Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

Dispatch for July 31 , 2013 Wednesday , 5 PIA Calabarzon PRs , 9 Weather Watch,
6 OFW Watch, 1 PNOY Speech , 18 Online News , 4 Photonews

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's photo.

WEATHER BULLETIN No. 03 Tropical Cyclone Alert: Tropical Storm #JolinaPH Issued at 11:00 AM, 31 July 2013 (Valid for broadcast until the next bulletin to be issued at 11 PM today) JOLINA has intensified into a tropical storm. Location of eye/center: At 10:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Storm JOLINA was estimated based on all available data at 450 km West of Subic, Zambales (15.0N, 115.6E). Strength: Maximum winds of 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. Movement: Forecast to move Northwest at 11 kph. Forecast Positions: Tropical Storm JOLINA is expected to be at 660 km West of Subic, Zambales tomorrow morning and already outside of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Estimated rainfall amount is from 5 15 mm per hour (moderate - heavy) within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Storm. Tropical Storm JOLINA will enhance the Southwest Monsoon which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over MIMAROPA and CALABARZON. Meanwhile, a Low Pressure Area (LPA) was at 210 km East of Virac, Catanduanes (14.3N, 126.4E). The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 PM today. For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph.

1. 2 hours ago DZMM: Napanatili ng bagyong Jolina ang lakas nito habang patuloy na kumikilos ng pahilagang kanluran sa West Phil Sea. Namataan ang bagyo sa layong 390km sa kanluran ng Subic, Zambales taglay ang lakas ng hangin na umaabot sa 55kph malapit sa gitna. Ayon sa PAGASA, palalakasin ng bagyong Jolina ang Habagat na maghahatid ng katamtaman hanggang malakas na pag-ulan, pagkulog at pagkidlat sa area ng MIMAROPA at CALABARZON. Inaasahang lalabas ng PAR ang bagyo mamayang hapon.

2. Weather Watch
3 hours ago GMA resident meteorologist Nathaniel Cruz - Mamayang gabi inaasahang lalabas na ng PAR ang bagyong Jolina. -Huli itong namataan 390km kanluran ng kanluran ng Subic, Zambales. -Wala itong direktang epekto sa bansa pero pinalalakas nito ang Habagat na siyang halos magpapaulan sa buong bansa. Pinakaapektado nito ang MIMAROPA at CALABARZON. -Ang Metro Manila naman at nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay makakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog.

3. Weather Watch
4 hours ago PAGASA weather forecaster Joey Figuracion on DZMM -Napanatili ng Bagyong Jolina ang lakas nito at huling namataan sa layong 390 km kanluran ng Subic, Zambales. Taglay pa rin nito ang lakas ng hangin n 55 kph malapit sa gitna at kumikilos pahilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 11 kph. - Kung hindi magbabago ang kanyang bili, lalabas ito ng PAR ngayong Miyerkules ng hapon. - Walang direktang epekto si Jolina sa bansa pero hahatakin nito ang Habagat na siyang magdadala ng katamtaman hanggang sa kung minsan ay malakas na pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog na maaaring magdulot ng mga pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa ang MIMAROPA at CALABARZON. - Ang Metro Manila naman at nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay makakaroon ng maulap na kalangitan na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog.

Weather Watch
4 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines PIA-13: PAGASA 24-HOUR PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5AM, 31 July. SYNOPSIS: At 4:00 am today, Tropical Depression "JOLINA" was estimated based on all available data at 390 km west of Subic, Zambales (14.6N, 116.4E) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move northwest at 11 kph. FORECAST: MIMAROPA and CALABARZON will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest will prevail over Palawan and its coastal waters will be moderate to rough. Elsewhere, winds will be moderate to occasionally strong coming from the southwest to southeast with moderate to occasionally rough seas.

4. Weather Watch
15 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines GMA: Naging tropical depression na ang binabantayang LPA ng PAGASA kung saan ito ay pinangalanang bagyong Jolina. Huling namataan ang bagyo sa layong 240 km West Southwest ng Subic, Zambales na may lakas ng hangin na 55 kph malapit sa gitna at ito ay kumikilos ng pa-kanluran hilagang-kanluran sa bilis na 11 kph. Tinataya namang lalabas ng PAR ang bagyong Jolina sa Huwebes. Samantala, asahan ang pag-ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Luzon, lalo na sa MIMAROPA. Mahina hanggang sa katamtamang ulan naman ang inaasahan sa Metro Manila bukas habang ang hanging Habagat naman ang magdadala ng pag-ulan sa Visayas, lalo na sa western section nito. Inaasahan din ang katamtamang lakas ng ulan sa malaking bahagi ng Mindanao.

5. Weather Watch
15 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines ABS-CBN: Naging bagyo na kaninang hapon ang LPA na namataan sa may Batangas at tinawag itong Tropical Depression Jolina. Huli itong namataan 240km west southwest ng Subic, Zambales na may lakas ng hangin na 55kph malapit sa gitna at kumikilos pa-west northwest sa bilis na 11kph. Samantala, asahan ang maulap na panahon na may pag-ulan sa Visayas, partikular sa western section dahil malapit ito sa bagyo. Maulap na panahon din na may pag-ulan ang asahan sa Mindanao.

6. Weather Watch
17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines PAGASA weather forecaster Gladys Saludes on DZBB: - Ang binabantayan nating LPA ay ganap nang tropical depression at ang pinangalanan natin dito ay bagyong Jolina. - Itong bagyong Jolina ay namataan sa layong 240 km West Southwest ng Subic, Zambales. Taglay po nito ang lakas ng hangin na 55 kph malapit sa gitna at ito ay inaasahang kikilos ng pa-west northwest sa bilis na 11 kph. - Bukas ng hapon ay tinatantiya natin na nasa layong 470 km West ng Subic, Zambales ang bagyong Jolina. Ang estimated na labas nito ng PAR ay tomorrow evening or Thursday morning. - Itong bagyong Jolina ay inaasahan nating pag-iibayuhin ang Southwest Monsoon na magdadala ng moderate to occasionally heavy rains sa MIMAROPA at Western Visayas. - Samantala, ang Metro Manila at ang nalalabing bahagi ng bansa ay maulap na kalangitan ang ating inaasahan na may mahina hanggang sa katamtamang mga pag-ulan at pagkidlat-pagkulog.

7. Weather Watch
17 hours ago PAGASA TROPICAL CYCLONE ALERT: The low pressure area (LPA) west of Ambulong, Batangas has developed into a Tropical Depression and was named "Jolina." LOCATION OF CENTER: As of 4:00pm, 240km west southwest of Subic, Zambales (14.1N, 117.8E) Strength: Maximum winds of 55kph near the center Movement: West Northwest at 11kph FORECAST POSITIONS/OUTLOOK: Wednesday afternoon: 470km west of Subic, Zambales Thursday afternoon: 700km west of Dagupan City or outside the area of responsibility No Public Storm Warning Signals Raised Estimated rainfall amount is from 5-15mm per hour (moderate-heavy) within the 300km diameter of the Tropical Depression. Tropical Depression "Jolina" will enhance the Southwest Monsoon which will bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over MIMAROPA and Western Visayas. The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11:00 tonight.

8. Weather Watch
19 hours ago DZBB: Kanselado ngayong araw dahil sa sama ng panahon ang dalawang biyahe ng Cebu Pacific na 5J-529 na biyaheng Manila to Busuanga at return flight nito na 5J-530 na Busuanga to Manila.

Weather Watch

July 31 , 2013 ( Wednesday )

as of 8 :00 AM

CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

: : : : :

Cloudy and Drizzling Partly Cloudy Partly Cloudy Fair Weather Partly Cloudy with Scattered rainshowers

PIA

Regional Watch

1. PIA OFW Watch

3 hours ago DZBB: Tinuligsa ng Migrante Middle East ang pag-alis ng ban sa OFW na makapagtrabaho sa Iraq sa gitna ng pagsiklab ng karahasan sa ilang lugar doon. Sinabi ni Migrante Middle East coordinator John Lenard Monterona na ang nasabing hakbang ay maling payo.

2. PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines GMA: Ibinebenta na ng mga Pilipino sa isang parke sa Paris, France tuwing weekend ang ilang Pinoy street food tulad ng kwek-kwek, kikiam, balut at halo-halo.

3. PIA OFW Watch

17 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines GMA: Arestado sa Hong Kong ang dalawang magkapatid na turistang Pinay matapos silang mahulihan ng mahigit 14 kg ng shabu.

4. PIA OFW Watch

19 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines DFA Asec. Raul Hernandez on ANC: Re: Sex-for-flight scheme - I believe that DoLE has already sent to the President the report of its fact-finding team.

5. PIA OFW Watch

19 hours ago near Quezon City, Philippines DFA Asec. Raul Hernandez on ANC: Re: 2 Pinay drug mules arrested in Hong Kong - We already contacted with Hong Kong Customs and Exile Department. The two Filipino nationals were arrested last July 28. - We have our consul general there.

5. PIA OFW Watch

20 hours ago Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez III on ANC: Re: Akbayan urges swift gov't action on sex-for-flight scheme - The witnesses who came forward, we endorsed them to DSWD. - I heard today that they are ready to file the criminal complaint, either to the DoJ or the Office of the Ombudsman.

6. PIA OFW Watch

21 hours ago DZMM: Sinabi ni DFA Asec. Raul Hernandez na mayroong panibagong dalawang Pinay na naaresto sa Hong Kong Airport dahil sa pagpupuslit ng nasa 14.5 kilo na shabu na nagkakahalaga ng P16M noong July 28. Tiniyak naman ni Hernandez na bibigyan ng kaukulang ayuda ang dalawang Pinay. Binanggit din nito na tuluy-tuloy ang fact-finding investigation ng DFA

sa sinasabing sex for fly scheme. Samantala, sa issue naman ng pagkakahulog ng bus sa Italy noong nakaraang araw, sinabi ni Hernandez na walang Pinoy na nadamay sa naturang aksidente. Mayroon din daw 20 tripulanteng Pilipino na kasalukuyang stranded sa karagatan ng Malta at humihingi pa ang DFA ng karagdagang balita kaugnay nito.

A. QUEZON
1. Tagalog news: Sakit na TB, layuning masugpo ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon
By Carlo P. Gonzaga Tuesday 30th of July 2013 LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Hulyo 30 (PIA) --Layunin ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ng Quezon sa pamamagitan ng provincial chest clinic (PCC) na tuluyan ng masugpo ang sakit na tuberculosis (TB) sa buong lalawigan. Dahil dito, patuloy ang pagkilos ng PCC sa pamumuno ni Dr. Erlinda Plotria sa pagbibigay lunas sa nabanggit na sakit sa tulong ng dalawang non-government organizations (NGOs), ang Innovations and Mulit-sectoral Parternships to Achieve Control of TB (IMPACT) na suportado ng TB control program ng USAID at ang Philcat. Sa tulong ng dalawang NGOs, ang IMPACT at Philcat, mas lalong natututukan ang TB program sa buong lalawigan ng Quezon, sabi ni Dr. Plotria. Ayon kay Plotria, tuturuan nila ang lahat na barangay health workers (BHWs) sa bawat rural health unit sa buong lalawgian kung paano ang tamang paghawak sa mga pasyenteng lumalapit sa kanila upang magpa-konsulta at magpagamot. Kaugnay nito, nanawagan si Dr. Plotria sa mga mamamayan na huwag mahiya na magpakonsulta at magpagamot kung magkakaroon ng naturang sakit dahil sa kasalukuyan ay mayroon nang nakalaang gamot sa mga ito. Sinabi ni provincial administrator Romulo Edano, na sa kabila ng nakapakatagal na at patuloy na nananatiling problema ang sakit na TB, nagsusumikap ang pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Gov. Suarez na tuluyang masolusyunan ang naturang problema. Idinagdag pa ni Edano na sa nakalipas na taon ay nagiging maganda ang performance ng lalawigan ng Quezon sa paglaban sa TB, kung saan pumangalawa lamang tayo sa lalawigan ng Rizal. Target ng Quezon na manguna sa buong bansa sa paglaban sa TB na kayang-kayang makamit ng lalawigan sa patuloy na pagbibigay ng suporta sa programa ni Gov. David Jayjay C. Suarez, pagtatapos ni Edano. (CPG, PIA4A at ulat mula sa Quezon PIO)

2. Tagalog news: 90 mga guro at mag-aaral ng QNHS, nagsanay sa kahandaan sa kalamidad

By Carlo P. Gonzaga Tuesday 30th of July 2013 LUNGSOD NG LUCENA, Quezon, Hulyo 30 (PIA) --Limamput isang mga guro at 39 na mag-aaral ng Quezon national high school (QNHS) ang sumailalim sa pagsasanay sa kahandaan sa kalamidad kamakailan. Isinagawa ng provincial disaster risk reduction management council (PDRRMC), tinalakay sa pagsasanay ang pagtatag ng command center na siyang magiging sentro ng lahat ng operasyon sa panahon ng kalamidad at pagbubuo ng rescue operations team na siya namang tutugon sa mga nangangailangan ng first aid at iba pang tulong. Sinabi ni Dr. Henry Buzar na dapat ang lahat ay maging handa sa anumang banta ng kalamidad upang maiwasan ang pagbuwis ng buhay. Patuloy na sinisikap ng aming tanggapan na mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang mamamayan na may kaugnayan sa tamang paghahanda sa kalamidad, ayon kay Dr. Buzar. Sinabi ni Concepcion Alcantara, department head ng music art physical education health (MAPEH) ng QNHS na ang mga guro na nagsanay ang siyang itatalagang emergency response team ng eskuwelahan sakaling magkaroon ng kalamidad. Ituturo din namin sa iba pang mga guro at mag-aaral ang natutunan namin sa pagsasanay upang mas marami ang nakaka-alam sa mga dapat gawin kapag may kalamidad, sabi pa ni Alcantara. Ilang mag-aaral na sumailalim sa pagsasanay ang nagsabing malaking tulong ang dagdag kaalaman na natutunan nila sa pagsasanay na maaari nilang maibahagi sa kanilang mga kapitbahay tulad ng first aide at rescue operations. Ang pagsasanay ay bahagi ng mga ibat ibang aktibidad tulad ng earthquake at fire drill na isinasagawa ng PDRRMC upang maihanda ang mga mamamayan ng Quezon sa panahon ng kalamidad. Ito rin ay bilang tampok na gawain sa pag-obserba ng National Disaster Consciousness Month ngayong Hulyo na may temang Ligtas na bayan, Maunlad na pamayanan. (Quezon PIO/PIA4A)

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA

1. Tagalog news: NSO, nagdiriwang ng ika-73 taong anibersaryo

By Carlo P. Gonzaga Tuesday 30th of July 2013

LUNGSOD NG SAN PABLO, Laguna, Hulyo 30 (PIA) -- Ipinagdiriwang ng National Statistics Office (NSO) ang ika-73 ng anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag nito sa buwan ng Agosto na may temang Handog ng NSO: 73 Taong Pusong Serbisyo sa Mundo. Itinatag ang NSO noong ika-19 ng Agosto 1940 at sa loob ng 73 taon, taos pusong serbisyo pa rin ang mga tauhan ng NSO sa publiko sa pangangalap at pag-uulat ng tunay at napapanahong estadistika di lamang para sa pamahalaan pati na rin sa mga pribadong sektor at mag-aaral na nangangailangan ng datos upang magamit sa pagpapaplano ng isang proyekto o negosyo sa ating bansa. Taos pusong serbisyo pa rin ang mga tauhan ng NSO sa mga may kahilingan sa kanilang dokumentong pangsibil tulad ng kapanganakan, kasal at kamatayan saan mang lugar sa mundo naninirahan ang isang Filipino. Ang pangyayari ng panganganak, pagpapakasal at pagkamatay ng Filipino sa ibang bansa ay inirerehistro sa Consul General ng Philippine Embassy kung saan sila naninirahan at ito naman ay dadalahin sa tangapan ng NSO sa Pilipinas. Dati ang tala sa dokumentong sibil ng isang tao ay di maaaring baguhin kung hindi daraan sa korte, subalit sa pamamagitan ng mga pagbabago sa batas tulad ng Republic Act 9048, Republic Act 9255 at Republic Act 10172, ilan sa mga talang may pagkakamali ay maaari nang baguhin na hindi na kailangang ihain pa sa korte. Ang kahilingan ay maari nang ilapit sa pinakamalapit na Local City Registry Office kung saan siya naninirahan. Kung nasa ibang bansa naman, maaari din itong ilapit sa Consul General ng may pinakamalapit na Philippine Embassy. Sa pamamagitan ng mga electronic devices ang kahilingan sa mga datos o dokumentong pangsibil ay makakarating sa kanila na di na kailangan pang magsadya sa NSO. Maaaring humiling ang publiko ng mga dokumentong pangsibil sa pinakamalapit na BREQS Outlets tulad ng LGUs at SM branches. Ito ay dadalhin ng kanilang mga tauhan sa pinakamalapit na NSO Serbilis Outlet upang iproseso sa pamamagitan ng electronic system. Maaari ding humiling ang publiko sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa NSO Helpline Plus na may numero 02-737-1111 o kaya ay sa pamamagitan ng pag log-on sa www.census.gov.ph. Ang mga prosesong ito ay naghatid ng kaluwagan sa mga Pilipino saan mang lugar sa mundo sila naninirahan sa kasalukuyan. Kabilang ang sangay ng NSO-Laguna sa pagbibigay ng taos pusong serbiyso sa publiko. Sa kabila ng kaabalahan ng mga gawain sa tanggapan nito, pinangungunahan pa rin ni Provincial Statistics Officer Magdalena T. Serquea ang magdaos nang apat-na-beses sa isang taon na Tree Planting Activity bilang pangangalaga sa kalikasan. Samantala, aos puso ang pasasalamat ni PSO Serquea sa media, Provincial/Municipal/City Planning and Development Office, City/Municipal Registrars, Department of Interior and Local Government, mga lokal at nasyonal na pamahalaan at mga pamunuan ng sektor ng negosyo sa kanilang pagsuporta sa NSO lalo na sa mga isinagawang Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture, 2012 Census of Agriculture and Fisheries at 2012 Census of Philippine Business and Industry. (NSO-Laguna)

2. DTI warns the public against unaccredited cargo forwarders

Tuesday 30th of July 2013

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, July 30 (PIA) --The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warns the public particularly the overseas workers that ships in cargoes from abroad to transact only with freight forwarders accredited with the Philippine Shippers Bureau (PSB) to avoid problems with their shipments. The alert came up, as last year, PSB received 153 complaints regarding the non-delivery of balikbayan boxes shipped from various origins worldwide. DTI-PSB records show that from 2008 up to the present, there were 550 complaints that have been filed/received, processed, acted upon, monitored, and referred to. In 2011, there were 208 complaints filed mostly on undelivered balikbayan boxes. Last year, PSB received 150 complaints.

DTI-PSB records show that most incidents of undelivered balikbayan boxes involved freight forwarding companies without PSB accreditation. Of the complaints, 60 have either already been delivered or picked up by the consignees through the assistance of DTI-PSB; eight cases were withdrawn by the complainants, 41 were referred to regular courts, four were elevated for arbitration and 41 still for DTI-PSBs disposition because additional information from the complainants are needed. DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Group (CWBRG) Zenaida CuisonMaglaya emphasized that accredited freight forwarders follow government standards that guarantee their capability to provide reliable service to their customers. Maglaya added that aside from observing ethics in doing business, accredited forwarders subject shipments under insurance coverage. According to Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, PSB Director-in-Charge, non-delivery of balikbayan boxes usually occurs when foreign consolidators/ principal sea freight forwarders do not remit a portion of their collected charges to their accredited Philippine agents/ local sea freight forwarders to prompt the release and delivery of balikbayan boxes. Dimaguiba said that DTI-PSB is mandated by law to promote and protect the interest of the shipping public and helps to professionalize the freight forwarding industry by granting accreditation to weed out those companies that are not ready and nor qualified to engage in the cargo handling business. He added that DTI-PSB does not grant accreditation to freight forwarders who have pending or unresolved complaints. The erring companies are listed in the PSB Advisory/Alert which was updated July 19, 2013. Freight forwarding without the PSB accreditation and/or subject of complaints pertaining to balikbayan boxes are contained in the PSB ADVISORY/ALERT updated as of July 19, 2013. Said companies were either issued formal charges; issued Decisions by DTI's Office of Legal Affairs; or issued Show Cause Orders by the DTI-PSB Consumer Arbitration Officers the DTI Office of Legal Affairs (DTI-OLA). Dimagiba explained that, when necessary, foreign principals did not remit funds to accredited Philippine agent/local freight forwarders and as consequence, shipment or the balikbayan boxes with the Bureau of Customs will not be released and will not be delivered to consignees/ recipients. Philippine counterparts/agents of principals/cargo consolidators are under investigation pertaining to undelivered balikbayan boxes and other violations under the PSB Administrative Order No. 6, series of 2005. For more information on the lists of accredited freight forwarding companies and those companies with complaints against them, visit www.dti.gov.ph or call DTI-PSB at +632.751.3304. DTI urges the public to file a complaint regarding non-delivery, loss or pilferage of balikbayan boxes through the DTI-PSB email dti_psb@yahoo.com.ph or through telephone at the DTI Direct (02) 751.3330. (Charlie S. Dajao, DTI Calabarzon)

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL
1. Rizal Information Officers League elects new members

Tuesday 30th of July 2013

ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, July 30 (PIA) --The Rizal Information Officers League (RIOL) has recently elected a new set of officers in line with the 2013 midterm elections and possible re-organization and re-assignment of several information officers. The organization which consists of designated municipal and city information officers held a meeting at the Rizal Provincial Capitol Multi Purpose Hall in order to delegate a new set of officers to serve the group for the next three years. Elections were officiated by the Rizal Provincial Government through the Public Information Office. Rodriguez Municipal Information Officer and previous RIOL President Girlie Singson was re-elected for the same post. Antipolo City IO Dominador Coronado was elected Vice President, Jalajala IO Liberty Garcia for Secretary, Pililia IO Ofelia Sta Maria as Treasurer, Baras IO Lily Buenaventura as Auditor and Morong IO Julian Joseph De Ungria as Business Manager. Re-elected RIOL President Singson stated that RIOL is counting on the cooperation of its members, new and old, in supporting the groups future projects. (GG-PIA4A)

30 JULY 2013.

1. 2. 3. 4.

President Aquino leads opening of exhibit featuring former President Cory Aquinos paintings DSWD allots P12.7-million of emergency relief resources for flood victims in Mindanao DOLE wrapping up investigation of 'sex-for-flight' scheme, says Palace Aquino orders law enforcement agencies to coordinate with Comelec in ensuring peaceful, credible Syncronized Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections

5. Govt assures public of enough rice supply

1. President Aquino leads opening of exhibit featuring former President Cory Aquinos paintings

President Benigno S. Aquino III led the opening of an exhibit featuring his mother, former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquinos paintings at the Lobby Lounge and Roma Salon of the Manila Hotel on Monday. The exhibit, aptly titled, A Gift of Self, showcases around 90 paintings of the former President and pieces from the personal collection of her daughters Ballsy Cruz and Viel Dee, Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Metrobank founder George Ty and his wife Mary, and PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. The President, who arrived at 6 p.m. formally opened the exhibit by unveiling a painting of his mother by Emi Mercado and signing a guest list canvass prepositioned near the painting. In his speech, the President said the paintings were a small part of the legacy she left behind. She understood how freedom was such a fundamental requirement for human life and so she fought for it and taught others to appreciate and care for it. She had every hope that the Philippines could rise above the dark days of Martial Law and so she did all she could to uplift the country and to inspire others to do the same, the President said. Moms paintings are a very small part of the legacy she left behind. It is a legacy we feel every day as we live and work in a society now free from the iron fists of the dictator and from a military and police force that existed to serve one man alone, he added. Joining the President were Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairman Cristino Naguiat, Jr, Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Lilia De Lima and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa. The exhibit "A Gift of Self will run until August 2. PND (rck) TOP 2. DSWD allots P12.7-million of emergency relief resources for flood victims in Mindanao

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has set aside P12.7-million worth of emergency relief resources for the victims of floodings that have hit Mindanao due to heavy rains, Malacanang said on Tuesday. In a press briefing in Malacanang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the DSWD has also been in close coordination with local counterparts in Mindanao to augment technical assistance and resource augmentation (TARA) needed by the victims. Strong rains dumped over the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato City over the weekend and have caused floods and displaced more than 50,000 residents from their homes. The information that we have is that all DSWD teams are already in close coord ination with their local counterparts for any request for technical assistance and resource augmentation or what we call the TARA, Valte said. The DSWD has already prepositioned P12.70-million worth of emergency relief resources consisting of standby funds, of family food packs, and other food items and other non-food items, she added. Valte pointed out that the national government has moved to augment DSWD and LGU (local government unit) actions by providing additional food packs for residents in the affected areas. The national government has provided an augmentation of 6,000 food packs for DSWD-ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) and that DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman has approved the release of additional 30,000 food packs for Maguindanao and for Sarangani, Valte said. PND (rck) TOP 3. DOLE wrapping up investigation of 'sex-for-flight' scheme, says Palace

Malacanang assured that justice will be served and reforms will be carried in handling distressed overseas Filipinos workers allegedly being victimized by Filipino personnel abroad particularly in the Middle East. Some groups have voiced their concerns on the ongoing investigation of the Department and Labor and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs in connection with the reported sex-for-flight scheme in the Middle East.

These groups have been asking about the government assessment and investigation and want to know if the administration was able to prosecute officials involved. The secretary of labor have provided a timetable kung gaano katagal niyang dapat aksyunan ang bagay na ito. Gusto lang siguraduhin ng DOLE na masinop ang kanilang mga magiging findings, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing Tuesday in Malacanang. Meron silang period of time to evaluate the facts and the evidence, including the testimonies that they were able to gather on their trip, at iaakyat iyan sa disciplining authority which, in this c ase, is the secretary of labor. The DOLE has been following a particular timetable and will come up with a complete investigation result soon, according to Valte. Valte said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz sent a fact-finding team to the Middle East to conduct the inquiry. The group already returned to the Philippines two weeks ago, she said. The government is already doing an assessment to prevent future abuses relative to calls by migrant organizations asking for more protection for Filipinos working abroad. A month ago, Secretary Baldoz briefed the President on the ongoing investigation and the possible measures that the government could implement to prevent similar situations from occurring, the Palace official said. Women welfare workers will now be prioritized for postings. Sila ang magiging house mothers ng mga welfare centers natin abroad. Pina-prioritize na natin ang deployment ng mga babaeng welfare workers natin, Valte said. PND (as) TOP 4. Aquino orders law enforcement agencies to coordinate with Comelec in ensuring peaceful, credible Syncronized Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections

President Benigno S. Aquino III has directed the law enforcement agencies and other concerned agencies to coordinate and cooperate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) in ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 28. The directive was issued by virtue of Memorandum Order No. 56 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on July 23. The Comelec, through its Resolution No. 9731 (s. 2013), resolved to request the concurrence of the President in the deputation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other law enforcement agencies, in connection with Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. "Pursuant to Section 2 (4), Article IX-C of the Constitution, the Comelec is empowered to deputize, with the concurrence of the President, law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the Government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines, for the exclusive purpose of ensuring free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible elections," the memorandum read. The Chief Executive concurred with Comelec Resolution No. 9731, deputizing AFP, PNP and other law enforcement agencies, to assist the Comelec in ensuring the free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible conduct of October elections. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately. PND (js) TOP 5. Govt assures public of enough rice supply

Malacanang said there is enough government intervention to ensure sufficient supply of rice during the lean season. In a press briefing on Tuesday, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said there is enough buffer stock in government warehouses as the country enters the lean months. The National Food Authority (NFA) said rice prices will increase until September because of the lean season. The NFA also released in the market P32 per kilo high-quality, commercial well-milled rice for public consumption, Valte said. Asked by reporters about the possibility of some rice traders seizing the opportunity to overprice, she said the NFA is already acting on those concerns. Earlier this month, Valte said the government was conduct strict monitoring of rice prices to prevent traders from unreasonably jacking up the price of the major staple. She said however that the increase in rice prices would be

temporary. Valte said concerned government agencies were doing the monitoring adding that the price increase was seasonal and would be going back to original prices once the harvest season starts. The increase was part of a natural cycle of rice supply, Valte noted. Rice farmers have just started to plant palay and the NFA was just starting its assessment of its buffer stock in preparation for the lean season. PND (as) TOP

30 HULYO 2013 1. Nanguna ang Pangulong Aquino sa pagbubukas ng exhibit na nagtatampok sa paintings ng dating Pangulong Cory Aquino 2. P12.7 milyong tulong pangkagipitan sa mga biktima ng baha sa Mindanao, inilabas ng DSWD 3. Tiniyak ng Malacanang ang katarungan at reporma sa mga OFWs na biktima umano ng 'sex-for-flight' scheme 4. Inatasan ni Aquino ang mga alagad ng batas na makipag-ugnayan sa Comelec para matiyak ang mapayapa at matapat na halalan ng Baranggay at ng SK 5. Tiniyak ng gobyerno na may sapat na bigas ang bansa 1. Nanguna ang Pangulong Aquino sa pagbubukas ng exhibit na nagtatampok sa paintings ng dating Pangulong Cory Aquino

Pinangunahan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang pagbubukas ng exhibit na nagtatampok sa mga paintings ng kanyang ina, dating Pangulong Corazon C. Aquino sa Lobby Lounge and Roma Salon ng Manila Hotel Lunes. Pinamagatang A Gift of Self, ang exhibit ay katipunan ng mga guhit o paintings ng dating Pangulo na ang iba ay galing sa personal na koleksiyon ng mga anak niyang sina Ballsy Cruz at Viel Dee, Pangulo ng Senado Franklin Drilon, Speaker Sonny Belmonte, Tagapagtatag ng Metrobank George Ty at maybahay nitong si Mary, at Tagapangulo ng PLDT Manuel V. Pangilinan. Dakong ika-6:00 ng gabi nang dumating ang Pangulo at inalisan ng tabing ang larawan ng ina niya na guhit ni Emi Mercado at nilagdaan ang guest list canvass sa tabi ng larawan. Sinabi ng Pangulo na ang mga guhit na ito ay maliit na bahagi ng mga pamanang naiwan ng yumao niyang ina. Alam niya kung gaano kahalaga ang kalayaan sa buhay ng isang nilalang kaya ipinaglaban niya ito at itinuro sa kapuwa ang pagpapahalaga at pag-aaaruga rito. Maalab ang kanyang pananalig na ang Pilipinas ay maka-aahon sa madidilim na araw ng Martial Law at ginawa ang lahat ng makakaya upang ibangon ang bansa at bigyang ispirasyon ang ibang tao na ganito rin ang gawin, dugtong pa ng Pangulo. Ang mga guhit na larawan ng aming ina ay maliit na bahagi lamang ng kanyang naiwang pamana. Ito ay pamanang nadarama natin araw-araw habang nabubuhay tayo at naglilingkod sa isang lipunang malaya na ngayon sa kamay na bakal ng isang diktador at sa militar at pulisyang pinaglilingkuran lamang ay iisang tao, wika ng Pangulo. Kasama ng Pangulo sa pagtitipong ito sina Kalihim ng Gabinete Rene Almendras, Kalihim Voltaire Gazmin ng Tanggulang Bansa, Kalihim Herminio Sonny Colom a ng Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Tagapangulong Cristino Naguiat, Jr. ng Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation at Direktor Heneral Lilia De Lima ng Philippine Economic Zone Authority. PND (rck/zaf) TOP 2. P12.7 milyong tulong pangkagipitan sa mga biktima ng baha sa Mindanao, inilabas ng DSWD

Kabuuang P12.7 milyong halaga para sa pangkagipitang tulong sa mga biktima ng bahang bunga ng malakas at walang tilang pag-ulan sa Mindanao ang inilaan ng Kagawaran ng Kagalingang Panlipunan at Kaunlaran (DSWD), sang-ayon kay Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malacanang Martes.

Binigyang diin ni Valte na patuloy ang pakikipag-ugnayan ng DSWD sa mga sangay nito sa Mindanao upang mapagkalooban pa ang mga biktima ng baha ng karagdagang tulong sa pandagdag na technical assistance and resource augmentation (TARA). Napakalakas at walang tila halos na pag-ulan ang naranasan ng Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat at Lungsod ng Cotabato noong nakaraang linggo na naging dahilan ng malalim na baha at pinsala sa mahigit na 50,000 mamamayan doon. Batay sa impormasyong dumating sa amin, puspusan nang kumikilos ang mga tauhan ng DSWD sa naturang mga lalawigan para sa ano mang dagdag na technical assistance and resource augmentation na tinatawag naming TARA, dugtong pa ni Valte. Naglaan na ang DSWD ng P12.7 milyong halaga ng pangkagipitang tulong tulad ng stanby funds, pagkain ng mag-anak at iba pang mga bagay na kakailanganin ng mga biktima ng baha, dagdag pa ni Valte. Niliwanag ni Valte na kumilos ang pambansang pamahalaan para tulungan ang lokal na DSWD at ang mga lokal na pamahalaan sa mga pook na sinalanta ng baha sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaloob sa kanila ng karagdagang pagkain. Aabot sa 5,000 food packs para sa DSWD-Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at pinagtibay na ni Kalihim Dinky Soliman ng DSWD ang paglalabas ng karagdagang 30,000 food packs para sa Maguindanao at sa Sarangani, sabi pa ni Valte. PND (rck/zaf) TOP 3. Tiniyak ng Malacanang ang katarungan at reporma sa mga OFWs na biktima umano ng 'sex-for-flight' scheme

Tiniyak ng Malacanang na makakamit ang katarungan at repormang kailangan ng mga overseas Filipino workers na umano ay biktima ng mga Pilipino na tauhan ng gobyerno sa ibayong dagat, lalo na sa Gitnang Silangan. Ilang grupo ang nagpahayag ng pag-aalala sa ginagawang pagsisiyasat ng Kagawaran ng Paggawa at Hanapbuhay at ng Kagawaran ng Ugnayang Panlabas tungkol sa umano ay sex-for-flight scheme sa Gitnang Silangan. Inuusisa ng grupong ito ang kinalabasan ng pagsisiyasat at kung nausig na ang mga pinunong umano ay kasangkot sa bagay na ito. Nagtakda ng kaukulang panahon ang Kalihim ng Paggawa kung gaano katagal niyang dapat aksiyunan ang bagay na ito. Gusto lamang siguruhin ng DOLE na masinop ang kanilang mga magiging findings, sabi ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte sa pulong-balitaan sa Malakanyang Martes. May itinakda silang panahon para masusing pag-aralan ang mga katibayan, kasama na ang mga salaysay na natipon nila sa pagtungo nila roon. Ihaharap iyan sa disciplining authority na sa kasong ito, walang iba kundi ang Kalihim ng Paggawa, dugtong pa ni Valte. Tiniyak ni Valte na ang kinalabasan ng pagsisiyasat ng DOLE ay ilalabas pagkaraan ng ginawang puspusang imbestigasyon. Idinugtong ni Valte na nagpadala ng fact-finding team si Kalihim Rosalinda Baldoz ng Paggawa sa Gitnang Silangan para sa pagsisiyasat na dapat gawin. Nakabalik na sa Pilipinas, sabi ni Valte, ang mga tagapagsiyasat dalawang linggo na ang nakalilipas. Ginagawa na ring ng pamahalaan ang kaukulang hakbang upang maiwasan ang ano mang pagmamalabis at higit na pangangalaga sa mga Pilipino na nasa ibang bansa, sabi ni Valte. Isang buwan na ang nakalilipas, iniulat ni Kalihim Baldoz sa Pangulong Benigno S. A quino III ang tungkol sa ginagawang imbestigasyon at ang mga hakbang na maaaring ipatupad ng pamahalaan upang maiwasan ang mga kahalintulad na pangyayari. wika pa ni Valte. Uunahing ipadala ang mga women welfare workers upang maging house mothers sa mg a welfare centers natin sa ibayong dagat, pahayag pa ni Valte. PND (as/zaf) TOP 4. Inatasan ni Aquino ang mga alagad ng batas na makipag-ugnayan sa Comelec para matiyak ang mapayapa at matapat na halalan ng Baranggay at ng SK

Inatasan ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang mga alagad ng batas at iba pang kinauukuang ahensiya ng pamahalaan na makipagtulungan sa Komisyon sa Halalan (Comelec) para matiyak ang malaya, maayos, matapat, mapayapa at kapani-paniwalang Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections sa Oktubre 28. Ang utos ng Pangulo ay nilalaman ng Memorandum Order No. 56 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. noong Hulyo 23.

Ang Comelec, sa pamamagitan ng Resolusyon Blg. 9731 (s.2013) ay nagpasiyang hilingin sa Pangulo na sangayunan ang deputasyon ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, Pambansang Pulisya (PNP) at ng iba pang ahensiyang tagapagpatupad ng batas kaugnay ng Synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Alinsunod sa Seksiyon 2 (4) ng Artikulo IX-C ng Kostitusyon, ang Comelec ay may kapangyarihang i-deputize (katuwangin) sa pahintulot ng Pangulo, ang mga ahensiyang tagapagpatupad ng batas at mga sangay ng Pamahalaan, kabilang ang Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, para sa saguting tiyakin ang malaya, maayos, matapat, mapayapa at kapani-paniwalang halalan. Sabi sa memorandum. Ang Punong Tagapagpaganap ay kumatid sa Resolusyon Blg. 9731 ng Comelec ukol sa deputisasyon ng AFP, PNP at iba pang ahensiyang tagapagpatupad ng batas, upang tulungan ang Comelec na tiyaking malaya, maayos, matapat, mapayapa at kapanipaniwala ang halalang idaraos sa Oktubre. PND (js/zaf) TOP 5. Tiniyak ng gobyerno na may sapat na bigas ang bansa

Tiniyak ng Malacanang na may sapat na bigas ang bansa na nasa mga bodega ng pamahalaan sa iba-ibang mga lalawigan para tugunan ang pangangailangan sa panahong ito. Binigyang diin ni Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte na ang mga bigas na ito sa mga bodega ng pamahalaan ay inilaan sa panahong ito na katatanim pa lamang ng palay ng mga magsasaka, lalo na sa Gitnang Luson. "Sinabi ng National Food Authority (NFA) na ang halaga ng bigas ay karaniwang tumataas hanggang sa buwan ng Setyembre. Kaya naman naglabas ang NFA ng bigas na P32 ang isang kilo na komersiyal at maputing bigas, paliwanag ni Valte. Ayon kay Valte, ginagawa na ng NFA ang mga karampatang hakbang upang maiwasang samantalahin ng ilang magbibigas ang pagkakataong itaas ang presyo dahil nga bagong katatanim pa lamang ng palay ng mga magsasaka. Nabanggit na rin ni Valte na ang pamahalaan ay masusing nagbabantay sa presyo ng bigas para walang magbibigay na bigla na lamang magtaas ng halaga ng pangunahing pagkain ng mga Pilipino. Idinugtong niyang tumaas man ang halaga ng bigas ay tiyak na pansamantala lamang ito at muling bababa sa panahon ng anihan. Idinagdag pa ni Valte na sinusubaybayan din ng mga ahensiya ng gobyerno ang pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas at inaasahang babalik ito sa dating halaga kapag nag-anihan na. Ipinaliwanag pa ni Valte na ang pagtaas ng halaga ng bigas ay karaniwang nagaganap sa mga panahong tulad nito na bagong tanim pa lamang ang palay sa mga kabukiran at bago dumating ang katulad nitong panahon, may bigas na ang NFA para tugunan ang pangangailangan ng taong bayan sa panahong tinatawag na kawitang palakol o malayu-layo pa ang susunod na anihan. PND (as/zaf) TOP

President S. Aquino III's Speech during the Opening of "A Gift of Self" Exhibit Lobby Lounge, Manila Hotel 29 July 2013

Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat. Baka napansin ho nyo, tatlo sa kapatid ko may painting dito sa gitnang pader na to, baka hinahanap nyo yong sa akin, simple lang naman po ang paliwanag diyan. Karamihan ho sa inyo nandito, palagay ko mayroon kayong mga pinahiram na mga painting na bigay sa inyo ng Nanay kobuti pa kayo. [laughter] Tinanong ko pa kasi Nanay ko,

sabi ko, Mom, favorite son mo ako, wala ka pang binibigay sa akin. Sagot niya sa akin, Pulitiko ka, baka pamigay mo lang. Ngayon, nalaman ko lang si Vice President mayroon dinpulitiko rin siya. Hanggang namatay ang Nanay ko, may pinahiram po siya sa aking mga paintings sa office sa Senate, and now in my office currently, naka-display doon. On-loan from the family siguro iyon. Kaya tatanungin ko baka mayroong note na iniwan ang Nanay ko na baka mayroong conditionality na when I retire from politics, I will be given a painting miski a painting. Those of you with whom I have had the pleasure of sharing some personal time will attest to my love of books and music. Of course, now that very little of my time is my own, the piles of CDs and reading material that I must set aside for another day grow taller each time I look at them. For nowand for the next two years, eleven months, and two daysthe thought of turning up the volume, and actually immersing myself in a book without worrying about things of national importance, must remain something to look forward to. I believe that what those books and CDs are to me, painting was to Mom a president who, in light of the enormous challenges she faced, had to defer simpler pleasures for a later time. After all, she had to restore and nurture a democracy after more than a decade of tyranny. And there were also the coup attempts, the Mt. Pinatubo eruption, and a very long El Nio, among others. She had to be a mother to the entire nation. In that trying time, prayerwhich was already a constant in her lifebecame her greatest refuge. Given her presidency, and the amount of time she spent helping others, my sisters and I were glad to see Mom develop an interest in painting. Beginning in 1996, Mom worked with oils and acrylics under the guidance of Jeff Consumo to produce studies on her favorite subjects: women and flowers, all in bright colors. Looking back, I cannot think of an activity more appropriate for Mom someone who wanted a quiet home life, who would have been content with being a wife and partner to Dad, and a mother to us. So, even if she could never fully withdraw from the public sphere, Mom took the opportunity to revert to quiet things on her own time. As my older sister Ballsy said in a speech two years ago: Painting was an extension of Moms deep and abiding spirituality. And it was only natural for this to come to life in the canvases she filled with images of optimism and hope, expressions of her appreciation for the simplest, and yet the most beautiful things in life. In these ideals, Mom has always been consistent. She understood how freedom was such a fundamental requirement for human life, and so she fought for it and taught others to appreciate and care for it. She had every hope that the Philippines could rise above the dark days of Martial Law, and so she did all that she could to uplift the country, and to inspire others to do the same. Moms paintings are a very small part of the legacy she left behind. It is a legacy we feel every day as we live and work in a society now free from the iron fist of the dictator and from a military and police force who existed to serve one man alone. Most people would think that my family would be daunted by all this; they will wonder if we are burdened by the pressure to live up to our name. Let me be clear: it is not a burden. It reminds us what each and every one of us is capable of. This is also why I keep Moms painting of some flowers and a rosary in my office in Malacaangan office once used ironically by Mr. Marcos himself. More than ensuring that Mom and Dad are always close by, that painting reminds me what my duties are as President and as a Filipino. Our parents were extraordinary people who did extraordinary things, but the lessons they taught us were very simple: live with honor and follow your conscience. Always make the most of opportunities to alleviate the suffering of your countrymen. And, perhaps the simplest lesson of all: have faith, in both God and the people. It was because of faith that Mom found the courage to stand up against the dictatorship. It was because of faith that she was able to keep putting other people before herself, to keep giving until the very end. Mom valued her privacy, but she was never a solitary or selfish person. Whether in prayer, in service, or in art, the thought of other people was never far from her mind. So, even when she found a hobby she could truly indulge in, she chose to instead give of herself just a little more. She held joint exhibits with friends, and sold some of her paintings to raise funds for her advocacies. And she also gave away many of her works to friends and colleaguesthose of you here with us today, and may I add also relatives excluding yours truly. [laughter] I believe there is no more appropriate title for this exhibit than the one it bears: A Gift of Self. We would not be here if it were not for Moms selflessness. This is more than just an art exhibit, and my family and I are humbled and honored by your presence here: by the way the entire nation continues to cherish Cory Aquino and her legacy. And it is our deepest hope that your love for Mom does not stop with gratitude that you choose to live out her example every day, and do your part in building a better country. Thank you. Good evening. [HOME]

ONLINE NEWS
29 JULY 2013
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
P929-M for land surveys to kick-start rural dev't Baldoz not personally liable to pay salaries and benefits of former POEA official--Supreme Court says With DOLE support, Mimosa workers expands salary deduction-rice trading to full-time enterprise DSWD vows to ensure easiest and most economical way of delivering cash grants Dismissal from service imposed on Bureau of Corrections officers and personnel relative to Leviste's May 2011 Caper 6. Php 45 Million Smuggled Medicines, Generators, RTWs and ATVs Seized by BOC 7. Inter-Sectoral Committee on empowering entrepreneurs established 8. OPAPP cautions public: false info can cause conflict 9. Nigerian Foreign Ministers visit to the Philippines to boost economic ties 10. Phl to extend Visa-free privilege from 21 to 30 Days 11. Foreigners warned VS. extort gang 12. Omnibus motion wont stop DAR from distributing land in Hacienda Luisita 13. PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of San Fernando (Cebu) to pay their obligations 14. PDIC advises borrowers of Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria to pay their obligations 15. How this young mechanic's repair shop has gotten bigger than his garage

P1. 929-M for land surveys to kick-start rural dev't Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the release of P929 million to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the continued implementation of cadastral surveys nationwide, in view of the Aquino administrations goal of expanding economic productivity and growth in rural areas nationwide. Cadastral surveys determine the administrative boundary of cities and municipalities, including lots in alienable and disposable lands of public domain. This is necessary in identifying political boundaries of local governments and properties of private land owners. The survey results are also the basis for land use planning, taxation, and for determining the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of Local Government Units (LGUs). In line with President Aquinos campaign for inclusive and comprehensive economic development, were giving the necessary budgetary support for cadastral surveys, which will help accelerate countryside development and boost the productivity of some of our more remote communities. By determining the proper boundaries that demarcate cities and municipalities from each other, the government can ensure the focused and strategic delivery of goods and services, depending on the unique development needs of each area DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad said. The P929-million release was funded against DENRs appropriation for land surveys under Continuing Appropriations of the CY 2012 General Appropriations Act. The amount was previously unreleased because of failure-of-biddings and peace and order situations in some 34 municipalities experienced in last years implementation, among other factors. Of the total amount released to DENRs Land Management Bureau and various regional offices, P553 million has been appropriated for cadastral surveys and necessary survey equipment to regions II, IV-A, IV-B, V, VI, VIII, XI and the National Capitol Region, while the remaining P376 million was released for ARMM. The completion of the land surveys will be the jump-off point for planning and designing various development programs in all regions across the country, thus facilitating the more efficient movement of government services towards our constituents. Additionally, the cadastral surveys will play a particularly important role at this point in the Administration, when were boosting our agri-industry and infrasctructure activities to create the right environment for inclusive growth, Abad added. |TOP| 2. Baldoz not personally liable to pay salaries and benefits of former POEA official--Supreme Court says Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Officials and employees of the Department of Labor and Employment yesterday joined Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz in elation after the Supreme Court absolved her of any personal liability for the salaries and other benefits in the amount of P1,740,124.08 unduly received by a former Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) official who was convicted by the Sandiganbayan of direct bribery and whom Baldoz subsequently dropped from the rolls. The official, Leonel P. Labrador, former chief of the POEA's Employment Services Regulation Division, was found guilty of bribery and ordered dismissed from the service by former Labor Secretary Leonardo Quisumbing. Subsequently, he was found guilty by the Sandiganbayan which sentenced him to suffer six months to two years in prison; pay a fine of P3,000 and the costs of litigation; and disqualification from public office.

However, despite his conviction and his being under probation, Labrador continued to work at the POEA and received salaries and benefits. When then POEA Administrator Baldoz received a copy of the Sandiganbayan resolution stating that Labarador's application for probation was erroneously granted due to his previous appeal from his judgment of conviction, Baldoz immediately ordered his separation from the service on 11 March 2004. A year later, the Commission on Audit held that the salaries and benefits paid by the POEA amounting to P1,740,124.08 were Baldoz's personal liability. When the COA denied the POEA's motion for reconsideration of the COA decision, Baldoz elevated the matter to the Supreme Court. In its en banc decision penned by Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe and promulgated on 16 July 2013, the Court said the COA gravely abused its discretion when it adjudged Baldoz personally liable for the payment of Labrador's salaries and benefits, citing a well-founded presumption of good faith in the performance of a public officers duties. "It is a standing rule that every public official is entitled to the presumption of good faith in the discharge of official duties, such that in the absence of any proof that a public officer has acted with malice or bad faith, he should not be charged with personal liability for damages that may result from the performance of an official duty," the Court in its decision said. "Keeping with these principles, the Court observes that Dimapilis-Baldoz's actuations were only impressed with good faith which perforce, negates her personal liability in this case," added the Court. The Court said the liability for refund cannot be imposed upon Baldoz because "she had no knowledge or any reasonable indication that the payment of salaries to Labrador was actually improper. Two important incidents impel this conclusion: first, Labarador's 201 file with the POEA was without any record of the SB case; and second, Dimapilis-Baldoz was only apprised of his conviction when her office was furnished a copy of the SBs March 2, 2004 Resolution which ordered the revocation of Labrador's probation, it added. "In addition, Dimapilis-Baldozs good faith is further strengthened by the fact that she lost no time in issuin g the Separation Order as soon as she was apprised Labarador's situation," the Court explained. In finding the defense of Baldoz well-taken, the Court also held that it will do no justice to hold a public officer personally liable simply because she poss essed the final authority for the disbursements and had direct supervision over her subordinates. It said that while a public officer is the final approving authority and the employees who processed the transaction were directly under his supervision, personal liability does not automatically attach to him but only upon those directly responsible for the unlawful expenditures. While Baldoz, as labor and employment chief, kept mum about the issue until the Supreme Court decision came out, she remained consistent in her call to all DOLE officials and employees to continuously have a "big heart" for public service by pursuing excellence and practicing meritocracy in order to achieve a world-class DOLE. What people want, need, and expect from public service is honesty and integrity. If we work committed to these values and keep our principles intact, we will all find a safe place in the administration of justice, she finally said. |TOP| 3. With DOLE support, Mimosa workers expands salary deduction-rice trading to full-time enterprise Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda DImapilis-Baldoz yesterday lauded the 495-member Association of Clark Mimosa Employees (ACME) for their perseverance that led their small rice trading venture into a full-time enterprise. "The efforts of the members of the Association of Clark Mimosa Employees (ACME) to increase their income by engaging in business is laudable. I encourage other workers similarly situated to emulate the members of ACME," said Baldoz after Regional Director Raymundo Agravante of the DOLE Regional Office No. 3 reported that the ACME, whose members work at the Mimosa Golf and Country Club, have received DOLE assistance for the expansion of their rice trading business. Director Agravante reported that the DOLE Pampanga Field Office awarded P300,000 livelihood assistance to ACME under the DOLE's WIN-AP, or the Dagdag Kabuhayan Workers' Income Augmentation Program. In a simple ceremony, Arlene Tolentino, head of the DOLE Pampanga Field Office, and Nely Punzalan, head of the Regional Office Technical Support and Services Division for Employment and Welfare awarded the grant assistance to ACME President Reynaldo L. Geron and Acting General Manager Teresito T. Tiotuyco of the Mimosa Golf and Montevista Villas. Labor and Employment Officers Aurita Layug and Fidel Gonzales, Tess Sanchez and Janet Basco, members of the ACME Board of Directors; and Dan Salvador, Mimosa Golf Manager, and other ACME members witnessed the event. ACME is a duly-recognized labor organization established on 21 May 2008. Initially, association sold rice to its members through salary deduction. Through the WINAP, the DOLE assisted the ACME which managed its members only-rice trading business to become successful. Eventually, it decided to expand and launched the DOLE-assisted Mimosa ACME Rice Trading Project. Through the WIN-AP, we are hopeful, like our other wage-earner beneficiaries, that this P300,000 start-up capital will help the ACME succeed in its rice trading business," Tolentino said after receiving the check. We are thankful to the DOLE, as well as to the MIMOSA management, for this opportunity to increase our members' income. We are also hopeful that this business will prosper into a successful micro-enterprise and improve the welfare and socio-economic condition of ACMEs members and non-members," he added. The WINAP, or the Dagdag Kabuhayan Workers' Income Augmentation Program, provides a package of support services that will improve the socio-economic situation of low-income workers and their families. Under the WIN-AP, the DOLE provides livelihood and self-employment opportunities to target beneficiaries. |TOP| 4. DSWD vows to ensure easiest and most economical way of delivering cash grants

Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph We only have the best interest and welfare of our beneficiaries in mind when we decide how to conduct payouts. This was the statement of Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reacting to a report allegedly claiming that there were beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program who were not able to receive their cash grants during the scheduled pay-out on June 11, 2013 in Tinambac, Camarines Sur. According to Secretary Soliman, We know that the grant is a big help in augmenting the countrys poor families daily needs and that is why we make sure that they receive their grants in the easiest and most economical way. Secretary Soliman added that out of the 44 barangays reported, only barangay Tambang of Tinambac was not able to receive their grants because of the adjustments being made in the mode of payment. The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) is the only authorized agency to disburse cash grants to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya. To ensure that beneficiaries receive their grants promptly and not spend so much for their transportation, the LBP has authorized money-transfer agents such as M Lhuilhier, G-Cash Remit, Philippine Postal Corporation, and other conduits such as rural banks and cooperatives to deliver the grants to the beneficiaries. Arnel Garcia, Regional Director of DSWD Field Office 5 said that the LBP has already released a total of P6,979,200.00 for the 4,444 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamillya in Tinambac, Camarines Sur. He also added that the adjustments in the mode of payment are being fast tracked so that the beneficiaries will receive their grants. The Pantawid Pamilya maximum grant package per household amounts to P1,400 a month, where P300 is paid for every child who complies with the 85% required school attendance for the month, which can be given to a maximum of three children per household. Additionally, the household will also be entitled to P500 per month for complying with health and nutrition conditions. The amount of the grant is based on the number of children per household and compliance to program conditions. To date, Pantawid Pamilya is being implemented in all 17 Regions covering 79 Provinces, 143 cities, 1,484 Municipalities and 40,978 barangays. There are 3,927,917 households registered as program beneficiaries as of 26 June 2013. |TOP| 5. Dismissal from service imposed on Bureau of Corrections officers and personnel relative to Leviste's May 2011 Caper Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph In a Resolution dated 11 July 2013, the Secretary of Justice found the following officers and personnel, namely: 1. PSIV Armando T. Miranda (former Superintendent of NBP); 2. PSII Ramon M. Reyes (then Superintendent of NBP); 3. PSII Dante D. Cruz (former OlC of the Minimum Security Compound, NBP) 4. PSI Robert R. Rabo (then OlC of the Minimum Security Compound, NBP); and 5. PGI Fortunato Justo (Leviste's custodian at the time of the incident), guilty of administrative infractions and imposed upon all the respondents the penalty of dismissal from service and all its accessory penalties. It will be recalled that as an offshoot of the 18 May 2011 arrest of inmate Jose Leviste (who was supposed to be within the NBP confines) by NBI operatives at LPL Towers n Makati City, a DOJ-NBI Fact- Finding Panel was constituted to look into said incident. After due proceedings, the Panel recommended, among others, the filing of formal administrative charges against these five BuCor officials/personnel who were initially placed under a ninety (90)-day preventive suspension. This same incident triggered the resignation of then BuCor Acting Director Ernesto L. Diokno. In its Resolution, the DOJ found that the acts of respondent Miranda in: (a) approving the 'sleep-out' privilege of Leviste that served as a venue for his escape; (b) transferring eight (8) other inmates to the Agro Section upon Leviste's request; (c) allowing the head count of Leviste and 8 other inmates to be conducted outside of the Minimum Security Compound; and (d) failing to establish counter-measures to prevent abuses of inmates with 'sleep-out' privileges - constitute grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service. As explained in the Fact-Finding Report, a 'sleep-out' status is granted to a minimum security prisoner who is allowed a privilege of staying outside the premises of the Minimum Security Compund, without having to report at night and to sleep therein. It was discovered that this privilege is not found in the BuCor Operating Manual but is being granted solely upon the prerogative of the NBP Chief Superintendent. As the former Chief Superintendent of the NBP, Miranda was highly remiss in his duty when he failed to institute reforms and policies against the existing unlawful practices within the premises of the NBP. His approval of 'sleep-out'

privileges which are not sanctioned by existing NBP rules illustrates his wilful violation of his duty. Respondent Reyes's claim that he had no knowledge of Leviste's acts was not given credence. The Resolution pointed out that Reyes, despite having received information, as he in fact admitted, that Leviste has been sneaking from the NBP premises, but as then Chief Superintendent of NBP, he failed to directly address this report, and never issued any directive cancelling the baseless privileges. Because of the foregoing acts, the DOJ found Reyes guilty of gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service. Results of the investigation reveal that respondent Cruz, former Officer-in-Charge of the Minimum Security Compound, recommended to Miranda the transfer of the headcount of Leviste and his 8 other inmates from the Minimum Security Compound to the BRSS or Agro Section, upon Leviste's request. The DOJ found Cruz guilty of grave misconduct for disregarding the established rules and regulations of the NBP and the Minimum Security Compound; gross neglect of duty for his failure to implement stricter rules and regulations within the compound despite flagrant violation of the same by Leviste and his other inmates; and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service for irregular and biased implementation of the NBP rules. The DOJ also resolved that respondent Rabo, wilfully and intentionally, and with a conscious indifference to the consequences of his omission, disregarded his duties as OIC of the Minimum Security Compound at the time of Leviste's escape, for which he should be liable for gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service. It was ruled that Rabo cannot feign ignorance of Leviste's circumstances at the Agro Section since "he admitted having received raw information from Reyes relative to the previous capers of inmate Leviste". The conflicting and inconsistent statements made by respondent Justo before the Fact-Finding Panel clearly show that he was remiss in his duties as the custodian of Leviste. It appears that the May 2011 incident was not the first time that Leviste had been out of the prison compound, illustrating Justo's failure to exercise care in the discharge of his functions. Based on the foregoing, the DOJ found that Justo had a clear intent to violate the law and disregard established rules, and accordingly, held him liable for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of service. In conclusion, the Resolution stressed that the actions of the respondents failed to meet the standards of prudence, caution, and attention which careful persons use in the management of their affairs; hence, they should be held accountable for their acts and omissions. |TOP| 6. Php 45 Million Smuggled Medicines, Generators, RTWs and ATVs Seized by BOC Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph The hefty profits from smuggling medicines not certified as safe for human consumption by the Bureau of Foods and Drugs Administration (BFAD) could be attracting traders to indulge in this illicit trade. However, with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) tight monitoring of cargo movements, especially on items that could put the Filipinos health and security at risk, this is a very costly experience for many traders. After its recent apprehension of over PhP 700 million worth of smuggled fake medicines in a bodega at Binondo, Manila, the BOC has again caused the seizure at the Port of Manila (POM), of four (4) container vans with over PhP 45 million worth of smuggled goods, among which were several boxes of illegally imported medicines not certified as safe for human consumption by the BFAD, two (2) brand new generators and twenty units of brand new All-Terrain-Vehicles (ATVs) including other dutiable goods. In the inspection of the seized smuggled items today (July 29, 2013) by Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon, the Commissioner said, the misdeclarations in the entries of the aforementioned shipments were discovered during Xray scanning by operatives of the BOC X-Ray Inspection Project (XIP) under Collector Carmelita Talusan. According to Biazon, Isidro F. Faderguya and 12:24 Cargo Express, the consignees of the two (2) 20 footer container vansfrom Cambodia and Brunei that contained assorted boxes of paracetamol and analgesic medicines not certified as safe for human consumption by the BFAD, watches, northface bags and shirts among others, misdeclared their shipment as personal effects, even if these came in comme rcial quantities. Both consignees declarations were grossly undervalued at only US$ 1,904.00 per container, even if its total estimated value could easily be PhP 7 million. On the other hand, Sharan Enterprises, Inc., the consignee of the two (2) brand new generating sets from China, misdeclared its shipment as pliers, hand stools and generating sets accessories.Sharan declared its value at only US$ 11,600.00, when the estimated value of the two generator sets that are capable of energizing small barangays was placed at PhP 35 million. And Hello Multi-Sales Ventures, the consignee of the ATVs from China for its part, misdeclared its shipment of 20 brand new built-up ATVs, with its wheels unattached, as ATV parts and accessories. Hello Multi sales Ventures declared the value of its 20 ATVs at only US$ 5,260.00, when its total estimated value could easily be PhP 3 million. This is a common technical smuggling scheme to make it appear that this is only a parts and accessories importation and not an importation of Completely- Built-Up (CBU) motorized vehicles. Biazon said. Let me make this clear to all importers and traders, there has never been a let-up in the BOCs anti-smuggling program. We have been apprehending illegally imported goods since my early days in the BOC and we pursued smugglers, no matter who protected them. And today, under our revitalized anti-smuggling program, we expect more apprehensions to come. If we need to do apprehensions every day, then we will do it Biazon said, even as he cal led on customs stakeholders to help in the governments anti-smuggling program by providing vital information that could help eradicate the endemic problem of corruption and smuggling in the BOC. Biazon has already started his large scale revamp of the BOC with the rigodon of all district collectors.

We are trying to correct a problem that is deeply rooted in the culture of customs industry stakeholders. While we are doing everything we can to address the problem of corruption in the industry in general, and the BOC in particular, the private sectors help on this regard, can be of great help in realizing our goal of reforming the industry and the BOC. Biazon stressed. For her part, XIP Head Carmelita Talusan said, aside from todays seizure, the XIP has also generated millions of pesos in additional revenues to the government, by correcting the values of shipment, which upon x-ray scanning are discovered to have been undervalued. Moreover, the x-ray scanners are also able to detect hazardous importations like drugs and guns among others. |TOP| 7. Inter-Sectoral Committee on empowering entrepreneurs established Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph First Meeting Convened at DOF, Regular Meetings, Consultations to Follow Seeing the need for urgency in promoting inclusive growth, an inter-sectoral committee on micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) empowerment was established at the Department of Finance last July 25 to focus on aligning policy to develop entrepreneurship and alleviate poverty in the Philippines. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima noted the need for a collaborative initiative in order to develop synergistic solutions to solve problems of poverty and unemployment. Bringing together the public and private sector here was crucial because the goal of Philippine developmen t is one we all share. As the committee moves forward we will focus on aligning policy and finding ways for government policy to aid the operations of NGOs, Purisima said. The meeting, convened by the Department of Finance, drew together a number of high-level actors to discuss solutions to increase business formation and opportunities at the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) level. Present at the meeting in addition to Secretary Purisima were Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, Senator Benigno Paolo Bam Aquino, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, National Economic Development Authority Director General Arsenio Balisacan, Landbank President and Chief Executive Officer Gilda Pico, and CARD-MRI President and microfinance expert Aristotle Alip. Experts on business development and other topics will be invited to the committees regular meetings in the future. A theme of the meeting was the power of entrepreneurship to have a wide-ranging effect on inclusive growth. Purisima noted that the ability of the countryside to contribute to economic development is currently not being fully tapped. Agriculture employs roughly a third of our people, but contributes only twelve percent to our GDP. One of the solutions we discussed was how Landbank can leverage its network of physical branches to become resource centers for rural businesses. This will require future collaboration with DTI and other experts, Purisima said. Purisima also stressed that a targeted approach to job creation will necessarily involve empowerment of the MSME sector. According to DTI statistics, MSMEs generated a total of 3,872,406 jobs in 2011 versus 2,473,336 for the large enterprises. This indicates that MSMEs contributed almost 61.0% of the total jobs generated by all types of business establishments that year. However, while MSMEs account for 60% of all exporters, they only contributed 25% of Philippine export revenue for 2011. |TOP| 8. OPAPP cautions public: false info can cause conflict Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph Manila Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Undersecretary Jose Lorena on Saturday warned the public against malicious text messages circulating false information that aim to sow fear and derail the peace situation in Mindanao. We urge the public to be critical against false information. We also call for sobriety as our government, both national and local, are carefully handling the peace and security in Mindanao," he said. "It is best to seek out information from reliable sources and understand the context before making conclusions," he added. "We rely on the public to guard the process." Text messages have been circulating that groups of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are set to hold gathering and declare independence to protest their qualm on the perceived closure of the government to the 1996 Final Peace Agreement. Meanwhile, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, in a text advisory through the Philippine Information Agency Region IX, advised her constituents to be careful in forwarding text messages from unverified sources as some unscrupulous individuals are circulating false information to cause undue alarm to the general public. Climaco assured that the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the local government are exerting all efforts to maintain normalcy, peace, and security in the city. No curfew has been imposed. Classes remain normal in all levels in the City, she said in the advisory. In a statement released on Friday, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles clarified the status of the Tripartite Implementation Review of the GPH-MNLF 1996 Final Peace Agreement.

Deles explained that while the governments position is that it was time to bring the tripartite review process to a proper completion, the government will continue to engage relevant parties of the MNLF, through the existing mechanism, to find a just and comprehensive political solution for the issue of the Southern Philippines. Deles pointed out in her statement that after almost six years of tripartite review, a joint review process had already established consensus points and some joint mechanisms and actions particularly between MNLF representatives and the ARMM regional government. From the start, what the GPH proposed to complete was the review process, not the closure of the peace process nor the abrogation of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement, she emphasized. Since 2007, the GPH had been engaged in conversations with the MNLF on the review of the implementation of the 1996 FPA. Not a peace negotiation, the review process is being facilitated by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, specifically its Peace Committee for the Southern Philippines (OIC-PCSP) which is headed by Indonesia. Indonesia as facilitator to the review process, through Minister for Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa advised the GPH to continue to exercise patience even in the face of provocation as he reiterated Indonesia's support for the peace process in Mindanao. |TOP| 9. Nigerian Foreign Ministers visit to the Philippines to boost economic ties Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 29 July 2013 - Nigerian Foreign Minister Olugbenga Ashiru is in Manila from July 28 to 29 for an official visit. Minister Ashiru and his delegation, composed of Nigerian Foreign Ministry officials, discussed with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario and other officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Nigeria. The talks focused on economic cooperation and investment opportunities, enhancement of people-to-people interactions, and in cooperation in combating transnational crimes, particularly drug trafficking. There is so much room for improvement in terms of increasing our trade and investment flows between our two countries, Secretary del Rosario remarked. The Nigerian Foreign Minister will also meet with top Filipino business executives from the telecommunications, manufacturing and airline industries to explore business opportunities and sustain the momentum in the on-going expansion of trade and investment flow between the two countries. The Philippines is also looking at the possibility of importing crude oil from Nigeria. In 2012, Nigeria ranked as the Philippines seventh largest trading partner in Africa. It is a market for machinery, chemicals, transport equipment, manufactured goods, food and live animals. Nigeria is one of the top performing economies in Africa. With a population of 174.5 million, it is the second largest economy in the African continent. Like the Philippines, it has been named by Goldman Sachs as one of the N ext 11 economies to watch out for. The Nigerian community in the Philippines is composed mostly of students and businessmen, while most Filipino nationals in Nigeria are skilled, office and professional workers. Our nationals are contributing to the development of Nigeria in many areas across several sectors, Secretary del Rosario added. There are an estimated 7,200 Filipinos in Nigeria. |TOP| 10. Phl to extend Visa-free privilege from 21 to 30 Days Source: https://www.dfa.gov.ph 29 July 2013 Beginning 01 August 2013, nationals from 151 countries with visa-free privilege can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days from the previous period of 21 days. The initiative, a product of inter-agency coordination among the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), aims to facilitate the entry and stay of foreign nationals who plan to engage in tourism activities or explore the Philippines as an investment destination. This move will hopefully encourage more tourists and investors to visit and stay in the Philippines by removing the need for them to report to immigration offices for a stay of up to a month. It will also give them more flexibility in planning and managing their schedules, said Assistant Secretary Jaime Victor Ledda of the Office of Consular Affairs. Qualified foreign nationals who intend to avail of the visa-free privilege only need to present a national passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the contemplated stay and an onward ticket. A list of the countries eligible for the visa-free privilege may be obtained from the DFA website at www.dfa.gov.ph.

Brazil and Israel remain eligible for 59-day visa-free entry in line with existing bilateral agreements with the Philippines. |TOP| 11. Foreigners warned VS. extort gang Source: http://immigration.gov.ph The Bureau of Immigration (BI) warned foreigners against persons claiming to be immigration agents who might approach and attempt to extort money from them. Immigration OIC Commissioner Siegfred Mison issued the warning after reports reached him that people claiming to be BI intelligence operatives have started going around, harassing and threatening foreigners with arrest and deportation Mison said his office is still verifying the reports but warned foreigners to resist the scheme as he has not authorized any personnel of the bureau to conduct operations or investigation of suspected illegal aliens. It is obvious that these unscrupulous people are trying to take advantage of the transition in the bureau to make money from their unsuspecting victims, he said. Meanwhile, Mison issued a stern warning to BI personnel at the airports against taking advatange of the situation by conniving with human traffickers and illegal recruiters in sending their victims abroad. He said any immigration officer who resorts to the escort racket or allows the entry of illegal aliens will be punished with dismissal from the service for gross misconduct. On the alleged extort gang, Mison said those involved could either be errant BI personnel or just plain impostors who want to profit from the situation that arose after last weeks sudden resignation of former BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. He urged anyone who might be approached by the group to immediately report the incident to his office or via the bureaus email address at xinfo@immigration.gov.ph and its facebook and twitter accounts so that those responsible could be held liable and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We have not issued any directive authorizing our agents to conduct operations since Co mmissioner David resigned last week, said Atty. Ma. Antonette Mangrobang, BI acting intelligence chief. Mangrobang also said that any investigation or operation conducted by BI agents without the appropriate mission order from the BI chief is unauthorized and therefore illegal. |TOP| 12. Omnibus motion wont stop DAR from distributing land in Hacienda Luisita Source: http://www.dar.gov.ph Agrarian Reform Secretary Virgilio delos Reyes yesterday vowed to continue the process of land distribution in Hacienda Luisita despite an omnibus motion filed by a farmers group in the Supreme Court to, among others, stop the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) from proceeding with the lot allocation activity for qualified farmworkerbeneficiaries. The Supreme Court has directed us to distribute the land to qualified beneficiaries in Hacienda Luisita and we, in the DAR, are following this instruction to the letter. Only the Supreme Court can stop us now from doi ng our job, Delos Reyes stressed. Delos Reyes expressed disappointment that AMBALA, one of the four farmers groups operating in Hacienda Luisita, filed its motion to stop the process of land distribution in the vast sugar estate. The DAR chief noted that suspending lot allocation activities in Hacienda Luisita would only prolong the agony of qualified beneficiaries who expect the farm lots to be awarded to them in September. Definitely, any order that will stop DAR from proceeding with lot allocation activities in Hacienda Luisita case will set back our timetable in land acquisition and distribution, Delos Reyes pointed out. I dont see how the suspension of DAR activities in Hacienda Luisita can help the cause of fast -tracking the process of land distribution in the sugar estate. Undue delay in land distribution is definitely not in the best interest of the qualified beneficiaries, he added. Delos Reyes said he is ready to defend before the Supreme Court all the activities being undertaken by DAR personnel related to the land distribution process in Hacienda Luisita. If need be, I am more than willing to be deputized by the Office of the Solicitor General so I can argue before the Supreme Court all the issues raised by AMBALA leaders in their Urg ent Motion, the DAR chief said. I am ready to explain to our magistrates, under the direct supervision of the Solicitor General, all the activities being undertaken by DAR with regard to land distribution in Hacienda Luisita, he added. The DAR fully intends to submit its Comment to the motion immediately upon receipt of an official copy, as its legal position on these matters is very strong, he added. Delos Reyes also described as unfair the proposal of AMBALA that its leaders and members in effect be given

preferential treatment in the location of specific farm lots to be awarded to qualified beneficiaries. We do not give preferential treatment to any one person or group, nor to those who simply happen to have the loudest voice and who had already staked their claim. We must treat all qualified beneficiaries in Hacienda Luisita equally and fairly, he pointed out. Delos Reyes said reports reaching the DAR Provincial Office in Tarlac showed that when Hacienda Luisita stopped operations sometime in 2005, a number of farmworkers, including those from organized groups such as AMBALA and ULWU, staked claims on specific farmlots of various sizes. Some of these farmworkers tilled the land they claimed, while others entered into informal arrangements by leasing out said lots on which they have staked their claims to financiers. This, Delos Reyes said, was among the reasons why the DAR implemented lot allocation activities using a tambiolo (lottery drum). The DAR did not sanction this (take-over of farm lots), and we do not recognize these unilateral actions in our lot allocation activity. To do so would be inconsistent with the goal of having an orderly system of lot allocation, and would also be unfair to the overwhelming majority of beneficiaries who opted not to stake their own informal claims, he explained. Delos Reyes noted that the drawing of lots is necessary since hacienda farmworkers, unlike tenants in rice and corn lands, do not work on specific parcels and thus have no permanent farmlots to claim as their own. There are two types of land being covered by agrarian reform: the tenanted land where farmers share the harvest with land owners, and the plantation-type lands where farmworkers get wages for their labor, Delos Reyes said. Farmworkers in plantations like Hacienda Luisita, are given assignments depending on the planting cycle in a year. They have no fixed parcel of land to till and their tasks vary from time to time, depending on the operational needs of the hacienda owners or plantation managers, he added. Delos Reyes further explained that the drawing of lots using a tambiolo would also prevent disputes that may result from competing claims among farmworkers for specific portions of the sugar plantation. In Hacienda Luisita, for example, you have 6,212 qualified beneficiaries competing for 4,099 hectares of land. Every beneficiary has a preferred choice of location, so one can expect competing claims on specific farm lots, the DAR chief said. The DAR also considered the fact that there are four farmers groups operating in Hacienda Luisita, which have their own choices of location for their members, he added. The DAR chief noted that lot allocation in smaller plantations is easier to manage as farmworkers can agree among themselves on the location of farm lots to be awarded individually. Delos Reyes also said that the drawing of lots is an established practice of the DAR in agricultural lands where the unorganized beneficiaries outnumber the organized ones, as well as in medium-sized landholdings where there is no actual possession by the potential beneficiaries. Aside from Negros Occidental, this has also been done in the Bicol region, among others, he added. |TOP| 13. PDIC advises borrowers of Rural Bank of San Fernando (Cebu) to pay their obligations Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Receiver of the closed Rural Bank of San Fernando (Cebu), reminded borrowers of the bank to continue to pay their loans and transact only with authorized PDIC representatives. In a statement, PDIC advised borrowers of the Rural Bank of San Fernando to pay their loans and other obligations directly at any Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under account name, PDIC FAO BURL RURAL BANK OF SAN FERNANDO (CEBU), INC. with Reference Number 373-0949-00013. The Receiver cautioned borrowers that it has discontinued the engagement of the banks collectors. PDIC has not engaged any person to collect the loans of the bank. To ensure proper recording of payments made by borrowers, it further advised borrowers to keep copies of the PNB Deposit/Payment Slips. The Receiver emphasized that only payments with validated PNB Deposit/Payment Slips shall be considered valid payments. The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Rural Bank of San Fernando under the receivership of the PDIC by virtue of MB Resolution No. 1087 dated July 4, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on July 5, 2013. Upon takeover, all bank records are gathered, verified and validated. Rural Bank of San Fernando is a single-unit bank located in San Fernando, Cebu. According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of December 31, 2010 filed by the Rural Bank of San Fernando with the PDIC, the bank is majority-owned by Milagros A. Villasor (34.72%), Guillermo A. Villasor, Jr. (8.37%), Edwin A. Villasor (7.34%), John Robert A. Villasor (7.15%), Patrick A. Villasor (6.99%), Catalina T. Cuenco (6.87%), and Josefina T. Cuenco (6.26%). Its Chairman and President is Milagros A. Villasor. Borrowers of the bank may also communicate with the PDIC Loans Management Department I at (02) 841-4982 or 841-4760. Queries may also be sent through email at pad@pdic.gov.ph.

|TOP| 14. PDIC advises borrowers of Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria to pay their obligations Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Receiver of the closed Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria, reminded borrowers of the bank to continue to pay their loans and transact only with authorized PDIC representatives. In a statement, PDIC advised borrowers of the Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria to pay their loans and other obligations directly at any Philippine National Bank (PNB) Branch under account name, PDIC FAO BURL Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria with Reference Number 373-0949000-13. The Receiver cautioned borrowers that it has discontinued the engagement of the banks collectors. PDIC has not engaged any person to collect the loans of the bank. To ensure proper recording of payments made by borrowers, it further advised borrowers to keep copies of the PNB Deposit/Payment Slips. The Receiver emphasized that only payments with validated PNB Deposit/Payment Slips shall be considered valid payments. The Monetary Board (MB) placed the Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria under the receivership of the PDIC by virtue of MB Resolution No. 1122 dated July 11, 2013. As Receiver, PDIC took over the bank on July 12, 2013. Upon takeover, all bank records shall be gathered, verified and validated. Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria is a single-unit bank located at Cabunag St., Pahinga, Poblacion, Candelaria, Quezon. According to the latest Bank Information Sheet (BIS) as of December 31, 2012 filed by the Quezon Traders Rural Bank of Candelaria with the PDIC, the bank is majority-owned by Ann Michelle G. Asayo (13%), Eufronio A. Gonzalvo (13%), Ma. Gracia N. Licup (13%) and Aida A. Gallano (13%). Its Chairman and President is Aida A. Gallano. Borrowers of the bank may also communicate with the PDIC Loans Management Department I at (02) 841-4992 or 841-4767. Queries may also be sent through email at pad@pdic.gov.ph. |TOP| 15. How this young mechanic's repair shop has gotten bigger than his garage Source: http://www.tesda.gov.ph Rolando Diaz was pounding metals and repairing cars in a greased garage at an age when his contemporaries were partying, pursuing a career or starting a family. The 26-year-old native of Iba, Zambales just had to. His father, who built the small car repair shop, was no longer that strong to attend to the job, and his brothers and sisters were all living with their respective families. Diaz had his own job as part-time driver and mechanic, but which paid him only P7,500 per month. It was his mother who made him realize he could do more, and challenged him to take over the operations of the shop. "But she said I should arm myself first with a good training so I can personally attend to the clients and deliver quality service," he said. "The natural drift was to look at the available college courses. But then I realized that it would take me longer to finish studying, also, college was costly, something I could not afford," Diaz added. Diaz did not have to look too far for an alternative education. Training institutes that were either run or supervised by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) abound in their province. Then there's also the TESDA Provincial Training Center, which offered technical vocational education and training(TVET) at no cost. Choosing the course was easy as he already knew what he wanted to specialize on--Automotive Servicing. After finishing the course, he went through the assessment and was soon issued a certificate. Few weeks after his graduation, Diaz's father passed away, leaving him to manage and operate the shop. He said it felt like plunging into a deep sea from a puddle, but because of his education, survival did not become difficult. With his certificate, he was able to register the family business at the Department of Trade and Industry that made it a legitimate business. He personally attended to the repairs and used the skills he learned from training in fixing the vehicles of their clients. More and more clients came, many of them referrals from his previous customers. He had to hire additional manpower to attend to clients promptly. To be more competitive, Diaz saved money aggressively so he could purchase additional equipment. Close to two years since taking over the shop, he was able to buy bending and welding machines, and is honing his skills in operating them. The car shop is now a booming business which earns him around P25,000 a month. Diaz also received a retainer's fee from a private company for maintaining its vehicles. Diaz said the secret to his success was not at all hidden-perseverance, hard work, a little creativity, and help from institutions like TESDA and the local government, which opened up the opportunity for him to study. Young and daring, Rolando Diaz armed himself with the skills and took charge of the family car repair shop, and is

now making strides. |TOP|

Last Updated:

30 JULY 2013

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President Benigno Aquino III views the works of his mother , the late President Cory Aquino, during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel Monday (July 29). The exhibit features the paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno Aquino III delivers his message during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel Monday (July 29). The exhibit features the paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno Aquino III (right), and his sisters Ballsy and Viel (from left), unveil the portrait of their mother, the late President Corazon Aquino, during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel Monday (July 29). The exhibit features the paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno Aquino III unveils the works of his mother, former President Cory Aquino, during the opening ceremony of the exhibit "A Gift of Self" at the Manila Hotel on Monday (July 29). The exhibit features arts and paintings of Cory given to relative and friends as gifts. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacanang Photo Bureau)

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