President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo formally signed into law today Republic Act No. 9367, also known as the "Biofuels Act of 2006."
R.A. No. 9367 will promote the use of alternative transport fuels consistent with the Declaration on East Asian Energy Security ratified by the 16 heads of state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its dialogue partners during the just-concluded 12 ASEAN Summit in Cebu.
The President affixed her signature on the new law, along with Senate President Manuel Villar and House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. during the ceremonial signing held at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall this morning.
Among the lawmakers who witnessed the signing of R.A. 9367 were Bukidnon 3rd District Rep. Juan Miguel Zubiri, principal author of the law; House Energy Committee Chairman Alipio Badelles, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Arthur Defensor and Bacolod City Rep. Monico Puentebella.
Also present were Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, Execuitve Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla.
The Chief Executive actually signed R.A. 9367 last Jan. 12, the day she flew to Cebu to chair this year’s summit of the leaders of ASEAN and its dialogue partners.
The Biofuels Act of 2006 seeks to reduce dependence on imported fuels with due regard to the protection of public health, the environment and natural ecosystems consistent with the country’s sustainable economic growth that would expand opportunities for livelihood.
The Act mandates the use of biofuels as a measure to develop and utilize indigenous renewable and sustainably-sourced clean energy sources to reduce dependence on imported oil.
It also intends to mitigate toxic and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase rural employment and income.
It ensures the availability of alternative and renewable clean energy without any detriment to the natural ecosystem, biodiversity and food reserves of the country.
The Act also mandates that within two years from its effectivity, all liquid fuels for motors and engines sold in the Philippines shall contain locally-sourced biofuels components of at least five percent bioethanol in the annual total volume of gasoline fuel actually sold and distributed by each and every oil company in the country.
Biofuel refers to bioethanol and biodiesel and other fuels made from biomass and primarily used for motive, thermal and power generation with quality specifications in accordance with the Philippine National Standards (PNS).
Senate Energy Committee Chairperson Santiago lauded the approval of the Biofuels Act, saying the country would now have its own homegrown and renewable sources of energy as the first benefit.
She said the Philippines would realize a huge savings as statistics show that the government is spending around P280 billion on oil consumption annually.
"Definitely, we can save at least 10 percent or P28 billion a year with this Act. Our environment would become greener and cleaner since oil pollutants would be eliminated from our atmosphere. There would be more income for farmers while for the consumers, it will mean eventually lower prices, whether gasoline or diesel," she said.
Ford Group Philippines Chairman Henry T. Co also expressed full support for the mandatory use of biofuel by oil companies based in the Philippines.
"The plant (Ford Group) would definitely and directionally use that, whether in some form of alternative fuel technology. It may not be directable focus but we will use the selectable fuels because we feel it is the most appropriate technology in the country. We have a lot of resources to support ethanol production," Co said.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Statement of Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye Re: Heritage Foundation
The Heritage Foundation may have its own way of looking at it but there is actually a silver lining in the report, which states that the Philippines reaps high marks in terms of fiscal freedom at 84 percent; trade freedom, 74.8 percent, and freedom from government, 91.4 percent.
We accept that there is much ground to cover in fighting bureaucratic corruption but we are moving forward in the administrative and judicial aspects.
The issue of economic freedom will neither set back the boom year that we have set for 2007 nor the sentiments of optimism and hope rising among the people.
We are going past the restrictive hurdles in the economy and this would have been speeded up by Charter reforms, but the direction is clear: a strong and vibrant Philippine democracy under the blessings of economic freedom and free enterprise.
We accept that there is much ground to cover in fighting bureaucratic corruption but we are moving forward in the administrative and judicial aspects.
The issue of economic freedom will neither set back the boom year that we have set for 2007 nor the sentiments of optimism and hope rising among the people.
We are going past the restrictive hurdles in the economy and this would have been speeded up by Charter reforms, but the direction is clear: a strong and vibrant Philippine democracy under the blessings of economic freedom and free enterprise.
Navotas celebrates 101st anniversary
Navotas, the country’s fishing capital and the remaining local government in the highly urbanized Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela (Camanava) area aspiring to be declared a city, celebrated its 101st founding anniversary yesterday.
The celebration, which started last week, ended yesterday bannering the theme "Angat Navotas sa Maunlad na Bukas," a new battle cry for the town, which Mayor Toby Tiangco said was "founded on discipline, good taste and excellence."
"I still have grand plans for the town. I strongly believe we can achieve our full potential for growth and development if we continue to pursue our dream for a better tomorrow," said Tiangco.
Navotas used to be part of Malabon until it was declared a separate town in 1906 during the American rule. Today, Navotas has 14 barangays with a population of 230,403 and working for cityhood.
The town has garnered several awards and citations from various governing bodies, including the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality Award for 2001, 2003 and 2004; Best Peace and Order Council for 2003 to 2005; Best Municipal Jail and Best Police Station in 2001-2002; Best Anti-Drug Abuse Council in 2003; and Outstanding LGU for Literacy Program and Highest Apprehensions in Camanava for Drug-related Cases in 2002.
The celebration for the Araw ng Navotas, also known as the Pangisdaan Festival, started last Jan. 10 with the inauguration of the Navotas Centennial Park Office on C-4 Road in Barangay Bagumbayan North.
This was followed by a job and trade fair, battle of the bands, street dancing and drum and bugle competition, medical and dental mission and coronation of the Mutya ng Navotas.
A family day was also held last Sunday as well as the distribution of the Navotas Hospitalization program identification cards to indigent residents. A grand parade capped the anniversary celebration at noon yesterday.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/17/380353/navotas-celebrates-101st-anniversary
The celebration, which started last week, ended yesterday bannering the theme "Angat Navotas sa Maunlad na Bukas," a new battle cry for the town, which Mayor Toby Tiangco said was "founded on discipline, good taste and excellence."
"I still have grand plans for the town. I strongly believe we can achieve our full potential for growth and development if we continue to pursue our dream for a better tomorrow," said Tiangco.
Navotas used to be part of Malabon until it was declared a separate town in 1906 during the American rule. Today, Navotas has 14 barangays with a population of 230,403 and working for cityhood.
The town has garnered several awards and citations from various governing bodies, including the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality Award for 2001, 2003 and 2004; Best Peace and Order Council for 2003 to 2005; Best Municipal Jail and Best Police Station in 2001-2002; Best Anti-Drug Abuse Council in 2003; and Outstanding LGU for Literacy Program and Highest Apprehensions in Camanava for Drug-related Cases in 2002.
The celebration for the Araw ng Navotas, also known as the Pangisdaan Festival, started last Jan. 10 with the inauguration of the Navotas Centennial Park Office on C-4 Road in Barangay Bagumbayan North.
This was followed by a job and trade fair, battle of the bands, street dancing and drum and bugle competition, medical and dental mission and coronation of the Mutya ng Navotas.
A family day was also held last Sunday as well as the distribution of the Navotas Hospitalization program identification cards to indigent residents. A grand parade capped the anniversary celebration at noon yesterday.
https://www.philstar.com/metro/2007/01/17/380353/navotas-celebrates-101st-anniversary
Enrile nag-resign!
Nagbitiw kagabi bilang Senate President si Juan Ponce Enrile matapos na bumoto ang mga senador, 24-24, at manalo ang "no" vote na nangangahulugan ng hindi pagpabor sa naging kahilingan ng prosecution panel na buksan ang ikalawang envelope na umano'y naglalaman ng P3.3 billion secret bank deposits sa Equitable-PCI Bank na pinaniniwalaang kay Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Ayon kay Enrile, wala ng maniniwala sa Senado dahil wasak na umano ang institusyong ito matapos pigilin ng mga pro-Arroyo senators ang pagbubukas sa bank account ni Jose Velarde na walang iba umano kundi si Pangulong Arroyo.
Sinabi ni Pimentel na nakakatakot umano na wala ng maniniwala sa Senado dahil mga senador na ang tumatangging ilabas ang katotohanan ukol sa kontrobersiyal na Velarde account.
Dahil nito, naniniwala si Enrile na halos tapos na ang impeachment trial dahil sa kinalabasan ng botohan.
Binigyang diin ni Enrile na nakikita na kung sino ang boboto para ma-acquit ang Pangulo sa apat na kasong iniharap sa kanya ng oposisyon.
Sinabi ni Enrile na bahala ang mga senador sa gagawing session ngayon kung sino ang nais nilang ipalit at gawing senate president. Ang susunod na senate president na lamang anya ang bahalang magdesisyon sa boto ni Sen. Robert Ace Barbers na kasalukuyang nasa Amerika.
Kasabay nito ay nagbitiw rin si Senate Secretary Atty. Lutgardo Barbo bilang pakikisimpatiya kay Pimentel sa naging desisyon nito. Nagpalakpakan ang mga tao sa gallery matapos bumoto si Pimentel ng "yes" at ihayag ang kanyang pagbibitiw.
Naging madamdamin ang reaksiyon ng mga senator-judges na bumoto ng yes nang mag-iyakan bunga na rin ng pagkadismaya sa naging resulta ng botohan, habang nag-walkout naman ang ilan sa mga private prosecutors mula sa loob ng impeachment court.
Iyakan at sigawan ang namayani at walang nagawa ang mga senate security para pigilan ang mga tao na nais makakita ng mga reaksiyon ng mga senador.
Nagdulot ang kaguluhan ng pagkabasag ng salamin ng isa sa mga pintuan ng session hall ng magtulakan ang mga mamamahayag na nais makuha ang panig ni Pimentel. (Ulat nina Doris Franche at Rose Tamayo)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2001/01/17/125730/pimentel-nag-resign
Ayon kay Enrile, wala ng maniniwala sa Senado dahil wasak na umano ang institusyong ito matapos pigilin ng mga pro-Arroyo senators ang pagbubukas sa bank account ni Jose Velarde na walang iba umano kundi si Pangulong Arroyo.
Sinabi ni Pimentel na nakakatakot umano na wala ng maniniwala sa Senado dahil mga senador na ang tumatangging ilabas ang katotohanan ukol sa kontrobersiyal na Velarde account.
Dahil nito, naniniwala si Enrile na halos tapos na ang impeachment trial dahil sa kinalabasan ng botohan.
Binigyang diin ni Enrile na nakikita na kung sino ang boboto para ma-acquit ang Pangulo sa apat na kasong iniharap sa kanya ng oposisyon.
Sinabi ni Enrile na bahala ang mga senador sa gagawing session ngayon kung sino ang nais nilang ipalit at gawing senate president. Ang susunod na senate president na lamang anya ang bahalang magdesisyon sa boto ni Sen. Robert Ace Barbers na kasalukuyang nasa Amerika.
Kasabay nito ay nagbitiw rin si Senate Secretary Atty. Lutgardo Barbo bilang pakikisimpatiya kay Pimentel sa naging desisyon nito. Nagpalakpakan ang mga tao sa gallery matapos bumoto si Pimentel ng "yes" at ihayag ang kanyang pagbibitiw.
Naging madamdamin ang reaksiyon ng mga senator-judges na bumoto ng yes nang mag-iyakan bunga na rin ng pagkadismaya sa naging resulta ng botohan, habang nag-walkout naman ang ilan sa mga private prosecutors mula sa loob ng impeachment court.
Iyakan at sigawan ang namayani at walang nagawa ang mga senate security para pigilan ang mga tao na nais makakita ng mga reaksiyon ng mga senador.
Nagdulot ang kaguluhan ng pagkabasag ng salamin ng isa sa mga pintuan ng session hall ng magtulakan ang mga mamamahayag na nais makuha ang panig ni Pimentel. (Ulat nina Doris Franche at Rose Tamayo)
https://www.philstar.com/bansa/2001/01/17/125730/pimentel-nag-resign
Romulo to seek treatment in US
Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo will take a two-month leave of absence beginning Feb. 1 to undergo treatment of a prostate-related ailment in the United States.
Romulo said President Arroyo allowed him to go on leave and wished him good health.
"To avoid going under the knife (I need the treatment)... If you don’t deal with it, it could be serious, that’s why I have to deal with it early. Kasi tumatanda (I’m growing older). It’s a preventive (measure)," Romulo told reporters.
Romulo will undergo treatment at the Stanford University Hospital in California until April.
He dismissed speculations that his two-month leave had something to do with Mrs. Arroyo’s impeachment trial and explained that the President understood why he had to be gone for so long.
"Why should I do that? I’m a career person. I don’t play politics," Romulo said. "Anyway, we don’t have major events until the third week of April, so it’s okay."
He also denied that his leave had anything to do with a petition circulating among Ateneo de Manila alumni asking Ateneans serving the Arroyo administration to resign from office.
"I’m a career person. We have to follow the constitutional process. We have to wait for the result of the impeachment trial at the Senate. We have a Constitution. We should not have anarchy," he said.
Romulo refused to divulge the true nature of his illness for personal reasons but highly-placed sources revealed that the ailment was prostate-related.
"Can I keep it a secret? I don’t have to reveal my medical record because I am not a candidate (for elective office)," he said.
"Whatever treatment I (will) have is only 20 minutes a day. It’s just that we don’t have facilities here," he said, adding he could still do a lot of reading and "improve my golf."
Romulo said he learned of his ailment last December from local doctors and he went to the US to seek the best treatment available.
"Normally, you go under the knife. But it’s treatable by so many alternative approaches. So this one is statistically the same. If you go by knife, your lifestyle will be adversely affected and that would be bloody," he said.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin said the absence of Siazon would not be a problem because the secretary would be in constant touch with the DFA.
"The secretary will also be calling the shots," Baja said, adding that there was nothing serious about Siazon’s ailment.
Ebdalin quoted the secretary as telling DFA officials: "Don’t worry. I will outlive all of you."
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/17/89460/siazon-seek-treatment-us
Romulo said President Arroyo allowed him to go on leave and wished him good health.
"To avoid going under the knife (I need the treatment)... If you don’t deal with it, it could be serious, that’s why I have to deal with it early. Kasi tumatanda (I’m growing older). It’s a preventive (measure)," Romulo told reporters.
Romulo will undergo treatment at the Stanford University Hospital in California until April.
He dismissed speculations that his two-month leave had something to do with Mrs. Arroyo’s impeachment trial and explained that the President understood why he had to be gone for so long.
"Why should I do that? I’m a career person. I don’t play politics," Romulo said. "Anyway, we don’t have major events until the third week of April, so it’s okay."
He also denied that his leave had anything to do with a petition circulating among Ateneo de Manila alumni asking Ateneans serving the Arroyo administration to resign from office.
"I’m a career person. We have to follow the constitutional process. We have to wait for the result of the impeachment trial at the Senate. We have a Constitution. We should not have anarchy," he said.
Romulo refused to divulge the true nature of his illness for personal reasons but highly-placed sources revealed that the ailment was prostate-related.
"Can I keep it a secret? I don’t have to reveal my medical record because I am not a candidate (for elective office)," he said.
"Whatever treatment I (will) have is only 20 minutes a day. It’s just that we don’t have facilities here," he said, adding he could still do a lot of reading and "improve my golf."
Romulo said he learned of his ailment last December from local doctors and he went to the US to seek the best treatment available.
"Normally, you go under the knife. But it’s treatable by so many alternative approaches. So this one is statistically the same. If you go by knife, your lifestyle will be adversely affected and that would be bloody," he said.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Franklin Ebdalin said the absence of Siazon would not be a problem because the secretary would be in constant touch with the DFA.
"The secretary will also be calling the shots," Baja said, adding that there was nothing serious about Siazon’s ailment.
Ebdalin quoted the secretary as telling DFA officials: "Don’t worry. I will outlive all of you."
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2001/01/17/89460/siazon-seek-treatment-us