Mass Oath Taking
Published June 13, 2013 | Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
13 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III administered the oath of office of five Liberal Party senators-elect Grace Poe, Loren Legarda, Chiz Escudero, Koko Pimentel and Sonny Angara in Malacañang.
Aside from the five senators, 39 LP governors and the entire Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) legislative assembly took their oath of office before President Aquino. Among the provincial governors are Junie Cua (Quirino), Alfonso Umali (Oriental Mindoro), Hilario Davide III (Cebu), Carmencita Reyes (Marinduque), Exequiel Javier (Antique), Gerardo Espina Jr. (Biliran), Ed Chatto (Bohol), Jum Akbar (Basilan), Mamintal Adiong Sr. (Lanao del Sur), Esmael Mangudadatu (Maguindanao), Abdusakur Tan II (Sulu), Nurbert Sahali (Tawi-Tawi) and ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman.
Members of the ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly who were sworn into office are Vice Governor Haroun Al Rashid Lucman, representatives Ahmad Ali Ismael, Ronie Hantian, Haber Asarul of Basilan; Ziaur-Rahman Adiong, Majul Gandamra, Docjan Pandi of Lanao del Sur 1st District; Yasser Balindong, Alex Menor, Hosni Macapodi of Lanao del Sur 2nd District; Roonie Sinsuat, Cahar Ibay, Harold Tomawis of Maguindanao 1st District; Khadafeh Mangudadatu, Tunggal Piang, Datu Guiadzali Midtimbang of Maguindanao 2nd District; Nedra Burahan, Ben Tulawie, Rizal Tingkahan Jr. of Sulu 1st District; Rudija Anni, Moh Bhydir Sarapuddin, Khalil Hajibin of Sulu 2nd District; Sulay Halipa, Myrna Ajihil and Rodolfo Bawasanta of the Lone District of Tawi-Tawi.
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Oath-taking of Newly Promoted Officers of PNP
Published June 13, 2013 | Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
13 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III administered the induction of 48 Philippine National Police officials at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.
Some of the high-ranking PNP officers who took their oath before the President are PNP Chief PDG. Alan Purisima, PDDG. Ager Ontog Jr., PDDG. Felipe Rojas Jr., National Capital Region Police Office Chief PDir. Leonardo Espina, PDir. Cipriano Querol Jr., PDir. Lina Sarmiento, PDir. Manuel Barcena, PDir. Angelito Pacia, PDir. Alexander Roldan, PDir. George Regis, PDir. Wilson Victorio, PDir. Gil Hitosis, PDir Alex Paul Monteagudo, PDir. Napoleon Estilles, PDir. Carmelo Valmoria and PNP Spokesman CSupt. Generoso Cerbo Jr.
Also present in the event were Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and other government officials.
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Vin D’ Honneur
Published June 12, 2013 | Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
12 June 2013
Following his participation at the wreath-laying ceremony earlier today, President Benigno S. Aquino III raised the “Wine of Honor” before the members of the diplomatic community and senior government officials, as part of the yearly tradition being practiced during Independence Day celebration.
In his speech, the President imparted the importance of the Filipinos’ participation in nation building, adding that they can contribute in making a more just and more equitable society through productivity and responsibility.
He also called on the foreign dignitaries present to continue their partnership with the country and with all nations, for the promotion of peace and unity towards the advancement of humanity. “It is my hope that, as my administration strives for more meaningful and lasting reform in our country, you will continue working with us in realizing the full potential of the Filipino people and in finding solutions to the challenges that we collectively face,” the President said.
Joining President Aquino in gracing the event were Archbishop Guissepe Pinto, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Papal Nuncio of the Vatican to the Philippines and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario.
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115th Philippine Independence Day Celebration
Published June 12, 2013 | Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila
12 June 2013
In celebration of the 115th Philippine Independence Day, President Benigno S. Aquino III led the simultaneous raising of the Philippine flag and wreath-laying at the monument of Filipino hero Gat Andres Bonifacio at the Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
“Ikaw, Pilipino, ano na ang nagawa mo para sa bandila at kapwa mo?” asked the President in his Independence Day speech. He then recognized the great courage and bravery of Filipino heroes like Dr. Jose Rizal, Bonifacio and the Katipuneros in defending the rights of every Filipino people and for fighting for our freedom and sovereignty.
“Naninindigan tayo para sa ating mga karapatan bilang bansang may sariling soberenya, bilang bayang nagbuwis na ng buhay para sa kalayaan, bilang Pilipinas na may sariling bandila na kapantay ng lahat,” he stated.
This year’s celebration of the Independence Day was held at the Liwasang Bonifacio to pay tribute to Bonifacio on his 150th birth anniversary. He founded the Katipunan which fought the Spaniard conquerors in the late 1890s to regain our freedom.
The theme of the celebration is “Kalayaan 2013: Ambagan Tungo sa Malawakang Kaunlaran.”
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Final Inspection of the Laguindingan Airport
Published June 11, 2013 | Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental
11 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III led the final inspection of Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental before it becomes fully operational on June 15 this year.
“Narito nga po tayo ngayon sa Laguindingan Airport, na konkretong patunay sa isa na namang makabuluhang proyekto ng inyong gobyerno. Kasabay nito ang pag-inspeksyon natin sa mga pasilidad nito upang siguraduhin ang epektibo nitong operasyon at serbisyo. Kompiyansya po tayong magiging bukal ito ng mas malakas na turismo, at mas malawak na oportunidad para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.
The PhP7.85 billion Laguindingan Airport is expected to remedy the shortcomings of the Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro and Balo-i Airport in Lanao del Norte with its bigger runway spaces and improved safety features and facilities that meet international airport standards.
President Aquino was also pleased to announce that with the government’s strong stance to push for reforms in the country’s aviation industry, the International Civil Aviation Organization has lifted the Significant Safety Concerns against the Philippines which he hopes is a step towards the complete removal of the travel ban issued against the Philippines by the European Union and the United States.
He added that aside from the reform agenda being implemented, he had allotted almost PhP 17 billion on infrastructure projects targeting seaports, airports and road projects that will make tourist destinations more accessible.
The President is also confident that with Republic Act 10378, which abolishes the three percent common carriers tax and the 2.5-percent gross Philippine billings tax on international carriers, it will attract more foreign visitors.
With the initial target of 35.5 million domestic tourists by 2016 finally surpassed in 2011, President Aquino is convinced that the 56.1 target increase will be equally achieved following the government’s projects and reforms created to bolster the country’s tourism industry.
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Oath taking of AFP Generals and Flag Officers
Published June 10, 2013 | Malacañang
10 June 2013
Forty-nine newly-appointed generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines took their oath of office before President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang.
Among those who were sworn into office include AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Philippine Military Academy Superintendent Vice Admiral Edgar Abogado, AFP Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alan Ruga, Western Command head Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, Central Command head Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, South Luzon Command head Lt. Gen. Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, and Philippine Navy Commander of Naval Education and Training Command Rear Admiral Jaime Bernardino.
National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs RAdm. Danilo Cortez (Ret.), Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Noel Caballes, Phil. Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz and Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command VAdm. Jose Luis Alano were also present during the ceremony.
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Presentation of Credentials of Non-Resident Ambassadors-Designate
Published June 10, 2013 | Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
10 June 2013
Twelve non-resident ambassadors designate presented their respective letters of credence to President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang.
The Ambassadors-designate are the following: Demiye Zuher Moh’d Haddad (Jordan), Saúl Arana Castellón (Nicaragua), Carlos Victor Boungou (Gabon), Alba Rosa Florio Legnani (Uruguay), Marlene Villela de Talbott (Honduras), Nicolai Ruge (Denmark), Mahaman e Elhadji Bania Toure (Mali), Jovan Jovanovic (Serbia), Youngor Sevelee Telewoda (Liberia), Brigadier Reuben Ngwenya (Malawi), Hussain Shihab (Maldives) and Matti Pullinen (Finland).
In his brief remarks, the President said that the visit comes at a time when the Philippines is on the rise, a time when Filipinos hold their heads high and the country ready to work with those who seek to advance goodwill and hope across the globe.
“Your presence here is a testament to our mutual efforts to positively engage each other, on the understanding that it is in all of our interests to continue exploring ways to strengthen our relations. We know that it is only through sincere cooperation, founded on mutual regard, that we can help uplift our own peoples in an international environment of peace and understanding,” he said.
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Arrival in Manila
Published June 8, 2013 | NAIA Terminal II, Pasay City
8 June 2013
After a successful day-long trip in Myanmar to attend the Closing Plenary of the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia, President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II past midnight today.
During the forum, the President proudly stated that the Philippine economy is flourishing following his encouragement to the participants from 55 nations to visit the Philippines and find potential investment opportunities in the country. He also invited them to attend the 2014 WEF on East Asia which will commence in the Philippines.
President Aquino met with different world leaders namely Myanmar President U Thein Sein, Chairperson of the National League for Democracy in Burma Aung San Suu Kyi, World Economic Forum Founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab and Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The President was received by his Cabinet secretaries and high-ranking military officials.
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Meeting with Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair
Published June 8, 2013 | Thingaha Hotel, Myanmar
7 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with former Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain and Northern Ireland at Thingaha Hotel in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar.
After his meeting with the Philippine media, President Aquino was chanced upon by former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. The Chief Executive was supposed to go to the airport for his trip back to Manila when he was informed that Mr. Blair would like to see him. Both leaders participated in the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia with the former British Prime Minister as one of the key speakers. It was said that Mr. Blair has been seeking an audience with President Aquino for possible opportunities in the country.
Meeting with the Philippine Media
Published June 8, 2013 | The Thingaha Hotel
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
7 June 2013
Bilateral Meeting with Honorable Aung San Suu Kyi
Published June 7, 2013 | Myanmar International Convention Center
Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
7 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquno III met with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Honorable Aung San Suu Kyi, Chairperson and General Secretary of the National League for Democracy at the Myanmar International Convention Center.
After accepting from Myanmar President U Thein Sein the hosting of the World Economic Forum on East Asia in 2014 through a symbolic turn over, President Aquino met with Madam Aung San Suu Kyi in a bilateral meeting. They discussed some of the areas which Myanmar needs to improve such as the supply of electricity and the eradication of poverty. Madam Aung San Suu Kyi expressed her interest to visit the Philippines soon. On the other hand, President Aquino said that the result of their meeting exceeded its expected outcome.
Honorable Aung San Suu Kyi is Myanmar’s democracy fighter and is considered by Time Magazine as one of the “16 of History’s Most Rebellious Women”.
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Philippine Lunch Hosted by Ayala Corporation, CEOs and Businessmen
Published June 7, 2013 | Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
7 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with different businessmen and chief executive officers in a lunch hosted by the Ayala Corporation at the Myanmar International Convention Center.
In his speech, the President encouraged the businessmen to approach Cabinet Secretaries present in the event for possible investment opportunities. He invited them to visit the Philippines for vacation or business and on the 2014 World Economic Forum on East Asia which will be hosted by the country. He added with certainty that business owners will find it more fun to invest in the Philippines. He also mentioned the different economic names tagged to the Philippines such as “Asia’s Next Investment Hotspot”, “Asia’s Rising Tiger”, or the “Brightest Spark in Southeast Asia” brought about by the recent growth of the country’s economy.
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Meeting with Prof. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the WEF
Published June 7, 2013 | Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
7 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Mr. Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.
He was greeted by Mr. Sushant Palakurthi Rao, Head of Asia Senior Director of the World Economic Forum on East Asia, when he arrived at the Myanmar International Convention Center for his meeting with Mr. Schwab.
Mr. Schwab founded the World Economic Forum in 1971 as a non-profit foundation that helps improve the state of the world by creating global partnership among business, political and intellectual leaders.
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Bilateral Meeting with HE U Thein Sein, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Published June 7, 2013 | Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
7 June 2013
Before attending the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia, President Benigno S. Aquino III together with his delegation met with Myanmar President U Thein Sein at the Presidential Palace to create stronger bilateral relations between the Philippines and Myanmar.
President Aquino thanked President U Thein Sein for the warm welcome given to him and to the members of his delegation. On the other hand, President U Sein congratulated President Aquino for the progressive growth of the economy. He also recounted the last time a Philippine president visited Myanmar.
The Philippines has always been supportive of Myanmar’s quest for democracy during its military junta. In recent trade relations, the Philippines agreed to assist in the development of Burma’s agricultural sector through the introduction of rice and banana technologies. The Philippines and Myanmar are both country members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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Arrival at Nay Pyi Taw International Airport
Published June 7, 2013 | Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar
7 June 2013
Around 10:25 am (Myanmar time), President Benigno S. Aquino III arrived at the Nay Pyi Taw International Airport on board PR 001 to attend the Closing Plenary of the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia.
The President is set to lead the Closing Plenary and accept the hosting of WEF on East Asia 2014. He is also scheduled to meet with businessmen for possible investment opportunities that would benefit both countries. The President is also set to meet with Honorable Aung San Suu Kyi, a woman who fought for the democracy of her country, just like his mother, the late President Cory Aquino.
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Departure for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
Published June 7, 2013 | NAIA Terminal II, Pasay City
7 June 2013
Members of the Cabinet and other government officials expressed their well wishes to President Benigno S. Aquino III as he left for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar to participate in the 22nd World Economic Forum on East Asia.
In his departure speech, the Chief Executive noted the importance of his attendance to the event since the Philippines will be hosting the said forum in 2014. He emphasized that this is the best time to showcase the country’s continuing economic growth performance in Southeast Asia, as well as to encourage businessmen not to waste the opportunity of investing in the region’s “brightest spark”.
He said that he looks forward to his bilateral meeting with Myanmar President U Thein Sein to discuss ways of pursuing cooperation in the areas of trade, politics and security between the two countries. He is also eager to meet with Aung San Suu Kyi, leader of Myanmar’s National League for Democracy and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991, who he admires for her unwavering commitment in pushing for democracy in her nation.
“Sa ganitong mga biyahe, hindi natin kailanman kinakalimutan ang pangunahing pakay namin bilang mga lingkod-bayan: Ang mag-uwi ng mas marami pang makabuluhang pagkakataon para sa mga Pilipino, at ibandila ang bagong mukha ng Pilipinas – isang bansang handang makipagbayanihan sa ibang nasyon tungo sa maaliwalas na ekonomiya’t pagnenegosyo; isang bansang tunay na nagniningning at tinitingala ng mundo,” President Aquino concluded.
The President and the rest of the Philippine delegation boarded Philippine Airlines flight PR001 at 8:00 AM. He is set to return to the country past midnight of 8 June 2013.
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Official Visit of the Prime Minister of Timor Leste
Published June 6, 2013 | Malacañan Palace
6 June 2013
Stronger bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Democratic Republic of Timor Leste is expected to happen as President Benigno S. Aquino III officially welcomed His Excellency Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste in Malacañan Palace.
In a joint press statement, President Aquino acknowledged the existing mutual understanding of the two countries especially in the sectors of trade and investment, infrastructure, education and defense. He particularly mentioned the tripled rate of trade exchange between Philippines and Timor Leste as well as the more than 100 Timorese students who are studying in the country. He also thanked the Timor Leste leader for donating $US 750,000 for the Typhoon Pablo victims.
The President gladly informed the Prime Minister that he will back Timor Leste’s bid for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) membership, where the Philippines is one of its founding members.
In reply, Prime Minister Gusmão expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the President’s warm reception to him and his delegation. He noted that apart from the existing bilateral understanding in certain sectors, his government intends to learn from the Philippines’ tourism, agriculture and fishery industries. He also recognized the contribution of Filipino workers in his country’s nation building.
Both leaders witnessed the signing of three agreements namely, Memorandum of Understanding on Policy Consultations between DFA and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation; Memorandum of Understanding between DPWH and Ministry of Public Works; and Memorandum of Understanding on Teacher Training between Philippine Normal University and Ministry of Education.
Prime Minister Gusmão is in a four-day visit in the Philippines as part of his Southeast Asian countries tour. He previously visited Thailand in April and Singapore in May.
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Courtesy Call of ADB President Takehiko Nakao
Published June 5, 2013 | Malacañan Palace
5 June 2013
Newly-elected President Takehiko Nakao of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) paid a courtesy call to President Benigno S. Aquino III in Malacañang.
Nakao was elected by the ADB Board of Governors and assumed office on April 2013 after the resignation of its former President Haruhiko Kuroda early March this year. Nakao is also the Chairperson of ADB’s Board of Directors.
Before joining ADB, Nakao served as the Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs at Japan’s Ministry of Finance.
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Oath-Taking Ceremony of the Newly-Elected Officers of FFCCCII & Symbolic Turnover of a Two-Classroom School Building
Published June 5, 2013 | Malacañan Palace
5 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed his gratitude to the officers and members of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) for the donation of a two-classroom school building which is part of the Operation Barrio Schools project of the association. He said that this symbolizes their promise to the government that they will contribute to the economic growth of the country through their businesses.
“With more than 9,000 classrooms constructed all over the country since 1961, the FFCCCII has opened doors of learning – and consequently, of opportunity – to so many of our students… It is always encouraging for those of us in the government to see businessmen going above and beyond what you would expect from an ordinary citizen,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Aquino said that the government is doing its best to build an environment that is even more encouraging to business.
In conjunction with the symbolic turnover of the classroom school buildings, the President also led the oath-taking of the newly-elected officers of FFCCCII.
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GOCC Dividends Day
Published June 3, 2013 | Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
3 June 2013
President Benigno S. Aquino III received from thirty eight government-owned controlled corporations (GOCCs) an amount of close to P28 billion pesos in dividends and other remittances during the GOCCs Dividends Day at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang.
In his statement, the President congratulated the 38 GOCCs that turned over to the national coffers an amount that surpassed the collections made out of their operations last year.
“Sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon, naghatid na ang ating mga GOCC ng kabuuang mahigit 77 billion pesos. Ikumpara po natin yan sa buong siyam at kalahating taon ng kanilang panunungkulan, kung saan 96 billion pesos lamang ang nalikom nilang remittance mula sa mga korporasyon,” he said.
Eight out of 38 GOCCs got included to the so-called ‘Billionaire’s Club’. These are the first time entrant Philippine Reclamation Authority, which remitted P1 billion to the National Government; Philippine Ports Authority (total of P1.034 billion); Manila International Airport Authority (total of P1.547 billion); Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (P1.4 billion); Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (P1 billion); Bases Conversion Development Authority (P2.309 billion); Development Bank of the Philippines (P3.166 billion) and Land Bank of the Philippines, which remitted the biggest amount for this year’s Dividends Day with P6.241 billion.
The President was also joined by Senator Franklin Drilon, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget Secretary Butch Abad, Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) Chairman Cesar Villanueva and National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon during the event.
The practice of declaring and remitting dividends is pursuant to Section 3 of Republic Act no. 7656 which states that all GOCCs are required to “declare and remit at least…..50% of their annual net earnings as cash, stock or property dividends to the National Government”.
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