Pinoy Buzz: President Benigno Aquino III

#WalangPasok: Palace declares March 17, 18, 22, 2016 holiday in some areas

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang Palace has declared class and work suspensions for March 17, 18, 22, 2016 in some areas of Luzon and Mindanao.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Raee_UT22W7R7SjJeCZolJ5Iv1NN6xVz2IMXBDxU67WKsFQBi6EPNebCMey_C0HmxYzwDuoldZfkgvqo5lphdU8PdfEVxyZwBE8ad88QqZtxvg6EcKrOPkwTsvWTs2ZiF6tPKP-pudWp/s1600/march-17-18-22-holiday-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Palace declares March 17, 18, 22, 2016 holiday in some areas" border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Raee_UT22W7R7SjJeCZolJ5Iv1NN6xVz2IMXBDxU67WKsFQBi6EPNebCMey_C0HmxYzwDuoldZfkgvqo5lphdU8PdfEVxyZwBE8ad88QqZtxvg6EcKrOPkwTsvWTs2ZiF6tPKP-pudWp/s640/march-17-18-22-holiday-2016.jpg" title="Palace declares March 17, 18, 22, 2016 holiday in some areas" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Paquito N. Ochoa, Jr., Executive Secretary, by authority of President Benigno Aquino III announced that March 17 (Thursday) will be additional holiday in the City of Davao for the celebration of its “Araw ng Pasasalamat” based on <a href="http://www.gov.ph/2016/03/03/proclamation-no-1234-s-2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">proclamation no. 1234</a>.<br /><br />Ochoa also announced <a href="http://www.gov.ph/2016/03/15/proclamation-no-1237-s-2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">proclamation no. 1237</a> declaring special non-working holiday in the province of Masbate for its  115th Foundation Day on March 18 (Friday).<br /><br />"It is but fitting and proper that the people of the Province of Masbate be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies," the proclamation stated.<br /><br />In addition, <a href="http://www.gov.ph/2016/02/29/proclamation-no-1231-s-2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">proclamation no. 1231</a> declared March 22 (Tuesday) as special holiday in the province of Cavite for the celebration of the birth anniversary of General Emilio Aguinaldo, the first President of the Republic of the Philippines.<br /><br />On Friday, March 11, Ochoa also announced class and work suspensions in Antipolo for its 18th cityhood anniversary celebration.</div>

#WalangPasok: Palace declares March 17, 18, 22, 2016 holiday in some areas

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang Palace has declared class and work suspensions for March 17, 18, 22, 2016 in some areas of Luzon and Mindan...

PNoy signs EO to increase salary of government employees

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Friday, February 19, 2016 signed the Executive Order to increase salary of government employees.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yxnMmK7ixrx_PklD_FDEsOWDnC2oHKgqLQK-5KPEwaKbbUn_uQxdz50O2TRI35QcKw3tP2gaMbl01xplOBrV0mdx5BvJctX2SqELXG5PAUIh4eeLlDg0GSlXGcdAJEl8xUYGSVslaq6i/s1600/SALARY-INCREASE-2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PNoy signs EO to increase salary of government employees" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8yxnMmK7ixrx_PklD_FDEsOWDnC2oHKgqLQK-5KPEwaKbbUn_uQxdz50O2TRI35QcKw3tP2gaMbl01xplOBrV0mdx5BvJctX2SqELXG5PAUIh4eeLlDg0GSlXGcdAJEl8xUYGSVslaq6i/s640/SALARY-INCREASE-2016.jpg" title="PNoy signs EO to increase salary of government employees" width="560" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />Through EO No. 201, PNoy modifies the salary schedule and authorizes the grant of additional benefits for both civilian and military and uniformed personnel (MUP).<br /><br />The Salary Standardization Law (SSL4) increases the salary of about 1.6 million government workers by an average of 27 percent.<br />"We commend the President for his swift and decisive action in response to the congressional deadlock on the issue of the indexation of MUP pension, which resulted in the non-passage of the proposed Salary Standardization Law of 2015 (SSL 2015), " DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad said.<br /><br /><b>RELATED: </b><a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2016/01/14th-month-bonus-government-employees-june-2016.html" rel="nofollow">14th month bonus set to be given to government employees</a><br /><br />This action by the President leverages the benefits package in order to increase the take-home pay of government employees as stipulated in the proposed SSL bills.<br /><br /><b>Compensation Adjustment Strategy</b><br /><br />a) Raise the minimum salary for Salary Grade 1 from the current rate of Nine Thousand Pesos (P9,000) to Eleven Thousand Sixty Eight Pesos (P11,068) to make it even more competitive with the market rates;<br /><br />b) Bring the compensation of government personnel closer to their private counterparts to at least 70% of the median of the market for all salary grades;<br /><br />c) Eliminate overlaps in between salary grade allocations of government personnel to recognize differences in duties and responsibilities of the positions;<br /><br />d) Maximize the net take home pay of government personnel through the inclusion of additional benefits; and<br /><br />e) Strengthen the performance-based incentive system in recognition of government personnel who play a greater role and carry a heavier responsibility in attaining performance targets and delivering results.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.gov.ph/2016/02/19/executive-order-no-201-s-2016/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Executive Order</a> effects compensation adjustments for this year as an interim measure to implement Tranche 1 of the proposed SSL, the full year requirement for which has already been provided in the National Budget.<br /><br />For civilian government personnel, the EO effects the adoption of the same proposals in House Bill 6268 and Senate Bill 2671 for salary increase, the grant of the mid-year bonus equivalent to one month’s basic salary, and the Productivity Enhancement Incentive (PEI) at P 5,000.<br /><br />Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) not covered by the Governance Commission for GOCCs may implement the aforementioned compensation adjustments charged to their corporate funds.<br /><br />LGUs may also implement the compensation adjustments subject to the Personnel Services limitation under the law.<br /><br />For MUP, the EO effects the increase of Hazard Pay, and the grant of a substantial Provisional Allowance and an Officers’ Allowance in lieu of Base Pay increase. These two new allowances will approximate the additional remuneration had Base Pay been increased. The amounts of these allowances are also based on the proposed increases in Base Pay under the SSL 2015 bill. This is an interim measure until such time that a pension reform measure is passed in Congress that will mitigate the impact of pension indexation.<br /><br />The implementation of these compensation adjustments provided in the EO shall be effective January 1, 2016 with respect to all civilian and MUP personnel. <br /><br />With respect to regular members of the Cabinet, the effectivity is on July 1, 2016. For the President, Vice-President, and Members of Congress, the compensation adjustments shall take effect only after the expiration of the respective terms of the incumbents.<br /><br />"We trust that Congress will pass the SSL when it resumes so that the proposed compensation adjustments to be implemented in four tranches over four years will be permanent," Abad added.</div>

PNoy signs EO to increase salary of government employees

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Friday, February 19, 2016 signed the Executive Order to increase salary of government ...

Japan's Royal Couple to arrive in Manila on Tuesday

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Their Majesties, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan are set to arrive in the soils of Manila tomorrow, January 26, as part of their peace pilgrimage which aligns well with the sixty-years of celebration of the restoration of diplomatic ties between Manila and Tokyo.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1qEJ0ekg7L8F0Fm_mO9E2xIQkbjNV1NH7Kr3rXnrNqX6y9We1wa9B17Gt8-s3p90_s3Hrk0YWEqQedvo-DeEHoD0fxx1wfOq9F36R3K62rw8kxAWEwFaeW550lqAmnqo3G7gF5W6RLfz/s1600/ph-japan-relation.jpg" imageanchor="1" rel="nofollow" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="President Benigno Aquino III with their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB1qEJ0ekg7L8F0Fm_mO9E2xIQkbjNV1NH7Kr3rXnrNqX6y9We1wa9B17Gt8-s3p90_s3Hrk0YWEqQedvo-DeEHoD0fxx1wfOq9F36R3K62rw8kxAWEwFaeW550lqAmnqo3G7gF5W6RLfz/s640/ph-japan-relation.jpg" title="President Benigno Aquino III with their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President Benigno Aquino III with their Majesties Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko during his state visit in Japan last year. Photo credit: Malacañan Photo Bureau</td></tr></tbody></table>Now 82, the Emperor of Japan's Hesei period together with the Empress will be arriving in the country tomorrow until Saturday. The visit of the royal couple in the country will be their first being Japan's figureheads as the two were just crown prince and princess when they first visited in 1962.<br /><br /><b>Imperial visit in Laguna</b><br /><br />The Imperial Highnesses will be gracing events in Manila on January 27 and 28 including a visit at the Heroes' Cemetery before heading to the towns of Caliraya and Los Banos in Laguna on January 29 to pay their respects to the war memorial erected for the unsung Japanese and Filipino war veterans. The two royalties will leave the country back to Japan on the 30th.<br /><br /><b>Japan wants to reinterpret its constitution, will there be a Japanese version of VFA soon?</b><br /><br />The state visit of the Japan's imperial head provides a glimpse of what the Philippines and Japan had become six decades after reestablishing their friendship. The visit as also being rumored, may be also view as part of Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s strategy to consolidate the force that the two countries were able to forged over the past as Abe has been very keen to reinterpret the pacifist constitution of Japan to allow itself to flex its military muscle beyond the boundaries of its waters particularly in the shores of Manila. <br /><br />It can be noted that the Philippines has been generously receiving various forms of grants from the Japanese government ranging from financial, technological and social aids. The two countries were also discussing the possibility of crafting a 'VFA-like' agreement in which Japan will be able to provide the transfer of military equipments to strengthen the 'pacific block of force' that might be able to counter mainland China's aggressiveness and rising influence. This revitalization of bilateral relations is clearly evident as the Japan's defense minister will also visit the country this summer.<br /><br /><b>PNoy to welcome the Imperial Highnesses</b><br /><br />President Aquino is set to welcome the royal visitors upon their arrival. There will be no political agendas that will be discussed during the visit as their Majesties are only representing Japan as symbolic leaders, abiding by the post-war constitution recommended by the United States.<br /><br />Prior to this, Aquino was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum, the highest honor being given by Japan to its citizens or to leaders of state as a testament of genuine friendship. Aquino was also given the opportunity last year to deliver a message to the National Diet, the equivalent of the House of Congress in the Philippines.<br /><br />Almost a million people died during the Japanese occupation in the Philippines. The imperial visit hopes to ease the painful memories that the war inflicted on its living Filipino victims of the war. As of the moment, there are still living war veterans and comfort women who are still asking for forgiveness and justice from the atrocities they suffered during the three-year Japanese rule in the country.  <b><i>-Michael Santiago/The Summit Express</i></b></div>

Japan's Royal Couple to arrive in Manila on Tuesday

MANILA, Philippines - Their Majesties, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan are set to arrive in the soils of Manila tomorrow, Janua...

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos on social media flood inquiries with #NasaanAngPangulo and #Fallen44 trends as President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III did not attend the arrival of honors on Thursday for the slain cops in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Sunday.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcJBOjFMxQq7ZnbZvcd9g64IpPkC2dPLR4A326QIbIG-xvK7wsD9_61U08tH9HxpwICBT7xBHiwpf3hIKwzUOi4rnSQuLWsRQ3wel_67IAbzSM-LFfgIAxnGajrUKljWDVvOvJJfBhJ5f/s1600/PNoy-Laguna-Mitsubishi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Aquino in Mitsubishi inaugural launch Laguna" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcJBOjFMxQq7ZnbZvcd9g64IpPkC2dPLR4A326QIbIG-xvK7wsD9_61U08tH9HxpwICBT7xBHiwpf3hIKwzUOi4rnSQuLWsRQ3wel_67IAbzSM-LFfgIAxnGajrUKljWDVvOvJJfBhJ5f/s1600/PNoy-Laguna-Mitsubishi.jpg" title="Aquino in Mitsubishi inaugural launch Laguna" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PNoy attended the inauguration of the Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) Sta. Rosa Plant at Greenfield Automotive Park, Special Economic Zone in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna on Thursday.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The bodies of the 42 fallen men of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City while the President has attended an event in Laguna for the inauguration of the new manufacturing plant of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines.<br /><br />Netizens said the President as the highest official of the country should be there to salute for the fallen cops.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte explained that PNoy was not originally planned to attend the arrival of honors.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMfn_NoeLsyPODBTCONYffPPRhbZDUFZTrGigRaoU9zK4zbb2YU_NLAsXySPjgn6Uy2Bc9DZ1wodl0j2T-Okj-MJ3NjZriZurkZN-ujAqOWoYNKoqFWIINaf3VbGv5PeoDKcpordMTXsi/s1600/families-fallen-saf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Arrival of honors at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday" border="0" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWMfn_NoeLsyPODBTCONYffPPRhbZDUFZTrGigRaoU9zK4zbb2YU_NLAsXySPjgn6Uy2Bc9DZ1wodl0j2T-Okj-MJ3NjZriZurkZN-ujAqOWoYNKoqFWIINaf3VbGv5PeoDKcpordMTXsi/s1600/families-fallen-saf.jpg" title="Arrival of honors at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrival of honors at the Villamor Air Base on Thursday</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"The president will be leading the necrological services to be held in Camp Bagong Diwa on Friday morning," Valte added.<br /><br />Netizens added that this was not an excuse for PNoy to prioritize other events than the national concern.<br /><br /><b>READ</b>: <a href="http://pinoybuzz.blogkorner.com/2015/01/pnoy-declares-january-30-national-day-of-mourning-after-mamasapano-encounter.html">PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter</a><br />Here are some of the social media posts as netizens ask #NasaanAngPangulo:<br /><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">A moment of silence to the fallen men of our country. <br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <a href="http://t.co/eTscCFhVHD">pic.twitter.com/eTscCFhVHD</a><br />— Pinoy Quotes (@FunnyPinoyQuote) <br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/FunnyPinoyQuote/status/560807738242920448">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">I am so ashamed of this government! So ashamed! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <a href="http://t.co/WithMLWvOn">pic.twitter.com/WithMLWvOn</a><br />— Adjanet Fresco Rase (@AJRase) <br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/AJRase/status/560883851593908224">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Our cops and troops have realized they have been <br /><br />serving under a leader totally undeserving of even a drop of their blood. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a><br />— Tonyo <br /><br />Cruz (@tonyocruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/tonyocruz/status/560836702537658368">January 29, <br /><br />2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><This is my profile pic. You can use/share it too <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MamasapanoClash?src=hash">#MamasapanoClash</a> (Image by Paolo <br /><br />Arevalo) <a href="http://t.co/9DHbCrNjmD">pic.twitter.com/9DHbCrNjmD</a><br />— Noem Lardizabal-<br /><br />Dado (@momblogger) <a href="https://twitter.com/momblogger/status/560833911077367809">January 29, <br /><br />2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">"PH in grief, fury as President betrays, dishonors <br /><br />elite cops" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a> <br /><br /><a href="http://t.co/87VvjlTxKa">http://t.co/87VvjlTxKa</a> <a href="http://t.co/CcXwLMSyBi">pic.twitter.com/CcXwLMSyBi</a><br />— Tonyo Cruz (@tonyocruz) <a href="https://twitter.com/tonyocruz/status/560898088542285824">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Dedma. Lack of empathy. This was glaringly obvious <br /><br />even in last night's speech. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a><br />— Antonio L. Tinio (@tonchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/tonchi/status/560797146757070849">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /><center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">Remember when <a href="https://twitter.com/noynoyaquino">@noynoyaquino</a> said this before? Never forget.... "I don’t <br /><br />attend wakes of people I don’t know." <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NasaanAngPangulo?src=hash">#NasaanAngPangulo</a><br />— Bimby (@bimby_kalerQUI) <a href="https://twitter.com/bimby_kalerQUI/status/560931275893379073">January 29, 2015</a></blockquote><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></center><br /></div>

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos on social media flood inquiries with #NasaanAngPangulo and #Fallen44 trends as President Benigno 'PNoy...

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

Filipinos ask #NasaanAngPangulo; #Fallen44 tops Twitter trends

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos on social media flood inquiries with #NasaanAngPangulo and #Fallen44 trends as President Benigno 'PNoy...

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, January 30 to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of the entire country after the bloody encounter which killed 44 policemen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Sunday morning.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" title="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">44 cops died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"As President and as father of this country, I am greatly saddened that our policemen had to lay down their lives for this mission. Without question, these people are heroes; they who willingly put themselves in danger to address threats to our security; they who were wounded; they who gave their lives in the name of peace. To honor those who perished, I am declaring a National Day of Mourning to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of our entire country."<br /><br /><b>UPDATE</b>: Aquino signed on Wednesday the <a href="http://www.gov.ph/2015/01/28/proclamation-no-953-s-2015/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proclamation No. 953 s. 2015</a> declaring January 30 as a national day of mourning.  Note: There's no announcement of work or class suspension for Friday.<br /><br />"The entire nation is requested to offer prayers for the eternal repose of the souls of the victims and for our people to reclaim our sense of humanity. Further, I instruct all public institutions and military installations in the Philippines to lower the Philippines flag to half-mast," Aquino said in a statement.<br />Aquino on a televised speech from Malacanang Palace has addressed the national concern on the outcome of Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) mission to arrest two notorious terrorists namely Abdulbasit Usman and Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan.<br /><br />The NDRRMC has reported to Aquino that aside from 44 policemen who have died in the process of fulfilling their duties, 16 others were injured, including 3 civilians.<br /><br />PNoy emphasized that Marwan and Usman are not common criminals. <br /><br />"There is a long string of outstanding warrants for their arrest. There are no less than 8 outstanding warrants against Usman alone, while there are no less than 2 for Marwan. One of the earliest warrants was issued in 2002, which means that they were already being pursued when I was a member of Congress. Allow me to clarify: When a warrant is issued against an individual, all officers of the law are obligated to serve it. This is precisely why, since long ago, our security sector, including the AFP, PNP, and NBI, has undertaken multiple operations to capture Marwan, Usman, and other terrorists."<br /><br />PNoy also clarified that approval from him for the said mission to proceed is not required.<br /><br />"These agencies are not always required to obtain my approval for each and every one of their operations, because it would be impractical for them to wait for my clearance before proceeding. My duty: to make certain that they are carrying out their responsibilities. There are times when certain matters are elevated to my desk so that I may give guidance, give a more holistic view of the situation, or explain its wider implications."<br /><br />"I emphasize: It is stated in Article II, Section 4 of our Constitution that “The primary duty of government is to serve and protect the people.” This is why, when our police force uncovered the precise location of Marwan and Usman, they decided to take action and serve the warrants of the two individuals."<br /><br />It was past 4 in the morning when the SAF reached the stronghold in which Marwan and Usman were hiding. In the encounter that followed, the primary target, Marwan, was allegedly killed. Upon hearing the gunshots, Usman and his cohorts fought back. There were also non-combatants spotted in the houses in which Marwan and Usman were located; it was necessary for our forces to close the distance to avoid involving the innocent. Marwan’s house was the first attacked; Usman responded, and the element of surprise, which was necessary to avoid detection, was lost. This is why the SAF decided to withdraw and rendezvous with their companions, who were securing their exit route from the area where the encounter occurred. It appears that it was during this withdrawal when the bloodiest part of the clash happened.<br /><br />PNoy before the end of his speech called out the attention of Filipinos to show a single aspiration for peace and ensure that the ultimate sacrifice made by some members of the SAF does not go to waste.<br /><br />"We will gain justice, in time, through the right processes, and without letting go of our dreams to realize a widespread and lasting peace."<br /><br /><b>WATCH: President Aquino's Message to the Nation Delivered on January 28, 2015</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SWDsbdkLW9Q" width="600"></iframe></center><br /></div>

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, Januar...

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, January 30 to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of the entire country after the bloody encounter which killed 44 policemen in Mamasapano, Maguindanao Sunday morning.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLQ340AF-QJXtvYTq0NJq-OhbYaznoevdkhqtFfmOSO2cSeBAIBr-07yg-fdnAfMeKHgEJM6Ox3TKnxXRatny6ZMmZ3Rzqeml3lQ-GzEeb2o22xNzDAS4UnOKJLHu0GE1bpt6edxqXhMS/s1600/Mamasapano-incident.jpg" title="Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash" width="560" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">44 cops died in Mamasapano, Maguindanao clash</td></tr></tbody></table><br />"As President and as father of this country, I am greatly saddened that our policemen had to lay down their lives for this mission. Without question, these people are heroes; they who willingly put themselves in danger to address threats to our security; they who were wounded; they who gave their lives in the name of peace. To honor those who perished, I am declaring a National Day of Mourning to symbolize the sorrow and empathy of our entire country."<br /><br />Aquino on a televised speech from Malacanang Palace has addressed the national concern on the outcome of Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) mission to arrest two notorious terrorists namely Abdulbasit Usman and Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan.<br /><br />The NDRRMC has reported to Aquino that aside from 44 policemen who have died in the process of fulfilling their duties, 16 others were injured, including 3 civilians.<br /><br />PNoy emphasized that Marwan and Usman are not common criminals. <br /><br />"There is a long string of outstanding warrants for their arrest. There are no less than 8 outstanding warrants against Usman alone, while there are no less than 2 for Marwan. One of the earliest warrants was issued in 2002, which means that they were already being pursued when I was a member of Congress. Allow me to clarify: When a warrant is issued against an individual, all officers of the law are obligated to serve it. This is precisely why, since long ago, our security sector, including the AFP, PNP, and NBI, has undertaken multiple operations to capture Marwan, Usman, and other terrorists."<br /><br />PNoy also clarified that approval from him for the said mission to proceed is not required.<br /><br />"These agencies are not always required to obtain my approval for each and every one of their operations, because it would be impractical for them to wait for my clearance before proceeding. My duty: to make certain that they are carrying out their responsibilities. There are times when certain matters are elevated to my desk so that I may give guidance, give a more holistic view of the situation, or explain its wider implications."<br /><br />"I emphasize: It is stated in Article II, Section 4 of our Constitution that “The primary duty of government is to serve and protect the people.” This is why, when our police force uncovered the precise location of Marwan and Usman, they decided to take action and serve the warrants of the two individuals."<br /><br />It was past 4 in the morning when the SAF reached the stronghold in which Marwan and Usman were hiding. In the encounter that followed, the primary target, Marwan, was allegedly killed. Upon hearing the gunshots, Usman and his cohorts fought back. There were also non-combatants spotted in the houses in which Marwan and Usman were located; it was necessary for our forces to close the distance to avoid involving the innocent. Marwan’s house was the first attacked; Usman responded, and the element of surprise, which was necessary to avoid detection, was lost. This is why the SAF decided to withdraw and rendezvous with their companions, who were securing their exit route from the area where the encounter occurred. It appears that it was during this withdrawal when the bloodiest part of the clash happened.<br /><br />PNoy before the end of his speech called out the attention of Filipinos to show a single aspiration for peace and ensure that the ultimate sacrifice made by some members of the SAF does not go to waste.<br /><br />"We will gain justice, in time, through the right processes, and without letting go of our dreams to realize a widespread and lasting peace."<br /><br /><b>WATCH: President Aquino's Message to the Nation Delivered on January 28, 2015</b><br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SWDsbdkLW9Q" width="600"></iframe></center><br /></div>

PNoy declares January 30 a 'National Day of Mourning' after Mamasapano encounter

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday officially declared a "National Day of Mourning" on Friday, Januar...

LIVESTREAM: Pope Francis holy mass, meeting with families at MOA (January 16, 2015)

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - His Holiness Pope Francis was officially welcomed by President Benigno 'PNoy' S. Aquino III at the Malacañang Palace on J. P. Laurel Street in Manila on Friday morning, January 16, 2015 (Day 2) of his stay in the country.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxAsxKa7IYn9XHmdTeTvYwy1FWRonN7JH-B8L8Nxezht1nn2U2Szat4p25rioiiaPGXeBhJXhAIdMo_-_tmjVf04vm30c1gZP5HoXoeLekY2Inbpc62JdKWtR0GE4RXQ0snm47RDD9X9H/s1600/PopeinMalacanang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPxAsxKa7IYn9XHmdTeTvYwy1FWRonN7JH-B8L8Nxezht1nn2U2Szat4p25rioiiaPGXeBhJXhAIdMo_-_tmjVf04vm30c1gZP5HoXoeLekY2Inbpc62JdKWtR0GE4RXQ0snm47RDD9X9H/s1600/PopeinMalacanang.jpg" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />Pope Francis spoke at the general audience of the government officials and diplomatic corps. He has pointed out the importance of social justice and encourage us to celebrate 2015 as 'Year of the Poor.'<br /><br />"It is necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity & commitment for the common good," Pope Francis said.<br /><br />Motorcade to the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Manila Cathedral) in Intramuros for a Holy Mass with bishops, priests, and women and men religious followed at 11:15 in the morning.<br /><br />Around 5:30 in the afternoon, he will have an encounter with families at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.<br /><br />The pope has arrived in the Philippines on Thursday afternoon at the Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.<br /><br />According to Fr. Federico Lombardi, director of the Vatican press office, the Holy Father was pleased on how the Filipino people warmly welcomed him.<br /><br />“He is happy to be here finally in the Philippines. First encounter with the Filipino people was very impressive, touching. Important, the pope has received a very strong impression, spiritual experience with your people,” he said during the press briefing at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.<br /><br /><b>WATCH: Pope Francis Papal Visit 2015 | Philippines - Day 2 January 16, 2015</b> (LIVESTREAM video courtesy of RTVMalacanang)<br /><br /><center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="400" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/FJqOaYjg-OU" width="600"></iframe></center><br /></div>

LIVESTREAM: Pope Francis holy mass, meeting with families at MOA (January 16, 2015)

MANILA, Philippines - His Holiness Pope Francis was officially welcomed by President Benigno 'PNoy' S. Aquino III at the Malacañang ...

January 15, 16 and 19, 2015 are special holidays in Metro Manila

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III on Tuesday officially declared January 15, 16 and 19 as special, non-working holidays in Metro Manila or NCR for the much-awaited visit of Pope Francis.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q0PPcrWAlTMWYqYm3rVJ3n6SR522bbhAOK26woArCkrtMGPna8Kn347XcptGU02gHxotCw-77bWJIcnbGq7sSMyg4c-_1h1eTY4BYx13eJ-ALWQhfaq7xaq2Es6wMbq5LFy37r2WBuvq/s1600/holiday-papal-visit-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="January 15, 16 and 19, 2015 are special holidays in Metro Manila" border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Q0PPcrWAlTMWYqYm3rVJ3n6SR522bbhAOK26woArCkrtMGPna8Kn347XcptGU02gHxotCw-77bWJIcnbGq7sSMyg4c-_1h1eTY4BYx13eJ-ALWQhfaq7xaq2Es6wMbq5LFy37r2WBuvq/s1600/holiday-papal-visit-2015.jpg" title="January 15, 16 and 19, 2015 are special holidays in Metro Manila" width="560" /></a></div><br /><br />"In view of the visit of the Pope, the Head of State of the Vatican City, I, PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR., Executive Secretary, by authority of His Excellency, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, do hereby declare January 15, 16 and 19, 2015, as special (non-working) days in the National Capital Region (NCR)," proclamation No. 936 stated.<br /><br />"I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed," Ochoa said in the declaration.<br /><br />Activities for the papal visit include arrival at Villamor Air Base (January 15); courtesy call on Aquino in Malacañang, mass for the clergy and religious people at the Manila Cathedral and meeting with families at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City (January 16).<br /><br />Pope Francis will condole with victims of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in Tacloban City on January 17. A day after, the pope is scheduled to celebrate a mass at Rizal Park and meet religious leaders and youth representatives at University of Sto. Tomas (UST). He will depart for Rome in the morning of January 19.<br /><br />In November, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada declared a five-day holiday in government offices and suspended classes in all levels during the papal visit.<br /><br />Fellow mayors of Estrada also passed a resolution for Aquino to declare the entire papal visit (January 15 to 19, 2015) as non-working holiday as the event is expected to induce traffic congestion brought about by congregation of devotees and well-wishers.<br /><br />In 1995, papal holiday was also declared as Pope John Paul II has visited Manila for World Youth Day.</div>

January 15, 16 and 19, 2015 are special holidays in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines - President Benigno 'PNoy' Aquino III on Tuesday officially declared January 15, 16 and 19 as special, non-worki...