PNoy skips annual mass for dad to be with Robredo

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III skipped the annual mass for his father's death anniversary today to bring home to Naga his Cabinet member.

Aquino was supposed to attend the mass at the tomb of his parents, former President Cory Aquino and former Senator Ninoy Aquino this morning.

It was only his sisters and other relatives present at the tomb today.

Aquino immediately flew to Masbate upon learning of news that authorities have already recovered the body of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Ninoy Aquino died in 1983, the victim of an assassin's bullet, at the height of the Marcos regime.

Flags at half mast

Meanwhile, it was around noontime when the Palace engineering staff started to fly the Philippine flag at half staff inside the Palace Complex.

Top Palace officials, led by the President himself, were out of their offices for the day.

In a statement, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa called for prayers for Robredo and the two pilots, who figured in a plane crash on Saturday.

"Secretary Robredo was a dedicated public servant and a champion of good governance whose track record in public service has been an inspiration to all those who believe in government as an instrument for positive change,” he said.

Ochoa also expressed his condolences to the Robredos, as well as residents of Naga City, where Robredo was mayor prior to his appointment as Interior Secretary. He said they "lost a leader who tirelessly worked and contributed greatly to President Aquino's campaign for good governance as a means to improve the lives of our countrymen."

Budget Secretary Florencio Abadfor his part said, "Even as we grieve, we look forward to a Philippines that continues to be inspired by Sec. Jesse's passion for and commitment to public service. He was a rare man whose exemplary deeds spoke well and true for him. He will always be remembered as such"

Vice President Jejomar Binay also called for prayers for Robredo and the two pilots. "I urge everyone to pray for them, that they trust God's plan for all of us. They need our wholehearted prayers and support. I pray that the Almighty will embrace them and give them the strength they need in this time of grief."

source: abs-cbnnews.com

PNoy sees BPO sector growing into $25-B industry

The business process outsourcing sector will grow into a $25-billion industry by 2016, President Benigno Aquino III said Wednesday.

“By the time I step down in 2016, we are looking at revenues that will have more than doubled to 25 billion dollars and 4.5 million jobs–1.3 million directly as a result of the BPO sector and 3.2 million indirect jobs,” Aquino said in his speech Wednesday during the groundbreaking rites of Sutherland Global Services’ $50-million facility in Carmona, Cavite.

The new three-hectare, 8,000-seat facility will provide up to 24,000 new jobs, adding to the 13,000 to 15,000 now employed by Sutherland Global.

“Your effect on our economy extends much farther than the jobs you’re directly responsible for, Aquino noted.

“Again, on behalf of our people, I thank you for the role in growing our economy and, more importantly, for your belief in our countrymen, who have the skill, the creativity, and the work ethic to propel any company to even greater heights,” he added.

Through the Industry-based Training for Work Scholarship Program, the President said his administration is making sure that companies will find enough qualified workers in the country.

“We have set aside half a billion pesos for this program, and as of May 2012, we have disbursed P215 million of that,” Aquino said. “With the good work of TESDA Secretary Joel Villanueva behind me, close to 36,000 Filipinos have benefited from this program.”

“These efforts to keep companies like you here have manifested itself in billions of pesos and centavos,” he said.

“Thank you for believing that we are indeed open for business under new management. Rest assured that we will always endeavor to prove that your decision to come here was the right decision,” he added.

In 2011, the BPO sector earned $11 billion and was responsible for around 640,000 direct jobs.

Since July 2010, when Aquino took office, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) generated P465 billion in new investments equivalent to 23 percent of all investments in PEZA in the last 17 years. —VS, GMA News

source:gmanetwork.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

PNoy Confirms Dating Grace Lee

MANILA, Philippines — It’s confirmed.

President Benigno S. Aquino III admitted Wednesday he is dating Korean television and radio host Grace Lee.

“Well, we’re seeing each other,” was the 51-year-old bachelor President’s answer when asked on the real score between him and Grace Lee.

He, however, did not disclose other details, saying that he has a right to privacy.

“Sa Constitution po natin may nakalagay na privacy, eh. Baka pwedeng mabahaginan din ako ng karapatan na yon under Article III [There is a right to privacy under our Constitution. I hope you could accord me that right under Article III],” Aquino said, referring to the Bill of Rights under the 1987 Constitution.

For her part, Grace Lee affirmed that she is dating the Chief Executive.

“What the President said is true,” Lee said in the noontime newscast Balitanghali aired on GMA News TV Wednesday, where she hosts show business news Starbites.

“I don’t think may room for clarification kasi very simple and truthful naman yung sinabi ni Presidente [I don’t think there is any room for clarification because what the President said was simple and truthful],” she said.

Asked, however, when they started seeing each other, Lee’s only reply was “Secret.”

Earlier, Lee said she will leave it to the President to speak on the matter. The Palace had also been mum on the issue, saying that it does not comment on private matters concerning the President.

It was radio disc jockey Mo Twister, in his Twitter account, who revealed that he was able to make Grace Lee squeal on her date with the Chief Executive.

President Aquino and Grace Lee met in an event in Cebu last year. Lee was the event’s emcee and President Aquino acknowledged Lee as “gwapa” (beautiful) before he delivered his speech.

Several women had been linked to the President when he came into office, starting off with his former girlfriend, Valenzuela councilor Shalani Soledad, who is now married to Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo; stylist Liz Uy, stock broker Len Lopez, and teacher Bunny Calica.

President Aquino was also being matched with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who visited the Philippines last week but the President dismissed the issue.

source: mb.com.ph