by magnolia_eic | Sep 7, 2010 | Headlines, National News
MALACAÑANG 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. (PCOO/PIA)
by magnolia_eic | Sep 7, 2010 | Headlines, National News
Cotabato City, Philippines — All key-entry points have been sealed by the Philippine Army’s crime Task Force Tugis after three separate bombings hit the city and a commercial district in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao during the weekend.
There were no reports of injuries after the explosions, but the blasts caused panic among the residents. Investigators said extortionists could be the ones responsible for the chaos.
The explosives used were improvised explosive devices and the first one exploded last saturday night near the terminal of the Weena Bus Co. along Magallanes Street in Cotabato City.
Around 3:30 a.m. yesterday, another explosion happened at the house of Hilario Hernando Henorio in Barangay Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said further investigation revealed that the IED used at the Sultan Kudarat blast was similar to the bomb that exploded in front of the Weena Bus Terminal in Cotabato City. The Army’s Task Force Tugis and government troops are now guarding Cotabato City’s main entry and exit points. Army operatives have also been deployed to patrol Cotabato City’s 37 barangays. Police and military units have been placed on full alert.
Click here for full article from the Philippine Star
by magnolia_eic | Sep 6, 2010 | Headlines, National News
MALACAÑang said President Benigno S. Aquino III “as Chief Executive has power of, control and supervision over all departments and agencies in the Executive Branch, including the
Philippine National Police.”
Presidential Communications Operations Office Chief Secretary Sonny Coloma gave this explanation in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan when asked if the President had control over PNP at the time of the hostage-taking incident last month.
“He did not bypass or override the powers of the National Police Commission when he said he is taking control of the PNP, it is within the context of the exercise of his Chief Executive power,” Coloma explained, adding that the President is not removing any power or any authority from his subordinates.
Asked why the President is taking full responsibility of the hostage incident and in effect taking the blame away from the Department of Interior and Local Government-PNP, Coloma said “this is not an absolution of any official but the President is just emphasizing that he is accountable to the people who elected him.” (PCOO/PIA)
by magnolia_eic | Sep 6, 2010 | Headlines, National News
PHILIPPINE security forces in western Mindanao will be on full alert this week as the holy Islam month of Ramadan draws to a close, especially with the prospect of retaliatory attacks from the Abu Sayyaf.
The police will concentrate on security around mosques while the military will help look out for other threats.
The PNP asked the Muslim community for understanding for the full alert status, saying it is meant to make sure the bandits cannot sow violence at this time.
Chief Superintendent Angelo Sumlao, head of the directorate for integrated police operations in Western Mindanao, said their priority is to protect civilians in the volatile region.
On Sunday, PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa placed police forces in Western Mindanao on full alert after police killed three Abu Sayyaf militants in a clash in Sulu.
Gafur Jumdail, younger brother of Abu Sayyaf leader Gumbahali Jumdail a.k.a. Dr. Abu, and two of his men were killed late Saturday near Maimbung town in Jolo. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Sep 3, 2010 | Headlines, National News
Professional and Non-professional licensed holders who have just recently had their licenses approved shouldn’t be surprised if a strange call from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) would reach them.
This is a move by the LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Virginia Torres directing all regional directors of Drivers Licensing Centers nationwide to submit to the LTO Central Office in Quezon City the written practical exams given to applicants, together with their names, address and contact numbers, and the dates they took their exams both written and practical.
Torres said this is part of the LTO’s effort to improve the system of driver’s license issuance.
Once a driver’s license holder fails the phone interview, administrative cases will be filed against the head of the licensing unit where their driver’s license was released.
Click here for full article from the Manila Bulletin
by magnolia_eic | Sep 3, 2010 | Headlines, National News
Manila, Philippines — Herminio Coloma, the Operations Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office is willing to let go of his post if President Aquino says so. In a recent statement, Coloma said that, “I am prepared to step down if that is the desire of the President.”
House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman has called on Coloma, Ricky Carandang, and DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to vacate their posts after their mishandling of the August 23 hostage-taking crisis. In a response, Coloma only said, “I respect Congressman Lagman.” ” There is a confirmation process and I am willing, the other members of the Cabinet are willing to go through that process. ”
Meanwhile, Robredo and Carandang have decided to stay on in the Cabinet.
Justice Secretary De Lima has already been tasked to conduct the investigation and she has said that they would try to finish it in three weeks.
Coloma, has jurisdiction over all government-owned media.
Click here for full article from Philippine Star
