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| 14 NOVEMBER 2007 | ||
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| 14 NOVEMBER 2007 | ||
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President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Message on the House of Representative
Explosion Incident Press Briefing Room, New Executive Building November 13, 2007 |
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Mga kababayan: Nakikiramay tayo at nagdarasal para sa mga nasawi at nasaktan kasama ang ilang mambabatas sa pagsasabog sa Batasan. Inatasan ko ang mga manggagamot ng pamahalaan na agad sumaklolo sa mga biktima at ang ating kapulisan at sandatahang lakas na lalong higpitan ang seguridad ng Kamaynilaan. I’ve ordered PNP Chief Avelino Razon to personally oversee the investigation of this explosion, determine its cause and submit periodic reports, including immediate measures being taken to prevent any other destructive events. I’ve also convened the National Security Council executive committee tonight to assess the security situation and institute immediate measures to address any threats. Habang nagsisiyasat ang pulis at pinagtitibay ang pagbabantay sa bansa, nananawagan tayo na iwasan ang mga haka-haka, paratang at sabi-sabi na maaaring lumikha ng kaguluhan, takot at hidwaan. Sa halip na magturuan, kailangan magkapit-bisig tayo at magmatyag laban sa iba pang mga banta na maaaring nakaumang sa ating kapayapaan. Let me assure our people and our friends here and abroad that the Philippines and your government shall not rest until we get to the bottom of this tragedy and hunt down and punish the perpetrators. |
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye Re: Impeachment |
| With this matter settled, we should move on and focus on issues that matter to our future. Too much preoccupation with politics does not promote stability, continuity, security and order that we need to move Team Philippines forward. |
| PGMA says perpetrators of Batasan bombing will be hunted down, punished |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last night
assured Filipinos and friends of the Philippines that the government will
not “rest until we get to the bottom” of the Batasan bombing and “hunt down
and punish the perpetrators.” The President issued the statement shortly after the Batasan building in Quezon City, which houses the session hall and various offices of members of the House of Representatives, was rocked by a violent explosion at 8:15 p.m. The blast at the entrance to the main lobby of the legislative building killed Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar and the driver of a partylist member of the House, and injured 12 other people. In her statement, the President called on the people to avoid speculations and rumors that could only create confusion and unwarranted apprehensions. Instead of finger-pointing and blame-throwing, Filipinos should exercise vigilance against any threat to the peace and wellbeing of the country, she said. After receiving an initial report of the bombing, the President directed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon to “personally oversee the investigation of this explosion, determine its cause and submit periodic reports, including immediate measures being taken to prevent any other destructive events.” She also convened an emergency meeting of the executive committee of the National Security Council (NSC) to assess the country’s security situation, and institute measures to address any other threats that may arise in the wake of the Batasan blast. Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunya said that aside from the President, those present at the NSC meeting were Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Hermogenes Esperon, National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales, and acting Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera. Bunye added that the President was also “in constant touch with the PNP chief.” She also extended her condolences to the victims of the blast. The President said: “Mga kababayan, nakikiramay tayo at nagdarasal para sa mga nasawi at nasaktan, kasama ang ilang mambabatas, sa pagsabog sa batasan. “Inatasan ko ang mga manggagamot ng pamahalaan na agad sumaklolo sa mga biktima; at ang ating Kapulisan at Sandatahang Lakas na lalong higpitan ang seguridad ng Kamaynilaan.” |
| PGMA attends Eucharitstic celebration by new Papal Nuncio to RP |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joined
yesterday a big group of churchgoers in the Eucharistic celebration
officiated by the new apostolic nuncio to the Philippines, His Excellency
Edward Joseph Adams, at the Manila Cathedral. In his homily, Adams thanked the President for her presence, saying that it was a “great honor” for him that she attended the one-and-a-half-hour mass. “Thank you, Your Excellency,” Adams said, adding that “the Holy Father has sent me to you to bring you love and peace…” Clad in a blue dress, the President arrived 10 minutes ahead of the mass that started at 5 p.m. and was received by Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales who led her to the front row pew with Vice President Noli de Castro. Some 30 archbishops and bishops celebrated the mass with Adams, while some 300 other people, including priests, sisters, members of the diplomatic corps and government officials, filled the cathedral. A native of Philadelphia, the American archbishop was named by Pope Benedict XVI as his representative to the Philippines last Sept. 3. Ordained priest in May 1970, Adams, 63, is the 15th apostolic nuncio to the Philippines. Before his posting to the Philippines, he was apostolic nuncio to Bangladesh in 1996, and was later elevated to Archbishop of Scala, before becoming papal nuncio to Zimbabwe in August 2002. With a Doctorate in Canon Law, Adams entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1976, and had been assigned to Rwanda, Kenya, Honduras, Ireland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic. |
| PGMA lauds small entrepreneurs |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded today
the micro-entrepreneur of the year (MOTY) awardees, saying their success
serves as an inspiration to countless Filipinos who want to become
businessmen and improve their lives. “Kayo ay inspirasyon sa napakaraming Pilipinong gustong maging negosyante,” the President said in her speech keynoting the event held at the Heroes’ Hall of Malacañang this morning. Conducted by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship (PCE) in cooperation with the Citi Group, the MOTY search aims to locate Filipino entrepreneurs whose business acumen, skill and perseverance have allowed them to rise above their current state of life and serve as inspiration to others. This year, nine awardees from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, have been chosen for their inspiring business success. The awardees in the Maunlad category were Henry Bayaua (production of agricultural equipment) – National Winner; Allan Geron (bakery and mini-grocery) – Luzon; and Ruel Limpin (junkshop and waste recycling) – Visayas. Masikap category: Milagros Dorado (duck raising and duck egg production, copra processing and charcoal making) – National Winner; Virginia Dimayuga (banana chips and coated peanuts manufacturing) – Luzon; Saturnina Diez (vegetable farming) – Visayas; and Rosa Mayordomo (dried fish industry) – Mindanao. Two special awards were given to Ma. Cecilia Salarda and Maricel Quiap for food manufacturing and furniture making, respectively. Aside from honoring the MOTY awardees, the President also distributed checks to 11 small and medium enterprise businessmen symbolizing the government’s continued support to microfinance. A strong supporter of microfinance and SMEs, the President said the resurgence of these enterprises will create a “robust” middle class, a key factor for her vision of the Philippines reaching first world status in 20 years. The checks, with amounts ranging from P15,000 to P30,000, were sourced from the National Livelihood Support Fund (NLSF) and the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC). The recipients of the checks were Merina Rallos (RTW and peanut butter production), Carmelita Cabiles (barbeque vendor), Milagros Villiones (sari-sari store), Teresita Lepiten (piggery and meal vendor), Maricor Bastida (direct selling); Rolando Tampico (bed making and sari-sari store), Virginia Escaros (meat vendor), Nora dela Cruz (sari-sari store), Rosalinda Silao (RTW and meat vendor), Dionisio Fajardo (bangus vending) and Divina Erato (ice cream dealer). The President noted that since its inception in 2001 as part of the Anti-poverty law, the NLSF and PCFC have released P80 billion to microfinance institutions while P100 billion has been released to SMEs under the Sulong program which was started in 2004. “That (amount) has supported 1.71 million jobs of which half a million are new jobs,” she said. |
| Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye Re: Bombings |
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The President has put up a P5 million reward
fund for information that could lead to the arrest of perpetrators of
bombings, prevent the occurrence of such or lead to the confiscation of
illegal explosives. Please call or text PNP Hotline 09178475757. |
| PGMA creates Task Force vs. political violence |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today
that she would issue an Executive Order creating a Task Force that would
look into the seemingly increasing occurrence of political violence in the
country. In her speech keynoting the Microentrepreneurs of the Year (MOTY) awarding ceremony held at the Heroes’ Hall of Malacañang this morning, the President also said the Task Force would go after the suspects and bring these perpetrators to justice. “We are creating by Executive Order a Task Force against political violence to be headed by the Department of National Defense with the following as members: Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Office of the Adviser on the Peace Process, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Public Information Agency working with the judiciary, the Council on Values Formation, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and Non-Government Organizations,” the President said. The President added that the mandate of this Task Force shall be to “harness and mobilize government agencies, political groups, the religious, civil society, sectoral organizations and the public for the prevention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of political violence.” In a separate interview, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director General Cerge Remonde said this Task Force was created in response to the bombing incident at the House of Representatives last night. |
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PGMA's Speech during the
Presentation of the Awardees of the
Micro-Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards Heroes Hall, Malacanang 14 November 2007 |
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Maraming salamat Secretary Cerge
Remonde. Una sa lahat, binabati ko si Joey Concepcion ang ating consultant sa entreprenuership dahil yung trabahong kailangan natin sa pagplano at programa ng mga entreprenuership, yung advocacy ang isang malaking bahagi at wala ng kailangang dagdag na gawin pa si Cerge Remonde dahil ginagawa na ni Joey Concepcion. Congratulations! I’d also like to greet the country head of Citigroup Sanjeev Bora because Citibank is one of the banks that lend to the microfinance institutions who in turn lend money to our micro-entrepreneurs. I understand from Sanjeev that one of his... One of the conduits is card based in San Pablo, one of the dozen or so very successful microfinance institutions. I’d like to greet the chairman of the People Credit and Finance Corporation si Egay Generoso. Ito ay yung korporasyon na nalikha doon sa anti-poverty law na ang inyong lingkod ang principal author sa Senado at talagang trabaho ng PCFC ay ipalago ang micro-finance na dinadaan din sa mga micro-finance institutions. At kaya babatiin din natin si Nestro Custodio, ang general manager ng Rural Bank of Bulacan dahil siya nga yung isang pinagdadaanan ng salapi ng PCFC at ito ang umaabot sa ating mga nagtanggap ng tseke kanina. Ganundin din yun National Livelihood Support Fund. Itong National Livelihood Support Fund ay ito naman yung dating KKK – Kilusan... Ano ba yun? Basta yung tungkol sa... Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran. At ginawa nating National Livelihood Ssupport Fund so ito ay matagal na institusyon na at ganun din... Noong araw wala pang micro-finance talaga pero ngayon at nagkaroon ng micro-finance dahil meron naman silang puhunan pa ay dinadaan din ang kanilang salapi sa mga conduit micro-finance kagaya noong Rural Bank of Bulacan. Pero ngayon pinagsasama-sama na natin Eegay, ano? Yung nlsf at saka yung PCFC. Matagal na nagka-problema kasi yung isa ay corporate pati ang sweldo corporate, yung isa naman ay bureau at pati sweldo ay bureau. So, you can imagine sino yung mas mataas ang sweldo sa dalawa. Meron silang problemang ganun. Pero inaayos natin yun. In other words, hindi bababa ang sweldo ng kahit na sino dito sa ating pagka-kombina nung dalawang ‘yun. At gusto ko ring batiin yung iba’t-ibang mga nanalo. Congratulations sa ating mga micro-entrepreneur of the year awards. Kayo ay inspirasyon sa napaka-maraming Pilipinong gusto ngang maging negosyante. At kinukwento ni Joey sa akin yung ilang mga kasaysayan ninyo na lumabas doon sa video kahapon doon sa Central Bank. Our awardees bravely wrestled all kinds of trials and challenges to get to where they are now. Meron yung mga nabubuwag ang pamilya. Meron yung mga halos mamamatay ang anak at wala ng panggagalingang panggastos. Nagdasal sa panginoon at lumago ang negosyo. And we can still produce more entrepreneurs of their caliber – innovative and daring. Congratulations din kila Joey Concepcion, Citigroup, PCFC, yung NLSF, yung ating mga micro-finance institutions kagaya ng Rural Bank of Bulacan, yung Micro-SMED Council of the Philippines headed by Cerge Remonde, because of your glowing example of civic leadership. At salamat din sa Central Bank kung saan ginanap yung programa ninyo kahapon. Ay ako dun na sana ako dadalo kaya lang Tuesday ay Cabinet day. Pero ako naman ay nasiyahan nung sinabi ni Joey kahit na hindi ako makapunta kahapon pupwedeng pumunta kayo ngayon. Eh sabi ko tamang-tama dahil gusto natin talagang i-highlight yung importansya ng micro-finance sa ating ekonomiya. Kaya kino-congratulate din natin yung mga nagtanggap ng mga tseke mula sa Rural Bank of Bulacan kung saan ang puhunan ay dumaan sa Rural Bank at nanggaling sa PCFC at saka NLSF at yung halos lahat kayo ay second or third borrowing na ito kaya maayos na ang inyong mga unang puhunan na napaka-liit noong araw, pinalaki nang pinalaki ninyo, eh ilan sa inyo ay malapit ng maging small enterprise kung hindi pa ngayon from micro-enterprise. The current benign, stable growth conditions are likely to spark a wave of entrepreneurial activity in the Philippines. And itong mga nanditong pumunta sa entablado, ito ay mga senyas na ito nga ay nangyayari na. Kailangan natin ang napaka-masigasig na middle class kung aabot tayo sa pinto ng first world sa loob ng dalawampung taon na ito ang ating aspirasyon. At itong sistemang itinayo na una sa lahat ay lumaganap sa sarili pero pinalakas ng anti-poverty law ay sa ilang mga lugar, in many key areas we have promoted a new entrepreneurial class. At isa na nga dito ay yung micro-finance Itong micro-finance, itong PCFC ay nagsimula noong 2001. Although meron ng ilang mga micro-finance noon pa, yung PCFC ay nagsimula noong 2001. Yung ating programang dedicated ng pamahalaan na micro-finance ay nagsimula noong 2001. At mula noon, itong sistemang ito kasama ang PCFC, NLSF, Citigroup, yung mga micro-finance institutions gaya ng Negros Women for Tomorrow, yung Rural Bank of Bulacan, yung card at yung iba pang mga kagaya ng sinasabi ko isang dosenang mga napaka-successful na mfi, itong buong sistema ay nakapaghiram na ng higit sa 80 billion pesos sa nakaraang anim na taon sa mga low at middle income na lalaki at babae na gustong magsimula ng kanilang mga negosyo. Banggit ko lalaki at babae, kasi itong micro-finance nagsimula doon sa Bangladesh, si Dr. Yunus, nagsimula ito ang kanyang talagang tanging beneficiary ay yung incomeless assetless rural women. Pero siyempre, we adjust the system to our own system. At sabi nga ni Joey kanina ay kahanga-hanga na kasama sa ating siyam na awardees ay tatlong lalaki. And that is something that is very remarkable in the Philippines. A new development kasi talagang dati-dati yung mga babae ang talagang pinaka-magaling sa micro-enterprise at pinaka-magaling magbayad ng utang. Well, this more than 80 billion pesos that the whole micro-finance system – government and non-government – has lent has generated 1.82 new jobs in the last six years. In addition, our Central Bank who is much to be admired also for what it has been doing hindi lang sa karaniwang micro-entrepreneurs kung hindi na rin it has created a series of investment incentives and programs for foreign remittances, yung mga pera ng ofw kasi dahil lumalakas ang piso. Kung hindi naman lumalakas ang piso tataas masyado ang presyo ng bilihin dahil mataas ang presyo ng langis ngayon sa buong mundo. Pero meron syempreng mga disadvantages yung mga dollar earners gaya ng ofw kaya dapat na nadadagdagan yung kanilang pinapadala sa pamamagitan ng nagiging puhunan at hindi lamang for consumption. And the central bank has that program of transforming remittances into investment for capital enterprises. Doon naman sa SME kung saan itong ating mga successful entreprenuers hindi na siguro tatagal hindi na magiging micro-entrepreneur kung hindi small enterprises na. Hindi na kailangang humiram sa micro-finance institutions kung hindi diretso na sa mga rural bank na kahit na hindi micro-finance or sa mga savings banks. This small and medium enterprise system, more than P100 billion has been released to SME accounts under the Sulong program which was started in 2004 and that has supported 1.71 million jobs of which half-a- million are new jobs. We want the benign, stable growth conditions to continue. When I came here, Countryhead Sanjeev Bora said, tough day today. Nakikiramay tayo at nagdarasal para sa mga nasawi at nasaktan, kasama na ang ilang mambabatas, sa pagsabog sa Batasan kagabi. Habang nagsisiyasat ang pulis at pinagtitibay ang pagbabantay sa bansa, nananawagan tayo na iwasan ang mga haka-haka, paratang at sabi-sabi na maaaring lumikha ng kaguluhan, takot at hidwaan at lalong sasama ang kondisyon ng mga negosyo. Sa halip na magturuan, kailangang magkapit-bisig tayo, magmatyag laban sa iba pang banta na maaaring nakaumang sa ating kapayaaan. Walang salitang makakabigkas ng pagkasuklam natin sa karahasang ito. Subalit hindi tayo magpapasupil sa mga nagpakana nito. Kasi gusto nating tumuloy ang ating magandang at matatag na kondisyon ng pagsulong ng ekonomiya maging sa mga malalaking negosyo gaya ng Citibank or maliliit na negosyo gaya ng ating mga micro-entrepreneurs na nagwagi at nagtanggap ng renewal ng mga pautang ngayon. The rule of law must prevail. No person is above the law. Justice must be served and the law upheld. We are creating by Executive Order a task force against political violence to be headed by the Department of National Defense with the following as members: Department of Justice, Department of Interior and Local Government, Office of the Adviser on the Peace Process, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Public Information Agency working with the judiciary, the Council on Values Formation, the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines and non-government organizations. The mandate of this task force shall be to harness and mobilize government agencies, political groups, the religious, civil society, sectoral organizations and the public for the prevention, investigation, prosecution and punishment of political violence. The care and protection of people and communities victimized and threatened by violence, and the promotion of a culture opposed to violence and for the advancement of reconciliation and peace. Kung itong task force ay magiging kasing-bisa nitong ating Go Negosyo partnership ng gobyerno, NGO at maliliit na negosyante ay talagang mareresolba natin ang problema ng political killings gaya ng pagresolba natin ng malaking bahagi ng kahirapan dahil sa ating micro-entrepreneur and micro-finance system. Palagay ko, kayong mga micro-entrepreneurs at yung mga nagpapahiram at tumutulong ng technical assistance gaya ng Citibank ay isang dahilan kung bakit bumaba ang self-rated poverty. Pinaka-mababa sa ating administrasyon hambing sa ibang administrasyon. And so, I thank you for all being here because with your support, we will make this an era of peace, re-assurance, stability and prosperity. Once again, congratulations sa mga bagong pina-utang at mga nagwagi gantimpala. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat. |
| PGMA launches program to promote dialogues on peace, development in ASEAN |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo launched today
the “Bridges: Dialogues Towards a Culture of Peace,” a program designed to
facilitate dialogues and communications on peace and development among the
member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). During the launching of the program in Malacanang this morning, Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Ayala Corporation and Philippine chairman of Bridges, presented to the President a copy of the Bridges Program from November up to April 2008. On the other hand, Uwe Morawetz, founding chairman of the Vienna-based International Peace Foundation (IPF), presented a golden Thai art piece to the Chief Executive as a token of the program’s appreciation for her initiative in hosting the launch of the Bridges Program in the country. Nobel economic laureate, Professor Robert Alexander Mundell of Columbia University, witnessed the launching ceremony of the Bridges Program at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall. Prof. Mundell was awarded the Nobel Prize for Economics for his theory on “optimum currency areas.” The inaugural lecture by Prof. Mundell on “fitting globalization into the national development strategy,” followed the launching of “Bridges” and luncheon hosted by the President. In his lecture, Prof. Mundell shared his views on the world economy, globalization, information technology, the advent of the Euro, and the rise of China, among others. The program is the first of its kind in ASEAN. The Philippines was chosen as the venue for the 2007 and 2008 lecture series, before the program moves in late 2008 to Malaysia, where it will remain until 2009. The Bridges Program was conducted in Thailand from November 2003 up to April 2005. The Philippines-Thai Bridges series “The Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence,” was initiated and promoted by the United Nations. The Bridges Program seeks to facilitate and strengthen dialogue and communication between societies in Southeast Asia with their multiple cultures and faiths as well as with peoples in other parts of the world to promote understanding and trust. The objective of the dialogues is to build bridges of communication and understanding among local universities and other institutions in Southeast Asia, as well as establish long-term relationships through Nobel Laureates which may result in common research programs and other forms of collaboration. By enhancing science, technology and education as the basis for peace and development, the Bridges events may lead to better cooperation for the advancement of peace, freedom and security in the region with the active involvement of the young generation. Beginning today (Nov. 14) up to April 2008, the series of lectures and dialogues will be conducted in different colleges and universities in the country. Among the speakers were Professors Mundell, 2004 Nobel Laureate for Physics David Jonathan Gross of the University of California, 2004 Nobel Laureate for Economics Finn Erling Kydland of the University of California and Tepper School of Business of the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg, 1975 Nobel Laureate for Medicine David Baltimore of the California Institute of Technology, 2004 Nobel Laureate for Chemistry Aaron J. Ciechanover of the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, 1996 Nobel Laureate for Peace Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta and patron of the IPF, and investment banker James D. Wolfensohn, chairman of the Wolfensohn & Company, LLC. |
| PGMA puts up P5-million reward for info leading to arrest of bombing suspects |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo put up today a
P5-million reward for any information that could lead to the arrest of
bombing suspects, prevent terrorist attacks or result in the confiscation of
illegal explosives. The President set up the fund following the Batasan explosion last night (Nov. 13) that killed two people, including Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar. Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye announced the President’s decision at a press briefing this afternoon at the New Executive Building in Malacanang. He explained that the reward fund is not limited to the bomb explosion that ripped the south wing of the Batasan building in Quezon City but all other bombing incidents. The reward fund will be administered by the Philippine National Police (PNP) who can be easily contacted through its hotline 0917-847-5757. |
| Let's move on, Malacañang says after defeat of impeachment complaint |
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Reacting to the decision of the justice
committee of House of Representatives to throw out the new impeachment
complaint against President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Malacanang said today
it was time to move on and address pressing issues that directly affect the
daily lives of Filipinos. “As far as the Palace is concerned, with this issue settled, at least at the committee level, we can now move on and tackle other issues that really matter to the people,” Press Secretary and Presidential Spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye told members of the media this afternoon in Malacanang. “Marami pa po tayong puedeng pagka-abalahan,” he added, “kabilang na po rito yung mga programa na pang-edukasyon, kalusugan, yung ating social welfare, yung ating mga imprastraktura na mga dapat nating pondohan… “These are the more important and more vital projects that we must be paying attention to,” Bunye said. He said that the House Justice committee headed by Congressman Matias Defensor quashed the impeachment complaint for “very valid reasons.” In a statement, he added that “with this matter (impeachment) settled, we should move on and focus on issues that matter to our future.” “Too much preoccupation with politics does not promote stability, continuity, security and order that we need to move Team Philippines forward,” Bunye stressed. |
| PGMA hails US$ 70-M 'Banyan Tree' resort project in Dinaran Island, Palawan |
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President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded today
the Singaporean firm Banyan Tree Holdings Limited (“Banyan Tree”) for
pushing its US$70-million island resort project in the Philippines despite
the political bickerings hounding the country. Banyan Tree Group chief executive officer Ho Kwon Ping informed the President during his brief meeting with her at Malacanang’s Music Room this afternoon that they will push through with their plans to develop two resorts in Dinaran Island, Palawan. “We are very happy to inform you that we will proceed with our planned investment despite the recent happenings in your country,” Ho told the President, adding that they look at the Philippines as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations for its geographical and cultural vastness. He expressed confidence that the Dinaran island will become a premier Banyan Tree resort chain destination in Asia. The President expressed gratitude on the multimillion-dollar investment of Banyan Tree Group in the country. She said that foreign investment is imperative for a developing country like the Philippines. “Good. We really need your investment. Congratulations. We will have a nice resort in the island,” she said. Ho was accompanied to the Palace by Ariel Vera, Banyan’s chief operating officer; Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano; Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila; Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes, Coron (Palawan) Mayor Mario Reyes; Palawan Reps. Antonio Alvarez and Abraham Mitra; Salvador Zamora and former Finance Secretary Lito Camacho. Banyan Tree Group is a leading Singaporean developer, designer and operator of top tier resorts, hotels and spas worldwide. The Group plans to develop two resorts on the island, each of which will retain a secluded and intimate ambience due to the island’s size and terrain with a total development cost of around $70 million. The entire project is targeted for completion in 2010. The 55-hectare uninhabited Dinaran island is surrounded by stretches of white-sand beach which is just 15 minutes away by speedboat from the thriving town of Coron. |
| Leading tourism firm unfazed by bombings |
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World tourism is far from worried about the
political noise and the bombings in Metro Manila, according to Ho Kwon Ping,
chief executive officer (CEO) of the Banyan Tree Group, one of the world’s
leading resort chain owners. In assessing the impact of the Batasan and Glorietta 2 bombings on the local tourism industry, Ho said, “we are not particularly worried.” The Banyan Tree Group executive made the comment during a press briefing in Malacanang after his courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Ho, who was accompanied by Ariel Vera, chief operating officer (COO) of the Banyan Tree Group, said that the biggest worry of investors in the tourism sector like his company are bird flu, severe acute respiratory syndromes or SARS, and tsunami. As far as the whole tourism world is concerned, he said, domestic violence does not pose as serious a challenge to investment as SARS and bird flu. “For myself, in particular, bird flu, SARS, and tsunami are far bigger problems than incidental acts of violence that we find anywhere in the world,” Ho said. Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, on the other hand, noted that the presence in the country of the Banyan Tree Group, one of the leading developers, designers and operators of top tier resorts, hotels and spas worldwide, is a clear confirmation that the Philippines is an attractive destination for tourism investment. He said the world-renowned hospitality of the Filipino people, coupled with the determination of the tourism stakeholders, will pave the way for the Philippines to overcome all the challenges brought about by domestic violence. Banyan Tree Group operates businesses in many parts of the world, including Bali, the tourism capital of Indonesia; Phuket in Thailand, Mexico, and in the Middle East. “If you compare the Philippines to other countries, we can really say that the Philippines today has a very attractive environment, and a very attractive destination for tourism investment,” Durano said. During his call on the President, Ho informed her that the Banyan Tree Group is committed to put in an additional investment of $70 million to expand the company’s Philippine operations. The Banyan Tree Group is developing a 55-hectare property in Dinaran Island in Coron, Palawan. Dinaran Island is a mere 15 minutes away by speedboat from the thriving town of Coron. “We believe that the Philippines will grow into an important luxury tourist destination and our resorts in Dinaran will not only enhance our position as a premier resort chain in Asia but will also give us important foothold in a country with tremendous potential,” Ho said. |
