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| 05 NOVEMBER 2007 | ||
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| 05 NOVEMBER 2007 | ||
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye Re: Filipinos in Islamabad |
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The President has directed the Department of
Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad to closely
monitor developments in Pakistan, particularly on the security situation of
the some 3,000 Filipinos living in that country. The embassy has been instructed to take immediate steps, including the establishment of communication hotlines with the Filipino communities there, and to assess and recommend further measures that may be taken to ensure their safety. |
| Increased U.S. funding assistance levels reinforce RP-US partnership - Romulo |
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NEW YORK - Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G.
Romulo reiterated today the appreciation of the Philippine Government for
the decision of the United States Senate to increase funding assistance to
the Philippines and said that this further reinforces the already strong
partnership between the Philippines and the United States. “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our friends in the US Congress to provide increased resources with which we can help secure our nation and build stronger foundations for growth and progress for our people,” Romulo said. The Secretary recalled that last September, the US Senate made an almost three-fold increase to Foreign Military Funding (FMF) for the Philippines – from the $11 million proposed by the Executive Department, to $30 million. The Senate also increased the Economic Support Fund (ESF) from $26 million to $30 million and urged the Executive Branch to request for more once there is a peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “There are no pre-conditions to these increased levels of funding,” Romulo stated. That same month, the Secretary said, he personally thanked key members of the US Congress, particularly Sen. Daniel Inouye, Sen. Daniel Akaka and Rep. Bob Filner, who are staunch supporters of the Philippines. He said he also met with State Department officials who would be involved in FMF and ESF related matters, including Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte. Romulo added that US assistance has helped the Philippines on many fronts and has made cooperation and partnership stronger over the years, stressing this is “funding that has been crucial to the many successes which the Philippines has achieved in fighting terror, building peace and creating growth and progress, particularly in the Southern Philippines.” “This is funding that has been central to uprooting terrorism by bringing in basic infrastructure, healthcare and education to affected areas. This is funding that has allowed our partnership with the United States to break new ground in making our country and our region safer from the threat of terror. This is funding that has saved lives and that has brought renewed hopes of lasting peace and meaningful progress to thousands,” the Secretary said. Romulo, who is currently in the United Nations in New York, made this statement shortly after meeting with Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, who gave him an update on developments in Washington. Ambassador Gaa reported that with discussions on the US budget set to be concluded in the coming weeks, the Senate-proposed funding will soon be taken up in Conference Committee for finalization. Secretary Romulo said that on top of these increases, the Senate also provided an additional $2 million contingent outlay, over and above the $30 million FMF. “The three requirements for us to be given this additional amount are already part of our overall and comprehensive approach to the issue of politically-motivated killings,” he said. According to the Senate funding proposal, for the additional $2 million to be given, the US Secretary of State should report that: the Philippine Government is implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; the Philippine Government is implementing a policy of promoting military personnel who demonstrate professionalism and respect for human rights, and is investigating and prosecuting military personnel and others who have been credibly alleged to have committed extrajudicial executions or other violations of human rights; and the Philippine military is not engaging in acts of intimidation or violence against members of legal organizations who advocate for human rights. “Many of the recommendations that have been made so far by Professor Alston are already part of the measures we have adopted. Military promotions are subject to extreme scrutiny – including from the Commission of Human Rights to the Commission on Appointments, and investigations and prosecutions are being undertaken when there is credible evidence. The Melo Commission and the UN Special Rapporteur have acknowledged that rogue elements, and not the entire Philippine military, are involved,” the Secretary explained in relation to the three requirements. “The Philippine government's resolve to defeat this scourge is clear: 76 cases are on trial; 33 cases are being prepared for prosecution; and six persons including men in uniform, have been convicted,” according to Secretary Romulo. |
| Increased U.S. funding aid levels to RP contain no "strings attached" |
|
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo
reported today to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo that the increased
United States funding assistance levels to the Philippines “contains no
preconditions” or strings attached. Secretary Romulo made the report from New York where he formally expressed the appreciation of the Philippine government to the US government for the increased funding assistance that “further reinforces the already strong partnership” between the two governments. “We deeply appreciate the efforts of our friends in the US Congress to provide increased resources with which we can help secure our nation and build stronger foundations for growth and progress for our people,” Romulo said. The Secretary recalled that last September, the US Senate made an almost three-fold increase to Foreign Military Funding (FMF) for the Philippines – from the $11 million proposed by the Executive Department, to $30 million. The Senate also increased the Economic Support Fund (ESF) from $26 million to $30 million and urged the Executive Branch to request for more once there is a peace agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “There are no pre-conditions to these increased levels of funding,” Romulo stated. That same month, the Secretary said, he personally thanked key members of the US Congress, particularly Sen. Daniel Inouye, Sen. Daniel Akaka and Rep. Bob Filner, who are staunch supporters of the Philippines. He said he also met with State Department officials who would be involved in FMF and ESF related matters, including Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte. Romulo added that US assistance has helped the Philippines on many fronts and has made cooperation and partnership stronger over the years, stressing this is “funding that has been crucial to the many successes which the Philippines has achieved in fighting terror, building peace and creating growth and progress, particularly in the Southern Philippines.” “This is funding that has been central to uprooting terrorism by bringing in basic infrastructure, healthcare and education to affected areas. This is funding that has allowed our partnership with the United States to break new ground in making our country and our region safer from the threat of terror. This is funding that has saved lives and that has brought renewed hopes of lasting peace and meaningful progress to thousands,” the Secretary said. Romulo, who is currently in the United Nations in New York, made this statement shortly after meeting with Philippine Ambassador to the US Willy Gaa, who gave him an update on developments in Washington. Ambassador Gaa reported that with discussions on the US budget set to be concluded in the coming weeks, the Senate-proposed funding will soon be taken up in Conference Committee for finalization. Secretary Romulo said that on top of these increases, the Senate also provided an additional $2 million contingent outlay, over and above the $30 million FMF. “The three requirements for us to be given this additional amount are already part of our overall and comprehensive approach to the issue of politically-motivated killings,” he said. According to the Senate funding proposal, for the additional $2 million to be given, the US Secretary of State should report that: the Philippine Government is implementing the recommendations of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions; the Philippine Government is implementing a policy of promoting military personnel who demonstrate professionalism and respect for human rights, and is investigating and prosecuting military personnel and others who have been credibly alleged to have committed extrajudicial executions or other violations of human rights; and the Philippine military is not engaging in acts of intimidation or violence against members of legal organizations who advocate for human rights. “Many of the recommendations that have been made so far by Professor Alston are already part of the measures we have adopted. Military promotions are subject to extreme scrutiny – including from the Commission of Human Rights to the Commission on Appointments, and investigations and prosecutions are being undertaken when there is credible evidence. The Melo Commission and the UN Special Rapporteur have acknowledged that rogue elements, and not the entire Philippine military, are involved,” the Secretary explained in relation to the three requirements. “The Philippine government's resolve to defeat this scourge is clear: 76 cases are on trial; 33 cases are being prepared for prosecution; and six persons including men in uniform, have been convicted,” according to Secretary Romulo. |
| Macarambon out to prove his critics wrong |
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Former Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judge Moslemen
Macarambon took his oath of office today as commissioner of the Commission
on Elections (Comelec), painfully aware of the controversy and criticisms
buffeting his new appointment. But Macarambon, who has served in various positions in the legal profession as trial lawyer and later as presiding judge of various RTCs, and a law professor, vowed to prove his critics wrong. “I will prove them wrong,” the 66-year-old Macarambon said after he took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita at the Guest House of Malacañang. He expressed no ill-feelings towards those who have attacked his appointment to the poll body, saying criticisms of public officials are normal. “I am happy despite all the criticisms. That’s normal.” Looking ahead, the new Comelec commissioner said he expects rough sailing at the Commission of Appointments (CA) but added that he is prepared to explain his side on the issues raised against him. “I am willing to answer them during the proceedings at the Commission on Appointments,” Macarambon said. He also expressed confidence he could help push the electoral reforms being undertaken by the poll body. A Maranao, Macarambon boasts of 30 years in the legal profession as law practitioner and later -- until his appointment to the Comelec -- as RTC presiding judge in Iligan City. His first appointment was as presiding judge of Regional Trial Court Branch (RTC) 12 in Malabang, Lanao del Sur in September 1989. Before his Iligan City assignment, Macarambon was assigned to RTC Branch 11 as acting presiding judge for more than seven years; RTC Branch 3 also in Iligan City as acting presiding judge for more than a year; RTC Branch 8 in Marawi City as acting presiding judge for more than four months; RTC Branch 23 in Cagayan de Oro City as assisting judge for more than nine months and RTC Branch 7 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte as acting presiding judge. On Oct. 3, 2003, President Arroyo appointed
Macarambon as presiding judge of RTC Branch 4 in Iligan City. Macarambon takes over the Comelec post left vacant following the retirement of Commissioner Mehol Sadain, also a Muslim. |
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye Re: Comelec |
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The President hinted that her next Commission on
Elections (Comelec) appointee would be a former Supreme Court (SC) justice. She did not say who and when the appointment would be announced. |
| PGMA backs call centers' target of 1-M jobs and $13-B in revenue in 10 years |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo endorsed today
the roadmap crafted by the Business Processing Association of the
Philippines (BPAP) whose aim is “10x10” for 10-percent global market share
by year 2010. The President made the endorsement at the launching this morning of the book, “Offshoring and Outsourcing Philippines: Roadmap 2010” at the Quezon Ballroom of Makati Shangri-La. It may be recalled that the Philippines was given the “Outsourcing Destination Award” by the highly prestigious 4th Annual Outsourcing Association (NOA) in ceremonies held in London last Oct. 19. The BPAP’s dream of a 10-percent market share is equivalent to $13 billion in revenue, with one million jobs created by the end of the decade. “Congratulations. We endorse the roadmap,” the President announced after she received the first copy of the 220-page “Offshoring and Outsourcing Philippines: Roadmap 2010” – the first report published by the BPAP, the “umbrella organization of over 100 industry players and 100 vendors in the country.” In the same book-unveiling ceremony, Sen. Manuel A. Roxas thanked President Arroyo for “bucking the unwise opinion” of quarters which found call centers and the like “too low brow” for Filipino labor; and for her focusing on the objective of job generation, believing in the “norm that we have to walk before we run.” On the other hand, BPAP chair Fred Ayala thanked the President for “accelerating industry growth via the PGMA Scholarship For Work Project.” The BPAP said the report “examines the state of the offshoring and outsourcing industry, globally and in the Philippines, and looks closely at the factors that contribute to its growth (and those that indeed may eventually inhibit it).” The Roadmap 2010 Report, added the BPAP which is selling the book at $400 to members and at $500 to non-members, is a “strategy for breakthrough growth in the offshoring and outsourcing industry (O&O) in the Philippines.” The roadmap report also “discusses three important themes – talent development which covers the plan to meet the workforce requirements behind the aggressive goals; the next-wave cities plan which defines the formula for developing new O&O locations beyond the national capital region; and the business environment requirement which discusses the key action steps for ensuring the right level of government and private-sector support for the industry.” The new wave cities proposed by BPAP are the: Cordillera-Ilocos Hub; Davao-GenSan Hub; Central Luzon Hub; Western Visayas Hub; and Central Visayas Hub. |
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye Re: Impeachment |
| Despite this minor distraction, the President will remain laser-focused on her principal task of governing this nation. |
| PGMA orders DFA to ensure safety of about 3,000 Filipinos in Pakistan |
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Following the declaration of a state of
emergency in Pakistan last Saturday, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
directed today the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and embassy officials
in Islamabad to closely monitor developments in Pakistan and ensure the
safety of some 3,000 Filipinos living there. “The President has directed the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine Embassy in Islamabad to closely monitor developments in Pakistan, particularly on the security situation of some 3,000 Filipinos living in that country,” Press Secretary and concurrent Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye said. "The embassy has been instructed to take immediate steps, including the establishment of communication hotlines with the Filipino communities there, and to assess and recommend further measures that may be taken to ensure their safety," Bunye added. The President was particularly concerned over the potential impact of the political developments in Pakistan "on the security situation” of the Filipinos living in Pakistan. Reports said President Pervez Musharraf on Saturday suspended the Constitution, sacked the chief justice, and imposed media restrictions. Pakistan is a nuclear-armed nation of 160 million people. |
| Plastics, styropor out in new DENR campaign; bayong paper bags in |
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Don’t be surprised if one of these days you’d
see shoppers carrying the indigenous bayong and paper bags instead of
plastic bags and styropor. That is if the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) gets to implement its massive advocacy campaign on the use of natural and indigenous materials in commercial establishments as part of government efforts to promote and protect the environment from the negative impact of global warming. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza revealed in a taping this afternoon of the television program, “The Cabinet Speaks,” that the campaign is part of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s directive to him when he was appointed to head the agency. “In compliance with the President’s directives, the DENR is now pushing to promote the use of our indigenous materials (like bayong and paper bags) in all shopping malls, groceries, restaurants, among others), instead of using those that can contribute to the impact of climate change,” Atienza said during the taping of the program hosted by Press Undersecretary Martin Crisostomo and guest co-host Maricel Halili of IBC Channel 13 at the New Executive Building briefing room. Atienza, who is now celebrating his first 100 days at the DENR, revealed that the massive advocacy and nationwide campaign to promote the use of recyclable and indigenous materials would kick-off next month. He said that all local government unit (LGU) executives have pledged to cooperate and extend their full support to the drive. After the launching, Atienza said, the DENR will coordinate with the city and municipal councils nationwide to determine the sanctions and penalties to be imposed on violators. “Uunti-untiin muna natin. All we need to do now is to coordinate first with the local council. Once the policy and penalties are created in the local efforts, we will go up to Congress for the passage of a possible law regarding that matter,” Atienza said. Aside from advocacy campaign, the DENR is currently implementing a massive tree planting drive in all protected forestry and mangrove reforestation. It has also its restoration program for the historic Laguna de Bay, Pasig River and Manila Bay. Atienza urged the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) to rectify its mistake and fulfill its mandate to help the national government in restoring the three bodies of water. |
| Atienza calls impeach charges vs PGMA a "black propaganda" |
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The impeachment rap against President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo is another “black propaganda” to derail the government’s
national development program spearheaded by the present administration. This was how Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose Atienza assessed the opposition’s new attempt to impeach the President. Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesperson Ignacio R. Bunye, however, said “despite this minor distraction, the President will remain laser-focused on her principal task of governing this nation.” “Of course, it should really try to put the present administration in a very, very negative light. But when the President is charged with impeachment case, gumagawa na naman tayo ng gusot which is very negative,” Atienza said during the taping this afternoon of the television program “The Cabinet Speaks” at Malacañang’s New Executive Building briefing room . He said impeachment cases are usually brought about by the bad politics in the country, the deep partisan interest, bitter differences of positions and definitely are not good for the country’s economy.” Atienza cited the economic strides made under the Chief Executive, describing the economy to be “on the upswing.” “All of these very, very deep partisan interests, bitter differences of positions ay talagang hindi nakabubuti sa ating ekonomiya. They are wasting the time of the President and the government,” he added. He urged the critics of the President especially the opposition to wait for the 2010 presidential elections and let the President finish the remaining two and a half years of her term. “Maghintay na lang sana tayo ng eleksyon. Malapit na ang eleksyon sa 2010, ilang tulog na lang yan. Bakit hindi na lang natin pabayaan ang Pangulo na magtrabaho ng maayos?” he stressed. |
