PIA Calabarzon 6 PR ( March 14-15 ,2013),Dispatch for March 15 , 2013 (Friday),

7/29/2019 PIA Calabarzon 6 PR ( March 14-15 ,2013),Dispatch for March 15 , 2013 (Friday),

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Aguinaldo Shrine Pagsanjan Falls Taal Lake Antipolo Church Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 6 PR ( March 14-15 ,2013),Dispatch for March 15 , 2013 (Friday),10 Weather Watch, 1 Regl.Watch , 2 OFW Watch , Pres. Aquinos . Speech , 15 Online News


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Weather Watch

2 hours ago

DZRH: Bumalik ang northeast monsoon o hanging amihan na magdadala ng maulap na papawirin at pabugso-bugsong

papawirin sa ilang bahagi ng bansa. Samantala, ang tail-end of cold front ay sa dulong Hilagang Luzon na siyang magdadalanaman ng mga pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon kabilang na ang Southern Tagalog ng region. Samantala, sa Metro

Manila ay maranasan ang katamtamang lagay ng panahon na maaaring magkaroon din ng pag-ulan lalo na sa dakong hapo

at gabi. Inaasahan ang mainit na panahon ngayong araw ng Biyernes na maaaring umabot ng 34 degrees Celsius. Ang araw

nagpakita kaninang 6:03 ng umaga at lulubog mamayang 6:06 ng gabi.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

GMA-7 resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz on 24 Oras:

- Isang local thunderstorm ang naranasan sa Metro Manila kanina. Isa rin sa naging sanhi ng pag-ulan ang matagal na main

na panahon na naging dahilan sa mabilis na pagbuo ng ulap na nagdala ng pag-ulan.

- Ayon sa datos ng PAGASA, asahan ang pag-ulan sa Northern Luzon dahil sa epekto ng tail-end of a cold front.

- Mayroon namang maliit na tsansa na umulan sa umaga at gabi sa Metro Manila subalit malaki naman ang posibilidad na

umulan sa hapon.

- Maaliwalas ang panahon ang asahan sa Visayas- Makakaranas naman ng mahinang pag-ulan ang malaking bahagi ng Mindanao.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Asahan ang maulap na panahon na may kaunting pag-ulan sa Tuguegarao, Aurora at Quezon habang maulap

ang panahon sa Naga at Legazpi. Magiging maganda naman ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Luzon ngunit may posibild

pa rin ng mahinang pag-ulan. Tinataya namang magiging maulap ang panahon sa Samar at Leyte habang maganda naman

ang panahon sa natitirang bahagi ng Visayas. Asahan naman ang mahinang pag-ulan sa Davao habang maliit naman ang

posibilidad ng pag-ulan sa natitirang bahagi ng Mindanao.
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Weather Watch

14 hours ago

ABS-CBN: Sugatan ang walo katao kabilang ang pitong bata matapos mabasag ang salamin ng isang fast food chain sa

Quezon City sa kasagsagan ng malakas na hangin at ulan kanina. Samantala, umulan din ng yelo na kasing laki ng butil ngsago sa ilang bahagi ng nasabing lungsod.

Weather Watch

14 hours ago

GMA News TV: Nakaranas ng pabugso-bugsong pag-ulan ang Metro Manila kaninang hapon na may kasamang mgabutil ng yelo. Tinatayang tumagal ng 15 minuto ang pag-ulan ng yelo. Ilang mga mamamayan ang nakakuha ng larawan ng

mga bumagsak na yelo. Samantala, isang fast food chain sa may Frisco, Quezon City ang nabasagan ng salamin makaraang

hagupitin ito ng ipu-ipo kasabay ng malakas na ulan.

Weather Watch

15 hours ago

DZMM: Umulan ng yelo sa kalsada sa Quezon City kung saan ilang sasakyan ang nabasag ang wind shields. Siyam na

customer ng isang fast food chain sa Frisco, Quezon City ang nasugatan matapos mabasag ang salamin sa establishment

dulot ng malakas na hangin at malakas na pag-ulan. Samantala, ipinaliwanag naman ng PAGASA na localized thunderstorm

ang naranasan sa ilang lugar sa Metro Manila. Sinabi ng PAGASA na normal na nararanasan ang localized thunderstorm

kapag panahon ng tag-init o mula Marso hanggang Mayo. Sa localized thunderstorm umano ay karaniwang nararanasan ansandaling bahagya hanggang sa malakas na pag-ulan na minsan ay may kasamang pagbugso ng hangin at pag-ulan ng yelo.

Paliwanag ng PAGASA, kapag mainit ang panahon ay mas malaki ang chance na magka-water cycle o evaporation.


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Weather Watch

16 hours ago

24-HR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5:00p.m. of March 4, 2013

SYNOPSIS: Tail-end of cold front affecting Northern Luzon. FORECAST: Cagayan Valley Region and the provinces of IlocosNorte and Apayao will experience cloudy skies with light rains. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly

cloudy skies wiht isolated rainshowers and thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prev

over northern Luzon and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate blowing

from the northeast with slight to moderate seas.>> NDRRMC OPCEN

Weather Watch

16 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Samuel Duran on DZRH:Re: Hailstorm in Quezon City

- Ang nangyari kanina ay hailstorm (pag-ulan ng yelo). Iyon kasing thunderstorm ay kapag malakas siya o intense kung

tawagin ay may kaakibat na hail at saka gustiness, iyong pagbugso ng hangin. - Para sa ganitong mga panahon, iyong mga

thunderstorm na nararanasan natin ay hindi naman gaanong katagalan, panandalian lamang, although sometimes

masyadong malakas, pero hindi malawakan. Maaaring dito lang sa QC ang hailstorm at panandalian lamang at sa ibang lug

ay wala naman.

- Mararanasan ang matinding araw at biglang bubuhos ang ulan kapag mayroon pa ring tinatawag na easterlies na tumatagsa Metro Manila. Usually, ang pag-ulan ay nasa silangang bahagi ng bansa, Kabikulan, Eastern Visayas, Aurora at Quezon.

- Naitala kanina ang 31.8 degree Celsius na temperatura dahil umulan. Dito sa Quezon City, malakas ang ulan pero

panandalian lang.[pia-mr/rz]

Weather Watch

18 hours ago

Earthquake Information No. 2 issued on 1:40pm as of Mar. 14, 2013:

Date/Time: Mar. 14, 2013/1:33pm

Location: 26 degrees east of Bangued, Abra.

Depth of Focus: 10km

Origin:Tectonic


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Magnitude: 3.9

Reported intensities: Intensity 3 in Dolores, Abra

Expected damage: None

Expected aftershocks: None

>> NDRRMC OPCEN@

Weather Watch

18 hours ago

TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN issued at 800a.m. of March 14, 2013:

-Taal Volcano seismic network did not detect any volcanic earthquake during the past 24-hoour observation period. Field

measurements last Mar. 12, 2013 at the eastern sector of the main crater lake yielded a slight decrease in water temperat

of 30.6deg Celsius from 30.9degrees Celsius, a decrease in water level of 0.51 meter from 0.61 meter and a decrease in

acidity of pH 3.26 from pH3.15. Ground deformation survey in the volcano island on Dec. 3-15, 2012 denoted slight inflatio

at Calauit, Daang Kastila and New Eruption Site precise leveling lines. Furthermore, GPS data for the period of October 201

to February 2013 show inflationary changes in ground deformation while the edifice is still slightly inflated in general

compared to February 2011 baseline data.

-Carbon dioxide (CO2) emission at the main crater lake increased to 947 tonnes per day on Mar. 3, 2013 compared to 720

tonnes per day last Nov. 27, 2012. Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano. This means that hazardous eruption is

not imminent. The public, however, is reminded that the main crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam

explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. The northern portion of the Main Crater rim

in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures suddenly

increases. Furthermore, the public is also reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ)>>

NDRRMC OPCEN

Weather Watch

22 hours ago

PAGASA weather forecaster Jun Galang on DZBB:
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Weather Watch

17 hours ago

GMA News TV:

2 hours ago

: Sunny

: Sunny: Fair weather

: Partly cloudy

: Sunny skies
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PIA Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

13 hours ago

PIA-4A/LAGUNA: An estimated 500 regular and casual employees recently joined the launching of "Fitness Hour," a

physical fitness program of the City Government of San Pablo through the Sports and Youth Dev't Office headed by Ms.

Janquil Bumagat in coordination with the Human Resource Office led by CHRMO Elvira Celerio. The activity is in compliancwith CSC's Memorandum Circular No. 8, series of 2011, a directive to all government agencies to adopt a health and fitnes

management program for government employees dubbed as "The Great Filipino Workout."

PIA OFW Watch

An hour ago

PIA OFW Watch

ANC: The PHL Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel welcomed the 21 freed Filipino UN peacekeepers. The
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peacekeepers arrived at Camp Ziouani and were personally received and greeted by Ambassador

Calonge

PIA OFW Watch

DZBB:Hinihikayat ng OWWA ang mga manggagawang Pilipino, partikular sa Syria na ikonsidera ang posibilidad

ma maging negosyante kahit maliit lamang ang kapital sa Pilipinas kaysa makipagsapalaran at ilagay ang kanilan

sarili sa panganib sa gitna ng nagaganap na kaguluhan sa nasabing bansa. Ayon kay OWWA Administrator Dimzo

ito ay dahil may nakahanda namang pakete o training modules na maaaring makatulong sa mga Pinoy na

makapagsimula ng maliit na negosyo bukod pa sa konting pinansyal na tulong sa mga kasapi ng OWWA.

about an hour ago

PIA Calabarzon 6 PR ( March 14-15 ,2013),Dispatch for March 15 , 2013 (Friday),10 Weather Watch, 1 Regl.Watch , 2 OFW Watch , Pres. Aquinos . Speech , 15 Online News

A. QUEZON1. Sariaya women's group, celebrate women's month

By Ruel M. Orinday

Thursday 14th of March 2013
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SARIAYA, Quezon, March 14 (PIA) --The Municipal Gender and Development Council, along with Sariaya Womens Federation, Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI)- Saria

and female residents from 13 barangays of this town celebrated womens month on March 8 at Sariaya Sports Complex.

The theme of said activity is Kababaihan Gabay sa Pagtahak sa Tuwid na Daan.

Mrs. Rowena Masilang, wife of Sariaya Mayor Boyet Masilang stressed the importance of giving the womens sector stronger voice and firmer hold in society. Her husba

Mayor Boyet Masilang continues to aid the towns female sector by providing livelihood projects and constructing of a livelihood center

3rd District Representative Danilo Suarez also attended the event to represent Quezons first lady and KALIPI Quezon President, Mrs. Ana Villaraza-Suarez.

According to Rep. Suarez women have come a long way in history. Now, they share the same rights as men and can perform same tasks as them without fear of social

stigma. He also quoted the adage that behind a successful man is a woman who supports him.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Women and Children Protection Desk of Sariaya PNP explained womens rights and the laws that protect them. They are also

encouraged not to be afraid and to report immediately cases of abuse.

Also present during the event were Board Member Bong Talabong, former Congresswoman Aleta Suarez, former Board Member Liza Alvarez, former Lucena Mayor Barb

Ruby Talaga, members of the Sariaya municipal council, as well as the towns barangay captains. (RMO-PIA- Quezon with reports from Quezon PIO)

2. Tagalog news: Mga natapos na proyektong farm to market road, pinasinayaan

By Ruel M. Orinday


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PAGBILAO, Quezon, March 14 (PIA) -- Dalawang farm-to-market road project at isang kalsada ang magkasunod na

pinasinayaan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon sa bayang ito kamakailan.

Unang pinasinayaan ang proyektong farm-to-market road na nag-uugnay sa mga barangay ng Talipan, Bigo at Aniato,

Pagbilao, Quezon.

Sinabi ni Nerissa Jamilano, punong barangay ng Bigo, biglang sumigla sa kanilang lugar ang pagtatanim. Aniya, maraming

mamumuhunan ang nagtatanong sa kanila ngayon kung papaano sila makapagtatayo ng negosyo sa lugar pagkatapos na it

ay mapasementuhan.

Pangalawang pinasinayaan ay ang provincial road na nasa bahagi ng barangay Pinagbayanan na pinondohan ng pamahalaa

panlalawigan ng 10 milyong piso.

Hiniling ni Kapitan Celso Merle ng barangay Pinagbayanan kay Gob. David Suarez na pondohan pa ang natitirang mahigit

isang kilometro ng nasabing kalsada para naman masmaging maluwag na ang paglalakabay sa kanilang lugar.

Tiniya naman ni Suarez na itutuloy nito ang pagtatapos ng proyekto kapag nakabalik muli ito sa panunungkulan dahil

naniniwala ito na makakatulong ng malaki ang magandang kalsada sa pagpapaunlad ng turismo sa Pagbilao dahil malapit it

sa dagat.

Pinakahuling farm-to-market road na pinasinayaan ay ang kalsada sa bahagi ng Barangay Ilayang Polo, kung saan matagalding nagsakripisyo ang mga naninirahan sa naturang lugar dahil sa maputik na daan.

Isa pa sa binigyang pansin ng gobernador na programa ay ang paglalagak ng mga gamot sa health center at pagdaragdag n

health coupon sa bayang ito.

Aniya, ito ay naglalayon na hindi na magtungo pa sa lungsod ng Lucena ang mga naninirahan sa barangay sa Pagbilao para

lang bumili ng gamot.


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Dagdag pa ng gobernador na aabot ng tatlong daang milyong piso ang pondo na inilaan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan para

sa bayan ng Pagbilao. Ito aniya ay para masmapabuti ang kalagayan ng Pagbilao at ng mga residente dito. (CPG/RMO-PIA4

Quezon at ulat mula sa Quezon PIO)

B. CAVITE

1. New diversion road in Cavite town to ease trafficBy Ruel B. Francisco

Friday 15th of March 2013

GENERAL TRIAS, Cavite, Mar 15 (PIA) --A two-lane diversion road in this progressive town was formally open to the motori

public to ease traffic congestion in Manggahan junction along Governors Drive especially during rush hours.

Manggahan junction along Governors Drive houses several commercial establishments and a university wherein, various

traffic schemes were implemented by the local government to lessen the traffic condition but because of heavy volume of

vehicles and commuters, using the said junction, said scheme is not enough to reduce the traffic problem.

During the inauguration program, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between officials of the local

government, office of the representative of the sixth district and Suntrust Properties, Inc for the improvement, operation,

and maintenance of the said diversion road.

The Governors Drive-Governors Hill Diversion Road is a 15-meter by 600-linear meter two-lane diversion road constructe

under the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congressman Ony Ferrer costing P10 million.

The diversion road will serve as alternative road for the motoring public going to barangays Biclata, Javalera, Panungyan, a

Alingaro of said town. Vehicles coming from these barangays have the option to use the diversion road going to Dasmaria

City and the north side of the province by-passing the Manggahan junction.

Because one of the subdivisions is owned by Suntrust Properties, said alternative road will be open to the public from 6 a.m

until 10 p.m.

The finished project is only one phase, soon, they will be adding one-lane on each side, according to Municipal Planning anDevelopment Coordinator, Jemie Cubillo, engineer.

He added that lamp posts will be funded by the Suntrust while the local government will shoulder the cost of electrical

wiring.

This is a good and concrete example of Public-Private Partnership. This road is one of the priority projects for the

development of General Trias, Cubillo said. (RF-PIA 4A, Cavite/General Trias Economic Enterprise Office)


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2.Provl govt leads fire prevention month celebration


TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, March 14 (PIA) -- The Cavite Office of Public Safety (COPS) of the provincial government, in

cooperation with the city Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), has conducted a Fire Drill at the Finance Building as part of

observance of Fire Prevention Month.

With this year theme: Sunog at Sakuna Paghandaan, Kalikasan ay Pangalagaan Nang Matamasa anf Pag-unlad ng Bayan,

the COPS selected the said building for the fire drill because it houses five (5) different offices, namely, Assessor, Treasury,

Budget, Accounting and Commission on Audit offices which serve a lot of clienteles.

The drill started at 9:15 in the morning simulating a fire breaking out at the Assessors Office. After the fire alarm went off,

over 70 personnel were evacuated from the building.

With the help of the BFP Officers and the 3 drill teams - firefighting, evacuation and valuable and documents which were

composed of personnel from the 5 offices, the fire drill was successfully conducted and took about 15 minutes.

Prior to this, the PG-COPS through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (DRRM) had participated in a

motorcade activity organized by the BFP of Trece Martires City last March 01, 2013 in observance of the Fire Prevention

Month.

According to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the government should intensify public

awareness, community preparedness, mitigation and response in any disaster and emergency that may happen in any

community. (Ruel Francisco, PIA-Cavite/PICAD)

C. LAGUNA


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D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL

1. PIA-Rizal conducts news writing seminar

By Gideon Gapayao


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ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, March 14 (PIA)Selected students, out of school youth and teachers of Jalajala, Rizal

attended a Philippine Information Agency (PIA)Rizals basic news writing seminar last March 6.

Jalajala Municipal Information Officer Rolando Pillas said the municipal government invited the PIA to help equip

children and several teachers in basic news writing to promote information dissemination within the municipalit

Topics tackled by PIA-Rizal during the seminar include tips in basic news writing, writing headlines, leads and the

body of the new article all in English and Filipino.

Jalajala IO Pillas also expressed the LGUs intent to hold another news writing seminar in the future.

Around 15 youth from the Jalajala Child Friendly Federation, Jalajala Out of School Youth and Barangay Council f

the Protection of Children were present at the seminar held from 1-4pm in the afternoon.

The activity was held in cooperation with the Jalajala municipal government at the Sangguniang Bayan Session

Room, Jalajala Municipal Hall, Jalajala, Rizal. (GG-PIA4A)


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14 MARCH 2013.

PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma's Statement

President Aquino joins nation, Catholic faithful in welcoming the new Pope

Malacanang says Philippines to continue seeking all opportunities to build climate of mutual trust and

cooperation with Peoples Republic of China

Government renews resolve to bring justice to pyramid scam victims in Visayas, Mindanao

Government to file charges against followers of Kiram fleeing Sabah

Philippines exerting efforts to gain access to detained Filipinos in Malaysia

PCOO Secretary Sonny Coloma's Statement

We expect to resume public display of the President's website in a few hours after needed protection measures have beenput in place. At around 1:30 a.m. today, we detected a breach when an errant sentence critical of the government on theSabah issue was found to have been inserted in one of the news items within the website. No further intrusions were madeas the internal security protocols were activated.

TOP

President Aquino joins nation, Catholic faithful in welcoming the new Pope

President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with the Filipino people, joined all the Catholic faithful in welcoming the new popeJorge Mario Bergoglio of Argentina, and prayed that the holy pontiff will serve as a voice for peace, justice, and charity in aworld threatened by tension and armed conflict, poverty, uncertainty, and loss of confidence in institutions.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement on Thursday following the election of Bergoglio as the newleader of the Roman Catholic Church. The new pope has taken the name Francis and is the first non-European pontiff innearly 1,300 years.

"The President, along with the Filipino people, joins all the Catholic faithful as they receive their new leader and meet hisproclamation with a sense of boundless promise,"

"As the first pope from outside Europe in a millenniumthe first pope from the Society of Jesus, and the first from LatinAmericathe election of Pope Francis brings with it the promise of renewal in the Catholic Church, as it strives to fulfill itsmission here on earth," Lacierda said.

The 76-year-old Pope Francis appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica just over an hour after white smokepoured from a chimney on the roof of the Sistine Chapel to signal that 115 cardinal electors had chosen him to lead theworld's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.
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"We hope and pray that this will inaugurate a pontificate that will bear witness not only to the basic tenets of the Gospel, butwill also serve as a voice for peace, justice, and charity in a world threatened by tension and armed conflict, poverty,uncertainty, and loss of confidence in institutions," Lacierda noted.

"This is not merely a time for all Catholics to come together. This is a call for unity across nationsacross ethnicitiestowork with the new Catholic leadership towards shaping a world in which each and every human being is allowed to live a lifeof peace, joy, and dignity. Our administration is eager to work with the new Catholic leadership to achieve that end," hestressed.

In congratulating Pope Francis, Lacierda said: "May God continue to grant you strength and wisdom as you lead the Cathol

Church into its next chapter." PND (js)TOP

Malacanang says Philippines to continue seeking all opportunities to build climate of mutual trust and cooperationwith Peoples Republic of China

Malacaang on Thursday said the Philippines will continue to seek all opportunities to help build a climate of mutual trust acooperation with the Peoples Republic of China following the formal assumption of Xi Jinping as its new president.

In a statement extending its sincere congratulations to the newly-installed Chinese leader, Presidential Spokesman EdwinLacierda expressed that the Philippines is in one with the people of China in welcoming Xis presidency.

The Peoples Republic of China views this as an auspicious moment as they work towards their prosperity and stability. Thiis a sentiment shared by all peoples of good will, who look forward to opportunities for positive engagement fortified by trustgood will, and cooperation, for the mutual benefit of all peoples in our region and around the world, Lacierda said.

Xi assumed the presidency after getting majority of the votes in the 18th National Peoples Congress, held Thursday inBeijing, and his election as General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the CPC Central MilitaryCommission.

We will seek all opportunities to help build a climate of mutual trust and cooperation to enhance stability in our region so ththe positive economic momentum of our respective nations may be sustained, Lacierda concluded. PND (hdc)

TOP

Government renews resolve to bring justice to pyramid scam victims in Visayas, Mindanao

The Aquino government made an assurance on Thursday that it is doing everything to serve justice to the victims of thepyramid scam organized by Manuel Amalilio and his cohorts.

We will continue to work for the successful prosecution of Amalilio et al. And as you know, there have been a series ofcomplaints or cases filed in court because there have been determinations already of probable cause by the panel ofprosecutors, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said in a press conference in Malacanang on Thursday.

Palace reporters asked De Lima if there is an assurance that Amalilios case will not be put in the backburner particularly wthe ongoing incident in Sabah that might affect his return to the Philippines to face charges here.

In assuring the victims, De Lima said there are arrest warrants issued by different courts such as in Cagayan de Oro City an

Pagadian City. The Department of Justice is also waiting for the Iligan City court to issue similar warrants against Amalilio ahis co-conspirators at Aman Futures.

There are several complaints filed and several are still under preliminary investigation and some are already in court, andthere have been warrants of arrest. We will continue to work for the successful prosecution of Amalilio et al, she said.

Currently, the DOJ is working on how to repatriate Amalilio, De Lima said. Amalilio is currently serving a two-year sentence a Malaysian jail for using a fake Philippine passport.
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Philippine justice officials discussed with their Malaysian counterparts ways to bring Amalilio to the Philippines even beforethe lapse of his two-year jail sentence in Malaysia, the justice official said.

So if the right time comes, kung mag-die down na yung heat or yung situation sa Sabah, then we can already send ourteam to Kuala Lumpur, she said hoping that the ongoing conflict in Sabah wont affect the prosecution of Amalilio in thePhilippines.

The DOJ cancelled the trip of its team who was supposed to leave last Tuesday for Kuala Lumpur to begin the initial talks foAmalilios repatriation.

De Lima said they do not believe the current situation in Sabah would yield a fruitful outcome if the DOJ proceeds with thetalks. The cancellation is one of the unintended consequences of the acts of Kirams group in Sabah.

Amalilio, the head of Aman Futures Group, allegedly duped some 15,000 people in the Visayas and Mindanao amounting toP12 billion. PND (as)

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Government to file charges against followers of Kiram fleeing Sabah

The government is readying appropriate charges against 36 individuals intercepted by the Philippine Navy (PN) enteringPhilippine waters from Sabah, Malaysia in two boats on Wednesday (March 13), Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said.

In a briefing in Malacanang on Thursday, De Lima confirmed earlier reports that the individuals, who were intercepted withinthe vicinities of Omapoy and Adulingan islands in Tawi-Tawi, were members of the Royal Security Forces (RSF) of SuluSultan Jamalul Kiram III.

We confirm the reports yesterday about the interception of two groups of armed men from Sabah, Malaysia. So the firstgroup was intercepted yesterday at 6:35 in the morning by Philippine Navy vessel PS38. There were 18 of them, 17 males,and one female, and with assorted firearms, and one of them was even found wounded, and they identified themselves asRoyal Security Force, De Lima said.

The second group came in at 7:37, also yesterday, so isang oras lang ang pagitan. The same Philippine vessel PS38intercepted the second group, and again, there were 18 passengers who were identified to be RSF members, and again, wassorted firearms, she added.

She pointed out that a composite force composed of members from the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine NationaPolice and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group are studying the appropriate charges to file against theseindividuals.

So with that development, the processes are now being undertaken by a composite team with the end view of filing theappropriate charges against them as soon as possible, De Lima said. PND (rck)

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Philippines exerting efforts to gain access to detained Filipinos in Malaysia

The Philippine government will continue to exert efforts to gain access to Filipinos detained by Malaysian authorities followinthe deadly offensive launched by Malaysia in Sabah, Malacanang said on Thursday.

It was reported that Malaysia rejected the Philippiness request to have full access to Filipino detainees in its custody.

Our concern is for our Filipinos in custody. We will continue to pursue our desire to seek access to our Filipino brethren whare in Malaysian custody, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Thursday.

Asked by reporters about the governments option if ever Malaysia wouldnt grant the Philippines request, Lacierda said thaDFA has to work on it.
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Malaysian authorities have reported that 64 people have been killed during the Sabah offensive, mostly followers of the Sulusultanate. Also 97 people have been arrested in Sabah. Malaysia said security operations are continuing in the area.

The Philippine Navy reported it had detained 35 suspected Filipino militants on Wednesday sailing home from Sabah. The 3people, fleeing Sabah, were seized by the navy on board two small boats from the Malaysian state.

The justice department said it is mulling filing charges against the detained Filipinos for carrying a large cache of weaponssuspected to have been used during the Sabah conflict. PND (as)

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ARCHIVE 2013

14 MARSO 2013Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa bansa at sa mga Katoliko sa pagbubunyi sa bagong talagang Papa

Patuloy na itataguyod ng Pilipinas, sabi ng Malacanang ang tiwala at pakikipagtulungan sa Peoples Republic ofChina

Katarungan para sa mga biktima ng pyramid scam sa Bisaya at Mindanao, pinag-ibayo pa ng Malacanang

Ipaghaharap ng kaso ng gobyerno ang mga tagasunod ni Kiram

Sinisikap ng Pilipinas na makaugnay ang mga Pilipino na nakapiit sa Malaysia

Nakiisa ang Pangulong Aquino sa bansa at sa mga Katoliko sa pagbubunyi sa bagong talagang Papa

Nakiisa ang Pangulong Benigo S. Aquino III sa sambayanang Pilipino at sa lahat ng Katoliko sa pagpupugay at pagbati sa

bagong talagang Papa Jorge Mario Cardinal Bergoglio ng Argentina nang lakip ang dalanging ang bagong papa ay magingtinig ng kapayapaan, katarungan at kawanggawa sa daigdig na niyayanig ng mga banta ng ligalig at sagupaan, karalitaan,kawalang katiyakan at pag-aalinlangan sa mga istitusyon.

Inilabas ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda ang pahayag Huwebes matapos mahalal si Cardinal Bergoglio bilangbagong lider ng Simbahang Katoliko. Minarapat ng bagong Papa na gamitin ang pangalang Francis. Siya ang kauna-unahaPapa na nagmula sa hindi bansang Europeo sa loob ng 1,300 taon.

Ang Pangulo, kasama ang sambayanang Pilipino, ay kaisa ng lahat ng Katoliko sa masiglang pagtanggap sa kanilang
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bagong lider nang umaasa sa walang hanggang pangako.

Bilang kauna-unahang Papa sa loob ng halos 1,300 taon na buhat sa bansang hindi Europeo, kauna-unahang Papa buhatSociety of Jesus at una rin mula sa Latina Amerikana, ang pagkahalal kay Papa Francis, ay may hatid na pag-asa ng bagonpangako ng pagbabago sa Simbahang Katoliko sa pagsisikap nitong gampanan ang misyon sa balat ng lupa, dugtong pa nLacierda.

Ang 76 na taong gulang na Papa Francis ay lumabas sa gitnang balkonahe ng St. Peters Basilica isang oras ma tapos namakita ang puting-puting usok na ibinubuga ng tsiminea sa bubungan ng Sistine Chapel na palatandaang nakapili na ang 1kardinal ng bagong magiging lider ng 1.2 bilyong Katoliko Romano.

Umaasa at dumadalangin kami na ito ang magpapasinaya ng isang papa na magiging saksi hindi lamang sa mgapangunahing saligan ng Banal na Kasulatan, kundi magiging tinig pa rin ng bawat isang nilikha ukol sa kapayapaan,katarungan at kawanggawa sa isang daigdig na niyayanig ng ligalig at sandatahang pagtutuos, pagdarahop, kawalangkatiyakan at kawalan ng tiwala sa mga istitusyon, sabi ni Lacierda.

Ito ay hindi lamang pagkakataon para sa lahat ng mga Katoliko na magsama -sama. Ito ay panawagan sa pagkakaisa ng mbansasa gitna ng pagkakaiba ng lahiupang makiisa sa bagong liderato ng mga Katoliko sa paghubog ng daigdig na kunsaan ang bawat isang nilalang ay tutulutang mamuhay sa kapayapaan, kaligayahan at dangal. Ang aming administrasyon anananabik makipagtulungan sa bagong lider ng mga Katoliko upang makam tan ang hangaring ito, pagbibigay-diin pa sapahayag ni Lacierda.

Harinawang patuloy kayong bigyan ng lakas at talino sa inyong pamamatnubay sa Simba -hang Katolika papasok sa isangbagong Kabanata, dagdag pa ng pahayag ng Malakanyang. PND

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Patuloy na itataguyod ng Pilipinas, sabi ng Malacanang ang tiwala at pakikipagtulungan sa Peoples Republic ofChina

Ipagpapatuloy ng Pilipinas ang pagsisikap na "mamayani ang tiwala sa isat isa at pakikipag-tulungan sa Peoples RepublicChina ngayong pormal nang maluluklok si Xi Jinping bilang bago nitong pangulo.

Sa pahayag ng pagbati sa bagong talagang lider ng Tsina, sinabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda na kaisa ngmga mamamayan ng Tsina ang Pilipinas sa pagsalubong sa bago nitong Pangulong Xi.

Itinuturing ng Peoples Republic of China na napakagandang pagkakataon ito sa kanilang pagsisikap na matamo angkasaganaan at kapanatagan. Ito ang saloobin ng lahat ng mamamayang may magandang kalooban at naghahangad ngpagkakataon para sa kaunlarang pinatatag ng pagtitiwala, pakikisama at pagtutulungan sa kapakanan ng lahat ngmamamayan ng ating rehiyon, gayundin ng buong daigdig, dugtong pa ni Lacierda.

Si Xi ang nagwaging Pangulo matapos makuha ang mayorya ng boto ng 18th National Peoples Congress na ginanap noonHuwebes sa Beijing at ang pagkahalal sa kanya bilang Pangkalahatang Kalihim ng CPC Central Committee at Tagapangulong CPC Central Military Commission.

Sisikapin naming magamit ang lahat ng pagkakataon upang magkaroon ng tiwala sa isat isa at magkatulungan upang magibayo ang kapanatagan sa ating rehiyon upang patuloy na mapaunlad ang ekonomya ng mga bansa natin. PND

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Katarungan para sa mga biktima ng pyramid scam sa Bisaya at Mindanao, pinag-ibayo pa ng Malacanang

Tiniyak ng gobyernong Aquino Huwebes na ginagawa nito ang lahat upang makamit ang katarungan ng mga biktima ngpyramid scam na ginawa ni Manuel Amalilio at mga kasabuwat nito.

Patuloy naming sinisikap na matagumpay na mausig si Amalilio at mga kasama. Naiharap na namin sa mga hukuman angmga kaso dahil nakitaan ito ng probable cause ng mga tagausig, sabi ni Kalihim Leila de Lima sa pulong-balitaan sa
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Malacanang Huwebes.

Tinanong ng mga reporter sa Palasyo si De Lima kung tiyak na hindi matatabunan lamang ang mga kaso laban kay Amaliliosapagkat hindi ito mapabalik sa Pilipinas dahil sa mga kaguluhang nagaganap sa Sabah ngayon.

Sinabi ni De Lima na may mga kautusan sa pagdakip kay Amalilio buhat sa mga hukuman ng Cagayan de Oro at Lungsod nPagadian. Hinihintay rin ng Kagawaran ng Katarungan ang mga kautusang manggagaling naman sa Lungsod ng Iligan labakay Amalilio at mga kasabuwat niya sa Aman Futures.

Sinisikap naman ng kagawaran na maipabalik si Amalilio sa bansa kahit hindi pa tapos ang hatol niya sa Malaysia, ayon kay

De Lima. Si Amalilio ay nakakulong sa piitan sa Malaysia dahil nahatulan siyang mabilanggo ng dalawang taon doon.

Nakipag-usap ang mga pinunong Pilipino sa Malaysia tungkol sa pagpapabalik kay Amalilio sa Pilipinas bago pa matapos ahatol niya sa nasabing bansa, sabi pa ni De Lima.

Ayon kay De Lima, kapag napawi na ang gulo sa Sabah, maaaari nang magpadala ng mga tauhan sa Kuala Lumpur para dat hindi naman apektado ng gusot sa Sabah ang kaso ni Amalilio.

Ipinagpaliban ng DOJ ang pagpunta sa Kuala Lumpur noong Martes ng pangkat ng DOJ at naniniwala si De Lima na kapagnatapos na ang gusot sa Sabah, maaari nang magtungo sa Kuala Lumpur ang mga tauhan ng DOJ.

Si Amalilio, puno ng Aman Futures Group ay nakapanlinlang umano ng 15,000 katao sa Kabisayaan at Mindanao nghalagang aabot sa P12 bilyong piso. PND

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Ipaghaharap ng kaso ng gobyerno ang mga tagasunod ni Kiram

Inihahanda ng pamahalaan ang paghaharap ng karampatang mga kaso laban sa 36 kataong nasabat ng Lakas na Pandagang Pilipinas na papasok sa mga karagatan ng bansa mula sa Sabah, Malaysia sakay ng dalawang bangka Miyerkoles (Mars13), alinsunod kay Kalihim Leila de Lima ng Katarungan.

Sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Huwebes, sinabi ni De Lima na ang mga taong nasabat sa may mga Pulo ng Omapoy atAdulingan sa Tawi-Tawi ay mga tauhan ng Royal Security Forces (RSF) ni Sultan Jamalul Kiram III ng Sulu.

Pinatutunayan namin ang ulat kahapon na may nasabat na dalawang pangkat ng mga sandatahang lalaki buhat sa Sa bah

Malaysia. Ang unang pangkat na ito ay nasabat kahapon dakong ika-6:35 ng umaga ng sasakyan ng Lakas na PandagatPS38. Labing-walo silang lahat, 17 ang lalaki at isang babae at may dalang iba-ibang uri ng sandata. Ang isa sa kanila aysugatan at nagpakilalang tauhan sila ng Royal Security Force, wika ni De Lima.

Ang ikalawang grupo naman ay dumating ika-7:37 kahapon din. Isang oras lamang sng pagitan. Ang bapor ding iyon ngLakas Pandagat PS38 ang nakasabat sa ikalawang grupong mayroon ding 18 sakay at nagpakilalang mga tauhan ng RSF may dala ring mga sandata, dugtong ni De Lima.

Idinugtong ni De Lima na ang pangkat na binubuo ng mga tauhan ng Pambansang Kawanihan ng Pagsisiyasat (NBI),Pambansang Pulisya at Criminal Investigation and Detection Group ay nagsasagawa ng pag-aaral tungkol sa angkop naksong dapat iharap sa mga taong ito.

Ang karampatang hakbang ay gingawa na ng ating mga tauhan upang maiharap sa madaling panahon ang kaso laban sa

mga kinauukulan, sabi pa ni De Lima. PND TOP

Sinisikap ng Pilipinas na makaugnay ang mga Pilipino na nakapiit sa Malaysia

Patuloy ang pagsisikap na ginagawa ng pamahalaang Pilipino na makausap ang mga Kababayan uuuhna ikinulong ng mgamaykapangyarihan sa Malaysia pagkaraan ng puspusang pagsalakay na inilunsad ng Malaysia sa Sabah, alinsunod sa
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Malacanang Huwebes.

Salig sa mga ulat, tinanggihan umano ng Malaysia ang kahilingan ng Pilipinas na makausap ang mga Pilipino na ikinulongnila.

Inaalaala namin ang mga kababayan nating nakapiit. Patuloy nating sisikaping madalaw ang mga kababayan nating nasapag-iingat ng mga Malaysian, sabi ng Tagapagsalita ng Pangulo Edwin Lacierda sa pulong -balitaan sa MalacanangHuwebes.

Binigyang diin ni Lacierda na ang Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas ang bahalang makipag-usap tungkol sa bagay na ito.

Iniulat ng mga maykapagyarihan sa Malaysia na 54 katao ang nasawi sa pagsalakay nila sa Sabah, karamihan ay mgatagasunod ng Sultanato ng Sulu. May 97 katao ang dinakip sa Sabah, sangayon sa Malaysia pagkaraan ng kanilangginawang patuloy na operasyon.

Alinsunod sa Hukbong Dagat, pinigil ng mga ito ang 35 pinaghihinalaang miitanteng Pilipino noong Miyerkoles habangnaglalayag silang pauwi buhat sa Sabah. Ang 35 kataong tumatakas sa Sabah ay dinampot ng Hukbong Dagat habang sakng dalawang maliit na bangka buhat sa estado ng Malaysia.

Ayon sa Kagawaran ng Katarungan, pinag-aaralan nila ang paghaharap ng sakdal laban sa mga nakapiit na Pilipino sapagdadala ng napakaraming sandatang hinihinalang ginamit nila sa sagupaan sa Sabah. PND

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President Benigno S. Aquino III's Speech at the Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum 2013Manila Peninsula Hotel, Makati City12 March 2013

Thank you. Good morning. Please sit down.

Excellencies of the Diplomatic Corps; secretaries Cesar Purisima, Ricky Carandang; Mr. Tony Shale; Governor AmadoTetangco; Chairperson Tess Herbosa; President and General Manager Roberto Vergara; former Prime Minister Cesar Viratadistinguished business leaders and members of the business sector; fellow workers in government; honored guests; ladies agentlemen:

Again, good morning.

The last time we met, I shared with you a biblical verse that I believed to be the most apt description of both our countrys condition and our determination to propel it forward: Physician, Heal Thyself. Then, I shared with you the story of thePhilippinesa country both patient and physician, one that succeeded in reversing its backwards slide simply through acommitment to good governance.

What you see today is a country on the rise, propelled by our determination to change the way things were done in thePhilippines and ensure that integrity, transparency, and accountability characterize our actions. From day one, we have beenmaking good on this promise. We are making sure that neither power nor money gives anyone an undue advantage, whethein justice or in business. We are making sure that public funds are used to help our countrymen, and that information onexpenditures is made available to the public, to help in guarding against corruption. We are giving our bosses, the Filipinopeople, a government they can trust. This commitment has allowed us to turn the country around in less than three years: iflast year, I spoke to you of this turnaroundtoday, allow me to share with you the continuing journey of a country that haseven more achievements under its belt.
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2012 was an outstanding year for our economy, besting all expectationsincluding our own analystsby growing 6.6percentone of the highest growth rates in ASEAN. Last year was also a historic year for our stock market, with record highsometimes coming every day in the trading week. At last count, in the two years and eight months of our administration, we at 84 record highsand close to breaking 7,000, when last year, we were astounded with breaching 5,000, and not too longago, 4,000 seemed an impossibility.

The performance of our economy, brought about by our prudent fiscal policies, strong external position, macroeconomicstability, and our dedication to reform, has allowed us to reverse a decades worth of decline in our credit ratings. Right now,Standard and Poors, Moodys, and Fitch Ratings have all placed the Philippines at one level below investment grade, even abond markets are already pricing us at investment grade.

The confidence in our economy likewise resonates within the businesses and institutions you lead. After all, the Japan ExterTrade Organization, or JETROs 2012 Survey of Japanese -Affiliated Companies in Asia and Oceania states that the proportof profitable firms for the countries in the ASEAN 5 declinedexcept for the Philippines, which, in fact, increased. This placeus squarely in the middle, with 71.9 percent of surveyed firms expected a profit. In just a year, we have overtaken Singaporeand Malaysia in this regard. As your businesses progress, and as we remain committed to growing the Philippines, there isplenty of reason to believe this upward trend will continue.

All of these only set the stage for the next chapterone that we envision will bring us even closer to our goal of lasting,inclusive growth, and I am here to invite you to play an even bigger role in the years to come. There are many opportunitiesavailable in our country, but, in particular, I would like to give you an update on the three sectors that remain our priority:agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure.

Agriculture remains one of our priorities precisely because it is the source of livelihood and employment for so many Filipinos

12.1 million individuals, as of last year. This is why, for this year, we have increased our agriculture budget by 22 percent fro61.4 to 75 billion pesos. This will fund the construction and rehabilitation of farm to market roads, enhance irrigation systemsand provide support services, among others.

Weather permitting, we hope to strengthen our position as regards rice self-sufficiency, and regain our footing in the exportmarkets by exporting 100 metric tons of high quality rice in 2013. If there is anyone interested out there in being a part of therise of the Philippine agricultural sector, our Agribusiness Lands Investment Center (ABLIC) will be more than happy to condbriefings for you.

Tourism is another sector in which we are heavily invested, and for good reasonone only need visit Boracay or the beautifislands of Palawan, attend Cebus Sinulog Festival, or walk around the walled city of Intramuros to understand the attractionthat has kept visitors flocking to the country. From the 4.3 million international tourists who visited the Philippines in 2012, tothe 37.5 million Filipinos who traveled around our country in 2011 alone, so many agree: it is indeed more fun in the

Philippines. May I also add that 37 broke the original 35-million target for 2016. The new target for domestic tourism is now a56 million.

We want you to join in on the fun. Right now, for example, we expect the number of travelers to the Philippines to spike overthe next few years. So, despite the great number of hotel inaugurations Ive attended as President, it appears that we will nean estimated additional 37,000 rooms by 2016. This presents a good opportunity to anyone in the hotel or real estateindustryor even for entrepreneurs wanting to try their luck, especially since were offering competitive fiscal and non-fiscalincentives for tourism enterprises.

In support of tourism, agriculture, and in fact, the overall viability of the Philippines as an investment destination, we have alsbeen working on constructing, rehabilitating, and enhancing the quality of our infrastructure. Both public and privateconstruction activities expanded in 2012, contributing to the growth of industry and our GDP. To sustain this, we increased tinfrastructure budget by 18 percent, from 205.33 billion pesos in 2012, to 242.3 billion in 2013. This will fund the developmen

of our road network, ports, and airports, among others.

Even as we are working on this, we also know that harnessing the expertise and resources of the private sector cancomplement government efforts to get big-ticket projects done. This is why we continue to open some of our biggestinfrastructure projects to the participation of the private sector. Again, those of you interested in partnering with us will be hato know that there are two other major projects that will be rolled out namely: the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, and the NLEXSLEX link connector roadboth of which are meant to cut travel time and enhance connectivity among our cities in Luzon.

At the end of the day, we are inviting you to come to the Philippines whether in these three sectors, or in others, because we


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know that, here, hard work, innovation, and creativity are rewarded with success. This is not an empty promise: you will havethe Filipino people and our administration as committed partners. Over the past years, we have been doing everything we cato level the playing fieldfrom reforming the judiciary, to streamlining the process of setting up business in the Philippines, tfollowing the proper bidding and procurement processes. We are also investing heavily in our countrymenempowering theto take stock of their lives and to realize their potential. Among our governments achievements in the past year include the STax Reform Act and the Responsible Parenthood Law, both of which will help us in our quest to achieve universal healthcareeven as the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro will foster peace and stability in the Philippines. Training programs thmeet the need of industries and a roadmap for the development of our state universities and colleges will ensure that ourworkforce is well-educated and capable of holding gainful employment, as greater access to quality healthcare ensures thatthey are healthy enough for the physical demands of work.

We are determined to see our people succeed. We hope that, in considering our country for your businesses, you share thisgoal with us as well.

Those of you who have long had businesses in the Philippines will understand why I say this. If its simply a matter of howmuch you pay for labor, perhaps it is true that there are others in the region who may cost lessbut you chose to come hereanyway. You know, as well as we do, that, pound for pound, the Filipino worker delivers: he adapts well to any environment,is creative and hard working, adept in communicating in Englishwhich is especially important as we strive to be even morecompetitive globally, and he is loyal. To give you just one example: Filipino workers have already brought our BPO industry tgreat heights, in such a short time. Given the opportunity, they will do the same for you, whatever industry you may be involvin.

The investments that you will bring into our country will redound to tens of thousands of jobs for our countrymenmen andwomen who will be able to put food on their tables, send their children to school, and meet the needs and wants of their

families. Together, we will be empowering them: giving them greater power to contribute to economic growth and opportunitto uplift their lives and even the lives of their fellow Filipinos. All together, we will be building the success of industry, thePhilippines, and the Filipino people.

This is what we mean when we speak about inclusive growth. We will never settle for numbers that look good only on paperfor our administration, growth is a narrative that has always depended on the success of its peopleincluding you leaders,who have the capacity and the resources to empower others. This is, in essence, the opportunity you are all given today. Evif you have come here only with a mind to invest in the Philippines and ride on the resurgence of our economywith yourdecision to bet on our country, you will be doing so much more: you will be giving thousands of Filipinos gainful employmentthat will empower them as consumersthus spurring the growth of both your businesses and the Philippines. And we hopeyou will take this chance and join us on the straight path to progress.

Thank you, and good day.

[HOME]

ONLINENEWS14 MARCH 2013

DPWH pushes for revising contractors' maximum capacity

DepEd and Negros Oriental sign MOU for 2013 Palarong Pambansa

Mobile Humanitarian Desks Set-up in Sabah

DSWD conducts re-validation of Pablo victims

Embassy Humanitarian/Consular Teams Intensify Efforts to Reach Out, Assist Filipinos in Lahad Datu and Tawau

Philippine Permanent Delegation to UNESCO Celebrates International Womens Day

Deles cites enhanced role of women in PH peace process

Justice Secretary commends NBI Forensic Team

BI warns aliens not to meddle in RP polls

Govt moves to prevent humanitarian crisis over Sabah conflict

Roxas, Kirams open talks to resolve Sabah standoff - priority is "disengagement" of sultanate forces says SILG

Improvement in exports of semiconductors to be seen despite decline in January 2013 - NEDA

Searching for the Next Philippine Art Maestro
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Q & A on the Lahad Datu situation

PCOO wins Anvil Award of Excellence

DPWH pushes for revising contractors' maximum capacitySource:http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio L. Singson pushes for revising the contractors maximum capacity to undertagovernment projects taking into consideration the amount of income taxes they pay to the government. If a contractor payshigher income tax, this means that he has a higher networth and correspondingly, bigger capacity to undertake governmentprojects. This means, Singson said, the contractor is more financially capable and eligible to enter into much bigger

government project contracts. We noticed that some of the contractors undertaking huge projects with DPWH has very littlenetworth and little declared assets thus, they pay little amount of taxes, said Singson. We should change this old practice,said. We want that contractors of DPWH pay the right taxes. DOF Secretary Cesar Purisima and BIR Commissioner KimHenares are fully behind this initiative. The contractors maximum financial contracting capacity to execute projects shall takinto account the taxes paid to the government as verified from BIR records. To check on the veracity of the contractorsfinancial data, Secretary Singson has secured the support of Finance Secretary Purisima, Budget Secretary Florencio Abadand BIR Commissioner Henares to come up with an indexing of the contractors Net Financial Contracting Capacity (NFCC)Contractors are categorized according to size range and license category which are based on their financial and assets(including equipment) capabilities to undertake such projects. Singson also directed the DPWH accountants and financialpersonnel to counter check the authenticity of the BIR signatories on the Application for Contractors Final Payment ReleasCertificate or BIR Form 2555, prior to the processing of the final payments of work accomplished for civil works. This directialso applies to the authenticity of the Tax Clearance Certificate issued by BIR, a requirement prior to the eligibility of thecontractors to participate in the procurement process. As of end of December 2012, the DPWH, as BIR collection agent, wa

able to collect and remit a total of P7.51 Billion E-VAT and withholding taxes from all taxable financial transactions processeand paid.|TOP|

DepEd and Negros Oriental sign MOU for 2013 Palarong Pambansa

Source:http://www.deped.gov.ph

The provincial government of Negros Oriental is this years host of the 2013 Palarong Pambansa, the countrys biggestsporting event that aims to develop world-class athletes.

Participated in by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide, the annual sporting eventwill be held at the Don Mariano Perdices Memorial Coliseum in Dumaguete City from April 21 to 27, 2013.

Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC and Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo signed on Friday the memorandof understanding that stipulates the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well-managed and professionally-rPalaro.

Yung Palaro ay marami siyang aspeto, hindi lamang ito yung games mismo. Pero yung ating tinututukan sa DepEd at sabawat Palaro ay kalimutan niyo na ang lahat hwag lang kalimutan ang ating mga atleta. Siguraduhin natin sa Palaro, ang stadito ay yung mga atleta, said Luistro.

Based on DepEd Memo No. 4 series of 2013, the events played in the 2012 Palarong Pambansa and the related technicalguidance shall remain in effect unless amended.

However, three more events will be added as demonstration sports this year. These are wushu for secondary boys and girlsbilliards for secondary boys and futsal for elementary girls.

Luistro said the additional sporting events is consistent with DepEds policy to work closely with the Philippine SportsCommission in promoting sports where Filipinos have a greater chance of excelling in the world sporting arena.

He also emphasized the values that the athletes get from competing in a sports competition such as Palaro. Ang ating mgaatleta ay hindi lamang nakikipagpaligsahan sa isat isa at hind i lamang ang makakamit ng gintong medalya ang dapat isipin.Ang pinakamahalaga po ay lumalakas ang ating katawan at ang ating disiplina para makamit natin ang inaasam-asam napangarap. Hindi man tayo manalo, dapat maitatak sa isip at puso ng mga atleta na hindi naman nasa medalya angpagpapanalo, ito ay nandoon sa papaano natin tunay na isinulong ang ating mga hinaharap sa buhay.
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DepEd is the lead agency in the conduct of the annual Palarong Pambansa to promote physical education and sports as anintegral part of learning. It hopes to develop and mold a holistic youth who are socially responsible and globally-competitive.|TOP|

Mobile Humanitarian Desks Set-up in Sabah

Source:http://www.dswd.gov.ph

President Aquino through Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman and Department of ForeignAffairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, directed the establishment of a mobile Humanitarian/Welfare Desk to complement the

Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) in Sabah to respond to the situation of Filipino nationals in Sabah.

Two Rapid Response Teams (RRT1 and RRT2) were deployed in different areas in Sabah where there is a large concentraof Filipinos.

DSWD Secretary Soliman said that RRT1, comprising of DFA personnel and accompanied by DSWD Undersecretary ParisyHashim-Taradji, Director Dulfie Tobias- Shalim, and Social Welfare Attach Bernard Bonina visited the Federal LandDevelopment Authority (FELDA).

FELDA Plantations in Sabah and Sarawak, currently employs 451 Filipinos, with some 350 dependents, doing mostly fieldupkeep and maintenance work.

Secretary Soliman said that based on the report of the humanitarian team, the FELDA management assured the safety andcontinued employment of Filipinos in the company.

The Secretary added that there are four evacuation centers established inside the FELDA plantations with 1,464 totalevacuees broken down as follows: Cenderawasih Gym- 507; Embara Budi 468; Fajar Harapan 208; and Gemalapura281.

Most of the evacuees are Filipinos but there are Indonesians, Temorese and local villagers as well.

There are no Filipino FELDA workers in the evacuation centers. The evacuees are either villagers from the conflict area orworkers of FELDAs subcontractors and their family members, Secretary Soliman stated citing the report of RRT1.

The RRT1 also visited Kampung Batu-Batu , where many villagers expressed their intent to return to the Philippines. Many o

them are undocumented and mostly are natives of Tawi-Tawi.

The team conducted group interviews and asked the villagers to accomplish the Case Intake Forms to obtain their particulaThe forms will aid in assessing the situation of Filipinos in the villages surrounding FELDA .

In Lahad Datu town

In Lahad Datu, RRT1 interviewed a student from Tawi-Tawi, who requested anonymity. He is working as a vendor at the PaBakyat Lahad Datu wet market. He said that there are more or less 500 Suluks and 400 Bajaus in Kampung Puyot (downtowLahad Datu) where he lives. Most of them are undocumented and entered Sabah via boats plying the Bongao-Tawi-Tawi roMost of them earn a living either as market vendors, construction workers or carpenters.

The team also learned that most Filipinos are not affected by the incident and are just in Lahad Datu to earn a living. Some them fear being wrongfully accused or of being involved in the incident and thus, could lose their livelihoods. Some also areasking how they could obtain documents to be recognized as Filipinos.

Updates from Sandakan

The RRT1 members also visited an informal school in the outskirts of Sandakan where 119 undocumented Filipino children(i.e., Suluks, Bajaus and Bisaya) are studying in two classrooms with volunteer teachers. The school, unrecognized byMalaysian authorities, is operating on paltry donations from kind-hearted individuals. It does not have basic facilities, such as
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school clinic and library. However, volunteer -teachers said students at least can learn how to read and write.

The RRT1 informed the teachers that their dilemma will be brought to the attention of the Philippine authorities. UnderMalaysian regulations, children of undocumented parents could not be accepted in Malaysian government schools.

Meanwhile, the Rapid Response Team 2 (RRT 2) reported that there also Filipinos who are working in the plantations inTawau, where there is an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 documented workers and about 20,000 to 30,000 undocumentedworkers.

The team also learned that round up of Filipino males are being conducted in Sandakan and Semporna which are bastions

Suluk communities. Fearing for their safety, Filipinos from Semporna, Sandakan and Lahad Datu started to evacuate usingsmall boats. More than 500 evacuees are now in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

The team met with some 50 Filipinos who are working at Fook Ngiap sawmill at Pasir Puti in Tawau.

Secretary Soliman said that the Filipinos in Tawau were happy to see the team knowing that the Philippine government isconcerned about their welfare and that a travel document may be issued to those who do not have legal status in Tawau.|TOP|

DSWD conducts re-validation of Pablo victims

Source:http://www.dswd.gov.ph

Three months after typhoon Pablo hit the country, particularly badly affected the provinces of Compostela Valley and DavaOriental, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has commenced the conduct of special householdvalidation and assessment on the present socio-economic condition of typhoon victims.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that the DSWD though its National HouseholdTargeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) conducted the validation assessment primarily to monitor the status of poor and non-poor households after Pablo struck affecting thousands of lives of our countrymen. It is expected to be compleon March 28, 2013, a day before the election ban.

The validation of households in affected Regions XI, CARAGA, and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will adetermine whether there were still typhoon victims who are unserved or underserved of relief supplies from the government.

The Household Needs Assessment Form (HNAF) will be used by field enumerators to evaluate the present state of thesehouseholds included in the NHTS-PR database. Household Assessment Form (HAF), on the other hand, will be administereto enumerate households who were not included in the nationwide enumeration in 2009. Families who are presently stayingthe different evacuation centers or in transition homes whether poor or non-poor are all subjected to HAF. The DSWD andconcerned local government units are now identifying their permanent resettlement sites, Secretary Soliman said.

The DSWD Region XI recently deployed 470 trained enumerators, 78 area supervisors, and 13 area coordinators who willconduct said revalidation.

In case that a non-poor household is assessed as a poor household in the special validation, that particular household coulthen become a potential beneficiary for social protection programs like Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and PhilHealthfor instance, Secretary Soliman explained.

|TOP|

Embassy Humanitarian/Consular Teams Intensify Efforts to Reach Out, Assist Filipinos in Lahad Datu and Tawau

Source:http://www.dfa.gov.ph

13 March 2013 - The humanitarian/consular teams from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur have intensified efforts toreach out and assist more Filipinos affected by the recent events in Lahad Datu and other places.

We are exerting utmost efforts to reach out to as many Filipinos in eastern Sabah at the soonest time possible. We are makarrangements to repatriate those who express the desire to do so. We feel and understand the anxieties felt by many of ourkababayans, Philippine Ambassador to Malaysia J. Eduardo Malaya said.
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Even as we await the approval from local authorities for full access, our humanitarian/consular teams are working full time toensure our kababayans safety and well-being, Ambassador Malaya added.

In Lahad Datu, a three-man team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led by UndersecretaryParisya Hashim-Taradji arrived there on March 12, and teamed up with the Embassy humanitarian/consular team which hasbeen in the town since March 1.

They now help in manning a mobile humanitarian/welfare desk to further assist affected Filipinos.

Together with the DSWD team, the group again visited the Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) plantation and me

FELDA official, who committed to help out in allowing the team to visit more evacuation centers and assured them of the safand continuous employment of Filipinos in the plantations.

According to the FELDA official, there are currently 451 workers and 350 dependents in FELDA, doing mostly upkeep andmaintenance work. He also said that there are a total of 1,464 evacuees in four of their centers located at the CenderawasihGym, Embara Budi, Fajar Harapan and Gemalapura, comprising of Filipino, Indonesian, Timorese and local workers.

The groups also visited Kampung Batu-Batu, where Undersecretary Taradji talked to the leaders and members of the Filipincommunity there. Many of them expressed their desire to be repatriated back to the Philippines. The team also provided fooitems to the children and to those present.

On the other hand, the Embassy consular/humanitarian team dispatched to Sandakan also visited a learning center cateringFilipino children of undocumented migrants. The children and their parents were grateful for the teams presence.

Meanwhile, the Embassy humanitarian/consular team in Tawau reached out to and met some 50 Filipinos working at the FoNgiap sawmill, who were happy to see the team and know that the Philippine Government is concerned about their welfare.

The humanitarian/consular team will be visiting more sites today and also conduct further mapping out of Filipinos in the areThe team in Sandakan is overseeing the departure of Filipinos out of Sandakan to Zamboanga.

The three Embassy teams, with augmentation from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other Philippine agencies,were dispatched to Lahad Datu, Semporna, and Sandakan, and arrived there on March 8 to assist the members of the Filipicommunity in those areas.|TOP|

Philippine Permanent Delegation to UNESCO Celebrates International Womens Day

Source:http://www.dfa.gov.ph

14 March 2013 - As part of its celebration of International Womens Day, the Permanent Delegation of the Philippines to theUnited Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), organized a mini fashion show on March 07featuring Filipino fashion designer, Ms. Dita Sandico-Ong.

The event was held at the Salon des Dlegus at UNESCO Miollis and the Guest of Honor was Madame Brigitte Ayrault,spouse of the French Prime Minister.

In her opening remarks, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent Delegate, Cristina G. Ortega, stressed that women the othalf of humanity have a significant role to play in the progress and development of a country.

The Ambassador said that Filipino women have always played a very important role in society and have always been in theforefront of nation-building, and she cited how women in the Philippines have made significant contributions in politics, the

judiciary, business and the economy.

She also mentioned that almost half of the 10 million Filipinos working overseas are women.

As Guest of Honor, Madame Ayrault also shared her thoughts on International Womens Day. She called on everyone tocontinue the fight for gender equality as there are still many challenges remaining.

Recalling her visit to the Philippines last year, Madame Ayrault remarked on the capacity of Filipino women to rise above thesituation.


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Ms. Sandico-Ong, who has worked as an ethical fashion designer for the past 27 years, is a good example of an empoweredFilipina who is also making a difference for others. Through her strong advocacy for the use of Philippine indigenous fiberssuch as abaca, she has worked to promote sustainable livelihood and improve socio-economic conditions in Baras,Catanduanes, an island in the Philippines.

The audience had the opportunity to view a short video on the painstaking process of weaving and transforming the abaca fiinto the colorful and beautiful designs of Ms. Sandico-Ong. As models walked down the room garbed in the elegant abacawraps of Ms. Sandico-Ong, people then had the opportunity to truly appreciate Filipino creativity and artistry.|TOP|

Deles cites enhanced role of women in PH peace processSource:http://www.opapp.gov.ph

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles stressed the Philippine government's significant headwayin enhancing womens roles in the peace process.

In the past couple of years, the Philippine government has achieved great strides in ensuring womens presence on our peatables in what has been referred to as Track 1 of the peace-making process, she said in a statement delivered recentlyduring the 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in NewYork.Deles joined the Commissions round table which adopted the theme, Elimination and Prevention of All Forms ofViolence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Attending the event were high-level representatives from 98 member states ofthe UN.

Deles stressed that the Philippines is a country faced with internal armed conflict on several fronts for the past decades. Weare very interested in sharing experiences and lessons learned on women empowerment and participation across countriesfacing internal armed conflict, which has had a major impact on making womens lives more difficult, including the aggravatioof violence against women and girls.

She relayed the efforts and achievements of the Philippine government in enhancing womens participation in the peaceprocess.

Specifically on our peace table with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which has been fighting a four decade rebellioagainst the Philippine government, women have been on the front line of our peace-making work. In the last three years, ounational peace office which has oversight over five peace tables has been led by a womanmyself, she said.

Deles went on to discuss that women are currently taking important roles on the peace tables. She said that the Governmen

the Philippines (GPH) peace panel is headed by a woman, Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and joined by a Bangsamorowoman Undersecretary Yasmin Busran-Lao. Other bodies, such as the Secretariat, Legal Panel, and Technical WorkingGroups on the Annexes are headed by and composed mostly of women.

The peace adviser added that three out of seven members designated by the government in the Transition Commission(TransCom) are women. The TransCom is a body mandated to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law that will be certified as urgeby the President and submitted to Congress for passage before it undergoes a plebiscite. Once ratified, the AutonomousRegion in Muslim Mindanao will be abolished and the new Bangsamoro region will be established.

We already see the difference that has been made by the strong womens presence on the peace table, said Deles. Sheadded that, in fact, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed by the GPH and the MILF in October 2012has a section that promotes the basic rights of women to meaningful political participation and protection from all forms ofviolence.

In another section, the FAB underscored that women should not be excluded or disadvantaged in the normalization phasewhich includes the economic facilitation for return to normal life.

Deles also related that the Philippine governments socio-economic program for combatants and communities deliberatelytargets the inclusion of women and girls such that under its education component, college schol arships were awarded mostto female high school graduates.

In evacuation sites for families internally displaced by armed conflict on natural disasters, our Department of Social Welfa re


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Documents

PIA Calabarzon 6 PR ( March 14-15 ,2013),Dispatch for March 15 , 2013 (Friday),