by anyajulia | Nov 28, 2008 | Headlines, National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo met with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and discussed on the on going peace process in Mindanao.
According to Press Secretary Jesus Dureza, President Arroyo informed Sec. Rice that the Philippine government is prepared to go back to the negotiating table with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
This, however, as soon as positive results are gathered from the ongoing consultations with stakeholders and affected communities in Mindanao.
The President explained the new paradigm of her administration in pursuing the peace talks with the MILF based on more authentic consultations and not dictated by any armed group.
She also expressed gratitude for the continuing US assistance in the Mindanao peace process
Dureza was confident that the ongoing consultations with the stakeholders as mandated under the new paradigm might be completed very soon so that government can address the immediate needs of the displaced families and affected communities in the south. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Nov 28, 2008 | Headlines, National News
An Islamic bank will be set-up soon in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), said ARMM Regional Government Datu Zaldy U. Ampatuan.
According to Ampatuan, once the bank is in place, it will attract foreign investors from Muslim countries and hoped to harness economic potential areas inorder to uplift the poverty level in the autonomous region.
He said a “start-up capital for the bank of P20-billion” will be pooled from the resources of the regional and local government units.
The bank shall also serve as an official depository bank of ARMM agencies and local government units (LGUs), Ampatuan added. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Nov 28, 2008 | Headlines, National News
The Philippine National Police will strictly implement LOI 01-2005, otherwise known as “Tamang Bihis”.
The said LOI is a campaign against illegal manufacture, distribution, sale and use of PNP uniforms, insignias and other accoutrements, including the materials for their production.
This is in view of the increasing incidents of crimes perpetrated by men wearing police/military uniforms targeting banks, schools and other business establishments.
The said LOI is a campaign against illegal manufacture, distribution, sale and use of PNP uniforms, insignias and other accoutrements, including the materials for their production.
Under the order, the PNP will conduct an extensive information drive to heighten awareness of the public, conduct of police visibility patrols, checkpoints and spot inspections and arrest those violating the order.
The campaign is in accordance with Republic Act No. 493, an act to prohibit the use or conferring of military or naval grades or titles by or upon persons not in the service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or the PNP, to regulate the wearing, use, manufacture and sale of insignias, decorations and medals, badges, patches and identification cards prescribed for the said AFP or PNP. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Nov 28, 2008 | Headlines, National News
Deputy Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez Jr. stressed that any move to amend the Philippine Constitution begins and ends with Congress.
He explained that “to be consistent” with its stand on the issue, the Palace has not prevented nor discouraged discussions of the Cha-Cha.
Although Malacañang has been consistent about the “need for Constitutional reforms to significantly boost the chances for (economic) reforms and development;” it is neither the initiator nor the agitator for Charter Change (Cha-Cha), he added.
He also pointed out that “the Palace will exclude, disown and reject amendments that deal with term extension and other schemes to perpetuate incumbent elective officials, including the President.” (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Nov 28, 2008 | Headlines, National News
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III appealed to tri-media to help advance the cause of people’s health by disseminating the department’s various programs.
Secretary Duque was the keynote speaker of the first ever held Field Implementation Management Office (FIMO) meeting for Region XII.
He said the importance of the meeting was to make sure that the foundational structure of the “FOURmula 1 for health” will be understood and implemented without hitches.
The FOURmula 1 for health which covers healthcare financing, health service delivery, good governance, and regulations is poised to address the various health issues and initiatives under PGMA’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
These health programs and initiatives are: facilitate access of cheap medicines to the poor; universal health insurance coverage of PhilHealth; establish more Botika ng Barangay (BnB); increase the numbers of primary and secondary hospitals through the health facilities upgrade program of the department, among others.
