President Aquino declares May 13 National and Local Elections as special public (non-working) holiday nationwide

President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared May 13, 2013 as a special public (non-working) holiday throughout the country to enable the people to properly exercise their right of suffrage.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda announced during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that the Chief Executive issued the declaration by virtue of Proclamation No. 571 signed by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on April 23.

The national and local elections will be held on May 13 which falls on a Monday.

"The Constitution designates national and local polls to be held on the second Monday of May and by virtue of Proclamation No. 571, s. 2013, the President wishes to enable the Filipino people to exercise their right of suffrage," Lacierda said. 

"We enjoin all those eligible to vote to use this non-working holiday to participate in the electoral process that forms the bedrock of our democracy," Lacierda stressed.

Last January, the Chief Executive has ordered the deputation of law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of the government, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines to ensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct of the May 13 automated national and local elections.

Gov’t. allocates P7-M for President Aquino’s attendance to ASEAN Summit in Brunei Darussalam

The government has set aside around P7 million for President Benigno S. Aquino III’s attendance to the 22nd high-level meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Brunei Darussalam from April 24 to 25, Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Wednesday.

President Aquino left this afternoon for Bandar Seri Begawan via a chartered Philippine Airlines flight accompanied by 51-member delegation that includes Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Cabinet Secretary to the President Rene Almendras, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, 

Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, and Presidential Protocol Chief Celia Anna Feria.

The expenses cover the charter lease, accommodation, transportation, food and equipment, among others, for the President and the delegation.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), President Aquino is expected to focus on maritime security and cooperation in the region when he meets other ASEAN leaders in Bandar Seri Begawan for the annual summit.

The DFA said the Chief Executive will push for the full implementation of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the West Philippine Sea and the early conclusion of a substantive and legally binding code of conduct, as well as the review of the ASEAN Charter with the objective of streamlining the work and meetings of the regional bloc.

The DFA added that the 9th Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit is also set on the sidelines of the summit meeting.

The DFA said the 22nd ASEAN Summit’s theme “Our People, Our Future Together” emphasizes the importance of ASEAN citizens in realizing the vision of an ASEAN Community by 2015.

Malacanang says Aquino government remains committed in providing jobs for Filipinos

The Aquino government remains focused on generating jobs for Filipinos in the urban areas and countryside in keeping with its goal to mitigate poverty, a Palace official said on Wednesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued the statement during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday following reports that the percentage of Filipinos living below the poverty line has remained almost unchanged in the past six years.

"These are Year 2012 numbers, these are not current numbers. The survey yesterday (Tuesday) that was conducted by the NSCB (National Statistical Coordination Board) was for the first semester of 2012, which means the first half of 2012," Lacierda said.

Lacierda said the government remains optimistic that the next rounds of poverty statistics will give better results that will reflect the government’s massive investment in human development and poverty mitigation.

In the second quarter of 2012, Lacierda said the economy grew by 5.9 percent, which was later revised to 6.0 percent.

"And in the third quarter, the GDP growth was 7.1, the fisheries sector grew by 4.1 from .7 of the second quarter of 2012. In the fourth quarter, the GDP was 6.8 and the agricultural-fisheries sector grew by 4.7," he said.

"We have also seen an increased in investments on the part of the private sector. We have also accelerated our disbursement program," he continued.

Lacierda said the Human Development and Poverty Reduction Cabinet cluster has come up with an action plan to generate jobs for people living in the urban areas, as well as the countryside. He said various programs to support the farmers are now in place to improve the agricultural sector.

"Ang focus ng ating problema ngayon is agriculture. Doon medyo mababa ang growth. What’s also important right now is we’re trying to link farmers and technology, sources of technology and sources of credit," he said.

"Now with respect to industries, we have seen private investments coming in. The private sector during the latter half of 2012, has really poured in their investments. Malaki ang improvement ng ating private sector as based on our figures during the last year. So we will expect a greater improvement in our numbers with respect to poverty," he said.

Aquino to push for binding code of conduct in South China Sea during ASEAN Summit

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he would push for the crafting of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea when he attends the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Summit (ASEAN) Summit in Brunei Darussalam Thursday.

“Sa pagtitipong ito, muli tayong nabibigyan ng pagkakataong ibahagi sa ating mga karatig-bansa ang saloobin ng Pilipinas ukol sa mga napapanahong isyu, at ang kahandaan ng mga Pilipinong makipagtulungan sa iba’t ibang larangan,” the President said in his departure statement at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

Peace and stability are important because any instability in one area could affect the entire global economy, the President said.

“Wala tayong ibang hangad kundi ang magtaguyod ng kaayusan at kapayapaan, kaya naman itutulak nating isabuhay ng lahat ang mga prinsipyong nakapaloob sa Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea o DOC,” he said.

“Hihikayatin din natin ang ibang pinuno sa pagpapanday ng isang Code of Conduct sa lalong madaling panahon, na kikilalanin at susundin ng lahat. Sa liderato ng kasalukuyang ASEAN Chairman, si Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah ng Brunei, buo ang kumpiyansa nating mas makakausad nang patas ang paksang ito,” he added.

The President’s attendance to the summit would be brief and he said he would seize the opportunity to push the country’s interest in the regional gathering. The President also hopes to build stronger relations with fellow ASEAN countries.

The ASEAN and China agreed in 2002 on the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to maintain peace and stability in the contested area, a major lane for global trade and believed to be rich in mineral resources.

Some claimant countries including the Philippines are pushing for the crafting of a binding Code of Conduct for the eventual peaceful resolution of the South China Sea issue.

Palace to communist rebels: Join us in progress

Malacanang asked communist insurgents to lay down their arms and join the nation reap the fruits of an improved economy and developing country.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing in Malacanang on Wednesday that the Aquino government has been focusing on achieving progress and inclusive growth for the benefit of all Filipinos.

He said the government is pushing for more jobs in the countryside, improving the productivity of the farmers so there’s no sense for the rebels to spend time in the mountains.

“Come down and join us in sharing the wealth and sharing the progress of the country. They have been reduced to a bandit group, and it makes no sense for them to continue their nefarious ways, and just help us,” he said.

Part of the government initiative to entice the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to go back to the fold of the law is the Armed Forces of the Philippines’s Bayanihan program, he said.

The present activities of the rebels such as extorting politicians for permit-to-campaign fees, destroying telecommunication facilities, as well as harassing the members of the police and the military are not constructive, Lacierda said.

To counter these activities, Lacierda said the government will remain committed to uplifting the situation of the masses.

Despite the continuing operations against the rebels, Lacierda said the government wants the members of the NPA to be part of the current developments.

“Whether or not there is an ongoing peace talks, we are telling these people: It makes no sense for you to stay in the mountainside. It makes no sense for you to conduct ambushes,” he said.

“This government is committed to equitable progress; this government is committed to inclusive growth. And now is the best time for you to come down and be part of this campaign of making sure that you will be part [of] and share the progress that this country is experiencing,” he added.

This week, the President instructed the AFP to dismantle roadblocks set up by the rebels in areas they control.

The Palace also asked local candidates to shun the demands of the NPA for campaign fees in exchange for allowing them entry to rebel strongholds.

PNoy urges Maranao electorate to support LP candidates

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 24 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the Maranao voters to support candidates running under the Liberal Party (LP).

The President sounded the call during his visit here Monday where he met local leaders and the community and officially proclaimed the LP candidates in the province.

In his speech, Aquino urged voters in province to choose leaders that are tested, trusted, dedicated and whose service is for the people and not for themselves.

He is optimistic that development in the province, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Mindanao, and the entire country is assured if voters will choose LP candidates who are not only good in words but also in action.

“Meron na po kayong malinaw na batayan at pagpipilian at nakita na po ninyo ang estilo ng aming pamamahala (You now have clear basis and choices and you have seen our style and management),” he emphasized.

With that, the President cited few projects on-going government projects in the province such as the Marawi-Malabang road and the rehabilitation of the Agus II bridge.

He also mentioned the plan of the government to further develop the Lake Lanao Circumferential Road where part of it is the construction of the Marawi-Masiu-Bayang road.

He said these projects once completed will benefit the Maranao populace through safer roads and faster travel.

Speaking in Meranao dialect, President Aquino also appealed to the locals to work together and be united for peace and development of the country.

“Magisa-isa tano, mamagogopa tano, sangana omani-isa rek tano so kagaga niyan sa giyangkae a kapanagontaman tano ko kalilintad ako kaptagompiya o kapaginged” (let us be united, work together and do our best in our respective tasks for our effort to attain peace and development of our country). (Mohammad Nassif M. Elias/APB/PIA-10)

4Q palay production in Northern Mindanao up by 3.85%

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

CAGAYAN DE ORO, April 23 (PIA) - The volume of palay produced in Northern Mindanao totalled 207,446 metric tons during the fourth quarter of 2012, up by 3.85 percent compared to 2012.

Data gathered from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) in the region show that major output gains were recorded for Bukidnon with 106,013 metric tons, up at about 8.64 percent, from the 97,583 metric tons production in the same quarter of 2011, said Engr. Cecilio Y. Clarete, Chief Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in the region in a NEDA Media Forum held recently here.

He said the positive production growth in the province was largely due to the movement of harvest from the previous quarter.

Lanao del Norte, likewise, showed increased production from 64,093 metric tons to 67,234 metric tons or about five percent growth.

This was specifically due to sufficient water in irrigated areas and sufficient rainfall which enabled more farmers to plant in rainfed, Clarete said.

In terms of yield, the region posted increases in yield in both irrigated and rainfed areas at 0.91 and 7.71 percent, respectively.

Clarete further said Bukidnon also posted the biggest increase in yield during the quarter because of sufficient water supply and lesser pest infestations and diseases.

On the other hand, the improved yield of Lanao del Norte in rainfed areas was the result of good quality seeds, RC 18 and RC 158, he added. (Marie-Zil G. Malinao/APB/PIA10)

Comelec bans use of cellphones/cameras inside the polling places on election day

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 24 (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has prohibited the use of cellphones and cameras by voters inside the polling place on the day of the elections on May 13, 2013.

Implementation of such prohibition will be among the duties and functions of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), pursuant to Comelec Resolution No. 9640 promulgated last Feb. 15.

The BEI’s other functions are as follows:

Conduct the voting in the polling place and administer the counting of votes, including the testing and sealing of the Precinct Count Optical Scanning (PCOS) machines.

Print the election returns and transmit electronically the election results, through the use of the PCOS machines to the City/Board of Canvassers, Central Server and Transparency Server to the Dominant Majority Party, the Dominant Minority Party, Accredited Citizen’s Arm and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters sa Pilipinas (KBP).

Act as deputies of the Comelec in the conduct of the elections and maintain order within the polling place and its premises, keep access thereto open and unobstructed, enforce obedience to its lawful orders and prohibits the use of cellular phones and cameras by the voters.

If any person refuses to obey the lawful orders of the BEI, conducts himself in a disorderly manner in its presence or within its hearing and thereby interrupts or disturbs its proceedings, the BEI may issue an order in writing directing any peace officer to take said person into custody until the adjournment of the meeting.

Such order, however, shall not be executed as to prevent the person from voting and a copy of such written order be attached to the minutes of the election proceedings.

Furnish watchers with the certificate of votes, upon request and perform such other functions prescribed by law or by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Comelec. (RCAguhob/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

Aquino warns politicians against using 4Ps to get votes

By Apipa P. Bagumbaran

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 24 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III warned political candidates against using the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) to force the beneficiaries program to vote for them.

The warning was issued by the President during his meeting with local leaders and the community in the province on Monday.

He stressed that 4Ps is a program of the national government being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and whose beneficiaries were chosen by the DSWD through the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction.

He said local officials have no power to remove any beneficiary from list.

The Chief Executive also told voters to junk candidates who threaten 4Ps beneficiaries off the list if they will not vote for them.

A total of 94,230 households in the province are benefiting from the program. (APB/PIA10)

President Aquino underscores vital role of local governments in development

MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, April 23 (PIA) --- The important of role of local governments in bringing development at the countryside was underscored by President Benigno S. Aquino III during his meeting with local leaders and the community in the province on Monday.

The Chief Executive said local governments have an important role in making positive gains and achievements at the national level felt at the local level.

He pointed out that efficient local leaders are the key to transform national programs into tangible solutions that the locality can benefit from.

“Lalong uunlad ang industriya dito ng cassava, saging, mais at palay kapag nakikipagtulungan ang inyong mga pinuno sa pagpapagawa ng mga farm-to-market roads sa inyong probinsiya (the cassava, banana, corn and palay industry here will be more progressive if your local leaders works hand in hand in the construction of farm-to-market roads in your province),” President Aquino said.

He also said that Lanao del Sur will be known not only in the country but worldwide if the local government will help in developing the tourism industry in the province.

According to him, a vibrant tourism industry would result to more jobs for the locals. (APB/PIA10)

Tangub City Council is Most Outstanding Sanggunian of Region 10

By Rutchie C. Aguhob

TANGUB CITY. Misamis Occidental, April 24 (PIA) -- The City Council of Tangub was recently awarded as the Most Outstanding Sanggunian in Component Cities Category of Region 10 in fitting ceremonies in Cagayan de Oro City.

With this, the Council was automatically a finalist for the national award during the End-Term Assembly of the Philippine Councilors’ League last month, at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia Complex, Quezon City.

The legislative award is based on the following criteria: Effectiveness of the Legislative Agenda, Effectiveness of the Legislative Documents, Efficiency of the Performance of the Sanggunian, and Quality of Office Set-up and Staff Performance.

On the other hand, two (2) members of the city’s Sangguniang Panglungsod (SP) were congratulated for their academic milestone in finishing their post graduate studies, this year.

These SP members finished their Master in Development Management and Governance degrees, last March, through a scholarship grant from the Philippine Councilors League- Legislative Academy, Dept of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the University of Makati (UM).

Vice Mayor Edemar S. Alota finished his master’s degree with his thesis titled “Policy Review on the Management of Socialized House Project in the City of Tangub: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.”

SP member Mariano P. Trompeta, also finished his master’s degree with his thesis titled “Policy Direction on Capacity Development on Risk Reduction and Management Mechanism in the City of Tangub.” (JBT/CIO/RCA/PIA10-Misamis Occidental)

XU to stage candidates’ fora

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 24 -- Xavier University through its Research and Social Outreach (RSO) Office will be holding a couple of candidates’ fora to assist the electorate in identifying political candidates who are suited to meet the development needs of the city.

The congressional candidates’ forum is set on Thursday, April 25, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Capitol University Gym. Another forum for the city level local government unit (LGU) will be conducted on April 30, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the XU covered courts. Both fora are open to the public.

XU-RSO believes that a well planned and executed candidate’s fora can be a powerful tool in helping voters maximize their right to vote. It is also an opportunity to get public commitments from the candidates, especially on issues relating to the environment, health and sanitation, peace and order, good governance and food security.

Individuals who are interested to participate and know more about the event may call 858-3116 local 3206 and look for Gail, Jojo or Ice or email rso@xu.edu.ph. (Vanessa M. Gorra/XU/PIA10)