By Honor Blanco Cabie
For 16 days starting May 28 each year, displaying the country's tricolors has become part of a revered tradition and culture of this multi-ethnic, multi-lingual country of nearly 98 million people from Batanes to Tawi Tawi.
Sometime in the latter part of the 1960s, a young correspondent, covering a news event in Sulu, saw this as the country's national anthem was played in front of the capitol.
When the anthem was played by the military band, coinciding with the brisk hoisting of the Philippine flag, the correspondent immediately realized the indivisibility of this one nation as every Muslim and Christian in the audience stood at attention.
But a question remains: How many of the population are familiar with the specifics regarding the flag, despite the annual public display for 16 days, called National Flag days?
The national flag, displayed with the blue field on top in times of peace, and with the red field on top in times of war, is a horizontal bicolor with equal bands of blue and red, and with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist side.
In the center of the triangle is a golden yellow sun with eight primary rays, each containing three individual rays.
At every corner of the triangle is a five-pointed golden yellow star.
The flag is horizontally divided into two basic colors -- royal blue and scarlet red -- with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist side.
At the center of the triangle is a golden-yellow sun with eight primary rays, each containing three individual rays, and at each corner of the triangle is a five-pointed golden-yellow star.
The flag's length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The sides of the white triangle are equal to the width of the flag.
Each star is oriented such that it points towards the tip of the vertex at which it is located.
The flag's colors are specified by Republic Act 8491 in terms of their cable number in the system developed by the Color Association of the United States.
The Philippine flag, designed in 1897 by Emilio Aguinaldo while he was in exile in Hong Kong, is unique.
It can indicate a state of war when the red field is displayed on top, or on the observer's left when the flag is displayed vertically, with the white equilateral triangle at the top end.
According to official sources, the white triangle stands for equality and fraternity; the blue field for peace, truth, and justice; and the red field for patriotism and valor.
The eight primary rays of the sun represent the eight provinces which declared a state of war as soon as the first revolt was initiated in the 1896 Revolution of independence from Spain, and placed under martial law by the colonial government.
The eight provinces were Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas.
The three stars represent the three major geographical divisions of this Southeast Asian archipelago: Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Some have noted that the symbolism given in the 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence differs from the current official explanation.
One school of thought says the white triangle signifies the emblem of the Katipunan.
This is the secret society that opposed Spanish rule which was ushered in by Fernando Magallanes in 1521 until the Spanish armada was beaten by the troops of US Admiral George Dewey in 1898.
Another school of thought says the flag's colors celebrate the flag of the United States as a manifestation of Philippine gratitude for American protection against the Spanish during the Philippine Revolution.
Still another says that one of the three stars represents the island of Panay, not the entire Visayan islands.
Historians say it has been common since the 1960s to trace the development of the Philippine flag to the various war standards of the individual leaders of the Katipunan.
This was a pseudo-masonic revolutionary movement that opposed Spanish rule in the Philippines and led the Philippine Revolution.
But while some symbols common to the Katipunan flags would be adopted into the iconography of the Revolution, historians say it is inconclusive whether these war standards can be considered precursors to the present Philippine flag.
The first flag was sewn by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (a niece of reformist leader José Rizal).
Agoncillo's remains are interred at the Dominican-run Sanctuario del Santo Cristo in San Juan City.
The flag, while it was displayed in battle on May 28, 1898, was formally unfurled during the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.
The flag was first flown with the red field up on Feb. 4, 1899 to show that a state of war existed.
Aguinaldo was captured by the Americans two years later in Palanan, Isabela, and swore allegiance to the United States.
The defeat of the Philippine Republic ushered in American colonial rule which made the display of the Philippine flag an illegal move by the Sedition Act of 1907.
This law was repealed on Oct. 30, 1919. With the legalization of the Philippine flag, the cloth available in most stores was the red and blue of the flag of the United States, so the flag from 1919 onwards adopted the navy blue color.
The Philippine Legislature passed Act. No 2928 on March 26, 1920, which legally adopted the Philippine flag as the official flag of the Philippine Islands.
Up until the eve of World War II, Flag Day was celebrated each year on Oct. 30, commemorating the date the ban on the flag was lifted.
On March 25, 1936, following the inauguration of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in the previous year, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which provided for the technical description and specifications of the flag.
The flag was once more banned with the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines beginning in December 1941, to be hoisted again with the establishment of the Japanese-sponsored Second Republic of the Philippines.
During ceremonies in October 1943, Emilio Aguinaldo hoisted the flag with the original Cuban blue and red colors restored.
The flag was initially flown with the blue stripe up, until President Jose P. Laurel proclaimed the existence of a state of war with the Allied Powers in 1944.
The Commonwealth government-in-exile in Washington, D.C. continued to use the flag with the American colors, and had flown it with the red stripe up since the initial invasion of the Japanese.
With the combined forces of the Filipino and American soldiers and the liberation of the Philippines in 1944 to 1945, the flag with the American colors was restored.
This flag was hoisted when Philippine independence was restored – not granted, as some historians say – on July 4, 1946.
In 1985, President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the colors of the flag restored to the original blue and red of the Cuban flag.
But this act was reversed after the largely peaceful Catholic Church-backed People Power Revolution removed Marcos from power.
For the 1998 centennial of the proclamation of Philippine independence, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (RA 8491) was passed, changing the shade of blue to royal blue.
The flag, often referred to as the tricolors – although there are actually four colors: white, blue, red, and the gold yellow of the sun and stars – is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.
Upon the official announcement of the death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for 10 days.
It should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be determined by the National Historical Institute, for less than seven days.
The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the dead was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the National Historical Institute.
Under the law, when the flag is flown at half-mast, it should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position.
It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.
The flag may also be used to cover the caskets of the dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national artists, and outstanding civilians as determined by the local government.
In such cases, the flag must be placed such that the white triangle is at the head and the blue portion covers the right side of the casket.
The flag should not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but should be solemnly folded and handed to the heirs of the deceased.
It is prohibited to deface or ridicule the flag, to dip the flag as a salute, or to add additional marks of any nature on the flag.
It may not be used as a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, as a covering for objects, or as part of a costume or uniform.
Several commercial uses of the flag are prohibited, including using the flag as a trademark or for commercial labels or designs.
It is forbidden to use the image of the flag on merchandise, or in any advertisement.
It also may not be used as a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
The flag may not be displayed horizontally face-up, or under any painting, picture or platform.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Training on Livelihood Entrepreneurship for Former Rebels
By Ben Cal
Last year's signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the government and the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) has paid off in transforming the former rebel group into a potent socioeconomic unit after its members underwent training on livelihood entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) was jointly conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Abra, Mountain Province and Benguet, the home base of the CBA-CPLA.
Another training is scheduled this week in the provinces of Apayao and Kalinga.
EDT is designed to equip CBA-CPLA members with business skills to help improve their lives.
The training is considered as a dividend of peace stemming from the MOA signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the CBA-CPLA on July 4 of last year, marking the former rebel group's transformation into a peaceful socioeconomic unit.
Anna Laylo, OPAPP project manager, said the workshop is a primary step before support can be provided for the livelihood projects proposed by CBA-CPLA members under the MOA.
"This training will equip the participants with the necessary business management tools that would help them supervise their businesses well," Laylo said.
These tools include business planning, situation analysis, manpower distribution and marketing.
To put their newly acquired skills into practice, participants are placed in mock situations where they interact with other market players, such as customers, producers and lending institutions, among others.
"The projects they proposed are very feasible and promising," said Johnny G. Pulay, senior trading industry development specialist of DTI-Benguet.
The workshop was pilot-tested in February this year in Ifugao, spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Ifugao.
The attendees in the Benguet training expressed appreciation of the program.
OPAPP pointed to Miguel Toyaoan Jr., one of those who attended the workshop, who said the livelihood program will benefit the CPLA.
Last year's signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the government and the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) has paid off in transforming the former rebel group into a potent socioeconomic unit after its members underwent training on livelihood entrepreneurship.
The Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) was jointly conducted by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Abra, Mountain Province and Benguet, the home base of the CBA-CPLA.
Another training is scheduled this week in the provinces of Apayao and Kalinga.
EDT is designed to equip CBA-CPLA members with business skills to help improve their lives.
The training is considered as a dividend of peace stemming from the MOA signed between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the CBA-CPLA on July 4 of last year, marking the former rebel group's transformation into a peaceful socioeconomic unit.
Anna Laylo, OPAPP project manager, said the workshop is a primary step before support can be provided for the livelihood projects proposed by CBA-CPLA members under the MOA.
"This training will equip the participants with the necessary business management tools that would help them supervise their businesses well," Laylo said.
These tools include business planning, situation analysis, manpower distribution and marketing.
To put their newly acquired skills into practice, participants are placed in mock situations where they interact with other market players, such as customers, producers and lending institutions, among others.
"The projects they proposed are very feasible and promising," said Johnny G. Pulay, senior trading industry development specialist of DTI-Benguet.
The workshop was pilot-tested in February this year in Ifugao, spearheaded by the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-Ifugao.
The attendees in the Benguet training expressed appreciation of the program.
OPAPP pointed to Miguel Toyaoan Jr., one of those who attended the workshop, who said the livelihood program will benefit the CPLA.
No More Brownouts in Mindanao, Philippines
The Aquino administration said that there are no more rotating blackouts in Mindanao following the repair and rehabilitation of the Polangui hydro-power plant, a Palace official said.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday that the government has already completed the repair and rehabilitation of Polangui power plant to ease Mindanao's power woes.
While the situation in Mindanao has improved, Lacierda said the Aquino government continues to pursue its plan to rehabilitate other power plants to ensure that the region has sufficient energy sources.
At present, Lacierda said the government is looking for other energy sources, including the Iligan Diesel Power Plant. He emphasized the need to rehabilitate the Iligan Diesel Power Plant that could produce 100 megawatts in eight months.
The government also plans to resort to renewable energy as part of the Aquino government's long-term plan to address the energy problem in the country particularly in Mindanao.
Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Monday that the government has already completed the repair and rehabilitation of Polangui power plant to ease Mindanao's power woes.
While the situation in Mindanao has improved, Lacierda said the Aquino government continues to pursue its plan to rehabilitate other power plants to ensure that the region has sufficient energy sources.
At present, Lacierda said the government is looking for other energy sources, including the Iligan Diesel Power Plant. He emphasized the need to rehabilitate the Iligan Diesel Power Plant that could produce 100 megawatts in eight months.
The government also plans to resort to renewable energy as part of the Aquino government's long-term plan to address the energy problem in the country particularly in Mindanao.
Autralia Helps the Philippines Against China
By Jelly F. Musico
The Department of National Defense (DND) enumerated on Monday the direct benefits that the Philippines would get if the Senate would ratify the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Australia.
During the public hearing conducted by the Senate committee on foreign relations, Defense undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs Pio Lorenzo Batino said Australia can help in terms of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including transfer of military capabilities under SOVFA.
"If we have this SOVFA ratified, we will have a lot to learn and we can expect continued support of our military needs," Batino said.
He said SOVFA will also provide the legal framework as the two countries promote military cooperation by sending troops to Australia for military scholarships and training.
"The SOVFA will benefit the Philippines in terms of education and training, capacity building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Batino said.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) undersecretary Esteban Conejos said SOFVA, which the Australian parliament ratified in 2007, will enhance the capability of the AFP in terms of facing threat of terrorism, promoting maritime security, environment protection and relief operations during disasters.
"It will intensify bilateral relationship with Australia," Conejos said.
Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) as well as the DND and DFA to submit matrix comparing the VFA with Australia and the VFA with the United States, specifically the provision on criminal jurisdiction, to assure abuses of the agreement will not be violated by both parties.
"Evidently, this is a difficult issue that in this kind of agreement you will encounter a lot of problems," Enrile said.
"Based on the wordings of the Australia SOFVA, there is more reference for the rights of the receiving states with respect to criminal jurisdiction," Batino replied.
Enrile clarified that he is in favor of the measure, "but I just want to find out the criminal jurisdiction and custody provisions."
Senator Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign relations, supported the motion of Enrile requiring the involved government offices to submit further study on the criminal jurisdiction provision of the agreement.
"Cite that specific provision in SOVFA which you claimed is different from the VFA with the U.S. insofar as the criminal jurisdiction is concerned," Legarda said.
Legarda has given the concerned government agencies until Thursday to submit the report even as she set the next hearing on Monday next week.
The DFA said the Philippines and Australia have already been conducting joint military exercises but these are only covered by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 1995.
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former Australian Prime Minister John Howard witnessed the signing of the SOVFA at Parliament House in Canberra in June 2007.
The Department of National Defense (DND) enumerated on Monday the direct benefits that the Philippines would get if the Senate would ratify the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with Australia.
During the public hearing conducted by the Senate committee on foreign relations, Defense undersecretary for legal and legislative affairs Pio Lorenzo Batino said Australia can help in terms of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including transfer of military capabilities under SOVFA.
"If we have this SOVFA ratified, we will have a lot to learn and we can expect continued support of our military needs," Batino said.
He said SOVFA will also provide the legal framework as the two countries promote military cooperation by sending troops to Australia for military scholarships and training.
"The SOVFA will benefit the Philippines in terms of education and training, capacity building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Batino said.
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) undersecretary Esteban Conejos said SOFVA, which the Australian parliament ratified in 2007, will enhance the capability of the AFP in terms of facing threat of terrorism, promoting maritime security, environment protection and relief operations during disasters.
"It will intensify bilateral relationship with Australia," Conejos said.
Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile ordered the Department of Justice (DOJ) as well as the DND and DFA to submit matrix comparing the VFA with Australia and the VFA with the United States, specifically the provision on criminal jurisdiction, to assure abuses of the agreement will not be violated by both parties.
"Evidently, this is a difficult issue that in this kind of agreement you will encounter a lot of problems," Enrile said.
"Based on the wordings of the Australia SOFVA, there is more reference for the rights of the receiving states with respect to criminal jurisdiction," Batino replied.
Enrile clarified that he is in favor of the measure, "but I just want to find out the criminal jurisdiction and custody provisions."
Senator Loren Legarda, chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign relations, supported the motion of Enrile requiring the involved government offices to submit further study on the criminal jurisdiction provision of the agreement.
"Cite that specific provision in SOVFA which you claimed is different from the VFA with the U.S. insofar as the criminal jurisdiction is concerned," Legarda said.
Legarda has given the concerned government agencies until Thursday to submit the report even as she set the next hearing on Monday next week.
The DFA said the Philippines and Australia have already been conducting joint military exercises but these are only covered by a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 1995.
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and former Australian Prime Minister John Howard witnessed the signing of the SOVFA at Parliament House in Canberra in June 2007.
Lady Gaga Meets with Protest in Philippines
Authorities have mapped out security measures to prevent potential protests that may mar the two-day concert of controversial singer Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, popularly known as Lady Gaga, at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.
According to Pasay chief of police Senior Supt. Melchor Reyes, they have prepared anti-riot teams to deal with protests and also deployed sufficient personnel to secure the concert venue.
He said he is not discounting the possibility some groups opposing the concert may attempt to disrupt it.
He added that anti-riot policemen have been put on alert since Sunday night.
Lady Gaga arrived in the country Saturday night in preparation for her concert on Monday and Tuesday.
Lady Gaga's concert has gained controversy after a religious conservative group opposed it, claiming some of her songs are anti-Christian.
Among the groups that vowed to hold protest actions are the Bible Mode International founded by former Manila Rep. Benny Abante and Bible Mode Youth Philippines.
According to Pasay chief of police Senior Supt. Melchor Reyes, they have prepared anti-riot teams to deal with protests and also deployed sufficient personnel to secure the concert venue.
He said he is not discounting the possibility some groups opposing the concert may attempt to disrupt it.
He added that anti-riot policemen have been put on alert since Sunday night.
Lady Gaga arrived in the country Saturday night in preparation for her concert on Monday and Tuesday.
Lady Gaga's concert has gained controversy after a religious conservative group opposed it, claiming some of her songs are anti-Christian.
Among the groups that vowed to hold protest actions are the Bible Mode International founded by former Manila Rep. Benny Abante and Bible Mode Youth Philippines.
Peace Talks with MILF in Mindanao
With the southern peace talks now in the crucial stage, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) expressed hopes on Monday that "things will turn out smoothly" as negotiations proceed.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief peace negotiator, said they are ready to resume peace talks with the government and just awaiting the date of the next meeting.
"It's difficult to predict [the negotiations] but we are hoping for the best [once we meet again]," he said over the phone.
Malaysia, the mediator of the southern peace process, has yet to set the date for the resumption of amity talks that shall be concurred upon by both the government and the MILF, Iqbal said, adding they are looking towards the end of May for the resumption of the negotiations.
During the 27th exploratory talks in April, the parties agreed to meet again this month.
Significantly, both sides signed in their last meeting in Kuala Lumpur the "Decision Points on Principles," which shall serve as the framework in the discussion and formulation of the comprehensive peace compact.
Aside from the creation of a new autonomous political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the points laid out in the signed document include introducing the ministerial system, strengthening of the Shari'ah courts, protection of the people's basic rights, and power and wealth sharing between the national government and the autonomous body.
In their next meeting, Iqbal said the MILF may bring up on the negotiating table the creation of a new Moro entity and territory matters.
Both parties earlier agreed to continue talks on wealth and power sharing, he added.
Mario Victor Leonen, government chief peace negotiator, said they are exercising "due diligence" in negotiating with the Moro rebels as issues are expected to become more difficult on the peace table.
In a statement, he said the government is carefully examining substantive issues particularly those of legal concern, such as the creation of a new political autonomous entity that will replace the current ARMM, as well as power-sharing and wealth-sharing that are contained in the Decision Points on Principles.
Emphasizing that the peace negotiations is conducted within the framework of the Constitution, Leonen pointed out that agreeing to create a new political autonomous entity is allowed as stated in Article 10, Section 15 to 22.
He cited Section 15 which stated that "there shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao…(in) areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines."
Further, Leonen said that "the basis of autonomy is democracy."
"In the national politics, there will always be a minority whose views and concerns cannot be always accommodated because they could never become a majority. Thus, the only way to guarantee a level of democracy is allow them to govern in one region, but still remain in the entire Republic of the Philippines," he explained.
Leonen stressed that the peace negotiations with the MILF is at the "peak of its discussions" on political settlement.
The parties are set to discuss substantive issues in the next round of talks this May. This includes deliberating "details and particulars" on power-sharing, wealth-sharing between the national government and the envisioned new autonomous political entity, mode of defining its geographical area, transition and normalization mechanism, according to another statement from the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF chief peace negotiator, said they are ready to resume peace talks with the government and just awaiting the date of the next meeting.
"It's difficult to predict [the negotiations] but we are hoping for the best [once we meet again]," he said over the phone.
Malaysia, the mediator of the southern peace process, has yet to set the date for the resumption of amity talks that shall be concurred upon by both the government and the MILF, Iqbal said, adding they are looking towards the end of May for the resumption of the negotiations.
During the 27th exploratory talks in April, the parties agreed to meet again this month.
Significantly, both sides signed in their last meeting in Kuala Lumpur the "Decision Points on Principles," which shall serve as the framework in the discussion and formulation of the comprehensive peace compact.
Aside from the creation of a new autonomous political entity to replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the points laid out in the signed document include introducing the ministerial system, strengthening of the Shari'ah courts, protection of the people's basic rights, and power and wealth sharing between the national government and the autonomous body.
In their next meeting, Iqbal said the MILF may bring up on the negotiating table the creation of a new Moro entity and territory matters.
Both parties earlier agreed to continue talks on wealth and power sharing, he added.
Mario Victor Leonen, government chief peace negotiator, said they are exercising "due diligence" in negotiating with the Moro rebels as issues are expected to become more difficult on the peace table.
In a statement, he said the government is carefully examining substantive issues particularly those of legal concern, such as the creation of a new political autonomous entity that will replace the current ARMM, as well as power-sharing and wealth-sharing that are contained in the Decision Points on Principles.
Emphasizing that the peace negotiations is conducted within the framework of the Constitution, Leonen pointed out that agreeing to create a new political autonomous entity is allowed as stated in Article 10, Section 15 to 22.
He cited Section 15 which stated that "there shall be created autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao…(in) areas sharing common and distinctive historical and cultural heritage, economic and social structures, and other relevant characteristics within the framework of this Constitution and the national sovereignty as well as territorial integrity of the Republic of the Philippines."
Further, Leonen said that "the basis of autonomy is democracy."
"In the national politics, there will always be a minority whose views and concerns cannot be always accommodated because they could never become a majority. Thus, the only way to guarantee a level of democracy is allow them to govern in one region, but still remain in the entire Republic of the Philippines," he explained.
Leonen stressed that the peace negotiations with the MILF is at the "peak of its discussions" on political settlement.
The parties are set to discuss substantive issues in the next round of talks this May. This includes deliberating "details and particulars" on power-sharing, wealth-sharing between the national government and the envisioned new autonomous political entity, mode of defining its geographical area, transition and normalization mechanism, according to another statement from the Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process.
Peaceful Solution to Mindanao Conflict
By Ben Cal
Marvic Leonen, chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has admitted that the next round of exploratory talks "will be very difficult" as both sides will now tackle the substantive issues to find a peaceful solution to end the decades-old Mindanao armed conflict.
"We are now at the heart of the negotiations on political settlement. Such political settlement needs continuous consultations with different sectors. This will go through a political process (in the different branches of government and in the national and local governments)," Leonen said.
The next round of talks will be held in Kuala Lumpur later this month.
The two peace panels will deliberate on the "details and particulars" on power-sharing, wealth-sharing between the national government and the envisioned new autonomous political entity, mode of defining its geographical area, transition and normalization mechanism.
"We move forward. It's clear where the peace talks are leading us — as laid out in the Decision Points on Principles," Leonen stated.
He pointed out that while there is guarded optimism and due diligence, the next talks will be very difficult.
Leonen assured that the government will remain engaged in the peace talks, saying that "it is important that we find a just and lasting solution to this problem in Mindanao."
Meanwhile, civil society organizations (CSOs) in Mindanao have underlined the importance of their role in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF.
"We need to be aware of the position of the two panels to keep pushing the talks further," the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) quoted Mary Ann Arnado, secretary-general of the Mindanao People's Caucus (MPC).
The government has been conducting consultative meetings in various parts of Mindanao to inform the people on the important issues in ongoing peace negotiations.
The MPC, a group of non-government groups in Mindanao, is helping the GPH and the MILF find common grounds in the peace negotiations.
Last month, the GPH and the MILF signed the Decision Points on Principles during the 27th formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur.
The document contains 10 mutually identified common standpoints that serve as a framework for the final peace agreement.
Marvic Leonen, chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), has admitted that the next round of exploratory talks "will be very difficult" as both sides will now tackle the substantive issues to find a peaceful solution to end the decades-old Mindanao armed conflict.
"We are now at the heart of the negotiations on political settlement. Such political settlement needs continuous consultations with different sectors. This will go through a political process (in the different branches of government and in the national and local governments)," Leonen said.
The next round of talks will be held in Kuala Lumpur later this month.
The two peace panels will deliberate on the "details and particulars" on power-sharing, wealth-sharing between the national government and the envisioned new autonomous political entity, mode of defining its geographical area, transition and normalization mechanism.
"We move forward. It's clear where the peace talks are leading us — as laid out in the Decision Points on Principles," Leonen stated.
He pointed out that while there is guarded optimism and due diligence, the next talks will be very difficult.
Leonen assured that the government will remain engaged in the peace talks, saying that "it is important that we find a just and lasting solution to this problem in Mindanao."
Meanwhile, civil society organizations (CSOs) in Mindanao have underlined the importance of their role in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF.
"We need to be aware of the position of the two panels to keep pushing the talks further," the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) quoted Mary Ann Arnado, secretary-general of the Mindanao People's Caucus (MPC).
The government has been conducting consultative meetings in various parts of Mindanao to inform the people on the important issues in ongoing peace negotiations.
The MPC, a group of non-government groups in Mindanao, is helping the GPH and the MILF find common grounds in the peace negotiations.
Last month, the GPH and the MILF signed the Decision Points on Principles during the 27th formal exploratory talks in Kuala Lumpur.
The document contains 10 mutually identified common standpoints that serve as a framework for the final peace agreement.
Apply for Salary Loan with Philippine SSS
Philip Cesar (not the basketball player) wasted no time in encashing the P17,000 check he received from the Social Security System (SSS) last December 2011.
The amount was for an SSS Salary Loan he took out to fix the faulty transmission of his car. His salary as an employee in a private agency was just enough for his family regular expenses; funds for emergencies – such as a busted transmission – have to be sourced elsewhere. Hence, the SSS Salary Loan that Philip would have to repay for the next 24 months.
Philip is just one of the 1.06 million SSS members who were granted salary loans in 2011. The pension institution disbursed a total of P15.8 billion for members' salary loans last year, 41 percent higher than the P11.17 billion it released in 2010 for over 803,000 member-borrowers.
"The salary loan is among the most popular SSS programs, with loan releases growing at an average rate of 14 percent for the past five years," SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi observed. "The fact that the number of borrowers has hit the one-million mark shows the tremendous personal need that our salary loans fill in our members' lives."
The SSS Salary Loan is a privilege granted to active members with at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which must be within the 12-month period prior to the month of loan application. Salary loans are payable in two years in 24 equal monthly installments at 10 percent annual interest. The last time the number of borrowers reached one million was in 2009, whem 1.29 million members availed of the Salary Loan.
"Majority of the salary loan borrowers in 2011 were employees. Only nine percent if the P15.8 billion, or P1.47 billion, went to self-employed and voluntary members, including overseas Filipino workers," Solilapsi added.
"These numbers highlight the value of active SSS membership, since only those who are updated in their SSS payments are entitled to salary loans."
Also important for members to retain that privilege is for them to ensure that their salary loans are repaid on time. Salary loan delinquency has long been a problem for the pension institution, which is the reason behind its latest offering of the Loan Penalty Condonation Program.
Under this new amnesty program, members are given the opportunity to pay their overdue obligations and have 50 to 100 percent of their accumulated penalties written off. The program opened last April 2 and will run until September 30, 2012.
"We urge members with delinquent loans to take advantage of this opportunity before the program ends on September 30. Otherwise, they will have to pay the full amount of penalties, and possibly have their total loan balance deducted from final benefit claims, which by then could balloon to the tens of thousands," said Solilapsi.
The amount was for an SSS Salary Loan he took out to fix the faulty transmission of his car. His salary as an employee in a private agency was just enough for his family regular expenses; funds for emergencies – such as a busted transmission – have to be sourced elsewhere. Hence, the SSS Salary Loan that Philip would have to repay for the next 24 months.
Philip is just one of the 1.06 million SSS members who were granted salary loans in 2011. The pension institution disbursed a total of P15.8 billion for members' salary loans last year, 41 percent higher than the P11.17 billion it released in 2010 for over 803,000 member-borrowers.
"The salary loan is among the most popular SSS programs, with loan releases growing at an average rate of 14 percent for the past five years," SSS Officer-in-Charge Edgar Solilapsi observed. "The fact that the number of borrowers has hit the one-million mark shows the tremendous personal need that our salary loans fill in our members' lives."
The SSS Salary Loan is a privilege granted to active members with at least 36 monthly contributions, six of which must be within the 12-month period prior to the month of loan application. Salary loans are payable in two years in 24 equal monthly installments at 10 percent annual interest. The last time the number of borrowers reached one million was in 2009, whem 1.29 million members availed of the Salary Loan.
"Majority of the salary loan borrowers in 2011 were employees. Only nine percent if the P15.8 billion, or P1.47 billion, went to self-employed and voluntary members, including overseas Filipino workers," Solilapsi added.
"These numbers highlight the value of active SSS membership, since only those who are updated in their SSS payments are entitled to salary loans."
Also important for members to retain that privilege is for them to ensure that their salary loans are repaid on time. Salary loan delinquency has long been a problem for the pension institution, which is the reason behind its latest offering of the Loan Penalty Condonation Program.
Under this new amnesty program, members are given the opportunity to pay their overdue obligations and have 50 to 100 percent of their accumulated penalties written off. The program opened last April 2 and will run until September 30, 2012.
"We urge members with delinquent loans to take advantage of this opportunity before the program ends on September 30. Otherwise, they will have to pay the full amount of penalties, and possibly have their total loan balance deducted from final benefit claims, which by then could balloon to the tens of thousands," said Solilapsi.
Pnoy Aquino Meets with Iglesia ni Cristo Leaders
President Benigno S. Aquino III met with Iglesia ni Cristo's Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo to "touch base" with the group which has supported the former since his days as senator.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda confirmed the meeting in a news conference Monday, only hours after the two met at the INC Central office in Quezon City.
Lacierda addressed doubts from some groups the meeting was primarily focused on the alleged lobbying of the INC for impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona's acquittal by the Senate Impeachment Court.
The presidential spokesman said the meeting was scheduled even before the Holy Week but their respective schedules did not permit a meeting until Monday.
Lacierda said: "Today, we confirm that the President met with Ka Eduardo of the Iglesia ni Cristo this morning. Their meeting has been previously scheduled, in fact before holy week pa… there was already a planned meeting with Ka Eduardo, unfortunately the schedule of the President and the schedule of Ka Eduardo could not jibe then.
"It was only today that they were able to find a common schedule."
Lacierda added: "The purpose of the President's meeting was to touch base with Ka Eduardo and the Iglesia ni Cristo.
"As you know the Iglesia ni Cristo supported the President during his Senatorial campaign and also during his Presidential campaign… yes, the impeachment issue was discussed because it is one of the burning issues of the day.
"The President explained to Ka Eduardo the reasons for the (Chief Justice Corona) impeachment, that this is part of his reform agenda..."
Also discussed were developmental programs of the Aquino administration, Lacierda said.
"Hindi lamang po ang impeachment ang pinag-usapan, napag-usapan din ang mga ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan… na mention din po ni Pangulong Aquino ang TESDA, kung ano ang ginagawang projects ng TESDA."
Lacierda stressed the meeting had nothing to do with the "INC lobbying" issue that came out in the papers last weekend.
"This has nothing to do with the news about the lobbying of the INC, again let me emphasize this has been previously scheduled… we don't believe there is an INC lobby for the chief justice," Lacierda noted.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported Saturday INC officials had been meeting senators to lobby for the acquittal of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda confirmed the meeting in a news conference Monday, only hours after the two met at the INC Central office in Quezon City.
Lacierda addressed doubts from some groups the meeting was primarily focused on the alleged lobbying of the INC for impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona's acquittal by the Senate Impeachment Court.
The presidential spokesman said the meeting was scheduled even before the Holy Week but their respective schedules did not permit a meeting until Monday.
Lacierda said: "Today, we confirm that the President met with Ka Eduardo of the Iglesia ni Cristo this morning. Their meeting has been previously scheduled, in fact before holy week pa… there was already a planned meeting with Ka Eduardo, unfortunately the schedule of the President and the schedule of Ka Eduardo could not jibe then.
"It was only today that they were able to find a common schedule."
Lacierda added: "The purpose of the President's meeting was to touch base with Ka Eduardo and the Iglesia ni Cristo.
"As you know the Iglesia ni Cristo supported the President during his Senatorial campaign and also during his Presidential campaign… yes, the impeachment issue was discussed because it is one of the burning issues of the day.
"The President explained to Ka Eduardo the reasons for the (Chief Justice Corona) impeachment, that this is part of his reform agenda..."
Also discussed were developmental programs of the Aquino administration, Lacierda said.
"Hindi lamang po ang impeachment ang pinag-usapan, napag-usapan din ang mga ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan… na mention din po ni Pangulong Aquino ang TESDA, kung ano ang ginagawang projects ng TESDA."
Lacierda stressed the meeting had nothing to do with the "INC lobbying" issue that came out in the papers last weekend.
"This has nothing to do with the news about the lobbying of the INC, again let me emphasize this has been previously scheduled… we don't believe there is an INC lobby for the chief justice," Lacierda noted.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported Saturday INC officials had been meeting senators to lobby for the acquittal of impeached Chief Justice Renato Corona.
Manny Pacquiao Defends the Bible and God's Truth
By Eddie G. Alinea
Aren't they gonna stop? It looks like attempts to distract title defending World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao peace of mind will continue until he faces challenger Timothy Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas.
This despite the writer himself, Granville Ampong, who created a stir when he wrongly reported that Pacquiao, quoting a verse in the Bible, had despised the third sex and saying they "should be killed," had cleared the air denying the 147-pound titlist never said that.
The 33-year-old eight-division world champ, also, had apologized to all those he must have hurt by his statement opposing same-sex marriage.
Here now comes various organizations claiming to represent Asian and Filipino-American lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender communities calling on the Pacman for a more open and transparent dialogue on the issue.
Which simply means that Pacquiao's apology for mamking such opinion, based on God's Commandments, has not been accepted, that the issue isn't close yet and the "Fighter of the Decade" will have to divert his attention between defending his title and thinking about the controversy comes night of his fight.
For expressing his opinion, which, in the first place, was not borne out of whims but on the teachings of God as embodied in the Holy Book, is facing condemnation, not only from some sectors in the foreign media but from the Philippine press as well.
Which, to many, is quiet unfair because as he said, He's just spreading the words in the Scripture, which he is tasked owing to his being now a preacher and engaged in Bible study.
Pacquiao, in fact, should instead be commended and praised for standing up in defense of his belief as a Catholic. Alone and in the absence of church leaders who opted to keep silence for fear of being feasted upon.
What Pacquiao, a boxer born in poverty, did should have totally erased all doubts that, indeed, he has changed from a wayward guy engaged in womanizing, gambling, drinking and other vices.
By daring to stand proud of his Catholic faith, not afraid to practice his belief not only in words but in deed, Pacquiao just showed the traits and character of a good Christian not seen even among the top honchos of the more than 1 billion Catholics around the world.
His detractors said Pacquiao shouldn't have expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage as it is unfair to those who believe they have the right to lead their own right to live as they wish they should.
But what about Pacquiao's right to express his belief? The same right U.S. President Obama enjoyed when expressed his approval of marriage between individuals of same genders.
Why are those now condemning the Filipino ring icon not condemn, too, President Obama, who incidentally, in approving such marriages completed a 360-degree turn around following his earlier disapproval of the idea? Could it be that Obama's turn around, made on the eve of U.S. presidential elections, was only made to attract the votes of those concerned?
Perhaps foreign media could be forgiven in their criticism over Pacquiao's belief for they, especially the Americans, as the entire world knows, are not the best example of moral and spiritual virtues.
But for their Filipino counterparts to join in the fray, is not right. The Philippines is the only country in Asia whose citizens are predominantly Catholics. Filipinos, therefore, should be the first to come and defend him in this issue.
Aren't they gonna stop? It looks like attempts to distract title defending World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao peace of mind will continue until he faces challenger Timothy Bradley on June 9 in Las Vegas.
This despite the writer himself, Granville Ampong, who created a stir when he wrongly reported that Pacquiao, quoting a verse in the Bible, had despised the third sex and saying they "should be killed," had cleared the air denying the 147-pound titlist never said that.
The 33-year-old eight-division world champ, also, had apologized to all those he must have hurt by his statement opposing same-sex marriage.
Here now comes various organizations claiming to represent Asian and Filipino-American lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender communities calling on the Pacman for a more open and transparent dialogue on the issue.
Which simply means that Pacquiao's apology for mamking such opinion, based on God's Commandments, has not been accepted, that the issue isn't close yet and the "Fighter of the Decade" will have to divert his attention between defending his title and thinking about the controversy comes night of his fight.
For expressing his opinion, which, in the first place, was not borne out of whims but on the teachings of God as embodied in the Holy Book, is facing condemnation, not only from some sectors in the foreign media but from the Philippine press as well.
Which, to many, is quiet unfair because as he said, He's just spreading the words in the Scripture, which he is tasked owing to his being now a preacher and engaged in Bible study.
Pacquiao, in fact, should instead be commended and praised for standing up in defense of his belief as a Catholic. Alone and in the absence of church leaders who opted to keep silence for fear of being feasted upon.
What Pacquiao, a boxer born in poverty, did should have totally erased all doubts that, indeed, he has changed from a wayward guy engaged in womanizing, gambling, drinking and other vices.
By daring to stand proud of his Catholic faith, not afraid to practice his belief not only in words but in deed, Pacquiao just showed the traits and character of a good Christian not seen even among the top honchos of the more than 1 billion Catholics around the world.
His detractors said Pacquiao shouldn't have expressed his opposition to same-sex marriage as it is unfair to those who believe they have the right to lead their own right to live as they wish they should.
But what about Pacquiao's right to express his belief? The same right U.S. President Obama enjoyed when expressed his approval of marriage between individuals of same genders.
Why are those now condemning the Filipino ring icon not condemn, too, President Obama, who incidentally, in approving such marriages completed a 360-degree turn around following his earlier disapproval of the idea? Could it be that Obama's turn around, made on the eve of U.S. presidential elections, was only made to attract the votes of those concerned?
Perhaps foreign media could be forgiven in their criticism over Pacquiao's belief for they, especially the Americans, as the entire world knows, are not the best example of moral and spiritual virtues.
But for their Filipino counterparts to join in the fray, is not right. The Philippines is the only country in Asia whose citizens are predominantly Catholics. Filipinos, therefore, should be the first to come and defend him in this issue.
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