Legarda Renews Call for Disaster-Resilient and Climate-Proof National Budget

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today renewed her call for a national budget that ensures the integration of disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) and climate change adaptation in government policies and programs.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, made the statement as the Senate is set to start marathon budget hearings following the briefing by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on the 2015 National Expenditure Program (NEP).

“Government agencies, especially those integral to disaster resilience, should already have included in their programs proactive measures to reduce disaster risks as well as to mitigate and adapt to climate change. We need to stress the importance of a climate-proof and disaster-resilient budget because one disaster can greatly affect our people and our economy,” she said.

The Senator noted that during the DBCC briefing, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said that the government recognizes the need to focus on disaster prevention and preparedness.

Under the 2015 NEP, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Fund increased to P14-Billion. The NDRRM Fund for 2014 was P13-Billion.

Other priority programs for DRRM and CCA include the strengthened management of the country’s natural ecosystems, improved flood control and drainage projects, and carbon sequestration through the National Greening Program.

“As we proceed with the budget hearings, I would like to check if DRR programs under the 2014 budget have been implemented efficiently and effectively, particularly the NDRRM Fund, which was formerly the calamity fund and was converted as such to fund pre-disaster activities, and the People’s Survival Fund, which should finance climate change adaptation activities of local governments and organizations. Before we even approve a new budget, we have to see how the previous funds were used and look into the challenges in the implementation so that we can already provide remedy,” said Legarda.

She also said that since ecosystems decline is among the underlying drivers of disaster risks and poverty, in the context of climate change, “we must improve our green policies, which should be integrated in our development strategies, and ensure adequate funding on the same, especially on the protection of our ecosystems.”

R & D funding boosts rice yields by 25% -- book

SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ, Nueva Ecija - Research and development (R & D) initiatives in rice have boosted harvests of the staple by a whopping 25%.

          This was revealed by a recently released book on rice security and poverty reduction.

          The book, entitled “Securing Rice, Reducing Poverty,” was authored by then Southeast Asian Regional Center for Agriculture (SEARCA) Director and now National Economic and Development Authority Chief Arsenio Balisacan among others.

          In the book, Balisacan and his co-authors underscored the need to  increased R & D budget in rice to close the yield gaps often attributed to weeds, pests, and diseases, which can very well be addressed by stepping up research initiatives.

          Dr. Eufemio Rasco Jr., executive director of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), concurred with the findings of the book's authors and stressed that increasing the budget for rice R & D not only boosts production but also improves the overall income of farmers.

          Historically, research expenditure as a proportion of (Gross Domestic Product (GDP) allocation in the Philippines on R&D has  been inferior to its neighbors.

          Citing data from the 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook, Prof. Teodoro Mendoza of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, said the Philippines allocated only 0.12% of its GDP to R&D, much lower compared with Malaysia and Thailand which allocated 0.64% and 0.20%, respectively.

          A separate report by the International Food Policy Research Institute based in Washington, D.C. and the Bangkok-based Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions both noted the "rather slow-paced improvement in public spending on R&D in the Philippines relative to other countries."

          In their July 2013 report, Vietnam is reported to have increased its public spending on R&D by over 270%, from $23million in 1996 to $86 million in 2008.

          On the other hand, the Philippines spent a a much higher $133 million on R & D in 2008, up from $129 million in 1996. However, percentage-wise, this represents a scant 3% increase in spending.

          The increase in state spending on R&D having a major impact on rice productivity is most evident in the case of Vietnam where rice yield dramatically increased from 3.77 tons per hectare in 1996 to 4.89 tons/ha in 2008, making it the second highest rice producer in the region next only to China.

          PhilRice economists Sergio Francisco and Flordeliza Bordey, wirting in a paper entitled “Investments in Research, Development, and Extension: Implications on TFP,” said underfunding in public agricultural Research Development and Extension (RD & E) has become “pervasive and persistent.”

          They said such under investment slows down productivity.

          In 2007, an external review conducted to assess the impact of PhilRice, which has been conducting R & D researches to increase farmers' harvests, showed  that the farmers have benefited from the cost-reducing and yield-enhancing technologies developed by the institute. (Manny Galvez)

NE has 5,000 loose guns—PNP

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – The province of Nueva Ecija, once considered the country’s “wild, wild West” due to warlordism, political killings and the presence of private armies by politicians during the 80s and 90s, has 5,000 loose firearms, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

          Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, PNP provincial director, said the unaccounted guns are now in the hands of various individuals, including lawless elements.

          Nieves said the number of loose firearms represents a fifth of the total number of guns in the province which recorded 20,000 licensed firearms. He said the number of loose firearms is down by half from the previous 10,000 at the end of 2013.

          Nieves said firearms which have not been renewed are considered loose, adding firearms whose licenses have expired are not renewed for various reasons ranging from when the gun owner died, the gun was lost among others. “Essentially, when you don’t renew your gun license, then your firearm is considered loose also,” he said.

Still, Nieves said the province has the most number of firearms accounted for from January to December 2013 among the seven provinces in Central Luzon under “Oplan Bilang Boga” and “Oplan Katok.”

He said over the one-year period, the Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office (NEPPO) carried out 186 operations, resulting in the seizure of 273 assorted firearms, 94 of them high-powered. Also recovered were 19 fragmentation grenades, assorted ammunitions.

Nieves said 92 persons were arrested and 140 cases were filed in court in connection with the crackdown against loose firearms.

Under “Oplan Katok,” where lawmen conducted house-to-house visitations of all gun holders urging them to renew their expired firearms, Nieves said during the 2013 local and barangay elections in October, they documented 5,868 and 11,363 unrenewed firearms licenses.

At the same time, Nieves said the province does not have anymore private armed groups (PAGs) based on their validation. (Manny Galvez)      

Hacienda Dolores farmers condemn DAR’s broken promises

SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga-More than a hundred farmers from Hacienda Dolores, Porac town in Pampanga province trooped in front of the office of the Dept. of Agrarian Reform Region III office in city of San Fernando and protested its inaction and broken promises regarding the former’s plight on the land.  The farmers belonged to the Aniban ng Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Hacienda Dolores (Aniban) affiliated with Aguman Dareng Maglalautang Capampangan (Amc) and Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luson (Amgl, Farmers’ Alliance in Central Luzon).

“DAR as expected, has broken its promises to the farmers of Hacienda Dolores who camped out in front of their office for three months,” Joseph Canlas said, Amgl chairperson.

Last May, farmers of Hacienda Dolores set up camp in front of the said office as their lands were systematically seized by Leonardo-Lachenal-Leonio Holdings Inc. (LLL) and FL Property Management Corp. (FL), both partners of Ayala Land, Inc. who plans to construct a 1,000-hectare Alvierra eco-residential-commercial-light industrial and tourist project, akin to Nuvali in Sta. Rosa city, province of Laguna.

As the farmers’ protest is intensifying, DAR officials promised (1) to install farmers who have certificate of land ownership awards and emancipation patents for the lands they are tilling; and (2) to conduct an ocular inspection of the site, particularly to witness the fences and security posts set up by LLL and FL on the lands.  But for more than three months that passed, DAR never accomplished any of it committed.

“This showed the negligence of DAR, and the uselessness of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program against land grabbing measures of big companies such as Ayala Land,” Canlas said.

In light of advancing their legitimate interests of the land, the Hacienda Dolores farmers are to transfer their camp out at the site to serve as rallying point of their activities within the hacienda.  The farmers vowed to defend their remaining lands from possible encroachment of LLL and FL, as well as abuses of private guards and goons.

“From the successul drumming up of the Hacienda Dolores issue through setting up camp, marching from Pampanga to Metro Manila and joining the state-of-the-nation address (sona) protest, the camp out at the site symbolizes the farmers’ assertion of their rights on the land on ground level,” Canlas said.

The groups said that farmers’ situation worsened under the present administration of president Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino (BS Aquino) as Ayala Land was a big financial backer of his presidential campaign in 2010 and DAR’s inaction, as well as other agencies such as the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are only part of the political favors enjoyed by the said company.

“Hacienda Dolores farmers became usual victims of mass arrests, extra-judicial killings and filing of trumped up charges under Aquino’s term.  Thus, we hold his corruption-ridden presidency seriously accountable for the abuses against the farmers,” Canlas said.

“We will never tire of reiterating our call for justice for Hacienda Dolores farmers such as Arman Padiño, who was killed on January 13, Menelao Barcia killed on May 2, and also for jailed former Aniban chair and elected barangay chair Arturo Tolentino,” he added.

The groups said that the Hacienda Dolores farmers’ rights on land remains threatened under BS Aquino government, thus, they are joining the nationwide support for his impeachment and call for his removal from office, especially brought about by his disbursement acceleration program (DAP) that used billions of pesos of public funds. 

PNP mulls no new raps vs 2 arrested UP grads

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija–The Philippine National Police (PNP) is not considering to file additional charges against the two graduates of the University of the Philippines (UP) who were arrested last week in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija amid their claims of human rights violations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP.

          “We are not entertaining the filing of more charges against them. I think that would be adding insult to injury. They are already down and we won’t be stepping on them,” said PNP provincial police director, Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves.

          Nieves was referring to Gerald Salonga and Guiller Martin Cadano who were both labeled as platoon guides of the New People’s Army by military authorities from the 7^th Infantry Division.

          The filing of new charges could stem from the two’s claims they were harassed which authorities denied and could counter-act by haling them to court for perjury or false testimonies.

          Salonga and Cadano are already facing charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

          Cecil Ruiz, chair of human rights watchdog Karapatan, claimed the two were just watching television when arrested by a team of soldiers and policemen from the provincial public safety company in Barangay R.T. Padilla, Carranglan last August 9.

          The composite team seized two 9-mm pistols, bullets, two handgrenades and anti-government documents from the two.

          Nieves insisted that the two were not tortured as claimed by Karapatan and were in fact in good physical condition.

          He said it was but normal for the two suspects to make denials and turn the tables on their captors.

          “Even pushers, when caught in anti-drug operations would deny the seized items were not theirs and these were just planted,” he said.

          Just the same, Nieves said they welcome the conduct of an investigation by the Commission on Human Rights. “We are open to it. If there are lapses in the operation, we may also look into it,” he said.

          Meanwhile, the PNP and the Army have both found an ally in Gov. Aurelio Umali who expressed doubts the arrested UP graduates were tortured. He said the Nueva Ecija PNP just did its job and it has been known not to compromise its obligations to the people of the province.

          Umali said allegations of human rights violations against lawmen in the province were nothing new whenever there is an incident between the PNP and the Army and the NPA.

          He recalled that a few years back, there was an encounter in Pantabangan and there were accusations human rights were violated. “But when the CHR came over to investigate, it was surprised to find out that the policemen respected the human rights of the communist rebels,” he said. (Manny Galvez)

Statement by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon

We congratulate the government panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace negotiators for overcoming great challenges. The successful talks between the two sides to iron out differences in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law only proves that we all share a desire for peace, equality and prosperity as a nation.

The Senate, for its part, vows to work double time so that the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed into law by the first quarter of next year.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law represents all our hopes and aspirations for a lasting and genuine peace and inclusive social and economic development in Mindanao. We will not fail the Filipino people, especially our brothers and sisters in Mindanao. – END

STATEMENT OF VICE PRESIDENT JEJOMAR C. BINAY ON AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION TO CLIP THE POWER OF THE JUDICIARY

Those advising the President to pursue a course that will lead to a frontal confrontation with the Supreme Court are bringing our country to the brink of a political and constitutional crisis. They are also putting in peril the President's chance to leave a positive legacy to the people. In doing so, they invoke the name of public interest. To blur the delineation between their selfish interest and public interest is dangerous and despotic.

Checks and balances are the foundations of democracy. When the Supreme Court declared the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) unconstitutional, it was in exercise of its power and duty as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution ratified during the time of President Cory Aquino.

The Constitution is quite explicit when it reposed on the judiciary not only the power but also the duty "to determine whether or not there has been grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch of instrumentality of government."   This was included precisely to prevent a situation where the judiciary bends to the wills of one branch, or of one man as was the case during martial law.

As one of those who fought for freedom and democracy during martial law, I appreciate the powers vested in the Supreme Court by the 1987 Constitution. It enshrines the hopes of the millions of Filipinos who made the 1986 Edsa Revolution possible for a strong judicial institution as the best safeguard against dictatorship in whatever form.

As a lawyer, I firmly believe that a democracy obligates the three co-equal branches - executive, judiciary and legislature - to respect each one's independence and recognize each one's powers, duties and limitations set by the Constitution. A healthy democracy will benefit the people.

While I respect the views of those who complain of judicial overreach as well as those who believe in lifting presidential term limits, I pray for sober reflection to restrain abrupt political initiatives. We must never allow purely partisan considerations to erode the institutions that guarantee our freedoms.

I have declared even before the President's statement the other day my opposition to Charter Change, except only on the economic provisions. My position has not changed. I will continue to oppose political Charter Change not only because of principle but because it will be destabilizing and divisive at the very moment that we need national unity.

NIA BOARD STARTS ORGANIZATIONAL REVAMP, APPROVES REASSIGNMENTS

MANILA-The NIA Board of Directors (BOD), led by Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (PAFSAM) Secretary Francis N. Pangilinan, crafted a resolution approving the reassignment of NIA officials immediately effective in August 2014. Resolution No. 8084-14 was adopted on August 9, 2014 during the BOD’s 896^th Regular Board Meeting. This is also in line with one of NIA Administrator Florencio F. Padernal’s strategic efforts in organizational reform to optimize the agency’s performance in irrigation service delivery.

The approved reassignment of NIA officials is as follows:

NAME	PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT/DESIGNATION	NEW ASSIGNMENT
John L. Socalo	CAR	No movement
John N. Celeste	Region 11	Region 1
Mariano G. Dancel	MRIIS	No movement
Antonio C. Lara	Region 2	No movement
Reynaldo D. Puno	Region 3	UPRIIS
Josephine B. Salazar	UPRIIS	Region 3
William P. Ragodon	Region 5	Region 4A
Efren S. Roqueza	Operations Department Manager	Region 4B
Vicente R. Vicmudo	Region 1	Region 5
Gerardo P. Corsiga	Region 6 concurrent JRMP Project Manager	No movement
Mario H. Sande	Division Manager, Central Office	Region 7
Romeo G. Quiza	Region 8	No movement
Diosdado A. Rosales	Region 9	No movement
Julius S. Maquiling	Assistant Administrator	Region 10
Alejandro L. Alberca	Region 7	Region 11
Ali S. Satol	Region 12	No movement
Encarnacion S. Soriano	Caraga	No movement
Florentino R. David	Department Manager, IAS	Operations Department Manager
Guillermo R. Mercado	Division Manager, IAS	Acting Department Manager, IAS

In connection with this, an office memorandum dated August 13, 2014 was also circulated to further plaster the movements incurred by the revamp. New assignments for officials as per office memorandum are as follow:

NAME	PREVIOUS ASSIGNMENT/DESIGNATION	NEW ASSIGNMENT
Dexter G. Patrocinio	BBMP	BBMP concurrent Engineering Dept. Manager
Modesto G. Membreve	Deputy Administrator	Mini-Hydro Projects and other Special Concerns
Genever M. Dionio	Legal Services	Legal Services Manager concurrent Acting Corporate Board Secretary
Conrado V. Cardenas, Jr.	Region 4B	Palawan IMO, Region 4B
Mario M. Hebreo	Palawan IMO, Region 4B	Mindoro Occidental IMO, Region 4B
Romeo M. Lopez	Region 4A	Cavite-Batangas IMO, Region 4A
Hilarion C. Cedeño	Region 10	Laguna-Rizal IMO, Region 4A
Nicasio C. Pagdanganan, Jr.	Cavite-Batangas IMO, Region 4A	Quezon IMO, Region 4A

Prior the reassignments, Resolution No. 8078-14 signed on July 12, 2014 finalized the reinstitution of Engr. Felix M. Razo as Acting Senior Deputy Administrator and designation of Engr. Erdolfo B. Domingo (former Engineering Department Manager) as Acting Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations.

Engr. Padernal believes that for the agency to “rise from the rubbles,” internal movement should be encouraged. He, together with other NIA officials, is beginning to review the assignments of Irrigation Management Office (IMO) Managers. He emphasizes the marching-order for government agencies to rotate the leadership of units to avoid corruption.

Legarda Bats for 25k Minimum Salary for Teachers

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda has filed a proposed measure seeking to increase the minimum salary of public school teachers and non-teaching personnel.

Under Senate Bill No. 2351, Legarda proposed that the present minimum salary of public school teachers in the elementary and secondary schools be upgraded from P18,549 to P25,000 a month. The salaries of those occupying higher positions shall be adjusted accordingly.

Meanwhile, the minimum salary of non-teaching personnel, who provides support to teachers, will be increased from P9,000 to P15,000 per month.

“This bill aims to raise the salary of public school teachers and its non-teaching personnel to ensure that the State fulfills its responsibility of ensuring adequate compensation for teachers and to prevent our competent and efficient educators from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad,” said Legarda.

She stressed that Republic Act 4670, or the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, protects the rights of public educators to a decent salary by ensuring that compensation levels compare favorably to those paid in other occupations requiring equivalent qualifications and that they ensure reasonable standard of life for themselves and their families.

“The country can only move forward in the global knowledge economy if government ensures that it invests enough on improving its human capital,” said Legarda.

The proposed measure also ensures that appropriation for the salary increase of teaching and non-teaching personnel in public schools shall take priority over non-educational and non-agricultural budgetary allocations.