Month: April 2015

Bam: Collective Efforts Saved Mary Jane

Senator Bam Aquino lauds the collective efforts of President Aquino, Vice President Jejomar Binay and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario that led to the granting of temporary reprieve to Mary Jane Veloso.

“This once again proves that if concerned government agencies work together,  positive things happen,” said Sen. Bam.

Aquino also expressed gratitude to the Indonesian government for granting Mary Jane a temporary reprieve, allowing her to testify against her recruiters.

“I call on the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to continue supporting Mary Jane in her case so she will be spared from the death penalty,” Sen. Bam said.

Indonesia has given Mary Jane a temporary reprieve to allow her to testify against her recruiter Maria Kristina Sergio, who earlier surrendered to authorities in Nueva Ecija.

Sen. Bam also called on authorities to beef up the case filed against Mary Jane’s recruiters and others responsible for her plight so she can get justice for her years of incarceration and torment.

“Let us exert all means necessary to protect our Overseas Filipinos against syndicates who use them as drug couriers and other illegal activities,” Sen. Bam added.

Sen. Bam recently filed a resolution seeking to conduct an inquiry on the death penalty cases involving OFWs and the delay in the disposition of overseas-related cases, particularly illegal recruitment and trafficking.

“We need to ensure that assistance will be provided to the 805 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) – 45 of whom are on death row – incarcerated in different parts of the world,” asked Sen. Bam.

In his Senate Resolution No.  1266, Sen. Bam revealed that around 805 OFWs face drug-related cases worldwide as of September 2014.

“Most of these cases are in Asia at 341, 244 in the Middle East and Africa, 116 in the United States and 104 in Europe,” said Sen. Bam.

“Around 45 OFWs are in death row, but their sentences are not yet final as the cases are on various stages of appeal,” he added. 

Based on data from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), only 196 OFWs have received help from the department’s legal assistance fund from January 2011 to August 2012.

The DFA attributed this low number to the limitation under Sections 18 and 19 of Republic Act No. 10022, which amends the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

“Kung itinuturing natin ang mga OFWs bilang mga bayani, kailangan natin silang bigyan ng sapat na suporta at proteksyon lalo na’t sila’y nasa ibang bansa,” emphasized Sen. Bam.

“Ang laki ng kanilang kontribusyon sa ating pag-unlad. Huwag natin silang pabayaan,” added Sen. Bam.

7 Things To Do #WhenYoureBoredOverSummer

 

 

By Listavengers

 

Bored ka ba? Ito ang pitong suhestiyon para maalis ang boredom mo at maging productive ang iyong summer!

 


1. Mag-swimming. Sa init ng panahon, masarap magbabad sa dagat. Kung walang pera o oras mag-outing, magtampisaw na lang sa inflatable pool, batya o sa drum!

swimmingsabatya

 

 

2. Magpaka-sporty. Bago i-showcase ang katawan sa LaBoracay, bumisita sa boxing gym, jumoin sa volleyball league, subukang mag-Zumba, o makiuso sa mga exercise videos para ma-achieve ang inaasam na yummy body.

zumba

 

3. Mag-aral magluto. Mag-ala Chef Boy Logro ngayong summer at pagbutihin ang cooking skills. Ipatikim sa mga kaibigan at pamilya o di kaya magpasikat sa iyong crush! Ika nga nila, the best way to anybody’s heart is through his/her stomach.

chefphoto

 

 

4. Maging next Youtube Sensation o Online Hit gaya nina Mikey Bustos at Bogart The Explorer! Sumakay sa uso na dubsmash o kaya, maglaro ng DOTA habang walang pasok sa eskuwela. Mag-DOTA till the break of dawn, malay mo, maging next member ka ng #TeamRave. Huwag ka lang pa-offload.

bogarttheexplorer

 

5. Mag-emote ng wagas! Magbasa ng libro habang nasa coffee shop para magmukhang studious. Gumawa ng tula tungkol sa traffic sa EDSA o di kaya’y mag-blog tungkol sa iyong sawing pag-ibig. Baka maging viral pa ang iyong susulatin at gawin pa itong novela ng Precious Hearts Romance.

emote

 

6. Magpakitang gilas sa pagvovolunteer for a good cause.  Isama ang mga barkada o gawing date ang paglilinis ng classroom sa Brigada Eskuwela o pagtatayo ng mga bahay sa GK Bayani Challenge. Nakapagpa-cute ka na, nakatulong ka pa.

volunteer

 

 

7. Mag-move on at mag-let go…ng mga lumang gamit sa bahay.  Ang mga gadget na di na nilalaro at mga t-shirt na di kasya, ibenta mo na sa OLX.  Baka ito na ang simula ng hinihintay mong suwerte sa negosyo. Huwag lang ibebenta ang gamit na hindi sa iyo.

OLX

 

Kung mayroon kang naiisip na Lis7ahan at nais maging miyembro ng ListAvengers, mag-email sa team.bamaquino@senado.ph!

 

 

SRN-877: Commending and Honoring Filipino Un Peacekeepers in Syria-Israel Border (Golan Heights)

RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND HONORING FILIPINO UN PEACEKEEPERS IN GOLAN HEIGHTS FOR DEMONSTRA TING EXEMPLARY COURAGE AND RESOLVE IN THE RECENT STAND-OFF AGAINST SYRIAN REBELS, SUCCESSFULLY CARRYING OUT THEIR PEACE KEEPING MISSION, AND REFLECTING THE PROFESSIONALISM AND COMPETENCE OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES

Whereas, peacekeepers from the Philippines form an integral part of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) Mission that has been monitoring a ceasefire agreement between Syria and Israel. The other countries contributing troops to the UNDOF Mission include Fiji, India, Ireland, Nepal and the Netherlands;

Whereas, Syrian rebels entered the UN-patrolled buffer zone between Syria and Israel, capturing forty-four (44) Fijan peacekeepers and demanding the surrender of Filipino peacekeepers occupying two UN encampments in the Golan Heights last 28 August 2014. Despite being surrounded and outnumbered by the Syrian rebels, the Filipino peacekeepers refused to surrender their arms and continued to defend their position, leading to a four-day stand-off;

Whereas, the first group of thirty-five (35) peacekeepers stationed at the UN encampment in Breiqa (Position 69) were rescued by Irish and Filipino forces on 30 August 2014. The second group of forty (40) Filipino peacekeepers remained in the second UN encampment in Rwhihan (Position 68), where they fought back against the Syrian rebel force. According to Philippine military officials, the Filipinos returned fire in self-defense after more than one hundred (100) gunmen attacked the camp’s gates and fired mortar rounds;

Whereas, after withstanding seven (7) hours under heavy fire, the Filipino peacekeepers, low on ammunition, successfully planned and implemented their escape on the night of 30 August 2014 under cover of darkness, with guidance and support from Philippine military and defense leaders, the UN Force Headquarters, and from Syrian, Israeli, US and Qatar governments. Burdened with heavy weapons and the cold weather, they walked for nearly two hours to meet up with other UN forces who escorted them to safety;

Whereas, the Filipino peacekeepers from Position 68 and 69 have now been repositioned to Camp Ziuoani behind UN lines. According to Philippine officials, the Filipino peacekeepers would remain in Golan until their mission ends in October 2014, despite the escalating Violence, in fulfillment of the Philippine’s commitment to international security and to the community of nations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved that the Senate of the Philippines commend and honor the Filipino UN peacekeepers stationed in Golan Heights for demonstrating exemplary courage and resolve in the recent stand-off against Syrian rebels, successfully carrying out their peace keeping mission, and reflecting the professionalism and competence of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 

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SRN-929: Automotive Industry Development Roadmap

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PHILIPPINE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT ROADMAP WITH THE END VIEW OF THE ALIGNMENT OF THE INDUSTRY WITH THE INFRASTRUCTURE PLANS OF THE GOVERNMENT

Whereas, the State recognizes the indispensable role of the private sector, encourages private enterprise, and provides incentives for needed investments. Through the years, the government issued executive orders and regulations to promote the growth of the automotive industry;

Whereas, on February 1996, Memorandum Order (MO) 346 mandated the liberalization of the automotive industry. Prior to the issuance of MO 346, the government liberalized the importation of all types of passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles. On December 2002, Executive Order No. 156 took effect in order to restructure the Motor Vehicle Development Program (MVDP) and provide comprehensive industrial policy and direction to the program. The government continued to issue EOs which modified the tariff rates on motor vehicle parts and components and provided special incentives for certain exports;

Whereas, the automotive industry in the Philippines comprises an accumulated total of Php 120 billion in investments, principally in fifteen vehicle assembly plants, seven of which have the critical Electro-Deposition painting systems. Based on reports, the total nationwide capacity is two hundred thousand units per annum. Total projected sales for 2014 is expected to reach 250,000 units. However, locally assembled vehicles presently account for only 32% of the total supply.

Whereas, the Bureau of Investments (BOI), the Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council, Inc. (PACCI) and relevant government agencies undertook steps in the formulation of the development roadmap for the industry. Aside from the strategic components needed to secure a better market share for locally manufactured vehicles, the appropriate fiscal and non-fiscal incentives should be in place to help boost the domestic market share. These incentives should have strong impact on job generation, additional output, increased incomes and tax revenues, and improved technology transfer;

Whereas, studies show that the cost competitiveness of Philippine auto parts companies is weak compared with the other countries in Asia because of the industry’s heavy reliance on imported raw materials and low productivity. The government should further develop and improve the strategic programs to reduce the cost of doing business by cutting red tape, which ultimately benefits the consumers;

Whereas, there is a need to ensure that the automotive industry road map is consistent with and integrated into other existing government policies and plans for the country. Given the growing local demand for automobiles and the worsening road conditions and congestion, there is a need to ensure that the automotive industry road map is aligned with the country’s infrastructure roadmap and encourages investments in alternative fuel vehicles. With the impending power crisis and current port congestion, the government should also improve its infrastructure plan to help firms bring down their costs;

Whereas, existing regulations on production, importation, registration and operation of vehicles should be reviewed for relevance and efficacy. More particularly, the databanks of the various agencies should have links to the BOI that would provide accurate data on the dimensioning of the market and the industry. This would help reduce smuggling and improve the roadworthiness of the vehicles plying the streets of the country.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the Philippine Automotive Industry Development Roadmap with the end view of the alignment of the industry with the infrastructure plans of the government.

 

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SRN-1063: Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE IMPACT OF THE ENHANCED INTER-AGENCY COORDINATION MECHANISMS OF THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AND THE PRO-ACTIVE RESPONSE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR ON DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND MITIGATION IN THE COUNTRY

Whereas, laws have been enacted to strengthen disaster risk reduction and management in the country, such as the Philippine Risk Reduction and Management Act (Republic Act No. 10121) and the Risk Reduction and Preparedness Equipment Protection Act (RA 10344). In response to the effects of climate change, the government recognized the need to adopt a disaster risk reduction and management approach that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, and proactive in lessening the socio-economic and environmental impacts of disasters including climate change, and promote the involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at all levels, especially the local community;

Whereas, the Philippines is prone to natural calamities due to the country’s geographical and physical characteristics. The Philippines is known to be the world’s largest archipelago composed of more than 7,100 islands. Based on data, it lies along the Western Pacific Basin, the world’s busiest typhoon belt, with an average of twenty typhoons each year;

Whereas, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), typhoon Ruby affected 456,386 families or 2,086,562 people who sought shelter in evacuation centers. On the other hand, the Department of Social Welfare and Development said that there were over 230,000 families or about one million individuals staying in the evacuation centers situated in the disaster-stricken areas. Through the help of the local government units, the communities were advised to preemptively evacuate before the typhoon. Further, a 24-hour operations center at the headquarters of the Philippine National Police was established in order to immediately respond to the needs of the affected provinces by determining the preliminary number of evacuees and the particular needs of each municipality;

Whereas, proper coordination among national government agencies, concerned local government units and the private sector in applying preparedness and mitigation measures significantly contributed to the notable decrease in the number of casualties and loss of property compared to last year’s aftermath of typhoon Yolanda. At that time, the death toll was as high as 6,092 and the damage cost rose to Php 36.62 Billion;

Whereas, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNIDSDR) said it is impressed with the Philippines’ preparations for typhoon Ruby, which involved the preemptive evacuation of at least one million Filipinos in the typhoon’s path. Moreover, in a letter to Foreign Affairs Secretary del Rosario, the ASEAN Secretary-General Le Luong Minh commended the country “for its early warning efforts and disaster preparedness plans, which mitigated losses and damages.”

Whereas, the country’s experiences with major natural calamities such as typhoons Yolanda (Haiyan) and Ruby (Hagupit) have become key opportunities for learning and for improving disaster preparedness coordination, strategies and practices. Despite the Filipinos’ vulnerability to typhoons, these experiences demonstrate how the government together with the private sector and the communities stricken by calamities can effectively – prepare for and mitigate the adverse effects of disasters;

Whereas, in the aftermath of a disaster, there is a need to assess the impact of government’s actions in order to determine best practices and effective tools used in the disaster risk and reduction programs of local government units. The national government should also be able to identify the appropriate and useful strategies for inter-agency coordination in building community awareness, disaster preparedness planning, and ensuring quick response to help ensure readiness of communities for future disasters;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the impact of the enhanced inter-agency coordination mechanisms of the national government and the pro-active response of local government units and the private sector on disaster preparedness and mitigation in the country.

 

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SRN-1112: Alarming Increase of Crimes against Journalists

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE ALARMING INCREASE OF CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS WITH THE END VIEW OF EXPEDITING THE INVESTIGATION AND RESOLUTION OF THESE CASES

Whereas, journalists have been defined as “individuals who are dedicated to investigating, analyzing and disseminating information, in a regular and specialized manner, through any type of written media, broadcast media, (television or radio) or electronic media. With the advent of new forms of communication, journalism has extended into new areas, including citizen journalism!.” International Human Rights laws guarantee protection of right to life of journalists, right to personal liberty and integrity, freedom from torture and freedom of expression;

Whereas, UNESCO’s General Conference, at its 29th session, adopted Resolution 29 “Condemnation of Violence against Journalists” to condemn assassination and any physical violence against journalists as a crime against society, since this curtails freedom of expression and, as a consequence, the other rights and freedoms set forth in international human rights instruments and to urge that the competent authorities discharge their duty of preventing, investigating and punishing such crimes and remedying their consequences;

Whereas, the recent shooting of eight cartoonists and journalists who work for the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris, France, has sparked global outrage and underscores the need for all nations, including the Philippines, to renew their commitment to protecting and defending freedom of expression and speech and all its instruments;

Whereas, data from the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) shows that there has been 217 cases of killing of Filipino journalists/media workers since 1986, as of November 2014. Out of the 217 journalists/media workers, 145 were killed in the line of duty. The Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) registered the most number of work-related killings since 1986;

Whereas, Nerlita Ledesma, a correspondent for the news tabloid Abante, was shot dead last 08 January 2015 in Balanga City, Bataan. If proven to be work-related, the killing of Ledesma will be the 146th case in the Philippines since 1986 of a journalist/media worker killed because of their profession.

Whereas, based on the report dated 16 April 2014 of the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPl), an independent and non-profit international organization, the Philippines ranked third in the Global Impunity Index, which highlights countries where journalists are slain and the government failed to prosecute the cases. The Index noted 51 unsolved murders of journalists in the Philippines from 2004 to 2013;

Whereas, five years after the Ampatuan massacre, which claimed the lives of 32 Filipino journalists last 23 November 2009 and serves as the world’s worst mass killing of journalists, there has been no conviction. Those charged for the crime are still undergoing trial;

Whereas, the lack of resolution of journalist murders in the country has worsened the plight of media practitioners and threatens to create a chilling effect on the public;

Whereas, the enforcement and the prosecutorial arm of the government should be able to effectively investigate and prosecute these senseless media killings in order to give justice to the victims and their families and put an end to impunity for crimes against journalists.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the circumstances leading to the alarming increase of crimes against journalists with the end view of expediting the investigation and resolution of these cases.

 

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SRN-1113: Civil Aeronautics Board

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE IMPOSITION OF FINES AND PENALTIES BY THE CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD ON ERRING AIRLINES WITH THE END VIEW OF AMENDING THE PROVISIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 776 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CIVIL AERONAUTICSACT

Whereas, under Republic Act No. 776, otherwise known as the Civil Aeronautics Act of the Philippines, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), through the Civil Aeronautics Board, is mandated by law to regulate the economic aspect of aviation, and develop and promote the air potential of the Philippines, with due regard to public interest and convenience. The DOTC and the Department of Trade and Industry issued Joint Administrative Order No.1 2012, “Air Passenger Bill of Rights,” which aims to protect travelers from what are perceived to be abusive practices by local and foreign airlines. It laid down the guidelines for several airline practices, including overbooking, rebooking, ticket refunds, cancelled and delayed flights, lost luggage and misleading advertisements on fares which were the top causes of passenger complaints in 2011;

Whereas, in case of flight cancellations attributable to the carrier, the “Air Passenger Bill of Rights” gives the passengers the right to reimburse the value of the fare, including taxes and surcharges, of the sector cancelled, or both/all sectors, in case the passenger decides not to fly, the ticket or all the routes/sectors or rebook the ticket, without additional charge, to the next flight with available space, or, within thirty (30) days, to a future trip within the period of validity of the ticket;

Whereas, there was a significant number of delayed and cancelled flights by Cebu Pacific Air last December 24 to 26, 2014 which caused severe inconvenience to the affected passengers. According to data that Cebu Pacific Air submitted to the investigating panel composed of officials of Civil Aeronautics Board last December 29, 2014, the company had a total of 20 cancelled flights and 288 delayed flights at the NAIA3 from December 24 to 26. The Manila International Airport Authority also gathered information on the number of dislocated passengers, routes affected and the total capacity versus seats sold and flown to determine if there was indeed overbooking;

Whereas, the Civil Aeronautics Board issued CAB Resolution NO.4 (BM 01-01-12- 2015) which fined Cebu Pacific in the amount of Php 52.211 Million after finding the budget airline liable for “operational lapses and mishandling of passengers” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA3) during the Christmas holidays. The Civil Aeronautics Board also required Cebu Pacific to establish and maintain appropriate service standards for all its personnel, organic and outsourced, especially those manning the check-in counters;

Whereas, despite the issuance of rules, regulations and joint administrative orders by the government, air passengers continue to suffer the consequences due to the inefficiency of carriers that fail to render them better service. It has been settled in jurisprudence that where a business intended to serve the travelling public primarily, a contract of carriage is imbued with public interest. Indeed, the damages incurred by the air passengers should be adequately and commensurately given to them;

Whereas, there is a need to review the provisions of RA No. 776 on Violations and Penalties, where any carrier or person who violates or fails to comply with any provision of the Act, or any of the terms, conditions or limitations in a permit or amendment thereto or any orders, rules or regulations issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board shall be subject to a fine not exceeding P5, 000 for each violation.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the imposition of fines and penalties by the Civil Aeronautics Board on erring airlines with the end view of amending the provisions of Republic Act No. 776 otherwise known as the Civil Aeronautics Act.

 

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SRN-1115: Seaports, Airports, Expressways and National Roads

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE APPROPRIATE SENATE COMMITTEES TO CONDUCT AN INQUIRY, IN AID OF LEGISLATION, ON THE PRIORITIZATION OF TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND THE EFFICIENCY OF SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT IN SEAPORTS, AIRPORTS, EXPRESSWAYS AND NATIONAL ROADS WITH THE END VIEW OF STREAMLINING ITS OPERA TIONS TO IMPROVE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC

Whereas, ground and air transportation infrastructures are crucial for economic development, domestic and foreign investment, as well as job creation, which are necessary to reduce poverty in the Philippines, The quality, adequacy and accessibility of infrastructure facilities and services are needed in order to achieve efficient movement of people and goods, and this ultimately impacts on the country’s competitiveness;

Whereas, the goal of the ASEAN Economic Community is to fully integrate by 2015. AEC envisages the following key characteristics: (a) a single market and production base, (b) a highly competitive economic region, (c) a region of equitable economic development, and (d) a region fully integrated into the global economy. Modern efficient road systems are being implemented in Southeast Asia. Malaysia had set the standards for their region with 1,500 kilometers of expressways in operation. Malaysian and Indian toll expressways were built and operated using Build Operate and Transfer/Public Private Partnership (BOT /PPP) financing to avail of private sector capital and management;

Whereas, last December 2014, millions of Filipinos, traveling by air, water and land for the holidays, accessed major transportation hubs and experienced heavy traffic and congestion in major ports, airports and toll ways in the country. Based on news reports, massive traffic was recorded during the holiday rush in the South and North Luzon Expressways. The traffic was attributed to the slow processing of toll payments in the tollgates. Furthermore, the public had to stop at several tollgates within a short distance and this resulted to the build-up of cars in the expressways. Moreover, port congestion continues to be a problem with the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) at 86% and South Harbor Terminal at 91%, far from the ideal utilization level of 70%. Flight cancellations and delays were also reported during the recent holiday break in major airports in the country;

Whereas, the Philippines need to improve its limited network of seaports, airports and expressways, to the detriment of transporting passengers or goods, by land, water or air. The national government should focus on the improvement and integration of major transportation infrastructures.

Whereas, it is crucial to have a periodic planning process that will identify the critical road segments and undertake feasibility and economic analysis in order to determine the needed investment and improvement in the systems operations of the transportation infrastructure. The different government agencies and offices, such as the Department of Transportation and Communication, Department of Public Works and Highways, need to intensify their inter-agency work plan and strategy in order to address the recurring heavy traffic in the flow of goods and passengers in the country;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as it is hereby resolved to direct the appropriate Senate Committees to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the prioritization of transportation infrastructure projects and the efficiency of the systems management in seaports, airports, expressways and national roads with the end view of streamlining its operations to improve the services to the public.

 

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SRN-1156: Posthumous Awarding of the Medal of Valor to the Forty-Four (44) Saf Officers

RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING THE POSTHUMOUS AWARDING OF THE MEDAL OF VALOR TO THE FORTY-FOUR (44) PNP SAF OFFICERS WHO SACRIFICED THEIR LIVES IN MAMASAPANO, MAGUINDANAO, IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTY AND COMMENDING THEM FOR THEIR EXEMPLARY COURAGE AND HEROISM

Whereas, the 19B7 Constitution upholds that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty and property and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy;

Whereas, Republic Act No. 6975 otherwise known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, establishes one of the core functions of the Philippine National Police (PNP) which is to maintain peace and order and take all necessary steps to ensure public safety;

Whereas, on January 25, 2015, members of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) conducted a law enforcement operation that involved the serving of an outstanding arrest warrant to Southeast Asia’s most wanted terrorist, Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan, in a rebel-controlled area in Mamasapano, Maguindanao;

Whereas, the SAF team succeeded in killing the terrorist, Marwan. However, In the course of the operation, members of the team came under intense rebel fire from members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Forty four (44) SAF officers were killed in the encounter which lasted eleven hours;

Whereas, the names of the 44 SAF officers killed during this high-risk police operation are as follows:

1. Sr. Insp. Ryan Ballesteros Pabalinas

2. Sr. Insp. John Garry Alcantara Erana

3. Sr. Insp. Max Jim Ramirez Tria

4. Sr. Insp. Cyrus Paleyan Anniban

5. Sr. Insp. Gednat G. Tabdi

6. Insp. Joey Sacristan Gamutan

7. Insp. Rennie Tayrus

8. SPOI Lover L. Inocencio

9. P03 Rodrigo F. Acob Jr.

10. P03 Virgel S. Villanueva

11. P03 Andres Vlernes Duque Jr.

12. P03 Vitoriano Nacion Acain

13. P03 Noel Onangey Golocan

14. P03 Junrel Narvas Kibete

15. P031ed-ln Abubakar AsJali

16. P03 Robert Dommolog Allaga

17. P03 John Lloyd Rebammonte SumbiIla

18. P02 Amman Mlsuari Esmula

19. P02 Peterson I. Carap

20. P02 Roger C. Cordero

21. P02 Nicky DC Naclno Jr.

22. P02 Glenn Berecio Bedua

23. P02 Chum Goc-Ong Agabon

24. P02 Richelle Salangan Baluga

25. P02 Noel Nebrida Balaca

26. P02 Joel Bimidang Dulnuan

27. P02 Godofredo Basak Cabanlet

28. P02 Franklin Cadap Danao

29. P02 Wainer Faustino Danao

30. P02 Jerry Dailay Kayob

31. P02 Noble Sungay Kiangan

32. P02 Ephraim G. Mejia

33. P02 Omar Agacer Nacionales

34. P02 Rodel Eva Ramacula

35. P02 Romeo Valles Senin II

36. POl Russel Bawaan Bilog

37. POl Angel C. Kodiamat

38. POI Windell Llano Candano

39. POl Loreto Guyab Capinding

40. POl Gringo Charag Cayang-o

41. POl Romeo Cumanoy Cempron

42. POI Mark Lory Orloque Clemencio

43. POl Joseph Gumatay Sagonoy

44. POl Oliebeth Ligutan Viernes

Whereas, Republic Act No. 9049 honors military heroes and affiliates for their supreme self-sacrifice and distinctive acts of heroism and gallantry by awarding the Medal of Valor which entitles the widower and/or dependents of the awardee to a lifetime monthly gratuity and precedence in employment in National Government Agencies (NGAs) or Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) among other benefits;

Whereas, the 44 officers of the PNP-SAF fought valiantly and sacrificed their lives in the performance of their duty, in the service to the Filipino people and the nation’s quest for peace;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, recommending the posthumous awarding of the Medal of Valor to the forty-four (44) PNP SAF officers who sacrificed their lives in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, in the performance of their duty and commending them for their exemplary courage and heroism.

 

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Resolution No. 74 – National Day of Healing for Unity and Peace

RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES TO DECLARE 06 MARCH 2015 AS A “NATIONAL DAY OF HEALING FOR UNITY AND PEACE”

WHEREAS, our 1987 Constitution declares that the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of national policy, adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land, and adheres to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations (Article II, Section 2);

WHEREAS, the Constitution likewise holds that the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy (Article II, Section 5);

WHEREAS, in the quest for a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed a peace agreement last March 27, 2014;

WHEREAS, the gains of 17 years of peace negotiation between the GPH and MILF took a serious blow in the wake of the Mamasapano incident last January 25, 2015, that led to the deaths of 44 members of the Philippine National Police – Special Action Force, 18 Moro fighters and some innocent civilians;

WHEREAS, as an immediate repercussion of this January 25 incident, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has reported the internal displacement of at least 1,500 families due to fears that armed confrontations in the area of Mamasapano, Maguindanao and its immediate surroundings may escalate;

WHEREAS, the Mamasapano incident has grave implications to the continuing peace process and to the lives of the peoples of Mindanao who continue to suffer from the debilitating impact of decades of armed conflict even while undergoing rehabilitation efforts;

WHEREAS, this unfortunate incident has likewise caused a national divide threatening to polarize the country ,and its peace-loving peoples, with some sections issuing condemnation, hasty judgement and espousing bloody retaliation and ‘all-out war;

WHEREAS, civil society, the broad peace movements and the peoples of Mindanao, while expressing full support to all investigations aimed at unearthing the truth and providing justice to all the victims of that unfortunate January 25 incident in Mamasapano, remain steadfast in their commitment to the peace process which is on the verge of hopefully ending the armed conflict in Mindanao;

WHEREAS, in order to maintain calm and sobriety in these tension-filled times and arrive at an objective and impartial result of the ongoing investigations on the Mamasapano incident, there is an imperative and urgent need to pause and reassess our common aspirations to bring peaceful solutions to our nation’s problems;

WHEREAS, civil society groups, peace movements and communities across the country have started to gather as peace advocates calling for unity and peace, which will culminate on the ’40th day of the tragedy on March 6, 2015;

WHEREAS, on this day, simultaneous events will be held In cities nationwide to remember those who perished in Mamasapano as well as the thousands of lives lost from decades of armed conflict, and to call on the Filipino people to stand for justice and stay the course of peace: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, as it is hereby resolved, To express the sense of the Senate of the Philippines to declare March 6, 2015, the 40th day after the unfortunate and bloody Mamasapano incident, as a “National Day of Healing for Unity and Peace”.

 

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