President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has vowed that there will be no special treatment for Datu Unsay town Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., a prominent suspect in the gruesome Maguindanao massacre, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde assured.

Mayor Andal Jr. surrendered to Presidential Adviser for Mindanao Affairs Secretary Jesus Dureza on Thursday morning and was turned-over for custody to Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera. He earlier undergone inquest proceedings at the General Santos City Airport.

Mayor Ampatuan denied persistent accusations that he has anything to do with the killing of 57 individuals, including two dozens of journalists and members of friends-turned-bitter political rival, Mangudadatu clan last Monday.

He asserted his decision to surrender to Dureza was a move to prove his innocence and that he is ready to face investigation.

Remonde also said the inquest and subsequent filing of charges against Mayor Andal Jr. is just the beginning and the government will be relentless in bringing to justice all those responsible in the Maguindanao massacre.

“President Arroyo wants all the culprits punished without fear or favor,” Remonde stressed.

Earlier, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo assured that there will be no special treatment for Mayor Ampatuan, stressing there will be no “untouchables.”

She also revealed that aside from Mayor Andal Jr., several police officers and around 300 civilian armed group members were under the custody of the authorities and undergoing questioning.

During the National Prayer Breakfast in Malacanang this morning, President Arroyo lead the prayer for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre during the observance of National Day of Mourning.

“It cries for the fullest measure of retribution in our institutions of justice. Yes there is no condemnation in the Lord, but on the other hand, on earth there is a system of justice, and the perpetrators will not find a way to escape justice,” Arroyo said during the 34th National Prayer Breakfast at the Malacañang Park.

“Let us pray today that the events of the week will not deter this nation from breaking the bonds of violence that plagues our political system,” the Chief Executive added.

Meanwhile, hereunder is a partial list of the mediamen who perished in the Maguindanao massacre: 1. Ian Subang, Socsargen Today, General Santos City 2. Lea Dalmacio, Socsargen News, General Santos City 3. Gina De la Cruz, Saksi News, General Santos City 4. Maritess Cablitas, News Focus, General Santos City 5. Rosell Morales, News Focus, General Santos City 6. Henry Araneta, Radio DZRH, General Santos City 7. Neneng Montaño, Saksi News, General Santos City 8. Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, Manila Bulletin, General Santos City 9. Victor Nuñez, UNTV (senior correspondent), General Santos City 10. Mark Gilbert “Mac-Mac” Arriola, UNTV (cameraman), General Santos City 11. Bal Cachuela, Punto News, Koronadal City 12. Ernesto “Bart” Maravilla, Bombo Radyo, Koronadal City 13. Ronie Perante, Gold Star Daily correspondent, Koronadal City 14. Joel Parcon, Prontiera News, Koronadal City 15. Jun Legarte, Prontiera News, Koronadal City 16. Rey Merisco, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City 17. John Caniban, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City 18. Arturo Betia, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City 19. Noel Decena, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City 20. Rani Razon, Periodico Ini, Koronadal City 21. Jhoy Duhay, Gold Star Daily, Tacurong City 22. Andy Teodoro, Central Mindanao Inquirer, Tacurong City 23. Jimmy Cabilo, Midland Review, Tacurong City 24. (missing) Reynaldo “Bebot” Momay, Midland Review, Tacurong City 25. Napoleon Salaysay, Mindanao Gazette, Cotabato City 26. Jun Gatchalian, Davao City 27. Lindo Lupogan, News Media Gazette, Davao City 28.Jolito Evardo, UNTV (driver), General Santos City 29. Daniel Tiamzon, UNTV (asst. cameraman and editor), General Santos City(PNA)
V3/rudyma

The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated nine million doses of A(H1N1) vaccines to the Philippines.

In a press conference, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the DOH and the WHO signed a memorandum of agreement concerning the donated A(H1NI) vaccines.

Copy of the agreement was presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during the courtesy call of WHO Director General Margaret Chan in Malacanang Thursday.

The donation consists of 9 million doses of A(H1N1)flu vaccines to be given over a certain period of time.

According to Chan, the first tranche of 1.2 million doses would be given before the end of the year.

Chan said “the endowment is part of WHO’s pledge to make distribution of H1N1 vaccines equitable and fair to developing countries and poor and vulnerable populations once it becomes available.”

The government will ensure registration and authorize use of the vaccines; commit to its appropriate and ethical use; handle its importation, customs clearance and distribution; and notify WHO of any adverse side effects.

Meanwhile, Duque said that the first deliveries would be given to health care workers.

“These medical personnel are at a higher risk of getting the disease due to their larger probability of exposure,” he said.

Health workers, he said, might also unknowingly transmit the infection to their families and other patients with other illnesses.

Next on the priority list are pregnant women, people six-month old to 59 years old who have chronic conditions, children 5 years and below and adults who are 60 years and beyond.

Duque also said the DOH was making its best efforts to procure its own vaccines.

He said that the DOH had allocated P100 million for this year alone for the purchase of the vaccines.

However, he said that vaccinations are free.

“The vaccination is free of charge and will only be given to those who will volunteer to be immunized against this novel virus,” Duque said. (PNA)
RMA/CMR

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday for the victims of the gruesome massacre in Maguindanao province.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in his weekly media briefing that the President declared the national day of mourning three days after the violent incident wherein at least 46 individuals, including media men, were brutally killed on Monday at Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

According to Ermita, President Arroyo extended the government’s sympathies and condolences to the families of the massacre victims by declaring a national day of mourning.

In the same briefing, Ermita said they are expecting that Secretary Jesus Dureza, the appointed head of the Maguindanao Crisis Management Committee, would submit within the day an update regarding the initial investigation of the gruesome killings.

Earlier, President Arroyo declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and Cotobato City through Proclamation No. 1946 on Tuesday.

She also ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a swift and precise investigation to give justice to the victims of the massacre. (PNA)
scs/rudyma

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday afternoon led a proud nation in honoring Manny Pacquiao, conferring on the iconic Filipino boxer the prestigious Order of Sikatuna, Rank of Datu (Katangiang Ginto) for his latest ring exploit – that of winning an unprecedented seventh title in as many weight divisions.

The short but simple rites was held at the Quirino Grandstand at the Luneta, hours after the reigning pound for pound king came home to a hero’s welcome earlier in the morning from Los Angeles after a masterful demolition of Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto Sunday for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Sunday.

It was the highest accolade ever conferred on the multi-titled Pacquiao, widely regarded as the best boxer in the world today. Previously, President Arroyo has named him special envoy for peace and unity in Mindanao following his crushing victory over England’s Ricky Hatton that gave him the light welterweight crown.

The President arrived with Pacquiao at the Quirno Grandstand at around 5 p.m. after the latter’s attendance at a concert tribute at the SM Mall of Asia early in the afternoon.

It took only 10 minutes for the President and Pacquiao to finish their question and answer repartee.

Pacquiao thanked the President and the Filipino people for all the support. He also asked the President why the hero’s welcome, erstwhile held in Malacañang after his previous bouts, is being held at the historic grandstand.

“Unang una, kakaiba kasi ito ngayon dahil sa record mong pitong titulo. Buong mundo na ang iyong fans kaya kailangan special din ang parangal. Kaya ngayong araw na ito Champion for Life ka na (Because of your winning streak in global boxing, your legions of fans comprise not only your fellow Filipinos but the entire world. Today’s event honoring your feat in winning seven titles in as many weight divisions will be different: You are now the champion for life),” the President explained.

The award, according to the President, is provided by law, and is actually being given by a grateful nation. The last time she conferred the same honor was when visiting US State Secretary Hilary Clinton came over last week prior to the Singapore APEC summit.

“Taong bayan ang nagbibigay nito sa yo. Ang parangal ay galing sa sambayanang Pilipino, dahil isa ka na ngayong Pangmundong Kamao (A grateful nation confers you this honor and award. You not only represent this nation in boxing excellence but the whole planet),” she said.

Pacquiao then raised the two championship belts he won after his latest boxing conquest, and profusely thanked the people for the accolade.

“Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo. Para sa inyo ang lahat ng ito mga kababayan ko (I thank all my fellow Filipinos. I dedicate my accomplishments to my dear countrymen,” he said as the crowd that gathered chanted “Manny, Manny!”

The President and Pacquiao then came down the stage to meet the people for the President’s weekly Day of the Common Tao. (PNA)
V3/OPS/ssc

Career U.S. Foreign Service member Harry K. Thomas Jr. has been designated by President Barack Obama as ambassador to the Philippines, and would replace incumbent Kristie Kenney once his nomination is confirmed by the U.S. Senate, the White House announced on November 19 (Washington time).

Reacting to the development and her imminent departure from Manila, Kenney said it “an extraordinary honor and privilege to serve as the Ambassador of the United States to the Republic of the Philippines for more than three and a half years.”

Thomas served most recently as Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources. He previously served as a Special Assistant to the Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Department.

He joined the Foreign Service in 1984 and was U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. He also served in the White House as the Director for South Asia at the National Security Council from 2001 to 2002.

Kenney’s would-be replacement was made known exactly a week after the visit to Manila of U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

In a statement to the press, Kenney said that “working with so many Filipinos, from all walks of life, has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life.”

“I have come to deeply appreciate not just the warmth and friendship of Filipinos, but also their determination to make their country, region, and world a better place for their children and grandchildren.

”It has been a true pleasure to live in this beautiful country, and to lead the U.S. Embassy in efforts to partner with the government and people of the Philippines for the greater good of Americans and Filipinos alike.”

Kenney, the first U.S. female ambassador to Manila, noted that Thomas is her “personal friend, an exceptional diplomat and a wonderful person.”

As she awaits Thomas’ confirmation and arrival in Manila, Kenney said she “will have the opportunity to continue to collaborate with Filipinos to improve lives and strengthen relations between our two countries over the coming months.”

Of his choice of Thomas, Obama said he “will represent our nation well and work to fulfill the important goal of strengthening our relationships abroad. I look forward to working with them in the coming months and years.”

Thomas’ other postings include: New Delhi, India; Harare, Zimbabwe; Kaduna, Nigeria; and Lima, Peru. He has served as Senior Watch Officer, Deputy Director, and Director of the State Department Operations Center; Special Assistant to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, and Staff Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs.

Thomas holds a bachelors degree from the College of the Holy Cross.(PNA)
V3/GJB

The National Telecommunications Commission on Thursday said it will push for the reduction of access charges among telecom providers to enchance competition and usage of voice and data services.

NTC commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba said commission is currently enhancing rules on interconnection rates and spectrum allocation and assignment for broadband wireless access netowrks.

“At present based on existing rules, interconnection rates are negotiated and agreed by the interconnecting parties,” Cordoba said, adding that the regulator is currently studying prevailing interconnection rates with the objective of reducing these rates to enhance competition.

He added that the reduction of access charges will facilitate the development of voice and data services.

The regulator’s statement came after Frost & Sullivan said that access charges are “high” in the Philippines compared with other countries

Natin Bhat, Frost & Sullivan senior vice president in Asia Pacific had said interconnection charges should come down by 30 to 40 percent in the next two years to entice more people to use voice and text services.

Last year, the NTC issued a draft circular imposing a P0.15-interconnection charge per text message, lower than the current rate of P0.35.

A separate circular would also reduce the interconnection charge for voice calls to P1.50 or lower per minute, or 63 percent cheaper than the current rate of P4 between mobile operators with separate networks.

At present, the telecom players impose P1 per text and P6 per minute for voice calls.

The agency estimated that with a P0.35 access charge, the short messaging service (SMS) rate may come down to the P0.40 to P0.50 range.

For voice, the NTC is proposing an interconnection fee of P1.50 per minute, comparable with Thailand, P1.36 to P1.70 per minute; and Malaysia, between P1.24 and P1.30.

With the new circular, NTC estimated the voice call charges may range between P3 and P4 per minute.

The circulars have been pending before the NTC due to the opposition by the big telecom players such as Smart Communications Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.

Smart and Globe earlier said that the cap on interconnection charges will discourage further investments in the industry as telecom companies cannot expect a reasonable period of time for the return on their investments.

The two telcos said the rates for voice services have also been going down as mobile service providers provide service packages that offer lower calling rates. (PNA)
V3/DGA/utb

A coalition of various public transport organizations has signed a manifesto asking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to order the full implementation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) program which they believe would help weed out colorum vehicles nationwide.

According to United Transport Coalition (1-UTAK) Party List Representative Lawyer Vigor Mendoza his group has sent the manifesto to the Chief Executive in a resounding move to ferret out colorum vehicles out of the road.

1-Utak’s manifesto was signed by all its members nationwide during the “Zero Korupsyon ng Transpotation“ conference at the Clark Economic Zone in Angeles, Pampanga for the full-swing implementation of LTO’s RFID project and electronically interconnect the LTFRB and LTO to eradicate corruption in the transport industry.

At the same time, Mendoza said they are also asking the transportation department to activate the electronic interconnection of the LTFRB’s operations with the LTO motor vehicle registration processes to speed up the verification process of vehicles, notably PUVs.

The transport representative also said despite the proactive measures of the Presidential Anti Colorum Kotong Task Force (PAKTAF), colorum and kotong (mulcting) still proliferate and both have to be addressed.

He added the challenge is to identify and pinpoint illegal PUVs.

Mendoza said the issuance of conventional yellow vehicle registration plates is not a sufficient measure to distinguish between a colorum or a legitimate PUV.

He stressed that the LTO’s RFID project is the only viable solution thus far and it could also address some issues and help the government to further improve the traffic condition of the country.

The RFID uses radio frequency waves to identify vehicles and other information by placing a microchip on the windshield. Vehicle owners would have to shell out a one-time payment of P350 for the sticker containing the microchip.

All motor vehicles, such as cars, trucks, jeeps, jeepneys, sports utility vans and motorcycles will be required to acquire RFID stickers upon registration and renewal.

LTO officials said the technology would help improve traffic management and help the agency identify stolen vehicles and public transport illegally plying certain routes.

The LTO was set to implement RFID stickers in October but was postponed following opposition from certain sectors like the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Bayan Muna and party list representatives Teodoro Casiño, and Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo Plaza. (PNA)
V3/CLTC

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has announced that Executive Order 839, which rolled back prices of imported crude oil products to their Oct. 15 price levels, will be revoked effective Monday (November 16).

Price ceilings on basic and prime commodities will also be lifted on Monday.

The President made the announcement during her dialogue this afternoon with officials of oil companies, business, and transport sectors at Malacanang’s Aguinaldo State Dining Room.

The Chief Executive, however, asked oil firms for assurance that they would provide discounts on gasoline, diesel and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the transport sector.

“What I want to see is that oil firms give discounts to ensure that there would be no fare increase request in the future. At the end of the day, that is what affects the poor. The public transport sector has been supportive all over these eight years of my administration,” she said in the meeting.

In return, all representatives of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., Caltex Phils., and Petron Corp. agreed to support the President’s decision and vowed to implement price adjustments on a staggered basis and discuss the details of discounts they would provide to the transport groups.

“We are prepared to do our part and assist the transport and labor sectors,” said Edgar Chua, country chairman and president of Pilipinas Shell.

The President assured the public the national government, through the Department of Energy and Department of Justice Task Force, will continue to implement its all-out war on colorum vehicles and anti-kotong drive and expand the conditional cash transfer under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for the poorest of the poor.

She said the Philippine Postal Bank had already simplified the requirements for public transport owners to secure a loan under the P1-billion facility to convert engines so that they could run on LPG rather than gas.

The President also directed Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila to discuss with organized transport sectors the recommendation to put up their own gasoline stations and allow them to import petroleum for their own requirement. (PNA)
scs/OPS/ssc

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile said that the only solution to the alleged dwindling oil supply is for the government to import petroleum products using its resources.

”The only solution is for the government to import if they have the money to import and the mechanism to import,” Enrile said.

Enrile said that it would be costly to import oil products, not to mention the mechanism needed in the oil distribution specifically to the public transportations.

”How would you distribute it? These players are the owners of the retail outlets, the gasoline stations,” Enrile said.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel agreed with Enrile, adding the threat of oil shortage was temporary since oil firms only refused to import oil unless the government lifted the oil price cap.

”If the distributor, dealers of gasoline, diesel, kerosene and other fuel products do not import then we will have really a shortage and I guess because of their opposition to the E.O. that was issued to control the price of their product, well, you cannot compel them to do business,” Enrile explained.

Enrile blamed the previous administrations for selling the government’s share in the Petron.

”The government sold its gasoline stations. That was the foolishness of the policy of selling Petron in the past. Not this government but, previously, it was sold. They did not anticipate situations like this,” Enrile said.

Enrile said there is a need to review the Oil Deregulation Law, saying “the mechanism that we had in place when we (opted for) deregulation was thrown away and that was Petron.”

The Senate president also favored the call for the government to force the oil companies to make public their books.

Senator Noynoy Aquino agreed with Enrile, saying “it’s about time that we have to review the law.”

Meanwhile, senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago proposed a government takeover of oil companies amid threat of a possible oil shortage.

”Take over the oil companies. That’s provided for by our Constitution. We actually have a calamity or emergency,” Santiago said.

“The government can simply run their companies for them. That’s the power of our Philippine President given by the Constitution, no less, not by the Congress, “ she added.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes warned of a dwindling oil supply because of the oil price freeze imposed by the government.(PNA)
V3/jfm

With the Christmas season fast approaching, Department of Education Secretary Jesli Lapus told school officials and teachers on Sunday not to compel students to shell out donations or contributions for their Christmas party.

“We all know the guidelines of DepEd, no collection policy in public schools. This is voluntary and not compulsory. Celebrations should not be a burden to the parents, and that teachers should not coerce students to contribute any amount,” Lapus said.

The DepEd chief also addressed the warning to the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), saying that they could not compel contributions for the annual school party.

Lapus said that even at this early, his office had already received some complaints from parents regarding schools that were asking their children to “contribute” P100 for Christmas decorations.

In some cases, the students were also required to contribute for such related activities as exchanging gifts.

Lapus said DepEd would not hesitate to institute administrative punishment against school officials and teachers who violate the department’s policy.

He stressed that the guidelines are contained in DepEd Order 74, Series of 2008.

According to Lapus, “Christmas celebrations should be simple but meaningful, bearing in mind the true spirit of the season.”

Under the same DepEd Order, the entire personnel of DepEd, from its central down to field offices, are required to minimize expenses during celebrations. Guidelines on voluntary contributions and avoidance of work disruptions also apply to education officials and employees. (PNA)
scs/HCT