BICOL POLICE ANTI-ILLEGAL GAMBLING DRIVE IN HIGH GEAR

LEGAZPI CITY — With barely two weeks of intensified anti-illegal gambling operations, a total of 409 individuals were arrested some P53,613, believed to be bet money, were confiscated by police operatives across Bicol region.

Bicol PNP acting Regional Director Police Chief Superintendent Cecilio B. Calleja, Jr., said the feat has manifested police’s resolve and commitment to eradicate all forms of illegal gambling activities in the region.

The operation has resulted to the filing of criminal charges now pending and being tried in various courts in the region, against persons involved including their financiers.

Among those considered gambling offenses defined and penalized under RA 9287 (illegal gambling) are Card Games, Pula Puti, Cara y Cruz, Fruit Game Machines, Sakla, Illegal Cockfighting, Lotteng and Jueteng.

With this successful no non-sense drive against illegal gambling, PNP Bicol is sending the message and warning against would-be violators that law enforcers will never get tired of enforcing the law and without feat and favor.

“For police commanders who cannot perform the task of stopping gambling activities in their turf will be replaced by those capable and willing to accomplish the task,” Calleja stressed. (PRO V/PIA)

BIR IN CAMARINES NORTE BARES TAX CAMPAIGN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Revenue District 64 office collected a total of P355 million last year, short of the P439 million target for the same year.

Revenue District Officer Marcelino M. Quito explained that the deficit on the collection was due to tax measures carried out by the government to help employees, particularly on the increase in personal and additional exemption as mandated by Republic Act 95.

Quito elaborated that under RA 9504, personal exemption from P20,000 for single, P25,000 for head of the family and P32,000 for married were increased to P50,000; while additional exemption for dependent children from P8,000 to P25,000, resulting to some P128 million revenue loss.

“The global economic crisis, wherein one company based here stopped operation in its export venture, was also contributory to the shortfall, noting that only P8 million was generated compared to P15 million average for the past years,” he said.

Quito also cited the rate of corporations for tax was decreased from 35 percent to 30 percent and tax amnesty totaled P64 million pesos last year.

He added that the total loss rose to P117 million, on the other hand, without such hitch tax collection can raise 30 percent more of the 2009 target. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

CHED BICOL OPENS APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIP FOR SY 2010-2011

LEGAZPI CITY — The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Bicol regional office here has officially announced the guidelines and procedures on the Student Financial Assistance and Scholarship programs for SY 2010-2011.

General Guidelines:

1. CHED Bicol will start receiving all complete application documents after the close of SY 2009-2010.
2. Screening all complete application documents shall commence after the specific deadline for the submission of application is set by this Office.
3. All application documents should be submitted to the CHED Regional Office V with postal address at EM’s Barrio South Barangay 2, Legazpi City, Albay
4. General qualification requirements that applicant must:
a. be a Filipino citizen of good moral character
b. be a High School graduate and/or entering freshmen and/or college student in any curricular year level (For Loan Programs)
c. have at least the following Form 138 General Weighted Average (GWA) and General Scholastic Aptitude (GSA) in the National Career Entrance Examination (NCAE) to wit:
1. 90% above – Full merit
2. 85% above – Half merit
3. 80-84% - Grand-in-Aid and Student Loan Programs
d. have a combined annual gross income of parents that should not exceed P300,000
e. not more than 30 years of age at the time of application except for CHED OPAPP-SGPRR
f. for Study-Now-Pay-Later Plan:
1. must enter into a loan agreement with CHED
2. must have a guarantor (SSS/GSIS member of good standing, who has paid at least six monthly contribution for the least 12 months) who shall act as the co-borrower
g. have not availed of any government scholarship and/or grant.

5. Documentary Requirements:

a. Duly accomplished application documents (may be availed of from CHED Regional Office V, downloaded from the CHED website at www.ched.gov.ph
b. Form 137/Report Card/Certification of Grades the average of which should not be lower than 85%
c. NCAE Results (not lower than 85%)
d. Income Tax Return with annually family income of not more than P300,000 or tax exemption certificate from the BIR in case the parents are exempted from payment of taxes
e. Certificate of Good Moral Character issued by the High School Principal
f. Certificate of Good Health issued by government physician
g. Certificate as solo parent (for solo parent dependent) from the DSWD, if applicable
h. Certificate as bona fide member of a “Hill Tribe” from NCIP, if applicable

6. Benefits
Qualifiers shall be entitled to the following financial benefits per semester:
Full Merit (90% and above) P15,000.00
Half Merit (85% above) 7,500.00
Study Now Pay Later Program 7,500.00

7. Only complete application documents shall be accepted by this office
8. For inquiries, please see the scholarship coordinators at the Office of Student Services, CHED Regional Office V or call tel. no. 481-5096 for more details. (DRRebueno, CHED V/PIA)

CSC ANNOUNCES CAREER SERVICE EXAMS SET APR 25 AND OCT 17

PILI, Camarines Sur — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) field office here announces the 2010 schedule of Career Service Examination (CSE) Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) on both professional and sub-professional levels set on April 25 and October 17, this year.

Director Lida C. Ayon of CSC Camarines Sur has announced that her office is now accepting applications on the first-come-first served basis.

Ayon added that applicants must be 18 years old and above and submit the following requirements for the said examinations:

1. Accomplished application form (CSC Form 100, revised 2008);
2. 4 copies (1 ½ x 2”) ID picture with full nametag taken within three months;
3. Valid ID (photocopy, back to back); and
4. Application fee of 350 pesos.

Ayon also said that deadline for filing for the April 25, 2010 examination will be on March 10, 2010 and for October 17, 2010 examination be announced later.

The examination center for Camarines Sur applicants will take the examination at the Camarines Sur National High School located at Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City. For more information please contact telephone number 054-4753429. (DC Abad, PIA CamSur)


CERGE, PR ASSET OF THE ARROYO ADMINISTRATION – SALCEDA

LEGAZPI CITY-– Albay Governor Joey Salceda has extended condolences to the family of Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, who succumbed to a heart attack shortly before noon on Tuesday (January 19) at the Makati Medical Center.

Salceda said Remonde was a public relation asset of the Arroyo Administration, doing it so well even if he at time had sighed in admission of being a failure as lead communicator of the Office of the President.

The governor was in disbelief upon learning of the untimely demise of the Press Secretary.

Salceda recalled he was with Remonde, along with President Arroyo, just last Monday at the Malacañang study room from 2:00 pm up to 5:00 pm discussing a major policy speech, “inviting him afterward to one of the Palace corners facing Pasig river for a smoke.”

“Cerge has hardly shown a hint that he would go so soon,” he narrated.

According to Salceda, Remonde was a hardworking cabinet member and a good friend who he and his multitude of friends would miss.

“He (Remonde) was a close confidant not only to President Arroyo but also to all cabinet members,” he said.

Salceda added that Remonde’s loyalty to the Arroyo Administration is highly remarkable. (MALoterte, PIA V)


CSC ANNOUNCES CAREER SERVICE EXAMS SET APR 25 AND OCT 17

PILI, Camarines Sur — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) field office here announces the 2010 schedule of Career Service Examination (CSE) Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) on both professional and sub-professional levels set on April 25 and October 17, this year.

Director Lida C. Ayon of CSC Camarines Sur has announced that her office is now accepting applications on the first-come-first served basis.

Ayon added that applicants must be 18 years old and above and submit the following requirements for the said examinations:

1. Accomplished application form (CSC Form 100, revised 2008);
2. 4 copies (1 ½ x 2”) ID picture with full nametag taken within three months;
3. Valid ID (photocopy, back to back); and
4. Application fee of 350 pesos.

Ayon also said that deadline for filing for the April 25, 2010 examination will be on March 10, 2010 and for October 17, 2010 examination be announced later.

The examination center for Camarines Sur applicants will take the examination at the Camarines Sur National High School located at Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City. For more information please contact telephone number 054-4753429. (DC Abad, PIA CamSur)


CAMSUR NOW A FAVORITE LOCATION OF FILMMAKERS

PILI, Camarines Sur – The intensive tourism development programs of Camarines Sur has significantly propelled its reputation as an exotic tropical Eden increasingly attracting even non-tourists, now including film and television show producers, for location shooting amidst the province’s natural wonders.

On Monday (January 18), the crew of major local film production (Viva Films) is billeted at the cabanas of the renowned Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) to shooting sequences of a movie flick featuring actors Aga Mulach, Regine Velasquez and Mark Bautista.

Aga Mulach, who has Bicolano roots and close friend of the Governor Lray Villafuerte, regularly finds time between shoots to greet his fans and enjoy the amenities of CWC, conceded to be the best cable wake park in the world today.

Since being acclaimed by Top Resa Paris, the biggest travel forum in Europe, as one of the best eco-tourism destinations in the world because of its large-scale tourism development projects in Caramoan Peninsula centered at Gota Village Resort, the area has also become a popular choice as setting of the Survivor TV reality show series.

Initially the Koh Lanta: Caramoan, the French franchise of Survivor, was filmed in Matukad, one of the untouched tropical islets just offshore of Gota beach where the entire cast and crew stayed for shooting the serial in its entirety before being aired over major networks in Europe and viewed by millions.

The French Survivor was followed by Israel, Bulgaria, Turkey and Serbia.

Major Hollywood production firms are also eyeing Caramoan as setting for outdoor scenes. (GBClaveria, MMEC/PIA)


Statement by the Office of the Press Secretary
on the passing away of Secretary Cerge M. Remonde

MANILA — The Office of the Press Secretary wishes to announce, with profound sorrow, that Secretary Cerge M. Remonde succumbed to a heart attack shortly before noon Tuesday (January 19) at the Makati Medical Center. He was 51 years old.

The Secretary was earlier discovered unconscious in the bathroom of his residence in Makati. He was brought to Makati Medical where efforts were made to revive him, but to no avail. The news of his passing was first broken by the Executive Secretary, Eduardo Ermita, at the hospital premises.

Secretary Cerge leaves behind his wife, Mrs. Maret Remonde, who is presently en route to Manila by private plane from his home in Cebu. His remains will lie in state at the Heritage Memorial Park in Fort Bonifacio, pending final disposition by his wife upon her arrival here.

Cerge Remonde traced his roots to Argao, Cebu where he grew up. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from the University of the Visayas in Cebu City. Later he took up Cooperation and Development Studies at the Afro-Asia Institute in Tel Aviv, Israel in 1986, and also attended an International Visitors Program hosted by the US State Department in Washington, DC in 1992.

From his initial days as a radio reporter and commentator, Cerge carved out a distinguished career in radio, television, and print. He served as anchor of the highly-rated DYLA Interaction, a primetime show that set the benchmark for public affairs programming. He was also the first ever to rise from the ranks of provincial reporters to become the national chairman of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), a position that he held for an unprecedented six terms.

In January 2001, only three days after President Arroyo first took office, Cerge Remonde was appointed Press Undersecretary in charge of broadcast. In 2004, he was named head of the Government Mass Media Group (GMMG), a Cabinet-level position which oversees all the various government owned media entities. He also served concurrently as Lead Convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission.

In October 2006, Cerge Remonde was appointed to head the Presidential Management Staff, and in February 2009, he was named the Press Secretary to the President. Among the many positions he held concurrently, he served as senior adviser to the GRP-NDF Peace Panel, commissioner of the Communications Committee of UNESCO, and chairman of the Advertising Board of the Philippines, the Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists, and the Appeals Board of the MTRCB.

Secretary Remonde was lavished with many awards and distinctions, among them the Most Outstanding Visayanian in the field of Mass Media in 1998, and, together with former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr, the Most Outstanding Cebuano in 1999.

But as any one of his multitude of friends and admirers well knows, it was their friendship and high regard that he valued most highly. This esteem was something that in turn was given easily to a man with his admirable qualities — professionalism at work, solicitude for the plight of others, loyalty to his President and to the high ideals of public service, and most of all, devotion to his Church and to his God.

Secretary Cerge Remonde will be sorely missed by his colleagues, his friends, and all who grieve his passing today, even as he will continue to be an inspiration to them and a shining example of a life well-lived in the service of his fellow man and for the greater glory of the Creator above. (PIA V Release)


PGMA pays last respects to Secretary Cerge Remonde

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo paid her last respects to Press Secretary Cerge Remonde at the Heritage Park Memorial Chapel in Taguig City today at around 4:30 a.m.

Upon arrival at the chapel, the President, clad in white shirt and pants, embraced Mrs. Marit Stinus Remonde. After viewing the press secretary’s remains, she sat and chatted with the wife. She stayed at the wake for 30 minutes.

One of the longest serving officials in the current administration, Remonde died Tuesday shortly before noon. He was found unconscious by aides at home in Bel-Air, Makati City, a victim of heart attack. He was brought to the nearby Makati Medical Center, but efforts to revive him proved futile.

In an interview, the President said she lost not only a Cabinet secretary but also a close family friend.

Remonde was to mark his first anniversary as press secretary on Feb. 1. He took over the post from Secretary Jesus Dureza last year.

Members of the Malacañang Press Corps fondly remember Remonde as “a cool cat”, one who could answer a withering barrage of tough questions with candidness and humor.

The late press secretary’s remains will be brought to Heroes Hall in Malacañang on Thursday for necrological services. It will be flown to Cebu on Friday and interred in the family plot in Argao, his hometown, the next day. (PIA V Release)


Another RP peacekeeper found dead in Haiti

MANILA — Another Filipino soldier serving as peacekeeper for the United Nations was found dead underneath the rubbles of the quake-fallen Christopher Hotel, headquarters of UN in the troubled Caribbean nation.

This brings to three the number of Filipinos who died in last week's devastating intensity 7 earthquake that has claimed the lives of thousands others.

AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner identified the latest Filipino fatality as Sgt. Eustacio Bermudez, who is serving as clerk for the UN mission at the second floor of the hotel.

Brawner said the body of Bermudez was plucked from the collapsed hotel around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday by a multinational team that was tasked to conduct search, rescue and retrieval operations.

On Tuesday morning, the body of Navy Data Processor 3 Pearly Panangui was found from the building. On Monday, the body of UN civilian staff Jerome Yap was also found at the building.

With the retrieval of the body of Bermudez, the number of missing Filipinos in Haiti is reduced to two, said Brawner. They are Grace Fabian and Geraldin Lalican, who were trapped at the
Caribbean Supermarket where they worked.

Filipino rescuers are helping in the rescue or retrieval of the two. (PIA V Release)


PSALM sets forum on privatization of Ilijan IPPA

MANILA — The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation will conduct a forum for the appointment of the Independent Power Producer Administrator (IPPA) for the contracted capacity of the 1200-megawatt Ilijan Combined Cycle Power Plant on Tuesday, 26 January 2010, at the PSALM Filipinas Hall, 6th Floor Bankmer Bldg., 6756 Ayala Avenue, Makati City. The forum will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon.

Pablo Anido, PSALM’s team leader for the IPPA privatization, explained that the objective of the forum is to present to prospective bidders and investors the technical details and operational experience regarding the plant, and the commercial approach and legal structure that PSALM is considering for the tendering of the IPPA.

“We expect that inputs from interested parties will help ensure the successful selection of an IPP administrator for Ilijan,” Mr. Anido said.

Due to limitations of the venue, interested parties must register online at the PSALM website, www.psalm.gov. ph, to reserve a seat at the forum. PSALM will advise registrants of the confirmation of their registration. (PIA V Release)


Diplomatic corps supports PGMA’s peace initiatives

MANILA — Members of the diplomatic corps, led by its dean, Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams, today pledged support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s efforts to achieve peace for the common good.

In his response to President Arroyo’s speech at the annual Vin d’Honneur at Malacañang Palace this afternoon, Adams said “peace and the common good is indeed not only a possibility and a compelling goal but our collective duty.”

The attainment of peace, through the termination of hostilities with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, is one of the items in the ten-point agenda of the Arroyo Administration.

The President has time and again made it clear that the government is fully committed to bringing lasting peace in Mindanao and the rest of the country.

“So, Madam President, our very presence in this gathering is an expression of our shared desire and need to join our hands in continued collaboration for peace and the common good,” Adams said.

“We who have the privilege of serving here as diplomats gladly assure you, Madam President, of the pledge of the countries and organizations we represent to further advance these noble aspirations,” he also said.

Adams also expressed the group’s collective confidence that President Arroyo would remain steadfast in working towards achieving this goal.

“We are assured too, Madam President, that in these few remaining months before the national elections, your personal dedication and industry for the welfare of this great nation will not waver,” Adams said.

“We appreciate your administration’s stated resolve to work for unity, progress and the well-being of the people of this country,” he added. (PIA V Release)


Lives of Filipinos improved under my watch – PGMA

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said today the lives of Filipinos have improved during her nine-year administration.

''I’ve worked hard every single day to lift up the lives of our people,'' the President said at the traditional vin d'honneur for the diplomatic corps held today at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang.

According to President Arroyo, her focus since she assumed the presidency in 2001 was to turn the economy around, create jobs, and invest in human and physical infrastructure.

She pointed out that the growth of the economy, as measured by the gross domestic product or the sum of all goods and services produced in the country, and the number of jobs created under her watch were the highest in the last 30 years. Average inflation or increases in the prices of goods and services, she added, were also the lowest since her father's administration in the early 1960s.
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By pushing economic reforms in the early years of her administration, the President helped the country weather the global financial crisis that started in September 2008 better than other countries.

“Even at the height of the global economic tempest, the Philippines was able to post positive growth,'' the President said.

The Philippines is one of a handful of countries in Asia, including China, which escaped recession. It posted economic growth of 0.7 percent for the first three quarters of 2009.

Along the way, the President said she made tough and unpopular choices. Despite threats of dissension within her own party, she implemented the expanded value added tax law or EVAT, and the result was P80 billion in annual revenues generated for the government.

With such steady income coming in every year, the country borrowed less and spent more on people, thus “breaking the cycle of economic misery we had operated under,” she said.

Between 2000 and 2009, the number of healthcare insurance beneficiaries expanded from 29 million to 89.64 million, 100,000 new classrooms were built, and teachers’ salaries increased from P9,000 a month to P14,000.

At the of 2009, 99.39 percent of barangays in the country had electricity, while 319 out of 432 waterless barangays were provided with potable water.

“Infrastructure development has been at the center of our development agenda. It is working to create a competitive Philippines, both as a place for doing business and as a place to be a good employee,” the President said.

The President also said the economic development strategy is working well, with tourist arrivals increasing and business process outsourcing expanding in such a way that its is expected to employ its one millionth employee by the end of the year.

The development of the freeports of Subic and Clark as strong logistics and service hubs are on track.

Aside from the construction of roads and bridges, the Arroyo administration also invested in education in the last nine years. Billions of pesos were spent in vocational training and English literacy to make the Filipino worker more competitive here and abroad.

Looking ahead, the President said she wants to spend the remaining five months of her term reaching out to the youth to help ensure free, fair, and credible elections in May.

''They are the future...They can be the guardians of non-violence as they interact with adults and others in the community,'' said the President of young people. (PIA V Release)