Aguinaldo Shrine

Pagsanjan Falls

Taal Lake

Antipolo Church

Lucban Pahiyas Feast

PIA Calabarzon 2 PR ( May 10 , 2013), Dispatch for May 14 , 2013 ( Tuesday),

11 Photonews , , 8 Weather Watch, 2 Regl.Watch , 1 OFW Watch , 17 Online News

Weather Watch shared a link.

5 minutes ago PACIFIC TSUNAMI WARNING CENTER: Based on all available data, a destructive pacific-wide tsunami is not expected and there is no tsunami threat to Hawaii following the magnitude 7.0 earthquake in Northern Mariana Islands.

http://ptwc.weather.go

Weather Watch
8 minutes ago near Quezon City, Philippines PAGASA 24 HR. PUBLIC WEATHER FORECAST issued at 5AM, today, 14 May 2013. SYNOPSIS: Diffused Tail-end of a Cold Front affecting Northern Luzon. Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Mindanao. FORECAST: The regions of Ilocos, Cordillera, Cagayan Valley, MIMAROPA, Visayas and Mindanao will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be partly cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms. Light to moderate winds blowing from the southeast to south will prevail over Luzon and from the east to southeast over the rest of the country. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to modera

Weather Watch shared a link.

12 minutes ago USGS: A magnitude 7.0 earthquake with depth of 566 kilometers strikes 30 kilometers west of Agrihan, Northern Mariana Islands. No destructive pacific-wide tsunami is expected based on all available data.

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

6 hours ago HEAVY RAINFALL ADVISORY No.2 (FINAL) #MPRSD Issued at 2:30AM 14 May 2013 All areas under 'YELLOW' warning (Mindanao area) are now terminated. However, people are advised to take precautionary measures and keep monitoring for updates whenever significant changes occur.

Weather Watch
13 hours ago ABS-CBN: Bukas ay magiging maulan sa Northern Luzon dahil sa tail-end of a cold front. Magiging maulan rin sa Visayas at Mindanao dahil naman sa ITCZ.

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

18 hours ago Thunderstorm Advisory No. 5 Issued at 02:20PM, 13 May 2013 Thunderstorm cloud w/ moderate to heavy rainshowers is now over #AgusanDelNorte (Carmen, Magsaysay, Kitcharau), #Bukidnon (Talakag) while light to moderate to at times moderate to heavy rainshowers over #AugusanDelNorte (Tubay & Magallanes), #LanaoDelSur/Norte (Baungon), #MisamisOcc., and #ZamboangaDelNorte (Labason) w/c may persist for 2 hrs. All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, strong winds and lightning. Monitod for updates

Weather Watch shared Election Watch's status.

20 hours ago DZMM: Maagang dinagsa ng mga botante ang mga voting centers sa 11 bayan at isang lungsod pero pasado 7:00am na nagsimula ang botohan kanina dahil sa mga nagkakawalaang pangalan, nagkakalituhan listahan at lalo pang nagkaproblema ngayon dahil sa pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan sa Bataan.

Weather Watch
Yesterday PAGASA thunderstorm advisory no. 1 issued at 11:55pm of May 12, 2013: Thunderstorm cloud with moderate to heavy rain is now over portions of QC (Cubao, Diliman, Project 8, Tandang Sora) Marikina (Nangka, Brgy. Kalumpang) San Mateo, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan and is expected to affect other portions of QC, Marikina and nearby towns of Bulacan for the next one to two hours. All are advised to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, strong gusty winds, lightning and possible flash floods. Keep monitoring for updates.

Weather Watch

May 14 , 2013 (Tuesday) CAVITE LAGUNA BATANGAS RIZAL QUEZON

in Lucena City

3 hrs ago : : : : :
Partly cloudy with light rainshowers

PIA

Regional Watch

PIA Regional Watch

May 10 PIA-4A/BATANGAS: Isinagawa ang ikalimang taon ng road safety camp sa lungsod ng Batangas kung saan may 320 estudyante mula sa iba't ibang paaralan ang dumalo. Layon nito na maturuan ang kabataan kung paano masiguro ang kanilang kaligtasan sa kalsada at maiwasan ang aksidente.

PIA Regional Watch

May 10 PIA-4A/RIZAL: Jalajala, Rizal is continuously holding seminars on paper charcoal making for domestic and capiz ball making as a livelihood program. According to the local government, paper charcoal is smokeless when burned and can be recycled from scrap paper.

PIA OFW Watch

May 10 DZBB: Sinabi ng DFA na makakauwi na ng bansa ang 11 OFWs na nagkaproblema sa kanilang mga employer sa Saudi Arabia. Ang anim sa mga ito ay uuwi ngayon habang ang lima naman ay darating sa Mayo 13.

A. QUEZON
ECC to establish satellite offices in DOLE's regional offices
By Ruel M. Orinday Friday 10th of May 2013

LUCENA CITY, Quezon, May 10 (PIA) -- The Employees Compensation Commission (ECC), an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will soon establish satellite office in region 4-A and other regional offices of DOLE nationwide. Maria Cecilia E. Maulion, chief of ECC information and public assistance division said in a press conference held at Queen Margarette Hotel this city last May 8 that the satellite offices will assist private and government workers suffering from work related sickness and or injuries. Primary clients to be assisted are regular members of GSIS, SSS and PhilHealth. Asied from the press conference, the ECC along with DOLE Region 4-A also held an employees compensation program and DOLE livelihood skills seminar at the same hotel yesterday. This is in line with ECCs objective to intensify awareness on the employees compensation program in the region, the first ever ECC advocacy program in Region 4A. The advocacy seminar is pursuant to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis Baldozs directive to strengthen linkages between the DOLE attached agencies and regional offices , for an efficient and convenient implementation of the DOLE programs and projects.

It is also a mode of information dissemination to keep the public abreast on the social protection and safe work programs specifically the employees compensation program. The ECC team discussed the three main components of the employees compensation program, namely, prevention, compensation and the rehabilitation services. A portion of the seminar was allotted to the various livelihood and skills programs that are being implemented by the DOLE. More than a hundred human resource officers, union representatives and employers from various companies in region4-A and nearby provinces attended the seminar. (R. Orinday/ PIA- Quezon/ with reports from ECC)

B. CAVITE

C. LAGUNA
Landbank, IRRI launch scholarship program for agriculture
By Carlo P. Gonzaga Friday 10th of May 2013 LOS BANOS, Laguna, May 10 (PIA) --The Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) have launched recently, a scholarship catering to dependents of small farmers and fisherfolks in agricultural communities. Dubbed Gawad Pag-aaral Tungo sa Maunlad na Bayan or Gawad Patnubay, the scholarship prog ram offers grants to 50 beneficiaries, 28 for college degrees scholarship in agriculture and 22 for TESDA-certified technicalvocational educational program. Each scholar is entitled to a 100 percent tuition fee subsidy, a monthly stipend, a book allowance, a uniform allowance and employment assistance upon graduation. The Landbank will provide the funding, while IRRI will administer the scholarship program. To be implemented starting June 2014, the program initially covers five universities. These are the University of the Philippines Los Banos, Central Luzon State University, Visayas State University, Central Mindanao University, and University of Southern Mindanao. More partner schools will be added soon to the program. In appreciation of IRRIs training track record and extensive network with educational institutions nationwide,

Landbank chose the Institute to implement the program that aims to stabilize the declining number of agriculture graduates. We are grateful to have IRRI as our implementing partner for the college scholarship program. We are confident that through this program, we can help provide a solid base of education for the next generation of rice scientists and agri-preneurs and infuse much-needed fresh blood into the countrys agriculture and cooperative, Gilda Pico Landbank president and CEO said. IRRI deputy director general for communication and partnership, V. Bruce J. Tolentino, cited the shared history between IRRI and Landbank. Both were founded in the 1960s and share the same vision of combating poverty and food insecurity. We are moved by the same innovation for public goodinnovation that is exemplified and actualized through education, Tolentino said. The scholarship program comes during the Philippines National Year of Rice, set aside by the government to celebrate Filipino rice farmers and ensure the ongoing development of the Philippines rice sector through the education of next generation of rice scientists and agricultural experts. (IRRI/CPG, PIA4A)

D. BATANGAS

E. RIZAL

13 MAY 2013.

President Aquino casts his vote in Tarlac No unwanted repercussions over the death of a Taiwanese fisherman, President Aquino says President Aquino to seek justice for mayoral candidate gunned down last May 6
President Aquino casts his vote in Tarlac

President Benigno S. Aquino III has joined Filipino voters in casting his vote on Monday morning for this years

midterm elections at his hometown in Tarlac province. The President waited for his turn to cast his vote at Precinct 175-A at Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School. He was joined by his sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and Pinky Aquino-Abellada. President Aquino, during an interview with the members of the media after casting his vote, said that the voting process was fast, adding that it was his first time to use the PCOS machine . Ang laking difference nung 2010. As you remember, hindi natin nagamit yung PCOS machine so para tayong, for the first time, gumagamit ng PCOS machine, he said. Mabilis ang proseso, the President said. As to the polls' security, President Aquino expressed satisfaction over the preparation, saying that the security services of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are very proactive. The President also said that he had tasked PNP Director General Alan Purisima to run through all their preparations so as to ensure peaceful and orderly elections. I was in contact with the Director General of PNP, daanan lahat ng preparations ulit, and make sure that we have done everything possible to ensure na peaceful ang atin pong elections, he said. After casting his vote, President Aquino returned to Manila to monitor the conduct of the elections throughout the country. PND (co) TOP No unwanted repercussions over the death of a Taiwanese fisherman, President Aquino says

President Benigno S. Aquino III wont let any unwanted repercussions to happen especially in the relations of Taiwan and the Philippines following the death of a Taiwanese fisherman who figured in a ramming incident against the Philippine Coast Guard recently. The President confronted the issue right after casting his vote in Tarlac amid reports that Taiwan is mulling sanctions against the Philippine government, including the possible freeze hiring of overseas Filipino workers and recalling its representative to the country. In a brief interview, President Aquino said that such was not what the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) had reported to him and it wouldnt help either if the parties involved were to give comments that would only further escalate the tension. Hindi ganoon ang nire-report sa atin ng MECO. Pag magko-comment tayo on that level, gina-guarantee natin na mag-e-escalate ang issue. So, I think, it is in the interest of both parties to proceed on a calm basis. So we are proceeding on that manner, the President said. President Aquino also noted that the commander of the Coast Guard vessel who was involved in the incident, as well as the Taiwanese fishermans death, shall be investigated and all processes will be reviewed. The commander of the Coast Guard vessel is in Manila already. He will either be or already undergoing an investigation. There was a death, so ire-review kung tama ang lahat ng naging proseso, he said. President Aquino added that the Department of Foreign Affairs is already in touch with their counterparts in Taiwan to precisely ensure that the incident wont have repercussions not wanted by any sector or any group. I asked the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to monitor but the lead person has to be MECO because of the One China policy, he said. PND (hdc) TOP President Aquino to seek justice for mayoral candidate gunned down last May 6 President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed on Monday to seek justice for a Tarlac town mayoral candidate who was gunned down last May 6 in San Jose, Tarlac. In an interview after casting his vote at Precinct 175-A at Central Azucarera de Tarlac Elementary School, the Chief Executive assured that the law enforcers are now looking for the murder suspects of San Jose town mayoral candidate Rudy Abella to bring them to justice. I was following it up precisely, sabi ko, matagal n g walang violence dito sa Tarlac. So they have a suspect," the President said. "I understand they have witnesses also that will buttress the case once this person is captured. There are ongoing operations to bring the perpetrators to justice," he noted.

President Aquino said the Philippine National Police (PNP) is now digging deeper to establish the real motive behind the killing of the 73-year-old mayoral candidate. "Mahirap naman yung speculation... kasi the angle that they are looking into precisely is more of a personal nature, dating back several years," he stressed. Reports showed that Abella, president of the Association of Barangay Captains and mayoral candidate running under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men during a campaign sortie in Sitio Sta. Cruz, Barangay Iba in San Jose last Monday. Abella had just gone down the stage to listen to the speeches of his party mates when he was shot several times with a .45-caliber pistol and 9-mm revolver. A civilian, Marites Pineda, was hit by a stray bullet. PND (js) TOP

12 MAY 2013.

Malacanang reiterates call for Filipinos to go out and vote Palace allays fears of widespread cheating on election day Palace regrets loss of life in the recent shooting incident off Batanes waters
Malacanang reiterates call for Filipinos to go out and vote

Malacanang reiterated its call for Filipinos to exercise their right of suffrage by going out tomorrow (May 13) and participating in the 2013 midterm elections. In a press briefing aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte called on Filipinos to choose the next set of leaders of the country. We reiterate our appeal to everybody to go out and exercise your right to suffrage and your right to vote. So please go out, exercise your right to vote, and guard your votes well, Valte said. She said President Benigno S. Aquino III would cast his vote at his hometown of Tarlac tomorrow morning, and then would closely monitor the proceedings as the day progresses. Pagbukas pa lang po ng mga presinto, magmo-monitor na po ang Pangulo. Kahit naman po maghihintay siya

para bumoto ay patuloy pa naman po ang pagpasok ng mga monitoring updates sa Pangulo through the various heads of the agencies that are assisting the COMELEC in the conduct of the elections, Valte said. PND (rck) TOP Palace allays fears of widespread cheating on election day

Malacanang allayed fears that widespread cheating would occur on election day, saying it had already tasked the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to safeguard the sanctity of the ballot on May 13. In a press briefing aired over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Sunday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said law enforcement agencies were ready to carry out the instructions of President Benigno S. Aquino III that we must have peaceful, credible, safe and honest elections. That was the last word to them at the ending of the command conference that we had last week, Valte said. Again from the side of the Executive, the PNP and the AFP have been deputiz ed to make sure that the elections that we will have on Monday will be credible and will be peaceful. They will be on the lookout for anybody who would wish to have opposite results, she added. The law enforcement agencies are well aware of the assistance that we are mandated to provide the Comelec, Valte noted. PND (rck) TOP Palace regrets loss of life in the recent shooting incident off Batanes waters

Malacaang on Sunday conveyed its deepest sympathies to the bereaved family of the lone fatality in the Thursdays shooting incident between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and a Taiwanese fishing vessel that was reportedly poaching in Philippine waters off the Batanes group of islands. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement that Mr. Antonio Basilio, Resident Representative of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, has already visited the family of the victim, extended condolences, and offered his apologies on behalf of the Philippine government. As the Philippine Coast Guard has stated, we express our heartfelt sorrow on the unfortunate situation that occurred during one of the anti-illegal fishing patrols conducted by a Philippine fishery law enforcement vessel (MCS 3001) within the maritime jurisdiction (waters off the Batanes group of islands) of the Philippines on the morning of May 9, which tragically resulted in the death of a fisherman from one of the fishing vessels reportedly poaching in the area, Valtes statement said. The investigation has commenced with the arrival of the commander of MCS 3001 and that he, together with the crew, have been relieved of their duties, she added. Valte said the Philippine Coast Guard, together with other agencies, assures everyone that this investigation will be conducted in an impartial, transparent and expeditious manner. Moving forward, relevant agencies will look into ways to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future, Valte stressed. The PCG initially reported that the incident occurred when they tried to apprehend one of the four fishing vessels inside Philippine archipelagic waters. They attempted to board the Taiwanese fishing boat but it rammed into their vessel instead. So, nag-fire po ng warning shot, hindi pa din daw po tumigil yung mga vessels in the attempt to continuously ram the BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) vessel at nag-fire daw po sila ng isa pang shot doon sa machinery portion ng ship, described Valte of the situation during her press briefing last Friday. It was an aggressive act. The ramming of the boat into our vessel was certainly an aggressive act, so the PCG responded accordingly. Nag-warning shot po sila, hindi po tumigil, they took the other necessary action and, I understand, eventually disengaged after that. So lets see kung ano pa ang mailalabas ng investigation ng PCG, Valte added. PND (hdc) TOP

10 MAY 2013 Tulong sa gagawing 12- palapag ng Ospital ng Maynila, pangako ng Pangulo Idineklara ni Aquino na pista opisyal ang Mayo 15 sa Tayabas, Quezon

Tulong sa gagawing 12- palapag ng Ospital ng Maynila, pangako ng Pangulo

Nakahanda ang pambansang pamahalaan ng tumulong sa Lungsod ng Maynila sa rekostruksiyon ng Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center upang mapalawak na lalo ang serbisyo sa mga taga-Maynila, lalo na sa mga maralita, sabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III Huwebes. Ayon sa Pangulo, kapag muling nahalal si Alkalde Alfredo S. Lim sa Maynila sa halalan sa Mayo 13, ang pamahalaang pambansa ang sasagot sa ano mang magiging kakulangan ng magugugol ng lungsod sa rekostruksiyon ng Ospital ng Maynila. Dahil 12 palapag ang gusto mo, Mayor, doon sa Ospital ng Maynila, sige, hahatian kita diyan, pangako ng Pangulo sa kanyang talumpati sa Miting de Avance ng Partido Liberal sa Tondo Huwebes ng gabi. Bukod sa balak na rekostruksiyon ng Ospital ng Maynila, sinabi ng Pangulo na ihahanap din niya ng pondong kakailanganin sa pag-aayos o rehabilitasyon ng Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Philippine General Hospital (PGH) at ng iba pang mga pagamutan sa Maynila. Pero, alam ninyo, sa mahusay at matinong pamamahala, oras lamang ang pinag -uusapan, kakayanin nating lahat iyan, dagdag pa ng Pangulo. Pinuri ng Pangulo si Lim sa maagap na pagpapatupad ng universal healthcare program. Bukod po sa anim na modernong opistal, napakaraming barangay health center at klinikang may libreng paggamot sa mga maralita ang Maynila, wika pa ng Pangulo. Binigyang diin ng Pangulo na katangi-tangi ang nagawa ni Lim sa pagkakaloob ng libreng edukasyon sa mga mamamayan ng Maynila. Hiniling ng Pangulo sa mga taga-Maynila na suportahan si Lim sa halalan sa taong ito upang maipagpatuloy ni Mayor Lim ang mga reporma at pagpapaunlad sa Maynila. Sa talumpati sa pagtitipong ito, binigyang diin ni Lim na minabuti ng administrasyon niya na gawing makabagong 12 palapag ang Ospital ng Maynila sapagkat lalong nagiging malaki ang gugol ng pamahalaang lungsod sa malimit na pagkukumpuni ng nasabing pagamutang dekada 60 pa ipinatayo ng noon ay Alkalde Antonio J. Villegas. Idinugtong ng Alkalde na gagawing fully air-conditioned ang naturang pagamutan at patuloy na magiging libre o walang bayad ang panggagamot sa mga pasyente nito. Sinabi ni Lim na ang Lungsod ng Maynila lamang ang tanging lungsod sa bansa na may anim na ospital na libreng naglilingkod sa mga pangangailangang pangkalusugan ng mamamayan. Kabilang sa bagong ospital ng lungsod ang Ospital ng Santa Ana na pinasinayaan ng Pangulong Aquino noong Mayo 2011. PND TOP Idineklara ni Aquino na pista opisyal ang Mayo 15 sa Tayabas, Quezon

Idineklara ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III ang Mayo 15, natapat sa araw ng Miyerkoles, bilang special nonworking day sa Lungsod ng Tayabas sa lalawigan ng Quezon dahil sa idaraos na pagdiriwang ng Mayohan sa

Tayabas Festival. Inilagda ng Pangulong Aquino ang deklarasyon sa pamamagitan ng Proklamasyon Blg. 575 na nilagdaan ni Kalihim Tagapagpaganap Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr. Mayo 9, upang bigyan ng lahat ng pagkakataon ang mga mamamayan ng Tayabas na maipagdiwang at malahukan ang mga kasayahan at angkop na seremonyang gaganapin. Ipinagdiriwang ng mga taga-Tayabas ang pistang ito bilang alaala sa patrong San Isidro Labrador na pintakasi ng mga magsasaka at manggagawa sa kabukiran. Inaalaala rin sa pistang ito ang kaluwalhatian at binabasbasan ang mga pagpapakasakit ng nakalipas na panahon, sabi ng Pangulo sa proklamasyong nasabi. PND TOP

ONLINE NEWS

11 MAY 2013 SOCGUATODA is SSS' first AlkanSSSya beneficiary in Makati CSC remembers Teacher Nelly, reminds public servants to remain neutral in the elections Consumer loans continue to rise PDIC files criminal complaint vs ex-Chair, officers of Export & Industry Bank for unsafe and unsound banking practice DBM rolls out P1.4-B for PNP retiree perks DA allots P28.8M for agri-tourism Foreign Direct Investments reach US$436 million in February 2013 BSP rediscount rates for May 2013 Malversation charges filed against officers of Camp John Hay Dev't Corp. Womens share in wage employment increasingBaldoz Kasambahay Law mandates training and education for Kasambahay Batas Kasambahay guides prospective employers on hiring an HSWs Comelec OKs DILG request to place provincial jails in 15 priority provinces under poll body control DepEd lines up training to develop Filipino musical talents Secretary Del Rosario reiterates to Apostolic Nuncio invitation for Pope Francis to visit Phl Phl Embassy in Rome chairs ASEAN Spouses Circle in Rome

SOCGUATODA is SSS' first AlkanSSSya beneficiary in Makati Source: http://www.sss.gov.ph The Social Security System (SSS), thru its Makati-JP Rizal Branch, launched its first SSS AlkanSSSya Program in Makati in cooperation with AB-Matrifed, which has a total membership of 63 tricycle operators and drivers associations (TODAs) with 10,000 combined active members. The South Cembo-Guadalupe Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (SOCGUATODA) is its first beneficiary with full support from the barangay officials and employees. Under the program, SOCGUATODA members can drop as little as 10 to 15 pesos a day to their respective coin slots. At the end of every month, SSS account officers would open the individual boxes and count the amounts saved to cover the monthly contribution of the member, which will be remitted to the SSS through a third party collecting agent.

Photo shows the ceremonial turn-over of the AlkanSSSya key by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emilio S. de Quiros Jr. (center) to SOCGUATODA Treasurer Edelyn Liberato (third from right). Also in photo are (L-R) SSS Makati JP Rizal Accounts Management System (AMS) Head Angelita O. Grey, NCR-TODA Coalition and AB-Matrifed President Alberto Galisim, South Cembo Brgy. Chairman Richard Raymond R. Rodriguez, SOCGUATODA Secretary Paolo Barrameda and SSS Management Information Services Department Head Arnold A. Tolentino. Inset shows members of SOCGUATODA dropping coins to their respective coin slots. Simultaneous with the launching of the AlkanSSSya Program is a coverage and information drive conducted by the AMS Team of SSS Makati-JP Rizal Branch. |TOP| CSC remembers Teacher Nelly, reminds public servants to remain neutral in the elections Source: http://www.csc.gov.ph As the nation readies for the upcoming national elections, state workers are hard at work in preparation for the functions they will take on come Monday. Aside from the Commission on Elections, public school teachers play a vital role in the elections as poll watchers and members of the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI). They serve as frontliners in making clean and honest elections possible, sometimes even faced with life or death situations. One teacher who died in line of duty on election day is 2008 Dangal ng Bayan posthumous awardee Nelly B. Banaag, Teacher III of Pinagbayanan National High School, Taysan, Batangas. In the 2007 national elections at Pinagbayanan National High School, in an attempt to tamper with election results, armed men stormed precincts where the canvassing of votes was taking place, poured gasoline, and set the classroom on fire. Teacher Nelly died in this unfortunate incident. Every election, our public school teachers put their lives on the line to ensure that elections run smoothly. We recognize their dedication to public service especially on election day when they are exposed to many risks and threats. Teacher Nelly represents the thousands of public school teachers who risk their lives to perform a very important job, said Civil Service Commission Chairman Francisco T. D uque III. Political neutrality Government workers in the career service are reminded to avoid engaging in partisan political activities as part of their sworn duty as public servants. Republic Act No. 4880 defines partisan political activity as acts d esigned to have a candidate elected or not or promote the candidacy of a person or persons to a public office. While we encourage Filipinos to exercise their right to vote, we would like to remind government employees to remain committed to public service. The law requires government employees to practice political neutrality, said Chairman Duque. Section 4 (d) of Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees lists political neutrality as one of the eight norms of conduct of public servants. Public officials and employees are mandated to provide service to everyone without discrimination and regardless of party affiliation or preference. |TOP| Consumer loans continue to rise Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Consumer loans (CLs) by universal, commercial (U/KBs) and thrift banks (TBs) stood at Php 629.3 billion at end2012, 4.7 percent higher than the Php 601 billion posted during the third quarter last year. The end-December figure is also a 15.3 percent increase from the Php 545.9 billion recorded a year earlier. The rise in credit card, auto, residential real estate and other consumer loans was spurred by low and stable interest rates, managed inflation, the continued strength in the remittances of Overseas Filipinos, the growth in the Business Process Outsourcing industry and a healthy consumer outlook for the year. Said banks non-performing CLs at end-2012 stood at Php 42.2 billion, up from the Php 41 billion registered during the third quarter of 2012 and the Php 37.5 billion at end-2011. Risks from these soured loans are adequately provisioned for as U/KBs and TBs set aside 70 percent in loan loss reserves for non-performing CLs, which account for about one percent of their total loans in December. Moreover, the CL exposures of banks are lower compared to their ASEAN counterparts. CL exposure in Malaysia is 55.6 percent; Indonesia, 30 percent; and Singapore, 27.5 percent. BSP continues to monitor banks loan portfolio in line with its efforts to keep credit standards at high levels. This is

vital to mitigating risks in the industry which is a key policy objective under the BSPs Financial Stability agenda. |TOP| PDIC files criminal complaint vs ex-Chair, officers of Export & Industry Bank for unsafe and unsound banking practice Source: http://www.pdic.gov.ph The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) filed with the Department of Justice on May 9, 2013 a criminal complaint against the former Chairman and five other officers of the closed Export and Industry Bank (EIB) for conducting business in an unsafe and unsound manner, in violation of the PDIC Charter and the General Banking Law (GBL) of 2000. Charged for the commission of irregularity and for conducting business in an unsafe and unsound manner and for violation of the GBL were Jaime C. Gonzales, former Chairman of EIB; Juan Victor S. Tanjuatco and Nilo L. Pacheco, Jr., former Presidents of EIB; Teresita Q. de Ocampo, former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Alex Luis M. Pesigan, former Senior Vice President and Head for Treasury Group; and Adeline L. Grimares, former First Vice President, Risk Management Group. PDICs complaint alleged that respondents authorized and allowed the payment of a success fee when the obliga tion to pay such a fee has not arisen. The complaint stated that the success fee amounted to US$4.8 million. Of this amount, US$3.0 million was received by AO Capital Partners Limited, where Gonzales was also the Chairman. When sought for comment, Finance Secretary and PDIC Chairman Cesar V. Purisima highlighted the importance of the filing in fulfilling the spirit of the PDICs mandate. The filing of these charges by the PDIC highlights our commitment to protecting the interests of the Filipino depositor. We in the DOF, PDIC, and attached agencies will not abide by practices that selfishly endanger the savings of Filipinos for the personal gain of a few. We intend to pursue the full application of justice in this case and, most importantly, we intend to uphold the faith of the Filipino people in a government that will protect them from malicious corporate interests, Purisima said. |TOP| DBM rolls out P1.4-B for PNP retiree perks Source: http://www.dbm.gov.ph The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released a total of P1.39 billion to cover the pension benefits of additional Philippine National Police (PNP) retirees, whose names have already been cleared and verified for enrolment in the Land Banks Automated Teller Machine (ATM) system. Of the full amount, P715 million will cover the pension requirements of the additional 8,890 retired officials and personnel for the period of January to December 2013. Meanwhile, the remaining P675.5 million will support the adjustment of pension perks for 15,899 retired policemen, whose names were recently mapped and verified in the PNPs retiree database. The adjustment was based on the rates from the second tranche of the Salary Standardization Law III for January to December 2011. As of May 6 this year, 95% of the 63,550 entries in t he PNPs retiree database has already been cleared and validated, in line with the Aquino administrations goal of cleansing the retiree roster under the national police force. Even as we push for the timely release of pension payments for our PNP retire es, we also need to ensure that public funds are being spent with full transparency and accountability. This required a thorough cleansing of the PNPs retiree roster, which used to contain a significant number of fictional or ghost entries. In other wor ds, we were looking at several names that belonged to either long-deceased policemen, or those who, very simply, did not exist, Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Butch Abad said. Earlier this year, the DBM released P19.3 billion for the pension requirements of 54,660 PNP retirees for the period of January to December 2013, after their names were properly verified for enrolment into ATM accounts. Electronic banking doesnt just facilitate the quick and efficient release of our retirees pension s. It also helps us preempt and avert irregularities that check payments are very prone to. With ATMs, retirees are assured of the regular release of their pension payments, and the Administration, from its end, can assure the Filipino public that government funds are being used exactly for their intended purpose, Abad said. |TOP| DA allots P28.8M for agri-tourism Source: http://www.da.gov.ph The Department of Agriculture is allotting an initial P28.8 million (M) to help develop and promote agri-tourism sites under a multi-sectoral collaboration, aptly called Green Initiative, involving other concerned government agencies, academe and private institutions. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA is privileged to be a part of the Green Initiative, which aims to protect the countrys biodiversity, create livelihood opportunities and thus eradicate poverty in agri -tourism

communities. It is spearheaded by the ABS-CBN Corporation and ABS-CBN Foundation, in partnership with the DA, Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Ateneo de Manila University School of Science and Engineering (ADMUSSE). Secretary Alcala joined the respective head of the five agencies and institutions during a memorandum of agreement signing, May 6, 2013, at the ABS-CBN complex in Quezon City. They included ABS-CBN President Charo SantosConcio, ABS-CBN Foundation Managing Director Gina Lopez, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez, and ADMUSSE Dean Evangeline Bautista. The DAs P28.8-M counterpart will be used initially to develop agri-tourism sites in Regions IV-B (MiMaRoPa) and V (Bicol). Of the total amount, P20 M is allotted for the construction of farm-to-market roads, and the rest for irrigation systems (P1.2M), and implementation of agricultural production and livelihood projects for livestock (P3.9M), organic vegetables (P1.15 M), fisheries and seaweeds (P740, 000), high value crops (P630, 000), rice (P610, 000), and coconut (P333, 000). The DA chief is particularly keen on putting up commercial-scale organic vegetable production gardens, and livestock pens where native pigs and chicken are raised. These should be established near existing or planned agri-tourism sites. He said the vegetable gardens, and native pig and chicken farms would serve as additional attraction, where tourists could pick-and-harvest fresh organic vegetables. For its part, the DENR through its Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau will provide needed infrastructure, inputs and personnel to preserve and protect the forests and watersheds in selected agri-tourism sites. The DOT will encourage the private sector to invest in putting up tourism infrastructure and complementary facilities in agri-tourism sites. It will also take the lead in promoting the agri-tourism sites to attract as many Filipino and foreign visitors as possible. Both the ABS-CBN Corporation and Foundation will manage and facilitate media exposures of the Green Initiative projects to create awareness among the general public and tourists. Finally, the ADMUSSE is tasked to mainstream the agri-tourism projects as part of its curriculum, as well as monitor and evaluate the progress of the Green Initiative. (Cath Nanta, DA-Information Service) |TOP| Foreign Direct Investments reach US$436 million in February 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph Foreign direct investments (FDI) rose to US$436 million in February 2013 from US$192 million posted in the same month last year.1,2 By FDI component, gross equity capital placements aggregated US$230 million, significantly higher by 74.2 percent from its year-ago level of US$132 million. The bulk of these equity capital investments which came from Japan, the U.S., and Hong Kongwere directed to water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; manufacturing; arts, entertainment and recreation; and real estate. These gross equity capital placements were partly offset by the US$15 million withdrawals of investments, resulting in US$215 million net inflows of equity capital during the month. The sustained inflows of FDI reflect investors increasing optimism over the countrys growth potential notwithstanding the uncertainties on the strength of th e global economy. These developments are also an indication of improved investment climate in the country on the back of sound macroeconomic fundamentals. Reinvestment of earnings amounted to US$60 million in February 2013 as foreign investors opted to retain their earnings locally on account of favorable domestic economic prospects amid low and stable inflation, as well as a strong external payments dynamics. Non-residents net placements in debt instruments issued by local affiliates (or intercompany borrowings between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries/affiliates in the Philippines in the form of loans and debt securities) reached US$161 million in February 2013. This level was more than five times the US$30 million intercompany borrowings recorded in the same period last year. Parent companies abroad continue to lend funds to their local subsidiaries/affiliates to sustain existing operations or expand their businesses in the country. As a result of these developments, cumulative FDI for the first two months of 2013 totaled US$1 billion. This was slightly lower however by 18.7 percent relative to the US$1.2 billion recorded in the same period last year. In particular, cumulative net inflows of equity capital settled at US$377 million, down by 55.8 percent compared to the US$852 million posted in the same period in 2012. This came about as gross equity capital placements of US$1.1 billion for the first two months of 2013 were offset by equity capital withdrawals of US$726 million. Gross equity capital placements came mostly from Mexico, Japan, the U.S., Malaysia and the Netherlands and were channeled mainly to manufacturing; water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities; financial and insurance activities; and real estate sectors. Meanwhile, reinvestment of earnings summed up to US$145 million, also lower by 19 percent than the year-ago level of US$179 million. By contrast, non-residents placements in debt instruments issued by local affiliates reached US$490 million, more than twice the US$214 million registered in the comparable period a year ago.

----------------------1 BSP statistics on FDI covers actual investment inflows, which could be in the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and borrowings between affiliates. In contrast to investment data from other government sources, the BSPs FDI data include investments where ownership by the foreign enterprise is at least 10 percent. Meanwhile, FDI data of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) do not make use of the 10 percent threshold and include borrowings from foreign sources that are non-affiliates of the domestic company. Furthermore, the BSPs FDI data are presented in net terms (i.e., equity capital placements less withdrawals), while the IPAs FDI do not account for equity withdrawals. 2 The BSP adopted the Balance of Payments, 6th edition (BPM6) compilation framework effective 22 March 2013 with the release of the full-year 2012 and revised 2011 BOP statistics. The major change in FDI compilation is the adoption of the asset and liability principle, where claims of non-resident direct investment enterprises from resident direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net incurrence of liabilities/non-residents investments in the Philippines (previously presented in the Balance of Payments Manual, 5th edition (BPM5) as negative entry under assets/residents investments abroad). Conversely, claims of resident direct investment enterprises from foreign direct investors are now presented as reverse investment under net acquisition of financial assets/residents investments abroad (previously presented as negative entry under liabilities/non -residents investments in the Philippines). |TOP| BSP rediscount rates for May 2013 Source: http://www.bsp.gov.ph The BSP announced today the rediscount rates applicable on loan availments by banking institutions for May 2013. For loans under the Peso Rediscount Facility, the BSP Peso Rediscount Rate is 3.50 percent p.a. for all maturities. This has been in effect since 29 October 2012 in line with the Monetary Board (M.B.) policy decision to reduce policy rates at its 25 October 2012 meeting. The M.B. decided to maintain the same during its last policy meeting on 25 April 2013. The Peso Rediscount Rate is based on the applicable BSP overnight reverse repurchase rate per Circular No. 679 dated 01 February 2010. Meanwhile, for loans under the Exporters Dollar and Yen Rediscount Facility (EDYRF), the rates for the month of May are as follows: Dollar 0.19820 percent p.a. Yen 0.12143 percent p.a. The EDYRF rediscount rates are based on the respective London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) as of 30 April 2013. Under the Peso Rediscount Facility, total availments of commercial, thrift and rural banks amounted to P12,678 million for the period 01 January to 30 April 2013, 5.4 percent higher than the P12,028 million total in the same period last year. Of the availments for the month, 87.1 percent went to commercial credits, 1.9 percent to agricultural and industrial credits, and 11.0 percent to other credits consisting of other services (6.0 percent), CAPEX (4.6 percent), and permanent working capital (0.4 percent). Under the EDYRF, aggregate dollar availments of seven commercial banks and a thrift bank for the period 01 January to 30 April 2013 amounted to US$52.4 million and benefitted 25 exporters. This represents a 0.8 percent decrease in availments compared to the US$52.8 million grants for the same period last year. On the other hand, there was no Yen-denominated availment under the EDYRF for the period 01 January to 30 April 2013. |TOP| Malversation charges filed against officers of Camp John Hay Dev't Corp. Source: http://www.doj.gov.ph |TOP| Womens share in wage employment increasingBaldoz Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said womens participation in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector has generally increased over time, showing improvement in the governments effort to address gender inequality. Baldoz said the overall trend shows that the share of women participation in wage employment has been slightly increasing, indicating that the traditional role of women as home makes or child-rearers has gradually changed. Citing an update study of the Bureau of Labor and Employment Statistics (BLES) focusing on the share of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector, Baldoz said the percent share of women to the total wage and salary

workers in the non-agricultural sector consistently improved from 39.1 percent in 1997 to 41. 9 percent in 2002, and was almost constant from 42.0 percent in 2006 to 41.8 percent in 2001. The share of women in wage employment in non-agricultural sector is a Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Employment Indicator . As an employment indicator, it measures the degree to which women have equal access to paid employment, and thus, and their contribution to the monetary economy. It also indicates the provision of regular monetary income for women. A high share of wage and salary employment may also indicate that they have greater independence in decisionmaking in their household and personal development. The BLES update study said that men, through the years, remained to have a higher employment share than women. Womens share in total employment was highest in the 15-24 years old bracket at 41. 8 percent as of 2011, said Baldoz. In the services sector, the proportion of women in wage employment ranged from 46.7 percent to 49.6 percent during the period 1995 to 2011, indicating that men and women were nearly equal in their participation in wage employment. All regions in the country exhibited improvement in womens share in non-agricultural wage employment. In 2011, Region 7 had the highest share of women in the non-agricultural wage employment, with 44.9 percent. Except for Region 11 (37.7 percent) and Autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao (36.8 percent), all the other regions recorded womens shares in non-agricultural wage employment of at least 40 percent. According to the BLES update study, around 25 percent of women who were wage and salary earners in the nonagricultural sector worked in private households from 2004 to 2011. Women workers are also commonly found in wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and personal and household goods (14. 5 percent to 15.7 percent); manufacturing (12.7 percent to 16.9 percent); education (12.5 percent to 13.1 percent), and public administration and defense, compulsory , and social security ( 9.6 percent to 10. 8 percent). The study also cited that the share of women in manufacturing declined because most women have shifted to wholesale and retail trade and real estate, renting, and business activities. The number of women workers remained constant in the rest of the non-agricultural industries. For the same period, the highest proportion of women in wage employment in the non-agricultural sector were employed as laborers which ranged from 27.8 percent to 29.4 percent. It was followed by service workers and shop and market sales workers with continuously increasing shares to total from 16.7 percent in 2004 to 19.3 percent in 2011. Women were also employed as professionals (16.0 percent to 16. 6 percent) and as clerks (15.1 percent to 17.7 percent). |TOP| Kasambahay Law mandates training and education for Kasambahay Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday said that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 10361, otherwise known as An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, also known as Batas Kasambahay mandates the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) to promote the education and training that will redound to the protection, competitiveness, and employability of Filipino Kasambahay or domestic workers. At the ceremonial signing of the law's IRR held at the Bulwagan ng Karunungan of the Department of Education in Pasig City, the labor and employment chief said that the TESDA, a DOLE attached agency in charge of technical and vocational education and training, shall implement this mandate as soon as the IRR takes effect 15 days after its publication in two newspapers of general circulation. Last 18 January, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law the Kasambahay Bill which has been described as the most fitting gift that the government has given to over 2.9 million Filipino domestic helpers. The Batas Kasambahay institutionalizes the provision of a comprehensive package of benefits to Filipino household service workers, including their entitlement to 13th month pay; service incentive leaves; and social welfare benefits, such as SSS, PAG-IBIG, and PhilHealth. The law fulfills the countrys obligation to enact a national legislation in compliance with the International Labor Organizations Convention 189 which sets new international standards for the protection of hou sehold helpers. Baldoz said the provision for training in technical-vocational education for Kasambahay under R.A. 10361 affirms their right and access to opportunities for education and training. Section 16 of the IRR specifically mandates that the Kasambahay shall be afforded the opportunity to finish basic education, which shall consist of elementary and secondary education.

In reference to TESDA, Rule VII of the IRR mandates it to undertake its functions on skills training, assessment, and certification, to wit: "Section 1. Training for local-hired Kasambahay--To promote the training of the Kasambahay, TESDA shall adjust the existing training regulations for issuance of National Certificate (NCII) on housekeeping and customize them for localhired Kasambahay within six (6) months from the promulgation of the IRR; "Section 2. To ensure productivity and assure quality services, the DOLE, through the Regional/Provincial or District Offices of TESDA, shall facilitate access of Kasambahay to efficient training, assessment, and certification based on TESDA Training Regulations for Household Services NCII. For this purpose, the competencies to be achieved consist of (a) cleaning living room, dining room, bedroom toilet, and kitchen; (b) washing and ironing clothes, linen and fabric; (c) preparing hot and cold meals/food; and (d) serving food and beverage. "Section 3. Kasambahay intending to be trained and certified for Household Services NC II must possess the qualifications specified in the customized local-hired Kasambahay training regulation of TESDA." Baldoz emphasized that under the law, a Kasambahay may be allowed access to alternative learning systems, and as far as practicable, higher education or tech-voc training. Accordingly, the IRR mandates that the employer shall adjust the work schedule of the Kasambahay to allow his/her access to education or training without hampering the services required by the employer. Access to education may include financial assistance at the option of the employer. The IRR also provides that the Department of Education shall ensure continued access of the Kasambahay to alternative learning systems, a role that complements TESDA's mandate. Correspondingly, the IRR directs the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs) to develop a Skills/Competency-Based Pay System for the Kasambahay, specifically, to coordinate with the TESDA on the development of the pay system which is strongly productivity- and competency-anchored. "The law recognizes the necessity for such a system in line with the thrust to professionalize the Kasambahay. Accordingly, wage advisories containing arrangements for wage increases on top of the minimum wage shall be issued by the RTWPBs, taking into consideration the competency standards set by TESDA," Baldoz said. At the same, the IRR recognizes the plight of children under foster family arrangement, which refers to children who are living with a family or household of relatives. Children under this arrangement will be provided access to education and given an allowance incidental to education, i.e., baon, transportation, school projects, and school activities; provided that the foster family and foster care arrangements are in compliance with the procedures and requirements as prescribed by R.A. No. 10165, or the Foster Care Act of 2012. Finally, the IRR provides that the DOLE, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Social Security System, Employees Compensation Commission, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund and other stakeholders, including employers, Kasambahay organizations, and labor organizations, shall conduct continuous information and dissemination drives on the provisions of the law. Any question about this news release? Please get in touch with the TESDA at tel.nos. (632) 893-2454; 818-8829; NWPC at tel. nos. 527-51-41 or 527-80-12 locals 105 to 106; and the DOLE Hotline at 527-8000. |TOP| Batas Kasambahay guides prospective employers on hiring an HSWs Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday announced that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 10361, entitled An Act Instituting Policies for the Protection and Welfare of Domestic Workers, otherwise known as Batas Kasambahay, is now in effect. One of the important features of the IRR is the provision on the correct process of hiring a household service worker (HSW), Baldoz said. Last 18 January, President Benigno S. Aquino III signed into law the Kasambahay Bill which has been described as the most fitting gift that the government has given to over 2.9 million Filipino domestic helpers. The Batas Kasambahay institutionalizes the provision of a comprehensive package of benefits to Filipino household service workers, including their entitlement to 13th month pay; service incentive leaves; and social welfare benefits, such as SSS, PAG-IBIG, and PhilHealth. The law fulfills the countr ys obligation to enact a national legislation in compliance with the International Labor Organizations Convention 189 which sets new international standards for the protection of household helpers. Under Rule II of the IRR, an HSW, or Kasambahay, can be hired by the employer directly or indirectly through a licensed private employment agency (PEA).

PEAs are individuals, partnerships, corporations, or entities licensed by the DOLE to engage in the recruitment and placement of Kasambahay for employment, the labor chief explained. Under the law and its IRR, the employer shall shoulder the cost of hiring a Kasambahay, as well as the expenses directly used for his/her transfer from place of origin to the place of work. In no case shall the recruitment or finders fees shall be charged against the Kasambahay; however, the employer may recover the deployment costs from him/her if he/she leaves without justifiable reason within six (6) months from employment. Prior to employment, the employer may require from the applicant a medical certificate or a health certificate issued by a local government health officer; clearance from the Barangay, the police, and the National Bureau of Investigation; and a duly authenticated birth certificate. If a birth certificate is not available, any other document showing the age of the Kasambahay, such as voters identification card, baptismal record, or passport can be presented instead. These documents shall be the standard requirements when the employment of the Kasambahay is facilitated through a PEA and the cost of acquiring these shall be shouldered by the employer or the agency, as the case may be, Baldoz further said. Another important provision of the Batas Kasambahay is that there is now a written employment contr act between the kasambahay and the employer before the HSW starts working, said Baldoz. Written in a language understood by both the kasambahay and the employer, the employment contract should conform to the DOLEs Standard Employment Contract, or the Kontrata sa Paglilingkod sa Tahanan, which is available for download from the DOLE website. Copies of the same shall be made available to the public for free through the local government units, specifically through the barangays and the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs). To be accomplished in three (3) copies to be distributed to the Kasambahay, the employer, and the Office of the Punong Barangay in the barangay where the employer resides, the employment contract should specify the following: (a) duties and responsibilities of the kasambahay, including the responsibility to render satisfactory service at all times; (b) period of employment; (c) compensation; (d) authorized deductions; (e) hours of work and proportionate additional payment; (f) rest days and allowable leaves; (g) board, lodging, and medical attention; (h) agreements on deployment expenses, if any; (i) loan agreement, if any; (j) termination of employment; and (k) any other lawful condition agreed upon by both parties. If the Kasambahay is below 18 years old, the employment contract shall be signed by his/her parent or lawful guardian on his/her behalf. The Punong Barangay or his/her designated officer shall read and explain the contents of the contract to both parties and shall serve as its witness. A new contract will be executed and registered with the concerned barangay if both the Kasambahay and the employer agreed to renew their employment relationship. However, the terms and conditions of the original contract and other improvements granted during the effectivity of said contract are considered renewed. |TOP| Comelec OKs DILG request to place provincial jails in 15 priority provinces under poll body control Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph Manila, Philippines The Commission on Elections has approved the Department of the Interior and Local Governments request to place all provincial jails in 15 priority provinces under the poll bodys control during the remainder of the election period of the May 13, 2013 elections. In an en banc resolution dated yesterday, the poll body led by Chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr. approved the recommendation of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, in a letter dated May 6, 2013, for the Comelec to take full control of the provincial jails in said 15 priority provinces. The 15 provinces include Abra, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Cagayan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Batangas, Cavite, Masbate, Samar, Misamis Occidental, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur and Basilan. The Comelec, Brillantes said, will direct the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to exercise supervision and control of said facilities, with the assistance of the Philippine National Police, if necessary. Roxas, who lauded the Comelec decision, said the DILG/PNP identified the 15 priority provinces as those having presence of private armed groups; presence of intense political rivalry between various political forces; the presence

of criminal groups; volume of loose firearms in the locality; and the quantity of firearms with un-renewed licenses. The DILG chief said his request to the Comelec was prompted by intelligence reports received by the PNP about numerous instances where inmates were released during the election period in violation of the Omnibus Election Code for the sole purpose of serving as private armies of unscrupulous individuals. In fact, in the province of Masbate alone, we are reminded of the 1989 killing of Masbate City Mayor Espinosa Jr. which, based on intelligence reports, was perpetrated by inmates and jail officer s from the Masbate Provincial Jail, Roxas said. In addition, intelligence reports also showed that the 1991 murder of Masbate Rep. Jolly Fernandez was attributed to an inmate of the same correctional facility, he added. The DILG chief said that in order to prevent and ensure that inmates, particularly in the 15 priority provinces are not used by unscrupulous politicians, there is a pressing need to have those provincial jails under Comelec control and guarded by BJMP wardens and jail guards for the remaining days of the elections period. |TOP| DepEd lines up training to develop Filipino musical talents Source: http://www.deped.gov.ph Musical artists for local and international stage plays, band members, rondalla teachers or mentors of vocal and choral techniques these are some of the livelihood opportunities that await K to 12 graduates especially since the Department of Education is training Grades 7 and 8 music teachers nationwide. Education Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro FSC said the music education training aims to upgrade music teachers musical and instructional competencies and skills in teaching the K to 12 music education curriculum. Filipinos are known worldwide for their musical gift and we should be able to sharpen these exceptional talents with the K to 12 curriculum, says Luistro. The five-day training, which will be held in two separate venues, will be given free to music teachers from both public and private secondary schools nationwide. It will be conducted by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) - National Committee on Music through the Philippine Society for Music Education (PSME). The training for Visayas and Mindanao cluster will be held on May 20 to 24, 2013 at the Ateneo de Cebu in Mandaue City. The Luzon and National Capital Region leg will be on May 27 to 31 at St. Scholasticas College in Leon Guinto Street, Manila. The courses to be taught are Music Theory, Philippine Music, Asian Music, Vocal and Choral Techniques, and Rondalla Training. Inquiries may be directed to Prof. Leticia del Valle, project director of PSME at telephone number (02) 931-4623; mobile phone number 0916-7144332 or through lettydelvalle@yahoo.com. |TOP| Secretary Del Rosario reiterates to Apostolic Nuncio invitation for Pope Francis to visit Phl Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 10 May 2013 Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario reiterated to the Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines, Archbishop Guiseppe Pinto, the invitation of President Benigno S. Aquino III for His Holiness Pope Francis to visit the Philippines. The invitation was conveyed during a get-together lunch hosted by the Apostolic Nuncio for Secretary Del Rosario and other officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs on May 08. The Apostolic Nuncio assured Secretary Del Rosario that he has conveyed the invitation to the Vatican and would welcome the honor and opportunity to assist the Pope during the visit. Archbishop Pinto entered the Diplomatic Service of the Holy See in 1984 and served, successively, in Papal representations in Papua New Guinea, Argentina and the Vatican. Prior to his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio in the Philippines in 2011, he held the position of Apostolic Nuncio in Chile. |TOP| Phl Embassy in Rome chairs ASEAN Spouses Circle in Rome Source: http://www.dfa.gov.ph 10 May 2013 - The Philippine Embassy in Rome, represented by Mrs. Maria Reyes, wife of Philippine Ambassador to Italy Virgilio Reyes, chaired the first meeting of the spouses of the members of the diplomatic missions of ASEAN held on April 18 at the official residence of the Indonesian Ambassador.

Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and the Philippines were represented during the meeting. The conception of the ASEAN Spouses Circle in Rome came into fruition pursuant to the establishment of the ASEAN Committee in Rome with the primary aim of further promoting ASEANs identity and encourage cultural and social exchanges in Italy. The election of key officials of the circle was the main highlight of the meeting. The Philippines was elected as the chairperson, Indonesia as the Vice Chairperson and Malaysia as the Treasurer. Although there are more discussions to be undertaken, the first gathering of the ASEAN spouses and the subsequent election of officers served as the precursor to the formal establishment of the circle in the drafting the Terms of Reference. |TOP|

Last Updated:

11 MAY 2013

Google+ Photo Releases of PNoy

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President Benigno S. Aquino III acknowledges the Liberal Party (LP) supporters upon arrival for the Miting de Avance of the LP Quezon City Chapter at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City on Friday (May 10, 2013). LP was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau). President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Miting de Avance of the Liberal Party Quezon City Chapter at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City on Friday (May 10). Present in the event are the twelve (12) Team Pnoy senatorial and local candidates in Quezon City. (Photo by Gil Nartea/ Jay Morales/ Robert Vinas/Malacanang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III raises the hands of Team PNoy candidates during the Miting de Avance of the Liberal Party Quezon City Chapter at the Amoranto Sports Complex in Barangay Paligsahan, Quezon City on Friday (May 10). Team Pnoy includes Bam Aquino, Sonny Trillanes, Sonny Angara, Koko Pomentel, Grace Poe, Jamby Madrigal, Allan Peter Cayetano, Risa Hontiveros, Jun Magsaysay, Loren Legarda and Cynthia Villar. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Jay Morales/ Robert Vinas/Malacanang Photo Bureau) Residents of Moriones Tondo in Manila listens to the speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Miting de Avance of the Liberal Party (LP) Manila City Chapter at the Plaza Hernandez in front of Sto. Nio Church in Tondo, Manila on Thursday (May 09). Team PNoy includes Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission (NY C) chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Compaero Cayetano and Francis Joseph Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Jamby Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Sonny Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. (Photo by:Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III is joined by the Liberal Party (LP) candidates from Manila headed by reelectionist Manila City Mayor Alfredo Fred Lim, Vice Mayoralty candidate Councilor Luciano Lou Veloso, reelectionists Manila City 1st District Representative Dr. Benjamin Asilo, 2nd District Representative Carlo Lopez and 6th District Representative Rosenda Ann Sandy Ocampo, flashes the Laban L sign during the Miting de Avance of the LP Manila City Chapter at the Plaza Hernandez in front of Sto. Nio Church in Tondo, Manila City on Thursday (May 09). LP was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Miting de Avance of the Liberal Party (LP) Manila City Chapter at the Plaza Hernandez in front of Sto. Nio Church in Tondo, Manila on Thursday (May 09). Team PNoy includes Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Compaero Cayetano and Francis Joseph Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Jamby Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Sonny Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the Miting de Avance of the Liberal Party (LP) Manila City Chapter at the Plaza Hernandez in front of Sto. Nio Church in Tondo, Manila on Thursday (May 09). LP was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by: Jay Morales/ Malacaang Photo Bureau)

President Benigno S. Aquino III converses with reelectionist Quezon City 3rd District Representative Jorge John Bolet Banal, Jr. during the Meeting with the Local Leaders and the Community at the Quirino Elementary School Multi-Purpose Building in Anonas Street, Barangay Quirino, Quezon City on Thursday (May 09). The Liberal Party (LP) was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. In photo is reelectionist LP vice chairman Quezon City 4th District Representative House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. (Photo by: Robert Vias / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III endorses the Liberal Party (LP) candidates for the May 13, 2013 midterm election from Quezon City, headed by reelectionists Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina Joy Belmonte-Alimurung, Mayor Herbert Bistek Bautista, 3rd District Representative Jorge John Bolet Banal, Jr. and LP vice chairman 4th District Representative House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., during the Meeting with Local Leaders and the Community at the Quirino Elementary School MultiPurpose Building in Anonas Street, Barangay Quirino, Quezon City on Thursday (May 09). LP was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Robert Vias / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the Meeting with Local Leaders and the Community at the Quirino Elementary School Multi-Purpose Building in Anonas Street, Barangay Quirino, Quezon City on Thursday (May 09). Also in photo are Team PNoy candidates that include Aurora Lone District Representative Juan Edgardo Sonny Angara, former National Youth Commission (NYC) chairperson Paolo Benigno Bam Aquino IV, former Akbayan Partylist Representative Ana Theresia Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Senators Alan Peter Compaero Cayetano and Francis Joseph Chiz Escudero, former Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Senator Loren Legarda, former Senators Maria Ana Consuelo Jamby Madrigal and Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Senators Aquilino Martin Koko Pimentel III and Antonio Sonny Trillanes IV, and former Las Pias Representative Cynthia Villar. In photo are reelectionists Quezon City Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina Joy Belmonte-Alimurung and Mayor Herbert Bistek Bautista, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, reelectionists LP vice chairman Quezon City 4th District Representative House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and 3rd District Representative Jorge John Bolet Banal, Jr. and LP president Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Robert Vias / Malacaang Photo Bureau) President Benigno S. Aquino III attends the Meeting with the Local Leaders and the Community at the Quirino Elementary School Multi-Purpose Building in Anonas Street, Barangay Quirino, Quezon City on Thursday (May 09). The Liberal Party (LP) was founded on January 19, 1946 by Manuel Roxas, the first President of the Third Philippine Republic. In photo are reelectionists Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bistek Bautista, LP vice chairman Quezon City 4th District Representative House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and 3rd District Representative Jorge John Bolet Banal, Jr., and LP president Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Robert Vias /Malacaang Photo Bureau)

Thank You and God Bless !!!!