Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for June 24 , 2013 Monday, 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 9 Weather Watch,
4 Regional Watch , 7 OFW Watch ,2 PNOY Speech, 15 Online News , 2 Photonews

Weather Watch
4 hours ago 1. 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST Issued at: 5:00AM 24 June 2013 SYNOPSIS: Weak Southwest monsoon affecting the western sections of Northern Luzon. Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) affecting Southern Mindanao. FORECAST: The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley, Western and Central Visayas , Zamboanga peninsula and SOCCSKSARGEN will experience cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest to south will prevail over the western section of Northern Luzon and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the East to Southeast over

the rest of the country with slight to moderate seas. Over METRO MANILA: Maximum Temperature : 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 32.9 C Minimum Temperature : 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 24.6 C Maximum Relative Humidity: 5:00 AM Yesterday --- 98 % Minimum Relative Humidity : 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 62 % High Tide Today : 9:53 AM 1.46 meter Low Tide Today : 6:22 PM .. -0.16 meter Sunrise Today : 5:29 AM Sunset Today : 6:28 PM Moonrise Today: 7:17 PM Moonset Tomorrow: 7:07 AM llumination Today : 99 %

Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. GMA: Suspendido ang klase sa lahat ng public at private schools sa Brgy. Dampalit sa Malabon City ngayong araw dahil sa pagbaha na hindi pa humuhupa at inaasahang magpapatuloy at tataas pa dahil sa posibleng high tide mamaya. Samantala, suspendido rin ang klase sa lahat ng public at private schools mula elementary hanggang high school sa Obando, Bulacan ngayong araw hanggang bukas dahil sa high tide. [pia-aa]

Weather Watch
13 hours ago 3. DZMM: Isang dambuhalang sinkhole ang hinihinalang nabuo malapit sa isang beach resort sa Candelaria, Zambales matapos magkabitak-bitak at bumagsak sa dagat ang mga buhangin sa dalampasigan. Labis na ikinagulat ng mga taga-Barangay Uacon ang unti-unting pagbitak at pagguho ng buhangin sa beach resort bandang 4:30 noong Sabado ng hapon. Sa lakas ng alon, mabilis na natibag ang buhangin at nilamon ng dagat.

Weather Watch
21 hours ago 4. DZMM: Niyanig ng sunod-sunod na lindol ang bayan ng Limbuhan, Masbate. Sa tala ng PHIVOLCS nasa magnitude 3.5 na lindol ang unang naramdaman sa lugar, alas-4:41 Linggo ng madaling araw. Tectonic ang origin ng lindol at may lalim na 22 kilometro. Bandang 4:47am muling niyanig ang Limbuhan. Magnitude 3.3 naman ito at may lalim na 6 km. Alas4:51 ng madaling araw, tinamaan naman ng magnitude 4.0 na lindol ang lugar at may lalim namang 4 km. Pinakahuling lindol sa Limbuhan, Masbate ang magnitude 3.6 na naganap, alas-5:41 ng madaling araw. 19 km naman ang lalim nito. Pawang tectonic at wala namang

inaasahang pinsala matapos ang mga pagyanig.

Weather Watch
22 hours ago 5. DZMM: Walang namataang bagyo o sama ng panahon ang PAGASA sa Pilipinas. Makakaasa ng mas magandang panahon bukas.

Weather Watch
22 hours ago 6. DoST Sec. Mario Montejo on DZMM: Re: PAGASA brain drain -Around 10% ang umalis sa PAGASA noong isang taon. I dont know if you can call it a brain drain. -Now, mga lima na iyong umalis. May nagtapos na scholars ng PAGASA ng mga 15 last November. -May training tayong ginawa for one year and 22 naman ang natapos doon. Ibig sabihin ay may dagdag tayong 37 (weather forecasters). -Aside from meteorologists we will be hiring hydrologist din. -May tatlo tayong pinagkukunan we offer MS in Atmospheric Physics, we offer training in PAGASA on metrology and hydrology. -Wala tayo talagang problema. We dont know how can we determine exodus. Too strong a word yung exodus sa pag-alis ng isa naming administrator. -We dont know where is it coming from (highlight on Servandos resignation) -Continuous program ang ginagawa natin sa PAGASA.

Weather Watch
Yesterday 7. INQUIRER: Sen Legarda in her Inquirer column said the heavy and excessive rainfall we are experiencing is part of what climate scientists call the new norm. She said, this means the Philippines is experiencing weather extremes that are mor widespread and harder to predict.

Weather Watch
Yesterday 8. INQUIRER: A 2013 World Bank report showed that 74 per cent of the Philippines population are vulnerable to the impact of natural hazards. The Philippines recorded 2,630 disaster-related deaths in 2012, a global record for that year.

Weather Watch
Yesterday 9. PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio on DZMM: -Walang namamataang sama ng panahon sa loob ng PAR at tanging ang southwest monsoon o Habagat ang nagpapaulan sa ilang bahagi ng bansa lalo na sa kanlurang bahagi. -Sa Metro Manila at nalalabing bahagi ng Luzon, mahina hanggang sa katamtamang lakas ng pag-ulan ang posibleng maranasan lalo na sa hapon o gabi. -Ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay magiging bahagya hanggang maulap ang kalangitan na may pulo-pulong pag-ulan o pagkulog-pagkidlat.

Weather Watch

June 24 , 2013 ( Monday )

as of 9 :00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : :

Sunny : Sunny
Fair Weather

Cloudy Sunny

PIA

Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

Saturday PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isang bloodletting activity ang magkatuwang na itinaguyod ng Phil. National Red Cross Batangas at ABSCBN Southern tagalog ngayong araw. Layon nitong makalikom ng dugo na maaaring pakinabangan ng mga nangangailangang maysakit sa lalawigan at mga kalapit probinsya.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday 2. PIA- 4A/QUEZON: The Lucena city disaster risk reduction and management council will conduct repair and maintenance of the drainage system in Lucena city. This is one of the programs of the Lucena DRRMC from July to December 2013 which aims to prevent floodings in the city specially in low lying barangays.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 3. PIA-4A/RIZAL: A total of 1920 students from Rizal province benefitted from the Rizal Provincial Police Office's "Isang Pulis, Isang Lapis" which distributed basic schools donated by the local police. School supplies given include pens, pencils, crayons, paper and notebooks.

PIA Regional Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 4. PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Lucena City disaster risk reduction and management council conducts re-organization and planning of the council's program at Luisa and Daughter restaurant, Lucena City. This is in preparation for the rainy season or any calamity that may occur in the city this year.

PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 1. Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello on DZRH: Re: Sex for flight investigation -Yung imbestigasyon ng DFA ay nagsimula na at may mga hakbang na silang gagawin. -Nakausap ko si Sec. Albert Del Rosario at lahat ng head of post ng Middle East kahapon ay inimbita ako doon, may mga 37 opisyales ng DFA at ibinahagi na rin ang mga measures na gagawin nila, ire-release nila at ibibigay sa Presidente, by Tuesday pero may mga certain recommendations for recall, dismissal at punishment na ia-announce ni Sec. Del Rosario sa mga opisyales sa Middle East. -Ang karamihan nito ay mga konektado sa Filipino overseas labor officers. -Yung mga detalye niyan iiwan na natin kay secretary. -Sa Kongreso, nasa recess kami ngayon at July 22 magsisimula ang Kongreso pero habang hindi pa nagsisimula yung mga OFW na hindi pa handing mag lodged ng complaint sa DFA o DoLE ay inimbita namin na pumunta sa opisina namin para makuhanan namin ng affidavit. -Pag nabigay na yung affidavit nila ay ibabahagi namin ito sa DFA at DoLE. -Pag umpisa ng Kongreso ay tiyak na magkakaroon ng isa ring House investigation in aide of legislation. -Yung hinihingi namin ngayon kasi may mga informants kami sa DoLE na worried sila nab aka hindi fair yung investigation pa gang DoLE leadership ang gumawa nito kaya humihingi kami ng isang presidential task force or commission para sila mag imbestiga para yung mga whistle-blowers ay mas komportable sila magsalita pag nakikita nilang independent panel made of respective individuals ang kinakausap nila. -Yun an gaming request na aming ipinahayag na sa ating Presidente. -Nakatutok rin kami, (DFAs investigation) talaga hong si Sec. Del Rosario inimbita kami para malaman namin every step na ginagawa nila. -Ang masasabi ko lang yung isang accused sa sex for fly na si Mr. Tony Villafuerte mula sa Riyadh ay malakas ang recommendation ng DFA sa DoLE na matanggal na at maiuwi sa Pilipinas. -Meron pang isang opisyal doon na sex offender, connected din sa DoLE at pinapauwi na rin sa recommendation ng DFA. -Sa parte ng DFA wala (white wash) mukha namang desidido ang ating secretary for foreign affairs, kasi nung a day after kami naglabas ng datos, nilapitan na tayo ni Sec. Del Rosario para magsimula yung imbestigasyon nila at todo todo na yung ginawa nila para makibahagi ang mga ambassador. -Ang sabi sa akin ni Sec. Del Rosario by Tuesday or middle of this week ay magkakaroon na sila ng preliminary report na ibibigay sa Presidente. -13 individuals ang for immediate recall, immediate dismissal. -Ang alam ko lang very clearly yung dalawang opisyales sa Riyadh ipapatanggal kaagad. -Meron na kaming tatlo na lumantad at nagbe-verify pa kami na lumantad daw kahapon at this week we are expecting mga four to five more within the next few days to come at kukunin namin ang disposition nila sa opisina namin. -Ayon kay Sec. Del Rosario ito lamang ang unahg hakbang nila at marami pa raw silang gagawin.

PIA OFW Watch

4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines 2. GMA: Nasa mahigit 300 Pinoy ang inilikas sa Calgary, Canada dahil sa pagbaha. Ayon kay DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez, maayos naman na ang lagay ng mga Pinoy roon na patuloy na tinutulungan ng embahada.

PIA OFW Watch

Saturday near Quezon City, Philippines 3. DZMM: Sisimulan agad ng DFA ang imbestigasyon ng umano ay sex for flight scheme sa mga distressed OFW sa Middle East countries pag-uwi ng mga Labor Attache official upang mabigyang linaw ang iskandalo na nilantad ni Rep Walden Bello.

PIA OFW Watch

Saturday near Quezon City, Philippines 4 . DZMM: Isang distressed OFW ang lumantad at sinabing tinangka siyang ibugaw ng labor attach sa Saudi para lamang makauwi pero tinanggihan daw niya ito. Ani alyas Angel, nang malaman ng labor attach na siya ay ginahasa ng kanyang amo ay panay pambabastos ang tinamo nito sa opisyales. Napilitan daw siyang umalis sa Bahay Kalinga na kanyang tinuluyan dahil natakot siyang maging biktima ng pambubugaw.

PIA OFW Watch

Saturday near Quezon City, Philippines 5. GMA: DFA said about 6,000 OFWs are expected to return to the Philippines soon as a July 3 deadline for illegal migrant workers to correct their status in the kingdom draws near. The DFA said the Philippine consulate in Jeddah was "able to process the travel document (TD) applications of 4,910 OFWs, who represent 81.8% of the estimated 6,000 OFWs expected to seek repatriation."

PIA OFW Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 6. DZBB: Nagpalabas na ang Philippine Embassy ng abiso para sa mga Pilipino sa Singapore kasunod ng matinding usok doon. Sa website ng Philippine Embassy ay inaabisuhan ang mga Pinoy sa Singapore na iwasan ang paglabas sa lansangan at ugaliing nakasara ang pintuan at bintana ng kanilang tahanan. Pinapayuhan din ang mga Pinoy na siguraduhing maayos ang filtration system ng kanilang air conditioning unit at magpatingin na sa doktor kung nahihirapang huminga. Ang usok sa Singapore ay mula sa nasusunog na kagubatan sa Indonesia at sinasabing bibilang ng araw bago ito tuluyang mawala.

PIA OFW Watch

Friday near Quezon City, Philippines 7. ABS-CBN: Pumapasok pa rin ang mga Pinoy sa Singapore sa kabila ng makakapal na usok na bumabalot doon dulot ng forest fires sa bansang Indonesia. Kanina ay tumaas sa 400 ang pollutant index doon mula sa 371 na naitala kahapon. Sa tantiya ng pamahalaan ng Indonesia, posibleng tumagal ng isang buwan bago matapos ang iligal na pagkakaingin doon.

A. QUEZON

B. CAVITE
Cavite Blood Council holds strategic planning to ensure sufficient blood supply
By Ruel B. Francisco Friday 21st of June 2013

TAGAYTAY CITY, Cavite, June 21 (PIA) --The Provincial Health Office-Cavite Blood Council (PHO-CBC) is currently conducting a 3-day Strategic Planning Workshop aimed to ensure that enough supply of blood in the province are readily available especially in times of emergency.

The three-day workshop that ends today is expected to pave the way for the full implementation of the Provincial Voluntary Blood Donation Program (PVBDP) in the province. Health officials and staff, provincial department heads including leaders of several nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in the province participated in the planning stage and formulating various programs to ensure the success of the PVBDP. During the 13th anniversary of the Cavite Blood Council last February 27 of this year, almost 900 bags of blood (450 cc each) were collected by the PHO-CBC from volunteers around the province including one at the Lyceum Cabrini in Laguna province last February 12. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite)

C. LAGUNA
1.

Laguna commemorates Rizal's 152nd birth anniversary

By Alan C. Ortillano Friday 21st of June 2013 CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, June 21 (PIA) --The people of Calamba and the whole province of Laguna commemorated on Wednesday, June 19, the 152nd birth anniversary of their revered townmate and national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. The city government of Calamba led by Mayor and Congressman-elect Joaquin M. Chipeco Jr. spearheaded the celebration themed Rizalismo: Gabay ng Kabataan, Inspirasyon ng Mamamayan sa Magandang Kinabukasan with pre-celebration activities such as Rizal Henyo, Rizal Comic Strip and Animation Contest, Relief On-the-Spot Painting Contest, Rizal Leadership Forum, Saranggolahan ni Lolo Pepe kite flying contest, CalamBIKE, Sulat para kay Lolo Pepe writing contest, Rizal, The Movie film showing, Mga kuwento ni Lolo Pepe storytelling activity. Simultaneous early morning wreath-laying activities on various Rizal monuments in the city marked Dr. Rizals birth anniversary celebration. Other activities held at the Rizal Shrine include flag-raising ceremony, early morning prayers and program and an afternoon parade participated in by the provincial government officials and employees, socio-civic organizations among others. Senator-elect Cynthia A. Villar, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Exec. Director Ludovico Badoy and Congressman and Mayor-elect Justin Chipeco graced the event. (AC Ortillano, PIA-Laguna)

2. Tagalog news: High value tree seedlings, ipinamahagi sa mga magsasaka sa lungsod
By Carlo P. Gonzaga Thursday 20th of June 2013 LUNSOD NG CALAMBA, Laguna, Hunyo 20 (PIA) -- May 1,475 high value tree seedlings ang ipinamahagi kamakailan ng city agriculture office sa 283 magsasaka mula sa 10 barangay sa lungsod. Sinabi ni Severino Caraan, supervising agriculturist na ang mga tree seedlings na kinabibilangan ng 400 kalamansi, 500 mangga at 575 kape ay mula sa nursery ng Laguna provincial agriculture office. Hiniling ng mga magsasaka ang aming tulong upang magkaroon sila ng pantanim na tinatawag na high value trees na kapag namunga ay makakadagdag sa kanilang kinikita maliban sa mga dati ng itinatanim nila tulad ng gulay, palay at iba pa, ayon kay Caraan. Ayon naman kina Myra Reyes, senior agriculturist at Marino Mendoza, agriculturist I, hindi nagtatapos sa pamimigay ng mga pantanim na puno ang kanilang tungkulin kundi maging sa pagsubaybay upang matiyak na mabubuhay ang mga punong itinanim. Maliban sa mga magsasaka, namahagi rin ang city agriculture office ng 35 guyabano seedlings para sa Barangay Laguerta, 10 papaya seedlings para sa vegetable at tree garden ng Calamba city health office bilang bahagi ng kanilang programang pang-nutrisyon at sa Barangay Camaligan na pinagkalooban ng 39 na tree seedlings ng mangga, 31 bayabas at 15 atis. Samantala, lubos naman ang pasasalamat ng mga magsasakang benepisyaryo ng pamimigay ng mga tree seedlings na magagamit nila sa inter-cropping sa kanilang bukid at sa backyard gardening. (CPG, PIA4A at ulat mula sa Calamba city agriculture office)

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL
1. Rizal athletes recognized at 112th Araw ng Lalawigan

Friday 21st of June 2013

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, June 21 (PIA) --Outstanding Rizal province athletes in the recently concluded 2013 Southern Tagalog Collegiate Athletic Association (STCAA) and 2013 Palarong Pambansa held at various sports venue in the country were given recognition and incentives during the Araw ng Lalawigan celebration. Local athletes hauled a total of 27 golds, 7 silvers and 3 bronzes from various individual and team sports discipline, giving the province the much coveted back to back title of Overall Champion in the STCAA meet. The top ten medalists Josefina Baloboy (athletics), Mark Andrew Orcena (arnis), Mary Allin Aldeguer (arnis), Jubaille Reyes (rhythmic gymnastics) Mica Cabadu (athletics), Kim Cahilig (womens artistic gymnastics), Flodeliza Alferez (rhythmic gymnastics), Twinkle Siena Napoles (rhythmic gymnastics), Jessa Mae Jaromay (athletics) and Jose Mari Sebastian Arcilla (swimming) were personally greeted by Rizal Governor Jun Ynares and handed out cash incentives by the provincial government. The medalists came from public and private elementary and secondary schools in the province and were recognized during the 112th Araw ng Lalawigan ng Rizal celebrations last June 11. The whole delegation of the province were also honored with the Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution citing outstanding sports prowess, decorum and the showcased of true Rizaleo spirit in various sports discipline. Meanwhile, twelve differently-abled athletes from Rizal province also bagged 20 medals in different sport events during the conclusion of the 2nd Philippine Association Para National Games for Differently-Abled held at the Laguna sports complex where over 500 athletes show their wares. In recognition for the honor the para-athletes gave to the province, citations were given to the athletes. We are truly grateful for the honor all these athletes gave to the province. Rest assured that the provincial government will continue to support them in all means possible in their future sports competitions, said Gov. Ynares. (Rizal PIO)

2. Tagalog news: Antipolo CDRRMO pinangunahan ang

Disaster Preparedness Week

Thursday 20th of June 2013 LUNGSOD NG ANTIPOLO, RIZAL, Hunyo 20 -- Nanguna sa pagsasagawa ng mga pagsasanay ang Antipolo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) noong Disaster Preparedness Week ngayong Hunyo. Nakapagbigay ang tanggapan ng mga seminar tungkol sa tamang pamamaraan at paghahanda sa tuwing may darating na sakuna o trahedya gaya ng lindol, bagyo, pagbaha at sunog. Isinagawa ang nasabing pagsasanay sa mga tanggapan ng Our Lady of Fatima University, De La Salle Antipolo, San Antonio Parish, Barangay Mambugan. Dumalo rin sa aktibidad ang nongovernment organization na Guardians. "Nagpapasalamat kami sa mga tanggapang sumusuporta sa amin sapagkat sila na mismo ang sumasagot sa mga kinakailangang gamit para sa pagsasanay. Ang Antipolo CDRRMO naman ang nagsasagawa ng seminars at nagbibigay ng tamang kaalaman sa kanila," ayon kay Antipolo City DRRM Officer Joey Marco Ayon sa CDRRMO, bagamat sa kakulangan ng budget ng opisina ay patuloy pa rin ang mga pagsasanay na isinasagawa nito upang mabigyan ng sapat na kahandaan at kakayanan ang mga mamamayan ng Antipolo. Bukod sa mga pagsasanay at drill nakapagsagawa rin ang CDRRMO ng Information Education Campaign (IEC) sa ibat ibang panig ng lungsod sa pamamagitan ng pamamahagi ng IEC materials na naglalaman ng mga kaalaman hinggil sa paghahanda sa sakuna o trahedya na nagmula sa national government. (Antipolo PIO)

23 JUNE 2013.

1. Malacanang assures alleged 'sex-for-fly' scandal will get fair investigation 2. Malacanang reiterates call for Filipinos to review their families' disaster preparedness plans
Malacanang assures alleged 'sex-for-fly' scandal will get fair investigation Malacanang assured on Sunday that the probe into an alleged scandal concerning embassy officials abroad preying on the plight of distressed overseas Filipino workers will be fair. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte vowed in an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, that any official found culpable for said offense would be dealt with according to the law. So the initial actions are already ongoing. As you all know, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs has already met with the victims who have come forward, and we assure everybody that the investigations will be fair and that the investigations will take into consideration all the evidence or the testimonies that will be submitted to it, Valte said. And if, at the end of it, there is a finding that there is a culpability then the persons who are found to be liable will be held so, she added. On Saturday, Valte said the government was ready to extend assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who reportedly fell victim to a sex-for-fly scheme allegedly arranged by embassy personnel in the Middle East. The Palace official also assured the public that the ongoing investigation will be fair and straightforward and everything will be based on the evidence presented. PND (rck) TOP Malacanang reiterates call for Filipinos to review their families' disaster preparedness plans As the Philippines braces for the rainy season, Malacanang is reiterating its call for Filipinos to review their respective families disaster preparedness plans in order to prevent any mishap or casualty befalling them. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte made the call in a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday. We encourage everybody since nasa rainy season na po tayo, to review your familys own disaster preparedness, Valte said. She said Filipino families should heed the call of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to stock up on essential goods and regularly conduct family disaster drills in order to prepare and protect ourselves for any eventuality that may happen. I-replenish na po natin yung mga emergency supplies na kailangan natin, na dapat nasa ating bahay, at magkaroon na rin tayo ng ating mga family drill para masanay ang ating mga kapamilya at mga kasama kung ano ang dapat nating gawin in cases of typhoon, of floods, of an earthquake, and any other calamities that we may come across this coming year, Valte said. So we encourage everybody to do just that, she added. PND (rck) TOP

22 JUNE 2013.

Government to assist victims of sex-for-fly scheme, says Palace Government wants Filipino families to be prepared for emergencies
Government to assist victims of sex-for-fly scheme, says Palace Malacanang made an assurance on Saturday that the government is ready to extend assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who reportedly fell victim to a sex-for-fly scheme allegedly arranged by embassy personnel in the Middle East. As the government starts its investigation, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan that the Department of Foreign Affairs has already contacted OFWs who are willing to come forward and join the investigation. Nakipag-ugnayan na ang DFA sa kanila. I understand that they have already met with Secretary del Rosario and handa naman tayong mag-provide kung anong assistance ang kanilang kailangan relative to the investigation that is on-going, Valte said. Of course, sinabi ni Secretary del Rosario sa kanila na ang mga identities nila siyempre, will remain confidential until such time na kailangan na silang iharap doon sa kanilang mga inaakusahan. The DFA has already invited its consuls general and ambassadors in the Middle East to come home to take part in the inquiry. The Palace official also assured the public that the ongoing investigation will be fair and straightforward and everything will be based on evidence presented. At kung makita, base doon sa ebidensya, na talagang dapat merong maparusahan or meron may sala ay hindi tayo mag-aatubiling ibaba ang karampatang parusa sa kanila, she said. Akbayan party-list Rep. Walden Bello disclosed last week the alleged sex-for-fly scheme in the Middle East victimizing distressed OFWs. The legislator urged President Aquino to form a presidential investigating committee to look into the allegations. The Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and the DFA are conducting separate probes into the said allegations. PND (as) TOP Government wants Filipino families to be prepared for emergencies Malacanang asked Filipino families to take a look at their disaster preparedness plan so that they can respond well to emergencies particularly as the typhoon season starts. In a radio interview Saturday over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the current thrust of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is to carry out an aggressive information campaign to notify families about important preparedness plan. We appeal to, at least to the families who are listening, to the individuals who are listening, to review your familys disaster preparedness plan, kung kumpleto ang mga emergency kits ninyo sa bahay para hindi tayo nagugulat kapag nagkakaroon ng sakuna, Valte said. Going into the rainy season, this will be very important. We appeal to everybody to review your familys own emergency plan para lagi tayong handa, she added. In an interview last week, Valte said the government continues to adhere with its zero-casualty policy as the typhoons start to enter the country. Valte said the President has instructed government agencies to prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable during times of calamities. The Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the NDRRMC have been coordinating with one another to prepare for the onset of the typhoon season, Valte said.

They are working on pro-active measures or protocols that will be followed whenever a typhoon enters the Philippine area of responsibility, she added. PND (as) TOP

21 JUNE 2013.

1. President Aquino signs two laws creating additional branches of regional trial court in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and San Mateo, Rizal 2. President Aquino acknowledges role of Professional Regulation Commission in bureaucratic reforms 3. President Aquino signs laws converting two state colleges into universities in Iloilo and Pampanga 4. Government to redouble efforts in fight against human trafficking, says Palace 5. Aquino signs National Health Insurance Act of 2013 to provide Filipinos health care insurance coverage
President Aquino signs two laws creating additional branches of regional trial court in Malaybalay, Bukidnon and San Mateo, Rizal President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed two laws creating additional branches of regional trial court (RTC) in the city of Malaybalay in Bukidnon and San Mateo in Rizal in a bid to unclog court dockets and speed up the dispensation of justice. The Chief Executive signed on June 11 Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10602 otherwise known as "An Act Creating Four (4) Additional Branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Tenth Judicial Region to be stationed at the city of Malaybalay, province of Bukidnon, further amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, otherwise known as The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, as amended, and appropriating funds therefor". This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3026 and House Bill No. 5341, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on September 17, 2012 and February 5, 2013, respectively. President Aquino, likewise, signed on June 11 R.A. No. 10603 otherwise known as "An Act Creating Two (2) Additional Branches of the Regional Trial Court in the Fourth Judicial Region to be stationed at the municipality of San Mateo, province of Rizal, further amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, otherwise known as The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980, as amended, and appropriating funds therefor" This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3042 and House Bill No. 6856, was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on September 17, 2012 and February 6, 2013, respectively. Both laws mandate the Supreme Court to assign the respective branch numbers for the newly created branches. Under the new laws, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Justice, shall immediately include in the Courts program the implementation of this Act. The funding shall likewise be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. Under the laws, the funds necessary for the operation of the newly-created courts shall be appropriated and released only upon the actual organization of the courts and the appointment of its personnel. Both Acts shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. PND (js) TOP President Aquino acknowledges role of Professional Regulation Commission in bureaucratic reforms President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledged the contribution of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in spearheading bureaucratic reforms and has considered the commission as a front liner in the fight against graft and corruption.

In his message during the commissions 40th anniversary celebration at the Manila Hotel Thursday, the President said integrity and professionalism were the major ingredients in good governance. The people trust public servants who are honest and professional, he said, adding that this is the reason why his administration carries out an inclusive governmental reform and continuous fight against graft. Nasa frontline ng agendang ito ang Professional Regulation Commission. Napakahalaga ng papel at responsibilidad ninyo sa pagpapatibay sa kakayahan ng ating mga propesyunal. Hindi lang kayo nagbibigay ng pagsusulit o nagkakaloob ng lisenyat sertipiko; nagsisiguro sa mahusay na pagtugon ng ating mga propesyunal sa kanilang tungkulin, at paggamit nito ayon sa kanilang kakayahan at katwiran, the President said. The PRC can serve as an effective agent for social change because instead of being reactive, the commission could be proactive in assisting students select their professions. The commission is not new to controversies, he said. The PRC has faced numerous allegations such as exam leakages and corruption. But the President said the PRC must not let these menace overcome the regulatory body. Pero hindi po tayo magpapatalo sa iilang naghahari-harian sa burukrasya; hindi natin sila hahayaang patuloy na makapaminsala sa ating kapwa. Walang sinuman ang lisensyadong manloko. Papatunayan nating hindi mabubura ng ilang hudas sa sistema ang dangal at mandatong itinindig ng PRC sa loob ng apatnapung taong paglilingkod, the President said. Batid po nating habang pinapaunlad at pinapatibay ang kakayahan ng ahensya, lumalaki rin ang inyong ambag sa agenda natin ng malawakang reporma. The PRC must shun bribery and must set and observe a high standard of service to the people, the President said. Giving professionals the licenses they deserve will make them more competitive, and productive members of society, he added. The public will also have more protection against malpractice if the PRC grant licenses to qualified professionals such as engineers and doctors because only those who have passed the examination will get the certification, the President said. At the same time, the President expressed his gratitude to the commission for participating in the governments jobs and skills matching agenda aimed at creating more jobs especially among the ordinary people. He also acknowledged the PRCs Career Guidance and Advocacy that assists students in choosing their future careers. The PRC was created as a national government agency by Presidential Decree No. 223 on June 22, 1973, by the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos. Prior to that issuance, the commission was previously called the Office of the Board of Examiners created by Republic Act No. 546 on June 17, 1950, under the Civil Service Commission (CSC). The PRC became operational on January 4, 1974 with the assumption into office of the first set of appointed Commissioners and Associate Commissioners. PND (as) TOP President Aquino signs laws converting two state colleges into universities in Iloilo and Pampanga President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed laws converting two state colleges into universities in Iloilo and Pampanga. The Chief Executive signed on June 11 Republic Act No. 10604 otherwise known as "An Act converting the Iloilo State College of Fisheries in the municipality of Barotac Nuevo, province of Iloilo into a state university to be known as the Iloilo State University of Science and Technology, with campuses in the municipalities of San Enrique, Dingle and Dumangas, and integrating therewith the Barotac Nuevo Polytechnic Institute in the municipality of Barotac Nuevo, all located in the province of iloilo and appropriating funds therefor." This Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was finally passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 6, 2013, respectively. "The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current years appropriations of the ISCOF, except the sums needed to continue the operations of the existing high school. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act," RA 1060ISCOF4 said. The President likewise, signed R.A. No. 10605 otherwise known as "An Act converting the Pampanga Agricultural College in the municipality of Magalang, province of Pampanga into a state university to be known as the Pampanga State Agricultural University and appropriating funds therefor." This Act, which originated in the House of Representatives, was finally passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on February 4, 2013 and February 6, 2013, respectively. "The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the current years appropriations of the PAC except the sums needed for the continued operation of the existing high school.

Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation and maintenance of the University shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act." R.A. 10605 said. Under the new Acts, the University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in fisheries technology, arts and sciences, education, industrial technology, engineering, aquaculture, seaweed farming and other related fields of study and as may be relevant to national development. It shall also undertake research, extension services and production activities in support of the development of the Province of Iloilo and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization. The University shall enjoy academic freedom and institutional autonomy, pursuant to Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Both Acts shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. PND (js) TOP Government to redouble efforts in fight against human trafficking, says Palace The Philippine government will focus more on strong areas to finally stop human trafficking following the report of the US State Department recently that has also retained the country at Tier 2 ranking. In a press briefing in Malacanang on Friday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that while the State Department mentioned inadequacies in the governments fight against human trafficking there are also some positive observations. Among the gains of the Philippine government is the increase in the number of prosecutors handling human trafficking cases in the country, she said. The year before the reporting year, it was 57; ngayon tinaasan na to 98, so isa 'yan sa mga magagandang observations. We intend to exert more efforts on the positive areas and to likewise address the recommendations that were raised, Valte said. There are ten recommendations spelled out by the US State Department and the Interagency Council Against Trafficking intends to act on all of it, she added. In its 2013 Trafficking in Persons report, the US Department of State maintained the country's Tier 2 status owing to inefficiencies in the justice system and complicity of law enforcers in curbing trafficking in persons. Being in Tier 2 means failure to fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of severe forms of trafficking as provided by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, but are making significant efforts to achieve those standards. Having this ranking means the government sustained its levels of funding for the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking last year and has been continuing its efforts to implement anti-trafficking laws and policies. PND (as) TOP Aquino signs National Health Insurance Act of 2013 to provide Filipinos health care insurance coverage President Benigno S. Aquino III has signed into law a bill amending the National Health Insurance Act of 1995 in a bid to ensure that all Filipinos, especially the indigents and persons with disabilities, will get health care insurance coverage, a Palace official said on Friday. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Friday that the Chief Executive signed on June 19 Republic Act 10606 or "An Act Amending Republic Act 7875 otherwise known as the National Health Insurance Act of 1995, as Amended and for Other Purposes." The Act is also known as the National Health Insurance Act of 2013. Republic Act 10606, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 2849 and House Bill No. 6048, was finally passed by the Senate and House of Representatives on February 4, 2013. The law mandates the State to provide comprehensive health care services to all Filipinos through a socialized health insurance program that will prioritize the health care needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), women and children and provide free health care services to indigents. The new law provides that all citizens of the Philippines shall be covered by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). The program shall ensure sustainability of coverage and continuous enhancement of the quality of services to people. The Program shall be compulsory in all provinces, cities and municipalities nationwide, notwithstanding the existence of Local government unit-based health insurance programs. Under the law, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC), Department of Health (DOH), local government units (LGUs), and other agencies including non-governmental organizations and other national government agencies shall ensure that members in localities shall have access to quality and cost-effective health care services. Any accredited health care provider who commits a violation, abuse, unethical practice or fraudulent act which

tends to undermine or defeat the objectives of this program shall be punished with a fine of not less than P50,000 but not more than P100,000 or suspension of accreditation from three months to the whole term of accreditation, or both, at the discretion of the PHIC. Any member who commits any violation of this Act independently or in connivance with the health care provider for purposes of wrongfully claiming NHIP benefits or entitlement shall be punished with a fine of not less than P5,000 or suspension from availment of NHIP benefits for not less than three months but not more than six months, or both, at the discretion of the PHIC. Any employer who fails or refuses to register employees, regardless of their employment status, or to deduct contributions from the employee's compensation or remit the same to the PHIC shall be punished with a fine of not less than P5,000 multiplied by the total number of employees of the firm. Any employer or any officer authorized to collect contributions under this Act who, after collecting or deducting the monthly contributions from his employee's compensation, fails to remit the said contributions to the PHIC within 30 days from the date they become due shall be presumed to have misappropriated such contributions. The law creates a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee to conduct a regular review of the NHIP which shall entail a systematic evaluation of the program's performance, impact or accomplishments with respect to its objectives or goals. The committee will be composed of five members from the Senate and five members from the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Senate President and the House Speaker, respectively. The National Economic and Development Authority, in coordination with the National Statistics Office and the National Institutes of Health of the University of the Philippines shall undertake studies to validate the accomplishments of the Program. The PHIC, in coordination with the DOH, shall craft implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from the effectivity of this Act. The Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least 2 newspapers of general circulation. PND (js) TOP

21 HUNYO 2013 Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang 2 batas na lumikha ng karagdagang mga sangay ng RTC sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon at sa san Mateo, Rizal Binigyang halaga ng Pangulong Aquino ang sagutin ng Professional Regulation Commission sa reporma sa burukrasya Pag-iibayuhin ng gobyerno ang pagsugpo sa human trafficking ---Palasyo

Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ang 2 batas na lumikha ng karagdagang mga sangay ng RTC sa Malaybalay, Bukidnon at sa san Mateo, Rizal

Nilagdaan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang dalawang batas na lumilikha ng mga dagdag na Regional Trial Court (RTC) sa Lungsod ng Malaybalay sa Bukidnon at sa San Mateo, Rizal na nagsusog sa Batas Pambansa Blg. 129 na kilala bilang The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980. Hunyo 11 nang lagdaan ng Pangulong Aquino ng Batas ng Republika Blg. 10602 na lumikha ng apat na karagdagang mga sangay ng Regional Trial Court sa Tenth Judicial Region sa Lungsod ng Malaybalay, Bukidnon at ang Batas ng Republika Blg. 10603 na lumikha ng dala-wang dagdag na mga sangay ng Regional Trial Court sa Fourth Judicial Region sa bayan ng San Mateo, lalawigan ng Rizal. Sa pamamagitan ng mga Batas na ito, ang Kataastaasang Hukuman ay magtatalaga ng mga hukom sa mga bagong likhang sangay na nasabi at isasama agad ang kaukulang pondo ng Hukuman sa taunang General

Appropriations Act ang mga gugulin para sa mga bagong likhang mga Regional Trial Court. Magkakabisa ang Batas na ito 15 araw matapos malathala sa Official Gazette o sa dalawang malaganap na pahayagan. PND

TOP Binigyang halaga ng Pangulong Aquino ang sagutin ng Professional Regulation Commission sa reporma sa burukrasya

Binigyang halaga ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang malaking tulong ng Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) sa pangunguna sa pagsasagawa ng mga reporma sa burukrasya at sa pagsupil sa katiwalian at pagsasamantala. Sa talumpati kaugnay ng pagdiriwang ng ika-4 taon ng PRC na idinaos sa Manila Hotel Huwebes, binigyang diin ng Pangulo na ang karangalan at propesyonalismo ay mahalagang sangkap ng mabuting pamamahala. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na kailangang may tiwala ang taong bayan sa mga lingkod ng bayan na matatapat at mga propesyonal at ito ang dahilan kaya ang kanyang administrasyon ay matagumpay na nakagagawa ng mga reporma sa pamahalaan at patuloy ang pagbaka sa katiwalian. Nasa unang hanay ng larangan ng adyendang ito ang Professional Regulation Commission. Napakahalaga ng papel at responsibilidad ninyo sa pagpapatibay sa kakayahan ng ating mga propesyonal. Hindi lamang kayo nagbibigay ng pagsusulit o nagkakaloob ng lisensiya at sertipiko, nagsisiguro sa mahusay na pagtugon ng ating mga propesyonal sa kanilang tungkulin at paggamit nito ayon sa kanilang kakayahan at katuwiran,paliwanag ng Pangulo. Ang PRC ay makatutulong nang malaki tungo sa pagbabago ng lipunan dahil sa masigsaig nilang pagsisikap na gabayan ang mga mag-aaral sa pagpili ng kanilang propesyon, sabi ng Pangulo. Naharap na ang PRC sa mga pagsubok at kontrobersiya na tulad ng exam leakages at katiwalian, datapuwat hindi dapat tulutan ng PRC na makasira ang salot na ito sa kanilang tanggapan, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Ngunit hindi po tayo magpapatalo sa iilang naghahari-harian sa burukrasya. Hindi natin sila pababayaang patuloy na makapaminsala sa ating kapuwa. Walang sino man ang lisensiyadong manloko. Patutunayan nating hindi mabubura ng iilang hudas sa sistema ang dangal at mandating itinindig ng PRC sa loob ng apatnapung taong paglilingkod, wika ng Pangulo. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na habang pinauunlad at pinatitibay ang kakayahan ng ahensiya, lumalaki rin ang ambag nito sa adyenda ng malawakang reporma ng pamahalaan. Binigyang diin pa ng Pangulo na dapat sagkaan ng PRC ang lagayan at kailangang magtakda at umalinsunod sa mataas na pamantayan ng paglilingkod sa sambayanan. Ang pagkakaloob sa mga propesyonal ng lisensiyang karapat-dapat sa kanila ay magiging daan upang maging higit silang nasa kalagayang maging kapaki-pakinabang na bahagi ng lipunan, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Tahasang sinabi ng Pangulo na higit na mapangangalagaan ang taong bayan sa malpractice kung pagkakalooban ng PRC ng lisensiya ang mga karapat-dapat na propesyonal na tulad ng mga inhinyero at duktor sapagkat tanging ang mga nakapasa lamang sa pagsusulit ang makakukuha ng sertipikasyon. Nagpasalamat din ang Pangulo sa komisyon sa pakikiisa sa pamahalaan sa jobs and skills matching agenda na ang pakay ay makalikha ng karagdagang trabaho lalo na sa hanay ng mga karaniwang mamamayan. Pinuri rin ng Pangulo ang Career Guidance and Advocacy ng PRC na tumutulong sa mga mag-aaral sa pamimili ng kursong kanilang pag-aaralan. Ang PRC ay nilikha bilang ahensiya ng pamahalaang pambansa sa pamamagitan ng Presidential Decree No. 223 noong Hunyo 22, 1973 ng yumaong Pangulong Ferdinand E Marcos. Ang Komisyon ay dating kilala bilang Office of the Board of Examiners na nilikha sa pamamagitan ng Batas ng Republika Blg. 546 noong Hunyo 17, 1950 sa ilalim ng Komisyon ng Serbisyo Sibil. Ang PRC ay nagpasimula ng operasyon noong Enero 4, 1974 pagkatapos manumpa sa tungkulin ang mga kaunaunahang itinalagang Komisyoner at Katulong na Komisyoner. PND

TOP

Pag-iibayuhin ng gobyerno ang pagsugpo sa human trafficking ---Palasyo

Pag-iibayuhin ng pamahalaang Pilipino ang pagsisikap na mawakasan na ang human trafficking sa liwanag ng report ng US State Deprtment na nanatili ang bansa sa Tier 2 ranking. Sinabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Biyernes na bagaman isinaad sa report ng State Department ang ilang kakulangan pa sa digma ng pamahalaan laban sa human trafficking, may mga positibong obserbasyon namang bagay na tinukoy. Sa mga nagawa ng pamahalaang Pilipino ay ang pagdaragdag ng mga tagausig na humahawak ng mga usapin ng human trafficking sa bansa, sabi ni Valte. Noong taon bago ang taon ng pag-uulat, ito ay 57. Ngayon itinaas na ito sa 98 kaya iyan ay kasama rin sa magagandang obserbasyon. Pagbubutihin pa natin ang pagsisikap sa mga positibong larangan at nang matugunan ang mga rekomendasyong binanggit, dagdag pa ni Valte. Sampu ang rekomendasyong binanggit ng US State Department at ng Interagency Council Against Trafficking at ito ay gagawan natin ng kaukulang mga hakbang, wika ni Valte. Pinapanatili ng US Department of State ang bansa sa Tier 2 status sa 2013 Trafficking in Persons report dahil sa pagkukulang ng justice system at hindi lubusang masugpo ng mga alagad ng batas ang trafficking in persons.

Ang Tier 2 ay nangangahulugang nabigong umalinsunod sa minimum standards upang masawata ang pinakamatinding uri ng trafficking na nakasaad sa Traffiking Victims Protection Act ng 2000, gayunman, puspusang pagsisikap ang ginagawa upang maabot ang mga pamantayang ito. Ang ranggong ito ay nangangahulugang napanatili ng pamahalaan ang levels of funding para sa Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking noong nakaraang taon at wala pa ring patlang ang pagsisikap na maipatupad nang totohanan ang mga batas at patakarang may kaugnayan sa anti-trafficking. PND

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ONLINE NEWS
20 JUNE 2013

1. Philippines, Thailand Hold Bilateral Talks 2. Philippines Shares Lessons and Ideas on Transparency at Pre-G8 Meeting, Purisima Proposes Adoption of Global Convention on Tax Identification Numbers 3. It is DOLE exerting effort to get to the bottom of the sex-for-fly allegations--Baldoz 4. DTI to boost investments in Mindanao 5. DENR destroys huge stockpile of illegal ivory 6. Over 32,000 OFW Flexi-fund members get SSS annual incentive benefits 7. Robust current account drives higher BOP surplus in Q1 2013 8. OFW recruiter in HK offers bogus Canada jobs 9. P29.6-M SSF funds now ready for release in Central Visayas 10. Palarong Pambansa medalists to play in Vietnam ASEAN Schools Games 11. GPH, MILF to resume formal talks in July 12. DOST launches dengue alert website 13. DFA personnel corps donates to Pablo victims through Ateneo de Davaos continuing relief and rehabilitation efforts 14. PHL Consulate General in Jeddah assists 15,200 OFWs in six weeks 15. Alcala reports RP progress in hunger fight

Philippines, Thailand Hold Bilateral Talks Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 21 June 2013 - The Philippines hosted the 5th Meeting of the Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) with Thailand on June 20 to 21. The JCBC is a bilateral mechanism established on 24 March 1992 to facilitate cooperation and consultation between the Philippines and Thailand on a wide array of issues of bilateral and regional concern. The 5th JCBC Ministerial Meeting on June 21 was presided by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Surapong Tovichakchaikul, who is also on an official visit to the Philippines. This was preceded on June 20 by the JCBC Senior Officials Meeting, which was co-chaired by Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan P. Garcia and Thai Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The two sides provided updates on the political and economic developments in their respective countries. Among the topics discussed were trade and investment, technical cooperation, education, tourism and transportation, law enforcement and legal cooperation, taxation, energy, defense and labour. Philippine and Thai officials likewise exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the West Philippine Sea issue and the current regional architecture. The 5th JCBC also witnessed the signing of three agreements: 1) the Convention for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with Respect to Taxes on Income, which would help facilitate economic activities between the Philippines and Thailand; 2) the Joint Statement for the Establishment of an Energy Forum, which would further advance cooperation in the energy sector; and 3) the Memorandum of Understanding on the Development of Cooperation between the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB) which would promote cooperation and develop collaboration on trade and investment between Philippine and Thai companies. In his closing remarks, Secretary del Rosario thanked Foreign Minister Surapong and the members of the Philippine and Thai delegations for the success of the 5th JCBC. I hope we can build on this positive momentum and actively work together in realizing our commitments Thailand remains a close friend and ally of the Philippines, the Secretary stated. Thailand will host the next meeting of the JCBC in 2015. END |TOP| Philippines Shares Lessons and Ideas on Transparency at Pre-G8 Meeting, Purisima Proposes Adoption of Global Convention on Tax Identification Numbers Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph During the lead-up to the G8 Summit presided over by the United Kingdom, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima represented the Philippines at the G8 Pre-Summit meeting in London entitled Open for Growth: Trade, Tax and Transparency. The meeting, held last June 15 and chaired by United Kingdom Prime Minister David Cameron, saw discussion from more than 200 government leaders, business people and representatives from non-profit groups on improving transparency and corporate governance, reducing tax avoidance, and creating fairer and more beneficial international trade.

During the meeting, Purisima shared the experience of the Philippines in achieving economic growth through good governance, and outlined a proposal for a worldwide registry and convention on unique global Tax Identification Numbers (TINs). Unique identifiers in the form of global TINs would enable international monitoring of transactions by tax authorities, who often lose oversight capability as financial actors move across countries and utilize mechanisms such as shell corporations to avoid tax. At this meeting of global leaders, it is imperative that the G8 lead the global community in declaring a war against corruption, smuggling, and tax evasion. It is high time that we explore the creation of a global system of Tax Identification Numbers that will help us curb tax evasion and smuggling on an international level, Purisima said. According to the World Bank as well as the Tax Justice Network, an NGO that advocates for global tax transparency, yearly losses to corruption, smuggling, and tax evasion combined are estimated between $4.5 trillion and $5 trillion a figure greater than the increase in Gross World Product in 2012. Purisima cited that this amount could and should be reclaimed by countries towards infrastructure, education, and other basic needs. Purisima noted that a system of global TINs, once adopted, should assign every individual a unique global TIN, coded by country, similar to what is reflected in telephone numbers. He also stressed the importance of global TINs being required as a form of passport for international trade and investment to ensure that transactions are legitimate and verified by the appropriate tax authorities. According to Purisima, the global TIN scheme would be supported by a central registry maintained by the IMF or a similar multilateral organization, which participating countries would be able to access. Additionally, he stressed that international cooperation on trade should be linked to adopting the global TIN system. Once the global TIN scheme is implemented, it should be made a feature of free trade agreements signed between countries to ensure that free trade is fair trade as well. It is important that we give teeth to the international agenda against tax evasion with measures like this, the finance chief added. The Pre-G8 meeting set the stage for the G8 Summit held in Lough Erne, Northern Ireland. The G8, standing for the Group of Eight Summit, presents an avenue for the worlds eight wealthiest countries to discuss items of international concern. |TOP| It is DOLE exerting effort to get to the bottom of the sex-for-fly allegations--Baldoz Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph It is DOLE exerting effort to get to the bottom of the sex-for-fly allegations--Baldoz "It is the DOLE--through the investigating committee that I have created--that is getting to the bottom of the sex-forfly allegations." This is the emphatic statement of DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday after she received an update report on the status of the investigation she ordered on the allegations. Baldoz, who is in Milan together with Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala for the Agribusiness Investment Forum for the National Reintegration Program for OFWs, said the DOLE has an understanding with the Department of Foreign Affairs that the parallel investigation the two agencies are doing will be thorough and complete. "There is such a thing as due process, and we would like to abide by it. The allegations came public on 12 June. On 13 June, I issued Administrative Order No. 239, Series of 2013, creating a team that will investigate the allegations. But until now, there has not been a single person who had filed a formal complaint against the DOLE personnel named in the allegations that continues to play out in the media," said Baldoz. "The facts are that Welfare Officer Mario Antonio, who was assigned in Jordan, is already in the Philippines when the allegations came out and has been required by the investigating committee to submit his explanation. On the other hand, Blas Marquez, the local-hire employee in POLO Kuwait, has already been suspended on 14 June; and the investigating panel has identified and contacted three OFWs who have said they have no knowledge of the allegations," explained Baldoz. The head of the DOLE investigating panel, Atty. Leah Fortuna, has reported to Baldoz that the team has identified the three who were part of the 48 alleged victims, but they said they have no personal knowledge of or information on the allegations. She said the investigating panel is looking for the remaining OFWs through the DOLE, POEA, and OWWA regional offices. "It is our people who are being accused in the media, but isn't it ironic that it is us who are looking out for complainants?" asked Baldoz, as she appealed for cooperation so that the investigating team, whose main task involves gathering information and pertinent documents and to interview the concerned OFWs, can conclude its work fast. Baldoz also expressed appreciation over the concern of some members of Congress for the fast resolution of the matter, including Rep. Walden Bello and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, and she appealed to them to provide the DOLE any information available to them to fast-track the work of the investigation team. "We are determined to get into the bottom of this issue as the DOLE does not condone any inappropriate act of any of its official and personnel, most especially if it involves the performance of their official duties, particularly those mandated to protect our OFWs. Integrity and sincerity in public service are among the core values that we in the DOLE have sworn to uphold and abide by in everything we do, Baldoz reiterated. |TOP| DTI to boost investments in Mindanao

Last Updated:

21 JUNE 2013

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President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the Professional Regulation Commissions (PRCs) 40th Founding Anniversary and Professional Regulation Week at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Thursday (June 20). It has for its theme: PRC C.A.R.E.S. for National-Building and Global Competitiveness. PRC CARES aims to facilitate employment-generation, manpower development and social protection in the professional sector for nation building and global competitiveness. PRC has been at the forefront of raising the global competitiveness of the regulated professions in preparation for the Philippines commitments on the mobility of services with the forthcoming establishment of the ASEAN Economic community in 2015. (Photo by: Robert Vias / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Professional Regulation Commissions (PRCs) 40th Founding Anniversary and Professional Regulation Week at the Fiesta Pavilion, Manila Hotel in One Rizal Park, Manila City on Thursday (June 20). It has for its theme: PRC C.A.R.E.S. for NationalBuilding and Global Competitiveness. PRC CARES aims to facilitate employment-generation, manpower development and social protection in the professional sector for nation building and global competitiveness. PRC has been at the forefront of raising the global competitiveness of the regulated professions in preparation for the Philippines commitments on the mobility of services with the forthcoming establishment of the ASEAN Economic community in 2015. (Photo by: Gil Nartea/ Robert Vias/ Malacaang Photo Bureau)

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