promoting Labor and Employment Education Service modules

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga-Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Central Luzon recently inked a resolution with the Regional Industrial Tripartite Council for the Bus Transport (RITC-BT) for the promotion of its Labor and Employment Education Services (LEES).

 

“This is part of our agency’s key strategies in continuously providing our clients and program partners with relevant, timely, and useful information in order to raise their awareness, enhance their understanding, and increase their acceptance of and support for our programs and services,” DOLE Regional Director Raymundo Agravante said.

 

Under the signed resolution, the RITC-BT will help DOLE in facilitating the promotion of the LEES learning videos by airing them on their televisions/video walls in their respective bus terminals and bus coaches.

 

LEES consists of 16 animated one-minute videos highlighting various flagship programs of DOLE and its attached agencies including Tripartite Certificate of Compliance to Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health, Child Labor-Free Philippines (Batang Malaya), Single Entry Approach, Labor Market Council, Productivity Improvement Programs, Employees Compensation Program, Entrepreneurship Livelihood Programs, Skills Training and Development, Overseas Workers Welfare Programs, and Employment Promotion and Welfare, among others.

 

There are also seven animated videos that focuses on employment tips namely preparing for a job, starting on a business plan, knowing basic labor standards, preparing for overseas employment, practicing on a profession, undergoing skills training, and concerns on overseas employment. (CLJD/MJLS-PIA 3 with reports from Joris Salvador and Prince Harvey Gatus-Interns)

Jinggoy answers Ombudsman: No probable cause, evidence for plunder indictment

MANILA-The camp of Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada filed a 26-page motion for reconsideration yesterday before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with his alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam.

 

Jinggoy said that there is no proof that he received and amassed even a single centavo out of his Priority Development Assistance Fund allocation. “There is nothing on record which established that Sen. Estrada received kickbacks of around ‘50% of the PDAF amount involved.’ Benhur Luy and other witnesses never claimed to have personally handled and/or witnessed the delivery of ‘around 50% of the PDAF amount involved’ to Sen. Estrada,” the document reads.

 

He stated that Benhur’s ledger does not establish that money was delivered to Sen. Estrada. In fact, he said, the purported ledger will not even support the alleged scheme or modus of giving 50% kickbacks to legislators.

 

Sen. Estrada also maintained that the evidence on record fails to establish probable cause to indict him for plunder and for violation of the Anti-Graft Law.

 

“Charges based on mere suspicion and speculation, on bare and unsubstantiated allegations and on hearsay evidence cannot become basis of probable cause,” the lawmaker pointed out,  adding: “None of the witnesses ever claimed to be privy or have personal knowledge about any participation, agreement or involvement which I may have in the so-called PDAF scam.”

 

Sen. Estrada noted that the testimonies of Benhur Luy, Gertrudes Luy, Marina Sula and Merlina Sunas are not based on personal knowledge. Their statements were based merely on what they heard from Mrs. Janet Napoles. They stated in their affidavits that they never delivered any amount of money to the Senator personally.

 

Testimonies of Ruby Tuason and Dennis Cunanan, on the other hand, are unsubstantiated and untrustworthy. Theirs were made in consideration of a promise of immunity from prosecution and were not even corroborated.

 

Sen. Estrada further lamented that he was not given reasonable opportunity to contest and controvert the affidavits and verified statements of several witnesses, including those of Tuason and Cunanan and several others, thereby tainting the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause.

 

“We were not provided copies of the affidavits of the additional witnesses, thus, we were not properly apprised of the evidence offered against us, which were eventually made the bases of the finding of probable cause for indictment,” Jinggoy said.

 

Sen. Estrada further said that the Ombudsman gravely erred in considering the alleged repeated and direct choice of the NGOs headed and controlled by Napoles as evidence of “manifest partiality,” as he emphasized that the said NGOs were all properly accredited by the respective implementing agencies.

 

“Given that the NGOs endorsed were accredited at the time of endorsement, it cannot be said that there was no rhyme or reason for such endorsement. Given the factual basis for such endorsement, evident bad faith cannot be imputed. Also the certification by the IAs (implementing agencies) that these NGOs were in fact accredited, a fact not disputed by complainants, further disproves evident bad faith on my part,” he said.

 

The complaint itself admits that “the grant of funds to NGOs for the implementation of a project is not illegal.” Hence, the endorsement of NGOs could not have been construed as anything other than aboveboard.

 

Sen. Estrada also asserted that the actual selection of the NGOs to implement the PDAF projects was the sole act and responsibility of the IAs. “If at all, the act of endorsement by the legislator concerned is merely recommendatory, with the decision to award or not to the discretion of the implementing agency.”

 

Lastly, Sen. Estrada maintained that he has no control or custody of his PDAF. “The subject funds were, in fact and in law, released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) directly to the implementing agencies, and from the implementing agencies to the local government units or non-government organizations,” he said.  

Legarda Reminds Filipinos about Earthquake Preparedness

MANILA-In the wake of the 8.2 magnitude earthquake in Chile, Senator Loren Legarda today reminded Filipinos to prepare for strong quakes, stressing that even a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines could already result in massive devastation.

“According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the Marikina Valley Fault Line is ripe for movement but no one can predict the exact time when it will move. This makes preparedness for such eventuality even more important,” said Legarda, the UN Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific.

Earlier, Legarda stressed the need to conduct monthly safety drills in schools and hospitals, which are critical infrastructures since these are shelters for the vulnerable—children, the sick and elderly.

“We want to institutionalize monthly safety drills in all educational and healthcare facilities.  But this should not be limited to schools and hospitals. Government institutions, private companies, local government units and even households should conduct regular emergency drills because these activities will help instill disaster preparedness in our citizens. Being prepared means that when a natural hazard such as an earthquake strikes, every citizen would know what to do and where to go, and that government agencies, both national and local, are ready to respond,” she said.

The Senator added that aside from preparedness, another important goal is disaster prevention, which ensures zero or low casualty and less damage to properties.

“As part of our disaster preparedness and prevention strategies, we should regularly evaluate and retrofit buildings and critical structures, set up early warning systems and identify safe refuge for our citizens. We will not tire of demanding from concerned government agencies the establishment of necessary mechanisms to secure our communities from the devastating effects of disasters such as earthquakes.  We will also continue to urge communities to take the initiative in making sure that they are well prepared and will not be caught off guard when natural hazards strike,” Legarda concluded.

LIBABITO Holds Consultative Meeting

Licuan-Baay, Abra – The Licuan-Baay Binongan Tribe Organization (LIBABITO) had a meeting and discussed about the murder of three (3) members of the Ligiw family at Binongan Center, Licuan-Baay Municipal Hall on March 13, 2014 which was attended by 50 elders led by LIBABITO chairman Mr. Victorino Bernal and Mr. Nestor Castillo, the chairman of Social Justice and Human Rights.

Lt. Col. Danilo R. Domingo, CO of 41^st IB was invited to attend the meeting to shed light on the inquiry being initiated by LIBABITO elders regarding to the Ligiw case. After the privilege speech, Lt. Col. Domingo clarified to the elders of LIBABITO that as far as inquiry is concerned, the unit fully supports and cooperates with the ongoing investigation of the Abra Police Provincial Office and one with the people of Licuan-Baay in pursuit of the truth and justice.

The consultative meeting in one way or another has proven that the elders and the leaders of Licuan-Baay and 41^st IB are one in looking for the truth about the Ligiw case. Lt. Col. Domingo who discussed the issues and accusations made against the 41^st IB by Abra Human Rights Movement (AHRM) and Kakailian Salakniban Tay Amin Nagtaudan (KASTAN) are fabricated and exaggerated. He reiterated that the 41^st IB has long been in Abra since 2004 and its officers and enlisted personnel strictly adhere to the International Humanitarian Law (IHL), observe and respect  Human Rights and Rule of Law which are few of the guiding principles in the conduct of its operations, be it military and non-military operations.

Another NPA Remnant Returns to the Folds of the Law

LICUAN-Baay, Abra - The continuous Local Peace Talks being conducted by the members of 41st Infantry (Partner for Peace) Battalion, Philippine Army operationally controlled by 503rd Infantry (Justice and Peace) Brigade, Local Government Units and the populace of Abra have resulted once again to the voluntary surrender of another New People’s Army Remnant on March 29, 2014, which is also the NPA Anniversary.

The rebel returnee was identified as Christopher Bayudang Wayagwag @ GLEN, 29 years old, single and a resident of Sitio Nagpaoayan, Brgy Subagan, Licuan-Baay, Abra. He is the Vice-Team Leader Dos of South Central, Abra Party Committee (APCOM) under NPA remnant leader @ BRAM/ROGER, operating in the municipality of Bucloc, Daguioman, Boliney and Sallapadan (BUDABOSA) Complex, parts of Bucay and upper parts of Licuan-Baay, Abra.

After one year in the NPA organization, AKA @ Glen voluntarily surrendered without firearm to the 41st IB under LTC DANILO R DOMINGO and was accompanied by his family and relatives at Headquarters 41st IB, Sitio Masisiat, Brgy Tumalip, Licuan-Baay, Abra, Lagangilang, Abra. According to Mr. Wayagwag, he decided to surrender because of the hardships and difficulties he experienced while in the organization. He also added that he could no longer bear the atrocities of the NPA remnants and the saying in Ilocano was true that “Awan ti Umuna nga Babawi”( Walang pagsisisi na nasa una).

At present, AKA Glen is still at the custody of 41st IB for his safety. He will undergo the “Kabsat Ko, Ipateg ko” Program for rebel returnees of Governor Eustaquio “Takit” Bersamin. Christopher Wayagwag message is for the other NPA members to follow the 72 fully armed NPA remnants who surrendered to the government in Cagayan de Oro to live peaceful lives and abandon their armed struggle as it is not going anywhere. Time and again, the 503rd Infantry (Justice and Peace) Brigade under the stewardship of COL PAUL T ATAL INF (GSC) PA is urging all the NPA Remnants in Abra, Kalinga and Apayao to abandon their armed struggle and instead to return to the mainstream of society to live peaceful lives. In so doing, they would help in winning the PEACE in Cordillera and consequently, Economic DEVELOPMENT and PROGRESS would follow.

Ecija teener mauled to death by 4 muggers

SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija -   A 15-year-old out-of-school youth (OSY) met his death here Monday in the hands of four unidentified men who mauled him to death in front of the new public market here.

           Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified the young fatality as Jefferson Cortez of Barangay Sto. Niño 3 this city. Cortez, a helper in a nearby slaughterhouse, died of severe head injuries.

          No motive has yet been established behind the attack.

          Police Superintendent Manuel Hidalgo, San Jose police chief, said the incident took place at around 5 am Monday in the public market at Barangay Rueda.

          Hidalgo said local policemen were conducting their routine patrol when  SPO2 Alvaro Mamaril spotted Cortez’s body sprawled on the pavement.

 SPO1 Apolinario Tolentino and PO3 Joel Beltejar, who are investigating the killing , said an hour before his body was found, Cortez was with his elder brother Jayson when he left their house and boarded a tricycle on the way to the slaughter house.

There, they parted ways with his brother when a few moments later, the four suspects came to him and took turns in mauling him.

The suspects fled on foot towards the back of the market.

Cortez was brought to the San Jose City General Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. –Manny Galvez

PNoy appoints AFP GHQ Support Command head as new commander of Army’s 7ID

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga-President Benigno Aquino III has appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command head Brigadier General Glorioso Miranda as the 23^rd commander of the Army’s 7^th Infantry Division (7ID) which is based in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

He replaces Lieutenant General Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iriberri who was promoted as Commanding General of the Army last February.

Both Miranda and Iriberri are members of the Philippine Military Academy “Matikas” Class of 1983.

The turnover ceremony is set on Wednesday morning of April 2, 2014.

7ID has jurisdiction over Army Brigades and Battalions in Ilocos and Central Luzon Regions and maintains a force in Mindanao. (Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu)

PhilRice unveils RICEponsible drive

SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija – The Philippine Rice Research Institute launched last Friday its “Be RICEponsible campaign” which intends to sustain the momentum of increased rice production following the success of last year’s National Year of Rice (NYR) drive.

          Hazel Antonio, PhilRice senior science research specialist, said the new rice mantra was presented to the public Friday at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) art museum.

          She said the campaign is a fitting sequel to last year’s campaign which was anchored on President Aquino’s issuance of Presidential Proclamation 494 declaring 2013 as National Year of Rice.

She said in the Be RICEponsible campaign, implementers will be reinforcing the behaviors that the National Year of Rice tried to impart to the public and policymakers. “We continously urge the public to be RICEponsible. That is, not to waste rice, consume brown rice, eat healthier sources of carbohydrates, and value the hard work of the rice farmers,” Antonio said.

          Antonio said the presidential proclamation translated into a 2.3% increase in production in 2013 over that of 2012. “In 2013, palay production was at 18.44 million metric tons which is 2.3% higher than the 2012 output of 18.03 million MT,” she said.

She added that this showed that Filipinos can still accomplish more in spite of last year’s calamities.

          Antonio, the campaign’s director, said some local government units have been contributing their share in the rice conservation campaign with towns in Aklan, Bohol, Ilocos Norte and La Union passing half-rice ordinances.

          In Quezon City, she said the city council passed a resolution calling on  major fast-food chains and restaurants to serve brown rice. – Manny Galvez 

Drilon vows: Bangsamoro Basic Law to stay within Constitution

MANILA-Senate President Franklin M. Drilon today said that the Bangsamoro Basic Law must “supremely respect” the Philippine Constitution, as he vowed to take the forefront in congressional efforts to preserve and guard the nation’s sovereignty amid the establishment of the Bangsamoro political entity in southern Mindanao.

Drilon made it clear after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that national sovereignty will be the premiere concern of Congress as they prepare to work on the Bangsamoro Basic Law –which they consider as a legislative priority.

The Senate chief also said that President Aquino will play a big role in pushing the bill forward: “I expect the President to certify it as an administration concern and subsequently certify it as an urgent measure. But more importantly, I expect him to use his political capital as he has used in several crucial legislative matters, when he has perceived they are for the good of the country and of the Filipino people.”

“I expect the President to take a personal stake at this peace process for the Filipino people because this will be his legacy. I believe that the final peace agreement in Mindanao will be among the legacies of President Noynoy Aquino,” he stressed.

Drilon emphasized: “I will be at the forefront in seeing that our sovereignty is respected. I don’t think that the Filipino people will forgive us if we rescind any part of our sovereignty. We must remain as one country, and one nation – as one Filipino people.”

“I am determined to see that the Bangsamoro Basic Law will be a policy for harmony and shared development. As long as I am here, it will not be an instrument of capitulation, nor it will be an affront to our constitutional integrity,” he stressed.

In 2008, the former Executive and Justice Secretary was the leading voice of opposition towards the aborted GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain, which legal experts and political observers criticized to be of dubious constitutionality, and that it would have led to further political schism and security breakdown.   

With the Bangsamoro Basic Law, Drilon acknowledged that questions on the Constitution will take center stage: “While we must give the Constitution its most liberal application, we have to make sure that the basic law must be a unifying and integrating legislation, and not a divisive one.”

The senator believes that their vigilance on the issue is their due responsibility as citizens and lawmakers of the republic: “Whether Moro or Christian, we are all Filipinos. And therefore, it is our moral and legal obligation to preserve our country as one. And that is going to be my guiding principle at this matter.”

“It will not be an easy task – as we say, “The Devil is in the details.” I expect a lot of debates in the Congress,” he further noted.

Earlier, Drilon urged his colleagues to take an active role in the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and passionately debate on the most pertinent issues about the peace accord.

“We cannot afford to err on this most-sought piece of legislation which seeks to put an end to the decades-long insurgency. It is therefore incumbent upon us to make sure that the efforts exerted by both panels will not be put in vain, by ensuring that the Bangsamoro Law falls within the four corners of the Constitution and one that can withstand judicial scrutiny,” he said.

Legarda on Earth Hour 2014: Small Acts Create Big Change

MANILA-As Filipinos prepare to join the Earth Hour 2014 on March 29, from 8:30 to 9:30 in the evening, Senator Loren Legarda today stressed on the importance of the campaign, which highlights that “small acts can create big, significant changes.”

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Climate Change, and Environment and Natural Resources, said that oftentimes people are overwhelmed with the gargantuan task of protecting the environment, without realizing that the small acts ignite greater action and result in significant achievements.

“The Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007. The following year, the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) launched the international Earth Hour. More than 400 cities in 35 countries, including the Philippines, joined the campaign. Now, more than 7,000 cities are involved. We only have to take that one important step, which is to take action, to save and protect our planet,” said Legarda.

According to the WWF, the Earth Hour campaign started by encouraging cities and communities to turn off their lights for one hour during the designated date of Earth Hour. Since then, homes and communities went beyond the hour or have taken greater action towards the protection of the environment.

Legarda noted that the Philippines has been regarded as an Earth Hour Hero Country for registering a high number of participating towns and cities and for its staunch support to the campaign.

In 2009, 647 cities and towns in the Philippines and an estimated 15 million Filipinos participated in the Earth Hour, saving 611 Megawatt-Hours of electricity during the one-hour period.

In 2013, records from the Visayan Electric Company in Cebu alone showed a reduction of 11 MW during the time of the event.

“The Earth Hour campaign shows us what each citizen can do. It tells us that every individual is capable of protecting our planet. Small acts cannot be underestimated because these small acts, when put together, create big change. Saving on electricity, using low carbon technologies, conserving water, eating local food, planting more trees, these are just some of the simple ways by which we can significantly contribute to protecting our Earth. The results of Earth Hour are clear enough to show what people can do when we work together,” Legarda stressed.

15M Filipinos to switch off lights on Earth Hour

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga --- It’s going to be a Black Saturday, literally, on March 29 as more than 15 million Filipinos are expected to “turn their lights off” for an hour, from 8:30-9:30 PM, in support of this year’s observance of Earth Hour, officials from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced yesterday.

This is the country’s contribution to the global effort of mitigating the impacts of global warming and climate change, explained Francisco Milla, Jr. of the regional DENR office in Central Luzon.

He said an estimated 15 million Filipinos will join the seven billion people from 154 countries and 1,000 cities and towns around the globe who are expected to join this massive “lights off” campaign to save on electricity, cut down greenhouse gas emission, and send a strong message around the world that every simple act of energy conservation can make a big difference.

Studies showed that the country expects to save at least 738 megawatts of power during the one-hour lights off period, equivalent to cutting down roughly 508 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

Records from the World Wide Fund showed that each Filipino emits about 0.9 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, and that each kilowatt hour of electricity consumed is equivalent to 0.50 kilograms of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

In Central Luzon alone, each of the 800,000 registered vehicles pumps into the atmosphere at least 2.3 kilograms of carbon dioxide per liter of gasoline or 2.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide per liter of diesel.

Milla said the global call for energy conservation measures is led by the Washington-based environmental group World Wide Fund for Nature in cooperation with the Department of Energy, the Green Army Philippines Network, and the SWITCH movement.

This year’s Earth Hour ambassador is the comic superhero “Spider-Man” who epitomizes the power of the individual, inspiring fans to become superheroes for the planet, according to the Earth Hour official website.

The Philippines earned the distinction of being “Earth Hour Hero Country” by consistently registering the most number of participating towns and cities since it first joined the event in 2009.

Earth hour started in Sydney, Autralia in 2007 as a “lights-off” event with 2.2 million . Since then, it has grown to engage more than 7,000 towns and cities worldwide.

JINGGOY: GPH-MILF AGREEMENT HERALDS PEACE, PROGRESS FOR MINDANAO

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

STATEMENT OF SEN. ANGARA ON THE SIGNING OF THE COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT ON THE BANGSAMORO

I congratulate the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front on the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. Hopefully, this would put an end to the decades-old civil war--a war that brought incalculable human cost including displacement of thousands of families and the loss of economic opportunities.

Indeed, this is one of the greatest accomplishments that President Aquino will leave behind. I also congratulate the heads and members of the peace panel particularly Marvic Leonen and Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the former and current government chief negotiators, and MILF chief negotiator Mohager Iqbal.

Both parties should make sure that the peace process is as inclusive as possible. Any kind of peace, for it to be lasting, has to be inclusive. May the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro lead to sustainable peace that would bring about genuine socio-economic and political development to the region, and more importantly, equitable growth to the people in Mindanao.