POLICY STATEMENTS - Bureau of Communications Services

POLICY STATEMENTSPRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS OPERATIONS OFFICEOUR MISSIONof His ExcellencyBenigno S. Aquino IIIPresident of the Republic of the PhilippinesWe are committed to Change.We believe in a fully informed,fully empowered people.We provide timely, accurate andrelevant information.We awaken the soul of the nation.We steer it towards a secure and brightfuture for our children.We reach out.We communicate.We connect.Produced by the:1Volume 22January-February2013

POLICY STATEMENTS*January - February 2013His ExcellencyBENIGNO S. AQUINO IIIPresident of the Republic of the Philippines* Policy Statements and Issuances are culled online from the speeches andissuances of the President posted at http://www.gov.ph/official-gazette/ andhttp://pcoo.gov.ph/

POLICY STATEMENTSTABLE OF CONTENTSJANUARYCampaign against loose firearms 1“Shipbuilding capital of the world” 3Minding our soldiers’ plight 4Corruption is out, fair play is in 6Its more fun to do business in PH 8Economic moves and NEDA 10Attacking corruption strategically 12FEBRUARYPeace and progress in Mindanao at last? 14Making every single centavo count 16Its more fun in Cebu! 18Of clean water and wastewater 20management

Tahanang Walang Hagdan: 21At the forefront of PWDsHealing the wounds before EDSA 23Peaceful resolution to Sabah 24PRESIDENTIAL ISSUANCESExecutive Orders 27Memorandum Orders 27Memorandum Circulars 27Administrative Order 28Proclamations 28REPUBLIC ACTS 31

JANUARY - FEBRUARYPOLICY STATEMENTSJanuaryCampaign against loose firearmsSpeech at the 20th Anniversary Convention of theMovement for Restoration of Peace and Order[Kaisa Heritage Center, Intramuros, Manila, January 12, 2013]here has been a recorded ten percent decrease in crime volumefor the entire country from 2011 to 2012. Kidnap-for-ransomcases I am told have declined from 25 cases in 2011 to 11 casesin 2012. There has been an even greater decline over the years.In 2009, cases perpetrated by organized crime groups stood at35. This has gone down to 21 in 2010, 11 in 2011, and, I am told, six caseslast year.Police presence across the archipelago is being intensified, whether in supportof communities, tourism, or other interventions to fight and prevent crime.Through the Pulis Nyo Po sa Barangay (PSB), 31,596 of our policemen havebeen deployed to supervise almost 40,000 barangays nationwide; 1,715policemen are also manning tourism assistance centers and desks all overthe country.President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the signed Covenant for the Government-Citizenry Commitment to Combat Criminality from Movement for Restoration of Peace andOrder (MRPO) founding chairperson Teresita Ang See, during the 20th Anniversary Conventionof MRPO at the Kaisa Heritage Center in Anda Street, Intramuros, Manila City on Saturday(January 12). Also in photo are Lacson, de Lima, Roxas, Chua, National Bureau of InvestigationDirector Atty. Nonnatus Caesar Roxas and Drilon. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang PhotoBureau).1

PS • 2013I have likewise tasked the Department of the Interior and Local Government,under Secretary Mar Roxas, to step up its campaign against loose firearms.The issue of loose firearms is an important component of our fight againstcriminality—not only because we want safe and peaceful elections in 2013,but for greater peace and order in our communities.The PNP is already conductingstringent operations againstprivate armed groups. Sofar, we have in our custodya recovered total of 249firearms, and more than ahundred individuals belongingto these armed groups arenow in jail. And the effort isstill ongoing. Complementaryto this is Oplan Katok, whichinvolves our policemen visitinghouses of identified holdersof expired firearms licenseswith the goal of having theselicenses renewed, or thefirearms surrendered. Morethan 25,000 house visitationshave already been conducted,“I have likewise tasked the Departmentof the Interior and Local Government,under Secretary Mar Roxas, to step upits campaign against loose firearms.The issue of loose firearms is animportant component of our fightagainst criminality—not only becausewe want safe and peaceful elections in2013, but for greater peace and orderin our communities.”and all PNP Regional Directors have been ordered to complete visitations intheir areas of responsibility, I am told, by this very Saturday.While it is important for all to acknowledge that great strides have been madein suppressing criminality in our country, I will also be the first to admit thatmuch work remains to be done. For instance, despite the decrease in overallcrime incidence, crime volume in Metro Manila has increased from 2011 to2012. Likewise, recent events—instances of violence and recklessness whenit comes to the use of firearms—push the government to work even harderwhen it comes to keeping our cities and barangays free from crime. Maywe just note that the increase in crime volume reported for the NationalCaptial Region is the result of a new method to more precisely capturethe crime incidents. So there’s a change in reportorial requirements thatbrought about the increase.We have seen a revival in discussions on gun control, which largely revolvearound new legislation on firearms, with some sectors advocating a totalgun ban. This public clamor only deepens the necessity of discernmentto determine if this will be the solution to the issue. Is the problem aboutlicensed gun owners, or lawless elements? Will a total gun ban really deterkidnappers, murderers, and robbers, and terrorists from committing theircrimes? Is it a question of passing new legislation, or of more strictlyimplementing existing laws?2

JANUARY - FEBRUARY“Shipbuilding capital of the world”Speech at the official opening of the Austal PhilippinesShipyard Operations[Balamban, Cebu, January 16, 2013]his is why I was so pleased during my trip to Australia, whenI was reminded by the same people who welcomed me to thisevent, that from being builders of the great ships of the past, thePhilippines has grown into the fourth largest shipbuilding countryin the world. In 2011, our ship exports reached $638 million, a57.9 percent increase from the previous year. And as of this moment, around45,000 Filipinos make their livelihoods working for shipbuilding companies.Today, we have thehonor of formallywelcoming to ourcountry yet anothercompany that willaccelerate thegrowth of this sector:Austal Philippines.At the moment,you may still be agrowing companyin our country, but Icannot overstate theimpact of your arrivalin the long run. Youhave already finishedconstruction of oneship for export, andI hear that four moreships will be finishedPresident Benigno S. Aquino III says he envisions the Philippinesto become the world’s top shipbuilding country in the future. ThePresident arrives in Balamban, Cebu on Wednesday to lead theinauguration of Austal Philippines’s sea vessel assembly facility.(Malacanang photo)before the end of the year, which will bring in a total of $70 million, andgive jobs to nearly three hundred Filipinos—perhaps even more than that.On top of that, you have invested an additional $4.8 million to improve theBalamban shipyard, which I take as a sign of intent—that you are here forthe long haul, and that perhaps, one day, you will consider further expandingyour operations here and hiring even more of our people.But as much as I am here to congratulate you on your opening, I wouldalso like to tell you that our administration will continue supporting yourindustry to make it easier for companies like you to build ships here. As ofthe end of 2012, our Technical Education and Skills Development Authorityhas certified around 95,000 welders in its registry, many of whom may beapplying for the additional jobs you might bring here. And I assure you, wewill continue to make certain that you will have access to a highly skilledFilipino workforce.3

PS • 2013These past few years, wecan truly say that the worldhas increasingly realizedwhat Filipinos are capable of.Whether they are shipbuildersor seafarers, BPO workers ormedical professionals, athletesor musicians, indeed, one cansay: The Filipino has finallyarrived on the world stage. And“I would also like to tell you that ouradministration will continue supportingyour industry to make it easier forcompanies like you to build ships here.”now that we are here, I assure all our countrymen and all those who havewagered their success on our country: we will continue improving. We arenot content with being the fourth, the third, or second best at anything.On the straight path, we aspire to excellence, to bettering ourselves—and we will definitely get there. So, to Austal Philippines, and to all thoseconsidering expanding their operations or setting up shop here, I tell you:this is only the beginning, and in the coming years, the Filipino worker, andthe Philippines, will only get better.You know, I can’t help but imagine that perhaps in a year or two—or mostprobably three years—certain people might come up to me and tell me, “Sir,we need a more efficient harbor mastering program in Balamban shipyard.We cannot bring out our products because there are too many of thembeing constructed [ ] at the same time.” That will become a reality; thatreality rests in your hands.”Minding our soldiers’ plightTalumpati sa pagpapalit-atas ng Sandatahang Lakasng Pilipinas[Camp Aguinaldo, Lungsod ng Quezon, ika-17 ng Enero 2013]Bukod sa mga nagtatangkang manggulo sa ating bakuran atsa pagsugpo sa masasamang elemento, isa sa mga hamongkailangang harapin ng inyong bagong liderato ang kakulangansa bilang at kasanayan ng ating kasundaluhan. Biruin po ninyo,mula 1986, dumoble na halos ang ating populasyon, pero hindinaman sumabay ang pagdami ng ating mga unipormadongkawani. Hindi po natin madadaan sa magic ang hamon na ito; hindipuwedeng bukas na bukas din, dadami na agad ang ating mga sundalo.Sa ngayon, ang isa sa mga agarang solusyon: ipakita sa unipormadonghanay na handang magtaya sa kanila ang estado, gaya ng ginagawanilang pagtataya ng buhay para sa kapwa at sa bayan. Lilinangin natin angkakayahan, patitibayin ang kaalaman, at sisiguruhing sapat ang kagamitanng ating mga sundalo—lalo na ang mga mismong humaharap sa peligro, sapangunguna ng ating mga sarhento.4

JANUARY - FEBRUARYMulat tayo sa pambihirang papel ng ating mga sarhento: sa pelikula man osa tunay na buhay, kayo ang nasa frontline sa pagsasakatuparan ng tunayna kapayapaan; ang may tungkuling protektahan ang ating mamamayansa panahon ng kaguluhan at pangangailangan. Karapat-dapat lamang nasa tinatamasang pagginhawa ng ekonomiya, hindi maiiwan sa laylayanang ating mga sundalo. Ang gusto natin: tuluyang masolusyunan ang mgaproblemang idinulot ng palpak na pamamahala, at talagang maiahon sapagdurusang dulot ng katiwalian ang mga nagmamalasakit sa bayan.Malinaw ang kailangang gawin upang mapaunlad ang kakayahan ng atingmga kawal. Mahalaga pong tutukan ang sistema sa active deployment,training, at rest and recreation. Hindi naman tamang pagkatapos madestinosa mainit na sagupaan, kaunting ligo at bihis lang, ipipila na ulit kayopabalik sa bakbakan. Hindi naman puwedeng ituloy na lang ang sistemangnakasanayan; kapag naging sobrang routine na ang gawain ng sinumangpropesyunal, nariyan ang peligrong malingat o magkamali sa pagtupad satungkulin. Ayaw nating pumurol o mangalawang ang kaalaman ng atingkasundaluhan; kailangan ng tuloy-tuloy na pagsasanay upang mahasaang inyong kakayahan. Narito po ang gobyerno, hindi para itulak kayo sapeligro, kundi para tulungan kayong maabot ang inyong potensyal bilangsundalo at mamamyanan ng Pilipinas.Kaya nga po: Sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act, pitumpu’tlimang bilyong pisong paunang pondo ang ilalaan natin sa ating TanggulangPambansa sa susunod na limang taon. Bukod pa ito sa dalawampu’t walongbilyong pisong pondo na nailaan na para sa modernisasyon ng AFP sa ilalimpo ng ating administrasyon. Ikumpara natin ito sa tatlumpu’t tatlong bilyongpisong ginastos para sa modernisasyon sa loob ng labinlimang taon bagotayo manungkulan.President Benigno S. Aquino III addresses the Testimonial Review and Armed Forces ofthe Philippines (AFP) Change of Command Ceremony at the AFP General HeadquartersGrandstand, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City Thursday (January 17). Lt.Gen. Emmanuel Bautista is the 44th Chief of Staff replacing Gen. Jessie Dellosa followingthe latter’s retirement from his Tour of Duty. In photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin,Vice President Jejomar Binay, former President Fidel Ramos and Military Ordinariate of thePhilippines Most Rev. Leopoldo Tumulak, DD, Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas IIand Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (Photo by: Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau).5

PS • 2013“Kaya nga po: Sa pagsasabatas ng NewAFP Modernization Act, pitumpu’t limangbilyong pisong paunang pondo ang ilalaannatin sa ating Tanggulang Pambansa sasusunod na limang taon. Bukod pa ito sadalawampu’t walong bilyong pisong pondona nailaan na para sa modernisasyon ngAFP sa ilalim po ng ating administrasyon.“Dagdag pa sa mga makabagongkagamitan tulad ng mga helicopters,mga modernong barko, at armas,nariyan din ang handog natingdisente at abot-kayang tahanan.Aabot na nga po sa humigitkumulang53,000 housing units angmaipapatayo natin ngayong taon.Ang hamon ko po sa inyo: angAFP, kasama ng ating kapulisan,ang may obligasyon na siguruhingmaidaraos nang mapayapa at mayintegridad ang darating na halalan.Nais nating mangibabaw ang bosesng bayan, at hindi ito mabusalan ng armas, takot, at karahasan. SaligangBatas ang dapat ninyong kilingan; taumbayan ang dapat ninyong panigan.Pangalagaan ninyo ang karapatan ng mamamayan na malayang makapiling kanilang mga pinuno. Ang gusto natin: tapat, patas, at naaayon sa batasang darating na eleksyon mula sa kampanya hanggang sa proklamasyon ngmga bagong pinuno.Corruption is out, fair play is inSpeech in front of the World Economic ForumPartnering Against Corruption Initiative[Davos, Switzerland, January 24, 2013]he Philippines, for the longest time, seemed doomed to performbelow its potential—this, despite abundant natural resources, astrategic location as gateway between the Pacific and the restof Asia, and a well-educated and hardworking populace. I thinkthe fact that you invited a Filipino here to speak about an anticorruptiondrive speaks of our mutual recognition of the problem and itssolution. As I said during my presidential campaign back in 2010—and inour language:”Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.” Without corruption,there will be no poverty. And while I will be the first to say that the workto uplift the lives of my countrymen is far from over, it is a singular honorto share my experiences on battling corruption, and the fruits of our laborthus far.I came into office confronted by a government where corruption wasrampant, and a citizenry that had spiraled into apathy after almost a decadeof absentee leadership. The system was characterized by transactionalismand an every-man-for-himself attitude, fuelled by a drive to remain inpower, rather than to render true public service. Was it any wonder that an6

JANUARY - FEBRUARYestimated ten million Filipinos—roughly ten percent of our total population—decided to vote with their feet and look for greener pastures abroad?I had to show that change and the fight against corruption yielded positiveresults for the economy, and that these in turn yield benefits not only thoseat the top, but the majority of our people. Allow me to share a few examplesof how we were able to change the face of the Philippines; how we wereable to open the Philippines under new management by going back to thebasics of good governance and by casting aside the old ways that were notdefined by service but by political expediency.President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the participants of the World Economic Forumactivity “Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) for a group photo souvenir at HotelEurope, Promenade 63 on Thursday (January 24) in Davos, Switzerland. In photo are MongoliaPresident Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Republic of India Parliament member Nand Kishore Singh,Peruvian Prime Minister Juan Jimenez Mayor and PACI head and senior director ElaineDezenski. (PLDT powered by SMART) (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau).As you can see, we are changing the attitude of the world towards thePhilippines, because we are changing the attitude of Filipinos towards thesystem. Our task: to weed out the corrupt, level the playing field, and instilla sense of justice and fairness.Most concerns I hear noware not about whetherchange is possible in mycountry, but whether thekind of momentum weare experiencing can besustained even after myterm ends in 2016. This isa valid concern: after all,“As you can see, we are changing the attitude ofthe world towards the Philippines, because we arechanging the attitude of Filipinos towards the system.Our task: to weed out the corrupt, level the playingfield, and instill a sense of justice and fairness.”7

PS • 2013in the years after my mother took office and the Marcos dictatorship tumbleda quarter of a century ago, the same healthy amount of optimism in mycountry existed—only to be derailed by crisis, instability, and self-interest.This is why my administration is now focusing its efforts on institutionalizingreforms; we want change to become an enduring mainstream of progress,rather than a mere blip in the radar and a case study for failed expectations.At the bottom line, though, is the process of consensus-building throughdemocracy that empowers our citizenry and urges them to buy into thesystem, because they see that it works. It is the kind of stability that isbuilt by everyone, rather than enforced; a harmony achieved throughexpectations met, and not through imposition. We want our people tocome to expect more from their government; we want to prove that theirmandate, given freely during elections, counts for something. If the benefitsof good governance are palpable, we believe that the old challenge for mostFilipinos—one that consists of finding ways to escape the spiral of despair,of finding a different, adoptive homeland that will allow them to thrive, andwill not deprive them of opportunities—we believe that this is transformedinto one that asks, “What can I do to help? What can I do to ensure thatthe good things we are seeing now are sustained for the benefit of futuregenerations?”Its more fun to do business in PHRemarks at the roundtable meeting with globalbusiness executives[Davos, Switzerland, January 25, 2013]8hese are truly exciting times for our country. We are realizing thelong-untapped potential of our country, and we are here to inviteyou to join us. Allow me to tell you about three priority sectorsin which we would gladly welcome more investments: First istourism; second is agriculture; and third is infrastructure.Tourism and agriculture are in our sights specifically because they play tothe key strengths of our country—an abundance of natural resources, forone—and because they tend to spur growth all over the archipelago, notmerely in the urbanized areas.Since I came into office, our government has been working towards riceself-sufficiency by going back to the basics and helping our farmers throughimproved irrigation systems and, among other things, a genuine certifiedseeds program.The hotels that have been sprouting up around the Philippines in the past twoyears are proof positive of our tourism boom. In fact, I hear that an

JANUARY - FEBRUARYPresident Benigno S. Aquino III shares his views during the discussions at the RoundtableMeeting with Global Business Executives at the sidelines of the World Economic Forum atthe Credit Suisse AG, Credit Suisse Pavilion on Friday (January 25) in Davos, Switzerland.With the President are Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Trade and IndustrySecretary Gregory Domingo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Budget and ManagementSecretary Florencio Abad, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan,Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office SecretaryRamon Carandang, and Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras. (PLDT powered bySMART) (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).additional 1,599 rooms have been built in Boracay, one of our most popularbeach destinations amongst others. So, whether you want to come to thePhilippines for business or for leisure, we will gladly accommodate you.Another sector you may want to consider is infrastructure. We havetagged this as a priority sector because it is the key to further growth anddevelopment in tourism and agriculture, among other sectors. For example,a lack of paved roads or even adequate transportation hubs redounds tolonger traveling time: imagine how much the quality of produce will sufferin two to three days of road travel, or even the difficulty that tourists willhave in reaching the more far-flung parts of our country.This is not all we are doing: we are improving connectivity all around ourcountry through train systems in Metro Manila, expressways that cut acrossthe capital regionand reduce travel time drastically, and the constructionimprovement of both domestic and international airports all over thearchipelago, as well as the exploration of a new nautical highway that couldcut travel time between Luzon to Mindanao, from the current three days tofifteen hours. We are exploring opportunities for the private sector to joinus in these endeavors, and we hope that you will consider partnering withus in the future, towards mutual profit.All three sectors—agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure—represent areasthat are already exhibiting rapid growth, among others that have shownresilience and strength over the past years. So we hope you take advantageof this time to meet with your counterparts in the Philippine businesscommunity—to ask them questions and learn from their experience of doingbusiness under our administration.9

PS • 2013Those who have already bet on the Philippines have not been disappointed;they have seen the sincerity of our commitment to restoring integrity andleveling the playing field. This is a commitment we intend to keep with allwho want to conduct honest, fair business in the Philippines. And whilewe cannot promise you a completely risk-free environment—as leaders ofindustry, you know that any worthwhile endeavor is not without its risks—what we offer you today is a Philippines where change has set in. That,perhaps, is the single most compelling reason to come in and invest in ourcountry.“Those who have already bet on thePhilippines have not been disappointed;they have seen the sincerity of ourcommitment to restoring integrity andleveling the playing field. This is acommitment we intend to keep with all whowant to conduct honest, fair businessin the Philippines.”Economic moves and NEDASpeech at the anniversary celebration of the NationalEconomic and Development Authority[Ortigas Center, Pasig City, January 29, 2013]Whether in 1935 or 2013—and whichever name you may goby—the existence of your agency shows that governmentmust be concerned with the efficient allocation ofresources. This, after all, is what economic planning anddevelopment is all about, and as a student of Economics,I myself go by the same philosophy in governance.Through the Filipino people’s clamor for change, we have been able to leavethat way of doing things in the past; and today, I am glad to see an agencytruly dedicated to fulfilling their mandate and serving the Philippines. Nolonger are decisions based on political convenience or self-aggrandizement.Now, decisions are made in a rational and just manner—a reflection of ourcommitment to good governance, which recognizes the need for carefulplanning and the prioritization of our goals.This is why, in 2010, when we first took office, your agency was chargedwith translating our commitments in our Social Contract with the Filipino10

JANUARY - FEBRUARYPeople into specific strategies and programs. NEDA proved itself up to thechallenge, and formulated the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016,which set in stone our administration’s goals of achieving inclusive growth,creating employment opportunities for our people, and reducing poverty, aswell as the strategies we would employ to realize these goals.The data shows that the Philippine economy is growing. As it reveals thework we have put in and accounts for our successes, the data also remindsus of the need to ensure that this growth is sustainable and broad-based,so that we can sooner achieve our goal of inclusive growth. This is why weare continuing our efforts to level the playing field, to weed out corruption,and to step up our competitiveness in the global market. This is why wecontinue to invest in our human capital through education, health, and socialservices. This is why we have identified key sectors for growth, including thethree already mentioned, and have put in place initiatives that will facilitatetheir growth.We have much left to do, and NEDA will become an even more importantpartner in the years ahead. If we want to be sure that our efforts willyield the best results, our next moves must be calculated. The timeliness,accuracy, and relevance of the economic data you provide allows not onlythe national government, but the wider public, including investors, to makethe decisions that will allow us to realize the vision defined in the PhilippineDevelopment Plan. We are counting on you. Today, I am asking each one ofyou to strive for even better performance of your duties.President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during the National Economic and DevelopmentAuthority (NEDA) 40th Anniversary Celebration at the NEDA Building in Escriva Drive, Ortigas Center, PasigCity on Tuesday (January 29). Also in photo are former NEDA Director-General Cayetano Paderanga, DeputyDirector-General Rolando Tungpalan, Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Dep. Dir.-Gen.Margarita Songco, Dep. Dir.-Gen. Emmanuel Esguerra and Dep. Dir.Gen. Nestor Mijares IV. (Photo by JayMorales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).11

PS • 2013I realize that these are enormous,and often difficult tasks—but thisrequest is no different from therequest I have made of other publicservants, or even of the rest of ourcountrymen. When I promised thatour government would tread thestraight path, I did not say it wouldbe easy: the truth is there will beno shortage of difficulties in the roadahead. It is even more importantfor all of us to support each otherand walk the straight path together.If NEDA has the responsibility ofcoordinating development efforts,each and every employee must dotheir best so that the agency as awhole performs well. And you canexpect no less from the rest of us,whether in government or in widersociety. In this way, we can fill thecracks as we go along, and propel our country to even greater successes.“We have much left to do, and NEDA willbecome an even more important partnerin the years ahead. If we want to be surethat our efforts will yield the best results,our next moves must be calculated. Thetimeliness, accuracy, and relevance ofthe economic data you provide allowsnot only the national government, butthe wider public, including investors, tomake the decisions that will allow us torealize the vision defined in the PhilippineDevelopment Plan.”Attacking corruption strategicallySpeech at the Opening Ceremony of the 5thGlobal Conference of the Global Organization ofParliamentarians Against Corruption[PICC, Pasay City, January 31, 2013]Around the world, the dominant atmosphere seems to be oneof uncertainty. Economies are contracting left and right;businesses have become more wary of risks; and people havegone to the streets, clamoring for inclusiveness. The messageof our times is clear: The gap between rich and poor, betweenthe powerful and the powerless, has become too huge. Too many peopleare being left behind.And it has also become clear that inequity is borne of corruption: The fewat the top have been allowed to run roughshod over the many, and havegamed the system to benefit themselves, while the rest wallow in poverty.The greatest challenge for any modern society, then, is how to stem thecorruption that has feasted on the very moral fabric of our society andinstitutions.12

JANUARY - FEBRUARYThis is why we are here today: As people in government, we know thatcorruption cannot be eliminated by sending a few erring officials to jail, orby exposing a single faulty contract, or by removing from office a singleoppressive tyrant. For example: The Filipino people have no doubt takenhuge strides towards establishing a culture of fairness and accountabilitywhen no less than a former president was charged with plunder, amongother things. Our own Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was impeachedand stripped of his position when he was found to have lied about more than98 percent of his cash assets. But while these cases have undeniable impactin our cultural milieu, without structural reform, another corrupt Presidentmight one day take the reins of power; another Chief Justice might one dayagain betray the public trust.President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with the Heads of Parliaments for a groupphoto souvenir during the opening ceremony of the 5th Global Conference of the GlobalOrganization of Parliamentarians Against Corruption (GOPAC) at the Reception Hall of thePhilippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City on Thursday (January 31).In photo are Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, GOPAC chairman Dr. Nasser Al Sane, SenatePresident Juan Ponce Enrile, Vice President Jejomar Binay, GOPAC vice chairman andSoutheast Asian Parliamentarians Against Corruption (SEAPAC) president Senator EdgardoAngara, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., GOPAC chief executive officer John Williamsand GOPAC secretary Mary King. (Photo by: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau).The problem of corruption must thus beapproached strategically, always with the longtermin mind. Reforms cannot be mere blipsin the radar—they must usher in an enduringmainstream of good, honest governance.Only through legislation can the bedrockof inclusiveness and positive, meaningfulchange be set. As parliamentarians, this isyour task, and perhaps you will be interestedin the policies that have gotten us to wherewe are now, and which can also form the basisof change in your respective home countries.While policy formulation can at times be acomplex matter, the overarching idea behindour efforts is simple: To put the people frontand center in any agenda, and to go back tothe basics of public service; in short, to dothe right thing. This, for example, has led to“The problem of corruption mustthus be approached strategically,always with the long-term inmind. Reforms cannot be mereblips in the radar—they mustusher in an enduring mainstreamof good, honest governance.Only through legislation can thebedrock of inclusiveness andpositive, meaningful changebe set.”13

PS • 2013the success of our Department of Public Works and Highways. If I may giveone instance: Recently, the department worked on a major infrastructureproject in the heart of Metro Manila. Initially, we were informed that it wouldcost P694 million. But just by following the right bidding procedures, andafter thorough negotiations, we were able to get the project done for P430million. It was done with the same quality, and they even finished a hundreddays early.It is now up to us to reach out to the most cynical of our people and showthem that here is a group of people working past geographical boundaries,convinced that, if each and every one of us works towards a better world, thenit is possible to push human civilization into its next great chapter—an eraof honesty, transparency, inclusiveness, and genuine people empowerment.POLICY STATEMENTSFebruaryPeace and progress in Mindanao at last?Talumpati sa paglulunsad ng Sajahatra BangsamoroProgram[Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, ika-11 ng Pebrero 2013]As-salamu alaykum!Nagsimula po ang kasalukuyang kabanata ng ating paglalakbay tungo sakapayapaan—hindi rito sa Sultan Kudarat, at hindi rin sa Maynila. Una kopong nakaharap ang ating kapatid na Al Haj Murad Ebrahim sa bansangHapon, noong Agosto ng 2011. Medyo naging masalimuot po ang pagmumuniukol sa una kong pakikipagkita kay Al Haj Murad; natural ang magkaroonng mga agam-agam kung maganda ba ang maidudulot ng aking personalna pagharap sa liderato ng MILF. Sa huli, nagdesisyon po tayo: kailangangmagpunla ng tiwala, upang sa wakas ay maiusad na ang Pilipinas tungo salandas ng kapayapaan.The first seeds of trust were planted as the MILF leadership and I met faceto-facein Japan in August of 2011. We watered those seeds with patienceand fortitude and nourished them with hope: When some quarters calledfor a blanket, all-out-war against Moro rebels in October of 2011 after abloody encounter between lawless elements and the military, we responded14

JANUARY - FEBRUARYPresident Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the ceremonial launch of theSajahatra Bangsamoro Program: Peace Dividends of the Framework Agreement on theBangsamoro (FAB) at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute in BarangaySalimbao, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Monday (February 11). (Photo by: Jay Morales /Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau).with a targeted pursuit of all-out-justice against the bandits involved. Andagain we’d like to thank the MILF who are partners in seeking this allout-justice.The peace negotiations moved forward unhindered by secrecyand manipulation, and propelled by solidarity towards the shared goalof empowering every Filipino in the ARMM. Others have stumbled in thepast, and we were determined not to make the same mistakes, we weredetermined not to succumb to indiscriminate knee-jerk reactions borneout of anger, or to cast aside true consensus, or favor concealment overtransparency in negotiations. And so, in October of last year, the first fruitsof our hard work became enshrined in a Framework Agreement on theBangsamoro, which was signed by both panels and was witnessed by Moro,civil society, and government stakeholders in Malacañang.At ngayon po, ang ipinapakita natin sa pamamagitan nitong SajahatraBangsamoro Program: Hindi na kailangang maghintay ng mahabangpanahon upang madanas ang pagbabago; ang puwedeng simulan o ipatupadngayon, sisimulan at ipapatupad natin ngayon. Hindi na kailangang tumandang labing-isang libong benepisyaryo ng MILF nang hindi nasasaklaw ngPhilHealth coverage o ng Cash for Work program. [Applause] Hindi na pokailangang mamuti ng buhok ng mga komunidad sa kakahintay, at kungkatulad ko po’y wala ng mamumuti talagang napakatagal po n’on [laughter],para ma-upgrade ang kanilang health facilities. Hindi na kailangang magabangang limandaang kabataang Moro ng maraming taon para makapagaral,dahil sa ipamamahaging mga scholarship sa ilalim ng programang ito.15

PS • 2013Our goal: To accelerate the transition of MILF communities steeped inarmed struggle to a productive citizenry that buys into the national agenda,and contributes to our shared goal of equitable progress. When once theytreated themselves with herbs from the jungle, soon they will have healthinsurance, and will be cared for by trained doctors and nurses in statefundedhealth centers. When once children were taught merely the historiesof suffering inside their madaris, soon they will also learn that peace cantriumph—so long as we open our hearts and allow ourselves to trust ourfellow men. And when once they felt oppressed under the cloud of conflict,soon they will feel empowered, illumined by the daylight of peace.“Our goal: To accelerate thetransition of MILF communitiessteeped in armed struggle to aproductive citizenry that buysinto the national agenda, andcontributes to our shared goal ofequitable progress”Making every single centavo countSpeech at the welcome reception for the AsianOrganization Supreme Audit Institutions delegation[Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace, February 18, 2013]Iam always happy to welcome visitors to the Philippines; and I mustsay, I am especially pleased to be meeting with you today—not onlybecause visitors from South Korea, Japan, Norway, Bangladesh,Russia, and many of our neighbors from the regional communitycan see for themselves how it is more fun in the Philippines, butmore importantly because your organization symbolizes the solidarity ofgovernment agencies from over 45 countries in fostering accountability andtransparency.This is also what our administration has sought to do. Making integrity andgood governance the norm, rather than the exception, has been one of ourpriority agendas, because we have seen what the opposite—impunity andthe abuse of public office—can do to our country. Before we took office,16

JANUARY - FEBRUARYthe Filipino people saw how rampant corruption laid waste to our nationalcoffers—how public funds were used to inflate the bank accounts of a few,instead of being spent on programs and projects that would truly help ourpeople. This is why, from the very beginning, we were determined to reversethe alarming trend of both impunity and corruption. This is why we arecommitted to fighting corruption throughout our term in office: because weknow corruption hampers the ability of a government to serve its people.Among the cornerstones of my governance philosophy is the efficientallocation of resources. This has formed our fiscal policies; for example, themethod of zero-based budgeting has been utilized in the past years to takefunds away from programs and projects that are inefficient, ineffective,fraught with leakages, and just plainly wrong, and then to channel thesefunds, thus saved, into programs that do indeed work. Every single projectis now also scrutinized carefully and put through the proper bidding andprocurement processes, so that we can get the right project built by theright people, for the right quality and the right price, finished right on time.This is the mantra we call our 5 R’s—our guide for all projects. Initiativessuch as the Budget ng Bayan website—or the People’s Budget—and the FullDisclosure Policy for local government units also seek to provide taxpayerswith access to information on government’s finances and other transactions.I am sure that you, as members of the Asian Organization of SupremeAudit Institutions (ASOSAI), understand just how important this kind oftransparency is: every single peso—every yen, ringgit, or baht—must beaccounted for, as we are spending this money on behalf of our people.President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with delegates to the 46th Asian Organization ofSupreme Audit Institutions (ASOSAI) Governing Board Meeting for a group photo souvenirwith COA officers during the Welcome Reception at the Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace onMonday (February 18). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)17

PS • 2013“every single peso—everyyen, ringgit, or baht—mustbe accounted for, as we arespending this money on behalfof our people. And since we areall in public service, each andevery expenditure must have acorresponding value—a valuethat redounds to the benefitof our peoples.”And since we are all in public service,each and every expenditure must have acorresponding value—a value that redoundsto the benefit of our peoples.Here in the Philippines—as alreadymentioned by the COA Chair—we call thisthe “daang matuwid,” or the straight path.This embodies our belief that doing the rightthing will allow us to uplift our countrymen;it is the quickest, in fact, the only way toreach the progress, inclusive growth, andstability we aspire to for our country. Thispath is one we cannot tread alone: forthe nation to move forward as a whole,everyone must do their part, from those ofus in government to the private sector.Its more fun in Cebu!Speech at the Mactan Newtown grand launch[Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, February 20, 2013]Just a little more than six months ago, I was in Binondo, Manila, for theinauguration of a top-class mall named Lucky Chinatown—a projectof Megaworld Corporation. Today, I have the pleasure yet again ofbeing with Dr. Tan and the employees of Megaworld as they launchan even more ambitious project, in the form of the Mactan Newtown.I have noticed that Megaworld’s name is popping up quite often in the listof projects that I am inaugurating, but there is no problem with that. At therate you are investing in the country, I will be more than happy to join youfor more inaugurationslike this one.18President Benigno S.Aquino III views the MactanNewtown scale modelpresented by MegaworldCorp. chairman and chiefexecutive officer AndrewTan during the MactanNewtown Grand Launchat the Mactan NewtownRotonda in BarangayMactan, Lapu-lapu City,Cebu on Wednesday(February 20, 2013). (Photoby: Ryan Lim / MalacañangPhoto Bureau)

JANUARY - FEBRUARYI am told that this complex will not simply be a mall or a residential area. Thevision is to develop another Eastwood City, which was one of Megaworld’searly successes in township-type projects. This is your first such projectoutside Metro Manila, and the people from around here can assure you thatyou’ve made the right choice. If there is any place where you can replicateyour success in such projects in Metro Manila, it’s here in Cebu. The workersyou will find here are skillful, creative, light-hearted, while possessing anunshakeable pride in the quality of their work.Since assuming office, we have made a point to make it easier for companiesto set up shop here, or to expand, as you are doing today. We are makingsure that we provide competitive incentives to those investing in our prioritysectors; and we are making sure that the keys to success in our countryare hard work and innovation, and not simply a willingness to connive withcrooks.Suffice it to say: we fully intend on sending more guests to hotels in Cebu—guests who will be riding in your boats, buying your dried mangoes, andeating your famed Cebu lechon. So, to Megaworld: If you have some extraspace here after all your buildings are done, you cannot go wrong withbuilding another hotel.Across all sectors, our administration, in the coming weeks, months, andyears, will continue giving you reasons to invest in the Philippines and tostay in the Philippines—and so will the Filipino people, as they always have.We will maintain the business environment that has led to investments likethis. The world has recognized an upward trend in our country’s prospects.They are convinced that not only is it indeed more fun here; on top of thefun, the Philippines also actually works:It works in terms of a talented, creative,loyal labor force; it works because of anenvironment that allows entrepreneurs tothrive; and it works because of a newlyrevitalized society that has bought into asystem where justice reigns, with everyonepulling together to achieve the commongoal of equitable prosperity. You now havea government that is committed to keepingit that way. I am hopeful that this complexcan be finished ahead of schedule—hopefully before July in 2016—so that Ican pay another visit to this beautiful placeduring my term, and if that isn’t possible,perhaps I can do so as a regular touristand I can spend a lot more time here.“Across all sectors, ouradministration, in the comingweeks, months, and years, willcontinue giving you reasons toinvest in the Philippines and tostay in the Philippines—and sowill the Filipino people, as theyalways have. We will maintain thebusiness environment that has ledto investments like this.”19

PS • 2013Of clean water and wastewatermanagementTalumpati sa pagsisimula ng Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II[Iloilo, ika-21 ng Pebrero 2013]Tunay nga pong maituturing na bukal ng buhay nating mga Pilipinoang tubig. Maliban sa pinapalibutan nito ang ating pitong libo’tisandaang mga isla, sa tubig din tayo umaasa para punan angmga pangangailangan sa enerhiya, gayundin sa pagpapalagosa ating mga palayang pinagkukunan ng pagkain. Malinaw po:kung ang layunin natin ay ang pangalagaan ang interes at kinabukasan ngating mamamayan, dapat lamang na karugtong nito ang paninigurong maymaayos na mekanismo’t malinaw na istratehiya para sa sistemang patubigng ating bansa. Kaya nga po hindi ko naiwasang madismaya nang nalamankong mayroon palang mahigit tatlumpung ahensyang may kinalaman satubig. Ulitin ko po iyon: tatlumpong ahensya ang nakikialam sa tubig. Kungmay tanong ka tungkol sa tubig na nasa dam, isa ang ahensya. Kung dadaloyito sa gripo, iba na namang ahensya. Dahil sa patung-patong ang kanilangmga tungkulin, malabo rin kung sino ang mananagot. Paano naman dadaloyang ginhawa kung puro tagas at patsi-patsi ang sistema?20Idiin ko lang kaunti iyo:‘yong nasa dam, tinitignanpo ‘yong tubig, resource, lalona kung kung hydroelectric,kailangan i-preserve niya.Ang problema naman hong magsasaka, kailanganmo ang tubig pangirigasyonat control namansa pagbaha. Kung minsanho, nagkakasalu-salungatang gusto ng isang ahensyaat pangangailangan at ngmandato nila kontra sa isa.Kaya noong Oktubre ngPresident Benigno S. Aquino III, assisted by Senator 2011, humakbang tayoFranklin Drilon, Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, former pasulong tungo sa pagtugonGovernor Neil Tupas, Sr. and Agriculture Secretary sa problemang ito. SaProceso Alcala, lowers the time capsule during thepaglagda natin sa Executiveceremonial groundbreaking of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) II at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Order 62, itinatag natin angalong Bonifacio Drive in Iloilo City on Thursday (February21). (Photo by: Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)Inter-agency Committee onthe Water Sector, na siyangmangangasiwa sa ugnayan at pagtutulungan ng iba’t ibang ahensya, atmaninigurong iisa ang direksyong binabagtas nila. Inatasan po natin angkalihim ng Public Works and Highways at naging Water Czar na si Babes

JANUARY - FEBRUARYSingson na pamunuan ang komiteng ito, at gaya po ng iba pa nating hamonkay Secretary Singson, hindi po niya tayo binigo: naisumite na niya angisang panukala para sa Water Sector Restructuring and ImplementationPlan na titiyak na malinaw ang mandato ng bawat ahensiyang tutugon saating pangangailangang pantubig. Hindilamang po basta pagbibigay ng malinis natubig ang ating hangarin. Kailangan din:ang maiwasan ang pag-aaksaya nito, at angmapabuti ang ating wastewater managementsystem. Bawal po ang mga bara-bara’tpanandaliang solusyon sa tuwid na daan.Kailangan, nakatindig sa isang estratehiyatungo sa nagkakaisang layunin. Kailangan,talagang pinag-isipan. Kailangan, tunay napara sa bayan.Ito po talaga ang bunga ng Jalaur RiverProject: pagkain sa mesa ng bawatkabahayan; mga batang ‘di napipilitangumabsent sa paaralan; mas maramingIlonggong may trabaho na makikiambag sapagpapalago sa ating ekonomiya. At tama“Hindi lamang po bastapagbibigay ng malinis na tubigang ating hangarin. Kailangandin: ang maiwasan ang pagaaksayanito, at ang mapabuti angating wastewater managementsystem. Bawal po ang mga barabara’tpanandaliang solusyon satuwid na daan.”lang pong isipin na dahil mas maraming sa inyo ang aangat ang antasng pamumuhay at magkakaroon ng higit na kakayahang mamili, tataasdin ang produksyon ng mga industriya sa inyong rehiyon na magdudulotng paglawak ng mga negosyo. Saksi po tayong lahat kung saan talagatumutungo ang tuwid na daan: kaunlarang pangkalahatan—kaunlarangnagbibigay-lakas sa bawat isang Pilipino upang panghawakan ang kanilangkapalaran; kaunlarang nagbubukas ng mas maraming pinto ng oportunidadpara sa ating mga kababayan.Tahanang Walang Hagdan: At theforefront of PWDsTalumpati sa ika-40 anibersaryo ng Tahanang WalangHagdanan Inc.[Cainta, Rizal, ika-22 ng Pebrero]Dekada sitenta pa po nang unang magbukas ang pinto ng TahanangWalang Hagdanan dito po sa Cainta. Mula sa wagas na malasakitat dedikasyon ni Sister Valeriana Baerts, hindi lamang bukas-paladna tinatanggap at inaaruga ng mga pasilyo’t silid ng tahanangito ang mga kababayan nating may kapansanan -kanlungan dinitong nagbibigay-lakas sa kanilang iangat ang sarili, at silungangnaglilinang ng kanilang kakayahang makibahagi sa pagpapaunlad ng lipunan.21

PS • 2013Makalipas po ang apatnapung taon, patuloy na tumitibay ang haligi’tpundasyon ng Tahanang Walang Hagdanan. Sa pamamagitan ng trainings,seminars, at iba pang mga programa, at mahigit sa isanlibo’t limandaangPilipinong kabilang sa sektor ng Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) angnapamanahan ninyo ng pag-asa, at patuloy ninyong inaalayan ng lakasupang maging aktibong mamamayan sa ating bayan.At sa arawpong ito, sapagpapasinayanatin sa mgabagong pasilidadng TahanangW a l a n gHagdanan,magbubukasang mas maramipang pinto ngpagkakataontungo sakaunlaran.Bukod sadagdag nakasangkapan,higit pangmalilinang angkapasidad sapagsasanay sainyong bagongTraining Center.Sa ikalawangpalapag namanng inyongMetalcraft Workshop, hindi lang mapapatibay ang pagpapanday sa mgakasanayan—magsisilbi din itong sisidlan ng mga mahahalagang kagamitan,at, ito ho ang malungkot, may evacuation“Makakaasa naman po kayongpatuloy na magsusumikap angpamahalaan upang higit pangmapabuti ang kalagayan ngsektor ng PWDs, at masuportahanang mahigit-kumulang isa’tkalahating milyong Pilipinongmay kapansanan sabuong bansa.”President Benigno S. Aquino III tours and inspects the facilities of theTahanang Walang Hagdanan (TWH), Inc. during its 40th anniversarycelebration in Aida Street, Marick Subdivision in Cainta, Rizal on Friday(February 22) with the theme: “Sparkling 40 Years of our Commitmentin Enabling Persons with Disability.” In photo are Social Welfare andDevelopment Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman TWH executive vicepresident and chief operation officer Jocelyn Rosemarie Cris Garcia.(Photo by: Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)area pa tayo sa panahon ng kalamidad—sana naman po’y hindi magamit ‘yan. Atsa inyong Administration Building, masmapapabilis pa ang takbo ng trabaho, atmapapagbuti ang koordinasyon ng inyongmga kawani. Sa mga pagbabago pongito, tiwala tayong marami pang tuladnina Adeline, Rex, Domingo, Dr. Enrique,Edward, at Engr. Felix ang makikilala ngmga susunod na henerasyon ng Pilipino.Makakaasa naman po kayong patuloy namagsusumikap ang pamahalaan upang higitpang mapabuti ang kalagayan ng sektor ngPWDs, at masuportahan ang mahigit-kumulang22

JANUARY - FEBRUARYisa’t kalahating milyong Pilipinong may kapansanan sa buong bansa.Sa huli po, nasa iisang bubong lamang ang sambayanang Pilipino.Magsasaka ka man na namulat sa mga pilapil ng palayan, o Call Centeragent na lumaki sa paligid ng mga dambuhalang gusali, metalcraft workerka man o instructor na sumibol sa mga pasilyo’t silid ng isang TahanangWalang Hagdanan—iisang pamilya lamang tayong lahat— pantay-pantay,hindi nag-iiwanan, at inaaangat ang bawat isa tungo sa katuparan ng atingmga pangarap.Healing the wounds before EDSATalumpati sa ika-27 anibersaryo ng EDSA PeoplePower Revolution[People Power Monument, ika-25 ng Pebrero 2013]Tiyak pong marami pa sa atin ang nakakaalala: Hindi simplengbukambibig lamang ang kinailangang itaya noon. Hindi kalabisangisipin, na anumang sandali, maaaring dumanak ang dugo saEDSA. Totoong baril na may totoong bala ang itinutok sa Pilipinong kapwa Pilipino; umugong sa himpapawid ang mga armadonghelicopter at eroplano; gumulong rin ang mga tangkeng sasagupa sa mgasibilyang ang tanging tangan ay bulaklak at rosaryo. May mga kinabahannga po sa posibilidad ng isang digmaang sibil.Hinangaan po tayo ngbuong mundo; naginghuwaran ang People Powerng iba pang mga rebolusyonna nagpabagsak ngdiktadurya sa ibang panigng daigdig. Nagbigay tayong pag-asa sa iba pangmga lahi: Kakayanin pala,posible pala, hindi palakailangan ng dahas upangmakamtan ang pagbabago.Sa paggunita ng atingtagumpay, marapat dingbalikan muli ang mga pilatna iniwan ng Batas Militar saating pambansang alaala.President Benigno S. Aquino III affixes his signature in thePledge of Commitment Wall during the commemorative activitiesof the 27th Anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution atthe People Power Monument in White Plains corner Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) on Monday (February 25). (Photo by:Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau).Nariyan ang mga dinukot sa gitna ng gabi; ang mga ikinulong nang walangpasabi; ang mga ninakawan, pinahirapan, at pinaslang; ang pagdurusa ngnapakarami habang nagpapakasasa naman ang iilan. Ang bayang ginatasanna nang husto, ginusto pang gawing bulaluan. Pinangunahan ito ng isanglideratong walang ibang tuon kundi ang mapahigpit ang kanilang hawak sa23

PS • 2013kapangyarihan. ‘Di po ba’t kaya nga idineklara ang Batas Militar, dahil iyonna lamang ang paraan ng rehimeng Marcos upang kumapit sa puwesto?Isa po iyan sa mga aral ng EDSA, at patuloy ang halaga nito. Hindi pa rinnagbabago ang mga kaisipang magdadala sa atin—at dinadala na nga potayo—sa katuparan ng ating mga pangarap. Habang pinagtitibay natin angalaala ng EDSA, minumulat din natin ang mga susunod na henerasyon,upang ang pang-aaping winakasan ng mapayapang rebolusyon ay hindi namaulit pa. Iyan po ang batayang prinsipyo ng Memory Museum na itatayoupang kilalanin at pahalagahan ang pakikipagsapalaran na dinaanan ngnapakarami, bago makamtan ang tagumpay ng People Power.Malinaw din po: Hindi natatapos sa paggunita ang ating krusada para sakatarungan. Kaya nga po sa araw ding ito, nilagdaan natin ang Human RightsVictims Reparation Act of 2013—bilang pagkilala sa pagdurusang dinaananng napakarami noong Batas Militar, at upang ipakitang lumipas man anghenerasyon, hindi tayo panghihinaan ng loob sa pagtatama ng mga mali ngnakaraan. Nagpapasalamat nga po tayo kina Senate President Juan PonceEnrile at Speaker Sonny Belmonte sa kanilang pagsuporta at pamumunoupang ganap na maikasatuparan ang batas na ito. Nagpapasalamat dinpo tayo sa mga may-akda ng batasna ito: kina Congressman Erin Tañadana pinatunayang bitbit pa rin niyaang sulo na dinala ng kanyang loloat ama; kay Senador Serge Osmeña,na talaga naman pong hinding-hindinagsasawa sa pakikipaglaban para sakatarungan. Kabilang po ng iba pangmga nagsulong ng batas na ito, tiniyaknilang hindi man maibabalik angpanahon na ninakaw sa mga biktimang Batas Militar, masisiguro namanang pagkilala ng estado sa kanilangpinagdaanan, at nang sa gayon aymailapit sila sa tuluyang paghihilomng mga sugat ng nakaraan.Kaya nga po, ngayong nakatindigna muli tayo sa ating dalawangpaa, sama-sama naman tayonghumakbang pasulong sa tuluyangpag-asenso. Tapos na ang panahonkung kailan ang Pilipino ay kuntentong nakapako sa lokasyon, nag-aabangng susunod na tutulak sa kanya, nakaantabay sa susunod na pagkadapa.Ngayong nakabangon na tayo, halina’t umusad na rin po tayo; halina’takayin ang kapwa’t ituon ang paningin sa hinaharap; halina’t pagpagin angmga agam-agam at dumiretso tungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pangarap.[Applause]Iyan po ang aral na handog sa atin ng EDSA: Ang rebolusyong nagsauling demokrasya ay siya ring inspirasyon natin ngayon upang idiretso ang24“Hindi natatapos sa paggunitaang ating krusada para sakatarungan. Kaya nga po saaraw ding ito, nilagdaan natinang Human Rights VictimsReparation Act of 2013—bilangpagkilala sa pagdurusangdinaanan ng napakarami noongBatas Militar, at upang ipakitanglumipas man ang henerasyon,hindi tayo panghihinaan ng loobsa pagtatama ng mga mali ngnakaraan.”

JANUARY - FEBRUARYpag-asenso’t pag-arangkada. Araw-araw po nating ipagdiwang ang dangalng isang lahing hindi na muling babagsak, hindi na muling magpapaapi,hindi na lamang basta makukuntento sa kultura ng pagbangon; araw-arawpo nating isapuso ang bagong kultura ng walang-dalawang-isip, walangatubili,at walang-takot na pagsulong.Peaceful resolution to SabahStatement on the Sabah incident[New Executive Building, Malacañang, February 26, 2013]Iaddress you today about the incident that is now taking place inSabah, allegedly under the leadership of Prince Rajah MudahAgbimuddin Kiram. Our relations with Malaysia have always beencolored by the issue of Sabah—an issue that has persisted for overhalf a century. This issue is complex: from the basis of our claim,to the question of the rightful heirs, and even involving the translation ofdocuments from an era when our grandparents weren’t even born.This incident involves approximately 180 people, twenty to thirty of whomare armed. Having an armed group in Lahad Datu presents a challenge thatthe Malaysian authorities cannot ignore. From the outset of this incident,our primary consideration has always been to protect all lives. Secretary delRosario had already reached an agreement with Malaysian Foreign MinisterAnifah that this issue should be resolved in a peaceful manner.What is clear is that a peaceful resolution of this issue is to everybody’sinterest. Even if we assume, for the sake of argument, that there arelegitimate grievances, the presence of an armed group in Lahad Datu willonly bring us further away from resolving these issues.Let me say to Sultan Jamalul Kiram III: Ihave just been made aware that a letter tome, from you, was sent through OPAPP in thevery first weeks of my term, when we wereorganizing the government. Unfortunately,this letter was lost in the bureaucratic maze.Let me make clear that there was no intentionto ignore your letter. Knowing this now, willyou let your mistaken belief dictate yourcourse of action?The avenue of peaceful and open dialogue isstill available to us. Let us therefore sit downas brothers to address your grievances in apeaceful, calm manner according to our lawsand according to correct processes when yourpeople arrive home.“What is clear is that a peacefulresolution of this issue is toeverybody’s interest. Even if weassume, for the sake of argument,that there are legitimategrievances, the presence of anarmed group in Lahad Datu willonly bring us further away fromresolving these issues.”25

PS • 2013And so this is my appeal to you: These are your people, and it behooves youto recall them. It must be clear to you that this small group of people willnot succeed in addressing your grievances, and that there is no way thatforce can achieve your aims.President Benigno S. Aquino III asks Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of Sulu to withdraw his supportersin Sabah to end the standoff peacefully during the press briefing at the New Executive Building,Malacañan Palace on Tuesday (February 26). In photo are Justice Secretary Leila de Lima andInterior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II. (Photo by: Valerie Jude Escalera /Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau).You are a leader of your clan, and every leader seeks the well-being of hisconstituents. These times require you to use your influence to prevail on ourcountrymen to desist from this hopeless cause.We have not yet reached the point of no return, but we are fast approachingthat point.My duty is very clear: it is to protect the interests of all of our people, andif that is not possible, then to do what will redound to the interests of thegreatest majority. This is the time to demonstrate that you are a true leaderboth in name and deed. The right thing to do now would be to order yourfollowers to return home as soon as possible. The choices and consequencesare yours. If you choose not to cooperate, the full force of the laws of thestate will be used to achieve justice for all who have been put in harm’s way.26

JANUARY - FEBRUARYPRESIDENTIAL ISSUANCESJanuary – February 2013• EXECUTIVE ORDER •No. 83Institutionalization of the Philippine Qualifications Framework.(October 1, 2012)No. 52• MEMORANDUM ORDERS •Deputation of law enforcement agencies and instrumentalities of thegovernment, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) toensure free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible conduct of the 13May 2013 automated national and locale. (January 9, 2013)No. 53Extending the period of application of Memorandum Order No. 47,series of 2012. (January 17, 2013)No. 43• MEMORANDUM CIRCULARS •Directing the updating of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) andrevalidation of the results matrix and the Public Investment Program(PIP) for 2011-2016. (February 4, 2013)No. 44Enjoining all officials and employees in all departments, agencies andinstrumentalities of the National Government, including Government-Owned or -Controlled Corporations, as well as Local Government Unitsto actively participate in the observance of the 27th year Anniversaryof the EDSA People Power Revolution of 1986. (February 19, 2013)27

PS • 2013No. 45Authorizing all government agencies and instrumentalities to extendsupport and participate in the “KABISIG Philippine Government Expoand Trade Fair 2013″.(February 22, 2013)• ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER •No. 37Creating the Task Force on Bangsamoro Development and for otherpurposes. (February 13, 2013)• PROCLAMATIONS •No. 531Creating and designating a building, located at Sapphire and GarnetRoads, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, as an Information TechnologyCenter, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7916, as amended by RepublicAct No. 8748. (January 4, 2013)No. 532Declaring the year 2013 as the Centennial Year of the Reconstitutionof the Municipality of Burgos, Ilocos Norte. (January 9, 2013)No. 533Declaring January 23 of every year as “Araw ng Republikang Filipino,1899″. (January 9, 2013)No. 534Declaring Friday, 18 January 2013, as a special (non-working) day inthe City of Santa Rosa, Province of Laguna.(January 10, 2013)28

JANUARY - FEBRUARYNo. 536Declaring Wednesday, 16 January 2013, as a special (non-working)day in the City of Batangas. (January 15, 2013)No. 537Declaring Friday, 25 January 2013, as a special (non-working) day inthe Municipality of Carigara, Province of Leyte. (January 24, 2013)No. 538Declaring Monday, 11 February 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the City of Iriga. (January 28, 2013)No. 539Declaring Tuesday, 12 February 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the City of Kidapawan, Province of Cotabato. (January 28, 2013)No. 540Declaring Monday, 18 February 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the City of Bayawan, Negros Oriental (January 28, 2013)No. 541Declaring Monday, 18 February 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the Province of Northern Samar. (January 28, 2013)No. 542Declaring Monday, 11 February 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the City of Talisay, Province of Negros Occidental. (February 1,2013)No. 543Declaring Wednesday, 13 February 2013, as a special (non-working)day in the City of Parañaque. (February 1, 2013)29

PS • 2013No. 544Declaring Tuesday, 26 February 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the City of Zamboanga (February 6, 2013)No. 545Declaring Thursday, 28 February 2013, as a special (non-working)day in the City of Escalante, Province of Negros Occidental. (February6, 2013)No. 546Declaring Saturday, 2 March 2013, as a special (non-working) day inthe Province of La Union. (February 6, 2013)No. 547Declaring Monday, 18 March 2013, as a special (non-working) day inthe Province of Masbate. (February 8, 2013)No. 548Declaring Thursday, 21 March 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the City of Calapan, Province of Oriental Mindoro. (February 8,2013)No. 549Declaring Friday, 22 February 2013, as a special (non-working) dayin the Municipality of San Pedro, Province of Laguna. (February 13,2013)No. 550Declaring Thursday, 28 February 2013, as a special (non-working)day in the City of Tangub. (February 13, 2013)No. 552Declaring Wednesday, 27 February 2013, as a special (non-working)day in the City of General Santos. (February 21, 2013)No. 553Declaring Friday, 8 March 2013, as a special (non-working) day inthe Province of Compostela Valley. (February 21, 2013)30

JANUARY - FEBRUARYREPUBLIC ACTSJanuary – February 2013No. 10355An Act increasing the bed capacity of Jose B. Lingad Memorial GeneralHospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga from two hundred fifty (250) to fivehundred (500), upgrading its services and facilities and professional healthcare, authorizing the increase of its medical personnel and appropriatingfunds therefor. (January 9, 2013)No. 10356An Act granting Philippine citizenship to Jessie Josephine Coe Lichauco.(January 9, 2013)No. 10357An Act declaring September 5 of every year a special working public holidayin the City of Naga Province of Cebu to be known as the “Charter Day of theCity of Naga”. (January 9, 2013)No. 10358An Act declaring July 7 of every year a special working public holiday in theCity of Carcar, Province of Cebu to be known as the “City of Carcar CharterDay”. (January 9, 2013)No. 10359An Act declaring March 26 of every year as a special working public holidayin the Province of Cebu to commemorate the historic liberation of Cebu fromthe Japanese occupation during World War II. (January 9, 2013)No. 10360Approved on January 14, 2013: An Act creating the Province of DavaoOccidental. (January 14, 2013)No. 10361Approved on January 18, 2013: An Act instituting policies for the protectionand welfare of domestic workers.(January 18, 2013)31

PS • 2013No. 10362An Act creating an additional Regional Trial Court branch to be stationedin the Municipality of Trento, Province of Agusan del Sur, amending forthe purpose Section 14, paragraph (k) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 129, asamended, otherwise known as “The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980″,and providing funds therefor. (January 23, 2013)No. 10363An Act creating seven (7) additional branches of the Regional Trial Courtin the Seventh Judicial Region to be stationed at the City of Mandaue,Province of Cebu, further amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Bilang129, otherwise known as “The Judiciary Reorganization Act of 1980″, asamended, and appropriating funds therefor. (January 28, 2013)No. 10364An Act expanding Republic Act No. 9208, entitled “An Act to institutepolicies to eliminate trafficking in persons especially women and children,establishing the necessary institutional mechanisms for the protection andsupport of trafficked persons, providing penalties for its violations and forother purposes”. (February 6, 2013)No. 10365An act further strengthening the Anti-Money Laundering Llaw, amendingfor the purpose Republic Act No. 9160, otherwise known as the “Anti-MoneyLaundering Act of 2001″, as amended. (February 15, 2013)No. 10366An Act authorizing the Commission on Elections to establish precinctsassigned to accessible polling places exclusively for persons with disabilitiesand senior citizens. (February 15, 2013)No. 10367An Act providing for mandatory biometrics voter registration. (February 15,2013)No. 10368An Act providing for reparation and recognition of victims of human rightsviolations during the Marcos regime, documentation of said violations,appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes. (February 25, 2013)32