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15 DECEMBER 2003 |
| Statement of the President: On the capture of Saddam Hussein |
Since day one we were with the international coalition for the liberation and reconstruction of Iraq and this event is a major milestone in that historic effort. We have deployed our peacekeepers and humanitarian workers in that country and we shall continue to stand beside the Iraqi people in their quest for democracy and prosperity. The late Secretary Ople, whose death our nation deeply mourns, was one of the stalwarts of our Iraq policy and he led both the effort to keep our nationals in the Middle East out of harm’s way during the crisis, and our effort to help the Iraqi people rise from that crisis. I wish the Iraqi people all the best as they face a more stable and peaceful future ahead of them. |
| Statement of the President: On the Demise of Secretary Blas Ople |
The nation mourns the death of a great Filipino. We were awed by the vision and indomitable wit of Secretary Blas Ople. He was an architect of Philippine foreign policy in the finest tradition of enlightened and pragmatic diplomacy, a champion of peace, human rights, collective security and the rule of law. The nation and our millions of Filipino workers, including those overseas, also recall with deep gratitude and admiration the decades that Ka Blas devoted to serving to the interests of the working man and woman, as well as his pioneering efforts in the promotion of overseas employment. We will miss Ka Blas – journalist, labor advocate, senator and statesman – and the world will miss him. |
| Statement of the President: On the President's visits to OFWs |
In all my foreign trips for the past two and a half years, I have always met up with our OFWs and embraced them because they represent the goodness, greatness and excellence of our people. I shall continue to champion the cause of our OFWs and their families for the pride and sacrifice they’ve shown for our country. I have brought them the Christmas spirit because many of them cannot be with their loved ones this season, but they are one with our nation and people in the celebration of a bright future. |
| Statement of the President: On NPA extorsion from candidates |
The AFP and the PNP shall come up with a concrete operational plan to foil the NPA’s extortion activities that will have an impact on the democratic exercise. I want them to work closely with the candidates in the affected areas to stem this tide of terrorism. The people’s right to vote and freedom of choice must be unimpaired at all times. |
| Statement of the Presidential Spokesperson On Commander Robot |
Commander Robot’s words are those of a desperate man and these will be subjected to intense verification and corroboration process. The Philippine government is willing to share information and even invite the Malaysian authorities to question Commander Robot in the spirit of attaining justice for his Malaysian victims, and furtherance of our common cause against terrorism. |
| Statement of the Presidential Political Spokesperson: On the opposition |
We wish the opposition could unite so that the substantive issues of the campaign can be joined and debated. On our part, the administration has been united from the very beginning and we are just waiting for the opposition to get its act together so that we can see what more they can add to what has already been done in terms of national programs |
| The Good News : Deployment of OFWs doubles under GMA |
The Philippines is as one of the leading sources of migrant workers all over the world. The country started to send workers abroad at the turn of the century. During the 1900s, Filipino workers migrated to find work, often as farm hands in developing countries, particularly United States, Canada and Australia. In the 1970s, the movement of skilled Filipino workers on contractual basis, particularly to Middle East countries, became a phenomenon. As of 2001, stock estimates on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) showed that there were 7.4 million Filipinos abroad, composed of 2.7 million permanent workers, 3.1 million temporary workers, and 1.6 million irregular workers. The Macapagal-Arroyo administration has enabled more Filipinos to get employment in foreign lands. Over the last five years ending in 2002, overseas employment continued to be on the uptrend, with 2002 registering the highest deployment of OFWs, numbering 891,980 from 867,559 in 2001. This indicates a 2.8 percent increase in deployment of OFWs for 2002, the bulk of them, or 682,315 land-based workers while the remaining 208,593 were seafarers. While certain policies and other market developments had dampened deployment level during said periods such as the intensified implementation of the nationalization policy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Barhain, and competition from other labor sending countries, the growth trend in the deployment of OFWs has remained positive. Likewise, despite the nationalization policy in our traditional markets in the Middle East, OFWs have maintained its dominant presence in the region. The government, through the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), is projecting employment opportunities for OFWs from:
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| Palace sees no immediate pull-out of Filipinos in Iraq after Saddam's capture |
MANAMA, Bahrain (via PLDT) – Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said Sunday here that there would be no immediate pullout of the Philippine humanitarian contingent in Iraq even with the capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein Saturday. "We’re staying," he said, adding that the Philippine government is sticking to its commitment to help in the reconstruction of Iraq. Bunye said Saddam’s capture is foreseen to hasten the development of a new Iraq. At present, he said there are 97 Filipino peacekeeping forces in Iraq. He said this number could be increased to 500 depending on the need of the situation in Iraq. Although the capture of both the Iraqi strongman and Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot, are a "big victory" against terrorism, Bunye said this is not a reason to "let our guards down" as terrorists seem to strike when the defense is weak "We should always be alert, but continue with our normal activities," Bunye said. |
| Bahrain assures GMA of full support to the government's peace efforts in Mindanao |
MANAMA, Bahrain (via PLDT) – The King of Bahrain, Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Sunday night lassured President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the kingdom’s full support to the Philippine government’s efforts to achieve lasting peace in Mindanao. "The President thanked the King for Bahrain’s sincere efforts in helping solve our problems in Mindanao," Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said after the one-on-one meeting between the President and the King at the Al Rawdha Palace here. Bunye said Bahrain is very supportive of the government’s peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippines’ bid for observer status in the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). He said that Bahrain would be active in the ceasefire monitoring team in Mindanao and would help bolster our relationship with the other members of the OIC. "The King has been quoted as saying that they would persuade other members of the OIC to support our bid for observer status," he said. The President and her official delegation arrived here 4:30 p.m. Sunday (11:30 p.m. in Manila) after meeting with some 5,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Hong Kong. The President was accorded full military honors when she was met at the Bahrain International Airport by the King, Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and other top officials of the kingdom. After the arrival ceremonies, the President had a one-on-one meeting with the King at his official residence Al Rawdha Palace. The King later hosted a state dinner in honor of the President at the dining room of the palace that capped the first day of her two-day state visit here. |
| Cruz resigns as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to help in GMA campaign |
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Avelino J. Cruz Jr. has resigned effective December 31 to help in the campaign of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In a letter dated Dec. 8, 2003, Cruz thanked the President for giving him the opportunity to serve in government and expressed his continued support for the President’s efforts towards good governance. Cruz said that former Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs Joe Nathan P. Tenefrancia would be designated officer-in-charge of the Office of the Presidential Legal Counsel upon the effectivity of his resignation. Tenefrancia worked as Assistant Secretary for Legal Affairs at the Presidential Management Staff under the Office of the President from February to September, 2001 before moving on to the Villaraza & Angangco Law Offices as a senior partner in May this year. He took his Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines where he graduated salutatorian in 1990. He is also a holder of a Bachelor of Science, Mining Engineering degree from the state university and a graduate of the Philippine Science High School. Tenefrancia was a director of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Makati City Chapter) from 1999 to 2001; secretary of the Law Foundation of Makati; and member of the Philippine Bar Association and Integrated Bar of the Philippines. |
| GMA starts Bahrain state visit |
MANAMA, Bahrain -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her official delegation arrived here Sunday to start her two-day state visit to this oil-rich kingdom. The President's chartered aircraft touched down at the Bahrain International Airport at about 4:30 p.m. (11:30 p.m. in Manila). Upon her arrival, the President was accorded full military honors. King Hamad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa and Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa Bin Salman-Khalifa were among the members of the royal family who welcomed the President. From the airport, the President immediately motored to the Al Rawdha Palace and held a brief one-on-one meeting with the king. The King then hosted a state dinner for the President and her official delegation. According to the President, in her Bahrain state visit she would pursue the same thrusts that she undertook during her earlier visits to Japan and Hong Kong: to widen the range of diplomacy to reinforce the country's national interests. The President would also look into the working conditions of the more than 30,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) here. |
| RP and Bahrain sign accords on tourism, technical education and air services |
MANAMA, BAHRAIN--The Philippines and Bahrain forged here today three vital agreements meant to expand and strengthen bilateral ties on tourism, technical education and air services. The signing of the accords, held at the Al Rawdha Palace here, highlighted President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s two-day state visit to the Persian Gulf country. Concluded were a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism, another MOU on Technical Education, and a protocol to amend and supplement the air services agreement between the two countries. Ambassador to Bahrain Eduardo Maglaya signed all three documents on behalf of the Philippine government. Those who signed for Bahrain were Minister of Information Nabeel Bin Yacoub Al-Hamer on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tourism, Education Minister Dr. Majid Bin Ali Al-Naumil on the MOU on technical education and Minister of Transportation Ali Bin Khalifa al-Khalifa on the protocol on air services agreement. The two governments sought to jointly promote tourism within the limits allowed by their laws, as well as coordinate marketing efforts and exchange information on their tourism industries. The two countries also agreed to establish closer cooperation on technical education, particularly in human resource development skills training, visitor exchange and technology transfer. Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, who is part of President Macapagal-Arroyo’s official delegation, said the Philippines could greatly help Bahrain in skills training, citing the Filipinos’ expertise in such field. On the other hand, Tourism Undersecretary Evelyn Pantig said the amended air accord provides for five additional flights per week between the two countries. Pantig said two of the five flights would land in Manila, one each in the cities of Cebu and Davao and another at the President Diosdado Macapagal Airport in Clark Airfield in Pampanga. |
| GMA thanks Bahrain for $1 million grant for Mindanao |
MANAMA, Bahrain --- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today thanked His Majesty King Sheikh Hamad bin isa bin Salman Al-Khalifa for the $1 million grant that the kingdom has provided for the development of the Muslim communities in the Philippines. During their bilateral meeting here, the President also thanked the King for Bahrain’s strong support for the government’s efforts to bring peace and development to Mindanao, particularly in the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The President also expressed her gratitude to Bahrain for supporting the election of the Philippines as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2004-2005. The document for the $1 million grant was signed on the sidelines of the President’s two-day state visit that ends here today. Earlier, the Philippines and Bahrain also signed three agreements, two on cooperation on tourism and technical education, and the third amending the air services agreement between the two countries. Philippine Ambassdor to Bahrain Eduardo Maglaya and Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council Amable R. Aguiluz V announced the signing of the grant at the Philippine Consular Office here. Details on the projects to be funded by the grant are now being finalized by both governments. |
| GMA to hold DFA portfolio in interim capacity |
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will handle the foreign affairs portfolio in an interim capacity until the designation of a replacement for Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople who died early Sunday in Taiwan. The President made the announcement during her ongoing state visit to Bahrain. "For a short while, I will be secretary of foreign affairs just as I was secretary of foreign affairs for a short while before I asked Mr. Ople to become DFA secretary," the President said. It would be recalled that the Chief Executive also took over as acting defense secretary after accepting the resignation of Angelo Reyes. She henceforth gave way to Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita. In making the announcement, the President took the opportunity to pay tribute to Ople whom she called a great Filipino. "We were awed by the vision and indomitable wit of Secretary Blas Ople," she said in a statement. "He was an architect of Philippine foreign policy in the finest tradition of enlightened and pragmatic diplomacy, a champion of peace, human rights, collective security and the rule of law." She said the nation and the millions of Filipino workers, including those overseas, will recall with deep gratitude and admiration the decades that "Ka Blas" devoted to serving the interests of the working man and woman "as well as his pioneering efforts in the promotion of overseas employment." "We will miss Ka Blas – journalist, labor advocate, senator and statesman – and the world will miss him," the President said. |
| Gov't to set up Muslim shopping mall in Metro Manila |
MANAMA, Bahrain—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo revealed here today that her administration intends to build an exclusive commercial center in Metro Manila showcasing Muslim culture and craft. In an interview with Gulf News Asia editor Neena Gopal at the Amman Palace here, the President said the proposed commercial center would house Muslim Filipinos being displaced by the ongoing drive against sidewalk vendors being implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). President Macapagal-Arroyo said the commercial center would rise in one of the three Muslim large communities in the metropolis. "We have more Muslims (living) outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) than inside, especially in Metro Manila," the President said. She also noted that Mindanao grows faster than the rest of the Phillippines because of big cities like Davao and Cagayan de Oro. "But the Muslim areas are among the poorest provinces in the country," the President added. |
| RP expects to deploy 5,000 to 10,000 workers in Iraq |
MANAMA, Bahrain— The Philippines expects to deploy around 5,000 to 10,000 Filipino workers in Iraq by next year. Philippine Labor Attache to Kuwait Angelo Jimenez said this is premised on speculations that security in the Middle East would improve with the capture of Saddam Hussein on Sunday, and the United States pushes through its projected award of $18.7 billion worth of contracts for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. "Initially, we expect 5,000 Filipino workers to be deployed there but could go up to 10,000 in the first year with these developments," Jimenez, who is here as part of the official delegation of the President, said. Jimenez cited the strong demand for Filipino workers in support services and supply delivery sectors. "We expect this demand to improve to higher level skills especially when the awarding of bids for $18.7 billion approved by the US Congress is successfully concluded," he said. Jimenez said the US has started the process of awarding 24 contracts for the reconstruction and development in the oil and power sector, transportation and communications, water works, justice system, police and health. He said there could be more opportunities in these areas for highly-skilled Filipino workers as the situation is expected to stabilize with the capture of Saddam. Philippine special envoy to the Middle East Roy Cimatu predicted that Iraq’s reconstruction and rehabilitation would be accelerated with Saddam’s arrest by coalition forces. "This is what the nation is waiting for which will be followed by massive reconstruction program. With this, the country's prospects of employment and projects that will be undertaken in Iraq will be fast-tracked," he said. |
