Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that the Tourism Bill 2009 has finally reached the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s office and she is expected to sign it soon.
Remonde thanks the various stakeholders in the tourism sector particularly taxi-drivers, hotel chambermaids, tourist guides and others for their role in making the Philippines among the preferred tourist destinations in Asia. (OPS)
Palace won’t intervene with the Sulu local crisis management committee (LCMC) in helping out with the negotiations for the release of Eugenio Vagni, the last foreign volunteer of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that the LCMC “has proven its effectiveness” in handling the kidnapping by the Abu Sayyaf Group of the three ICRC volunteers.
He pointed out that Malacañang will maintain the LCMC as the focal point in the Sulu hostage crisis, adding that the committee will continue to receive the full assistance of the entire police force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
On whether the government will undertake any military offensive against the ASG to rescue Vagni, Secretary Remonde said the issue rests with the LCMC chaired by Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan. (OPS)
Malacanang was happy over Filipino boxers Nonito Donaire Jr. and Brian Viloria won against their opponents yesterday at the Araneta Center.
Donaire, known as the Filipino Flash, successfully defended his International Boxing Federation (IBF)/International Boxing Organization (IBO) flyweight crown against his American opponent Raul “The Cobra” Martinez. Donaire dumped Martinez by way of stoppage in the fourth round of a scheduled 12 rounds.
Viloria, called the Hawaiian Punch, stood toe-to-toe against Ulises Solis of Mexico in a classic ring battle for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light flyweight championship. (OPS)
During the late President Manuel A. Roxas 61st death anniversary, representatives of the Roxas family cited the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for continuing the legacy of the late president.
In his welcome remarks, CDC President Benigno N. Ricafort said President Roxas would have been impressed with the developments achieved at the Clark Freeport. Ricafort added that “Clark has gone through a lot of major changes…And these changes were about, not by foreigners, but by the hands of Filipinos.” (CDC/PIA)
SOME 250 students would start their employment this summer beginning Monday, April 20, says Provincial Administrator Tomas Abapo at the recent Governor Reports Friday.
The students would be the most recent beneficiaries of the government expanded Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) which President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed during her latest visit to Bohol.
The slots are already filled, declared Atty Abapo, adding that many have inquired about vacant slots at the Capitol.
The 250 students, according to him, have undergone screening examinations and upon employment, would be receiving P220 a day, the minimum wage for workers.
According to Atty Abapo, students beginning their work term on Monday however need to attend an orientation seminar this Monday at 8 AM at the Bohol Cultural Center.
The seminar allows students to be appraised of their responsibilities in their work areas, the processes in a bureaucracy and the agreements while engaged in the government program, sources at the Capitol said.
The expanded SPES law, which PGMA April 1 allows high school students to 24-year old college students to be eligible for special summer or Christmas vacation employment as help for students pay their matriculation and other school fees.
The law provides that the employing local government unit pays for the 60% of the pay while the government, through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) pays for the remaining 40%.
The law also provides that students who would consequently hired as permanent gets his work experience added to his service record, while those whose work relates with their college courses can take subject credits for their work.
The law also the government’s way of allowing students to earn and complement family income especially in these times of economic choke. (rachiu/PIA)
