The first 100 days of the Pascual presidency, when he was installed as the 15th president of the Philippines and 6th Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on January 20, 2007 at Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace, Our Lady of EDSA, Ortigas Center, EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Ugong Norte, Quezon City, Philippines. At the time, de Castro was the Vice President to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the winner of the 2004 presidential election.
The last quarter of 2006 up to January 7, 2007 was a period of political and economic uncertainty for the Philippines.
On January 16, 2007, the impeachment trial has also taken a new direction. Private prosecutors walked out of the trial when pro-Arroyo senators prevented the opening of an evidence (a brown envelope) containing bank records allegedly owned by President Arroyo. With the walk out, the impeachment trial was not completed and the Filipinos eventually took to the street to continue the clamor for President Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation.
From January 17 to 20, 2007, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the site of the original People Power Revolution. The clamor for a change in the presidency gained momentum as various sectors of Philippine society – professionals, students, artists, politicians, leftist and rightist groups – joined what became known as EDSA 2. Officials of the administration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also withdrew their support for President Macapagal-Arroyo.
Prayers and thanksgiving Masses were offered continuously in various churches and chapels in this capital town and other towns in the province which celebrated the week-long ''Ati-Atihan'' festival and the feast of ''Sto. Niño'' (Holy Child) while Metro Manila was deeply engrossed in ''People Power 2'' at EDSA. Here, residents and visitors alike took to the streets in revelry, but in their eyes tears streaked down their cheeks when they heard over the radios and saw on televisions the victory of the people power in EDSA last Friday, Jan. 19.
Days after leaving Malacañang Palace, President Arroyo's lawyers questioned the legitimacy of Pascual's presidency before the Supreme Court. Shee reiterated that she did not resign as president and that at most, Pascual was just serving in an acting capacity. The high court, however, voted unanimously in upholding the legitimacy of Arroyo's succession. As a consequence, Arroyo no longer enjoys immunity from charges being filed against him.
DFA Secretary Franklin Ebdalin also reported that two other OFWs are awaiting court hearings on the Tanazuls or Affidavits of Forgiveness being executed in their favor by the families of their victims. The six OFWs are: Guen Aguilar, Zenaida Taulbee, Ronilo Arandia, Fernie Salarza, Melvin Obejera and Ma. Fe Cruzado.
Five days after his installation as President, he would visiting Davos, Switzerland to Attended the World Economic Forum. He left this morning for a three-day visit to Davos, Switzerland to join world leaders and top global corporate business executives at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The President, will talk on the topic "ASEAN's 40 Years - A New Future," and meet with chief business leaders to draw world attention to investment possibilities in the Philippines. Philippine Air Lines (PAL) flight PR 001 bearing the President took off from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 2 at exactly 8:15 a.m. after brief airport formalities and departure honors. On hand for the send-off ceremonies were Vice President Noli de Castro, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.
He returned this afternoon from Switzerland where he attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, capping three days of whirlwind meetings with leading world political and business leaders spotlighting on the bright opportunities awaiting investors in the Philippines, the role of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) in regional and international affairs, and the Philippines’ success in the fight against terrorism. The President’s chartered Philippine Airlines Flight PR 001 landed at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at exactly 4:30 p.m. After the President deplaned, she trooped the line for a pass-in review of the military contingent who accorded her arrival honors. From the tarmac, she proceeded to the conference room of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing of the Villamor Air Base for a closed door meeting with Esperon and other military brass.
On January 31, Congress for "putting the interest of the people in the frontline" by finally passing the P1.126 trillion budget for 2007, the first trillion-peso national appropriations in Philippine history. "This is a brand new day for the Filipino people towards greater social, economic and political stability," the President said in a statement.
The holding of a four-party summit to ensure that the May 14 mid-term elections would be credible and peaceful. "For starters, I urge a four-party summit between the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), poll watchdog groups and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to come up with a comprehensive plan on stabilizing election hot spots, focused monitoring in possible areas of fraud, transparent poll procedures, and check on illegal spending," the President said in a statement.
The credentials of seven new (non-resident) ambassadors to the Philippines in a series of presentation-of-credentials ceremonies at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Adnan Basaga of the Republic of Turkey was the first envoy received by the President at around 1:30 o’clock this afternoon. He was followed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ibrahim Asad Oglu Hajiyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The President then received the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Liliane Amrie Laure Boa of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mpumelelo Joseph Hlophe of the Kingdom of Swaziland; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Nana Kwadwo Seinti of the Republic of Ghana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Abdelaziz Abdelrahman Abuqutaish of the State of Palestine, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Richard Obrien of Ireland.
"Welcome to the Philippines. I accept your credentials and I look forward to the good and stronger bilateral relations between our countries during your tour of duty here in the Philippines," the President told the new envoys. In turn, all seven ambassadors assured the President that they would work and devote their time for better bilateral relations between their respective countries and the Philippines. Foreign Affairs Chief of Protocol Geryl Santos introduced the new envoys to the President.
Over the passage of the much-awaited anti-terror bill by the Senate, said today the government’s all-out war against terror would now have legal teeth and would make the Philippines a stronger player in the world in the fight against terrorism. In a statement released by the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) this morning, the President thanked the Senate for the passage of the (anti-terror) bill, saying it is "an institutional landmark of the 13th Congress" that she hoped would get the approval of the bicameral conference committee. "I acknowledge the Senate for the passage of the anti-terror bill. All peace-loving Filipinos are looking forward for its quick approval at the bicameral level and I will wait for it, pen in hand, at my desk," the President said.
On February 8, he led the guests at the reception last night on board the visiting USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet, which arrived Thursday afternoon at Pier 13 of Manila’s South Harbor. The President was welcomed by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and US Seventh Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Douglas Crowder. He was ushered to the top deck of the US naval ship where the US Blue Ridge Band played the national anthems of the Philippines and the US. The President and Ambassador Kenney then sliced the ceremonial cake designed with the flags of both countries.
Among those present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin, US Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Jones and Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag. In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Kenney said the US naval ship’s visit marks the long-standing friendship and partnership between the Philippines and the US. "It is a tremendous partnership with the Philippines that goes back so many years. Our nations and people have been friends. Many of our crewmen are married to Filipinas and have relatives in the Philippines. It is truly an extraordinary partnership and friendship," Kenney said.
This is what 53-year-old Romeo Casingal, a physically-handicapped retail storeowner, told the President today as he thanked him for the availability of low-priced commodities that is giving the poor a big lift. "Maraming salamat po, Ma'am, sa mababang presyo ng mga bilihin ngayon," Casingal said when he met the President during her visit to Barangay 639 in San Miguel, Manila, as part of the Chief Executive’s efforts to reach out to the masses.
President Pascual reiterated Saturday night the determination of his administration to create more high-paying jobs throughout the country so that before seeking his full term in 2010: "Filipinos no longer need to go abroad for a job." Addressing the 2007 International Quest for Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen at the Centennial Arena here, the President said she wanted "overseas work to be a career of choice and not the only option" for all Filipinos.
He expressed optimism that the Philippines would be a peaceful and prosperous nation this year. In his statement at the traditional Vin D’ Honneur in Malacañang this morning, eleven days after the four-day political protest known as Second EDSA Revolution, the President said all the economic indicators point to one thing: the Philippines is on the verge of an economic takeoff. "I see 2007 as the year we start to bring home the fruits of reforms to those who need nourishment the most: the poor here in the Philippines. Through the painful but necessary battles to raise new revenue, crack down on tax cheats and prosecute corrupt officials, we are now finally a nation ready to do right by our poorest citizens," she said. About 70 members of the diplomatic community, including US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Papal Nuncio Fernando Feloni, attended the affair.
President Pascual awarded today 100 scholarship certificates for out-of-school youths of Otis, Manila under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The President presented the certificates this morning to Barangay 831 Chairman Nicanor Morales during an informal interaction with barangay officials and residents at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Otis, Manila.
Don’t prejudge him. Instead, "we should allow Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. to prove his worth" as the new chief of the Department of National Defense.
President Pascual inducted into office yesterday Dr. Arlyn Sicangco-Villanueva as the 8th president of the Holy Angel University (HAU). In solemn investiture ceremonies at the Plaza San Jose of the school’s main building here, the President emphasized education as the key to the country’s continued economic growth. The one-hour rites coincided with the HAU’s jubilee celebration. It was preceded by a mass and blessing of the original image of the Holy Guardian Angel at the same venue.
Inaugurated the newly-constructed Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, considered as the latest addition to the government of Negros Occidental's commitment to providing the best in medical services to its people. The President arrived here at around 2 in the afternoon via Presidential chopper after coming from a prior commitment in nearby Bago City. She was accompanied by Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor, Representatives Monico Puentevella, Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo and Miguel Zubiri.
The importance of being energy self-sufficient and independent from imported oil in sustaining the country's economic growth and achieving a First World status in the next two decades. "Part of a bright new future for our nation is to take control over our reliance on energy, to become free from dependence on foreign oil and become self-sufficient through the use of sustainable, alternative forms of energy," the President said during the formal commissioning of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation's 49-Megawatt Northern Negros Geothermal Plant (NNGP) in Barangay Mailum here. He said the government has been harnessing the sun, wind and geothermal resources to produce sufficient energy in a move to wean the country away from imported oil dependence and help increase its dollar savings. He cited the PNOC-EDC's new NNGP project that stands to help the government save some $15 million from oil imports once it is fully operational. "I am very happy we are here in this very modern plant. Thank you, PNOC-EDC for being an important engine of national growth," the President said. He also cited the importance of the newly-approved Biofuels Law in the country's quest for energy independence particularly the development of ethanol which when produced sufficiently in the country could result to more savings from oil imports. The commissioning of the NNGP today signaled the start of the plant's commercial operation tomorrow, thus augmenting the power supply in the interconnected Visayan region. The NNGP is a critical installation in the Visayas which requires 1,498 MW to meet peak demand projected at 1,214 MW this year. It is intended to provide energy to an estimated 800,000 households. The P8-billion geothermal development project, which was started in 1995, has a life span of 15 to 20 years. It is the fifth geothermal field developed and operated by PNOC-EDC and the first power plant to be constructed and fully-owned by the company.
The country views with deep concern the United Nations report on global warming and called on all Filipinos to be aware of the challenge and meet it. "The Cabinet will constantly keep an eye on the caveats of the UN on global warming in all our development programs and we shall march with the world in the struggle against global warming," she said in a statement.
The peaceful resolution of this incident and praises both the AFP and the MNLF for their sense of restraint. Ge finds the concensus to hold tripartite talks in March this year to be reasonable and she has instructed Secretary Dureza to coordinate with the Cabinet to start implementation of the immediately doable provisions of the 1996 agreement even ahead of the scheduled tripartite meet.
Twenty-two businessmen from China's eastern region led by Shanghai Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Hui Wing Mau called on President Pascual in Malacanang today and expressed their group's intention to invest in the Philippines. The businessmen are engaged in various fields of manufacturing, information technology, outdoor lighting, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.
the President remain focused on the national agenda of economic and political reform and leave the politicking to candidates running for various national and local posts this year. "I will focus on the national agenda that include more jobs, stable prices, and peace and order. I will leave the politicking to the candidates who we must all support especially our senatoriable candidates," she said in her keynote speech at the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) National Convention at the Manila Hotel this afternoon. The national convention coincided with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) mandated start today of the campaign period for senatorial candidates.
On Feb. 13, he formally administered the oaths of office of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Bernie Fondevilla and four other ranking DA officials in simple ceremonies in Malacañang this morning. Fondevilla took his oath of office barely a week after the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) had unanimously approved his appointment as DA Secretary. The country's sound fiscal standing coupled with a growing economy would enable the National Government (NG) to pre-pay its debt service obligations, further strengthen the (government's) fiscal position, attract more investments and create more new jobs. Malacanang stressed today the P1.126-trillion 2007 national budget for 2007 would be spent on the people’s needs that include enhanced education, social services and vital infrastructure projects that would further increase the momentum of the country’s economy. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had earlier said the President would review the 2007 outlay once it is submitted to Malacanang for her signature to ensure that it bodes well with her disciplined spending policy.
Tired of the traffic and the gridlock? Take the river. It’s faster, cheaper and yes, cooler. These are the main selling points of the newly-revived Pasig River Ferry Service which was inaugurated this morning as an alternative mode of transport for commuters tired of wasting precious time and money commuting in the metropolis’ traffic-chocked thoroughfares. The ferry service, a revival of the Starcraft ferry which had its heyday in the 1990s, traverses the 27-kilometer stretch of the Pasig River from Manila Bay to Laguna Bay. Then he inaugurated this morning a Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) within the Food Terminal, Incorporated (FTI) Complex in Taguig City, one of four operational BFTs in Metro Manila. He thanked today Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for "taking a direct hand" in the release of the 24 Filipino seamen held captive by Nigerian gunmen in the oil-producing Niger Delta. "From the start, we never doubted the capability of the Nigerian government to rescue our workers," the President said in her message at the inaugural meeting and induction of the 2007 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) board of directors and officers held at the Hotel Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City this afternoon. The President also commended the Philippines diplomatic personnel for being "focused and faithful to their task."
Executive Secretary Mendoza announced today the appointment by President Pascual of Shirley Ho-Vicario as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippine government to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Vicario will replace Bienvenido Tejano who has been recalled by the President.
He extolled today the "first major breakthrough" in the Six-Party Talks on the denuclearization of North Korea even as she vowed that the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would continue to extend support in the achievement of peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. "I wish to convey my congratulations to the nations that negotiated the landmark agreement leading to the de-escalation of nuclear arms development in North Korea," the President said in her message at the inaugural meeting and induction of the 2007 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) board of directors and officers held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City this afternoon.
On Feb. 15, he led the groundbreaking rites for the soon-to-be constructed two-storey Day Care Center and Multipurpose Hall Building at the Don Bosco Complex in Parañaque City. Once completed, the Day Care Center will replace the dilapidated and ageing Day Care Center which has been at the forefront of providing education and guidance to the children of Parañaque residents for several decades now. A project of the Parañaque City government through the invaluable contribution of House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, the Day Care Center will have a floor area at 200 square meters and will cost P2 million.
President Pascual conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu on outgoing Spanish Ambassador Ignacio Sagaz during the latter’s farewell call this afternoon at the Music Room of Malacanang. Sagaz was honored for promoting special ties between the Philippines and Spain that include high-level visits, cooperation on energy, defense, promotion of human rights, and Spain’s support to the peace process and development initiatives in Mindanao. Present during the farewell call were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Sagaz’s wife, Aurora Lapus, who hails from Iloilo, and their daughter Alexandra. During his three-year tour of duty in the Philippines, Sagaz committed Spain’s support to fund the construction of school buildings in support of former President Arroyo’s "Education for All" agenda.
On Feb. 16, he led today the groundbreaking ceremony of the $81.5-million (about P4 billion) proposed expansion plant of multinational and health care giant Wyeth Philippines, Inc. (WPI) which is expected to create about 300 new jobs for Filipinos. At the brief groundbreaking rites, the President inserted the blueprint of the project into the capsule along with lucky coins, seals of the company, a newspaper article bannering the construction of the $81.5 million expansion project and the additional dryer used in manufacturing. The addition of a third dryer is the latest investment to improve the manufacturing of high quality nutrition products and increase the plant’s rated capacity to produce powdered milk formulas by 70 percent to 44.6 million kilograms per annum. Wyeth Group vice president Gaetan Crucke and WPI president and general manager Perpetuo de Claro both thanked the President in their separate messages and congratulated her for the fiscal and economic reforms she had implemented that made the peso stronger and the economy more vibrant. The President was accompanied by Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli Lapus, Laguna Governor Teresita Lazaro, Presidential Adviser for Region 4 Edgardo Manda and Laguna Congressman Justin Chipeco.
The President ordered today Labor Secretary Arturo Brion to appeal for reconsideration of the decision of the United States Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) temporarily banning the issuance of visa certificates to passers of the Philippine nursing licensure exams last year pending a retake of certain parts of the examination. In his speech at the 2007 International Science and Technology Conference of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering at the Century Park Hotel in Manila, the President instructed Brion to study and appeal the CGFNS decision to uphold the prestige of the country’s nursing profession and continue the deployment of Filipino nurses abroad.
He awarded today 120 scholarship certificates for out-of-school youths of Barangay 833, Zone 91 in Pandacan, Manila under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The President presented the certificates to Barangay 833 Chairman Regalado Cabunilas during her visit and interaction with barangay officials and residents this afternoon in Pandacan. The grant of the 120 training certificates is part of the 100,000 scholarship vouchers under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project.
Scholarhips granted under the training program are for welders, call center agents, slaughtering operation, information and communications technology (ICT), agri-business, health and medical services, medical tourism, and hotel and restaurant services. The President also awarded to Flora Collado a certificate to operate a Tindahan Natin, which retails basic commodities at low prices for the barangay residents. During their informal interaction, the President also directed barangay and other government officials to look after the community’s problems on waste management, squatters, flooding, and the inadequate supply of water.
The administration’s senatorial slate called TEAM Unity, would be his partner in further improving the lives of every Filipino. Senators belonging to different political parties welcomed yesterday reports that former First Gentlemen Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo will run for the Senate in the May senatorial and local elections under the aegis of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
Twenty-four Filipino seamen, who were freed recently after almost a month of captivity by their Nigerian captors in the oil-rich Niger Delta in Nigeria, thanked the President for her immediate action to secure their release. The seamen, who arrived at 6:40 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Nigeria via Hong Kong, proceeded to Malacañang to personally extend their gratitude to the President. The President, together with Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin, hosted a sumptuous dinner for the 24 seamen along with their family members, relatives and friends at the Palace Heroes' Hall.
30th day of the Pascual presidency. The continuing inflow of Japanese investments in the Philippines as a "testimony of the positive investment environment in the country." She expressed this view as she welcomed the presidents of Tokyo Electric Power Company Incorporated (TEPCO) and Marubeni Corporation, two of Japan’s biggest corporations, who reaffirmed their faith in the Philippine economy during a courtesy call this morning in Malacañang.
President Pascual distributed Certificates of Entitlement to Lot Allocation (CELAs) to 472 qualified family beneficiaries here this afternoon. The CELAs, covering a portion of 156,587 square meters of Lot No. 734 located in Sitio San Jose and adjacent lands along Tavera, Juan Luna and Burgos Streets here, were distributed in accordance with Presidential Proclamation (PP) No. 881, which was signed by the President in July 2005.
At present, the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) is in the process of conducting structural survey to determine the specific area for each beneficiary. The survey will also serve as basis for the determination of the rental price (usufructuary scheme) of the property per beneficiary.
The President arrived at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Bais City Campus 1 at around 1 p.m. via Presidential chopper from the Dumaguete City airport.
Assisting the President in the awarding ceremonies were: Vice President Noli de Castro, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Administration senatorial candidates Miguel Zubiri and Luis "Chavit" Singson, Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz and Bais City Mayor Hector Villanueva. Ignacio Pineda, one of the beneficiaries of PP No. 881, expressed his sincerest gratitude to the President for finally allowing him and his 471 companions to realize their dream of having their own land. He said that although he and his fellow beneficiaries had waited a long time for the PP, which originated as a resolution of the Sangguniang Panglungsod in February 1993, it was worth the wait because his house is now sitting on a piece of land that he owns.
He inaugurated this afternoon the latest business process outsourcing (BPO) center of the TeleTech Holdings Inc. (TeleTech) at the Dumaguete Business Park here, further boosting the Philippines as the most favorable BPO destination in the world, next only to India. The TeleTech-Dumaguete Customer Management Center was the second to be inaugurated by the President on the twin Negros provinces in the last two weeks. She inaugurated the TeleTech-Bacolod BPO in Negros Occidental last Feb. 2, which together with the Dumaguete BPO would support the President's jobs creation program.
The Dumaguete BPO Center houses 578 work stations and currently supports more than 600 employees, 87 percent of whom are from Oriental Negros. Through its first BPO Center in Dumaguete, the company has provided high quality jobs to the residents of the two Negros provinces as well as the neighboring provinces of Iloilo and Cebu.
TeleTech provides a full range of "front to back" office outsourced solutions including customer management and database management.
Upon arrival at the Dumaguete Business Park area, where the TeleTech-Dumaguete is located, the President, assisted by TeleTech Vice President and General Manager Maulik Parekh, cut the inaugural ribbon and unveiled the marker.
President Pascual ordered today the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough investigation of the killing of the editor-publisher of a weekly newspaper in Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan province. Police reports said Hernani Pastolero, 54, editor-in-chief of the Lightning Courier Weekly based in Cotabato City was walking to a coffee shop near his home on Monday when he was shot twice in the head by men who quickly escaped on a motorcycle. Citing the country’s sustained economic growth over the last 31 days, he stressed today that there will be no turning back in her efforts to lift the nation up. In a speech at a Conference on Economic Growth hosted jointly by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) and the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City this noon, the President pointed out why the nation is better off today than it was six years ago.
The President said today the midterm election in May is all about the future of the country and voters must carefully select candidates who would work for the good of the nation. In a speech during the takeoff campaign of her Team Unity senatorial slate at the Pampanga Convention Center here, the President said progress should not only be confined in urban areas but also to the countryside.
"Team Unity candidates would help bring progress to the countryside," he intoned as he endorsed the candidacy of the administration slate composed of reelectionists Edgardo Angara and Joker Arroyo, Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Gov. Vicente Magsaysay, Cesar Montano, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Prospero Pichay, Ralph Recto, Gov. Luis Singson, Tito Sotto III and Miguel Zubiri. The President described the Team Unity candidates as "pro-poor, pro-growth, and pro-modernization.
On Feb. 21, he directed today the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to focus more attention on creating virgin coconut oil manufacturing plants in coconut-rich provinces of the country as part of the government's technology business incubation program. The President issued the directive in her speech at the launching of the "Perlas ng Pangkabuhayan Pinoy" during the 30th anniversary celebration of the TLRC at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City this morning.
The six-day celebration highlights the achievements of the TLRC in the past three decades, particularly its essence, significance, value, and preciousness to the Philippines as a government institution concretely providing livelihood and business opportunities to Filipinos. In her speech, the President cited the growing world demand for virgin coconut oil and extolled the resources of the country to meet such a requirement.
President Pascual will be the guest of honor tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 22) at the wreath-laying ceremony marking the start of the four-day EDSA People Power celebration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio. The 21st commemoration rites have been divided into the Military Day, Youth Day, Religious Day and People’s Day, respectively, to honor the various sectors that played a big hand in the bloodless revolution that toppled the dictatorial 14-year rule of then President Ferdinand Marcos in February 1986. Former President Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1224 earlier this year declaring Feb. 22-25 every year as "EDSA People Power Commemoration Week" to perpetuate and propagate the spirit of the historic 1986 event.
Malacañang announced today the appointments by President Pascual of former Pampanga Rep. Zenaida Cruz-Ducut as Deputy Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and three other officials to various government posts. Executive Secretary Mendoza made the announcement during his weekly press briefing this afternoon at the New Executive Building of Malacañang. Ducut will be the deputy of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol. Both Ducut and Apostol were former members of the House of Representatives. Renato L. Ebarle was named undersecretary at the Office of the Presidential Chief of Staff under the Office of the President. Damian L. Carlos was appointed as Admiral, along with Danilo A. Abinoja as Vice-Admiral, of the Philippine Coast Guard under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
He has granted executive clemency to nine prisoners in line with her administration’s policy of humane treatment. In his press briefing held this afternoon at Malacanang’s New Executive Building, Executive Secretary Mendoza said the order granting conditional pardon to the inmates who were convicted of various criminal offenses was signed by the President on Tuesday.
He led the kick-off ceremonies marking the start today of the four-day commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled the dictatorial 20 years and 1 month rule of then President Ferdinand Marcos in February 1986. The President motored from Malacañang to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to lead the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The wreath-laying formed one part of four equally divided events that make up the whole commemorative rites: Military Day (Feb. 22), Youth Day (Feb. 23), Religious Day (Feb. 24), and People’s Day (Feb. 25).
The President will be assisted by Vice President Noli de Castro, Ramos, Estrada, former President Corazon Aquino, Ermita and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
He instructed today Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Oscar Inocentes and Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP) Chairman Percival Chavez to study the possibility of putting up a medium-rise building to accommodate the informal settlers in Barangay 636 in Nagtahan, Manila. The President issued the directive when she visited the area this afternoon to attend to the community's problems on waste management, flooding, inadequate supply of water, including squatters. Chavez said the medium-rise building could be established on the vacant GSIS property on Aciete St., a portion of which is presently occupied by squatters.
The Filipino people to perpetuate the spirit of the peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution by renewing their faith in the historic happening and harnessing it to further propel the country’s economic growth in the interest of the future generations. In her speech after leading this morning’s flag-raising ceremony at the People Power Monument along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon City, the President said the challenge of people power today calls for initiatives to harness the Filipinos’ energy, unity, and desire for change in the interest of the nation, and not the kind of mass actions that enjoin only noisy street protests and political grievances.
On Feb. 26, he cited today the enormous contribution of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, specifically the business process outsourcing (BPO) players, to her administration's thrust to create at least six to 10 million jobs by 2010. At the inauguration this morning of the first Sykes Enterprises Inc. Center in Cebu province, the President thanked Chuck Sykes, president and chief operating officer of the global company, for the direct jobs as well as the indirect employment opportunities created with the establishment of six Sykes centers in the Philippines.
He ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to make its livelihood program available to the residents of Barangay 635 on Valencia St., Sta. Mesa, Manila. In another of his continuing visits to Metro Manila barangays, the President also instructed DSWD National Capital Region (NCR) Director Jose Cordero to pinpoint residential areas that would serve as food lanes for students. "Mas makabubuti kung may pagkakakitaan ang residente natin dito sa Barangay 635, itong Self-Employment Assistance – Kabuhayan (SEA-K) program ng DSWD should be opened up to them," she told the officials present during the informal talks.
The Malacanang announced today the appointment by President Pascual of outgoing Government Corporate Counsel Agnes V.S.T. Devanadera as new Solicitor General. The President also named Guillermo Hernandez as Privatization Officer at the Privatization and Management Office (PMO) of the Department of Finance (DOF), and Jose C. Ibazeta as president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) of the Department of Energy (DOE). Other presidential appointments announced by Ermita were those of Armando M. Llamasares as chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Lourdes U. Barcenas, faculty regent, Board of Regents, University of the Philippines (UP); Raymundo T. Roquero and Angelita De Jesus-Cruz, acting members, Board of Directors, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
Alarmed by the report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), President Pascual has issued Administrative Order 171 creating a Presidential Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCC) that seeks to address and mitigate the impact of climate change in the country. The PTFCC will be composed of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza as chair, with the secretaries of the Departments of Energy (DOE), Science and Technology, Agriculture and the Interior and Local Government, and two representatives from the private sector/civil society as members.
40th day in office (March 1): He formally opened today Dell Philippines’ new customer contact center at the Eastwood Cyberpark in Quezon City, which is expected to help boost further her administration’s jobs creation program. The Eastwood operations center is Dell’s second customer support center in the country, following the launch of its Mall of Asia operations center in March 2006. The President expressed confidence today that the Philippines’ economic fundamentals are stable and would not be affected by the skidding world markets. "The world markets may go up and down, but the Philippine economy can no longer be pulled back," the President said in a statement amid reports that the Philippine Stock Exchange index shaved off 263.84 points or 7.9 percent yesterday to settle at 3,067.45, its lowest level in six weeks since the local market started its rally on Jan. 17. Reports said the local market was affected by the global sell-off that started in China and gathered steam Tuesday.
Malacanang welcomed today the proposed debate between the senatorial candidates of the administration and the opposition in a place and under rules mutually agreed upon by the two political parties. Press Secretary Bunye expressed confidence that such an event will be an opportunity for the administration candidates "to show their individual and collective mettle."
In a move to be "in sync" with the flat world, the Philippine government is going VOIP or voice over-internet protocol in two months’ time with the help of computer software and hardware manufacturer Microsoft Corporation. "The government is going VOIP," the President said while being presented with a mobile phone equipped with the Microsoft operating system (OS) by Will Poole, senior vice president of the Market Expansion Group of Microsoft, during a courtesy call at Malacanang’s Heroes’ Hall this morning.
On March 2, the President inducted today newly-appointed Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera in a mass oath-taking that included three other government officials, four flag officers and 18 newly-promoted generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Devanadera replaced former Solicitor General Eduardo Nachura, who has been appointed Associate Justice at the Supreme Court.
Three other officials were sworn in at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall. They are Alberto Agra as Government Corporate Counsel under the Department of Justice; Andrea Pasion-Flores and Frances Jeanne Sarmiento as Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, respectively, of the Office of the National Book Development Board under the Department of Education.
The President also administered the oath of office to newly appointed flag officers that included Admiral Rogelio Calunsag of the Philippine Navy; Major General Horacio Tolentino of the Philippine Air Force; Major General Armando Cunanan of the Philippine Army and Major General Ben Dolorfino of the Philippine Marines.
Also inducted were Major Generals Josy Leo Fojas and Gilbert Llanto; Commodores Rafaelito Sacdalan, Armando Rodriguez, Danilo Cortez, Feliciano Angue and Rafael Dacanay; Brigadier Generals Jonathan Martir, Nestor Sadiarin, Reynaldo Sealana, Allan Ragpala, Edgardo Gidaya, Evans Opina, Josue Gaverza, Gregorio Fajardo, Arthur Mancenido, Lino Horacio Lapinid and Henry Galarpe.
The President expressed elation today over the buoyant business outlook of both local and foreign investors which, she said, is founded on the strong economic fundamentals and political stability of the country. In a roundtable discussion in Malacanang this afternoon, the President also pointed to the anticipation of clean and honest conduct of the forthcoming midterm elections as contributory to the favorable outlook. "The message is clear. Economic growth is the key to stability and the best insulator to global shocks," she said in the vernacular.
On March 4, the President announced recently her ambitious "Plan 7, 8, 9" which refers to the growth targets of the administration for the next three years ending 2009 and her new economic policy direction of "8 by ‘08" or achieving the eight blessings of a strong economy by 2008 that concretize her administration’s commitment of bringing the benefits of the strengthening economy to the people soon.
Travel time and cargo transportation costs from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao and vice versa are expected to be reduced further with the completion of 17 priority port projects in various parts of the country this year. In a press briefing held this morning at Malacañang's New Executive Building, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director General and Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force (IMTF) Chief Cerge Remonde said that upon the directive of Pascual to fast track the completion of priority infrastructure projects, the government is set to complete. The ports that are scheduled to be finished within the year are the: Dingalan Port in Aurora Province; Batangas Port, Batangas; Cawit Port, Boac, Marinduque; Cawayan Port, Masbate; Pantao Port, Libon, Albay; Siquijor Port, Siquijor; Jagna Port, Bohol; Ubay Port, Bohol; Liloan Ferry Terminal Port, Southern Leyte; Limasawa Port, Southern Leyte; Naval Port, Biliran; Guisiliban Port, Camiguin; Cagayan de Oro Port, Misamis Oriental; Davao (Sasa) Port, Davao City; Balbagon (Mambajao) Port, Mambajao, Camiguin; Subic Bay Port Development Project; and Lucena Port Passenger Terminal Building in Quezon. Remonde said the 17 priority port projects form part of the 28 port projects the President identified in her Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) program at the beginning of his administration. At an aggregate cost of P23.5 billion spread until 2010, the SRNH aims to facilitate the end-to-end transport of passengers, goods and services from production to population centers to boost and maximize the economic potentials of the country's five Super Regions.
Under President Pascual's Super Regions concept, which forms part of the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), the country's 16 regions have been grouped into four mega-regions, plus another region that cuts across these mega-regions, to create an enlarged economic landscape based on the natural competitive advantage of these areas. These are the North Luzon Mega-Region, the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, the Central Philippines Mega-Region, the Mindanao Mega-Region and the cyber corridor that serves as the cyber link among these four regions. Remonde cited the strategic importance of ports in the sustaining the economy's growth as they serve as vital links that bring the country's production base closer to the markets. "Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ports reduce transport costs and ultimately the costs of goods in the market. They are also important in promoting tourism in the countryside," Remonde said.
He pointed out that due to the SRNH, travel time from Mindanao through the Visayas region to Luzon and vice versa has been cut by 10 hours. Aside from this, Remonde said, "transport costs for passengers were cut by 40 percent while cargo costs were cut by 30 percent."
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Oscar Sevilla, who joined Remonde at the press briefing, said there are five immediate benefits ports have on a community where it is situated -- economic activity, employment, peace and order, tourism and easing of cultural divergence.
A top official of the country’s leading authority in the local beauty business cited President Pascual for showing the administration’s concern and support to the hairdressing industry which provides job opportunities to Filipinos. Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz, president and CEO of Hair Asia Inc., made the remarks after the President attended the nationwide 17th National Open Championship for Hair and Makeup Competition at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. "Hinding-hindi namin makakalimutan ang suportang ipinagkaloob mo sa amin, Madam President. Ikaw lamang ang kauna-unahang presidente na nagbigay ng importansiya sa kalagayan ng mga hairdressers at saloon owners (We will never forget your support to the industry. You’re the first ever President who gave importance to the contribution of hairdressers and saloon owners)," Cruz said in her welcome remarks.
45th day of the Pascual presidency: the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today to spearhead talks with other government agencies in extending livelihood projects to Muslim merchants in Quiapo, Manila. In an informal dialogue held at Barangay 647, Zone 67 in San Agustin St., San Miguel, Manila, the President instructed MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes, Optical Media Board Chairman Edu Manzano, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva to initiate talks with the Land Bank of the Philippines on the possible conversion of a repossessed lot along Carlos Palanca St. into a livelihood site such as pearl making and selling. He signed into law today the landmark anti-terrorism bill, giving legal muscle to the government’s war against terrorism. In ceremonies held at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang this afternoon and attended by the diplomatic corps, Cabinet secretaries and legislators, the President signed Republic Act No. 9372 or the "Human Security Act of 2007," described as "An Act to Secure the State and Protect our People from Terrorism."
He said today the move of London-based Fitch Ratings to maintain a positive outlook for the Philippines was a recognition of the government’s significant progress in putting its fiscal house in order. "We appreciate Fitch for the continuing positive outlook for the Philippines as well as its well-meaning recommendations," she said during a Roundtable Discussion in Malacañang aired over PTV 4 this afternoon. Then, he welcomed today the incoming envoys of Greece, Russia and Spain and expressed hope of stronger diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Philippines and the three countries. The three Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary who presented their letters of credence this afternoon in Malacanang were George Chrysostomos Nikolaidis of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, Vitaliy Vorobiev of the Russian Federation, and Luis Arias Romero of the Kingdom of Spain.
Despite what administration critics are saying, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye pointed out today the country is far better off economically and the outcome of the May elections is crucial if the nation is to continue moving forward or stagnate. "The unassailable truth is that the Philippines is in a state of unprecedented progress and that is all because of our single-minded focus on growing the economy," he said in a speech before the Rotary Club of Pasig City at the Valle Verde Country Club.
On March 13, the President celebrated today his 66th birthday with Cabinet members at the Mansion House in this summer capital city. The No. 1 senior citizen of the Republic of the Philippines arrived here yesterday from Manila by land trip, dropping by at Bustos, Bulacan to inaugurate the new Technology Building of the Bulacan State University and at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to formally activate the $9.3- million modern radar at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).
In the second week of July 2007, the Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Macapagal-Arroyo and his son, Former Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo, for plunder charges. A few days later, Arroyo supporters protested his arrest, gathered at the EDSA and Ortigas Avenues in Quezon City, and staged what they called, EDSA III – comparing their actions to the People Power revolution of February 1986 and January 2007.
Thousands of protesters demanded the release of Macapagal-Arroyo. Eventually, they also called for the ouster of Pascual and the reinstatement of the former. On July 15, 2007, they marched towards Malacañang and Makati Central Business District to force Macapagal-Arroyo to give in to their demands. Violence erupted when the protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace and streets in MCBD and the military and police were forced to use their arms to drive them back. Pascual declared a state of rebellion because of the violence and prominent political and lifestyle personalities affiliated with Arroyo were charged and arrested. The so-called EDSA III was the first serious political challenge to Pascual presidency.
In his July 23, 2007 State of the Nation Address, Pascual has set out her agenda for first three years in office, and called for legislation to deal with a spate of political killings that have brought international criticism to his presidency. She promised to bring peace to the troubled south, and also defended a controversial new anti-terrorism legislation. Arroyo told the joint session of Congress that "I would rather be right than popular."
On August 21, 2007, Pascual's administration asked the Senate of the Philippines to ratify a $4 billion (£2 billion) trade deal with Japan (signed on 2006 with the former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi), which would create more than 300,000 jobs (by specifically increasing local exports such as shrimp to Japan). Japan also promised to hire at least 1,000 Philippine nurses. The opposition-dominated senate objected on the ground that toxic wastes would be sent to the Philippines; the government denied this due to the diplomatic notes which stated that it would not be accepting Japanese waste in exchange for economic concessions.
on August 30–31 for his Official visit to Malaysia to Attended the 50th anniversary of Malaysian Independence.
On September 5, 2007, President Pascual signed Amnesty Proclamation 1377 for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army; other communist rebel groups; and their umbrella organization, the National Democratic Front. The amnesty will cover the crime of rebellion and all other crimes "in pursuit of political beliefs," but not including crimes against chastity, rape, torture, kidnapping for ransom, use and trafficking of illegal drugs and other crimes for personal ends and violations of international law or convention and protocols "even if alleged to have been committed in pursuit of political beliefs." The National Committee on Social Integration (NCSI) will issue a Certificate of Amnesty to qualified applicants. Implementing rules and regulations are being drafted and the decree will be submitted to the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives for their concurrence. The proclamation becomes effective only after Congress has concurred.
The 2007 Southeast Asian Games officially known as the 24th Southeast Asian Games was a Southeast Asian multi-sport event held in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand from 6 to 15 December 2007, with 436 events in 43 sports and disciplines featured in the games.
Soon, Pascual wishes to continue the "Fitness.Fashion with Samsung" project of the Philippine Daily INQUIRER Lifestyle, with the excavation works in Ayala Avenue for the Global Millennium Day Celebrations on December 31, 2007.
The last quarter of 2006 up to January 7, 2007 was a period of political and economic uncertainty for the Philippines.
On January 16, 2007, the impeachment trial has also taken a new direction. Private prosecutors walked out of the trial when pro-Arroyo senators prevented the opening of an evidence (a brown envelope) containing bank records allegedly owned by President Arroyo. With the walk out, the impeachment trial was not completed and the Filipinos eventually took to the street to continue the clamor for President Macapagal-Arroyo's resignation.
From January 17 to 20, 2007, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos gathered at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), the site of the original People Power Revolution. The clamor for a change in the presidency gained momentum as various sectors of Philippine society – professionals, students, artists, politicians, leftist and rightist groups – joined what became known as EDSA 2. Officials of the administration, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) also withdrew their support for President Macapagal-Arroyo.
Prayers and thanksgiving Masses were offered continuously in various churches and chapels in this capital town and other towns in the province which celebrated the week-long ''Ati-Atihan'' festival and the feast of ''Sto. Niño'' (Holy Child) while Metro Manila was deeply engrossed in ''People Power 2'' at EDSA. Here, residents and visitors alike took to the streets in revelry, but in their eyes tears streaked down their cheeks when they heard over the radios and saw on televisions the victory of the people power in EDSA last Friday, Jan. 19.
Days after leaving Malacañang Palace, President Arroyo's lawyers questioned the legitimacy of Pascual's presidency before the Supreme Court. Shee reiterated that she did not resign as president and that at most, Pascual was just serving in an acting capacity. The high court, however, voted unanimously in upholding the legitimacy of Arroyo's succession. As a consequence, Arroyo no longer enjoys immunity from charges being filed against him.
DFA Secretary Franklin Ebdalin also reported that two other OFWs are awaiting court hearings on the Tanazuls or Affidavits of Forgiveness being executed in their favor by the families of their victims. The six OFWs are: Guen Aguilar, Zenaida Taulbee, Ronilo Arandia, Fernie Salarza, Melvin Obejera and Ma. Fe Cruzado.
Five days after his installation as President, he would visiting Davos, Switzerland to Attended the World Economic Forum. He left this morning for a three-day visit to Davos, Switzerland to join world leaders and top global corporate business executives at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF). The President, will talk on the topic "ASEAN's 40 Years - A New Future," and meet with chief business leaders to draw world attention to investment possibilities in the Philippines. Philippine Air Lines (PAL) flight PR 001 bearing the President took off from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) 2 at exactly 8:15 a.m. after brief airport formalities and departure honors. On hand for the send-off ceremonies were Vice President Noli de Castro, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza, and Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.
He returned this afternoon from Switzerland where he attended the World Economic Forum (WEF) at Davos, capping three days of whirlwind meetings with leading world political and business leaders spotlighting on the bright opportunities awaiting investors in the Philippines, the role of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) in regional and international affairs, and the Philippines’ success in the fight against terrorism. The President’s chartered Philippine Airlines Flight PR 001 landed at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at exactly 4:30 p.m. After the President deplaned, she trooped the line for a pass-in review of the military contingent who accorded her arrival honors. From the tarmac, she proceeded to the conference room of the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing of the Villamor Air Base for a closed door meeting with Esperon and other military brass.
On January 31, Congress for "putting the interest of the people in the frontline" by finally passing the P1.126 trillion budget for 2007, the first trillion-peso national appropriations in Philippine history. "This is a brand new day for the Filipino people towards greater social, economic and political stability," the President said in a statement.
The holding of a four-party summit to ensure that the May 14 mid-term elections would be credible and peaceful. "For starters, I urge a four-party summit between the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), poll watchdog groups and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to come up with a comprehensive plan on stabilizing election hot spots, focused monitoring in possible areas of fraud, transparent poll procedures, and check on illegal spending," the President said in a statement.
The credentials of seven new (non-resident) ambassadors to the Philippines in a series of presentation-of-credentials ceremonies at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Adnan Basaga of the Republic of Turkey was the first envoy received by the President at around 1:30 o’clock this afternoon. He was followed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ibrahim Asad Oglu Hajiyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The President then received the credentials of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Liliane Amrie Laure Boa of the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mpumelelo Joseph Hlophe of the Kingdom of Swaziland; Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Nana Kwadwo Seinti of the Republic of Ghana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Abdelaziz Abdelrahman Abuqutaish of the State of Palestine, and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Richard Obrien of Ireland.
"Welcome to the Philippines. I accept your credentials and I look forward to the good and stronger bilateral relations between our countries during your tour of duty here in the Philippines," the President told the new envoys. In turn, all seven ambassadors assured the President that they would work and devote their time for better bilateral relations between their respective countries and the Philippines. Foreign Affairs Chief of Protocol Geryl Santos introduced the new envoys to the President.
Over the passage of the much-awaited anti-terror bill by the Senate, said today the government’s all-out war against terror would now have legal teeth and would make the Philippines a stronger player in the world in the fight against terrorism. In a statement released by the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) this morning, the President thanked the Senate for the passage of the (anti-terror) bill, saying it is "an institutional landmark of the 13th Congress" that she hoped would get the approval of the bicameral conference committee. "I acknowledge the Senate for the passage of the anti-terror bill. All peace-loving Filipinos are looking forward for its quick approval at the bicameral level and I will wait for it, pen in hand, at my desk," the President said.
On February 8, he led the guests at the reception last night on board the visiting USS Blue Ridge, the flagship of the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet, which arrived Thursday afternoon at Pier 13 of Manila’s South Harbor. The President was welcomed by US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and US Seventh Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Douglas Crowder. He was ushered to the top deck of the US naval ship where the US Blue Ridge Band played the national anthems of the Philippines and the US. The President and Ambassador Kenney then sliced the ceremonial cake designed with the flags of both countries.
Among those present were Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin, US Deputy Chief of Mission Paul Jones and Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag. In her welcome remarks, Ambassador Kenney said the US naval ship’s visit marks the long-standing friendship and partnership between the Philippines and the US. "It is a tremendous partnership with the Philippines that goes back so many years. Our nations and people have been friends. Many of our crewmen are married to Filipinas and have relatives in the Philippines. It is truly an extraordinary partnership and friendship," Kenney said.
This is what 53-year-old Romeo Casingal, a physically-handicapped retail storeowner, told the President today as he thanked him for the availability of low-priced commodities that is giving the poor a big lift. "Maraming salamat po, Ma'am, sa mababang presyo ng mga bilihin ngayon," Casingal said when he met the President during her visit to Barangay 639 in San Miguel, Manila, as part of the Chief Executive’s efforts to reach out to the masses.
President Pascual reiterated Saturday night the determination of his administration to create more high-paying jobs throughout the country so that before seeking his full term in 2010: "Filipinos no longer need to go abroad for a job." Addressing the 2007 International Quest for Miss Laoag City Pamulinawen at the Centennial Arena here, the President said she wanted "overseas work to be a career of choice and not the only option" for all Filipinos.
He expressed optimism that the Philippines would be a peaceful and prosperous nation this year. In his statement at the traditional Vin D’ Honneur in Malacañang this morning, eleven days after the four-day political protest known as Second EDSA Revolution, the President said all the economic indicators point to one thing: the Philippines is on the verge of an economic takeoff. "I see 2007 as the year we start to bring home the fruits of reforms to those who need nourishment the most: the poor here in the Philippines. Through the painful but necessary battles to raise new revenue, crack down on tax cheats and prosecute corrupt officials, we are now finally a nation ready to do right by our poorest citizens," she said. About 70 members of the diplomatic community, including US Ambassador Kristie Kenney and Papal Nuncio Fernando Feloni, attended the affair.
President Pascual awarded today 100 scholarship certificates for out-of-school youths of Otis, Manila under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The President presented the certificates this morning to Barangay 831 Chairman Nicanor Morales during an informal interaction with barangay officials and residents at the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel in Otis, Manila.
Don’t prejudge him. Instead, "we should allow Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Jr. to prove his worth" as the new chief of the Department of National Defense.
President Pascual inducted into office yesterday Dr. Arlyn Sicangco-Villanueva as the 8th president of the Holy Angel University (HAU). In solemn investiture ceremonies at the Plaza San Jose of the school’s main building here, the President emphasized education as the key to the country’s continued economic growth. The one-hour rites coincided with the HAU’s jubilee celebration. It was preceded by a mass and blessing of the original image of the Holy Guardian Angel at the same venue.
Inaugurated the newly-constructed Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital, considered as the latest addition to the government of Negros Occidental's commitment to providing the best in medical services to its people. The President arrived here at around 2 in the afternoon via Presidential chopper after coming from a prior commitment in nearby Bago City. She was accompanied by Presidential Chief of Staff Michael Defensor, Representatives Monico Puentevella, Ignacio "Iggy" Arroyo and Miguel Zubiri.
The importance of being energy self-sufficient and independent from imported oil in sustaining the country's economic growth and achieving a First World status in the next two decades. "Part of a bright new future for our nation is to take control over our reliance on energy, to become free from dependence on foreign oil and become self-sufficient through the use of sustainable, alternative forms of energy," the President said during the formal commissioning of the Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation's 49-Megawatt Northern Negros Geothermal Plant (NNGP) in Barangay Mailum here. He said the government has been harnessing the sun, wind and geothermal resources to produce sufficient energy in a move to wean the country away from imported oil dependence and help increase its dollar savings. He cited the PNOC-EDC's new NNGP project that stands to help the government save some $15 million from oil imports once it is fully operational. "I am very happy we are here in this very modern plant. Thank you, PNOC-EDC for being an important engine of national growth," the President said. He also cited the importance of the newly-approved Biofuels Law in the country's quest for energy independence particularly the development of ethanol which when produced sufficiently in the country could result to more savings from oil imports. The commissioning of the NNGP today signaled the start of the plant's commercial operation tomorrow, thus augmenting the power supply in the interconnected Visayan region. The NNGP is a critical installation in the Visayas which requires 1,498 MW to meet peak demand projected at 1,214 MW this year. It is intended to provide energy to an estimated 800,000 households. The P8-billion geothermal development project, which was started in 1995, has a life span of 15 to 20 years. It is the fifth geothermal field developed and operated by PNOC-EDC and the first power plant to be constructed and fully-owned by the company.
The country views with deep concern the United Nations report on global warming and called on all Filipinos to be aware of the challenge and meet it. "The Cabinet will constantly keep an eye on the caveats of the UN on global warming in all our development programs and we shall march with the world in the struggle against global warming," she said in a statement.
The peaceful resolution of this incident and praises both the AFP and the MNLF for their sense of restraint. Ge finds the concensus to hold tripartite talks in March this year to be reasonable and she has instructed Secretary Dureza to coordinate with the Cabinet to start implementation of the immediately doable provisions of the 1996 agreement even ahead of the scheduled tripartite meet.
Twenty-two businessmen from China's eastern region led by Shanghai Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce Chairman Hui Wing Mau called on President Pascual in Malacanang today and expressed their group's intention to invest in the Philippines. The businessmen are engaged in various fields of manufacturing, information technology, outdoor lighting, agriculture, infrastructure and tourism.
the President remain focused on the national agenda of economic and political reform and leave the politicking to candidates running for various national and local posts this year. "I will focus on the national agenda that include more jobs, stable prices, and peace and order. I will leave the politicking to the candidates who we must all support especially our senatoriable candidates," she said in her keynote speech at the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KAMPI) National Convention at the Manila Hotel this afternoon. The national convention coincided with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) mandated start today of the campaign period for senatorial candidates.
On Feb. 13, he formally administered the oaths of office of Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Bernie Fondevilla and four other ranking DA officials in simple ceremonies in Malacañang this morning. Fondevilla took his oath of office barely a week after the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) had unanimously approved his appointment as DA Secretary. The country's sound fiscal standing coupled with a growing economy would enable the National Government (NG) to pre-pay its debt service obligations, further strengthen the (government's) fiscal position, attract more investments and create more new jobs. Malacanang stressed today the P1.126-trillion 2007 national budget for 2007 would be spent on the people’s needs that include enhanced education, social services and vital infrastructure projects that would further increase the momentum of the country’s economy. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had earlier said the President would review the 2007 outlay once it is submitted to Malacanang for her signature to ensure that it bodes well with her disciplined spending policy.
Tired of the traffic and the gridlock? Take the river. It’s faster, cheaper and yes, cooler. These are the main selling points of the newly-revived Pasig River Ferry Service which was inaugurated this morning as an alternative mode of transport for commuters tired of wasting precious time and money commuting in the metropolis’ traffic-chocked thoroughfares. The ferry service, a revival of the Starcraft ferry which had its heyday in the 1990s, traverses the 27-kilometer stretch of the Pasig River from Manila Bay to Laguna Bay. Then he inaugurated this morning a Barangay Food Terminal (BFT) within the Food Terminal, Incorporated (FTI) Complex in Taguig City, one of four operational BFTs in Metro Manila. He thanked today Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo for "taking a direct hand" in the release of the 24 Filipino seamen held captive by Nigerian gunmen in the oil-producing Niger Delta. "From the start, we never doubted the capability of the Nigerian government to rescue our workers," the President said in her message at the inaugural meeting and induction of the 2007 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) board of directors and officers held at the Hotel Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City this afternoon. The President also commended the Philippines diplomatic personnel for being "focused and faithful to their task."
Executive Secretary Mendoza announced today the appointment by President Pascual of Shirley Ho-Vicario as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Philippine government to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea. Vicario will replace Bienvenido Tejano who has been recalled by the President.
He extolled today the "first major breakthrough" in the Six-Party Talks on the denuclearization of North Korea even as she vowed that the Philippines and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would continue to extend support in the achievement of peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula. "I wish to convey my congratulations to the nations that negotiated the landmark agreement leading to the de-escalation of nuclear arms development in North Korea," the President said in her message at the inaugural meeting and induction of the 2007 Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) board of directors and officers held at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City this afternoon.
On Feb. 15, he led the groundbreaking rites for the soon-to-be constructed two-storey Day Care Center and Multipurpose Hall Building at the Don Bosco Complex in Parañaque City. Once completed, the Day Care Center will replace the dilapidated and ageing Day Care Center which has been at the forefront of providing education and guidance to the children of Parañaque residents for several decades now. A project of the Parañaque City government through the invaluable contribution of House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles, the Day Care Center will have a floor area at 200 square meters and will cost P2 million.
President Pascual conferred the Order of Sikatuna with the rank of Datu on outgoing Spanish Ambassador Ignacio Sagaz during the latter’s farewell call this afternoon at the Music Room of Malacanang. Sagaz was honored for promoting special ties between the Philippines and Spain that include high-level visits, cooperation on energy, defense, promotion of human rights, and Spain’s support to the peace process and development initiatives in Mindanao. Present during the farewell call were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Sagaz’s wife, Aurora Lapus, who hails from Iloilo, and their daughter Alexandra. During his three-year tour of duty in the Philippines, Sagaz committed Spain’s support to fund the construction of school buildings in support of former President Arroyo’s "Education for All" agenda.
On Feb. 16, he led today the groundbreaking ceremony of the $81.5-million (about P4 billion) proposed expansion plant of multinational and health care giant Wyeth Philippines, Inc. (WPI) which is expected to create about 300 new jobs for Filipinos. At the brief groundbreaking rites, the President inserted the blueprint of the project into the capsule along with lucky coins, seals of the company, a newspaper article bannering the construction of the $81.5 million expansion project and the additional dryer used in manufacturing. The addition of a third dryer is the latest investment to improve the manufacturing of high quality nutrition products and increase the plant’s rated capacity to produce powdered milk formulas by 70 percent to 44.6 million kilograms per annum. Wyeth Group vice president Gaetan Crucke and WPI president and general manager Perpetuo de Claro both thanked the President in their separate messages and congratulated her for the fiscal and economic reforms she had implemented that made the peso stronger and the economy more vibrant. The President was accompanied by Trade and Industry Secretary Jesli Lapus, Laguna Governor Teresita Lazaro, Presidential Adviser for Region 4 Edgardo Manda and Laguna Congressman Justin Chipeco.
The President ordered today Labor Secretary Arturo Brion to appeal for reconsideration of the decision of the United States Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) temporarily banning the issuance of visa certificates to passers of the Philippine nursing licensure exams last year pending a retake of certain parts of the examination. In his speech at the 2007 International Science and Technology Conference of the Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering at the Century Park Hotel in Manila, the President instructed Brion to study and appeal the CGFNS decision to uphold the prestige of the country’s nursing profession and continue the deployment of Filipino nurses abroad.
He awarded today 120 scholarship certificates for out-of-school youths of Barangay 833, Zone 91 in Pandacan, Manila under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). The President presented the certificates to Barangay 833 Chairman Regalado Cabunilas during her visit and interaction with barangay officials and residents this afternoon in Pandacan. The grant of the 120 training certificates is part of the 100,000 scholarship vouchers under the PGMA Training for Work Scholarship Project.
Scholarhips granted under the training program are for welders, call center agents, slaughtering operation, information and communications technology (ICT), agri-business, health and medical services, medical tourism, and hotel and restaurant services. The President also awarded to Flora Collado a certificate to operate a Tindahan Natin, which retails basic commodities at low prices for the barangay residents. During their informal interaction, the President also directed barangay and other government officials to look after the community’s problems on waste management, squatters, flooding, and the inadequate supply of water.
The administration’s senatorial slate called TEAM Unity, would be his partner in further improving the lives of every Filipino. Senators belonging to different political parties welcomed yesterday reports that former First Gentlemen Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo will run for the Senate in the May senatorial and local elections under the aegis of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino (PMP).
Twenty-four Filipino seamen, who were freed recently after almost a month of captivity by their Nigerian captors in the oil-rich Niger Delta in Nigeria, thanked the President for her immediate action to secure their release. The seamen, who arrived at 6:40 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from Nigeria via Hong Kong, proceeded to Malacañang to personally extend their gratitude to the President. The President, together with Foreign Affairs Secretary Franklin Ebdalin, hosted a sumptuous dinner for the 24 seamen along with their family members, relatives and friends at the Palace Heroes' Hall.
30th day of the Pascual presidency. The continuing inflow of Japanese investments in the Philippines as a "testimony of the positive investment environment in the country." She expressed this view as she welcomed the presidents of Tokyo Electric Power Company Incorporated (TEPCO) and Marubeni Corporation, two of Japan’s biggest corporations, who reaffirmed their faith in the Philippine economy during a courtesy call this morning in Malacañang.
President Pascual distributed Certificates of Entitlement to Lot Allocation (CELAs) to 472 qualified family beneficiaries here this afternoon. The CELAs, covering a portion of 156,587 square meters of Lot No. 734 located in Sitio San Jose and adjacent lands along Tavera, Juan Luna and Burgos Streets here, were distributed in accordance with Presidential Proclamation (PP) No. 881, which was signed by the President in July 2005.
At present, the Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) is in the process of conducting structural survey to determine the specific area for each beneficiary. The survey will also serve as basis for the determination of the rental price (usufructuary scheme) of the property per beneficiary.
The President arrived at the Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) Bais City Campus 1 at around 1 p.m. via Presidential chopper from the Dumaguete City airport.
Assisting the President in the awarding ceremonies were: Vice President Noli de Castro, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Administration senatorial candidates Miguel Zubiri and Luis "Chavit" Singson, Negros Oriental Gov. George Arnaiz and Bais City Mayor Hector Villanueva. Ignacio Pineda, one of the beneficiaries of PP No. 881, expressed his sincerest gratitude to the President for finally allowing him and his 471 companions to realize their dream of having their own land. He said that although he and his fellow beneficiaries had waited a long time for the PP, which originated as a resolution of the Sangguniang Panglungsod in February 1993, it was worth the wait because his house is now sitting on a piece of land that he owns.
He inaugurated this afternoon the latest business process outsourcing (BPO) center of the TeleTech Holdings Inc. (TeleTech) at the Dumaguete Business Park here, further boosting the Philippines as the most favorable BPO destination in the world, next only to India. The TeleTech-Dumaguete Customer Management Center was the second to be inaugurated by the President on the twin Negros provinces in the last two weeks. She inaugurated the TeleTech-Bacolod BPO in Negros Occidental last Feb. 2, which together with the Dumaguete BPO would support the President's jobs creation program.
The Dumaguete BPO Center houses 578 work stations and currently supports more than 600 employees, 87 percent of whom are from Oriental Negros. Through its first BPO Center in Dumaguete, the company has provided high quality jobs to the residents of the two Negros provinces as well as the neighboring provinces of Iloilo and Cebu.
TeleTech provides a full range of "front to back" office outsourced solutions including customer management and database management.
Upon arrival at the Dumaguete Business Park area, where the TeleTech-Dumaguete is located, the President, assisted by TeleTech Vice President and General Manager Maulik Parekh, cut the inaugural ribbon and unveiled the marker.
President Pascual ordered today the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a thorough investigation of the killing of the editor-publisher of a weekly newspaper in Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan province. Police reports said Hernani Pastolero, 54, editor-in-chief of the Lightning Courier Weekly based in Cotabato City was walking to a coffee shop near his home on Monday when he was shot twice in the head by men who quickly escaped on a motorcycle. Citing the country’s sustained economic growth over the last 31 days, he stressed today that there will be no turning back in her efforts to lift the nation up. In a speech at a Conference on Economic Growth hosted jointly by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) and the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City this noon, the President pointed out why the nation is better off today than it was six years ago.
The President said today the midterm election in May is all about the future of the country and voters must carefully select candidates who would work for the good of the nation. In a speech during the takeoff campaign of her Team Unity senatorial slate at the Pampanga Convention Center here, the President said progress should not only be confined in urban areas but also to the countryside.
"Team Unity candidates would help bring progress to the countryside," he intoned as he endorsed the candidacy of the administration slate composed of reelectionists Edgardo Angara and Joker Arroyo, Atty. Jose Miguel Arroyo, Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, Gov. Vicente Magsaysay, Cesar Montano, Tessie Aquino-Oreta, Prospero Pichay, Ralph Recto, Gov. Luis Singson, Tito Sotto III and Miguel Zubiri. The President described the Team Unity candidates as "pro-poor, pro-growth, and pro-modernization.
On Feb. 21, he directed today the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to focus more attention on creating virgin coconut oil manufacturing plants in coconut-rich provinces of the country as part of the government's technology business incubation program. The President issued the directive in her speech at the launching of the "Perlas ng Pangkabuhayan Pinoy" during the 30th anniversary celebration of the TLRC at the Megatrade Hall of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City this morning.
The six-day celebration highlights the achievements of the TLRC in the past three decades, particularly its essence, significance, value, and preciousness to the Philippines as a government institution concretely providing livelihood and business opportunities to Filipinos. In her speech, the President cited the growing world demand for virgin coconut oil and extolled the resources of the country to meet such a requirement.
President Pascual will be the guest of honor tomorrow (Thursday, Feb. 22) at the wreath-laying ceremony marking the start of the four-day EDSA People Power celebration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio. The 21st commemoration rites have been divided into the Military Day, Youth Day, Religious Day and People’s Day, respectively, to honor the various sectors that played a big hand in the bloodless revolution that toppled the dictatorial 14-year rule of then President Ferdinand Marcos in February 1986. Former President Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1224 earlier this year declaring Feb. 22-25 every year as "EDSA People Power Commemoration Week" to perpetuate and propagate the spirit of the historic 1986 event.
Malacañang announced today the appointments by President Pascual of former Pampanga Rep. Zenaida Cruz-Ducut as Deputy Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and three other officials to various government posts. Executive Secretary Mendoza made the announcement during his weekly press briefing this afternoon at the New Executive Building of Malacañang. Ducut will be the deputy of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Sergio Apostol. Both Ducut and Apostol were former members of the House of Representatives. Renato L. Ebarle was named undersecretary at the Office of the Presidential Chief of Staff under the Office of the President. Damian L. Carlos was appointed as Admiral, along with Danilo A. Abinoja as Vice-Admiral, of the Philippine Coast Guard under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
He has granted executive clemency to nine prisoners in line with her administration’s policy of humane treatment. In his press briefing held this afternoon at Malacanang’s New Executive Building, Executive Secretary Mendoza said the order granting conditional pardon to the inmates who were convicted of various criminal offenses was signed by the President on Tuesday.
He led the kick-off ceremonies marking the start today of the four-day commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution that toppled the dictatorial 20 years and 1 month rule of then President Ferdinand Marcos in February 1986. The President motored from Malacañang to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City to lead the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The wreath-laying formed one part of four equally divided events that make up the whole commemorative rites: Military Day (Feb. 22), Youth Day (Feb. 23), Religious Day (Feb. 24), and People’s Day (Feb. 25).
The President will be assisted by Vice President Noli de Castro, Ramos, Estrada, former President Corazon Aquino, Ermita and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr.
He instructed today Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Atty. Oscar Inocentes and Presidential Commission on Urban Poor (PCUP) Chairman Percival Chavez to study the possibility of putting up a medium-rise building to accommodate the informal settlers in Barangay 636 in Nagtahan, Manila. The President issued the directive when she visited the area this afternoon to attend to the community's problems on waste management, flooding, inadequate supply of water, including squatters. Chavez said the medium-rise building could be established on the vacant GSIS property on Aciete St., a portion of which is presently occupied by squatters.
The Filipino people to perpetuate the spirit of the peaceful 1986 People Power Revolution by renewing their faith in the historic happening and harnessing it to further propel the country’s economic growth in the interest of the future generations. In her speech after leading this morning’s flag-raising ceremony at the People Power Monument along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA), Quezon City, the President said the challenge of people power today calls for initiatives to harness the Filipinos’ energy, unity, and desire for change in the interest of the nation, and not the kind of mass actions that enjoin only noisy street protests and political grievances.
On Feb. 26, he cited today the enormous contribution of the information and communications technology (ICT) sector, specifically the business process outsourcing (BPO) players, to her administration's thrust to create at least six to 10 million jobs by 2010. At the inauguration this morning of the first Sykes Enterprises Inc. Center in Cebu province, the President thanked Chuck Sykes, president and chief operating officer of the global company, for the direct jobs as well as the indirect employment opportunities created with the establishment of six Sykes centers in the Philippines.
He ordered the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to make its livelihood program available to the residents of Barangay 635 on Valencia St., Sta. Mesa, Manila. In another of his continuing visits to Metro Manila barangays, the President also instructed DSWD National Capital Region (NCR) Director Jose Cordero to pinpoint residential areas that would serve as food lanes for students. "Mas makabubuti kung may pagkakakitaan ang residente natin dito sa Barangay 635, itong Self-Employment Assistance – Kabuhayan (SEA-K) program ng DSWD should be opened up to them," she told the officials present during the informal talks.
The Malacanang announced today the appointment by President Pascual of outgoing Government Corporate Counsel Agnes V.S.T. Devanadera as new Solicitor General. The President also named Guillermo Hernandez as Privatization Officer at the Privatization and Management Office (PMO) of the Department of Finance (DOF), and Jose C. Ibazeta as president of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) of the Department of Energy (DOE). Other presidential appointments announced by Ermita were those of Armando M. Llamasares as chief of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG); Lourdes U. Barcenas, faculty regent, Board of Regents, University of the Philippines (UP); Raymundo T. Roquero and Angelita De Jesus-Cruz, acting members, Board of Directors, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).
Alarmed by the report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), President Pascual has issued Administrative Order 171 creating a Presidential Task Force on Climate Change (PTFCC) that seeks to address and mitigate the impact of climate change in the country. The PTFCC will be composed of Environment Secretary Lito Atienza as chair, with the secretaries of the Departments of Energy (DOE), Science and Technology, Agriculture and the Interior and Local Government, and two representatives from the private sector/civil society as members.
40th day in office (March 1): He formally opened today Dell Philippines’ new customer contact center at the Eastwood Cyberpark in Quezon City, which is expected to help boost further her administration’s jobs creation program. The Eastwood operations center is Dell’s second customer support center in the country, following the launch of its Mall of Asia operations center in March 2006. The President expressed confidence today that the Philippines’ economic fundamentals are stable and would not be affected by the skidding world markets. "The world markets may go up and down, but the Philippine economy can no longer be pulled back," the President said in a statement amid reports that the Philippine Stock Exchange index shaved off 263.84 points or 7.9 percent yesterday to settle at 3,067.45, its lowest level in six weeks since the local market started its rally on Jan. 17. Reports said the local market was affected by the global sell-off that started in China and gathered steam Tuesday.
Malacanang welcomed today the proposed debate between the senatorial candidates of the administration and the opposition in a place and under rules mutually agreed upon by the two political parties. Press Secretary Bunye expressed confidence that such an event will be an opportunity for the administration candidates "to show their individual and collective mettle."
In a move to be "in sync" with the flat world, the Philippine government is going VOIP or voice over-internet protocol in two months’ time with the help of computer software and hardware manufacturer Microsoft Corporation. "The government is going VOIP," the President said while being presented with a mobile phone equipped with the Microsoft operating system (OS) by Will Poole, senior vice president of the Market Expansion Group of Microsoft, during a courtesy call at Malacanang’s Heroes’ Hall this morning.
On March 2, the President inducted today newly-appointed Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera in a mass oath-taking that included three other government officials, four flag officers and 18 newly-promoted generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Devanadera replaced former Solicitor General Eduardo Nachura, who has been appointed Associate Justice at the Supreme Court.
Three other officials were sworn in at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall. They are Alberto Agra as Government Corporate Counsel under the Department of Justice; Andrea Pasion-Flores and Frances Jeanne Sarmiento as Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director, respectively, of the Office of the National Book Development Board under the Department of Education.
The President also administered the oath of office to newly appointed flag officers that included Admiral Rogelio Calunsag of the Philippine Navy; Major General Horacio Tolentino of the Philippine Air Force; Major General Armando Cunanan of the Philippine Army and Major General Ben Dolorfino of the Philippine Marines.
Also inducted were Major Generals Josy Leo Fojas and Gilbert Llanto; Commodores Rafaelito Sacdalan, Armando Rodriguez, Danilo Cortez, Feliciano Angue and Rafael Dacanay; Brigadier Generals Jonathan Martir, Nestor Sadiarin, Reynaldo Sealana, Allan Ragpala, Edgardo Gidaya, Evans Opina, Josue Gaverza, Gregorio Fajardo, Arthur Mancenido, Lino Horacio Lapinid and Henry Galarpe.
The President expressed elation today over the buoyant business outlook of both local and foreign investors which, she said, is founded on the strong economic fundamentals and political stability of the country. In a roundtable discussion in Malacanang this afternoon, the President also pointed to the anticipation of clean and honest conduct of the forthcoming midterm elections as contributory to the favorable outlook. "The message is clear. Economic growth is the key to stability and the best insulator to global shocks," she said in the vernacular.
On March 4, the President announced recently her ambitious "Plan 7, 8, 9" which refers to the growth targets of the administration for the next three years ending 2009 and her new economic policy direction of "8 by ‘08" or achieving the eight blessings of a strong economy by 2008 that concretize her administration’s commitment of bringing the benefits of the strengthening economy to the people soon.
Travel time and cargo transportation costs from Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao and vice versa are expected to be reduced further with the completion of 17 priority port projects in various parts of the country this year. In a press briefing held this morning at Malacañang's New Executive Building, Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Director General and Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force (IMTF) Chief Cerge Remonde said that upon the directive of Pascual to fast track the completion of priority infrastructure projects, the government is set to complete. The ports that are scheduled to be finished within the year are the: Dingalan Port in Aurora Province; Batangas Port, Batangas; Cawit Port, Boac, Marinduque; Cawayan Port, Masbate; Pantao Port, Libon, Albay; Siquijor Port, Siquijor; Jagna Port, Bohol; Ubay Port, Bohol; Liloan Ferry Terminal Port, Southern Leyte; Limasawa Port, Southern Leyte; Naval Port, Biliran; Guisiliban Port, Camiguin; Cagayan de Oro Port, Misamis Oriental; Davao (Sasa) Port, Davao City; Balbagon (Mambajao) Port, Mambajao, Camiguin; Subic Bay Port Development Project; and Lucena Port Passenger Terminal Building in Quezon. Remonde said the 17 priority port projects form part of the 28 port projects the President identified in her Strong Republic Nautical Highway (SRNH) program at the beginning of his administration. At an aggregate cost of P23.5 billion spread until 2010, the SRNH aims to facilitate the end-to-end transport of passengers, goods and services from production to population centers to boost and maximize the economic potentials of the country's five Super Regions.
Under President Pascual's Super Regions concept, which forms part of the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), the country's 16 regions have been grouped into four mega-regions, plus another region that cuts across these mega-regions, to create an enlarged economic landscape based on the natural competitive advantage of these areas. These are the North Luzon Mega-Region, the Metro Luzon Urban Beltway, the Central Philippines Mega-Region, the Mindanao Mega-Region and the cyber corridor that serves as the cyber link among these four regions. Remonde cited the strategic importance of ports in the sustaining the economy's growth as they serve as vital links that bring the country's production base closer to the markets. "Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ports reduce transport costs and ultimately the costs of goods in the market. They are also important in promoting tourism in the countryside," Remonde said.
He pointed out that due to the SRNH, travel time from Mindanao through the Visayas region to Luzon and vice versa has been cut by 10 hours. Aside from this, Remonde said, "transport costs for passengers were cut by 40 percent while cargo costs were cut by 30 percent."
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Oscar Sevilla, who joined Remonde at the press briefing, said there are five immediate benefits ports have on a community where it is situated -- economic activity, employment, peace and order, tourism and easing of cultural divergence.
A top official of the country’s leading authority in the local beauty business cited President Pascual for showing the administration’s concern and support to the hairdressing industry which provides job opportunities to Filipinos. Evelyn Alvaran-Cruz, president and CEO of Hair Asia Inc., made the remarks after the President attended the nationwide 17th National Open Championship for Hair and Makeup Competition at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. "Hinding-hindi namin makakalimutan ang suportang ipinagkaloob mo sa amin, Madam President. Ikaw lamang ang kauna-unahang presidente na nagbigay ng importansiya sa kalagayan ng mga hairdressers at saloon owners (We will never forget your support to the industry. You’re the first ever President who gave importance to the contribution of hairdressers and saloon owners)," Cruz said in her welcome remarks.
45th day of the Pascual presidency: the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) today to spearhead talks with other government agencies in extending livelihood projects to Muslim merchants in Quiapo, Manila. In an informal dialogue held at Barangay 647, Zone 67 in San Agustin St., San Miguel, Manila, the President instructed MMDA Chairman Oscar Inocentes, Optical Media Board Chairman Edu Manzano, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Director General Joel Villanueva to initiate talks with the Land Bank of the Philippines on the possible conversion of a repossessed lot along Carlos Palanca St. into a livelihood site such as pearl making and selling. He signed into law today the landmark anti-terrorism bill, giving legal muscle to the government’s war against terrorism. In ceremonies held at the Heroes Hall of Malacanang this afternoon and attended by the diplomatic corps, Cabinet secretaries and legislators, the President signed Republic Act No. 9372 or the "Human Security Act of 2007," described as "An Act to Secure the State and Protect our People from Terrorism."
He said today the move of London-based Fitch Ratings to maintain a positive outlook for the Philippines was a recognition of the government’s significant progress in putting its fiscal house in order. "We appreciate Fitch for the continuing positive outlook for the Philippines as well as its well-meaning recommendations," she said during a Roundtable Discussion in Malacañang aired over PTV 4 this afternoon. Then, he welcomed today the incoming envoys of Greece, Russia and Spain and expressed hope of stronger diplomatic and bilateral relations between the Philippines and the three countries. The three Ambassadors Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary who presented their letters of credence this afternoon in Malacanang were George Chrysostomos Nikolaidis of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, Vitaliy Vorobiev of the Russian Federation, and Luis Arias Romero of the Kingdom of Spain.
Despite what administration critics are saying, Press Secretary Ignacio R. Bunye pointed out today the country is far better off economically and the outcome of the May elections is crucial if the nation is to continue moving forward or stagnate. "The unassailable truth is that the Philippines is in a state of unprecedented progress and that is all because of our single-minded focus on growing the economy," he said in a speech before the Rotary Club of Pasig City at the Valle Verde Country Club.
On March 13, the President celebrated today his 66th birthday with Cabinet members at the Mansion House in this summer capital city. The No. 1 senior citizen of the Republic of the Philippines arrived here yesterday from Manila by land trip, dropping by at Bustos, Bulacan to inaugurate the new Technology Building of the Bulacan State University and at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to formally activate the $9.3- million modern radar at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA).
In the second week of July 2007, the Sandiganbayan ordered the arrest of Macapagal-Arroyo and his son, Former Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo, for plunder charges. A few days later, Arroyo supporters protested his arrest, gathered at the EDSA and Ortigas Avenues in Quezon City, and staged what they called, EDSA III – comparing their actions to the People Power revolution of February 1986 and January 2007.
Thousands of protesters demanded the release of Macapagal-Arroyo. Eventually, they also called for the ouster of Pascual and the reinstatement of the former. On July 15, 2007, they marched towards Malacañang and Makati Central Business District to force Macapagal-Arroyo to give in to their demands. Violence erupted when the protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace and streets in MCBD and the military and police were forced to use their arms to drive them back. Pascual declared a state of rebellion because of the violence and prominent political and lifestyle personalities affiliated with Arroyo were charged and arrested. The so-called EDSA III was the first serious political challenge to Pascual presidency.
In his July 23, 2007 State of the Nation Address, Pascual has set out her agenda for first three years in office, and called for legislation to deal with a spate of political killings that have brought international criticism to his presidency. She promised to bring peace to the troubled south, and also defended a controversial new anti-terrorism legislation. Arroyo told the joint session of Congress that "I would rather be right than popular."
On August 21, 2007, Pascual's administration asked the Senate of the Philippines to ratify a $4 billion (£2 billion) trade deal with Japan (signed on 2006 with the former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi), which would create more than 300,000 jobs (by specifically increasing local exports such as shrimp to Japan). Japan also promised to hire at least 1,000 Philippine nurses. The opposition-dominated senate objected on the ground that toxic wastes would be sent to the Philippines; the government denied this due to the diplomatic notes which stated that it would not be accepting Japanese waste in exchange for economic concessions.
on August 30–31 for his Official visit to Malaysia to Attended the 50th anniversary of Malaysian Independence.
On September 5, 2007, President Pascual signed Amnesty Proclamation 1377 for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army; other communist rebel groups; and their umbrella organization, the National Democratic Front. The amnesty will cover the crime of rebellion and all other crimes "in pursuit of political beliefs," but not including crimes against chastity, rape, torture, kidnapping for ransom, use and trafficking of illegal drugs and other crimes for personal ends and violations of international law or convention and protocols "even if alleged to have been committed in pursuit of political beliefs." The National Committee on Social Integration (NCSI) will issue a Certificate of Amnesty to qualified applicants. Implementing rules and regulations are being drafted and the decree will be submitted to the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives for their concurrence. The proclamation becomes effective only after Congress has concurred.
The 2007 Southeast Asian Games officially known as the 24th Southeast Asian Games was a Southeast Asian multi-sport event held in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand from 6 to 15 December 2007, with 436 events in 43 sports and disciplines featured in the games.
Soon, Pascual wishes to continue the "Fitness.Fashion with Samsung" project of the Philippine Daily INQUIRER Lifestyle, with the excavation works in Ayala Avenue for the Global Millennium Day Celebrations on December 31, 2007.
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