Wednesday, June 30, 2010

News update Bayan welcomes President Aquino's marching orders to DOJ head


MANILA, Philippines – The marching order given by President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to new Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to prepare cases against erring government officials is a welcome move, according to militant group Bayan.
A judge's extra-judicial miscellany
"We welcome the statements of President Benigno Aquino III that there will be “no reconciliation without justice” and that “to forget the wrongs of the past would mean repeating them," Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said.

During his inaugural speech, Aquino directed de Lima to “begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.”
Neither law nor justice: Extra-judicial punishment, abduction, unlawful arrest, and torture of Palestinian residents of the West Bank by the Palestinian Preventive Security Service (B'tselem report)
"We expect nothing less than the filing of charges, the arrest and conviction of these officials for large-scale corruption, gross human rights abuses and election fraud. We expect nothing less than the removal of the corrupt and abusive remnants of the Arroyo regime, including the questionable midnight appointees," he added.

He stressed that the newly formed Truth Commission to be headed by former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide should concentrate on the so-called "big fish" in government.
Effective Criminal Accountability?: Extra-judicial Killings on Trial
"We look forward to the day that Arroyo, Virgilio Garcillano, Joc-Joc Bolante, Gen. Jovito Palparan and others like them will face the justice system and be convicted for their crimes against the people," Reyes said.
Mission to repress: Torture, illegal detentions, and extra-judicial killings by the Kenyan police
Garcillano has been dragged to the "Hello Garci" controversy where Mrs. Arroyo allegedly ordered the former poll official to rig the 2004 elections in favor of her candidacy.

On the other hand, Bolante was allegedly the "architect" of the multi-milllion peso fertilizer mess, while Palparan was accused of being behind the spate of enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings of activists. - By Dennis Carcamo

News update Public pledge of support for President Aquino


For the first time in Philippine history, Filipinos recited a pledge of support to a new administration.

In unison, several sectoral representatives led the recital of the "Panata sa Pagbabago" (Pledge for change), after Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III took his oath as the 15th president of the Philippines at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta on Wednesday noon.

Inauguration spokesman Manolo Quezon III said the pledge is an "innovation" of the 2010 inaugural ceremonies.

"It is meant to respond to the President’s inaugural address by volunteers and the public at large pledging their support and participation in the democratic governance of the nation," Quezon said on his blog.

The pledge, composed by Sonny Coloma and Marian Pastor Roces, goes: Pilipino ako Namamanata Na tutulong ako sa ating pamunuan Sa pagtataguyod ng marangal na pamamahala Sa pagpapalakas ng isang lipunang makatarungan At sa pagpapatingkad ng ating demokrasya.

Upang guminhawa ang pinakamamahal nating bayang Pilipinas Gagampanan ko Ang lahat ng katungkulan Ng isang mabuting mamamayan Na kasing-tindi ng paghamon ko sa ating mga pinuno Na sumunod sa landas na matuwid.

Makikipag-kapit-isig ako sa aking kapwa Pilipino Sama-sama nating babaguhin Ang takbo nh kasaysayan upang umiral ang kagandahang-loob. Ipinangangako ko ito sa ngalan ng aking ga ninuno at mga apo Patnubyan nawa ng Poong Maykapal ang sambayanan.After the pledge, the honor guard presented arms while service commanders of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police greeted Aquino as their new president and commander-in-chief.

Aquino was to go to Malacañang, where the induction of his new Cabinet will be conducted. — Kimberly Jane Tan/LBG/RSJ

News update Full transcript of President Aquino's inaugural speech


The following is the full transcript of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III's inaugural speech delivered after taking his oath as the 15th Philippine president at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, members of the diplomatic corps, Vice President Jejomar C. Binay, former President Fidel V. Ramos, former President Joseph E. Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and other members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and other members of the House of Representatives, members of the Supreme Court, local government officials, distinguished guests, mga minamahal kong kababayan. Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako’y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan. Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang: maging tapat sa aking mga magulang at sa bayan bilang isang marangal na anak, mabait na kuya, at mabuting mamamayan. Nilabanan ng aking ama ang diktaturya at ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para tubusin ang ating demokrasya. Inalay ng aking ina ang kanyang buhay upang pangalagaan ang demokrasyang ito. Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin na ang ating demokrasya ay kapaki-pakinabang sa bawat isa. Namuhunan na kami ng dugo at handang gawin itong muli kung kakailanganin. Tanyag man ang aking mga magulang at ang kanilang mga nagawa, alam ko rin ang problema ng ordinaryong mamamayan. Alam nating lahat ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng pamahalaang bulag at bingi. Alam natin ang pakiramdam na mapagkaitan ng hustisya, na mabalewala ng mga taong pinagkatiwalaan at inatasan nating maging ating tagapagtanggol. Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin. Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa – nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan. Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita.


Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din – talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino? Ngayon, sa araw na ito, dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat. Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema. Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon. Kami ay narito para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Ang mandato ninyo sa amin ay pagbabago—isang malinaw na utos para ayusin ang gobyerno at lipunan mula sa pamahalaang iilan lamang ang nakikinabang tungo sa isang pamahalaang kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan. Ang mandatong ito ay isa kung saan kayo at ang inyong pangulo ay nagkasundo para sa pagbabago—isang paninindigan na ipinangako ko noong kampanya at tinanggap ninyo noong araw ng halalan. Sigaw natin noong kampanya:


“Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap." Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster—ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon. Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan. Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin. Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan. Naniniwala akong hindi lahat ng nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay corrupt. Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan. Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya. Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga “midnight appointments." Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami. Sa mga kapuspalad nating mga kababayan, ngayon, ang pamahalaan ang inyong kampeon. Hindi natin ipagpapaliban ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga estudyante, kaya’t sisikapin nating punan ang kakulangan sa ating mga silid-aralan. Unti-unti din nating babawasan ang mga kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal. Mula ngayon, hindi na puwede ang “puwede na" pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila. Bubuhayin natin ang programang “emergency employment" ng dating pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura na ito. Ito ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga lokal na komunidad at makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng kanila at ng ating buong ekonomiya. Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo.

Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat, tulad ng: · dekalidad na edukasyon, kabilang ang edukasyong bokasyonal para makapaghanap ng marangal na trabaho ang hindi makapag-kolehiyo; · serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng PhilHealth para sa lahat sa loob ng tatlong taon; · tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad. Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, ngunit para proteksyunan ang mamamayan. Itinataya nila ang kanilang buhay para mayroong pagkakataon sa katahimikan at kapayapaan sa sambayanan. Dumoble na ang populasyong kanilang binabantayan, nananatili naman sila sa bilang. Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa. Kung dati ay may fertilizer scam, ngayon ay may kalinga na tunay para sa mga magsasaka. Tutulungan natin sila sa irigasyon, extension services, at sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maaari. Inaatasan natin ang papasok na Kalihim Alcala na magtayo ng mga trading centers kung saan diretso na ang magsasaka sa mamimili - lalaktawan na natin ang gitna, kasama na ang kotong cop. Sa ganitong paraan, ang dating napupunta sa gitna ay maari nang paghatian ng magsasaka at mamimili. Gagawin nating kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang ating bansa. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance, to business. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin mapupunan ang kakulangan ng trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan. Layunin nating paramihin ang trabaho dito sa ating bansa upang hindi na kailanganin ang mangibang-bansa para makahanap ng trabaho. Ngunit habang ito ay hindi pa natin naaabot, inaatasan ko ang mga kawani ng DFA, POEA, OWWA at iba pang mga kinauukulang ahensiya na mas lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga overseas Filipino workers. Papaigtingin namin ang proseso ng konsultasyon at pag-uulat sa taumbayan. Sisikapin naming isakatuparan ang nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mamamayan na magkaroon ng kaalaman ukol sa mga pampublikong alintana.

Binuhay natin ang diwa ng people power noong kampanya. Ipagpatuloy natin ito tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala. Ang naniniwala sa people power ay nakatuon sa kapwa at hindi sa sarili. Sa mga nang-api sa akin, kaya ko kayong patawarin, at pinapatawad ko na kayo. Sa mga nang-api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong mga kasalanan. To those who are talking about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong mauulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all. Ikinagagalak din naming ibahagi sa inyo ang pagtanggap ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide sa hamon ng pagtatatag at pamumuno sa isang Truth Commission na magbibigay-linaw sa maraming kahinahinalang isyu na hanggang ngayon ay walang kasagutan at resolusyon. Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa hustisya. Hindi maaaring patuloy ang kalakaran ng walang pananagutan at tuloy na pang-aapi.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all—may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian. We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi? Kung kasama ko kayo, maitataguyod natin ang isang bayan kung saan pantay-pantay ang pagkakataon, dahil pantay-pantay nating ginagampanan ang ating mga pananagutan. Kamakailan lamang, ang bawat isa sa atin ay nanindigan sa presinto. Bumoto tayo ayon sa ating karapatan at konsensiya. Hindi tayo umatras sa tungkulin nating ipaglaban ang karapatang ito. Pagkatapos ng bilangan, pinatunayan ninyo na ang tao ang tunay na lakas ng bayan. Ito ang kahalagahan ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating pagkakaisa. Nangampanya tayo para sa pagbabago. Dahil dito taas-noo muli ang Pilipino. Tayong lahat ay kabilang sa isang bansa kung saan maaari nang mangarap muli.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities. We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works."

Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, walang maiiwan. Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon. Walang lamangan, walang padrino, at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawang-gawa. Nandito tayo ngayon dahil sama-sama tayong nanindigan at nagtiwala na may pag-asa.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. Sa inyong mga nag-iisip pa kung tutulong kayo sa pagpasan ng ating krus, isa lang ang aking tanong—kung kailan tayo nanalo, saka pa ba kayo susuko? Kayo ang boss ko, kaya’t hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people’s needs and aspirations. Kayo ang nagdala sa akin sa puntong ito—ang ating mga volunteers—matanda, bata, celebrity, ordinaryong tao, na umikot sa Pilipinas para ikampanya ang pagbabago; ang aking mga kasambahay, na nag-asikaso ng lahat ng aking mga personal na pangangailangan; ang aking pamilya, kaibigan at katrabaho, na dumamay, nag-alaga at nagbigay ng suporta sa akin; ang ating mga abogado, na nagpuyat para bantayan ang ating mga boto at siguraduhing mabibilang ang bawat isa; ang aking mga kapartido at kaalyado na kasama kong nangahas mangarap; at ang milyun-milyong

Pilipinong nagkaisa, nagtiwala at hindi nawalan ng pag-asa—nasa inyo ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat. Hindi ko makakayang harapin ang aking mga magulang, at kayong mga nagdala sa akin sa yugto ng buhay kong ito, kung hindi ko maisasakatuparan ang aking mga binitawang salita sa araw na ito. My parents sought nothing less and died for nothing less than democracy, peace and prosperity. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward. Layunin ko na sa pagbaba ko sa katungkulan, masasabi ng lahat na malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtahak ng tuwid na landas at mas maganda na ang kinabukasang ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtatapos ng laban na ito. Tayo na sa tuwid na landas. Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

News update Aquino to take power in Philippines


MANILA (AFP) - – Benigno Aquino was set to be sworn in as president of the Philippines amid festive celebrations on Wednesday after vowing a new era of clean government for the corruption-wracked nation.
PD-11 grapples with increased caseloads and high rate of public defender turnover: Supreme Court considering jurisdictional issues.(11th Circuit Public ... County): An article from: Florida Bar News
Thousands of people wearing the Aquino family's signature yellow braved stormy weather as they gathered from before dawn at a seaside park in Manila for the inauguration.

"I think he can reduce corruption and improve governance," Terlito Malaya, a 52-year-old high school teacher, said as he waited for the midday (0400 GMT) oath-taking ceremony.

"Poverty is also a very big problem and needs a permanent solution... but no-one should think right now that he will fail."

Aquino rode to the country's biggest election victory on May 10 on a pledge to end corruption and fight poverty that he said thrived during the nearly 10-year reign of outgoing president Gloria Arroyo.

Another crucial factor was his status as the son of Philippine democracy heroes Benigno and Corazon Aquino, who remain revered for their efforts to overthrow dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

His mother, Corazon, also earned a reputation as an incorruptible leader during her six-year term as president following the "people power" revolution that toppled Marcos in 1986.
Workforce development must respond to change.(Texas Workforce Commission): An article from: Policy & Practice
Aquino admitted to feeling some anxiety on Tuesday as he named his cabinet and put the finishing touches to his first speech as president, in which he will outline how he intends to get the job done over his six-year term.

"It will be what sets the goalposts," he said of the speech, which will air live on national television along with the oathtaking.

"I want it to be understood by the vast majority of our people."

After promising to eradicate poverty during the campaign, Aquino has been careful to play down expectations, insisting that he is not Superman and that he is hoping to merely lay a solid foundation for his successor in 2016.

However he has also announced some headline-grabbing initiatives, including on Tuesday naming a retired Supreme Court chief justice to lead a Truth Commission that will probe and possibly prosecute Arroyo for alleged graft.

Aquino also pledged to scrutinise every project listed in the national budget to make sure taxpayers money is not being lost to corruption, adding he suspected Arroyo had painted a falsely optimistic picture of the economy.

"The first order of business will be for everybody (in the cabinet) to review their particular areas of concern," Aquino said Tuesday.

"We will have to study the lay of the land, study what the conditions are bereft of political spin."

Amid this backdrop, a fascinating part of Wednesday's events saw Aquino escort Arroyo in a car from the presidential palace to the Rizal Park venue for the oath taking ceremony and turnover of power.
Management turnover in subsidiaries of conglomerates versus stand-alone firms [An article from: Journal of Financial Economics]
Aquino also said Tuesday he wanted peace talks to end decades-long communist and Muslim separatist insurgencies.

Another priority was to improve a judicial system where just 18 percent of criminal cases lead to convictions and a court verdict takes six years.

"Justice is really an aspiration rather than a reality," he said.

East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk will be among the foreign dignitaries to attend the inauguration.

Japan's state secretary for foreign affairs Osamu Fujimura and the deputy head of China's parliament, Yan Junqi, will also attend.

News update Energy sufficiency not possible


SINGAPORE plans to become totally water-sufficient in future by relying more on Newater and desalinated water, but it will not be able to become fully energy-independent.
Energy
Asked if complete energy sufficiency was possible for Singapore, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew said yesterday: 'There's no chance.'
Ego and Reality in Psychoanalytic Theory: A Proposal Regarding the Independent Ego Energies (Monograph 11 , Vol 3 No 3)
This was because Singapore lacks natural sources of energy, he said.
INDEPENDENT ENERGY HOLDINGS PLC: International Competitive Benchmarks and Financial Gap Analysis (Financial Performance Series)
Painting a grim picture, Mr Lee said that 'if there's no energy, we die'.

He noted that the country has to import gas from other countries.
Energy Independent
Singapore uses natural gas to generate 80 per cent of its electricity. The bulk of its gas comes from Indonesia, which Singapore has a long-term contract with. -- MY PAPER

News update Noynoy , Arroyo arrive in Luneta


President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III arrived in Luneta, Manila, with outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on board the presidential limousine at 10:30 a.m.

Meanwhile, Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay arrived at the inaugural venue on board a green electronic jeepney (e-Jeepney) that was labeled "B-Jeep."

Mrs. Arroyo then trooped the line for the last time, a customary practice of presidents walking past officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. As President, Mrs. Arroyo is also the military's commander-in-chief.

Aquino, the 15th president of the Philippines, is set to take his oath at noon Wednesday, in front of thousands of spectators and guests that include former Philippine presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, foreign dignitaries, national and local officials and showbiz personalities. — Mark Merueñas/RSJ/LBG

News update Outgoing Palace exec confident Truth Commission will be fair to Arroyo


An outgoing Malacañang official on Wednesday expressed confidence that the Truth Commission created by President-elect Benigno Simeon Aquino III would be fair to outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In an interview with reporters, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said he believes in the sense of fairness of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

"I personally know Chief Justice Davide and I believe in his fairness. Magaling, (he is) very professional (He is good and very professional)," Mendoza said.

Mendoza will be among the incumbent officials who will welcome Aquino in Malacañang and accompany President Arroyo to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

After accompanying Aquino to the grandstand, Mrs. Arroyo will proceed to Lubao town in Pampanga for her oath taking as the new representative of the province's 2nd district before Associate Justice Eduardo Nachura.

On Tuesday, Aquino announced that Davide will lead the "independent" body that will try to work for the closure of unresolved controversies under the Arroyo administration.

“This Truth Commission is the commission I promised the people we will set up to put closure on so many issues. They will be collators of data, evidence, the proof as to who committed what and what transgression of our laws was committed," Aquino said. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ/LBG

News update Arroyo Cabinet members ready for 'new chapter'


As Filipinos prepare to welcome a new administration, members of the outgoing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration’s Cabinet prepared to go their separate ways.

But before saying goodbye to each other, they had their last social gathering late Tuesday at the Bahay Pangarap in Malacañang, radio dzBB's Tuesday Niu reported on Wednesday.

The Bahay Pangarap has been chosen as the living quarters of Benigno Simeon Aquino III, who will take his oath as the country's 15th President at noon.

For its part, the Presidential Security Group remained on red alert at the Palace grounds, as well as the Bahay Pangarap inside its compound.

Meanwhile, outgoing deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said Wednesday many of them are "glad" to start a new chapter in their lives.

"Totoo yan. Tayo ay babalik sa private sector at natutuwa tayo [na] magsisimula tayo ng bagong kabanata sa buhay natin (It is true. In my case I am going back to the private sector. I am glad we are starting a new chapter in our lives)," Olivar said in an interview on dwIZ radio, when asked if the Cabinet members were ready to go their separate ways.

Several Cabinet members of Mrs. Arroyo are planning to return to the private sector, even as Mrs. Arroyo herself will remain in government as Pampanga congresswoman in the 15th Congress.

Another Cabinet member, Presidential Management Staff head Elena Bautista-Horn, said she is looking forward to a long rest as she is expecting twins later this year.

On the other hand, Olivar would not comment on whether the last Cabinet meeting of the Arroyo administration in Malacañang was emotional.

He only said the final Cabinet meeting discussed "transition activities" for the incoming administration of Aquino.

Also, Olivar maintained he considers Mrs. Arroyo as the gutsiest president. "She has balls, she has more balls than anyone I ever met," he said. – LBG/RSJ

News update Despite rains, Pinoys troop early to Quirino grandstand


Wednesday's predawn rains failed to dampen the spirits of Filipinos who trooped early to the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to witness the inauguration of 15th Philippine President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" Aquino III.

Radio dzBB's Rowena Salvacion said people from as far as Samar in the Eastern Visayas region and Zambales province in Central Luzon went to the Quirino Grandstand early.

People who came from Samar arrived as early as Tuesday night while a group from Zambales arrived at 3 a.m.

The rains also came early despite the state weather agency's earlier forecast claiming a low-pressure area (LPA) "cooperated" with the event by not passing directly over Metro Manila.

"At least the low-pressure area did not pass directly over Metro Manila and went west. But the weather will be cloudy over Metro Manila and Central Luzon," Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Gener Quitlong said in Filipino in an interview on dzBB radio.

The early morning rains forced those already at the grandstand area to seek shelter in tents set up around the vicinity.

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Aquino's supporters who were there hours before the main even told GMANews.TV they were willing to stake out at the grandstand.

Maria Fe Policarpio, a 54-year-old mother of three, said she was at the venue as early as 5 a.m. just to spot Aquino, whom she voted for in the May elections.

"Simula pa kay Cory saka sa asawa niyang namatay, hanggang ngayon suporta kami (Even from the time of Cory and her late husband, until now, we are supporters)," Policarpio, who resides in Quezon City, told GMANews.TV.

Aquino is the only son of the late former president Corazon Aquino and martyred senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.

Policarpio said she did not care if the rains resume during the inauguration program, saying she and her three kids – one in college, two in high school – came armed with umbrellas.

Policarpio is part of a group of volunteers named Kabataan Kontra Korupsyon. She said she also voted for Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay, who will also take his oath with Aquino before Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales.

Editha Santos, an 84-year-old Tondo resident, said she went to the grandstand at 4 a.m. by herself to see Aquino inaugurated as the next president.

 Santos said she used to live in the slums near Malacañang when Mrs. Aquino was president from 1986 to 1992.



"Gusto ko makita si Noynoy. Noong una pa lang kasi, kay Madame Cory na kami [sumusuporta] (I want to see Noynoy. From the very beginning, we have been pro-Cory)," she said.

Forty four-year-old Ricky Burgos of Bulacan said his family braved the rains because, he said, "this event is only is once in a lifetime."

Guests, including incumbent and incoming officials and foreign dignitaries, are expected to arrive at 9 a.m. Aquino himself is estimated to arrive at 10:45 a.m. with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who will leave the venue after the military gives her a 21-gun salute, their final honors for the outgoing chief executive.

On the other hand, dzBB's Teresa Tavares reported ambulant vendors selling food items such as taho also went around the grandstand area to provide “early birds" with a quick breakfast.

Improved weather

The weather will likely improve at noon, once the LPA moves away from Metro Manila, PAGASA’s Quitlong said. Aquino is to take his oath at noon and join a street party in Quezon City at night.

"Maaring gumanda ang panahon mamayang hapon (The weather may improve this afternoon)," he said.

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Citing PAGASA data as of 2 a.m., he said the LPA was 160 km southwest of Iba town in Zambales province in Central Luzon.

He added there was no indication the LPA would intensify into a cyclone. But still, he advised Filipinos attending the inauguration to bring their umbrellas.

Souvenir items

In Quezon City, dzBB's Cecilia Villarosa reported vendors started selling souvenir items as early as 6 a.m. at the Quezon Memorial Circle, where Aquino was to lead a street party Wednesday night.

Stickers depicting a yellow ribbon sold for between P5 to P33.

The stickers measuring 11 inches sold at P100 for three pieces, while the seven-inch stickers sold at P25 or four for P100.

The smaller stickers, which can be placed on cell phones, sold for P5 each.

A QTV Balitanghali reported last Sunday enterprising small-time entrepreneurs in Manila’s Quiapo district beginning to an array of souvenir items inspired by President-elect Benigno Aquino III. [See: Vendors start selling Noynoy-inspired souvenir items] The items range from shirts, button pins with Aquino's face printed on them to commemorative cups and yellow ribbons — the icon Aquino used during his campaign. The list of Noynoy memorabilia also suddenly sprouted in Metro Manila markets.

A vendor, Ronald Trabo, even inserted Aquino’s photographs in picture frames which drew the attention of some passersby, who became curious and took a good look at all the souvenir items in his store. — with Jam Sisante and Sophia Dedace/LBG/RSJ

News update Abu Sayyaf suspect in Basilan bombing nabbed



The suspect in the deadly bombing attack in Basilan province in southern Philippines two months ago was arrested Tuesday in a hospital in Zamboanga City, a police official said.
No Indiscriminate Bombing. Report of the Activities of the Representatives of Canada, Poland, Sweden and The United Kingdom, in the Observer Team during the Period 14th January to 6th March, 1969.
Ajid Jalil alias Ajid Jainul, allegedly a member of the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group, was arrested at 10 a.m. after he was discharged from Camp Navarro General Hospital, according to Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza of the Basilan provincial police.

Jalil is facing multiple murder charges for his alleged involvement in the April 13 bombing near the Basilan National High School grandstand in Isabela City, which killed 15 people, including three Marine soldiers.

The suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Danilo Bucoy of the Isabela City Regional Trial Court Branch 2, Mendoza said.

He said the suspect had to stay in the hospital for months after he sustained multiple injuries from the bombing.

Jalil underwent tactical interrogation upon his arrest and will be turned over to the courts before he is imprisoned, according to the police official.

The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for various kidnap-for-ransom and bombing activities in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, as well as in Metro Manila. - Andreo Calonzo/KBK

Just Ask Is Diosdado Macapagal International Airport convenient to Angeles City ?


Hi Lee Manila area the hustle and bustle of the traffic jam can sometimes took more than 3 hours from one point to another even though just few km, especially toward the airport area. If you going to Angeles City definitely is much convenient to arrive DMIA . The airport served flights from neighboring Asian countries such as Korea, Malaysia, China, and Singapore among others. Additional, there are also flights to Cebu and back by a couple of airlines in operation. Diosdado Macapagal International Airport is also planned to be open to other international flights as well from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the United States of America. If you going to the north metro and Central Luzon DMIA making it a most viable and convenient airport of choice for travelers. Angeles City remained one of the must-visit places in the Philippines with its highly energetic night and wild entertainment scene. Cheers

News update S'pore to import gas: MM


Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew confirmed the country's plans to diversify its gas supply, currently made up of gas piped in from Malaysia and Indonesia, during a dialogue session on Tuesday. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE By Rachel Chang

SINGAPORE will be importing liquified natural gas from Qatar and storing it in a facility currently under construction on Jurong Island.

Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew confirmed the country's plans to diversify its gas supply, currently made up of gas piped in from Malaysia and Indonesia, during a dialogue session on Tuesday.

The partnership with Qatar, the world's biggest natural gas producer, comes amid uncertainties with the current suppliers, said Mr Lee during the session, which was part of the Singapore International Water Week and World Cities Summit 2010. 'We are buying gas from our neighbours, they are thinking of upping the price in spite of the contract,' he said to an audience of 700 senior officials and delegates.

Earlier this month, Indonesian government officials announced in Parliament a decision to renegotiate Indonesia?s natural gas export contracts with Singapore, due to its own domestic gas needs.

Singapore's partnership with Qatar has been anticipated ever since the Gulf emirate's Qatar Petroleum International bought into Petrochemical Corporation of Singapore last November.

The $1.5 billion LNG terminal on Jurong Island, due to be completed in 2013, will be able to store more than six million tonnes per annum.

News update Diosdado Macapagal International Airport terminal now fully-operational




CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga - Finally, after a long wait for the completion of the P308-million Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA), its Terminal 1 Expansion Building is now fully-operational for both domestic and international flights.

No less than President Arroyo inaugurated the newly-constructed DMIA Terminal 1 Expansion Building, which is expected to accommodate an additional 500,000 travelers a year; and become a major gateway for tourism and trade in the country.

Arroyo, who was welcomed by officials led by Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Chairman Nestor Mangio, also led the groundbreaking of California based-VIP Jet Asia at the Aviation Complex, here.

Other officials who attended one of the President's final official functions were Pampanga 1st District Representative Carmelo Lazatin; incoming Angeles City Mayor Eduardo Pamintuan, re-elect-Mabalacat Mayor Marino Morales; Land Transportation Office Region 3 Director Oliver Macaspac, and other officials.

Mangio said the DMIA Terminal 1 Expansion will be operated and managed by the CIAC and is expected to increase passenger transit from two million to seven million a year.

"This will be one of the most important legacies of our President (Arroyo). It took a lot of political will to have this expansion of the DMIA in order to boost its operations into a premier gateway to the country and a world-class airport that all Filipinos can be proud of," said Mangio.

News update 110 foreign dignitaries to attend Aquino inaugural




MANILA, Philippines - In what could be seen as a sign of support for the new administration, 85 countries and international organizations will send representatives to attend the inaugural of President-elect Benigno Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay on June 30, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

Of these, 21 countries will send high-level delegations, composed of either the head of state or high-ranking government officials.

All in all, 110 foreign dignitaries will attend the inauguration, according to the DFA.

“We have a sizeable foreign delegation attending,” DFA spokesperson Atty. Ed Malaya said in a press briefing on Tuesday, a day before the inauguration. “We’re happy with the kind of interest and level of representation we have received.”

Malaya could not say, however, if this is the largest foreign delegation in a Philippine inauguration ever.

Some of the delegates who have already arrived in the Philippines are Cambodian Information Minister Kieu Kanharith and Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta, the only head of state who will attend the inaugural. Other delegations are expected to arrive on Tuesday.

The following are the countries with high-level delegations:

Australia - Julie Owens, member of parliament

Brunei - Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Dewa Dato Seri Setia Awang Lim Jock Seng, second minister of foreign affairs and trade

Cambodia - Khieru Kantarith, minister of information

Canada - Jim Abbott, member of parliament

China - Yan Junqi, vice chairprson of National People’s Congress and 11 others

Holy See - Osvaldo Padilla, titular archbishop of Pia, Apostolic Nuncio Korea and 2 others

Indonesia - Dr. H.R. Agung Laksono, coordinating minister for people’s wefare and 7 others

Japan - Osamo Fujimura, state secretary for foreign affairs and 11 others

Korea - Kim Hwang-Sik, chairman of Board of Audit and Inspection (rank of deputy prime minister) and 5 others

Laos - Souban Srithirath, chief of cabinet and 1 other

Malaysia - Sen, Dato’ Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, minister of women, family, and community development

New Zealand - John Hayes, member of parliament and chairman of foreign affairs and trade select committee

Organization of the Islamic Conference - Samir Diab, assistant secretary general

Peru - Jorge Casteneda Mendez, Peru’s AEP to Indonesia

Saudi Arabia - Dr. Nizar bin Abaid Madani, minister of state of the foreign affairs

Singapore - George Young-Boon Yeo, foreign minister

Spain - Enrique Mugica, defensor del pueblo and 2 others

Thailand - Ongart Klampaiboon, minister in Prime Minister’s Dept.

Timor Leste - Jose Ramos-Horta, president and 8 others

United States - Ron Kirk, trade representative and 1 other

Vietnam - Vu Huy Hoang, minister of industry and trade

Meanwhile, some of the international organizations that will send representatives to the inauguration are the United Nations, Food and Agricultural Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross, International Labor Organization, International Monetary Fund, International Organization for Migrations, UN Children’s Fund, UN Development Programme, UN High Commission for Refugees, UN World Food Programme, World Bank, and World Health Organization.

DFA Chief of Protocol Eduardo Pablo Maglaya said only the head of each delegation will be seated at the main section of the Qurinio Grandstand, along with the president and vice president, their families and friends, and cabinet secretaries.

In the evening, the foreign dignitaries will attend the presidential reception at Malacanan Palace.

Maglaya also said some countries have already set meetings with Aquino the day after the inauguration.

Maglaya said the DFA hopes foreign attendance at the inauguration would signal better Philippines ties with other countries.

News update Supporters start arriving at Quirino Grandstand in Manila


MANILA, Philippines – Supporters of President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and incoming Vice President Jejomar Binay have started flocking to the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta, Manila for their inauguration.
Big Band Grandstand
Security has been tight at the venue, with police personnel thoroughly checking on each person approaching the entrance gate. Cameras and cellphones are inspected carefully before being allowed inside the premises, reports said.

Event organizers said there will be no limit to the number of people who will be allowed inside the Quirino Grandstand.

According to the official schedule released by organizers, Aquino will leave his home on Times Street in Quezon City at 9:45 a.m. He and Binay are expected to be at the Malacañang Palace at 10:30 a.m.

By 10:40 a.m., Aquino and outgoing President Arroyo will be leaving the Palace together in a limousine to head to the Quirino Grandstand.

Aquino will be taking his oath of office as the Philippines’ 15th President at 12 p.m., after which he will deliver his inaugural address.

Kopi talk Change and transformation in Philippine


Hi florangel thanks for the article it happen everywhere that most basic of public expectations of any presidency could also prove to be the most difficult to meet. But as long as any leader stays the course, he will enjoy the support of the millions who voted for him. Even as his government goes after the corrupt and pursues justice for the many victims of human rights violations in the outgoing administration, as a leader it will also have to be a unifying force, healing wounds wherever possible. Big Task ahead.

Posted by Florangel
It will take considerable reflection and analysis to be able to capture the euphoria, sense of hope and thoughts of our fellow countrymen as they welcome the 15th President. What will Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III be thinking as he takes his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales? What is the meaning behind the lines in his 10-minute speech? We can expect that hereon, pundits will be analyzing every word as they attempt to probe into the mind of a man who, until nine months ago never imagined that he would assume the highest office in the land.The same was said of his mother, Cory, who was thrust into such a circumstance after the death of her husband. As most everyone knows now, it was Ninoy, who, since a young man, had dreamt of becoming a president of his country some day. Much will be expected of P-Noy as many an academic, columnist, blogger, or man-in the-street has some expectation of how he would run the country in the next six years. For now, let me quote from this heartwarming letter of a father to his son which is

prophetic in many ways. The letter which Senator Ninoy wrote to Noynoy, and now circulated all over Internet, was made public by the Aquino family only after P-Noy announced his candidacy. It shows his concern about the future of his son to whom he had given the responsibility of looking after his mother and sisters. Here are lines which may give us an insight into the mind of Noynoy. His father had written:

"The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might, and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands." (Signed, August 25, 1973, Fort Bonifacio).

These words "honor, conscience, service, pride in the greatness of our people" may help us understand why P-Noy would take a particular course of action instead of another. .

* * *

As the country welcomes the dawn of a new era, a development organization engaged in transformation of communities marks its 60th anniversary. Through worship, thanksgiving, and a forum on the theme, "Nurturing Our Liberating Tradition of Service, the Kapatiran Kaulnlaran Foundation Inc.(KKFI) will pay a tribute to its third Executive Director, Nellie Lacson Mercado this Friday. Nellie started her stewardship of the institution during the 70's, right after the declaration of Martial Law. Those were difficult and dangerous times yet she took that as an opportunity to respond to needs of street children and urban poor communities by setting up the Family Life Center around the Sampaloc area. Among her other projects were the Integrated Scholarship Program for the Empowerment of Women, livelihood skills training, community organizing and management seminars for farmers, fisherfolk, the elderly, the handicapped, and indigenous people, which she initiated and sustained with partner agencies.

Nellie is a CPA, a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Sto. Tomas and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Before she became KKFI's executive director, she was Vice-President of Republic Bank and a lecturer in several Manila universities. She linked KKFI with social development institutions, among them, the International Federation of NGOs for the Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse, and the Association of Christian Institutes for Social Concerns in Asia, where she served as President and Chairperson, respectively.

It was primarily through the success of her programs for marginalized sectors that KKFI received the Aurora Aragon Quezon Peace Award for Development in 1994. Two years later, she was honored by the International Communion of the Charismatic Episcopal Church of Southeast Asia by inducting her into the Order of St. Francis of Assisi, the first ever to be awarded. It is her faith and courage that has sustained her in all the leadership roles with various civic and development organizations. She is being honored not only for her stint as KKFI Executive, but also for 22 years of unselfish service where she laid the foundation that had made KKFI endure all these years. Her personal and professional life is a reflection of her philosophy - that what is most important in life is that of commitment to service that would benefit the least of God's children My e-mail is florangel.braid@gmail.com.

News update FDA seizes steroid-lazed slimming pills in Bagui5o



BAGUIO CITY - Elements of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) here successfully seized multi-million pesos worth of alleged steroid-laced slimming pills and mercury-tainted cosmetic products from various establishments in different parts of the city.

Based on a report from the FDA, its operatives were able to confiscate 426 boxes of Zhen De Zhou capsules and 29 boxes of Zhen De Zhou tea from various stalls at the Maharlika Livelihood Complex, Session Road, Mabini Street, Pine Arcade, Baguio Center Mall and on Rajah Soliman Street.

The FDA cited the seizure of the alleged steroid-laced slimming products is to protect the public from being affected with the serious negative effects of steroids to the health of the people.

The confiscation of the products was in response to a warning issued by the Department of Health (DoH) which was based on a laboratory examination that the said products and other cosmetic items are allegedly with high mercury content plus the fact that the slimming products are steroid-laced.

Zhen De Zhou's fat loss capsules and tea products are not reportedly registered products with the FDA, the DoH said.

The confiscated products are still in the custody of the FDA in the city, awaiting further instructions from the DOH central office for possible condemnation and disposal so that they will no longer be sold to the public that could compromise their health condition.

Because of the damaging results of the laboratory examination on the Chinese slimming products, the FDA reportedly ordered the manufacturer of Zhen De Zhou fat loss capsules and tea to immediately recall the said products from the market to prevent innocent individuals from using such dangerous products which could affect their health condition in the future.

On the other hand, health authorities advised people wanting to undergo weight loss programs to refrain from using slimming capsules and other chemicals being offered by various companies but instead undergo the usual regular exercise to burn excess fat in one's body for a better health condition

News update OWWA set to open more hospital wings in provinces


CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY - The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the welfare agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), is expanding its medical benefits to its members and their families.

OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon said the expanded medical benefits project of the agency was authorized by the OWWA Board of Trustees.

Dimzon said the board had also authorized OWWA to enter into agreements with more provincial governments to open hospital wings for OWWA members, their families and distressed OFWs.

Under the OWWA Health Program for OFWs (HealthPro), OWWA subsidizes medical services for active OWWA members.

OWWA pays for hospital expenses after the beneficiary's Philhealth allowable deductions and other HMO or similar company medical benefits have been deducted from the original bill.

Earlier, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental and OWWA Administrator Carmelita S. Dimzon signed an agreement where a hospital wing of the OWWA-Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital-Alubijid will be for use of OWWA members, their families and distressed OFWs who need medical treatment for illnesses contracted while working abroad.

The OWWA-Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital-Alubijid will be completed early next year and, under a level-2 license by the Department of Health (DoH), will render to qualified OFW-patients medical services ranging from general medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery and anesthesia, radiology and pharmacy, to nursing care.

"Subsidized medical assistance through hospital wings dedicated for OFWs is an expanded medical benefit in response to the need of OFWs particularly those residing in the regions," Dimzon said.

"OWWA wants to help OFW patients whose PhilHealth and HMO and company medical benefits have been exhausted.

Construction of the OWWA-Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital-Alubijid Hospital in Barangay Lanao, Alubijid is expected to be completed by early 2011.

News update Noynoy urged to stop vegetables smuggling




LA TRINIDAD, Benguet - Agriculture stakeholders here called incoming President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" C. Aquino III to give utmost priority to the protection of the lucrative vegetable industry which is the main source of income in this province by putting a stop to the smuggling of vegetables from abroad.
Vegetable Growing in Australia - Industry Risk Rating Report
The appeal of vegetable farmers came after unscrupulous smugglers started flooding the country's potential markets with imported carrots and potatoes at the time when the leaders of the nation are about to change the guards which greatly affected the prevailing wholesale prices at the vegetable trading post.

The stakeholders in the local vegetable industry urged the Aquino administration to be firm in fighting vegetable smuggling for the welfare of lowly farmers in the countryside.

They asked Aquino to continuously provide them with sufficient post-harvest facilities and better farm to market roads in order for them to produce better quality crops.

The different farmers associations cited the support to the development of the local vegetable industry goes beyond politics since vegetable farming is the primary source of livelihood of over 250,000 individuals in the 13 towns of this vegetable-producing province.

News update Noynoy takes DILG post


MANILA, Philippines - President-elect Benigno Aquino III will take charge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as he looks for people to fill the remaining vacancies in his Cabinet.

Aquino announced yesterday the names of most of the members of his Cabinet. He has chosen Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo David as his Armed Forces chief.

Aside from the DILG secretary, Aquino has yet to name the Customs commissioner who will be part of his economic team, as well as a permanent secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

DENR Undersecretary Ramon Paje will take over as officer-in-charge of the department.

Aquino said outgoing Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo was still a candidate for the top DILG post. He did not confirm whether former Customs chief Guillermo Parayno was being considered for the Bureau of Customs as earlier reported.

“Pending the choice, I will take the portfolio of DILG and hopefully I can relinquish it to one of the two candidates in the very near future, hopefully by next week,” Aquino said. He later said there were actually three names in the shortlist.

He said the three candidates - as local officials - got “particular set of pluses and minuses.”

“We are also trying, some of them have multiple roles that they can fill. And it’s my fault, I still have to make a decision, I didn’t talk to them until after I got proclaimed. We’re still not that confident of choosing which of the three,” Aquino said.

Aquino said he would want someone he could trust completely to head the DILG but stressed that his statement should not be misconstrued as lack of trust in vice president-elect Jejomar Binay, who wanted the post.

Aquino did not offer the DILG position to Binay but gave him other options. “We don’t have any fight,” Aquino said.

For the Department of Energy, Aquino named Manila Water Corp. president Jose Rene Almendras as secretary. Almendras was Aquino’s former classmate at the Ateneo de Manila University.

SM Investments Corp. executive director Gregory Domingo will be the Department of Trade and Industry secretary. He was formerly trade and industry undersecretary and Board of Investments chief when Sen. Manuel Roxas II was the DTI secretary.

Maynilad Water Services Inc. president and chief executive officer Rogelio “Babes” Singson was named secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Singson, who was the chairman and president of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), joined Maynilad after its re-privatization in 2007 under new owners, DMCI-Metro Pacific Consortium, the country’s largest water concessionaire.

Current Manila Electric Co. president Jose “Ping” de Jesus was named secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Aquino praised De Jesus for his accomplishments when he was secretary of the DPWH during the time of his mother but said past associations should not be the sole basis in choosing Cabinet members.

“The buck stops with me if they do not perform,” he said defending his appointments.

He said the person he was eyeing for the Department of Science and Technology has backed out.

“There may be five who will praise but 10 will criticize. It takes time to vet,” the incoming president said.

‘Little president’

As Aquino announced earlier, lawyer Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr. will be the executive secretary.

“Jojo has been helping me out. I’m not a lawyer, he has helped me out in understanding the law and the intricacies of the law ever since I started in public office,” he said of Ochoa.

“Our relationship stretches back on a second-generation basis already. Both our parents were allies in the LP (Liberal Party), we have been consistent allies all throughout our lives. He has given me the most sound advice on so many matters pertaining to my work as legislator. Therefore I’m very confident his role as the guardian of my back, he’s more than qualified,” Aquino said.

Economic team

Former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima got back his old post as earlier reported. “I think his credentials speak for himself. But (for) most of these people their credentials speak for themselves,” Aquino said.

Purisima, who is well-known in the trade and finance industries, was a member of the so-called Hyatt 10, comprising officials who bolted President Arroyo’s Cabinet at the height of the “Hello, Garci” controversy in 2005.

Florencio “Butch” Abad, another Hyatt 10 member, was named budget and management chief.

Corazon “Dinky” Soliman also got her old job as Department of Social Welfare and Development secretary, while Teresita “Ging” Deles was again named presidential adviser on the peace process.

“The budget is the enabler of all of our policy decisions. We believe he is the best person at the present time to assist us in judiciously spending the people’s funds to help him and help us,” Aquino said of Abad.

University of the Philippines professor Cayetano Paderanga Jr. was named National Economic and Development Authority director general, a position he had also held during the administration of Aquino’s mother.

He said Paderanga “will give us sound advice due to economic considerations and not political considerations.”

BIR Deputy Commissioner for Special Concerns Kim Jacinto-Henares will be the agency’s chief.

“Kim has been functioning in effect as secretary to the Cabinet in all the policy briefings that I have been subjected to. She has been very effective in coming out with answers to a lot of the questions in my rushed preparations for this presidential campaign,” Aquino said.

“More importantly it is through her and the BOC commissioner we have yet to designate where we hope to recover efficiency first demonstrated by the Ramos administration and give us the needed revenues together with the secretary of finance,” Aquino said.

As expected, former human rights commissioner Leila de Lima was officially named justice secretary by Aquino.

“I am very sure you are familiar with the quality of her work. As you know, the judiciary is a very important portion of our platform and again we are very fortunate to get her to consent to carrying the burden primarily for judicial reform in our country,” Aquino said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo will remain in his position and Aquino said “we are very fortunate to have him as a senior member of the Cabinet.”

The new defense secretary will be retired Lt. Gen. Voltaire Gazmin, who was “one of the key people (who) took good care of us during the numerous coup attempts during my mom’s incumbency, as well as his continuous dedication to the Filipino people in this very abnormal situation we find our country in.”

De La Salle University president Fr. Armin Luistro will be the secretary of the Department of Education.

Aquino said the statement of DLSU “already speaks highly of the qualifications of Bro. Armin that I begged him to join the Cabinet.”

Old and new

Outgoing Quezon Rep. Proceso Alcala will be the secretary of the Department of Agriculture, which Aquino said he hopes to transform into “a main agent for the job generation aspect of our platform.”

“He has been heavily involved in environmental concerns within and without Quezon, organic farming and so many aspects of agriculture have been the advocacies of Alcala,” Aquino said.

The Department of Labor and Employment secretary will be the agency’s undersecretary Rosalinda Baldoz. She used to head the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency, among other agencies.

“Her concentration also is with the workings of NLRC (National Labor Relations Commission), which we believe is an adjunct of her agency under DOLE in need of very strong reforms. We find in her the capability to make this agency truly responsive to the needs of the working man,” Aquino said.

While Aquino was thought to be planning to keep Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral, the incoming president named National Kidney and Transplant Institute executive director Enrique Ona as her successor.

“In our interview, we saw in him the potential to become a complete alter-ego, especially given the fact that health agenda is number three on our platform. And he has been given instructions specifically with regard to expediting universal coverage of PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.), one of our campaign promises,” Aquino said.

Makati Business Club executive director Alberto Lim will be the tourism chief.

“He has been involved in various business endeavors to include the setting up of El Nido and Amanpulo. There are many details about him. The bottom line: Tourism is seen as one of the key venues for increasing jobs in the country. We need someone who has proven competence in this field,” he said referring to Lim.

Aquino said he chose De Jesus for the DOTC because he was one of the most hardworking Cabinet members during the time of his mother.

“He used to sleep three hours a day to make sure government projects are done on a timely and correct manner, his only luxury was a five-hour rest period during Sundays,” Aquino said.

He also expressed full confidence in his energy chief. “I knew him (Almendras) since college days. He is a very good friend of mine. His main training has to be with finance. Obviously we want somebody who is not part of the industry inasmuch as there will be a lot of dealings with the industry,” he said.

Boon for S&T

For the Department of Science and Technology, Aquino has chosen Dr. Mario Montejo.

“If you are familiar with the water amusement park Water Fun, the first that featured slides, waves, etc., that was Filipino technology, Dr. Montejo and his team’s effort. None of it was licensed from abroad. This was Filipino designed, enhanced, experimented, etc. We expect him at helm of DOST to provide the backup,” Aquino added.

“We would want an agency that can evaluate completely the proposals they will be presenting to us. The current practice is to ask the proponent to justify the proposal he is already proposing and to evaluate the proposal which I think is counterproductive. So DOST under Dr. Montejo (will be) a real partner as an agent of change for our country,” Aquino said.

The next Department of Agrarian Reform secretary will be Virgilio delos Reyes. He is a lawyer, educator and former undersecretary for policy, planning and legal affairs of DAR.

The Presidential Management Staff chief is Julia Andrea Abad, Aquino’s chief of staff at the Senate.

“I have been served faithfully ever since I became senator about three years today by the Hon. Julia Abad. She has undergone numerous schoolings. But more than that she has my absolute trust having run my office. If I have been able to do anything within the Senate it is because of her I think she possesses 80 percent of the brain I am holding,” Aquino said.

The presidential spokesman is Edwin Lacierda, a constitutional law expert and professor. “He has been (my spokesman), will be and hopefully will always be,” Aquino said.

Aquino named Eduardo de Mesa as his chief presidential legal counsel being one of the first lawyers he worked with and trusted when he took upon public service in 1998.

For the Commission on Higher Education, the new chairperson will be Dr. Patricia Licuanan, president of Miriam College.

“She will as her primary mission rectify the current situation where the government agency tasked to oversee higher educational institutions seems to be sleeping on the job especially as an example in nursing school profession, we have over 40 institutions which had not had a single board passer for quite a long time,” Aquino said.

Aquino did not name a press secretary because “we’re transforming that office into the Communications Group, which handles not only workings with the press but also is the main avenue for feedback with our constituents.”

“We are still in the process of organizing this particular office. The meeting I came from was organizing that particular office. We only tackled Cabinet positions. There are already 25,” Aquino said.

As regards criticisms that some Cabinet members had worked for the Arroyo administration, Aquino stressed that having served government in the past should not be a liability.

Aquino said he did consider those who helped him in his presidential bid because they naturally got the same visions for the country.

No hard feelings

Cabral, meanwhile, said she respected Aquino’s choice and that she had never expected him to appoint her anyway.

“We had a very pleasant discussion about the status of health in the Philippines. We had a talk last Sunday but he did not offer the position to me,” Cabral said.

“I wasn’t expecting anything, he did not say anything to me. All I heard was only on television and radio. But he never mentioned anything to me personally,” she said.

“He’s entitled to his own Cabinet. We cannot second guess him,” she added.

No celebration yet

For Sen. Miriam Santiago, it’s too early for the new Cabinet officials to feel triumphant as they have yet to hurdle the Commission on Appointments.

“I will just make a general statement. There may be a lot of triumphalism today. That is to say that certain groups and certain individuals will feel triumph over their opponents, over their rivals or over their nominees. But in all these short-lived euphoria, these new appointees have to remember that they have to pass the CA,” Santiago said in an interview yesterday after Aquino named the members of his official cabinet.

AFP happy

“We welcome the appointment of retired Gen. Gazmin as DND secretary and Gen. David as chief of staff. Their experiences and skills will greatly contribute to the fulfillment of our mandate,” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos Jr. said in a phone interview.

“His (Gazmin) imperatives were successful and we are confident that he will greatly contribute to the achievement of our objectives,” he said.

“Gen. David has professional competence and has held various sensitive posts. He is qualified to be the chief of staff,” he added.

Northern Luzon Command spokesman Maj. Rosendo Armas described David as “strict but fatherly.”

“He (David) wants his orders followed as soon as possible. But one can also see his fatherly qualities,” Armas said in a separate interview. With Christina Mendez, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Mayen Jaymalin, Marvin Sy, Alexis Romero - By Aurea Calica

News update Davide chosen to lead investigation vs Arroyo


The Supreme Court official who swore in then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as president in 2001 and was later appointed ambassador has been chosen to lead the investigation into the corruption allegations that hounded her nine-year rule.

Retired chief justice Hilario Davide Jr. will lead the "independent" body that will try to provide closure to unresolved controversies under the Arroyo administration, President-elect Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III announced Tuesday.

“This Truth Commission is the commission I promised the people we will set up to put closure on so many issues. They will be collators of data, evidence, the proof as to who committed what and what transgression of our laws was committed," said Aquino, who also announced other members of his official family.

An investigation on President Arroyo by an independent commission was one of Aquino’s campaign promises.

With the "active assistance" of the Department of Justice, the commission will "as necessary, prepare and prosecute the cases to make sure those who committed crimes against the people will be made to pay," Aquino said. Aquino clarified that the body will not tackle Marcos-era-related controversies and the assassination of his father, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy" Aquino Jr., in 1983.

He said the commission will be an "independent" body that will not produce "manufactured results for political purposes" but findings that are "based on solid evidence and facts."

List of controversies

In 1995, a similar body called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established by former South Africa President Nelson Mandela that examined atrocities committed by the apartheid government.

Controversies that hounded the nine-year Arroyo administration include the “Hello, Garci" scandal in 2005 where she was accused of manipulating the results of the previous year’s elections, the P728-million fertilizer fund scam where money for poor farmers was allegedly diverted to her campaign kitty in the 2004 polls, and the $329-million broadband deal that was scuttled after whistleblowers alleged the First Couple and other administration allies received millions of pesos in kickbacks.

In 2001, Davide presided over the impeachment trial of former President Joseph Estrada.

The proceedings were aborted after the deposed president’s allies in the Senate voted not to open an envelope that supposedly contained incriminating information against him.

Anti-Estrada sentiments culminated in a massive street uprising that forced Estrada to step down on January 20, 2001. That day, Davide administered Mrs. Arroyo’s oath as the 14th Philippine president.

That year, the Supreme Court under Davide ruled that President Arroyo’s assumption to the presidency was legitimate.

Davide retired in December 2005 when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 70.

In 2007, President Arroyo, who won a full term as president in 2004, appointed Davide as representative to the United Nations.

Davide resigned from his post in April 2010 after his family aligned itself with the Aquino-led Liberal Party.

Ties with the Aquinos

Davide's ties with the Aquino family date back to the restoration of democracy in 1986.

Shortly after she was swept to power that year, the late President Corazon Aquino formed the Constitutional Commission to draft a new Constitution, which was ratified in 1987. Davide was among those picked to become a ConCom member.

Mrs. Aquino later appointed Davide as Commission on Elections chair in February 1988. He left the post in 1989 when the President named him head of the commission that probed the December 1989 coup against the Cory administration.

Mrs. Aquino then appointed Davide as Supreme Court justice in January 1991. — KBK/ RJAB Jr./RSJ

News update Aquino to take power pledging change in Philippines



MANILA, June 30, 2010 (AFP) – Benigno Aquino will take power as Philippine president on Wednesday promising a new era of clean government for the corruption-wracked Southeast Asian nation.

A public holiday has been declared for the inauguration, which will see the 50-year-old bachelor take his oath at a seaside park in Manila at noon (0400 GMT) before tens of thousands of Filipinos.

Aquino admitted to feeling some anxiety on Tuesday as he named his cabinet and put the finishing touches to his first speech as president, in which he will outline how he intends to get the job done over his six-year term.

"It will be what sets the goalposts," he said of the speech, which will air live on national television along with the oathtaking.

"I want it to be understood by the vast majority of our people."

Aquino rode to the country's biggest election victory on May 10 on a promise to end corruption and fight poverty that he said thrived during the nearly 10-year reign of outgoing president Gloria Arroyo.

Another crucial factor was his status as the son of the Philippines' democracy heroes, Benigno and Corazon Aquino.

His father and namesake was shot dead at Manila airport in 1983 as he returned from US exile to lead the democracy movement against dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The incoming president's mother took over and led the "people power" revolution that overthrew Marcos in 1986, and she then earned a reputation as an incorruptible leader during six years as president.

Ahead of his inauguration, Aquino has been careful to play down expectations, insisting that he is not Superman and that he is hoping to merely lay a solid foundation for his successor in 2016.

However he has also announced some headline-grabbing initiatives, including on Tuesday naming a retired Supreme Court chief justice to lead a Truth Commission that will probe and possibly prosecute Arroyo for alleged graft.

He also pledged to scrutinize every project listed in the national budget to make sure taxpayers money is not being lost to corruption, adding he suspected Arroyo had painted a falsely optimistic picture of the economy.

"The first order of business will be for everybody (in the cabinet) to review their particular areas of concern," Aquino said Tuesday.

"We will have to study the lay of the land, study what the conditions are bereft of political spin."

Aquino also said he wanted peace talks to end decades-long communist and Muslim separatist insurgencies.

Another priority was to improve a judicial system where just 18 percent of criminal cases lead to convictions and a court verdict takes six years.

"Justice is really an aspiration rather than a reality," he said.

East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta and US Trade Representative Ron Kirk will be among the foreign dignitaries to attend the inauguration.

Japan's state secretary for foreign affairs Osamu Fujimura and the deputy head of China's parliament, Yan Junqi, will also attend.

Roads around the Rizal Park venue will be closed to traffic as early as 7:00am as police mount an operation to secure the president and guests. Manila-based military units went on full alert from Tuesday.

Aquino has pledged to join a street party set to be thrown by his campaign supporters late Wednesday.

Weather forecasters have warned of a 50 percent chance the street-side activities would be doused, and organisers have urged the public to bring yellow umbrellas, Aquino's signature campaign colours.