NGCP TO PULL THE PLUG ON ALBAY OVER BILLS

LEGAZPI CITY — The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) will cut off power to the Albay Electric Cooperative (ALECO) on Sunday (September 12) if the latter fail to settle its outstanding electricity bill with the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC)amounting to P982 million, announced yesterday by Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda.

Salceda said the ALECO owes PEMC P982, 339,762.26 representing unpaid electricity bills from the months of March to August this year.

He said, the electric cooperative would have to settle the account before September 12 or else face a total “blackout” in the province composed of 15 towns and three cities.

As this developed, the ALECO Board of Directors (BOD) is negotiating for a loan with a financial institution to be able to pay the outstanding bill with PEMC.

Salceda said the BOD is working out for a loan that carries a small interest and is payable within three years.

For the electric cooperative to pay the new loan it has to pass on to the consumer the amount of P1.63 additional charge of the electric bills as “PEMC debt recovery charges”.

The recovery charges of P1.63 would be added to the regular rate of P7.56 the electric cooperative is changing each consumer.

ALECO claims that the new P9.19 per kilowatt electricity rate it is charging the consumers is so far still the lowest rate among electricity rates across the country.

Salceda said the new rate to be imposed would be a reasonable price adjustment that would not be a burden to electric consumers especially in the business sector.

According to Salceda, ALECO has been a “problem cooperative” for the past years due debts from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Corp. (PSALM) amounting P1.7 billion and with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) amounting to P180 million.

Salceda at a press conference hold responsible for the mounting unsettled debts of the electric cooperative is the spikes in electricity rates imposed by the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) which according to him the PEMC is the operator of WESM.

WESM is providing 60 percent of the 300 million kilowatt hour yearly requirement of the ALECO with some 250,000 electricity consumers in the 15t town and three cities of the province.

He also blamed the National Power Corporation (NPC) for its failure to enter into bilateral agreement with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) when they took over the management of Aleco for more than a year.

Salceda however, assured electric consumers that he will workout measures that this debt crisis would be resolved and there would be no electricity disruption to take place. (PNA Bicol/PIA)

ARMY SOLDIERS CLEAN BICOL RIVER FOR UPCOMING PENAFRANCIA FESTIVAL

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – Philippine Army soldiers spearheaded a clean up drive over the weekend at Bicol River waterways and banks in Naga City in preparation for the fluvial procession of the Peñafrancia Festival.

LtCol Erwin De Asis, Civilian-Military Operations (CMO) officer of the 9th Infantry Division PA, said that at least three hundred soldiers, armed not with rifles and machineguns but bolos, shovels and rakes, cleared the 2-kilometer river.

“It is our commitment to throw our full support behind the organizers of the Peñafrancia festivities for the preparations prior to the fluvial parade along this river stretch. Our soldiers cleared the floating debris, thrashes and shrubs starting from Tabuco up to Balatas villages where the Basilica is located,” said De Asis.

Soldiers were in high-spirits as they carried out their ‘clearing operations’ the whole day.

LtCol Epimaco Macalisang, the Ground Commander during the activity, was very proud for his group’s humble contribution.

“I am from Mindanao but it is my honor to be part of this once-in-a lifetime big celebration marking the 300th year of the Peñafrancia Festival,” said Macalisang.

“Imagine, the others would have to wait 100 years to mark another century of devotion to our 'Ina' (Mother Mary). I am very proud to be part of this historic celebration," he quipped.

The clean up activity was fully supported by the Naga City government and the local officials of the villages along the river.

Traditionally, soldiers are deeply involved in the annual Peñafrancia festivities. Army personnel are tapped by religious leaders for the Traslacion (procession) and the fluvial parade.

Hundreds of soldiers are also placed on standby to support the local police in its security operations. A contingent of Army personnel forms part of the Joint Operations Center which oversees the various festivities.

Also yesterday, at least 50 Army soldiers participated in the “Fun Run, Fun Walk, Fun Bike) activity organized by the religious community.

Naga City braces for the coming of millions of devotees in the second week of this month for the 300th year of devotion to the Lady of Penafrancia.

All hotels around the city and even in nearby towns reported that room reservations are already full up to the month’s end. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA)

US PEACE CORPS SPONSORS PRESS GAB

SAN JOSE, Camarines Sur- Some 350 high school students from 15 public schools in the 4th District of Camarines Sur attended the two-day Partido district-wide Journalism and Broadcasting Camp sponsored by the United States (US) Peace Corps in partnership with the San Jose National High School (SJNHS) recently.

The Journalism camp comprised of lectures by members of the US Peace Corps on journalism including research techniques, interviews, rundown script and script writing, spotlight on environmental news, editorial, feature, and news writing, and computer use to enhance school media newspapers and broadcasting, geared at educating the students and upgrading their skills in the field of journalism.

SJNHS principal and SP Advisory Council director for Secondary Education, Guillermo Ortua Jr., spearheaded the event together with the 15 US Peace Corps volunteers.

Camarines Sur Vice Gov. Fortunato “Ato” Peña graced the event during the opening program and spoke on the importance of responsible journalism to the group of young journalists.

Pena in his speech informed the student journalists that he ordered the creation of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) Advisory Council geared towards addressing the specific needs of every sector in the community, where they (student journalists) can help by making sure that the concerns of the youth sector are ventilated.

The Camarines Sur SP under Pena’s leadership is also set to launch a province-wide search for outstanding teachers as part of its programs to enhance the quality of education in Camarines Sur to fortify Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte’s massive campaign in building a more productive and globally competitive constituency. (EGYu, PNA Bicol)

SORSOGON NOTED RISE IN DENGUE CASES

SORSOGON CITY — The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Sorsogon has noted a remarkable increase of dengue cases here during the first eight months of this year as compared in 2009.

Sorsogon Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edgar Garcia said that since January 1 to August 7, 2010 dengue cases has soared high to 63 percent, wherein in this city alone , PHO has recorded 43 dengue cases, while in Pilar town, a significant number of 30 suspected carriers were also rushed to the hospital.

Records show that cases in Sorsogon City was higher by 24 while the town of Pilar has noted a much higher increase compared to the 7 suspected carriers recorded during the same period last year.

“Having received the data, I immediately sent letter to all local chief executives across the province urging them to immediately take action so as not to worsen the situation in their respective communities,” said Garcia.

Garcia confirmed that he has also sent a team to monitor situation in Magallanes town following reports that in Barangay Bihia alone, 36 persons were suspected dengue victims.

“Of this number, 1 death was recorded, 25 under observation, 11 are confined in different hospitals both in Sorsogon and Albay provinces,” he added.

He also bared that aside from the two above-mentioned areas in Sorsogon, the towns of Bulan, Castilla, Donsol, Gubat, Irosin, Magallanes, Pto. Diaz, Sta. Magdalena and Bulusan have also been affected by dengue fever.

Only the towns of Casiguran, Barcelona, Juban and Matnog were spared from the said malady.

“Since there is still no cure or vaccine for dengue, we must focus on other cost-effective interventions and consistently observe the ‘4S’ strategies against dengue virus: Search for and destroy the breeding grounds of mosquitos; Self-protection by using mosquito nets, using mosquito repellants and wearing protective clothes; Seeking early medical treatment when signs and symptoms appear like headache, fever, severe muscle and joint pains and rashes, among others; and Saying ‘No’ to indiscriminate fogging," Garcia emphasized.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) also warn the public that the most critical period for a dengue patient is the first 48 hours after the fever subsides, because that is when the platelet count drops.

It is important, therefore, that dengue patients should follow the doctor’s advice in continuing treatment at home. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

MGB BICOL WARNS OF LANDSLIDE, FLOODING ON THE ONSET OF RAINY SEASON

LEGAZPI CITY— The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Bicol has warned anew residents of at least 49 municipalities in the six provinces of Bicol highly susceptible to landslide and flooding to prepare, if not to evacuate to safer grounds, in the advent of the rainy and typhoon seasons.

MGB Bicol Director Reynulfo A. Juan said that local disaster managers and residents of identified municipalities should be prepared and evacuate to safer grounds when continuous rain in their localities occur including Bacacay, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi, and Ligao in Albay; Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, and Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte;

Buhi, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagnay, Sipocot, and Tinambac in Camarines Sur; Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, and San Andres in Catanduanes; Aroroy, Baleno, Mandaon, Milagros, and Mobo in Masbate; and Bulan, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Sta. Magdalena, and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon.

Juan, however clarified that residents of other town not named are encouraged to observe the necessary precaution and preparation to evacuate to safer grounds when in their area signs of an impending landslide may occur or have history of landslide in the past. (MGB V/PIA)

133 WORKERS GET PROPER PAY FROM ERRING EMPLOYERS

LEGAZPI CITY — One hundred thirty three (133) workers received a total of P482,901.97 benefit pay after the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Bicol has ruled that several establishments in the region were ‘guilty’ of under-payment of wages and non-payment of benefits.

The numbers of workers and amount of claims form part of the agency’s collated reports on monetary benefits from the provinces from January to the first week of September this year.

The high number of accomplishment was noted after DOLE Bicol Director. Atty. Alvin M. Villamor ordered the strict implementation of the revised policy in the immediate disposition of labor cases particularly on small money claims (SMCs) in a time frame of not more than 7-days in the last week of December last year.

The move was in accordance with the directive of DOLE Sec. Rosalinda D. Baldoz to speed up SMC cases in the region as a support to PNOY’s 22-point agenda.

“Benefits must be given to workers in due time. As an adopted Bicolano, my heart bleeds whenever I see workers terminated without claims or workers not given their proper pay.” Villamor stressed.

Out of the cases disposed, 63 were amicably settled or tackled by means of ‘areglo’ which totaled P459,756.97 while 10-cases were handled through an issuance of Compliance Order with a total amount of P23,145.00. Only 19 of the 133 cases were endorsed to NLRC.

“Our SMCs are doing great in every province. I think that is the reason why there are now few cases endorsed to the NLRC. Everybody wants a fast, just and fair settlement and we are doing it.” The local Labor Chief added.

However, Villamor said that DOLE Bicol does not only focus on SMCs but also on advocacy programs relative to compliance with the minimum wage rates or Wage Order No. 13, proper payment of benefits and computation of separation pay packages.

“We have a saying that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. We are moving towards educating big companies to follow rules by voluntarily complying with labor laws to lessen cases filed in the office.” Villamor stressed.

As of September 7 DOLE-Bicol posted an 82% disposition rate in SMCs. (RPEscalante, DOLE V/PIA)

4 NPA BANDITS KILLED, 3 FIREARMS RECOVERED IN MASBATE CLASH

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur — Four rebels were killed and three firearms were recovered following an encounter with the government forces in Masbate province Monday afternoon (September 6), a military official said.

LtCol Anthony Purugganan, Commander of the 9th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, said that a 9-man squad of the 93rd Division Reconnaissance Company, led by Private First Class Ramon Magpantay, encountered more or less 10 NPA bandits led by Ka Dady of the CPP-NPA-NDF’s Front Committee 83-Central in Sta Maria village, Mobo town at around 1:00 pm.

Purugganan said that four NPA bandits were killed in the clash, three firearms, including cal 5.56 mm M653 rifle (baby armalite), cal .30 M1 Garand and a shotgun, and combat packs containing personal effects and subversive documents were recovered.

Remains of the rebels killed were brought to the police station in Mobo town for proper identification. No one among them were identified by villagers who were at the scene after the firefight.

“I believe that one of the slain rebels is a ranking cadre as in his possession was .56 mm M653 rifle,” said Purugganan.

Purugganan also said that he sent the troops to check the report from a civilian about a group of rebels who were planning to set up improvised bombs in the area.

At least two ambuscades using roadside bombs had been staged by the NPA bandits in Mobo town this year.

Major General Ruperto Pabustan, commander of the 9th ID PA, has directed the 9th Infantry Battalion to intensify its security patrols after the deadly ambush which left 5 people dead on August 28. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA)

Palace orders formulation of MTPDP, MTPIP

MANILA — Malacanang has directed the formulation of the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and the Medium Term Investment Program (MTPIP) for the duration of the term of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Memorandum Circular No. 3 dated Sept. 2, according to Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. directs the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to coordinate the preparation of the MTPDP and MTPIP for 2010-2016 to be jointly formulated by the executive and legislative branches of the government in a participative process involving the marginalized sectors and communities as well as private organizations.

“All government departments, offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations, shall formulate their respective medium-term development plans and action programs. These plans and programs shall have results-oriented focus on national development goals,” MC No. 3 stated, “in order to translate the ‘Social Contract with the Filipino People’ into consistent policies and programs, and considering the need to specify the resource allocation of the national government to ensure efficiency in public spending and implement effective government policies, programs and projects.”

The memorandum is pursuant to Section 9, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution which mandates that the economic and planning agency of the of the Government shall implement continuing integrated and coordinated programs and policies for national development after consultations with appropriate public agencies, various private sectors, and local government units, the order stated.

The MTPDP which shall be submitted to the NEDA Board and Legislative Executive Advisory Council (LEDAC) by December this year, shall contain the basic elements of “development goals and objectives; strategic policy framework to attain such goals and objectives; and strategy planning matrix, a list of result-based priority sectoral activities, and the necessary supportive legislations.

“All departments, offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporation, shall draw inputs from their respective regional offices. The regional development concerns of the various departments, offices and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations, must be consistent with the regional development plan,” the MC No. 3 stated.

Malacanang said that “all plans of the local government units shall be consistent with the regional development strategies, physical framework, and local needs.”

It also directed that all sectors of society, public or private, shall be consulted to the fullest to obtain their opinions and positions on matters related to the formulation of the MTPDP.

“The planning guidelines to be followed in the formulation of the plans and programs shall be issued by the NEDA Secretariat and shall be made an integral part of this Circular. The Department of Budget and Management shall provide the funds necessary for the attainment of the objectives of this Circular, subject to the usual accounting and auditing requirements,” the memorandum said. (PIA V Release)

Gov't and media groups agree to four-point consensus on safety measures in crises situations

MANILA — Government and media groups have acceded to a four-point consensus on the proper observance of safety measures to ensure that media coverages do not hamper police or security operations in times of crisis situations.

In a media briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma said the consensus was reached when he and other Malacanang officials recently conducted dialogues with major media organizations, the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) and the Council on Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).

One of the consensus, Coloma said, is that media practitioners and spectators will now be prohibited in the immediate vicinity of the crisis area.

Coloma said this is to ensure the safety of media members and spectators during crisis situations such as the recent hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand. During their dialogue, Coloma said they found out that the M16 rifle then carried by the hostage-taker has a normal range of about 800 meters.

“So it is quite dangerous to have civilians and media practitioners positioning themselves within less than one-kilometer radius of the crisis point. So one of the points universally accepted is the definition of a safety zone that will ensure that the life and safety of media practitioners and other citizens witnessing the event will not be put at risk,” Coloma said.

According to Coloma, members of the media should refrain from directly involving themselves or interfering in police operations such as during hostage negotiations which require professional training and professional background.

“And it may be hazardous, as we have already seen, to allow members of media to communicate directly with the hostage taker, as it might impede the police operations,” he said.

Another result of the dialogue, Coloma said, is the possibility of restraining the live coverage of an assault or actual troop movement.

“I think this has already been agreed upon in the past, the troop movement should not be monitored live as it will impair the operations that are being conducted. These are among the points that seem to be generally accepted. But of course, we also hear dissenting views, and we continue to subscribe to the view that it is really much preferred for the mass media organizations especially the broadcast media outlets to impose self-discipline and self-restraint,” Coloma said.

Also generally agreed upon during the dialogue is the designation of a point person in the police organization or a senior government official to have some kind of a crisis communication coordination center, he added.

“So that there will be more clarity on the actual status of the crisis and we will be able to prevent the recurrence of what happened two Mondays ago,” Coloma said.

Coloma also said the government is not keen on supporting any legislated regulations as it would be against the policy of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

On the other hand, Coloma noted that media groups have been conducting on their own assessment and adopting improvements in their operating guidelines including disciplinary measures to prevent a repeat of the hostage-taking incident two weeks ago.

“For our part, what we intend to do is to come up with our own crisis communication and crisis management guidelines for our internal organization and this is because of the result of the incident two Mondays ago. The members of the Cabinet had been asked to review existing provisions for contingency measures so that we will be better prepared for future contingencies and other crisis situations that may arise,” Coloma said. (PIA V Release)

Palace confident judiciary can survive budget cut

MANILA — Despite cuts in the judiciary’s 2011 budget, Malacañang expressed confidence today that it will continue to perform its duties and responsibilities “to the utmost level.”

In a press conference, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said the judiciary would still be able to dispense its mandate because the budget to pay off its operating expenses (MOOE) has remained pegged at this year’s levels while the non-recurring capital outlays or expenses and equipment that have been acquired prior to this fiscal year will be lower for the next.

Coloma was reacting to questions on how a co-equal branch of government could function properly after its proposed P27.1-billion budget for next year was slashed by almost half to P14.3-billion.

Members of the judiciary, according to reports was concerned on how to pay the salaries of their personnel.

“According to Director (Tina) Canda of the Department of Budget and Management, there was already an advanced implementation of the Salary Standardization Law specifically in the case of judges,” Coloma said.

“Its just that they (members of the judiciary) are requesting additional amounts for 2011 because the DBM is also currently implementing tranches of the Salary Standardization Law for the rest of the bureaucracy,” he added.

Coloma pointed out that the judicial branch of government has “other sources of revenue…such as filing fees, docket fees and other transaction fees that got to the coffers of the judiciary which they can use to augment their available resources.”

He said that due to time restraints, the Aquino administration was not able to properly prepare the 2011 budget.

“We also have to take into consideration that this administration had little time to prepare for the 2011 budget considering that the deadline for submission was less than two months in the life of this administration,” he said. (PIA V Release)

Palace determined to freeze perks and bonuses of GOCCs

MANILA — Malacañang is ready to freeze the generous perks and bonuses enjoyed by executives of government-owned and controlled corporations in line with the austerity measures of President Benigno S. Aquino III.

In a news briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma said the implementation will take effect once the salaries, bonuses and perks of the GOCC officials have been rationalized.

Coloma said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is now working on how to tighten up existing Administrative Order No. 103 of 2001 adopting austerity measures in government. He said it will be included in the draft Executive Order that President Aquino will soon issue.

The President had earlier divulged that he will issue an EO to prevent the excessive pay benefit packages of some GOCC executives which have reached scandalous levels.

He said the EO will be all-encompassing, and will rationalize, put a cap and limit the pay packages for government nominees. The EO will also reiterate the cap contained in an existing order of the previous administration but which was not enforced.

Meantime, Coloma said Malacanang is ready to dissolve around 15 non-performing GOCCs once they fail to demonstrate their capacity for viable operations.

“I think the direction is towards ensuring that all the GOCCs are operating viably or able to sustain their operations. And if they cannot demonstrate the capacity for viable operations then it is imperative that due consideration be given to phasing them out,” Coloma said. (PIA V Release)

Carandang, Quezon, 66 generals take oath at Palace

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III inducted Tuesday (September 7) Secretary Ramon Carandang and Undersecretary Manuel L. Quezon III, both of the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office; Undersecretary Abigail de la Fuente-Valte as deputy spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Carmen Mislang of the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson in mass oath taking at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang.

Also inducted were other officials of the executive branch and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Lt. Gen. Ricardo David Jr. along with 66 generals, four of them reservists, from the different branches of the Armed Forces.

Standing as witness to Carandang’s swearing in were Presidential Management Staff Secretary Julia Abad and Jenny Lazo of Lacierda’s office.

Virgilio Nadal also took his oath as Executive Director of the Presidential Broadcast Staff Radio/TV Malacanang.

Ramon Alejandro Piang was also sworn in as a member of the government peace negotiating panel with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Other officials who took their oaths were: Carlos Carag, undersecretary for revenue operations and legal affairs group, Department of Finance; Raul Conte Asis, undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways; Dr. Carol Yorobe, undersecretary for the Department of Science and Technology; Luisito Montalbo, undersecretary of the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP); Atty. Christian Castillo, undersecretary for Office of the Presidential Legal Counsel (OPLC); Briccio Santos, chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

For assistant secretaries, those who were sworn in were: Atty. Noel Damot, OPLC; Atty. Michael Ong, OPLC; Rosalie Licauco, Office of the Vice President, Department of Justice; Edilberto de Luna and Davino Catbagan, Department of Agriculture; Mantanog Mapandi and Ramon Allan Oca of the Department of Energy; Maria Carmen Mislang, of the presidential spokesperson; and Amable Aguiluz V, Special Envoy to the Gulf Cooperation Council, Department of Foreign Affairs.

Other executive officials who took their oaths were: Jose Capistrano Jr., Administrator of the Intramuros Administration, Department of Tourism; Emmanuel Ledesma, president/CEO of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Corp., DOE; Teresita Inciong, Executive Director of the Early Childhood Care and Development Council, Office of the President; Dante Sy, Executive Director of the National Tax Research Center, DoF; Rodrigo Cabrera, General Manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Junio Ragnario, General Manager of the Philippine National Railways, Department of Transportation and Communications; Samuel Juluis Garcia, and Atty. Manuel Iway, board members of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, DOTC; Ramon Alejandro Piang, member GRP panel for MILF talks; Jose Luis Vera, board member of the Development Bank of the Philippines; Gisela Lood, deputy treasurer, Bureau of Treasury, DoF and Atty. Nathaniel Santos, Deputy Executive Director, National Water Resources Board, DENR.

Aside from Chief of Staff David, others who took their oaths were: Major Generals Ralph Villanueva; Reynaldo Mapagu, Ben Dolorfino and Gaudencio Pangilinan Jr; Romulo Supapo; Jovencio Magalso; Jesus Fajardo; Mario Chan; Renato Lorenzo Sanchez; Rear Adm. Ramon Espera Jr.; Rommel Gomez; Victor Felix; Emmanuel Bautista, Pedro Soria II and Jose Tony Villarete.

Sworn in to the rank of Brig. Gen. and Commodore were: Bernardino Ricafrente Jr; Pompeo Limbo; Celso Silvestre Jr. ; Nonato Alfredo Peralta Jr; Michaelo Salvaleon; Eduardo del Rosario; Raoul Reyes; Cyril Carlos; Edgar Abogado; Miguel Jose Rodriguez; Victorio Quinia; Nestor Deona; Arnolfo Palmea; Cesar Yano; Honorato de los Reyes; Juanito Dalmas; Alexander Dicang; Roger Diaz; Restituto Aguilar; Reynaldo Ordonez; Bernardo Ferrer; Arnaldo Fernandez; Romulo Cabantac Jr.; Ariel Bernardo; Alejandro Estomo; Jose Mabanta Jr.; Alan Luga; Gerardo Layug; Marlou Salazar; Remegio de Vera; Emiliano Gupana Jr.; Joel Ibanez; Virgilio Domingo; Esteban Castro; Roy Deveraturda; Lorenzo Sumicad; Antonio Oliquino; Ramiro Busalanan; Gilberto Jose Roa; Armando Guzman; Raul Leyritana; Edgardo Tamayo; Roland Recomono; Mario Montejo and Philip Cacayan.

The reservists who took their oaths were: Gen. Oscar de Leon Jr; Eduardo Lacanienta; Joseph Sevilla and Antonio Gascon Jr. (PIA V Release)

Aquino says he plans to retain Robredo

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III said Tuesday (September 7) he does not plan to replace Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo over the tragic hostage-taking incident two weeks ago, reiterating that the DILG Acting chief was just tasked to focus on local government units.

The President stressed that Robredo’s appointment is in an acting capacity only, along with Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje and Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

“It does no good to get him (Robredo) through the whole process of the Commission on Appointments only to find out at the end of the day there might be difficulties in our working style, among other things our core philosophy, so we did agree in his being appointed in an acting capacity along with Paje and Baldoz.

But for Secretary Baldoz, he said, “she was very hesitant to take the position (of DOLE). She would have preferred one of the agencies attached (to DOLE) but I prevailed upon her. (So far) she has really been performing so well so I might discard our agreement that we will no longer insist on her replacement to join the government. I might ask Baldoz to just continue with what she is doing.”

Asked if he would change his mind on Robredo with what happened two weeks ago, the President said “I don’t think that has a bearing at this point in time, as I explained,he had other functions other than just the police aspect.”

As to whether he would keep Paje, the President hinted that there were two other people in mind for the DENR portfolio but they were not available. So “Secretary Paje is aware of that. One year is a significant amount of time, depending on performance. We might need to re-evaluate the need to get somebody else.”

In another development, the President said Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jesus Verzosa asked for an optional retirement way before the hostage taking incident two weeks ago.

“But we agreed on a date in September. He can serve up to December but he asked to be given optional retirement,” the President said. (PIA V Release)

Aquino optimistic peace talks with MILF to start soon

MANILA — With the feast of Ramadan ending this Friday and the constitution of the government panel negotiating peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front now being rushed, President Benigno S. Aquino III said he is optimistic the peace process will start soon.

In an ambush interview after the mass oath taking of newly-appointed government officials at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang, the President said he had just appointed and sworn in the last member of the government negotiating panel, Luisito Montalbo.

Montalbo is a newly-appointed Undersecretary at the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.

The President said he was to meet Secretary Ging Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, later in the day.

In an interview over Radyo ng Bayan last Saturday, Deles said the panel will take off from the agreements and discussions arrived at by previous negotiating panels with MILF. “We are also involving not just the President and the Security Council” in the course of the negotiations but advisers from the advisory body,” she said.

She reported the formation of an advisory body composed of members of both Houses of Congress, retired justices of the Supreme Court, members of the 1987 Constitutional Commission, local governments in strife-affected areas, non government organizations involved in peace efforts and the former chairmen of previous peace panels.

She said she had asked House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile to designate their representatives to the advisory body that will be dealing with the negotiating panel headed by chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen. (PIA V Release)