Maniolas

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata President Rodrio Duterte, accompanied by his children (from left) Sebastian, Victoria, Davao Mayor Sara, and Davao Vice Mayor Paolo. (Malacanang photo) MANILA, June 30 (PNA) – His slogan during the last presidential campaign was “Change is coming” and most of the Filipino people are now waiting for it for the good of the country. In his inaugural speech in Malacanang as the 16th President of the Philippines on Thursday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte noted that “change must start with us and in us.” He emphasized that the ride will be rough, but he encouraged everyone to join him in the journey towards a brighter future. Duterte vowed to listen to the murmuring of the people, feel their pulse and supply their needs. The new President said his administration will also focus on fighting three major problems in the country—corruption, criminality and rampant sale of illegal drugs. He added, “Erosion of faith and trust in government – that is the real problem.” His administration advocates transparency. One of his first orders to Cabinet secretaries and heads of agencies is to refrain from changing and bending the rules of government contracts already approved. President Rodrigo Duterte Meanwhile, Duterte cited that he will serve everyone and not only one, but also pointed out, “I have no friends to serve, no enemies to harm.” “Malasakit, tunay na pagbabago” (concern, real change) – these are two of Duterte’s promises to the Filipinos. “I am ready to start my work for Read More …

Presidential Adviser on Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Panfilo M. Lacson answers questions from the media in an interview after he delivered his address at a forum in Makati City last January 23. The former senator had refused to accept his pork barrel funds from the start. He said in a privilege speech that the funds had corrupted legislators. Now, even the members of the media are being named as those who received “payolas.” (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – Criminality, particularly drug-related offenses, may be on the way to being greatly minimized in the first 100 days of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte’s administration, Senator-elect Panfilo M. Lacson said. Lacson cited significant strides made by law enforcers particularly against the illegal drug trade, with suspected drug users and pushers turning themselves in to police weeks before Duterte formally assumes his post on June 30. “Even before President-elect Duterte formally assumes the presidency, we have seen how suspected drug users and pushers turned themselves in to police in past weeks out of fear. Never in the history of criminality in the Philippines have we seen drug users, pushers and the like surrender in this manner,” said Lacson, who served as chief of the Philippine National Police from 1999-2001. “I hope the incoming administration can maintain this momentum and catch more pushers starting July 1. While it is impossible to eradicate crime, it is quite doable to greatly minimize it,” he added. Lacson said he is hopeful Duterte will fulfill his campaign promise of a strong Read More …

By Priam F. Nepomuceno President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Testimonial Parade and Review at the Grandstand of the AFP General Headquarters (GHQ), Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (June 27). (MNS photo) MANILA (PNA) – For jump-starting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program, outgoing President Benigno S. Aquino III has the gratitude of the entire military. This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in an interview Sunday. “We are very thankful for our Commander-in-Chief for understanding the (modernization needs of the) AFP and doing his best to see to it that the (minimum deterrent) requirements are acquired,” he added in Filipino. During the Aquino administration, significant progress has been made in the implementation of the AFP Capability Upgrade and Modernization Program where PHP60.14 billion has been released from July 10, 2010 to April this year, for all three Major Services, which includes the Army, Navy and Air Force. President Benigno S. Aquino III confers the Philippine Legion of Honor with a degree of Officer on RAdm. Raul Ubando in a ceremony during the Armed Forces of the Philippines Testimonial Parade and Review at the Grandstand of the AFP General Headquarters, Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Monday (June 27). (MNS photo) Some of the equipment acquired in this period include the two Hamilton-class cutters, six multi-purpose assault craft, 113 armored personnel carriers, three brand-new C-295 medium lift aircraft, two C-130 heavy Read More …