PGMA VISITS CAMARINES SUR
… scores on her administration’s gains in education; grants assistance to former rebels

PILI, Camarines Sur (March 26) — Barely a year after signing the law that gave the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC) its new status as a university, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo set foot on its ground Wednesday (March 24), as part of her legacy tour in various learning institutions in the country.

Atty. Marito Bernales, the first university president of CSSAC now known as the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture or CBSUA expressed his appreciation to the President for choosing the university as one of the recipients of her educational tours.

“CBSUA has transformed itself into one of the best universities in the region. Its commitment for quality education as crucial instrument in nurturing the Bicolano youth has propelled its desire to assume its challenging role as the only agricultural university in the Bicol Region.”

Before delivering her speech in front of the students, President Arroyo personally received former members of the New Peoples Army into the folds of law during a simple awarding ceremony at the CBSUA Social Hall.

Thirty-six (36) rebel returnees coming from different provinces in the region individually received P20,000.00 as livelihood assistance plus an additional cash for every firearms surrendered. The amount will serve as the returnees’ start up capital in establishing their new life in the community as part of the government’s social integration program.

Aside from the cash grant, the recipients are also being enjoined to participate in the livelihood trainings being conducted by other government agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

President Arroyo also hailed CBSUA for the notable increase of enrollees and course offerings after being declared as a university. She also reiterated her 3Es program - education, economy and environment and challenged the youth to assume its challenging role as the hope of the new generation. She gave emphasis on education as a foundation of opportunity and as a key for a better life.

The President also scored on her administrations’ gains in the education sector as evidenced by the construction of more than 100,000 school buildings, particularly those damaged by the recent typhoons that hit Bicol region and the thousand of scholarship grants, particularly for technical-vocational courses.

From 2001 to 2009, she has already put in place 49,000 tech-voc scholarships in the region, 14,000 of which are recipients from the province of Camarines Sur.

The President also made mention of the commuter train system which aims to make accessible the routes from Camarines Sur going to Albay. Aside from improving the commuter train system, her administration also improved and developed the ports and RORO in Pasacao, going to Burias Island, as part of the eastern nautical highway project.”

Aside from the Arroyo administration’s gains in terms of education and infrastructure, it has also scored on delivering its other services in the community like the electrification of barangays, increased access in PhilHealth and increased revenue due to its aggressive campaign in tax collection. (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)

DPWH BICOL SETS UP “LAKBAY ALALAY” FOR HOLY WEEK

LEGAZPI CITY (March 26) — Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol Director Danilo Manalang has ordered the setting up of Motorists’ Assistance Centers (MAC) along the national highways of Bicol in preparation for the influx of travelers in time for the observance of Holy Week.

said that every District Engineering Office (DEO) across the region has an existing organized team ready to give free roadside emergency repair assistance to traveling public during long holidays.

Dubbed “Lakbay Alalay”, the assistance centers are manned by engineers, car mechanics, equipment operators and other service crews.

This coming Holy Week, “Lakbay Alalay” will start on Wednesday (March 31) from 6:00 am to Monday (April 5) at 12:00 noon.

MAC is carried out in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units (LGU).

In Albay, MACs will be set up in Daang Maharlika junctions of Legazpi City-Sto. Domingo-Tabaco City-Camarines Sur boundary road; Basud in Sto. Domingo; Busay in Daraga; and, Paulog Station in Ligao City.

In Camarines Norte, motorists can get in touch with MACs located in Tabugon, Sta. Elena Section and Tigbinan, Labo Section

Motorists plying Catanduanes routes can find MACs in Manambrag, San Andres; Pagsangahan, San Miguel; Bato; and, in Sicmil, Gigmoto

In Camarines Sur, “Lakbay Albay” is available at DPWH Sub-Office in Agrupacion, Ragay; Tambo, Pamplona,; Cam. Sur Traffic Mgt. Group (TMG) Headquarters, Daang Maharlika in Concepcion Grande, Naga City; Mambulo Nuevo, Libmanan; DPWH Junction, Tigaon; Lagonoy Poblacion; Crossing/Diversion, Baao; and, Bato Resthouse, Agos, Bato

MAC personnel will keep watch on motorists from Pepita Park in Bucalbucalan and Multi-Purpose Barangay Hall in San Pedro, Irosin, all in the province of Sorsogon.

While in Masbate, MACs will be all over the place with 12 centers put up to attend to the needs of motorists in the island province, including Jct. Milagros-Baleno-Lagta Road; Jct. Tawad-Balud Road; Masbate-Milagros/Masbate-Cataingan Road; Jct. Buenavista-Cawayan Road, Jct., Buenavista; Jct. Buenavista-Cawayan Road, Bgy. Del Carmen; Jct. Balatucan-Cataingan Road, Balocawe, Dimasalang; Jct. Balatucan-Catainga Road, Jct. Cataingan; Jct. Cataingan-Placer Road, Bgy. Katipunan; Roving Unit (National Road covered Masbate 2nd DEO/3rd Legislative Dist); San Fernando South Road (Batuan Section); San Fernando North Road (San Fernando, San Jacinto and Monreal Sections); and, San Pascual-Claveria Road (San Pascual side & Claveria side).

At the DPWH Bicol regional office, a skeletal workforce from Maintenance Division will man the office to receive reports from field offices and to render emergency services that may be required during the said holidays. (LVCastañeda, DPWH/PIA)

PCG SORSOGON GEARS UP FOR HOLY WEEK

SORSOGON CITY (March 26) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station here is now all set for the observance of the holy week anticipating the influx of vacationers to roll up in the province.

PCG Sorsogon City OIC Station Commander Lt. Jr. Grade Jose Ronnie Ong, said that early as this time the agency has already alerted their special operations unit and K-9 unit personnel in connection with the PCG’s program for holy week dubbed as “Oplan Mahal na Araw 2010”.

Ong said that PCG has launched anew the “Oplan Mahal Na Araw” program this year in partnership with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Maritime Industry Administration (MARINA) to fine tune security in the province’s major ports.

“We will also activate the Passenger’s Assistance Centers in Matnog, Pilar and Bulan ports starting March 30 until April 14,” he assures.

With this, travelers and the public as well are guaranteed that sea travels of all the shipping companies here will be safe, well-facilitated and systematic,” Ong further said.

Ong added that they have also coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as with the Philippine Army in the province for an integrated commitment that would ensure security of water transport services and a more efficient implementation of the safety standards and regulations concerning inspection of passengers and baggage including as well security procedures at the ports.

“Aside from this, we also assure the public that we will relentlessly monitor activities and occurrences in all ports here to avert possible breach of security protocols and to protect passenger vessels not only during holy week but during the entire duration of summer vacation,” Ong said. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

ALBAY JOINS OBSERVANCE OF EARTH HOUR SATURDAY

LEGAZPI CITY (March 26) — The Center for Initiative Research for Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA) in Albay calls on Albayanos to switch off their lights from 8:30 until 9:30 in the evening in response to the global observance of Earth Hour 2010 tomorrow (March 27).

Manuel “Nhong” Rangasa, CIRCA executive director, said Albay, known globally and even declared as global model for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction and mitigation initiatives, should be among the forerunners in such endeavors and show the world what we can do to protect and save the planet.

“Simultaneous with people across the globe, the switching off of lights in our homes, offices, and establishments, among others, will serve as an avenue to appeal to our people start mending their wasteful ways, protect and conserve, and save Planet Earth,” Rangasa explained.

“Albayanos, living up to the reputation as good environment-friendly citizens, can make an impact on this side of the biosphere,” he added.

Rangasa stressed that Albayanos’ choice and taking part in the Earth Hour 2010 will underscore the stark reminder of climate change now really occurring with notable adverse implications in many parts of the globe, adding that the one hour “lights off” will translate into “an immense decrease in amount of fuel burning."

“El Nino is a reminder that we should reduce the amount of carbon footprint and rebuild our forests," he related.

This year’s observance of the Earth Hour aims to be the largest environmental mass-participation event in Philippine history, according to organizers in the country.

Earth Hour 2010 hopes to inspire 15 Million Filipinos in 1000 cities and towns to join the global switch off.

Earth Hour movement symbolizes that by working together, each of us can make a positive impact in this fight, protecting our future and that of future generations.

Now in its third year in the country and envisioned as a celebration of climate change solutions, Earth Hour Philippines aims to inspire 1000 towns, cities and municipalities to switch off and join in the revelry – in an environmentally-conscious manner, that is.

Many of the nation’s most iconic landmarks are expected to dim their lights in the largest call for action on climate change. Cities from around the world, from Europe to Africa, are expected to join in.

Crafted to take a stand against the greatest threat our planet has ever faced, Earth Hour uses the simple action of turning off lights for an hour to deliver a powerful message on the need for climate change solutions.

This simple act has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world, becoming a worldwide phenomenon in 2008 and 2009 – where the Philippines placed first globally in terms of town and city participation. (MALoterte, PIA V)

TALLADO IS NEW CAMARINES NORTE GOVERNOR

DAET, Camarines Norte (March 26) — Governor Edgardo Tallado has formally assumed as chief executive of Camarines Norte around 5:00 pm yesterday following a 4-day resistance from former Gov. Jesus O. Typoco Jr .

The installation of Tallado came upon with the intervention of Regional Director Blandino Maceda of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Bicol and assisted by with Camarines Norte Police Provincial Director PS/Supt. Pierre Bucsit.

It can be recalled that Tallado was proclaimed Monday (March 22) by Commission on Elections (COMELEC) as the winning gubernatorial candidate in the province.

Resistance from the camp of Typoco were observed after the proclamation by barricading the vicinity of the provincial capitol to prevent the entrance of Tallado.

Tthe political fight between Typoco and Tallado escalated after the Supreme Court en banc denied the petition for certiorari and prohibition filed by Typoco with 11-2 votes and 1 abstention in favor of Tallado last March 5, 2010.

In its 16-page decision, the highest court has sustained the April 30, 2008 resolution of Comelec First Division granting Tallado’s petition to correct manifest error found in the Municipal certificate of canvass in the municipality of Labo.

Based on the records of COMELEC, upon proclamation Typoco garnered 80,830 while Tallado got 78,287. After the correction, Tallado earned 79,969 and Typoco had 79,904 votes.

The body annulled the proclamation of Typoco as winner of gubernatorial race in May 14, 2007 elections and directed the proclamation of Tallado.

The decision also upheld the February 24, 2009 Comelec en banc decision denying the motion for reconsideration of Typoco.

It will also be recalled that former Governor Typoco remained governor afterwards due to temporary restraining order given by the Supreme Court. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

IFP PHILIPPINES SENDS MORE SCHOLARS ABROAD
…more grantees noted in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY (March 26) — The Ford Foundation’s International Fellowships Program (FP) in the Philippines has sent 28 more scholars abroad to study for post graduate degrees, mostly abroad, 26 of which were deployed second half of 2009 and 3 more last month.

The 29 scholars are part of Cohort 2008, so named because IFP Philippines selected them from a pool of applicants in 2008. The very first group was Cohort 2002, while members of Cohort 2009 are in the process of applying to their chosen universities.

Of the members of Cohort 2008, 12 are now studying in the United States, 6 in the United Kingdom, 2 in the Philippines and one in Thailand. Two scholars will leave for Australia this month.

The scholars come from varied backgrounds. Fifteen are from the academic institutions, 5 from non-government organizations, four from government service, and two from the private sector.

Likewise, they are pursuing different areas of study. Twelve are in the natural sciences, 6 in the social sciences, 5 in the arts and humanities, 4 in education, and 2 in law.

The Ford Foundation launched the IFP in 2001 with an allocation of $280 million, the largest single grant in the foundation’s history. The program operates in 22 countries where the Ford Foundation is a grant maker.
The IFP is different from other international fellowships for the following reasons: first, scholars are selected on the basis of their leadership record and commitment to their country or community as well as on the strength of their academic achievement; second, they come from disadvantaged groups with limited access to higher education; and third, scholars can pursue graduate studies in educational institutions anywhere in the world.

In the Philippines, IFP has already granted scholarships to 246 people, 93 of whom have already completed their degrees.

The IFP selects its scholars through a rigorous series of interviews. Interviewers include top academics from different fields.

Already, 104 Filipino alumni of the IFP Philippines have been accounted for from Cohorts 2002 to 2007. Ten has finished doctoral programs and 82 earned master degrees while 7 have to defend doctoral dissertations. A third of grantees pursued studies in the field of development or development management while 18 did so in social sciences; a fifth took up applied science and environment; 9 finished masters in public policy and management, 8 in education, 2 in law, 2 in fine arts degrees, 2 in tourism and 1 in information management.

More than two thirds studied in universities outside the Philippines and nearly all of them have returned.

In terms of geographic origin, grantees came from up north as Basco, Batanes to far south as Isabela City in Basilan. Mindanao is strongly represented among the alumni as is Bicol Region particularly Camarines Sur.

Of the 18 Bicolano scholars from 2002-2007, nine are from Camarines Sur with 4 from Naga City, Pedro B. Bellen, Jr., MA Development Studies ’04; Wilfredo B. Prilles, Jr., Masters in Planning, Growth and Regeneration ’05, University of Cambridge;; Arnel B. Sanchez, MA Forest and Nature Conservation ’05; Wageningen University; Melinda T. Agapito, MSc Marine Resource Management ’08, Oregon State University.

Victoria Serrano of Ocampo, Camarines Sur, MSc Organic Agriculture (Major in Consumer and Market) ’07 Wageningen University; Francia L. Villaflor of Bato, Camarines Sur, PhD candidate Child and Family Studies, Miriam College; Charlie Balagtas of Tigaon, Camarines Sur, MA Sustainable International Development ’08, Brandies University; Trixie Ann C. Clemente of Ragay, Camarines Sur, MSc Environmental Forestry ’07, University of Walges-Bangor; Felicidad Mendoza-Justiniana of San Fernando, Camarines Sur, MA Sustainable International Development ’08, Brandeis University; and Iligino Francisco Peñones, Jr. of Iriga City, MFA Creative Writing ’09, San Jose State University.

Albay fellows who have graduated are Gremil Alessandro Alcazar-Naz of Legazpi City, Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Community ’08, New York University; Jenifer B. Belarmino of Malilipot, Albay, Diploma in Development Studies ’07, University of Leeds; and Nomer C. Esmero of Malinao, Albay, Masters in Public Policy ’08, Australian National University.

There were two grantees from Sorsogon, Jose Marie L. Gonzalez, Jr., Master in Development Management ’07, Asian Institute of Management and Pacita D. Fortin, MA Development Studies, Institute of Social Studies both from Sorsogon City; and so from Masbate, Joey Deinta Alcantara of Batuan, Masbate, MA Development Studies (Major in Local and Regional Development) ’07, Institute of Social Studies and Ma. Lyn Estoquia of Masbate City, MA Philippine Studie s’09, De La Salle University.

Joshua B. Guinto of Daet, Camarines Norte finished MSc Management of Agro-Ecological Knowledge ad Social Change ’08, Wageningen University.

Upon the return of the scholars from their studies especially those who completed their graduate studies abroad, a re-integration program is conducted by the Philippine Institute of Social Science based in UP Diliman, Quezon City. Last week, Higino Francisco Peñones, Jr., Gremil Alessandro Alcazar-Naz and Ma. Lyn Estoquia underwent said re-assimilation program held in Central Luzon State University in Science City of Muñoz. (GAANaz/AANaz, PIA V)

RDO IN CAMARINES NORTE, OPTIMISTIC TO ACHIEVE ANNUAL TARGET FOR 2010

DAET, Camarines Norte (March 26) — The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) district office here in this province expressed optimism that it can achieve its collection target of P430 million for this year, assured a bureau official in Camarines Norte.

In a press conference during the launching of 2010 Tax Campaign here, Revenue District Officer Marcelino M. Quito said that for the month of January this year the bureau already collected 101 percent more than the monthly target and overshoot by 32 percent the target for February compared to the same months last year.

Quito averred that they have 100 days to implement the bureau’s intensified revenue generation programs, including the early filing of income tax before April 15 to avoid the rush.

Aside from the income tax campaigns, BIR is keen on stepping up the “Project Iboto Mo” campaign under Revenue Regulations 8-2009 to ensure that the purchases of goods and services for the campaign and election expenditures of the candidates, including their supporters’ contributions, will be subject to 5 percent withholding tax.

Quito added that the bureau will carry out tax mapping operations, to warn and apprehend tax evaders and cheats, enhance voluntary compliance through dialogues and appeals to taxpayers, RVAT to top taxpayers, monitoring of private withholding agents, and projects of LGUs, NGAs and GOCCs.

He said that BIR will also intensify enforcement measures through the conduct of quality audit, surveillance/stocktaking/ machine reading of CRM/POS machines and gasoline meters.

Meanwhile, the local business stakeholders, including Camarines Norte Chinese Chamber of Commerce President Doming Tan, Camarines Norte Bankers Association President Ranulfo Baloro, PICPA President Madelon Lee, local tax payers and members of the print and broadcast media assured their support to the BIR tax campaign. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte).

PSALM SETS SALE OF BACMAN GEOTHERMAL PLANT PACKAGE

LEGAZPI CITY (MARCH 26) — The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation formally launched the sale process for the 150-megawatt (MW) BacMan geothermal power plant package located in the provinces of Albay and Sorsogon with the publication of the Invitation to Bid (ITB) Friday (March 19).

The ITB has specified that the sale will include the BacMan I Geothermal Power Plant located in Manito, Albay, and the BacMan II geothermal power plants situated in Sorsogon City, Sorsogon.

The PSALM advisory has stated that prospective bidders have until today to submit a Letter of Interest, which is a prerequisite for the bidding.

It further noted that interested parties also must execute a Confidentiality Agreement and an Undertaking with PSALM, and pay a non-refundable participation fee of USD2,000.00 not later than 5 p.m. of 29 March 2010 to signify further participation. The Bidding Package will then be issued by PSALM.

The pre-bid conference for the Bicol region-based geothermal power plants will be held on April 6, 2010 to discuss the Bidding Procedures. The Bid Submission Deadline is on May 5, 2010.

The BacMan I geothermal plant consists of two 55-MW turbines, which were both commissioned in 1993. BacMan II, on the other hand, consists of two 20-MW units namely, the Cawayan located in Barangay Basud and the Botong in Osiao, Sorsogon City.

The Cawayan unit was commissioned in 1994 and the Botong unit in 1998.

The Philippine National Oil Company-Energy Development Corporation supplies the steam fueling the BacMan geothermal power plants. (MALoterte, PIA V)

IMPROVED IMPORT BIOSECURITY, QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS TO PROTECT AGRI SECTOR, SAYS DA

MANILA — President Arroyo’s directive on the strict implementation of an improved set of biosecurity and quarantine protocols on imported goods will help the government strengthen its efforts in shielding Philippine agriculture from pests and diseases as well as other environmental and human threats, according to officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

DA Secretary Bernie Fondevilla said President Arroyo issued the directive during a recent Cabinet meeting to help the agriculture sector meet the challenges of a new global trading order, which calls for, among others, drastic cuts in tariffs on farm goods traded between and among countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) starting this year.

Besides the Philippines , the Asean groups Indonesia , Malaysia , Brunei Darussalam, Thailand , Singapore , Vietnam , Myanmar , Laos and Cambodia . They also comprise the economies under the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA).

“In line with the efforts of the Department to strengthen our quarantine and inspection measures on agriculture and fishery products entering our borders, the effectivity of the President’s directive will efficiently protect the country from the entry of agricultural and fishery pests and diseases as well as other human and environmental threats,” Fondevilla said. “This is as well, more cost effective and brings about the immediate disposal of problematic goods supposed to enter the country.”

Fondevilla said closer coordination between the DA and the Bureau of Customs in implementing the government’s improved quarantine and biosecurity protocols will not only help safeguard the welfare of Filipino farmers but consumers as well.

Such an effort was initiated, he said, on the watch of his immediate predecessor, then-Secretary Arthur Yap .

Last year, the DA issued a “harmonized” administrative order—AO No. 8—to standardize the business processes of DA regulatory agencies in approving the entry of imported goods.

This harmonized AO orders all agencies and bureaus issuing Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) clearances, formerly known as import permits to use a single or uniform form for application, clearance, inspection, and confiscation; and ensures that all import-related business processes will follow a unified procedure.

The harmonized AO was crafted based on the following objectives:

 to formulate a consistent and adequate legal administrative policy framework for SPS regulations to be effective and supportive of business;

 to develop transparent, firm-neutral, and simplified processes for enforcing SPS measures effectively; and

 to institutionalize effective and sustainable organizational, technical, and funding arrangements for SPS enforcement.

Besides issuing this order, the DA has also worked to automate applications and issuances of SPS Import Clearances, through the Bureaus of Plant Industry (BPI), of Animal Industry (BAI), and of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Under this automated procedure, the issuance of veterinary, plant and fisheries import permits will be faster through processing via an Internet-based program.

The new system will use the standardized forms prescribed in the harmonized AO and will reduce the clearance process cycle time by allowing importers to prepare and submit their applications 24/7 online and allowing as well their subsequent online validation and approval by the concerned agency.

Before leaving the DA early this month, Yap had said the Department’s regulatory agencies will play a critical role in safeguarding the farm sector from pests and diseases, and consumers from unsafe food items, once new tariff cuts take place starting this year under AFTA.

The full implementation of the Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) scheme in AFTA at the start of 2010, was agreed upon in a series of Asean meetings that started way back in 1992 as a prelude to the proposed creation in 2015 of a single market with a common production base and free flow of goods in the region.

The Asean Economic Ministers (AEM) signed the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA), which consolidated and streamlined all CEPT agreements, in February last year. President Arroyo ratified ATIGA six months later and issued an executive order lifting by January 1, 2010 all customs duties on selected products coming in from, or being shipped to, other Asean member-countries. (DA/PIA)

No need for PGMA to issue written assurance on support for clean May polls – Palace

MANILA (March 26) — Malacanang said today there is no need for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to issue a document manifesting her support for honest, orderly and peaceful elections (HOPE) this May so she can formally assure transition to a new government on June 30.

"President Arroyo need not do that," Presidential Spokesperson Ricardo Saludo said in reaction to the reported call of former President Fidel V. Ramos, urging Mrs. Arroyo "to lead by example and issue a written order declaring her support for HOPE."

Secretary Saludo noted that the 1987 Constitution already covers provisions on transfer of power from one administration to another so it is unnecessary for President Arroyo to issue the document Ramos is clamoring for.

"The Constitution is there -- it's the only document needed to effect such transition," Saludo stressed.

Reports said Ramos made the call before departing for Taiwan yesterday to end speculations that the Palace targets crushing HOPE to bring forth failure of elections in May so President Arroyo can continue ruling the country.

Malacañang continues denying such speculations.

Presidential election lawyer Romulo Macalintal said there can be no poll failure this year as people will still cast their votes using paper ballots which can be counted manually if government's poll automation machines and supporting infrastructure break down.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson Jose Melo agrees, noting isolated cases of terrorism and other untoward incidents will cause poll failure in some precincts but such would not affect overall results of the elections.

To minimize the possibility of occurrences of untoward incidents, Saludo said President Arroyo ordered the police and military to help ensure peace and order before, during and after the May 10 polls.

"We're striving to ensure the elections will be successful," he said.

Citing Comelec's assessment, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Gary Olivar also said failure of elections this year is a statistical improbability.

Comelec attributed this assessment to the very unlikely scenario that all poll automation machines and supporting infrastructure nationwide will break down simultaneously amidst brownouts, he noted.

"The confluence of such events is so unique it defies all odds," Olivar said.

Malacanang is perplexed about Ramos' latest call for President Arroyo on the issuance of a written order declaring her support for honest, orderly and peaceful elections.

Saludo recalled Ramos himself did not formally seal during his final weeks in office his commitment to HOPE and to relinquishing the nation's top post to the next president.

"He didn't issue a written order saying he'll step down," Saludo noted.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Charito Planas earlier said President Arroyo's ongoing moves for turning over government projects to the next administration reflects her intention to relinquish her post on June 30, this year.

"Its proof she'll step down from power then," Planas said.

She noted President Arroyo is traveling around the country and checking on her administration's projects to ensure these are either completed in time for the turnover or progressing as scheduled. (PIA V Release)

Local campaign period starts Friday

MANILA, (March 26) — The 45-day campaign period for candidates running for the local positions in the May 10 polls starts on today.

With this, Commission on Election (Comelec) Commissioner Rene Sarmiento urged the local aspirants to follow election laws so as to prevent the filing of election-related charges against them.

“We have come up with resolutions regarding campaign guidelines, we advised them to read these so that they will know what to avoid so that they will not be facing any complaints,” he said.

Local positions that are up for grabs in the scheduled polls are: 222 seats for the House of Representatives; 80 each for governors and vice governors; 762 provincial board members; 120 each for city mayors and vice mayors; 1,514 each for municipal mayors and vice mayors; 1,346 for city councilors; and 12,116 for municipal councilors.

Sarmiento added that the Comelec will continue to monitor if candidates are following the laws on TV advertisements and the posting of streamers and posters.

Meanwhile, Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez said that candidates running for local positions are mostly the violators on common poster areas and streamer sizes.

Under the law, the size of posters should only be two feet by three feet while streamers should be three feet by eight feet.

"The common poster rule, as simple as it may seem, is the law. If they violate it, then all they do is showing contempt for the law," Jimenez said.

The Comelec has designated common posters areas, where candidates should post their streamers and other campaign materials.

The poster areas are located in plazas, markets and areas being frequented by the public.

On the other hand, Sarmiento said they expect election-related violence to increase with the start of the campaign period for the local polls.

The poll body official called on the Philippine National Police to be serious in eliminating private armed groups.

Jimenez noted, "Ever since, the violence comes from the local elections. People are more hot headed in the local politics." (PIA V Release)

Gov't sees better 2010 for RP economy despite risks - Santos

Manila (26 March) — The government is optimistic that 2010 will improve as part of a global rebound as early signs show.

"There is a global economic rebound this year and there are good signs coming. Exports are rebounding although we have El Niño. Also, inflation is moderate," said Acting Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and NEDA Acting Director-General Augusto B. Santos at the Philippine Economic Briefing on March 22, 2010 at the Marriott Hotel, Cebu City.

He added that the government is still maintaining its macroeconomic targets. "There may be a reduction in our agricultural output, but there will definitely be gains in other sectors," he said.

The Development and Budget Coordinating Committee's (DBCC) 2010 target for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is 2.6-3.6 percent while for Gross National Product (GNP), 4.7-5.6 percent.

In his presentation to business and economic leaders in Cebu, Santos said that attaining the full-year 2009 DBCC's growth rates for GDP and GNP is already an encouraging development for the country.

"This positive performance should be taken as an opportunity to further bring the Philippine economy to a higher level of growth in 2010 and beyond," the NEDA official said.

However, while the government is upbeat for 2010, Santos said that they are also mindful of the risks that can affect macroeconomic stability. These include global economic conditions, crude oil prices, exchange rates, natural calamities, and narrowing sources of investment.

"We are aware that the world recovery remains fragile. Crude oil prices have been rising in the world market, ever since green shoots began appearing last year. That in turn may put some pressure on consumer prices, backed up by utility rate hikes," he said.

The US dollar, Santos said, is still uncertain but more volatility is expected this year compared to 2009. "Aware of these risks however, the government is committed to implement the appropriate policies that will provide the right environment for our key growth drivers," he said.

These drivers include outsourcing, finance, mining and quarrying, public construction, government services and medical tourism.

Moreover, Santos said that the government will continue to build on its strategic pillars in order to provide a stronger foundation for future growth and development.

The government stands firm in providing a clear framework for economic stability. This entails a sustainable fiscal position and macroeconomic policies that lead to prolonged high growth, more domestic employment, and lesser inequality.

"We must address the country's problems in bottlenecks to competitiveness, particularly corruption and still-inadequate infrastructure," stressed Santos.

He added that the government is committed to accelerating public investments in infrastructure. The World Bank in its publication "Philippines: Meeting Infrastructure Challenges" earlier gauged that the country needs to spend at least five percent of its GDP annually on infrastructure.

Santos noted that this is clearly defined in the Philippines' Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP). "Average spending per year under the CIIP is more than that five-percent threshold," he said.

Santos also said that the main challenge for this year is for the next administration to sustain the rebound that the country is experiencing and curtail the ballooning budget deficit.

"The challenge is to continue to boost this economic growth, to pump prime the economy, particularly with infrastructure spending. NEDA has been saying, time and again, that we have to continue our stimulus policies," he said. (PIA V Release)