FVR thumbs down PNoy resign calls

'Baka sino naman dyan ang papalit,' says former president

 

 MANILA - Former President Fidel V. Ramos stopped by to greet participants of the #link4justice interfaith prayers at Camp Crame on Wednesday.

Ramos, who was on his way to a Mass for the fallen Special Action Forces (SAF), challenged the government to "come out with the truth" on the Jan 25 Mamasapano tragedy.

He also called on protesters to "fight for the truth" but warned against calls for President Aquino's resignation.

"Baka sino naman dyan ang papalit," he said.

The former President leaned out the window of his SUV, while talking to protesters and journalists.

He brushed off statements of government officials, including Senate President Franklin Drilon, to "move on."

"Move on kamo? Tuwid na daan kamo?" Ramos said. "The road to hell is straight."

Ramos also said protests should not just be about the Mamasapano incident, but also other problems such as corruption.

"We should clean up society. Hindi lang Mamasapano. Pati yang DAP [Disbursement Acceleration Program] at PDAF [Priority Development Assistance Fund]!" he said, referring to the pork scandals that have been exposed in the last two years.

The Philippines is celebrating on Wednesday the 29th anniversary of the People Power revolution which brought down the Marcos dictatorship.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

PNoy signs anti-lemon bill into law

MANILA - President Aquino has signed the anti-lemon bill into law, which protects car owners from brand new but defective motor vehicles.

Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar, chairman of the House committee on trade and industry and one of the principal authors of the bill, welcomed the passage of the law.

“We’re happy with the recent signing of the Anti-Lemon Law. The State declares to promote full protection of the rights of consumers in the sale of motor vehicles against trade practices which are deceptive, unfair or otherwise inimical to the consumers and the public interest,” he said.

Under the law, anyone who purchases a brand new car and experiences defects within a year after purchase would be able to secure a refund or replacement of the unit if repairs prove useless.

Lemon refers to brand new vehicles that fail to meet the standards of quality and performance.

Villar said owning a car is not considered a luxury but more of a necessity.

“Coping with this necessity does not come cheap. Owning a motor vehicle is a big investment and could take a substantial chunk of one’s savings. For some unfortunate buyers, an investment in this endeavor has become for naught after they acquired a lemon,” he said.

Under the law, a car qualifies as a lemon if it has been repaired four or more times for the same defect within the warranty period, which is 12 months after purchase or the first 20,000 kilometers of operation.

Villar said the Anti-Lemon Law originated in the US primarily to return to the consumer the full value of his or her money in the purchase of a poor-quality car.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Climate change destroying Philippine beaches?

MANILA - President Aquino on Monday sounded the alarm on possible loss of Philippine beaches due to the effects of climate change.

In a speech to the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) - ASEAN International Conference on Tourism and Climate Change, President Aquino pointed out that Philippine tourist destinations are at risk from the effects of climate change.

"It is true: We have some of the best beaches and dive spots in the world. Sadly, these areas are also the ones most vulnerable to climate risk-whether in the form of loss of biodiversity or coastal erosion. Our immediate response: To plan ahead and reduce the impact of the effects of climate change on our tourist destinations, amongst others," he said.

Aquino said the Philippine government has included climate change adaptation and mitigation, as well as disaster risk reduction and management, among the major considerations for future development.

He said his administration plans to mainstream climate change adaptation with local, sectoral, and national plans "all of which will consequently guide the development of tourist destinations and tourism activities per locality."

"With the increasing risks of climate change, this is something we encourage other ASEAN-member countries, as well as countries around the world, to look into," he said.

Aquino pointed out that climate change may come at the cost of national development if unchecked.

"Ignoring this problem means that the increasingly frequent and intense storms will continue to make landfall in our countries; changes in temperatures will continue to decrease our water supply and threaten our food security; and island countries, such as those in the South Pacific, will continue to worry that, within the span of a few decades, their countries may be consumed by the rising water levels and, eventually, cease to exist."

He also used the occasion to tout the administration's achievements in tourism.

Last year, the Philippines welcomed 4.68 million international tourists or nearly ten percent higher than the previous year.

In 2011, the Philippines beat the initial 2016 target of 35.5 million domestic travelers, recording 37.5 million in 2011 alone.

"Allow me to repeat that: We met our target for 2016 five years ahead of schedule. This pushed us to set our sights higher. Now we have increased our 2016 target to 56.1 million domestic travelers, and we will remain in active pursuit of this target as well," President Aquino said.

The main objectives of the conference are to analyze the impact of climate change on tourism, especially in the Asia Pacific region; and to strengthen the sector's ability to address the threats and challenges of climate change.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Palace releases PNoy photo with Janet Napoles

MANILA - Malacañang on Thursday released photographs of President Aquino with Janet Napoles, her husband Jimmy and daughter Jeane, along with several others taken in a function in Cebu in November 2012.

It also included a group photo of Aquino with Napoles and fashion designer Renee Salud.

In releasing the batch of 24 photos, the Palace wanted to show that President Aquino only obliged to photo requests of several people even without knowing them personally.

The Palace reiterated that Aquino did not know Napoles personally.

"He doesn't know them personally. He still didn't know them personally," said Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) Secretary Ricky Carandang.

"I've shown some of those photos and it's really just a question of her going and asking for the picture. He didn't even know who she was," he added.

The Palace released the photos after a picture of Aquino with Jeane Napoles surfaced on social media.

Following this, however, the Palace will not set restrictions on people who wish to pose for pictures with the President, saying politicians normally oblige to photo requests.


"Mahirap gawin 'yon. Kung magpunta ka sa isang event--at alam niyo naman, nakasama na rin kayo sa ilang mga event ni Presidente--marami talagang nagpapa-picture sa kanya and let's not just limit it to the President. You're a senator, you're a congressman, when you go to a public event, talagang nagpapa-picture ang tao sa inyo," Carandang said.

"And, I know this from experience ha, 'pag hindi ka pumayag magpa-picture, minsan magagalit pa sila. I think it's the right of our people, if they want to get pictures taken."

Carandang stressed that a photograph with Napoles doesn't necessarily mean guilt.

"The public understands that a picture with someone does not mean that they are guilty. Now, if there are funds that were allegedly misspent, ibang issue po 'yon," Carandang said.

"Pero I think the public will understand, regardless of who it is, na kung... may nagpa-picture sa'yo, na hindi mo naman kilala, hindi mo naman masisisi 'yung isang pulitiko na nagpa-picture siya."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kris: Mom proud of PNoy

MANILA - President Aquino and his sisters, Ballsy, Viel and Kris, as well as close friends of the Aquinos and some members of the Cabinet, were at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City Wednesday morning to commemorate the 3rd death anniversary of former President Cory Aquino.

Fr. Catalino Arevalo, the spiritual adviser of the Aquino family, celebrated the mass. Fr. Arevalo's homily centered on how the gift of life of "Tita Cory" enabled our country to come together.

After the Mass, Kris, speaking on behalf of the family, said she is positive their mom is proud of what a good president her "Kuya Noy" has become.

She also jokingly said that her mom must also be so happy to see her grandson Josh lose 50 pounds.

On Wednesday afternoon, President Aquino and his sisters will also unveil a bust of their mother as well as a mini photo-exhibit at the Our Lady of Edsa Shrine in Mandaluyong City.

The Mass this afternoon will be officiated by Most Rev. Gabriel Reyes, Bishop of the Diocese of Antipolo City, and Fr. Leo Nilo Mangussad.

article source: abs-cbnnews.com

Aquino Extends Greetings To Muslims

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno S. Aquino III has extended his warmest greetings to local Muslims in relation with "Maulidin Nabi" (Prophet Muhammad's birthday) Sunday, stressing the government "counts on your community to take part in building a nation of stability, prosperity, and amity."

"I extend my warmest greetings to the Muslim Filipino community on the occasion of Maulidin Nabi," Aquino said.

He reminded Muslims of the government's guiding principle -- straight and righteous path -- to attain national aspiration and reform.

"As one people, let us be galvanized by our sense of responsibility to serve the Almighty, our countrymen, and the Philippines," the Chief Executive said.

In a message through the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), the President noted the Muslims were prodded to reflect on the prophet's "exemplary qualities as a messenger of God."

The President said Muslims are still inspired by Muhammad's humility and patience, leading to a life of contentment and peace.

"His teachings also centered on brotherhood and harmony, as you live each day with your fellow Muslims, and neighbors of other faiths. May you exemplify the values and principles espoused by Muhammad, for we count on your community to take part in building a nation of stability, prosperity, and amity," Aquino said.

Scholars said if he were alive on Sunday (Feb. 5, 2012), Islam's prophet should be in his 1,442nd birth anniversary, having been born, they said, during the Hijrah calendar's 12th of Rabiul Awwal, year 570 CE.

Celebrating the prophet's birth is still a hotly debated issue among Islamic scholars, divided on the issue whether it is allowable or not.

In the Philippines, there are those who celebrate Maulidin Nabi, and there are those who forbid it.

The government, through the NCMF, headed by Secretary Bai Omera D. Dianalan Lucman, holds a simple program every year to remind Islam's local followers of the prophet's teachings, virtues, message, traditions, etc.

On Monday, Lucman will lead the observance, with Muslim religious leaders, to speak on the life and teachings of the prophet, what is called in the Holy Qur'an as "siratal mustaqim" or "straight path.”

source: mb.com.ph

Philippines to mark Independence Day

MANILA, Philippines — President Aquino will lead the celebration of the 113th proclamation of Philippine Independence in various sites Sunday, June 12, 2011.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said that simultaneous flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremonies will be held at the Rizal National Monument at the Rizal Park, the Emilio Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite and other important sites all over the country.

Aquino will lead the wreath-laying and flag-raising rites in Kawit at 6:30 a.m. in which he will deliver his Independence Day message.

At 7 a.m., all sea vessels and churches nationwide will blow fog horns, sirens and church bells to be led by the Philippine Coast Guard.

With the theme “Kalayaan: Paninindigan ng Bayan,” the celebration will showcase various activities led by different government agencies.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will take the lead in showcasing its Static Display, Kinetic Presentation, PMC Drum and Bugle Team Exhibition, and PMA silent drill, and a slow drill exhibition from the PNPA.

The Department of Labor and Employment will hold a whole-day job fair at the Fountain Area of the Rizal Park.

The Department of Tourism and NHCP will also spearhead the afternoon program which will start at 4 p.m at the Quirino Grandstand. There will be an arrival honors for the president followed by a “Parada ng Kalayaan.”

Some 1,000 Manila policemen will be deployed in Rizal Park and United States Embassy during the 113th celebration of Independence Day at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila Sunday, the Manila Police District said.

Also, at least 24,000 jobs are out for grabs in the government’s one-day Kalayaan Job Fair, which commemorates the Independence Day celebration, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) said.

Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz said that about 113 local, overseas, and government employers will participate in the job fair, which will be held Sunday at the Rizal Park in Manila from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The job fair was organized by the DoLE- National Capital Region (NCR) and the Bureau of Rural Workers (BWSC) with Special Concerns and is part of the government’s continuous project to facilitate work to job seekers. (with a report from Leonard Postrado)

Article Source - mb.com.ph

President Aquino's Statement on the August 23, 2010 hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand

The 2010 Manila hostage crisis happened on August 23, 2010, in front of the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, Philippines. The hostage crisis ended - Monday night with eight tourist hostages killed and seven injured, one is in a critical condition, Philippine government officials said.


Here is President Noynoy Aquino’s official statement regarding the hostage crisis that happened last August 23, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand:



"With the rest of the Filipino people, I wish to offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims whose lives were lost in the hostage situation at the Quirino Grandstand. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs has conveyed our deep feelings of sorrow to the Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China and the people of Hong Kong through Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald TsangDonald Tsang. I have tasked Secretaries Soliman and Lim to provide everything necessary for the recovery and return home of the survivors. I have directed the fullest cooperation with the Hong Kong authorities on the part of our officials.

From the onset of this incident, the hostage-taker seemed to not be belligerent, as shown by the release of hostages. These were encouraging signs.

We were going to wait him out. The idea was to let the ground commanders who are the experts in this field handle the operation with minimal interference from people who are less expert.

But the situation deteriorated rapidly when, during the course of the negotiations, he was given the letter of the Ombudsman in which she promised to personally review his case. As he was reading the contents of the letter, while talking to an unknown individual on the phone, he became increasingly agitated.

The presence of his brother also added to the tension.

At this point, he threatened to kill a hostage. The police decided to remove the brother from the scene. As the negotiators were departing, the negotiators were shot at.

Media coverage of his brother being taken into custody further agitated the hostage-taker.

Shots were fired. They seemed to be warning shots, as there was no audible indication of tumult or chaos to show that the hostages were in immediate danger.

Nonetheless, the negotiators tried to re-establish contact the hostage-taker but they were unsuccessful as the cell phone of the hostage-taker was continuously busy. He also refused to answer the throw-phone provided for him by the authorities.

The escape of the driver, combined with his reports that the hostages were being harmed, forced the assault to happen. When the vehicle began to move, and with reports that he had hand grenades, a decision was made to immobilize the vehicle as it would have made the situation even more dangerous.

As we know, the incident tragically ended in the deaths of eight innocent civilians.

We expect more of the facts to come to light and I have ordered Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to thoroughly lead this review."

-END-

more on http://www.gov.ph/