Trillanes: Tap nurses to boost maternal health care

MANILA, November 18, 2012-Senator Antonio “Sonny” F. Trillanes IV underscored the need for public hospitals to employ more nurses and other skilled health professionals in order to address a requirement under the proposed reproductive health (RH) bill on maternal health care and skilled birth attendance.

Trillanes made the statement in light of the admission by Patricia Gomez, president of the Integrated Midwives Association, during a Senate committee hearing that the average number of midwifery graduates every year would not be able to meet the required number of health workers under Section 5 of Senate Bill No. 2865.

This section provides that “the Local government units, with the assistance of the DOH [Department of Health], shall employ an adequate number of midwives and other skilled health professionals for maternal health care and skilled birth attendance to achieve a minimum ratio of one (1) fulltime equivalent skilled health professional for every one hundred fifty (150) deliveries per year.”

During the period of individual amendments for SBN 2865, Trillanes proposed to amend the said provision by allowing nurses to be deployed to public hospitals in order to satisfy the required number of health professionals.

“We can tap our nurses since we have large pool of nurses. More than this, they can cover not only reproductive health, but general health care in particular,” Trillanes  said.

“Government hospitals are reported to have been experiencing shortage of nurses but the plantilla positions for nurses in public hospitals are never filled up,” Trillanes further explained during the period of individual amendments to SBN 2865.

Trillanes believed that his proposed amendment would address the high unemployment rate among nurses in the country.

Tirona installed as Caceres’ 4th archbishop

NAGA City, Nov. 17, 2012―Archbishop Rolando Joven Tria Tirona, OCD was installed November 14 as fourth archbishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres in a two hour solemn liturgical rites.

Tirona succeeded Dominican Archbishop Leonardo Zamora Legaspi who served as metropolitan bishop of Caceres for 28 years.

Caceres new Archbishop Rolando Tria-Tirona kisses the crucifix during the liturgical reception at the Holy Cross Parish in Tabuco, Naga City.

The new prelate called on the clergy, religious and laymen and women to further help in making the local church responsive to the needs of the times.

He also expressed his thanks to the “best clergy” he ever knew, the clergy from the Prelature of Infanta, drawing loud applause from the congregation.

The 66-year old Tirona served as Prelate of Infanta, which has the northern portion of Quezon Province and the whole Province of Aurora as territory.

Around 700 to 800 priests and laymen and women from Infanta joined Tirona to Naga City.

The prelate also acknowledged the presence of his predecessor in Infanta, 86-year old Bishop Emeritus Julio Xavier Labayen, a fellow Carmelite.

Acknowledging his new flock, Tirona also quipped “From today, the best clergy I know comes the Archdiocese of Caceres” to the louder applause from the Bicolano priests and the congregation in attendance.

The Archdiocese of Caceres has over 80 parishes with less than 300 priests serving over a million Catholics.  The average annual ordinandi for the ecclesial province is four deacons.

The provincial government of Camarines and the Naga City government passed resolutions expressing their sincere appreciation for the service rendered to the archdiocese by Caceres Archbishop Emeritus Leonardo Z. Legaspi as its spiritual leader.

The Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Pinto wished the new Caceres archbishop well even as he thanked Archbishop Legaspi for his successful ministry in the ecclesial province for nearly three decades.  He also wished Archbishop Legaspi the best of health.

Aside from the Papal nuncio, other archbishops who concelebrated with Archbishop Tirona were Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, Manila Archbishop and Cardinal-Designate Luis Antonio G. Tagle, CBCP president and Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma and Caceres Archbishop Emeritus Leonardo Z. Legaspi.

About 30 other bishops, mostly from Luzon and the Visayas attended the two-hour installation rites with hundreds of priests from the Dioceses of Daet, Libmanan, Legazpi, Sorsogon, Masbate, Catanduanes, Malolos and the Prelature of Infanta. (Melo M. Acuna/CBCPNews)

Legarda Supports IMF Chief’s Call for Inclusive Growth to Reduce Poverty

MANILA, November 17, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today agreed with the statement of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde that the Philippines should ensure inclusive growth, especially through support for rural enterprises, to reduce poverty.

Legarda, author of several laws that support rural livelihoods, noted Lagarde’s observation that despite the positive economic growth in the country, 42% of the Philippine population is still poor, living on a budget of less than two dollars a day, primarily because growth is felt mostly only by the rich and the middle class.

“Our country is experiencing positive economic growth as attested to by no less than Ms. Christine Lagarde, the Managing Director of the IMF. What we should also focus on is spreading the wealth. Ms. Lagarde said that inclusive growth can be attained if rural enterprises are supported. We have to ensure that the benefits of our economic gains will trickle down even to the far-flung barangays in the country. We have to make our laws work to be successful on that,” she said.

In line with this, the Senator called for the full implementation of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Act (RA 9501), the Barangay Kabuhayan Act (RA 9509), and the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act (RA 10000), which she all authored.

“We must invest heavily in the countryside, stimulating growth of MSMEs that will provide more employment opportunities. Training programs should be established in barangays to encourage people to engage in self-employment alternatives. Furthermore, we should extend adequate technical and financial support to our farmers and fisherfolk. Government agencies, such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Agriculture, must coordinate well in implementing our laws on rural enterprises,” Legarda stressed.

The MSME Law strengthens and provides more assistance to MSMEs by requiring lending institutions to allocate at least eight percent of their total loan portfolio to micro and small businesses. It also provides access to new technologies and regular entrepreneurship training programs for workers as well as a comprehensive development plan that would ensure the viability and growth of MSMEs in the country.

The Barangay Kabuhayan Act establishes livelihood and skills training centers in the fourth, fifth and sixth class municipalities in the country.

The Agri-Agra Law requires banks to allocate 25% of their loanable funds to the agriculture sector to finance the acquisition of work animals, farm equipment or machinery, seeds, fertilizers, livestock, feeds and/or other similar items for farm production.  Of the 25%, 10% should be given to agrarian reform beneficiaries and 15% to the agriculture sector.

Legarda Echoes Call for Countries to Ratify UN Conventions on Trafficking Victims and Migrant Workers

MANILA, November 17, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, today echoed the call of the Philippine Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva for countries to ratify international instruments that will protect vulnerable sectors, such as the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (Palermo Convention) and the International Labor Organization’s (ILO’s) Convention 189 on domestic workers.

“Even as we celebrate the Philippine ratification of ILO 189, and are working on the proposed Expanded Anti-Trafficking Act, we should also urge other countries to work on these issues, as they affect a great number of women and children. I thus express full support to Ambassador Evan P. Garcia who seeks transnational support for these efforts,” she said.

Legarda, who sponsored both the Expanded Anti-trafficking Act and the Senate ratification of ILO Convention 189, among other efforts to safeguard vulnerable sectors, stressed that these issues should be among the top priorities of legislators all over the world.

“We saw the ratification of ILO Convention 189 last August, which was a milestone for Filipino domestic workers both here and abroad. We are also positive that we will soon have the Expanded Anti-trafficking Act, which will strengthen the prosecution of preempted acts of trafficking and provide protection to trafficked victims, among others,” she explained.

“In our increasingly globalized environment, countless persons are threatened by those who take advantage of others for their own gain. It is our responsibility to ensure that these injustices do not happen, not just on our own soil, but in all countries,” Legarda concluded.

PNOY CERTIFIES SIN TAX BILL AS URGENT DRILON SAYS BILL TO BE OK’D BY MONDAY

MANILA, November 16, 2012-President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday certified as urgent Senate Bill 3299 or the sin tax reform bill that, in effect, allows the proposed measure to be approved on second and third reading on Monday sans the three days interval rule, announced Senator Franklin M. Drilon.  

“The President certified as urgent the sin tax reform bill for he believes the passage of this very important piece of legislation will buttress government health agenda and address the high prevalence of smoking in the country,” said Drilon.

The certification, which was signed by the President before he leaves for Cambodia to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, gives authority to Upper Chamber to vote on a measure on second and third reading without having to observe the three days interval rule, explained Drilon.

As a rule, a bill must undergo three readings on three separate days except when the President certifies a bill as urgent to meet a public calamity or national emergency.

“Pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 26 (2) of the 1987 Constitution, I hereby certify to the necessity of the immediate enactment of Senate Bill 3299 to address the urgent need to restructure the excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products in order to enhance revenue generating potential of the tax system, and utilize the incremental revenues therefrom to augment the funding for the universal healthcare program of the government,” the President said in the certification letter.

“We are in the final stretch. We are only one step farther before the passage of this bill; but, certainly, without the support of the President, we would not have gone this far,” said Drilon who also chairs the Senate Finance Committee.

Drilon said SB 3299, which faced a thorough scrutiny of senators during the five extended session days, will face individual amendments on Monday prior to its ratification.

“After all interpellations on the committee amendments were closed and the committee amendments having been accepted, then we now go to the period of individual amendments wherein the Senators can propose amendments. If these amendments are accepted by the Chamber, they will be considered as part of the bill.”

“I am confident that our colleagues have seen and realized the importance of this reform measure to a great majority both as a health measure and as a finance bill. I am confident that they will vote for its passage when session resumes on Monday,” ended Drilon.

Bishop seeks justice for slain parish worker

MANILA, Nov. 15, 2012— A Catholic bishop has demanded justice for a female parish worker who was killed last Tuesday outside a church in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

Bishop Angelito Lampon, OMI

Jolo Bishop Angelito Lampon wants to see the killer of Conchita “Ching” Francisco, an elementary school principal of the Mindanao State University, brought to justice as soon as possible.

According to him, Francisco’s husband, Jhun, was also murdered six years ago and the case remains unsolved until now.

“It’s very pathetic. The victim also has a 4-year old child which has a mental problem,” Lampon told Radio Veritas Thursday.

Francisco has worked for many years as a member of the Our Lady of Most Holy Rosary Parish Pastoral Council in Bongao.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim was shot in the head after attending an evening Mass. The gunmen and motive for the killing remain unknown. (RL/CBCPNews)

On the Political & Economic Risk Consultancy, Limited (PERC) Report

MANILA, November 15, 2012-In a banner year in strengthening political institutions, the Philippines ranked 4th lowest among 12 Asian nations in terms of domestic political risks, according to a report by the Political & Economic Risk Consultancy, Limited (PERC). Among Southeast Asian countries, the report also placed the Philippines second only to Singapore in the same risk category.

Just two years prior, the Hong Kong-based business consulting firm ranked the Philippines 10th in Asia and 5th in Southeast Asia, showing a considerable turnaround following the assumption of the Aquino administration in June 2010.

PERC was emphatic in its assessment of the President and his government, referring to his stewardship as, "one of the few in the country's modern history that has made headway on the population's political aspirations." Among the achievements cited by the firm are: improved government fiscal position, upgrades by credit rating agencies, and serious headway into a peace agreement with the MILF.

We take the results of this report with the constant awareness that more needs to be done to further establish the gains we have made over the past two years. Restoring social trust in our institutions continues to be the overarching aspiration of the Aquino administration with the President himself leading by example.

Roxas relieves PNP chiefs in Zamboanga del Sur, Pagadian City over Aman Futures scam

MANILA, Philippines – Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas today relieved Zamboanga del Sur Provincial PNP Director Senior Superintendent William T. Manzan and Pagadian City Chief of Police Superintendent Kenneth H. Mission in connection with the Aman Futures investment scam that victimized thousands in the province and parts of Mindanao.

Roxas said this is meant to avoid chances of whitewash in the ongoing police investigation into the latest “get-rich-quick” scheme that has reportedly duped some 15,000 individuals into investing about P12 billion of their hard-earned money.

The DILG chief also said Manzan and Mission were suspended for their supposed negligence in stopping Aman Futures early on in their operations.

“This scam has been perpetrated beginning as early as February this year and there have been very loud indicators that this scam was happening. People were lining up as early as 2:00 in the morning to try to get in the premises of Aman,” he said.

“The fact that there was no report that filtered up from the City PNP to the province to the region all the way to headquarters indicates, at the very least, negligence or laziness,” Roxas added.

Roxas said apart from Manzan and Mission, 21 other PNP officers who reportedly invested in Aman were recalled back to camp. He said this is to ensure that they do not use their authority to exact revenge against Aman Futures and its representatives.

Roxas also said the DILG has requested treasurers of local government units in Lanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur to submit their respective LGU bank balances for examination. This is to verify reports that public funds may have been used to invest in Aman.

The government is conducting a manhunt for the officials of Aman, including its president, Manuel K. Amalilio and Fernando “Nonoy” R. Luna, head of the Aman operations in Pagadian City.

Aman Futures was able to lure investors, mostly in Pagadian City, by offering a 30-percent to 40-percent return on investment within eight days, and a 50-percent to 80-percent profit for 18 to 20 days.

Aman Futures claimed that the profit would come from a customer agreement with Malaysian brokerage firm Okachi (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. that in turn engages in futures trading of commodities such as oil, manganese, palm oil and nickel.

At first, the victims could receive cash by just showing their official receipts. But later, investors were issued post-dated checks with a 50-day maturity date in lieu of cash. Investors started to panic when the Aman office in Pagadian closed last September 26.

P1.8-M ‘hot logs’ seized in NE

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 15, 2012–At least P1.8 million worth of illegal logs had been seized by government operatives in Nueva Ecija following a series of operations in the province since last month.

Maximo Dichoso, regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Luzon, said the 30-day campaign, codenamed “CamPlan NE2012,” is aimed at neutralizing syndicates operating in Gen. Tinio, a known hotbed of illegal logging.

Gen. Tinio and the towns of Bongabon and Gabaldon have been classified by the DENR as illegal logging “hot spots.”

He said the campaign has so far resulted in the seizure of about 20,000 board feet of forest contraband and 8,024 board feet of premium hardwood dipterocarp valued at P500,000 and 329 sacks of charcoal.

Dichoso said aside from DENR operatives, the government composite team also consists of teams from the 702^nd Brigade and 56^th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, and the Nueva Ecija Protection and Security Command of the provincial Philippine National Police.

         

Seized from the backyard of furniture maker Apid Maducdoc of Sitio Batog in the village of Rio Chico are contraband wood species such as yakal, bagtikan, and apitong, which according to DENR informants, were cut from the mountains of Sierra Madre in Dona Remedios Trinidad in Bulacan, and floated down the river of Sumacbao in Gen. Tinio.Maducdoc remains at large.

The DENR is eyeing charges against Maducdoc for violations of Section 68 of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines, as amended by Executive Order no. 277 of 1987.

         

Dichoso said if proven guilty, Maducdoc will face a maximum prison term of 20 years under Articles 309 and 310 of the Revised Penal Code.

Dichoso said he has ordered a through investigation into the possible involvement of some local officials in illegal logging operations in Gen. Tinio.

         

Resolution No. 2011-006 of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) states that all forest products coming from natural and residual forests after February 28, 2012 shall be considered as property of the state.

         

Last year, the DENR  in Central Luzon seized 212,517 board feet of assorted forest contraband and conveyances worth at least P7 million. (Manny Galvez)

Legarda Stresses Women’s Role as Effective Agents of Change at Gathering of Women in Cavite

MANILA, November 15, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today stressed on the role of women as silent but effective agents of change and leaders of society at the gathering of women in Cavite for the first anniversary of the Nagkakaisang Kababaihan ng General Trias.

“The role of women in our society has continuously evolved through the years. However, more women participating in decision-making, whether within the family, the community, or the nation, does not mean they are already considered equal to men. For instance, in times of disaster and economic stress, women are the primary caregivers. They also carry out much of the household workload after a disaster,” she said.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, noted that women and girls account for 52% of the world’s population and over 100 million of which are affected by disasters annually. They have distinct nutritional needs that make coping with disasters tougher and harsher.

“Despite these, women have been silently and effectively at the frontline of disaster prevention and climate change adaptation efforts,” she stressed.

Legarda cited several environmental and disaster risk redection programs initiated by women in the Philippines, such as the women farmers in Montalban, Rizal who practice agroforestry to adapt to the prolonged wet season; a group of women fisherfolk in Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur who reforested over a hundred hectares of mangrove areas to protect their settlements from storm surges; and the women of San Francisco in Camotes Island, Cebu, who are in charge of environmental protection and disaster prevention programs in each and every purok.

“I am certain that the women of General Trias are also active participants in the local initiatives to protect the environment, such as the municipal-wide clean-up drive and the use of “eco-bags,” instead of plastic. These are important steps in making our communities safe against disaster risks,” she said.

“Women around the world and here in the Philippines are silently making their invaluable contribution to society. It is time to usher a new phase where women and girls are no longer portrayed as victims but heroes,” Legarda concluded.

Legarda Urges DRR Practices in Schools, Hails ASEAN Winner on Disaster Preparedness

MANILA, November 15, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today urged all schools in the country to institutionalize disaster preparedness measures to ensure the safety of children in the event natural hazards occur.

Legarda, the United Nations Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, made the statement as she lauded the Iliranan Elementary School in San Carlos, Negros Occidental for winning second place in the 2012 Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) - Japan Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Award. There were 17 other school contenders from the Philippines.

“It is very reassuring to see that learning institutions, schoolchildren and our youth are becoming directly involved in efforts to make our communities safe from disasters. Institutionalizing disaster preparedness practices in our schools is crucial in making every community disaster-resilient and also because children are most vulnerable to disasters,” she stressed.

The Iliranan Elementary School was chosen as one of the winners for their Iliranan Disaster Education Programme (IDEP) and School and Community Always Prepared and Equipped for Disaster (SCAPED). Earlier, the same school was also bestowed the ASEAN Eco-Friendly Schools Award, a recognition given to learning institutions that promote environmentally-sustainable policies.

“I encourage all schools and the whole education sector to give due focus in making our schools safe from all kinds of hazards. Schools are critical public infrastructures that serve as second home to our children and emergency refuge in times of disaster. Aside from ensuring safe physical structure, schools must have disaster preparedness and contingency plans so that students will survive and continue their schooling in the aftermath of disasters,” the Senator said.

“In making our nation disaster-resilient, we not only protect our young people, but also invest in our country’s future,” Legarda concluded.

Umali on Cauzo murder links: ‘I’m innocent’

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 14, 2012-Nueva Ecija Gov. Aurelio Umali has maintained his innocence amid the supposed attempts by the camp of his estranged former political ally, Mayor Julius Caezar Vergara to link the former in the November 7 murder of the hard-hitting radio anchor.

         

Speaking over TV 48, Umali swore to high heavens that he had nothing to do with Cauzo’s killing and said his history as a politician is not etched in violence.

“History will bear me out that I have no history of violence, past or present. There is no tinge of blood in my hands. And may the wrath of God fall on the perpetrators of the dastardly killing of Cauzo,” he told newsmen.

Umali issued the statement amid the perceived attempts of the Vergara camp to link him to the killing of Cauzo, a radio anchor of DWJJ, the teleradyo outfit owned by the family of Vergara.

Umali and Vergara are locked up in a bitter, protracted word war over the Highly Urbanized City bid of the city government under Vergara. Umali is strongly opposing the conversion, contained in Presidential Proclamation 418 issued last July 4 by President Aquino.

A plebiscite to ratify or reject the conversion has been set by the Commission on Elections on December 1.

The police said it is looking into politics as one of the angles in the killing of Cauzo who – before his death – has been engaged in an animated, mostly heated exchange with Umali’s allies from TV 48 over the HUC issue.

Umali has offered a P1-million reward to anyone who could provide information on the killers of Cauzo, matching the amount put up by Vergara. He asked mediamen to join Task Force Cauzo and the Philippine National Police in the conduct of a full-blown investigation into the killing of the radio anchor.

The governor led a peace rally at the Capitol Monday simultaneous with a separate rally made by the camp of Vergara. 

Umali admitted that he has past run-ins with the media in the province, including a former radio commentator of DWNE when the Josons were still in power and two other correspondents of Manila-based dailies but nothing untoward happened to them.

\“This former radio commentator had been maligning and lambasting me. You should have heard him curse me in the airwaves. But did anything untoward happened to him? None,” he said.

“I will be the last person to resort to violence. But I never back down from a fight,” he said. He accused Vergara of allegedly fomenting anarchy and lawlessness by trying to provoke him so that if he did, they would capitalize on it.

He cited an incident last Thursday when some persons who were employed at city hall held an indignation rally demanding justice for Cauzo and barged inside the Capitol compound and destroyed the glass entrance door while shouting expletives at personnel. (Manny Galvez)

            

             

‘Farmer’ in NE slain by motorcycle-riding gunmen is leader of gun-for-hire gang, PNP says

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, November 14, 2012-A 28-year-old farmer from Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija who was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding gunmen in Talavera town has been tagged by the Philippine National Police as the leader of a dreaded gun-for-hire gang involved in a string of criminal activities in the tri-boundaries of Tarlac, Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija.

          Senior Superintendent Walter Castillejos, provincial police director, said the victim, Rodel Acosta, was the leader of Acosta Group which has victimized several people in its criminal activities in the three provinces.

          Acosta was gunned down by two suspects aboard an unlicensed Kawasaki Rouser motorcycle at around 5:30 pm last November 9 along the  Maharlika Highway in Barangay San Pascual, Talavera.

           Acosta, who was identified in initial police reports as a farmer, was with his mother Santa Diaz-Acosta at  a spare parts store in San Pascual while having his motorcycle repaired after encountering engine trouble when the two suspects shot him several times, hitting him in the different parts of his body which caused his death.

         Castillejos said upon verification, it was found out that Acosta, alias Del,  was the leader of the Acosta Group which carried out robbery-holdup and carnapping activities in Paniqui, Tarlac, Umingan and Rosales in Pangasinan and in northern Nueva Ecija.

          He said among the members of his gang were Jerry Derije, Pinky de Gracia and Michael Rovero, all former members of the paramilitary group Civlian Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU), Masi Derije and Ariel Umipig, all of Barangay Sta Cruz and Dominador Andres alias Boyet/Teddy of Barangay Sta Clara, all of Cuyapo.

         Based on the case operational plan of the Cuyapo PNP, the group has been using a Kawasaki Bajaj and Honda Wave motorcycles as their getaway vehicles, armed with caliber 45, 9mm, and caliber 38 revolvers and an Uzi machine pistol.

          The group was tagged for the robbery hold-up at Barangay San Antonio, Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija victimizing Quirino Bagalay for which a robbery case was filed against them before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.

        It was also behind the carnapping of a motorcycle of one Emely Carillo  on August 24, 2012 at Barangay Cabatuan, Umingan, Pangasinan. The vehicle was later used by the group to in a robbery with homicide incident in Guimba last week. 

         Acosta’s group also held up a Shell Gasoline Station in Barangay District V, Cuyapo owned by businesswoman Ramona Ramos where they shot cashier Consuel Ocampo before carting away cash worth P70,000.00.

         Acosta, based on court records, has at least five criminal cases lodged in various courts in the province. (Manny Galvez)

5 TRADERS/ COOP REPS SURRENDER BEFORE SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

MANILA, November 14, 2012-Five of the 20 traders/ cooperative representatives that have been issued warrants of arrest for their failure to appear before the Senate investigating committee on smuggling have surrendered themselves before the Senate on Tuesday.

"We will confer with the Senate President and other members of the committee to discuss whether or not a release order is to be issued," says Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, Senate Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Food. "In the meantime they will remain under the custody of the Sergeant-at-Arms as our rules provide."

Pangilinan, in the meantime, issued a stern warning to all resource persons invited by the Senate investigating committee on future hearings.

"The Senate is committed to putting an end to smuggling in the country. At the very least we would improve the system of importation ad address the gaps that contribute to rampant smuggling. WE are taking the matter seriously. Should the invited resource persons deem to interpret their appearance as inconsequential or take the matter lightly as to ignore the Senate's summons, they will face the consequences."

Toll rates bearable if VAT was not imposed

MANILA, November 14, 2012-If only you had listened.

This was the reaction of Sen. Ralph G. Recto to the reported plan of government to subsidize the operations of privately-run toll roads, including toll fees, to ensure the profitability of the investing firms and soften the impact on motorists.

Recto on Monday said with a 12-percent Value Added Tax (VAT) on toll fees and the expected new wave of increases in toll rates next year, the motorists should brace for an unprecedented higher toll rate regime.

“As early as 2010, I have been saying not to VAT toll rates because it was not the intention of the law, that it would drive up the rates and burden the motorists,” Recto, chair of the Senate committee on government corporations and public enterprises, said.

He said the government would never have to think of subsidy for toll companies had it not stubbornly insisted on slapping toll fees with a 12 percent VAT contrary to the stand of lawmakers who shepherded the law.

The senator, with the backing of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile  and his colleagues, had maintained during hearings last year that toll fee was not in the list of “VATable” items when Congress legislated the law.

“Now they’re beginning to realize the folly of slapping toll rates with VAT and are now considering subsidy to lure in more investors and appease motoring public,” Recto said.

Recto said the supposed billions in revenues to be collected from VAT on toll fee would be washed away by the billions in subsidy to be extended to toll road operators.

He said the proposed subsidy to toll roads is also on top of proposal to extend toll operators income tax holidays (ITH) as a come-on for other groups to invest in the country.

  

Transportation Secretary Jose Emilio Abaya was quoted in news reports that government considers extending subsidy to private toll road companies to guarantee their investments and lure more players in infrastructure projects.

Currently, however, toll firms are already assured of a 15 percent guaranteed return of their investments.

Five toll road operators, handling North Luzon Expressway, Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway, Metro Manila Skyway, Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, and Manila-Cavite Expressway are poised to increase their toll by the start of 2013.

The toll operators have applied with the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) for an increase in their rates from 10 percent to 33 percent, which could go up to a high of 50 percent if the income tax holiday (ITH) incentive is not approved.

P-Noy calls on all Filipinos to do their share in the attainment of rice self-sufficiency

SCIENCE CITY OF MUNOZ, Nueva Ecija, November 13, 2012-President Benigno Aquino III called on all Filipinos to do their share in the attainment of rice self-sufficiency by 2013.

In a message during Tuesday’s launch of National Year of Rice (NYR) and awarding of Gawad Saka winners that was read by Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala, Aquino said “idineklara po nating NYR ang 2013 upang paghandaan at lalong mapabilis ang pagiging rice self-sufficient ng Pilipinas. Subalit ano man pong proklamasyon ang gawin ng pamahalaan, kung hindi makikilahok ang taumbayan, para na rin pong nagsayang lang tayo ng ilang pirasong papel (We declared 2013 as NYR to speed up efforts on rice self-sufficiency in the country. However, any proclamation will never materialize and will be wasted if the people do not take part).

The President added that any program of the government stems out from the plea and needs of “Juan dela Cruz” and will only be successfully carried out if everyone will have his/her own contribution. 

“Whatever profession- be it a farmer from Cagayan, or a fisherfolk in Davao; a researcher from Nueva Ecija, or a businessman in Zamboanga- you can help; you can do something. We just have to imbibe and practice the spirit of bayanihan and we will not only achieve rice self-sufficiency but also attain our other aspirations: education, health, and justice; national pride; and development and peace,” the Chief Executive stressed.

Aquino also lauded this year’s 25 National Gawad Saka honorees for inspiring their fellow countrymen and other sectors of Philippine agriculture.

2013 was declared as NYR via Presidential Proclamation No.494 to enlist the support of farmers, consumers, and policy-makers in the country’s endeavor to become rice self-sufficient.

The observance, which is anchored on the theme “Sapat na Bigas, Kaya sa Pinas” is meant to encourage farmers to adopt modern farm technologies while consumers are urged to reduce rice wastage. 

Moreover, Gawad Saka is given to farmers, fisherfolks, livestock raisers and farmers’ and fisherfolk groups and organizations in recognition of their achievements as well as contributions to nation-building. Last year’s performance served as the basis in determining the winners.

The contest started at the municipal level where model farmers, fisherfolks, livestock raisers and farmers’ and fisherfolk groups and organizations were endorsed by their respective mayors to the provincial level competition.

Profiles of the provincial winners were then submitted to the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Units (DA-RFUs) for review and validation.

Regional honorees, who are automatically bets to the national Gawad Saka, were picked by a selection committee composed of various program coordinators and division chiefs of DA-RFUs along with representatives from the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council.

The event coincided with the 27^th anniversary of Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice).

Aquino was not able to grace the occasion due to inclement weather.

According to Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte, the Chief Executive was supposed to ride a chopper en route to PhilRice but made a last minute decision to cancel his trip as strongly advised by his security personnel. 

Legarda to Conduct Senate Hearing on Traditional Property Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill

MANILA, November 13, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda will conduct tomorrow, November 14, a Senate Hearing on Senate Bill 2831, also known as the Traditional Property Rights of Indigenous Peoples Bill, which seeks to safeguard the intellectual property of Philippine ethno-linguistic groups.

“Our indigenous peoples have suffered historical injustices in the form of discrimination, deprivation of their ancestral domains and lands, among many other human rights violations. To put salt in their many wounds, there have been reported incidences wherein their indigenous knowledge, dances, and designs are being stolen by local and foreign entities,” she explained.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities, further stated that the existing Indigenous Peoples Rights’ Act (IPRA) or RA 8371 does not provide for specific provisions for the protection of their cultural properties, both intangible and tangible.

“Besides the lack of protection in the IPRA, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines does not have the legal mandate to undertake the protection of our indigenous cultural treasures. Certainly, this is a void that has to be filled. This bill seeks to address this concern through an inventory of all cultural properties of the various indigenous communities in the country,” she said.

“As a nation, we must end the marginalization of our indigenous communities. Their cultural property, which is a vital part of their identity, must be duly protected. Their intangible and tangible cultural heritage has been passed on from their ancestors, and we must ensure that they will still be passed on to future generations,” Legarda concluded.

Senator Legarda at the ASEAN SMEs Workshop

Senator Loren Legarda gives her “Redefining Development” book, “Message of Our Times” book and the Disaster Preparedness and First Aid Handbook to (L-R) Mr. Dennis Wright, CEO of Peregrine, Mr. Tim Gohoc, Managing Director of UPS, and Mr. Alexander Feldman, President of the US-ASEAN Business Council, after her opening remarks at the ASEAN SMEs Training Workshop. Legarda, author of both the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises and the Barangay Kabuhayan Act, emphasized that MSMEs are the lifeblood of ASEAN economies. The workshop, organized by the US-ASEAN Business Council, was held at the Asian Institute of Management on November 12.

Legarda: Expanded Anti-Trafficking Bill Approved in Bicam

MANILA, November 13, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda issued a fair warning to human traffickers as the Congressional Bicameral Conference Committee approved the reconciled version of Senate Bill 2625 and House Bill 6339 -- a measure expanding the Anti-Trafficking Act of 2003.

“This time, there is no reason for human trafficking to triumph against our collective crusade against this modern day slavery,” Legarda said.

“We acknowledge that the problem of human trafficking continues to hound our society, and this is the reason why we need to strengthen the existing law. In the proposed amended version of the law, even acts that shall constitute attempted trafficking in persons will be punishable.  Accomplices and accessories to the crime will also be meted their due penalties,” said Legarda, Chair of the Sub-Committee on Anti-Trafficking and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2625.

“The Expanded Anti-Trafficking Bill aims to fill voids in the existing law by expanding the enumeration of acts that promote trafficking, to include an act to destroy or tamper with evidence, to influence witnesses in an investigation, or to utilize one’s public office to impede an investigation or to obstruct the execution of lawful orders.  The capacities of government agencies will be strengthened and funding will be extended to ensure that the mandate entrusted to them will be carried out on a sustainable basis,” she explained.

Legarda also said that trafficked victims shall be given protection, while prosecution efforts will be heightened by shielding, to a reasonable extent, law enforcement officers and social workers from harassment suits for lawful acts done in good faith during authorized rescue operations, investigation or prosecution of a case.

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

MEGAWORLD, DOT INK DEED OF DONATION TODAY DRILON ALLOTS PDAF TO BUILD ILOILO CONVENTION CENTER

MANILA, November 13, 2012-Business tourism in the country will get another big boost after Senator Franklin M. Drilon vowed to allot a bulk of his annual priority development assistance fund and sealed the commitment of the Megaworld Corporation and the Department of Tourism (DOT) to construct a state-of-the-art convention center in Iloilo.

With the signing of the deed of donation held today between the multinational corporation and the DOT for the much-awaited multi-million peso Iloilo Convention Center, Drilon, the one who envisioned the construction of said new edifice, said Iloilo is a step closer to becoming a conference hub of Western Visayas and nearby regions.    

“This is a realization of a lifelong dream of the residents of Panay Island to have their own highly impressive and sophisticated convention center at par with those of Cebu and Davao’s that will be capable to hold the best and the most glamorous of the conferences, exhibitions, among others,” said Drilon.

Aside from Drilon, also present in the signing held at the Marriott Hotel were Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Megaworld Corporation President Mr. Andrew L. Tan, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority Chief Operating Officer Mark Lapid, Iloilo City Representative Jerry Treñas, and Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.

The construction is expected to begin early next year and be finished by the end of 2014. The convention center is designed by Architect Willy Coscoluella.

He said the Megaworld Corp. will donate 1.7 hectares of lot located in Barangay Mandurriao in Iloilo City to house the two-storey convention center.

“We express gratitude to the Megaworld Corporation for helping us make this endeavour possible and for making our work easier by way of donating a very valuable piece of land where this new edifice will be built,” said Drilon.

  

He said the establishment of a convention center in the Western Visayas will extend support to the country’s rapidly growing tourism industry especially that the present government has been continuously embarking on various efforts and campaign strategies to advance tourism in the country.

“There is a need to ramp up the infrastructure in various parts of the country in order to realize our goal to become a top tourist destination in the world,” he added.

Drilon also said this undertaking will also boost the province’s capability to host the Asia Pacific Economic Council meeting in the first quarter of 2015, for the convention center is designed to attract and accommodate large sized conferences, summits, congresses, fairs, and trade shows and exhibits.

He also noted the proximity of the site for the convention to the Iloilo Airport that offers local and international flights.

“The convention will have an iconic design that truly speaks of the colorful culture not only of the Iloilo Province but of the entire island of Western Visayas. The design will be only one of its kind to the region. The Parao boats and the features of a native tribe in Iloilo called ‘Ati’ intricately carved on the walls as designs will surely entice any audience of its unique beauty,” ended Drilon.