Sen Angara gives up gubernatorial bid

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Edgardo Angara has backed out of the gubernatorial race in Aurora province, his son confirmed to Rappler.

He will be substituted by his younger brother, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara. (The deadline for substitution is December 21, Friday.)

"Dad was really a reluctant candidate, but many were pushing him to run," said son Aurora Representative Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara.

Senators are only allowed two consecutive terms or a total of 12 years. But they are allowed to return after a 3-year break.

Senator Angara has served a total of 4 terms. He first served his two consecutive terms from 1987 to 1998. He returned to the Senate in 2001 and was re-elected in 2007.

The senator's sister, Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, is the incumbent governor. She is on her third and last term in the capitol, too.

The younger Angara, Sonny, is one of the senatorial candidates of the Liberal Party. (CARMELA FONBUENA)

Sen. Angara umatras sa pagka-gobernador ng Aurora

BALER, Aurora, December 20, 2012-Umatras na sa laban sa pagka-gobernador ng lalawigan ng Aurora si Senador Edgardo J. Angara at ipinalit ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid na kasalukuyang alkade ng bayang ito.

 

Sa text message ng anak ni Senador na si Cong. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, kinumpirma nito ang pag-urong ng kandidatura ng kanyang ama at kinumpirma rin ito ng provincial election supervisor ng Aurora na si Atty. Gilbert Almario.

 

Opisyal na naghain ng kanyang withdrawal of candidacy with substitution ang Senador noong Huwebes ng tanghali sa panlalawigang tanggapan ng Commission on Election kasabay ng paghahain naman ng Certificate of Candidacy (COC) at Certificate of  Nomination with Acceptance (CONA) ni Baler Mayor Arthur J. Angara.

 

Si Mayor Angara ay nasa huling termino bilang Punong Bayan ng Baler at makakatunggali sa pagka-Punong Lalawigan ang kasalukuyang Bise Gobernador ng Aurora na si Atty.Gerardo Noveras.

 

Sa kanyang facebook account, ipinahayag ng Alkalde na tinatanggap niya ang bagong hamon na ibinigay sa kanya. “Nais kong ipagpapatuloy ang aking nasimulan sa bayan ng Baler, sa aking minamahal na probinsya ng Aurora. Ang aking mga nasimulang reporma sa munisipyo ay aking susubukang gawin sa Kapitolyo,” sabi nito.

 

“Ako po ay opisyal na naghain ng aking candidacy para sa pagiging Gobernador ng Aurora ngayong araw, ika-20 ng Disyembre, 2012. Aking papalitan si Sen. Edong Angara bilang standard bearer ng Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino para sa Gobernador ng Aurora,” pahayag ng Alkalde.

 

Wala namang ibinigay na dahilan ang mga Angara kung bakit umatras sa laban ang Senador sa pagka-gobernador ng lalawigan na hawak ngayon ng kanyang kapatid na si Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo na nasa huling termino na.

 

Si Angara-Castillo ay naghahangad na muling bumalik sa Kamara para palitan ang kasalukuyang kinatawan ng nagiisang distrito ng Aurora na si Cong.Juan Edgardo Angara na kumakandidato namang senador sa ilalim ng Liberal Party ng administrasyon..

 

Ikinagulat naman ni Noveras ang naging desisyon ng Senador at hindi diumano niya ito inaasahan. “Ganun pa man, hindi pa rin ako kampante na si Mayor Angara ang kalaban ko, lalo akong magsisipag ngayon at magsisikap para manalo,” sabi nito.

 

Wala namang maisip na dahilan si Noveras sa pag-atras ng senador sa kanilang duwelo pero may hinala ito na tinanggap na ng mambabatas ang matagal ng iniaalok na posisyon sa kabinete ni Pangulong Noynoy. (Ronald Madrid Leander)

Angara withdraws gubernatorial bid in shocking announcement

BALER, Aurora, December 20, 2012-Sen. Edgardo Angara, who is eyeing the governorship of his province in the 2013 elections, yesterday announced he was withdrawing from the race in  a shocking announcement that jolted Aurorans, much the same way they greeted the stunning knockout loss of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao.

          Less than four months after he launched his gubernatorial bid during his 78^th birthday celebration here last September 30,  Angara made the announcement following a   meeting with local political leaders at his residence in Barangay Reserva at around 11 am   yesterday.

          He will be replaced as standard-bearer of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino by his younger brother, Baler Mayor Arthur Angara.

          The STAR called all the Angaras – Senator Angara,  his Congressman Juan Edgardo, his sister Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and the     senator’s running mate and nephew Rommel - for their statements. But for one reason or another, none of them returned the calls nor can be reached.   

          But a local political leader of the Angaras, who was privy to the meeting but  who begged off anonymity, confirmed  the meeting and the announcement.

          The senator, the leader said,   told those present that he received a position in the Cabinet which he had accepted. He declined to specify what particular position it was.

          Those present were the governor, Rommel and Mayor Angara who was himself reportedly taken aback by the announcement. Some of the Angaras’ political leaders reportedly even shed tears.

          Mayor Arthur was earlier tipped to run against Vice Gov. Gerardo Noveras but he was viewed as a “weak” bet to mount a serious challenge  to the vice governor.

          Sources said one of the compelling reasons for the senator’s withdrawal, aside from the offer was the low ranking of his son, Congressman Angara in recent surveys. The Harvard-educated congressman, a recipient of the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), was ranked 13^th in the latest Social Weather Stations Survey, down from a high of seven a months ago.

          Only last month, the senator called on his political leaders in the province to explain to Aurorans that he would not be able to devote himself full-time in the campaign trail because he would also be helping his son out. “Tell them I have to help Sonny in his own senatorial bid,” he said, adding that anyway, people ask for him in places where his son goes for consultations.    

          Angara is the longest-serving senator in the post-Edsa Senate with Aurora leaders saying it’s about time the province benefit from the services of its own son. (Manny Galvez) 

“We are Bringing Filipino Heritage to the World Audience” Legarda Welcomes Quai Branly Museum President

MANILA, December 20, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda today welcomed Musée du Quai Branly President Stéphane Martin, and Ms. Constance de Monbrison, Curator at the Musée du Quai Branly, who are in the country for the 2013 Philippine Exhibition at the Paris, France museum. 

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and Committee on Cultural Communities, said that Mr. Martin will give details about the upcoming exhibition “PHILIPPINES: Archipelago of Exchange,” that will be held on April 9 to July 14, 2013 at the Quai Branly.

  

“We are very fortunate to have been chosen as the featured exhibiting country at the Musée du Quai Branly, which is the premier museum in France for indigenous art and culture. Through the agreement to loan Philippine artworks and artifacts for the exhibition, we are bringing Filipino artistry, craftsmanship, and heritage to the world audience,” she said.

Legarda explained that the exhibition, which is a partnership project between France and the Philippines, is another opportunity to create awareness of the rich Philippine heritage within the international community.

“Through this, we reaffirm our commitment to promote Filipino artisanship, uphold traditions that give meaning to our identity, and express pride in our unique history,” she stressed.

Legarda has taken several initiatives to further promote Philippine culture to Filipinos and foreign citizens alike. She has set up several cultural exhibits to showcase exceptional skills and world-class products of indigenous peoples.

Army general asks NDf-CPP-NPA for bilateral ceasefire in disaster areas

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The chief of the Army’s 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division (7^th ID) based in this camp yesterday called on the National Democratic Front (NDF), the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA) to forge a bilateral ceasefire with government forces in known disaster-prone areas all over the country.

            

         Brig. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr, 7^th ID commanding general said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the NDF-CPP-NPA are waging a struggle against a common enemy of the state which is climate change.

        

        “We are now fighting a new war that is climate change. The challenge is for our counterparts from the NDF-CPP-NPA to agree to a ceasefire in  disaster-prone areas all over the country and to help build disaster-proof facilities such as school buildings that can be converted into evacuation centers during calamities,” Catapang said.

“Why do we only declare a ceasefire after a disaster has happened when there is already loss of lives. Let us declare it now,” he said.

       

      Catapang said the gravity of the damage wrought by typhoon Pablo in Mindanao where over 1,000 died, 800 still missing and P24 billion was lost calls for concerted action. “It is high time to roll up our sleeves and instead of   

engaging in warfare against fellow Filipinos, we must unite and help rebuild the affected communities,” he said.

Catapang said the 7^th ID has fully committed itself to helping those affected by deploying soldiers in the affected areas.

   

      He said the division, which holds jurisdiction over Army units in 13 provinces in Central Luzon and Northern Luzon cancelled most of its Christmas Celebration activities and the money that was intended for these was instead donated to calamity victims.

Each one of the 7^th ID’s soldiers also pledged to donate at least one canned good.

Catapang said the division also held fund-raising events such as the commander’s cup, battle of the bands among others, proceeds of which will be forwarded to the affected communities.

A collection booth will be set-up by the 7^th ID at NE Pacific Mall in  Cabanatuan City for those who want to donate relief goods to the calamity victims.  These donations and relief goods will be transported to Villamor Air Base via military truck and delivered to Davao via a cargo plane and received by one of its brigades based in Davao Oriental on December 28.

       Catapang’s call on the NDF-CPP-NPA was prompted by a study conducted by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) International Disaster Data Base from 1905-2003 which indicated that typhoons and storms account for the highest percentage of deaths (66%) of the nine listed form of natural and man-made disasters such as earthquake, volcanic eruptions, flood, landslide, infectious diseases, tidal waves, drought, fire and pest infestation.

          Based on records, from January to December of 2011, of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), 19 tropical cyclones entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, 10 of which were  destructive among them Bebeng (May 8-11), Chedeng (May 20-28), Falcon (June 21-25), Juaning (July 25-28), Kabayan (July 28-Aug 5), Mina (Aug 21-29), Pedring (Sept 24-28), Quiel (Sept 29-Oct 2), Ramon (Oct 10-14), and Sendong (Dec 15-18).

          Affected by these cyclones were Regions 1, 2I, 3II, 4-A, 4-B, 5 to 13, the  Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region which left 1,541 dead, affected 2,062,647 families (9,867,622 persons), totally damaged 38,088 houses, and P26,502,337,198.73 trillion worth of properties.

          Catapang said based on these, it is evident that the threat posed by these natural calamities further enhanced by climate change and global warming generates more casualties than any other threats like crimes and insurgency.

          He said the AFP is seeing the death of insurgency and the ushering in of  development in Regions 1 and 3.

          “Ultimately, we will be fighting a different war, a war on Climate Change,” he said. (Manny Galvez)

BRIGADIER GENERAL CATAPANG: Challenges the CPP-NDF-NPA to Unite with the AFP Against Common Enemy “Climate Change”

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – Brigadier General Gregorio Pio P Catapang Jr AFP, Commander, 7ID, PA challenged the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in fighting the common enemy, “Climate Change”, today.

            “We are now fighting a new war that is Climate change”, General Catapang said.  The challenge was for the CNN to declare a bilateral ceasefire on disaster prone areas all over the country and to help in building disaster proof school building that can be converted into evacuation centers during disasters, which is based on the geo-hazard maps, jointly with the AFP and other stakeholders.

            “With the recent disaster that struck Davao Regions in Mindanao when troops of 7^th Infantry are also assigned, which resulted to more than 700 deaths, more than 800 still missing and destruction of agricultural and infrastructures with a total damage of more or less P19 billion, it is high time for us to consider the threat brought about by these natural calamities.” 

            “We will help those who were affected by Typhoon Pablo in Davao Regions”, the Commander said.

            The Division had already cancelled most of its Christmas Celebration activities and the money that was intended for the said activity will be donated to the victims of the said disaster.  Moreover, individual soldiers from this unit will donate at least one canned good. Proceeds from the Commanders Cup, Battle of the Bands and Soul runner will also be donated to the victims.  In partnership with the Civil Society Group, the Division had collected relief goods and other pledges from other sectors.  A collection booth will also be set-up in NE Pacific Mall, Cabanatuan City for those who still wants to donate relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Pablo.  The donations and relief goods will be consolidated at the Division Headquarters and will be transported to Villamor Airbase via military truck and will be delivered to Davao Region via C130 Cargo plane which will be received by one of our Brigade in Mindanao based in Davao Oriental on 28 December 2012.

            The threat posed by these natural calamities was further enhanced by the effects of “climate change/global warming”.

Base on the study conducted by the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) International Disaster Data Base from 1905-2003 data, typhoons/storms gain the highest percentage for death (66%), injured (62%) and affected (78%) out of the nine (9) listed form of disaster (Earthquake, Volcanic disaster, Floods, Slope disaster, Infectious diseases, Tidal waves, Drought, Fire and Pest disasters).

            Base on records, from January to December of 2011, of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), nineteen (19) Tropical Cyclones entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).  Among the nineteen (19) TCs listed, ten (10) were destructive namely; Tropical Storm (TS) Bebeng (May 8-11), Typhoon Chedeng (May 20-28), TS Falcon (June 21-25), Typhoon Juaning (July 25-28), Typhoon Kabayan (July 28-Aug 5), Typhoon Mina (Aug 21-29), Typhoon Pedring (Sept 24-28), Typhoon Quiel (Sept 29-Oct 2), Tropical Depression Ramon (Oct 10-14), and TS Sendong (Dec 15-18).

            The affected Regions by these Tropical Cyclones were Regions I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, XIII, CAR and NCR left a devastating effects.  On casualties-1,541 dead, affected families/person-2,062,647 families/9,867,622 persons, totally damage houses-38,088 houses, and damage to properties-Php 26,502,337,198.73 Trillion.  Among the 10 destructive TCs, TS Sendong was the most destructive.

            With these records, it is evident that the threat posed by these natural calamities further enhanced by climate change/global warming generates more casualties than any other threats like crimes and insurgency problem.

            “We will be seeing the death of insurgency and the birth of development in Regions 1 and 3 and we will be fighting a different war, a war on Climate Change”, General Catapang said.

            “Why do we only declare ceasefire after a disaster happened when there are already loss of lives and casualties; Let us declare it NOW”, Commander added.

7ID believes that safety is paramount-no one is more concerned with our people than we are. Let us unite and fight the new kind of war “The war on Global Warming and Climate Change”. 

Kaugnay Meets the Press

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija – The 7^th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, Philippine Army spearheaded by Brigadier General Gregorio Pio P Catapang Jr, meets the press to provide information to the public during a one (1) day media fellowship at the Kaugnay Clubhouse, Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on December 15, 2012.

            The activity was highlighted by a press conference of on the Year-End Report of the 7ID, Operations’ Accomplishments, Bayanihan efforts in ‘Winning the Peace”, contribution to the Peace and Development endeavors of the National Government and other current activities on the Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Operations efforts for the victims of typhoon “Pablo.”

            The Commander, 7ID also took the opportunity to discuss actions of the Command in helping the victims of typhoon Pablo like cancellation of Division Christmas party, donation of Ninety  Pesos (P 90.00) equivalent to one (1) day Subsistence allowance, fund raising such as “Battle of the Band” and “Commanders’ Cup” and partnership with the stakeholders to provide humanitarian assistance.

            “Used clothing, food stuffs, items for personal hygiene, toys and cash donations is highly appreciated and on December 22, 2012, all collected donations will be brought to the victims of typhoon Pablo in Davao Region via C130 Cargo plane.”  the Commander said.

            “I also extend my deepest sympathy to the families, relatives and friends of typhoon victims, we at 7ID always find ways to make them happy specially this coming Christmas day.”, he added.

Senate urged to scrap tax on international carriers

MANILA, December 19, 2012-Senator Franklin M. Drilon today sought the approval of a proposed measure removing the taxes on international carriers and shippers, a move that will help achieve government’s target of 10 million tourist arrivals by 2016.

In his sponsorship speech delivered today, Drilon, acting chairman of Senate Ways and Means Committee, said the approval of Senate Bill 3343 will establish the country as a tourism hub and elevate its status as a viable gateway to Asian neighbors.

“I stand before you today to present a measure that will help usher in the great promises of the highly-touted tourism sector of our country. More work has to be put in place to achieve a sustainable growth in the tourism sector,” stressed Drilon.

He said that in order to boost tourist arrivals in 2016, the government should move to increase the capacity of local and foreign carriers for tourists to 15 million seats from current six million seats.

However, Drilon said airline companies seemed reluctant to increase their seating capacity because of the alleged “inequitable airline tax regime” in the country.

At present, international carriers and shippers are required to pay 2.5 percent Gross Philippine Billings Tax (GPBT) and 3 percent common carriers’ tax (CCT).

It was revealed in a public hearing conducted by the Committee then headed by Senator Ralph Recto that the Philippines remains the only country that imposes such taxes on international carriers, noted Drilon.

“There is an urgent need to address this very serious matter to avert undue escalation. We should dissuade the few remaining foreign carriers operating locally from transferring to other countries,” stressed Drilon.

In a move to resolve this, the Committee proposes a reciprocity clause in which GPBT will only be waived when foreign carriers whose home countries likewise give a similar tax exemption to Philippine carriers.

For the CCT or the percentage tax, the Committee proposes to exempt from the payment international carriers insofar as the transport of passengers is concerned. Likewise, the bill also included the transport of passengers by international carriers in the list of transactions that are exempt from the payment of the value-added tax.

“The removal of these airline taxes will improve the present situation where our tax policies seem to directly contravene our tourism goals,” said Drilon.

Even though the bill will forego revenues of up to P2.5 billion (P919 million from GPBT and P1.602 billion from CCT), Drilon emphasized that such foregone revenues can be easily recouped, if not surpassed, amidst projected increases in tourist arrivals due to lower and more affordable airline fares and the expected surge in the airline industry.

“The Department of Tourism estimates that the increase in tourist arrivals will generate P455 billion in 2016 and will provide six million jobs,” said Drilon, noting that, with the approval of the bill, international arrival is expected to increase to 5.55 million in 2013, 6.75 million in 2014, 8.126 million in 2015 and 10 million in 2016. For the first 10 months of 2012, tourist arrival is recorded at 3.5 million, 9.18 percent higher than the 3.1 million recorded in 2011.

Lastly, the enactment of this measure will translate to lower traveling costs for overseas Filipino workers who will be enjoying lower fares to the country. Likewise, it will lower business costs for domestic carriers with foreign operations as soon as the tax exemptions on their gross billings are reciprocated by other countries, ended Drilon.

NPA Burned Construction Equipment in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija – Two heavy duty construction equipment owned by Northern Builders Corporation (NBC) were burned down by the New Peoples Army in Barangay Putlan, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija on Saturday, 7:30pm.

            Two heavy duty mixer truck were burned down by more or less eight unidentified men and two amazons armed with two Cal.45 pistols, one M653 rifle, two M16 rifles and one Garand rifle within the compound of the sub-office of NBC at the said barangay.

            Based on initial investigation, five fully armed men with one amazon pretending to be locals asking for solicitations gained entry in the compound of Northern Builders Corporation and immediately  detained the security guard.

Responding forces of 3^rd Infantry Battalions immediately rushed to the scene and found out that all of the workers were detained in one room. They were immediately freed by the troops.

Initial investigation also reveals that the same NPA group is responsible for the similar five burning incident during the recent past.  An attempted burning of one steam roller (pison) owned by Northern Builders Corporation at Sitio Calvelo, Brgy Piut, Carranglan, NuevaEcija on 01 September 2012.  The burning of six dump trucks and one mixer truck owned by RBR Builders along TPLEX in Brgy Singat, Gerona, Tarlac on 02 September 2012.  The burning of one backhoe, one grader and one steam roller (pison) owned by Northern Builders Corporation at Sitio Maligaya, Brgy Sta Ines East, Sta Ignacia, Tarlac with damages amounting to P8 Million on 12 September 12.  The burning of one dump truck at Regoyal Construction Site in Brgy Pesa, Bongabon, NE on 12 November 2012 and the burning of one backhoe and one dump truck owned by AP Palacious contracting in Sitio Dimani, Brgy Villa, Maria Aurora, Aurora with damages amounting to P9 million that resulted to the death of 2 civilians and wounding of one police officer and 2 other civilians when they responded to an arson incident perpetrators.

Commander, 7ID, PA, General Gegorio Pio P Catapang Jr AFP, condemns this criminal act. 

“These are criminal syndicates who extort money from contractors. They resort to burning equipment when their extortion demand were denied”, General Catapang said.

“We will ensure that developmental projects by the government will push through and we encourage the support of all stakeholders to help in securing and protecting this projects by providing information to the whereabouts of these perpetrators so that justice may be served”, he added.

We will continue to secure all government projects, appropriate criminal charges will be filed in coordination with the PNP against these criminals.  

PNoy signs EO creating Transition Commission to craft Bangsamoro Basic Law

MANILA, December 18, 2012-President Benigno S. Aquino III today issued Executive Order No. 120 creating a Transition Commission (TC) that will draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law provided for in the Framework Agreement signed by the Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on October 15.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles said the EO "affirms the President's resolve to move forward the peace process for the Bangsamoro as a strategic initiative for political stability and economic development."

The peace adviser added that the EO also provides a mechanism for authentic democratic collaboration in the crafting of a proposed law where the affected people themselves are actively involved.

The EO creates a 15-member TC that will be appointed by the President. The Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front shall come up with a list of candidates from among the Bangsamoro and other residents in the prospective core area of the new political entity.

It is also provided that the TC may put up an office and coordinate with other government agencies and Congress to get its work done. It has an initial budget allocation of P100 million.

According to the Executive Order, the TC may also recommend to Congress and the people, when necessary, proposed amendments to the Constitution.

"The aim is to install the Bangsamoro through a new organic act as soon as possible in order to have an elected Bangsamoro government by 2016,” said Government chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer. “This does not prevent the TC or its members from examining the constitution and recommending constitutional reforms.”

“However, the President has made clear that constitutional change is not his priority during his term,"  Coronel-Ferrer added.

The Transition Commission shall also assist in identifying development programs together with the Bangsamoro Development Authority and the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute-- two institutions affiliated with the MILF.

"Government is committed to the reconstruction of conflict-affected areas and to fast track socio-economic development in the region," Coronel-Ferrer said. “This will be accomplished by empowering the Bangsamoro themselves through their participation in transforming their own communities.”

The TC can begin its work even as the GPH and the MILF negotiating panels are still finalizing the four annexes that will complete the FAB, she added.

EXPLANATION OF SENATOR EDGARDO J. ANGARA'S "YES" VOTE TO THE RH BILL

I vote “YES” to enacting the RH bill into law. It’s an affirmation of our basic human rights, especially the rights of women, and the right to reproductive health.

At the moment, we have to respond to the challenges that threaten our country:

1,000 women continue to die yearly during pregnancy and childbirth;

about 150,000 children are born from teenage mothers every year;

women who cannot support their children put them into orphanages or labor work;

we have almost 2 million orphans from 0 to 17 years of age, and about 4 million child laborers ages 5 to 17;

about 9,000 Filipinos are afflicted with HIV/AIDS;

and, at 100 million, we’re the 12th most populous country in the world.

These numbers will continue to rise, if not for the enactment of the RH bill. The RH bill’s provisions on family planning information and services, emergency obstetric care, and reproductive health education intend to respond to these challenges.

We have to consider that maternal deaths due to pregnancy and childbirth are unique to women alone. Without family planning, women will continue to bear children. As they do so, they continue to be exposed to the risk of life-threatening complications. And so, they will need to have access to obstetric services. Failure to provide such services Mr. President, constitutes discrimination against women, because it is only women who face this risk of dying, once pregnant.

On top of these, the United Nations General Assembly ratified the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1979 to address these very issues. The CEDAW was agreed upon by 177 states, including the Philippines. CEDAW mandates that states should provide services that prevent maternal deaths and provide family planning information and services, among others. It has been more than 30 years since that agreement, and yet we haven’t done anything about these issues.

Today I do not just speak as a long-time advocate of public health legislation, and the principal author of PHILHEALTH Law and the Magna Carta of Public Health Workers. Today I speak as both a lawyer and a lawmaker. 

I acknowledge the grave concerns of my fellow Roman Catholics and our leaders in the clergy. I do not see anything in the RH law that forget the moral dimensions of sexual relations, which undermine the Filipino family.

In the first place, the RH bill does not legalize abortion. Second, unwanted pregnancies are the leading cause of half a million abortions yearly. Third, the RH bill does not impose any family planning method, but leaves the Filipino couple free to choose whichever method they want. Finally, to withdraw from enacting the RH bill because one church opposes it is inconsistent with our constitution of the separation of the church and state. We have to consider that not all Filipinos are Catholics. While Catholics comprise 70 percent of our population, we also have Muslims, Protestants, Buddhists, non-believers, and others. Regardless of religion, it is the right of the state to enact the bill for the best interest of our nation, especially for our mothers, our wives, and our sisters and daughters.

Mr. President, today I vote as a Filipino, a lawyer, a public health advocate, a husband, father, and grandfather. I vote YES to the RH bill. May God bless our people.

Thank you, Mr. President.

Suspected NPA rebs burn heavy equipment in NE

CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, December 17, 2012-Four heavily armed suspected New People’s army rebels stormed the compound of a construction company in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija and burned heavy equipment Saturday night allegedly over “broken promises” of revolutionary taxes.

          Senior Superintendent Walter Castillejos, provincial police director, said the rebels, including an amazon, entered the premises of the field office of the Northern Builders Co. at Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Putlan, Carranglan at around 8:30 pm Saturday and accosted timekeeper Willy Layug.

          The unidentified woman rebel then asked Layug what happened to an earlier letter given by their group to the firm’s engineer Riza Organista.

          When Layug could not provide an answer, the woman got angry and told Layug “Ang Northern Builders ay hindi tumutupad sa usapan (Northern Builders does not honor an agreement).”

Afterwards, the woman and her companions poured gasoline on the firm’s two transit mixers and set them on fire which lasted for 10 minutes.  

          The rebels then walked away casually. (Manny Galvez)

Fugitive ex-Ecija mayor hiding in Metro condo?

GAPAN CITY, Nueva Ecija, December 17, 2012-A former three-term mayor of this city who has gone into hiding since last February after a warrant for his arrest was issued by a Manila court  in connection with the raid of a cockpit arena here six years ago, may be somewhere in the metropolitan area.

          This was disclosed by the family of Cristina Pascual whose sons Erickson and Ebertson were killed in the cockpit attack.

          Emerson Pascual, brother of the two Pascuals, told reporters that they have received information that former mayor Ernesto Natividad, the alleged brains in the killing of Erickson and Ebertson, is hiding at an undisclosed condominium in the metropolis.

          “He’s just in Manila based on a highly reliable information we received,” Emerson said of the fugitive ex-mayor.

          Natividad, his late brother Romeo, Ricardo Peralta  and 16 others were placed on a hold-departure order by the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) last February on orders of Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 8 Judge Felixberto Olalia Jr.

          The Pascual family has raised a P1 million reward each for the arrest of ex-mayor Natividad and Peralta.  

          Natividad was mayor of this city for three terms from 2001 to 2010. In May 2010, he fielded his wife Baby to succeed him but she lost to his former ally, incumbent Mayor Christian Tinio by landslide.  

          Others in the HDO were civilians Rommel Baying, Jenny Canlas, Jonathan Cartujano, Dalia Cruz, Romeo Dacles, Jovert Dumlao, Frangilico Gerona, Randy Gerona, Elly Macariola,Dennis Matias, Crisanto Mateo, Sienna Quiambao, Cristina Gerardo Peratel, Lloyd Perez, Randy Puno and Lorenzo Rueda.

          Romeo died while in hiding while Dacles was caught in Muntinlupa two months ago.

          Last January 25, the court issued a warrant for the arrest of Natividad and the others in connection with the murder cases filed against them over the killing of the Pascual brothers inside the Gapan cockpit arena owned by the Pascuals in 2006. The siblings are scions of Rodrigo “Boy” Pascual, a bitter political rival of Natividad.

The elder Pascual challenged Natividad but lost in the 2007 polls. One of Natividad’s daughters is challenging the reelection bid of reelectionist Mayor Tinio in the 2013 polls. 

The Department of Justice initially ordered the filing of murder charges against the suspects in 2009 and forwarded these to the Office of the Ombudsman for review.

On February 10, 2009, the Office of the Ombudsman affirmed the DOJ ruling. But when the two Natividads and Peralta filed a motion for reconsideration, then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez reversed her ruling on April 8,2009, excluding the three from the charge sheet.

Mrs. Pascual appealed the Ombudsman ruling.  

On November 25, 2011, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales found probable cause and ordered the filing of murder charges against the two Natividads and Peralta, in effect reversing a 2009 ruling of her predecessor Gutierrez and granting the  motion for reconsideration of  Mrs. Pascual.

          The latest Ombudsman ruling said the DOJ ruling should have been affirmed outright because the three filed their motions for reconsideration way too late, thus rendering as final and executory the Ombudsman’s February 10 ruling affirming the DOJ’s findings.

          The murder cases were eventually transferred to the sala of Manila RTC Branch 10 Judge Virgilio Alameda who last September 17 also found probable cause against Natividad and Peralta based on the records of the preliminary investigation and affirmed the findings of both the Office of the Ombudsman and the DOJ. (Manny Galvez)  

Legarda Expresses Concern Over Lack of Consensus in Doha Climate Talks

MANILA, December 17, 2012-Senator Loren Legarda expressed deep concern over the lack of concrete result in the 18th Session of the Conference of Parties of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Doha, Qatar as some industrialized countries refused to participate to a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that legally binds developed nations to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

“We are saddened by the fact that many developed nations were reluctant to deeply cut their greenhouse gas emissions and set new aid targets in light of their own financial difficulties, even as global temperature rises. The World Bank has already warned that we are nearing a crisis—that of a 4 Degrees Celsius global temperature—which if not responded to proactively, will continue to endanger the survival of this and the next generations,” she said.

Legarda, the UN Regional Champion for Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation for Asia-Pacific, noted that the Doha Climate Talks, which was held from November 26 to December 8, 2012, left many disappointed because of the lack of commitment to address the threats of climate change even as a lot of nations, even those who refuse to commit to the climate agreements, are already experiencing the threats of extreme weather events.

“We have just recently experienced the results of the international community's continued lack of meaningful action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.  Nearly a thousand lives have been lost, and hundreds are missing.  Industrialized countries, like the United States, have had their share of losses resulting from climate-induced disasters.  And yet, when countries are given a chance to collectively agree on measures to correct the situation, nothing is done,” Legarda said.

“No nation is safe from climate change unless we do something now. The feared 4-degree Celsius rise in global temperature is likely to happen if nations do not commit to meaningful reduction levels of greenhouse gas emissions,” Legarda stressed.

The Senator cited the World Bank report in giving a fair warning that a 4-degree Celsius global temperature will cause sea level rise by up to 3 feet. It would also cause flooding in many coastal cities; dry regions are expected to become drier while wet regions will be wetter; there will be extreme heat waves, water scarcity, stronger tropical cyclones, and loss of biodiversity.

If global mean temperatures exceed 1.5 to 2.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, 30% of all species will face high risk of extinction. Moreover, a 2 to 4-degree Celsius rise in global temperature will also result in a 3% decline in global GDP.

“Even as the result of the Doha Climate Talks is far from being encouraging, there is no reason to stop or waver. We are still hopeful that we can gain, even outside of these conferences, the needed commitment to deep cuts in emissions and support for poor countries in coping with the impacts of climate change,” Legarda concluded.