SENIOR CARERS IN THE UK: GOOD NEWS ON RENEWING VISAS

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 23:17:00 US/Mountain

Landmark Decision: Aston Brooke wins the fight to grant Overseas Senior Carer Work Permit Holders settlement in the UK without a Judicial Review

By Kashif Majeed

Aston Brooke Solicitors has been at the forefront of catering and protecting the interests of senior carers over the last few years and had recently taken on the fight against the UK Border Agency to grant work permit holders who have the right to indefinite leave to remain in the UK after completing 5 years in the UK irrespective of the fact that they had a gap.

It is unreasonable and unlawful for the UK Border Agency to refuse applications for settlement on the basis that there is a “gap” in the continuous stay for the overseas workers. It is clear that the break in the leave to remain and the work permit for overseas senior carers was as a result of the policy change by the UK Border Agency in August 2007.

This change resulted in outright refusals of all senior carer work permits which were then resolved by continued efforts of the Care Sector and the judicial review initiated by the Aston Brooke.

• Are you a senior carer work permit holder?

• Was your application for an extension of your work permit refused in 2007 and 2008?

• Did the refusal result in “gaps” in your leave to remain?

• Was a subsequent work permit granted to you under the transitional measures for senior carers?

• Have you now completed 5 years in the UK on a work permit irrespective of the “gap”

If the answers to all the above questions are YES then you QUALIFY.

Aston Brooke had submitted a large number of cases to the UK Border Agency who had fallen into the category highlighted above and without full judicial review proceedings the UK Border Agency have reviewed their position and the Secretary of State has decided to overturn the original decisions to refuse indefinite leave to remain and grant the applications.

Therefore, senior carers need not rush to lodge judicial reviews when their cases can be resolved by the cases submitted by Aston Brooke.

At this moment in time, the numbers of senior carers who fall into this category are dramatically increasing.

If you want to demand your right to indefinite leave to remain on the basis of having stayed in the UK for five years, please contact us immediately.

It is important to note that as with the campaign for senior carers in 2007 we require 100% support from the sector.

This means that all those OFWs that have been affected by the issues highlighted above or have been refused settlement after completing five years in the UK on a work permit please contact: Aston Brooke Solicitors and email on info@astonbrooke.co.uk

The UK Border Agency introduced the transitional measures for senior carers with the intent that they would be allowed to continue to stay and work in the UK and apply for settlement.

Therefore, the UKBA will need to accommodate those senior carers who were part of the original transitional measures and allow them to reach settlement in the UK.

If you are affected by the changes brought under the Points Based System, an Employer concerned about your legal obligations or require assistance in applying for your Sponsor Licence or any other immigration enquiry contact Aston Brooke Solicitors

FREE IMMIGRATION SURGERIES

This would provide an opportunity for both overseas workers and employers to speak to a team of lawyers specialising in Immigration Law and the New Points Based System.

Aston Brooke Solicitors 2 Gayton Road Harrow Middlesex HA1 2XU

T: 0208 901 7901 F: 0208 901 4115

Email:

info@astonbrooke.co.uk

http://www.astonbrooke.co.uk/

NOYNOY ROASTS ARROYO

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:57:00 US/Mountain

The State Of The Nation Address (SONA), the first by newly elected President Aquino, has forcefully attacked the previous Arroyo administration on several points, not least that of spending a whopping 108 million pesos of a calamity fund in one area of Pampanga, while the entire province of Pangasinan only got 5 million pesos. Arroyo's home province is Pampanga.

Alleged corrupt practices at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) were another of the anomalies addressed in a very robust attack on the previous government.

The upshot is that former President Arroyo, who coincidentally snubbed the SONA by flying to Hong Kong, has now had a previous reputation as an economist shattered.

P'Noy used the address to detail projects he wants to use to slow down the endemic corruption in government and business as well as improve healthcare for the majority of Filipinos.

This is one of the most dertailed and strong SONA's in recent years. The full address is reproduced below in Filipino, with an English translation underneath.

State of the Nation Address of His Excellency

Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

to the Congress of the Philippines

Session Hall of the House of Representatives

July 26, 2010, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Vice President Jejomar C. Binay; Chief Justice Renato Corona; Former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; my fellow workers in government;

Mga minamahal kong kababayan:

Sa bawat sandali po ng pamamahala ay nahaharap tayo sa isang sangandaan.

Sa isang banda po ay ang pagpili para sa ikabubuti ng taumbayan. Ang pagtanaw sa interes ng nakakarami; ang pagkapit sa prinsipyo; at ang pagiging tapat sa sinumpaan nating tungkulin bilang lingkod-bayan. Ito po ang tuwid na daan.

Sa kabilang banda ay ang pag-una sa pansariling interes. Ang pagpapaalipin sa pulitikal na konsiderasyon, at pagsasakripisyo ng kapakanan ng taumbayan. Ito po ang baluktot na daan.

Matagal pong naligaw ang pamahalaan sa daang baluktot. Araw-araw po, lalong lumilinaw sa akin ang lawak ng problemang ating namana. Damang-dama ko ang bigat ng aking responsibilidad.

Sa unang tatlong linggo ng aming panunungkulan, marami po kaming natuklasan. Nais ko pong ipahayag sa inyo ang iilan lamang sa mga namana nating suliranin at ang ginagawa naming hakbang para lutasin ang mga ito.

Sulyap lamang po ito; hindi pa ito ang lahat ng problemang haharapin natin. Inilihim at sadyang iniligaw ang sambayanan sa totoong kalagayan ng ating bansa.

Sa unang anim na buwan ng taon, mas malaki ang ginastos ng gobyerno kaysa sa pumasok na kita. Lalong lumaki ang deficit natin, na umakyat na sa 196.7 billion pesos. Sa target na kuleksyon, kinapos tayo ng 23.8 billion pesos; ang tinataya namang gastos, nalagpasan natin ng 45.1 billion pesos.

Ang budget po sa 2010 ay 1.54 trillion pesos.

Nasa isandaang bilyong piso o anim at kalahating porsyento na lang ng kabuuan ang malaya nating magagamit para sa nalalabing anim na buwan ng taong ito.

Halos isang porsyento na lang po ng kabuuang budget ang natitira para sa bawat buwan.

Saan naman po dinala ang pera?

Naglaan ng dalawang bilyong piso na Calamity Fund bilang paghahanda para sa mga kalamidad na hindi pa nangyayari. Napakaliit na nga po ng pondo, ngunit kapapasok pa lang natin sa panahon ng baha at bagyo, 1.4 billion pesos o sitenta porsyento na ang nagastos.

Sa kabuuan ng 108 million pesos para sa lalawigan ng Pampanga, 105 million pesos nito ay napunta sa iisang distrito lamang. Samantala, ang lalawigan ng Pangasinan na sinalanta ng Pepeng ay nakatanggap ng limang milyong piso lamang para sa pinsalang idinulot ng bagyong Cosme, na nangyari noong 2008 pa.

Ibinigay po ang pondo ng Pampanga sa buwan ng eleksyon, pitong buwan pagkatapos ng Ondoy at Pepeng. Paano kung bumagyo bukas? Inubos na ang pondo nito para sa bagyong nangyari noong isang taon pa. Pagbabayaran ng kinabukasan ang kasakiman ng nakaraan.

Ganyan din po ang nangyari sa pondo ng MWSS. Kamakailan lamang, pumipila ang mga tao para lang makakuha ng tubig. Sa kabila nito, minabuti pa ng liderato ng MWSS na magbigay ng gantimpala sa sarili kahit hindi pa nababayaran ang pensyon ng mga retiradong empleyado.

Noong 2009, ang buong payroll ng MWSS ay 51.4 million pesos. Pero hindi lang naman po ito ang sahod nila; may mga additional allowances at benefits pa sila na aabot sa 160.1 million pesos. Sa madaling sabi, nakatanggap sila ng 211.5 million pesos noong nakaraang taon. Beinte-kuwatro porsyento lang nito ang normal na sahod, at sitenta'y sais porsyento ang dagdag.

Ang karaniwang manggagawa hanggang 13^th month pay plus cash gift lang ang nakukuha. Sa MWSS, aabot sa katumbas ng mahigit sa tatlumpung buwan ang sahod kasama na ang lahat ng mga bonuses at allowances na nakuha nila.

Mas matindi po ang natuklasan natin sa pasahod ng kanilang Board of Trustees. Tingnan po natin ang mga allowances na tinatanggap nila:

Umupo ka lang sa Board of Trustees at Board Committee meeting, katorse mil na. Aabot ng nobenta'y otso mil ito kada buwan. May grocery incentive pa sila na otsenta mil kada taon.

Hindi lang iyon: may mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, at Financial Assistance. May Christmas bonus na, may Additional Christmas Package pa. Kada isa sa mga ito, nobenta'y otso mil.

Sa suma total po, aabot ang lahat ng dalawa't kalahating milyong piso kada taon sa bawat miyembro ng Board maliban sa pakotse, technical assistance, at pautang. Uulitin ko po. Lahat ng ito ay ibinibigay nila sa kanilang mga sarili habang hindi pa nababayaran ang mga pensyon ng kanilang mga retirees.

Pati po ang La Mesa Watershed ay hindi nila pinatawad. Para magkaroon ng tamang supply ng tubig, kailangang alagaan ang mga watershed. Sa watershed, puno ang kailangan. Pati po iyon na dapat puno ang nakatayo, tinayuan nila ng bahay para sa matataas na opisyal ng MWSS.

Hindi naman sila agad maaalis sa puwesto dahil kabilang sila sa mga Midnight Appointees ni dating Pangulong Arroyo. Iniimbestigahan na natin ang lahat nang ito. Kung mayroon pa silang kahit kaunting hiya na natitira - sana kusa na lang silang magbitiw sa puwesto.

Pag-usapan naman natin po ang pondo para sa imprastruktura. Tumukoy ang DPWH ng dalawandaan apatnapu't anim na priority safety projects na popondohan ng Motor Vehicle Users Charge. Mangangailangan po ito ng budget na 425 million pesos.

Ang pinondohan po, dalawampu't walong proyekto lang. Kinalimutan po ang dalawandaan at labing walong proyekto at pinalitan ng pitumpung proyekto na wala naman sa plano. Ang hininging 425 million pesos, naging 480 million pesos pa, lumaki lalo dahil sa mga proyektong sa piling-piling mga benepisyaryo lang napunta.

Mga proyekto po itong walang saysay, hindi pinag-aralan at hindi pinaghandaan, kaya parang kabuteng sumusulpot.

Tapos na po ang panahon para dito. Sa administrasyon po natin, walang kota-kota, walang tongpats, ang pera ng taumbayan ay gagastusin para sa taumbayan lamang.

Meron pa po tayong natuklasan. Limang araw bago matapos ang termino ng nakaraang administrasyon, nagpautos silang maglabas ng 3.5 billion pesos para sa rehabilitasyon ng mga nasalanta nina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Walumpu't anim na proyekto ang paglalaanan dapat nito na hindi na sana idadaan sa public bidding. Labingsiyam sa mga ito na nagkakahalaga ng 981 million pesos ang muntik nang makalusot. Hindi pa nailalabas ang Special Allotment Release Order ay pirmado na ang mga kontrata.

Buti na lang po ay natuklasan at pinigilan ito ni Secretary Rogelio Singson ng DPWH. Ngayon po ay dadaan na ang kabuuan ng 3.5 billion pesos sa tapat na bidding, at magagamit na ang pondo na ito sa pagbibigay ng lingap sa mga nawalan ng tahanan dahil kina Ondoy at Pepeng.

Pag-usapan naman natin ang nangyari sa NAPOCOR. Noong 2001 hanggang 2004, pinilit ng gobyerno ang NAPOCOR na magbenta ng kuryente nang palugi para hindi tumaas ang presyo. Tila ang dahilan: pinaghahandaan na nila ang eleksyon.

Dahil dito, noong 2004, sumagad ang pagkakabaon sa utang ng NAPOCOR. Napilitan ang pambansang gobyerno na sagutin ang dalawandaang bilyong pisong utang nito.

Ang inakala ng taumbayan na natipid nila sa kuryente ay binabayaran din natin mula sa kaban ng bayan. May gastos na tayo sa kuryente, binabayaran pa natin ang dagdag na pagkakautang ng gobyerno.

Kung naging matino ang pag-utang, sana'y nadagdagan ang ating kasiguruhan sa supply ng kuryente. Pero ang desisyon ay ibinatay sa maling pulitika, at hindi sa pangangailangan ng taumbayan. Ang taumbayan, matapos pinagsakripisyo ay lalo pang pinahirapan.

Ganito rin po ang nangyari sa MRT. Sinubukan na namang bilhin ang ating pagmamahal. Pinilit ang operator na panatilihing mababa ang pamasahe.

Hindi tuloy nagampanan ang garantiyang ibinigay sa operator na mababawi nila ang kanilang puhunan. Dahil dito, inutusan ang Landbank at Development Bank of the Philippines na bilhin ang MRT.

Ang pera ng taumbayan, ipinagpalit sa isang naluluging operasyon.

Dumako naman po tayo sa pondo ng NFA.

Noong 2004: 117,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply ng Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 900,000 metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit pitong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra pa rin ang binili nila.

Noong 2007: 589,000 metric tons ang pagkukulang ng supply sa Pilipinas. Ang binili nila, 1.827 million metric tons. Kahit ulitin mo pa ng mahigit tatlong beses ang pagkukulang, sobra na naman ang binili nila.

Ang masakit nito, dahil sobra-sobra ang binibili nila taun-taon, nabubulok lang pala sa mga kamalig ang bigas, kagaya ng nangyari noong 2008.

Hindi po ba krimen ito, na hinahayaan nilang mabulok ang bigas, sa kabila ng apat na milyong Pilipinong hindi kumakain ng tatlong beses sa isang araw?

Ang resulta nito, umabot na sa 171.6 billion pesos ang utang ng NFA noong Mayo ng taong ito.

Ang tinapon na ito, halos puwede na sanang pondohan ang mga sumusunod:

Ang budget ng buong Hudikatura, na 12.7 billion pesos sa taong ito.

Ang Conditional Cash Transfers para sa susunod na taon, na nagkakahalaga ng 29.6 billion pesos.

Ang lahat ng classroom na kailangan ng ating bansa, na nagkakahalaga ng 130 billion pesos.

Kasuklam-suklam ang kalakarang ito. Pera na, naging bato pa.

Narinig po ninyo kung paano nilustay ang kaban ng bayan. Ang malinaw po sa ngayon: ang anumang pagbabago ay magmumula sa pagsiguro natin na magwawakas na ang pagiging maluho at pagwawaldas.

Kaya nga po mula ngayon: ititigil na natin ang paglulustay sa salapi ng bayan. Tatanggalin natin ang mga proyektong mali.

Ito po ang punto ng tinatawag nating zero-based approach sa ating budget. Ang naging kalakaran po, taun-taon ay inuulit lamang ang budget na puno ng tagas. Dadagdagan lang nang konti, puwede na.

Sa susunod na buwan ay maghahain tayo ng budget na kumikilala nang tama sa mga problema, at magtutuon din ng pansin sa tamang solusyon.

Ilan lang ito sa mga natuklasan nating problema. Heto naman po ang ilang halimbawa ng mga hakbang na ginagawa natin.

Nandiyan po ang kaso ng isang may-ari ng sanglaan. Bumili siya ng sasakyang tinatayang nasa dalawampu't anim na milyong piso ang halaga.

Kung kaya mong bumili ng Lamborghini, bakit hindi mo kayang magbayad ng buwis?

Nasampahan na po ito ng kaso. Sa pangunguna nina Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares at Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, bawat linggo po ay may bago tayong kasong isinasampa kontra sa mga smuggler at sa mga hindi nagbabayad ng tamang buwis.

Natukoy na rin po ang salarin sa mga kaso nina Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio at Miguel Belen, tatlo sa anim na insidente ng extralegal killings mula nang umupo tayo.

Singkuwenta porsyento po ng mga insidente ng extralegal killings ang patungo na sa kanilang resolusyon.

Ang natitira pong kalahati ay hindi natin tatantanan ang pag-usig hanggang makamit ang katarungan.

Pananagutin natin ang mga mamamatay-tao. Pananagutin din natin ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno.

Nagsimula nang mabuo ang ating Truth Commission, sa pangunguna ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide. Hahanapin natin ang katotohanan sa mga nangyari diumanong katiwalian noong nakaraang siyam na taon.

Sa loob ng linggong ito, pipirmahan ko ang kauna-unahang Executive Order na nagtatalaga sa pagbuo nitong Truth Commission.

Kung ang sagot sa kawalan ng katarungan ay pananagutan, ang sagot naman sa kakulangan natin sa pondo ay mga makabago at malikhaing paraan para tugunan ang mga pagkatagal-tagal nang problema.

Napakarami po ng ating pangangailangan: mula sa edukasyon, imprastruktura, pangkalusugan, pangangailangan ng militar at kapulisan, at marami pang iba. Hindi kakasya ang pondo para mapunan ang lahat ng ito.

Kahit gaano po kalaki ang kakulangan para mapunan ang mga listahan ng ating pangangailangan, ganado pa rin ako dahil marami nang nagpakita ng panibagong interes at kumpyansa sa Pilipinas.

Ito ang magiging solusyon: mga Public-Private Partnerships. Kahit wala pa pong pirmahang nangyayari dito, masasabi kong maganda ang magiging bunga ng maraming usapin ukol dito.

May mga nagpakita na po ng interes, gustong magtayo ng expressway na mula Maynila, tatahak ng Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, hanggang sa dulo ng Cagayan Valley nang hindi gugugol ang estado kahit na po piso.

Sa larangan ng ating Sandatahang Lakas:

Mayroon po tayong 36,000 nautical miles ng baybayin. Ang mayroon lamang tayo: tatlumpu't dalawang barko. Itong mga barkong ito, panahon pa ni General MacArthur.

May nagmungkahi sa atin, ito ang proposisyon: uupahan po nila ang headquarters ng Navy sa Roxas Boulevard at ang Naval Station sa Fort Bonifacio.

Sagot po nila ang paglipat ng Navy Headquarters sa Camp Aguinaldo. Agaran, bibigyan tayo ng isandaang milyong dolyar. At dagdag pa sa lahat nang iyan, magsusubi pa sila sa atin ng kita mula sa mga negosyong itatayo nila sa uupahan nilang lupa.

Sa madali pong sabi: Makukuha natin ang kailangan natin, hindi tatayo gagastos, kikita pa tayo.

Marami na pong nag-alok at nagmungkahi sa atin, mula lokal hanggang dayuhang negosyante, na magpuno ng iba't ibang pangangailangan.

Mula sa mga public-private partnerships na ito, lalago ang ating ekonomiya, at bawat Pilipino makikinabang. Napakaraming sektor na matutulungan nito.

Maipapatayo na po ang imprastrukturang kailangan natin para palaguin ang turismo.

Sa agrikultura, makapagtatayo na tayo ng mga grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, maayos na road networks at post-harvest facilities.

Kung maisasaayos natin ang ating food supply chain sa tulong ng pribadong sektor, sa halip na mag-angkat tayo ay maari na sana tayong mangarap na mag-supply sa pandaigdigang merkado.

Kung maitatayo ang minumungkahi sa ating mga railway system, bababa ang presyo ng bilihin. Mas mura, mas mabilis, mas maginhawa, at makakaiwas pa sa kotong cops at mga kumokotong na rebelde ang mga bumibiyahe.

Paalala lang po: una sa ating plataporma ang paglikha ng mga trabaho, at nanggagaling ang trabaho sa paglago ng industriya. Lalago lamang ang industriya kung gagawin nating mas malinis, mas mabilis, at mas maginhawa ang proseso para sa mga gustong magnegosyo.

Pabibilisin natin ang proseso ng mga proyektong sumasailalim sa Build-Operate-Transfer. Sa tulong ng lahat ng sangay ng gobyerno at ng mga mamamayan, pabababain natin sa anim na buwan ang proseso na noon ay inaabot ng taon kung hindi dekada.

May mga hakbang na rin pong sinisimulan ang DTI, sa pamumuno ni Secretary Gregory Domingo:

Ang walang-katapusang pabalik-balik sa proseso ng pagrehistro ng pangalan ng kumpanya, na kada dalaw ay umaabot ng apat hanggang walong oras, ibababa na natin sa labinlimang minuto.

Ang dating listahan ng tatlumpu't anim na dokumento, ibababa natin sa anim. Ang dating walong pahinang application form, ibababa natin sa isang pahina.

Nananawagan ako sa ating mga LGUs. Habang naghahanap tayo ng paraan para gawing mas mabilis ang pagbubukas ng mga negosyo, pag-aralan din sana nila ang kanilang mga proseso. Kailangan itong gawing mas mabilis, at kailangan itong itugma sa mga sinisumulan nating reporma.

Negosyante, sundalo, rebelde, at karaniwang Pilipino, lahat po makikinabang dito. Basta po hindi dehado ang Pilipino, papasukin po natin lahat iyan. Kailangan na po nating simulan ang pagtutulungan para makamit ito. Huwag nating pahirapan ang isa't isa.

Parating na po ang panahon na hindi na natin kailangang mamili sa pagitan ng seguridad ng ating mamamayan o sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak.

Oras na maipatupad ang public-private partnerships na ito, mapopondohan ang mga serbisyong panlipunan, alinsunod sa ating plataporma.

Magkakapondo na po para maipatupad ang mga plano natin sa edukasyon.

Mapapalawak natin ang basic education cycle mula sa napakaikling sampung taon tungo sa global standard na labindalawang taon.

Madadagdagan na natin ang mga classroom. Mapopondohan na natin ang service contracting sa ilalim ng GASTPE.

Pati ang conditional cash transfers, na magbabawas ng pabigat sa bulsa ng mga pamilya, madadagdan na rin ng pondo.

Maipapatupad ang plano natin sa PhilHealth.

Una, tutukuyin natin ang tunay na bilang ng mga nangangailangan nito. Sa ngayon, hindi magkakatugma ang datos. Sabi ng PhilHealth sa isang bibig, walumpu't pitong porsyento na raw ang merong coverage. Sa kabilang bibig naman, singkuwenta'y tres porsyento naman. Ayon naman sa National Statistics Office, tatlumpu't walong porsyento ang may coverage.

Ngayon pa lang, kumikilos na si Secretary Dinky Soliman at ang DSWD upang ipatupad ang National Household Targetting System, na magtutukoy sa mga pamilyang higit na nagangailangan ng tulong. Tinatayang siyam na bilyon ang kailangan para mabigyan ng PhilHealth ang limang milyong pinakamaralitang pamilyang Pilipino.

Napakaganda po ng hinaharap natin. Kasama na po natin ang pribadong sektor, at kasama na rin natin ang League of Provinces, sa pangunguna nina Governor Alfonso Umali kasama sina Governor L-Ray Villafuerte at Governor Icot Petilla. Handa na pong makipagtulungan para makibahagi sa pagtustos ng mga gastusin. Alam ko rin pong hindi magpapahuli ang League of Cities sa pangunguna ni Mayor Oscar Rodriguez.

Kung ang mga gobyernong lokal ay nakikiramay na sa ating mga adhikain, ang Kongreso namang pinanggalingan ko, siguro naman maasahan ko din.

Nagpakitang-gilas na po ang gabinete sa pagtukoy ng ating mga problema at sa paglulunsad ng mga solusyon sa loob lamang ng tatlong linggo.

Nang bagyo pong Basyang, ang sabi sa atin ng mga may prangkisa sa kuryente, apat na araw na walang kuryente. Dahil sa mabilis na pagkilos ni Secretary Rene Almendras at ng Department of Energy, naibalik ang kuryente sa halos lahat sa loob lamang ng beinte-kwatro oras.

Ito pong sinasabing kakulangan sa tubig sa Metro Manila, kinilusan agad ni Secretary Rogelio Singson at ng DPWH. Hindi na siya naghintay ng utos, kaya nabawasan ang perwisyo.

Nakita na rin natin ang gilas ng mga hinirang nating makatulong sa Gabinete. Makatuwiran naman po sigurong umasa na hindi na sila padadaanin sa butas ng karayom para makumpirma ng Commission on Appointments. Kung mangyayari po ito, marami pa sa mga mahuhusay na Pilipino ang maeengganyong magsilbi sa gobyerno.

Sa lalong madaling panahon po, uupo na tayo sa LEDAC at pag-uusapan ang mga mahahalagang batas na kailangan nating ipasa. Makakaasa kayo na mananatiling bukas ang aking isipan, at ang ating ugnayan ay mananatiling tapat.

Isinusulong po natin ang Fiscal Responsibility Bill, kung saan hindi tayo magpapasa ng batas na mangangailangan ng pondo kung hindi pa natukoy ang panggagalingan nito. May 104.1 billion pesos tayong kailangan para pondohan ang mga batas na naipasa na, ngunit hindi maipatupad.

Kailangan din nating isaayos ang mga insentibong piskal na ibinigay noong nakaraan. Ngayong naghihigpit tayo ng sinturon, kailangang balikan kung alin sa mga ito ang dapat manatili at kung ano ang dapat nang itigil.

Huwag po tayong pumayag na magkaroon ng isa pang NBN-ZTE. Sa lokal man o dayuhan manggagaling ang pondo, dapat dumaan ito sa tamang proseso. Hinihingi ko po ang tulong ninyo upang amiyendahan ang ating Procurement Law.

Ayon po sa Saligang Batas, tungkulin ng estado ang siguruhing walang lamangan sa merkado. Bawal ang monopolya, bawal ang mga cartel na sasakal sa kumpetisyon. Kailangan po natin ng isang Anti-Trust Law na magbibigay-buhay sa mga prinsipyong ito. Ito ang magbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga Small- at Medium-scale Enterprises na makilahok at tumulong sa paglago ng ating ekonomiya.

Ipasa na po natin ang National Land Use Bill.

Una rin pong naging batas ng Commonwealth ang National Defense Act, na ipinasa noon pang 1935. Kailangan nang palitan ito ng batas na tutugon sa pangangailangan ng pambansang seguridad sa kasalukuyan.

Nakikiusap po akong isulong ang Whistleblower's Bill upang patuloy nang iwaksi ang kultura ng takot at pananahimik.

Palalakasin pa lalo ang Witness Protection Program. Alalahanin po natin na noong taong 2009 hanggang 2010, may nahatulan sa 95% ng mga kaso kung saan may witness na sumailalim sa programang ito.

Kailangang repasuhin ang ating mga batas. Nanawagan po akong umpisahan na ang rekodipikasyon ng ating mga batas, upang siguruhing magkakatugma sila at hindi salu-salungat.

Ito pong mga batas na ito ang batayan ng kaayusan, ngunit ang pundasyon ng lahat ng ginagawa natin ay ang prinsipyong wala tayong mararating kung walang kapayapaan at katahimikan.

Dalawa ang hinaharap nating suliranin sa usapin ng kapayapaan: ang situwasyon sa Mindanao, at ang patuloy na pag-aaklas ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF.

Iiwasan natin ang mga pagkakamaling nangyari sa nakaraang administrasyon, kung saan binulaga na lang ang mga mamamayan ng Mindanao. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa mga dudang may kulay ng pulitika ang proseso, at hindi ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ang tanging interes.

Kinikilala natin ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng MILF sa pamamagitan ng pagdidisplina sa kanilang hanay. Inaasahan natin na muling magsisimula ang negosasyon pagkatapos ng Ramadan.

Tungkol naman po sa CPP-NPA-NDF: handa na ba kayong maglaan ng kongkretong mungkahi, sa halip na pawang batikos lamang?

Kung kapayapaan din ang hangad ninyo, handa po kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. Kayo po ba a handa din? Mag-usap tayo.

Mahirap magsimula ang usapan habang mayroon pang amoy ng pulbura sa hangin. Nananawagan ako: huwag po natin hayaang masayang ang napakagandang pagkakataong ito upang magtipon sa ilalim ng iisang adhikain.

Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran. Habang nagpapatuloy ang barilan, patuloy din ang pagkakagapos natin sa kahirapan.

Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo. At ang sakripisyong ito ay magiging puhunan para sa ating kinabukasan. Kaakibat ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan ay ang tungkulin natin sa kapwa at sa bayan.

Inaasahan ko po ang ating mga kaibigan sa media, lalo na sa radyo at sa print, sa mga nagbablock-time, at sa community newspapers, kayo na po mismo ang magbantay sa inyong hanay.

Mabigyang-buhay sana ang mga batayang prinsipyo ng inyong bokasyon: ang magbigay-linaw sa mahahalagang isyu; ang maging patas at makatotohanan, at ang itaas ang antas ng pampublikong diskurso.

Tungkulin po ng bawat Pilipino na tutukan ang mga pinunong tayo rin naman ang nagluklok sa puwesto. Humakbang mula sa pakikialam tungo sa pakikilahok. Dahil ang nakikialam, walang-hanggan ang reklamo. Ang nakikilahok, nakikibahagi sa solusyon.

Napakatagal na pong namamayani ang pananaw na ang susi sa asenso ay ang intindihin ang sarili kaysa intindihin ang kapwa. Malinaw po sa akin: paano tayo aasenso habang nilalamangan ang kapwa?

Ang hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataong mag-aral, paanong makakakuha ng trabaho? Kung walang trabaho, paanong magiging konsumer? Paanong mag-iimpok sa bangko?

Ngunit kung babaliktarin natin ang pananaw-kung iisipin nating "Dadagdagan ko ang kakayahan ng aking kapwa"-magbubunga po ito, at ang lahat ay magkakaroon ng pagkakataon.

Maganda na po ang nasimulan natin. At mas lalong maganda po ang mararating natin. Ngunit huwag nating kalimutan na mayroong mga nagnanasang hindi tayo magtagumpay. Dahil kapag hindi tayo nagtagumpay, makakabalik na naman sila sa kapangyarihan, at sa pagsasamantala sa taumbayan.

Akin pong paniwala na Diyos at taumbayan ang nagdala sa ating kinalalagyan ngayon. Habang nakatutok tayo sa kapakanan ng ating kapwa, bendisyon at patnubay ay tiyak na maaasahan natin sa Poong Maykapal. At kapag nanalig tayo na ang kasangga natin ay ang Diyos, mayroon ba tayong hindi kakayanin?

Ang mandato nating nakuha sa huling eleksyon ay patunay na umaasa pa rin ang Pilipino sa pagbabago. Iba na talaga ang situwasyon. Puwede na muling mangarap. Tayo nang tumungo sa katuparan ng ating mga pinangarap.

Maraming salamat po.

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

State of the Nation Address of His Excellency

Benigno S. Aquino III

President of the Philippines

to the Congress of the Philippines

Session Hall of the House of Representatives

July 26, 2010, Batasan Pambansa Complex, Quezon City

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte; Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile; Vice President Jejomar Binay, Chief Justice Renato Corona, Former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps;

My beloved countrymen:

Our administration is facing a forked road. On one direction, decisions are made to protect the welfare of our people; to look after the interest of the majority; to have a firm grip on principles; and to be faithful to the public servant's sworn oath to serve the country honestly.

This is the straight path.

On the other side, personal interest is the priority, and where one becomes a slave to political considerations to the detriment of our nation.

This is the crooked path.

For a long time, our country lost its way in the crooked path. As days go by (since I became President), the massive scope of the problems we have inherited becomes much clearer. I could almost feel the weight of my responsibilities.

In the first three weeks of our administration, we discovered many things, and I will report to you some of the problems we have uncovered, and the steps we are taking to solve them.

This report is merely a glimpse of our situation. It is not the entire picture of the crises we are facing. The reality was hidden from our people, who seem to have been deliberately obfuscated on the real state of our nation.

In the first six years of this year, government expenditure exceeded our revenues. Our deficit further increased to PhP196.7 billion. Our collection targets, which lack PhP23.8 billion, were not fully met, while we went beyond our spending by PhP45.1 billion.

Our budget for 2010 is PhP1.54 trillion. Of this, only PhP100 billion - or 6.5% of the total budget - can be used for the remaining six months of the current year. Roughly 1% of the total budget is left for each of the remaining month.

Where did the funds go?

A calamity fund worth PhP2 billion was reserved in preparation for anticipated calamities. Of this already miniscule amount, at a time when the rainy season has yet to set in, PhP1.4 billion or 70% was already spent.

The entire province of Pampanga received PhP108 million. Of this, PhP105 million went to only one district. On the other hand, the province of Pangasinan, which was severely affected by Typhoon Pepeng, received a mere PhP5 million, which had to be used to fix damages inflicted not even by Pepeng, but by a previous typhoon, Cosme.

The funds were released on election month, which was seven months after the typhoon. What will happen if a typhoon arrives tomorrow? The fund has been used up to repair damage from typhoons that hit us last year. Our future will pay for the greed of yesterday.

This is also what happened to the funds of the MWSS. Just recently, people lined up for water while the leadership of the MWSS rewarded itself even though the pensions of retired employees remain unpaid.

The entire payroll of the MWSS amounts to 51.4 million pesos annually. But this isn't the full extent of what they receive: they receive additional allowances and benefits amounting to 81.1 million pesos. In short, they receive 211.5 million pesos annually. Twenty four percent of this is for normal salaries, and sixty six percent is added on.

The average worker receives up to 13^th month pay plus a cash gift. In the MWSS, they receive the equivalent of over thirty months pay if you include all their additional bonuses and allowances.

What we discovered in the case of the salaries of their board of trustees is even more shocking. Let's take a look at the allowances they receive:

Attending board of trustees and board committee meetings, and you get fourteen thousands pesos. This totals ninety eight thousand pesos a month. They also get an annual grocery incentive of eighty thousand pesos.

And that's not all. They get a mid-year bonus, productivity bonus, anniversary bonus, year-end bonus, and financial assistance. They not only get a Christmas bonus, but an additional Christmas package as well. Each of these amounts to eighty thousand pesos. All in all, each member of the board receives two and a half million pesos a year exclusive of car service, technical assistance, and loans. Let me repeat. They award themselves all of these while being in arrears for the pensions of their retired employees.

Even the La Mesa watershed wasn't spared. In order to ensure an adequate supply of water, we need to protect our watersheds. In watersheds, trees are needed. Where there should be trees, they built homes for the top officials of the MWSS.

We cannot remove them from their positions quickly because they are among the midnight appointees of former president Arroyo. We are investigating all of these things. But if they have any shame left, they should voluntarily relinquish their positions.

Now let's discuss funds for infrastructure. The DPWH identified two hundred forty six priority safety projects to be funded by the motor vehicle user's charge. This needs a budget of 425 million pesos. What they ended up funding were only 28 projects. They disregarded 218 projects and replaced these with seventy projects that weren't in the plans. The 425 million pesos originally asked for became 480 million pesos, increasing because of projects allocated for a favored few.

These projects make no sense: unstudied and unprepared for, sprouting like mushrooms.

The era of such projects is at an end. Under our administration, there will be no quotas, there will be no overpricing, the funds of the people will be spent for the people.

There's more. Five days before the term of the previous administration ended, they ordered 3.5 billion pesos to be released for the rehabilitation of those affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. This was supposed to fund eighty-nine projects. But nineteen of these projects amounting to 981 million pesos didn't go through public bidding. Special Allotment Release Orders hadn't even been released and yet the contracts were already signed. It's a good thing Secretary Rogelio Singson spotted and stopped them. Instead, they will all go through the proper bidding, and the funds will be used to provide relief to those who lost their homes due to typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

Let's discuss what happened in Napocor. From 2001 to 2004, the government forced Napocor to sell electricity at a loss to prevent increases in electricity rates. The real motivation for this is that they were preparing for the election.

As a result, in 2004, NAPOCOR slumped deeply in debt. The government was obligated to shoulder the 200 billion pesos it owed.

What the public thought they saved from electricity, we are now paying for using public coffers. Not only are we paying for the cost of electricity; we are also paying for the interest arising from the debt.

If the money we borrowed was used properly, then there would be added assurance that constant supply of electricity is available. However, this decision was based on bad politics, not on the true needs of the people. The people, after having to sacrifice, suffered even more.

This is also what happened to the MRT. The government tried again to buy the people's love. The operator was forced to keep the rates low.

In effect, the guarantee given to the operator that he will still be able to recoup his investment was not fulfilled. Because of this, Landbank and the Development Bank of the Philippines were ordered to purchase the MRT.

The money of the people was used in exchange for an operation that was losing money.

Let us now move on to the funds of the National Food Authority (NFA).

In 2004: 117,000 metric tons (of rice) was the shortage in the supply of the Philippines. What they (the government) bought were 900,000 metric tons. Even if you multiply for more than seven times the amount of shortage, they still bought more than what was needed.

In 2007: 589,000 metric tons was the shortage in the supply of the Philippines. What they bought were 1.827 million metric tons. Even if you multiply for more than three times the amount of shortage, they again bought more than what was needed.

What hurts is, because they keep purchasing more than what they need year after year, the excess rice that had to be stored in warehouses ended up rotting, just like what happened in 2008.

Is this not a crime, letting rice rot, despite the fact that there are 4 million Filipinos who do not eat three times a day?

The result is NFA's current debt of 177 billion pesos.

This money that was wasted could have funded the following:

- The budget of the entire judiciary, which is at 12.7 billion pesos this year.
- The Conditional Cash Transfers for the following year, which cost 29.6 billion pesos.
- All the classrooms that our country needs, which cost 130 billion pesos.

This way of doing things is revolting. Money was there only to be wasted.

You have heard how the public coffers were squandered. This is what is clear to me now: change can only come from our determination to stamp out this extravagance and profligacy.

That is why starting now: we will stop the wasteful use of government funds. We will eradicate projects that are wrong.

This is the point of what we call the zero-based approach in our budget. What used to be the norm was every year, the budget merely gets re-enacted without plugging the holes.

Next month we will be submitting a budget that accurately identifies the problem and gives much attention on the right solution.

Those that I have mentioned were only some of the problems we have discovered. Here now are examples of the steps we are undertaking to solve them.

There is a case of one pawnshop owner. He purchased a vehicle at an estimated cost of 26 million pesos.

If he can afford to buy a Lamborghini, why can't he pay his taxes?

A case has already been filed against him. Through the leadership of Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, BIR Commissioner Kim Henares, Customs Commissioner Lito Alvarez, and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, every week we have new cases filed against smugglers and against those who do not pay the right taxes.

We have also already identified the suspects of the cases of Francisco Baldomero, Jose Daguio and Miguel Belen, 3 of the 6 incidents of extralegal killings since we assumed the Presidency.

Fifty percent (50%) of these incidents of extralegal killings are now on their way to being resolved.

We will not stop the pursuit of the remaining half of these killings until justice has been achieved.

We will hold murderers accountable. We will also hold those who are corrupt that work in government accountable for their actions.

We have begun forming our Truth Commission, through the leadership of former Chief Justice Hilario Davide. We will search for the truth on the alleged wrongdoing committed in the last nine years.

This week, I will sign the first ever Executive Order on the formation of this Truth Commission.

If the answer to justice is accountability, the answer to the dearth in funds is a new and creative approach to our long-standing problems.

We have so many needs: from education, infrastructure, health, military, police and more. Our funds will not be enough to meet them.

No matter how massive the deficit is that may keep us from paying for this list of needs, I am heartened because many have already expressed renewed interest and confidence in the Philippines.

Our solution: public-private partnerships. Although no contract has been signed yet, I can say that ongoing talks with interested investors will yield fruitful outcomes.

There are some who have already shown interest and want to build an expressway from Manila that will pass through Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, until the end of Cagayan Valley, without the government having to spend a single peso.

On national defense:

We have 36,000 nautical miles of shoreline, but we only have 32 boats. These boats are as old as the time of (US General Douglas) MacArthur.

Some had this proposition: they will rent the Navy headquarters on Roxas Boulevard and the Naval Station in Fort Bonifacio.

They will take care of the funding necessary to transfer the Navy Headquarters to Camp Aguinaldo. Immediately, we will be given 100 million dollars. Furthermore, they will give us a portion of their profits from their businesses that would occupy the land they will rent.

In short, we will meet our needs without spending, and we will also earn.

There have already been many proposals from local to foreign investors to provide for our various needs.

From these public-private partnerships, our economy will grow and every Filipino will be the beneficiary. There are so many sectors that could benefit from this.

We will be able to construct the needed infrastructure in order to help tourism grow.

In agriculture, we will be able to have access to grains terminals, refrigeration facilities, orderly road networks and post-harvest facilities.

If we can fix out food supply chain with the help of the private sector, instead of importing, we will hopefully be able to supply for the needs of the global market.

The prices of commodities will go down if we are able to make this efficient railway system a reality. It will be cheaper and faster, and it will be easier for travelers to avoid crooked cops and rebels.

A reminder to all: creating jobs is foremost on our agenda, and the creation of jobs will come from the growth of our industries. Growth will only be possible if we streamline processes to make them predictable, reliable and efficient for those who want to invest.

We make sure that the Build-Operate-and-Transfer projects will undergo quick and efficient processes. With the help of all government agencies concerned and the people, a process that used to take as short as a year and as long as a decade will now only take six months.

The Department of Trade and Industry has already taken steps to effect this change, under the leadership of Secretary Gregory Domingo:

The never-ending horror story of registering business names, which used to take a minimum of four to eight hours depending on the day, will be cut down drastically to fifteen minutes.

What used to be a check list of thirty-six documents will be shortened to a list of six, and the old eight-page application form will be whittled down to one page.

I call on our local government units to review its own procedures. While we look for more ways to streamline our processes to make business start-ups easier, I hope the LGUs can also find ways to implement reforms that will be consistent with the ones we have already started.

All will certainly benefit from this streamlining -- be it businessmen, soldiers, rebels and ordinary Filipinos. As long as the interests of Filipinos will not be jeopardized, we will explore all available avenues to make this a reality. We must start now, and we should all help achieve this and not stand in each other's way.

The time when we will no longer be made to choose between our people's security and the future of our children is upon us now.

Once we implement these public-private partnerships, we will be able to fund public service in accordance with our platform.

This will enable us to fund our plans for education.

We will be able to expand our basic education cycle from seven years to the global standard of twelve years.

We can build more classrooms, and we will fund service contracting under the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Program (GASTPE).

Conditional cash transfers that aim to lessen the burden of education on parents will also be funded if this partnership becomes a reality.

Our plans for improving PhilHealth can now be within reach.

First, we will identify the correct number of Filipinos who sorely need PhilHealth coverage, as current data is conflicting on this matter. On one hand, PhilHealth says that eighty-seven percent (87%) of Filipinos are covered, then lowers the number to only fifty-three percent (53%). On the other hand, the National Statistics Office says that only thirty-eight percent (38%) of Filipinos are covered by Philhealth.

Even as we speak, Secretary Dinky Soliman and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are moving to implement the National Household Targeting System that will identify the families that most urgently need assistance. An estimated 9 billion pesos is needed in order to provide coverage for five million poor Filipinos.

Our country is beginning to see better days ahead. The private sector, the League of Provinces headed by Governor Alfonso Umali, together with Governors L-Ray Villafuerte and Icot Petilla, are now ready to do their share when it comes to shouldering the financial burden. I know that the League of Cities under the leadership of Mayor Oscar Rodriguez will not be far behind.

If the local governments share in our goals, I know that I can surely count on Congress, the institution where I began public service, to push for our agenda for change.

Our Cabinet has already showed it skill by identifying not just problems but also proposing solutions in a matter of three weeks.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Basyang, we were told by those in the power sector that we would be without electricity for four days. The quick action of Secretary Rene Almendras and the Department of Energy resulted in the restoration of power to almost all those affected within twenty-four hours.

The so-called water shortage in Metro Manila was quickly attended to by Secretary Rogelio Singson and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Secretary Singson did it without prodding, which alleviated the suffering of those affected.

We also witnessed the competence and initiative of those we appointed to be part of our Cabinet. It is but just that they not be forced to go through the eye of a needle to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments. Should this happen, competent Filipinos will be encouraged to help our country by becoming public servants.

In the soonest possible time, we will convene the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) to discuss the important bills that need to be addressed. Rest assured that I will keep an open mind and treat you honorably.

We will push for the Fiscal Responsibility Bill, which will limit spending bills only for appropriations that have identified a source of funding. We need 104.1 billion pesos to fund those laws already passed but whose implementation remains pending because of lack of funds.

We will re-evaluate fiscal incentives given in the past. Now that we are tightening our purse strings, we need to identify those incentives that will remain and those that need to be done away with.

We will not allow another NBN-ZTE scandal to happen again. Whether from local or foreign sources, all proposed contracts must undergo the scrutiny of correct procedures. I now ask for your help with amending our Procurement Law.

According to our Constitution, it is the government's duty to ensure that the market is fair for all. No monopolies, no cartels that kill competition. We need an Anti-Trust Law that will give life to these principles, to afford Small- and Medium-Scale Enterprises the opportunity to participate in the growth of our economy.

Let us pass into law the National Land Use Bill.

It was in 1935, during the Commonwealth, that the National Defense Act was passed. There is a need to amend for a new law that is more responsive to the current needs of national security.

I appeal to our legislators to pass the Whistleblower's Bill to eradicate the prevalent culture of fear and silence that has hounded our system.

We will strengthen the Witness Protection Program. We must remember that from 2009 to 2010 alone, cases which involved the participation of witnesses under the program resulted in a ninety-five percent conviction.

There is a need to review our laws. I call on our lawmakers to begin a re-codification of our laws to ensure harmony in legislation and eliminate contradictions.

These laws serve as the basis of order in our land, but the foundation of all rests on the principle that we cannot grow without peace and order.

We face two obstacles on our road to peace: the situation in Mindanao and the continued revolt of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Our view has not changed when it comes to the situation in Mindanao. We will only achieve lasting peace if all stakeholders engage in an honest dialogue: may they be Moro, Lumad, or Christian. We have asked Dean Marvic Leonen to head our efforts to talk to the MILF.

We will learn from the mistakes of the past administration, that suddenly announced an agreement reached without consultations from all concerned. We are not blind to the fact that it was done with political motivation, and that the interest behind it was not that of the people.

We recognize the efforts of the MILF to discipline those within its ranks. We are hopeful that the negotiations will begin after Ramadan.

To the CPP-NPA-NDF: are you prepared to put forth concrete solutions rather than pure criticism and finger-pointing?

If it is peace you truly desire, then we are ready for an immediate cease-fire. Let us go back to the table and begin talking again.

It is difficult to begin discussions in earnest if the smell of gun powder still hangs in the air. I call on everyone concerned not to waste a good opportunity to rally behind our common aspiration for peace.

Our foundation for growth is peace. We will continue to be shackled by poverty if the crossfire persists.

We must understand that now is a time for sacrifice. It is this sacrifice that will pave the way for a better future. With our freedom comes our responsibility to do good unto our fellows and to our country.

To our friends in media, especially those in radio and print, to the block-timers and those in our community newspapers, I trust that you will take up the cudgels to police your own ranks.

May you give new meaning to the principles of your vocation: to provide clarity to pressing issues; to be fair and truthful in your reporting, and to raise the level of public discourse.

It is every Filipino's duty to closely watch the leaders that you have elected. I encourage everyone to take a step towards participation rather than fault-finding. The former takes part in finding a solution; from the latter, never-ending complaints.

We have always known that the key to growth is putting the interest of others beyond one's own. One thing is clear: how do we move forward if we keep putting others down?

How will those without education secure quality jobs? How will the unemployed become consumers? How will they save money for their future needs?

If we change all this, if we prioritize enabling others, we will open a world of opportunities not just for ourselves but for those who direly need it.

We have already begun the process of change, and we are now able to dream of better things for our country. Let us not forget that there are those who wish us to fail, so that they will once again reclaim power to do as they please at the expense of our people.

My firm belief is that our fate is in the hands of God and our people. While we focus on uplifting the lives of our fellow men, I have an unshakeable faith that Almighty God will give us His blessings and support. If we remain firm in our belief that God is on our side, is there anything impossible for us to achieve?

The mandate we received last May 10 is testament to the fact that the Filipino continues to hope for true change. The situation is not what it was before; we can all dream again. Let us all become one in achieving a fulfilment of our hopes and aspirations for our country.

Maraming Salamat Po!

PRECISION TRAINING SCAM: BRITISH GOVERNMENT REPORT REVEALS MORE DIRT

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:49:00 US/Mountain

The creditor's report into the Precision Training scandal has been released by the Insolvency Service. What has been revealed is that there will be no meeting for creditors as there has been no money discovered by the investigation team.

Of more importance are four revelations, one of which will come as no surprise to all those who lost money to the husband and wife team, Nichola and Salim Shivji.

When forming the company, Nichola Shivji was made main director with Salim being only "company secretary". This was so that the DIUS license to sponsor students would not be a problem as his criminal records would have meant no license.

The second revelation is confirmation that the Shivji's, along with their Filipino partners, set up a very short lived and disastrous call center in the Philippines. There were stories previously about this, along with complaints from call center staffers who were unceremoniously dumped with no pay.

Then there are the twin bombshells which are more likely to end up with criminal prosecutions, aside from the obvious ones of fraud and that of trading whilst insolvent, which are in respect of Value Addet Tax (VAT) and withholding taxes of employees.

There were many rumors that Salim Shivji had been convicted of drugs offences, the admission that although Nichola Shivji was in charge of sales and officially the husband was company secretary, he was in overall day to day control of the company. They had obviously been aware that an application for a license to sponsor overseas students, then called the DIUS register, would have almost certainly entailed a criminal records check which would have revealed his criminal past.

The admission of the Philippine call center fiasco, along with the scandal Precision Training itself which left over 1,200 students with no qualifications, is the matter of accounts and monies which have been hidden from the investigation authorities. As seen in the 65 page DTI investigation report, there have been accounts which do not tally, including less than £500 being recorded as being spent by the Shivji's whilst in Manila.

As evidenced in the creditors report, Mrs Shivji alone spent at least 2 weeks in the Philippines, whilst her husband also spent at least 2 weeks there but the figures recorded as spending would not seem credible, as well the setting up and running of a call center office, even if it only lasted a risibly laughable 2 weeks. This is a serious indication that the Shivji's are still hiding certain bank accounts, along with possibly other credit cards and possibly other, as yet, undisclosed funds.

The DTI, in the form of the Insolvency Service, can, when they see proof, bring charges for trading whilst insolvent as well as fraudulent trading. They have told Balita Pinoy they are not at this stage yet as their investigations are still ongoing. However, the one government department which has more teeth, and sometimes acts almost as a pit-bull terrier, is the dreaded tax man.

There are 2 nightmares now looming for the Shivji's, the fact of a possible Value Added Tax (VAT) fraud, as well as that of not paying their empoyees withholding taxes (which they deducted from the employees salaries).

The taxman in the UK is known as Her Majesties Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Until 5 years ago the general taxation department and that of the customs were separate entities when they were merged into one body.

In relation to the withholding taxes and National Insurance payments, there is already proof these payments were deducted from employees wages but not remitted to the British government by HMRC, which would constitute prima facie evidence of theft.

The VAT issue is slightly more complicated by the fact that officially Precision Training were supposed to be an educational establishment which is exempt from VAT. However, as they were also placing the students in workplaces (care homes, etc), this may be grounds for saying they were also in the employment business.

Whatever the results of the investigations, and possible proceedings from the taxman and Insolvency Service, this story has not closed its final chapter yet.

Double click the image below to read the report:

17 FILIPINOS FORCED OTHERS INTO PROSTITUTION IN UAE

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:47:00 US/Mountain

The Philippine Embassy in the United Arab Emirates said that 17 Filipinos were arrested in Abu Dhabi earlier this month for operating a human trafficking syndicate forcing other Filipinos into prostitution.

Nine Filipinas are currently under the Embassy's custody after they sought shelter last July 13 after escaping the same syndicate. Another victim is currently staying with a friend in Abu Dhabi. Philippine Ambassador Grace R. Princesa met with the Abu Dhabi Criminal and Investigation Division (CID) head of organized crime Colonel Rashid M. Bursheed on the case last July 18.

It was found out that early this month, after one of the Filipino victims managed to escape the syndicate and immediately informed the Abu Dhabi Police.

The story was published in three major dailies in Abu Dhabi.

Out of the 17 arrested, three women and one man was suspected of operating the syndicate. Nine victims, who were arrested with them, are currently sheltered at the Abu Dhabi Human Trafficking Center. Another four women were detained after they were suspected of voluntarily engaging in prostitution.

The CID operatives also confiscated US$18,000 and UAE Dirham (AED) 12,128 (around US$3,314) in cash. It was also discovered that an additional AED 54,000 (about US$14,754) was discovered under the accounts of one of the suspects.

According to Colonel Bursheed, the defendants confessed to the charges and admitted that they forced the victims into prostitution after promising them jobs in the UAE.

The CID is now investigating the sponsors who issued the tourist visas for the victims and a court hearing is yet to be scheduled.

Ambassador Princesa is visiting the Trafficking Center and the Al Wathba Central Prison to meet the victims and the alleged operators and provide assistance to them.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is recommending the blacklisting of the Filipino traffickers and referring this case to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT).

Also, the DFA is issuing a severe warning to those Filipinos who are engaging in trafficking their fellow countrymen that they will be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

It also continues to coordinate with the IACAT to assist the victims and prosecute the traffickers.

POEA BANS MANNING AGENTS FROM LUNETA PARK

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:45:00 US/Mountain

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) ordered manning agencies using booths managed by Luneta Seafarers’ Welfare Foundation, Inc (LUSWELF) at Rizal Park near the National Library to stop their recruitment activities or face administrative sanctions.

Via a POEA news release, Administrator Jennifer Jardin-Manalili said all recruitment activities of manning agencies in the area are now deemed illegal.

The POEA discontinued issuance of Special Recruitment Authority (SRA) to the said agencies in May 2009 because of reported hiring malpractices.

SRA is the authority granted by the POEA to a licensed agency to conduct recruitment outside the registered office or address stated in the license of an agency or its acknowledged additional office(s).

The POEA also directed the manning agencies to submit sworn statements of their activities, and remove their signage and posters of job openings in the area.

The part of Rizal Park (or Luneta) adjoining TM Kalaw Street has been a meeting place of seafarers looking for jobs in foreign vessels because of the area’s proximity to recruitment agencies based in Manila.

The Associated Marine Officers and Seaman’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) had the idea of converting the place into a center where seafarers coming from the provinces can have a place to stay in Manila while looking for a job or waiting to board a ship.

The idea later evolved into a center where information about seafaring can be discussed or posted. AMOSUP later transferred the management of the center to LUSWELF.

The POEA became part of the center in 2007 through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with LUSWELF, conducting orientation seminars and distributing information materials.

LUSWELF later rented out booths to manning agencies which wanted to recruit seafarers in the area. Consequently, the POEA issued SRAs to legalize the recruitment activities of the agencies.

In April 2009, the Joint Manning Group, a conglomeration of several associations of manning agencies issued a resolution enjoining their members to pull out of the LUSWELF area because the objectives of the center were no longer met.

The POEA has not issued any SRA since May 2009. Instead, it conducted inspection salvos to monitor the activities of the agencies.

The POEA has filed several administrative cases against manning agencies caught recruiting seafarers in the area without the necessary special recruitment authority.

PHILIPPINE NEWS HEADLINES - 20 JULY 2010

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:24:00 US/Mountain

News headlines published 20th July 2010

National, Provincial, Metro Manila, Sports, Gossip/Entertainment, Business, Politics, Corruption

NATIONAL

Lacson's Schengen visa expires soon--NBI

QC court clears cop in Maguindanao massacre

Customs man charged over wrong SALN

British Foreign Office Minister In Official Visit To Manila

Kissing judge sentenced to six years in prison

Navigation instruments at NAIA conk out anew

ACT condemns murder of teacher, urges Aquino to put an end to culture of impunity

US-based rights group seeks end to RP killings

Mayuga himself backs disclosure of shelved panel report

Noy urged not to succumb to Church pressure on Reproductive Health bill

Petron to pay oil spill damages

Pinoy population aging - report

Call center agent arrested for uploading sex video with girlfriend

Abalos arraignment deferred

Troops tracking whereabouts of abducted Japanese national

Deaths rise from Basyang's impact; damage shoots to P188M

Government eyes banks' involvement as it files 1st major tax-evasion case

Witnesses vs 'Garci generals' now willing to come out

Bishops to Ona: Eschew Onan

Abrogate mining law, junk GMA EOs on sector

Police chief killed, 6 badly hurt in NPA ambush

NBI seeks former PAF colonel in massacre witness bribe try

Radioman who survived slay try IDs suspect

‘Basyang' leaves RP; death toll now 39, 84 missing

P10.5-billion climate fund used to plug deficit

'Basyang' casualties surge Lucy Torres-Gomez unperturbed by disqualification charge
ZTE scandal: Neri enters not-guilty plea
PROVINCIAL
5 LTO men arrested, charged for mulcting Northern Mindanao motorists
Police wait on thief to ‘discharge' evidence
Son of ex-Cebu provincial official guns down brother
Electrocution of engineer triggers blackout in WV
3 stores in Dagupan padlocked
Mayor Accused Over Drug Rap Bribe Allegations
He Raped Me Thirty Times!
To clear impounding area: Cebu City sets auction of rotting vehicles
Maguindanao police commander relieved
Dengue cases hit all-time high in E. Visayas; treated nets offered
PNP rescues kidnap victim, arrests four suspects in Bulacan
Ex-mayor shot dead
Raid yields 10 high-powered firearms in Negros
AFP welcomes DoJ's plan of ‘Superbody' in media killings
Food supplies remain stable - DTI
Entire Maguindanao village set on fire
19 missing during Basyang's onslaught in Catanduanes
Dengue toll rises in Mindanao, Cebu
Clean-up operations ongoing in Quezon after ‘Basyang'
6 laborers pinned to death by collapsed wall in Laguna
Businessman missing after being swept by river in Laguna
METRO MANILA
Blast hits cargo ship at Manila North Harbor
Fire in Quezon City slum spreads to DA buildings
No more water for Metro Manila by September?
SPD hunts rookie cop for shooting motorist over traffic tiff
Maynilad asks MWSS for more supply
Angat water flow unchanged despite rains from Basyang
Basyang plunges Manila back into the Dark Ages
Ivler given till July 16 to answer raps, or else
Brownout paralyzes MMDA operations, prompts agency to look for other power sources
Hardware firm charges private eye with falsifying documents
3 luxury cars damaged in showroom mishap
8 hurt in 4-car Quezon City smashup
4 caught with 300 kilos of double-dead chicken
Engineers still clueless over source of leak in Makati
Trader shot, robbed in Caloocan
Cashier slain in bakery heist
Pawnshop owner first to fall in Noy's drive vs tax cheats
Gatdula bares high-profile crimes top priority of NBI
Woman dies while trying to save cat from burning house
7 out of 10 Metro Manila folks want Arroyo charged in court
Jason Ivler won't answer assault, frustrated murder raps
SPORTS
Cone wary of Ginebra Kings comeback
Raffy Japa cagefest fires off at Big Dome
Gilas takes on unfamiliar hosts in Jones Cup
Pagunsan on guard as field issues challenge in Apo tilt
Stags go for No. 4 vs Blazers
MVP boxfest on at PICC venue
'Bazooka' blasts Yoo before big Bohol crowd
Amateur champ joins ICTSI-Del Monte leg
PBA stages Powerade charity run
Palace has signed PSC chief, boardpapers?
Pugs appear in PSA Forum
Japanese nine demolishes Filipino rivals
Benedicto, Torres top RP duathlon
Padit, Mendoza, Sison shine
Adamson, FEU show the way in UAAP women's basketball
'Queen' Yuna puts retirement thoughts on ice
FEU, Ateneo and Adamson post V-League wins
RP pugs dominate Thai foes
V-League: Ateneo foils Perpetual
Cotto, Margarito no match for Pacquiao
Mayweather disappoints Pacquiao
Gilas faces acid test in last 3 games
GOSSIP/ENTERTAINMENT
Ezra band vocalist admits she is a lesbian
Mariel Rodriguez surprises Queenie Padilla at her b-day party
John Lloyd Cruz willing to forego third movie with Sarah Geronimo
Dina Bonnevie ‘grilled' about Vic and Pia rumored split
Audie Gemora: The real star of ‘Equus'
Mainstream actors and directors dominate Cinemalaya 2010 awards
Toni, KC, Charlene weigh in on the Kris-James issue
Cesar returns to GMA 7; Heart renews contract
Teenage singer Charice gets Botox for 'Glee' debut
John Lloyd reveals more about Shaina
'Lola' wins Best Film at Rome Asian filmfest
Ai Ai Delas Alas, Kim Chiu unite in 'Maling Akala'
Filipino movie gatecrasher searches for salvation
Luis Manzano's special place in his heart for Angel: 'I will always equate it with love'
Mariel Rodriguez declares 'I heart Robin Padilla'
Ogie Alcasid laments ‘pirated' 'Pangako' in Korea
Cesar confident ruckus over his GMA transfer will plateau
Charice on talent fee issue: ‘Sobra naman ‘yung 100,000 dollars'
Mariel and Pokwang ready for any eventuality in case of 'Wowowee' revamp
Vice Ganda on pic of alleged BF: ‘Wrong guy!'
Jaebum's first solo album tops music charts
Kris opts for nullification of marriage instead of annulment
How Piolo can tell if 'it's time'
Dance, Dance on, Regine!
Screams and surprises at the Cinco preem
Richard Gutierrez hosts docu special Wildlife for Sale
The X-factor in Gino's life
Nyoy Volante holds 2-part album launch
Vicki on Hayden: "[He's] definitely back in my life"
Ruffa Gutierrez reveals Smartmatic's Cesar Flores is her new text mate
Charice denies YouTube video was 'Glee' audition
Aaron Villaflor takes on gay role
'Wowowee' girls react to show's re-launch
Mariel: Unfair to blame me for Robin film cancellation
Angel Locsin's manager insists rumored love affair is a sham
BUSINESS
Construction boom likely to hit RP within the decade
SRA to auction sugar import rights next week
EU likely to partially lift ban on RP airlines
Industry groups buck zero tariff on wheat, cement
BOP posts $500M surplus in June
Garcia welcomes GSIS audit
Mining group calls for consistent policy
BOC eyes forced buy of undervalued imports
DepEd selling 3 old airplanes
Farmer sets record for highest coffee yield in RP history
Export Bank sale cleared
Meat processors alarmed over imports, oligopoly
PLDT group's P5-B debt float oversubscribed
PayPal offers improved protection for online shoppers in Asia-Pacific
Dusting off the Executive Car Plan
Kraft eyes market lead in 5 priority brands
BPO revenues reach $4.7 billion in first half Beware the crooked officials
Pinoy-branded chicharon soon in the US
August start seen for central bank policy rate hikes
Gov't to borrow given reduced privatization targets -- Purisima
BSP green-lights merger
7-year T-bond rate to fall; peso to remain flat
Pag-IBIG eyes retail bond sale
BFAR to promote use of fish cages anew
Relocation threat worries local execs
SUBIC FREE PORT -- Aviation Concepts Holdings, an American-Canadian joint venture, is set to take over airport hangars abandoned by courier giant Federal Express.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) said efforts to carve a niche in the aircraft chartering business finally hit pay dirt, as the aviation company based in Guam had decided to establish a world-class, full-service aviation center inside the Subic Bay International Airport (SBIA).
SBMA administrator Armand C. Arreza referred to the Aviation Concepts project as the "resurrection" of the SBIA, which has been dormant since February 2009 when Federal Express transferred its Asia-Pacific hub to China. FULL STORY

Poor infrastructure, red tape hobble RP competitiveness
Gaming is competitive tourism
GDP growth seen reaching 7%; RP to attract FDIs
MB keeps rates steady
Sport cars lead gov't to file tax case vs pawnshop owner
Outsourcing improved quality of jobs in RP
Gov't lost P51M in Turkish flour smuggling, millers say
New admin means new coffee policy?
May registers highest remittance level
Pag-IBIG tightens up on housing loan applications
New Trade official named; De Lima reappointed
Electronics continue to fuel strong export growth
Malacañang set to abolish rice subsidy program
Manila blackout to cost businesses P10B a day
WB concerned over high RP debts amid Euro woes
AGRICULTURE
Rice self-sufficiency goal possible by 2013-PhilRice
Farmer sets record for highest coffee yield in RP history
Scientist 'harassed' for exposing pesticide harm
Rubber production expected to rebound with 9% growth
E. Visayas seen to yield 1.04M tons of rice
Leyte sustains P4-M damage from coco pest
Malacañang set to abolish rice subsidy program
Agriculture department moves to curb spread of army worms
Native animals confab slated
Armyworms invade three provinces
Jun Magsaysay dares on dairy
Small meat processors complain of being eased out in supermarkets
POLITICAL
Raise in maids' monthly salary to P4,000 sought
Aquino cautioned on choice of Cabinet men
Revilla, Lapid bolt Angara's Senate bloc
56 electoral cases filed before House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal
Osmeña vows to submit poll expense report, ready to pay fine
Ombudsman ready to discuss anti-graft goals with P-Noy
Noynoy says VP seeking another gov't post, gives Binay 5 choices
Aquino bends further, calls off Merci impeach
Creation of Truth Commission hit
Pinay arrested in Bali for heroin smuggle
Noynoy's lack of action, political will feeds impunity, says solon
Pangilinan lacks just 2 more votes
Ombudsman mulls plunder raps vs execs linked to fertilizer scam
Comelec official bats for martial law in Lanao
Mayuga cool to fresh probe
Retired general named civil defense chief
Food-for-school subsidy scrapped
Mercy's fate lies in hands of LP, says militant solon
Binay presses move to allow Trillanes to attend Senate session
Ex-party-list rep is new Tesda chief
Number of Senate bills filed a record-high
Aquino to keep pork as ‘concept,' figures to change
No(y)-holds-barred, newsy media briefing
Golf ‘cheating' stymies new customs chief
Full release of Mayuga report set
P7B allotted for seniors but no money
CORRUPTION
Housecleaning earns Cusi death threats

BRITISH FOREIGN OFFICE MINISTER IN OFFICIAL VISIT TO MANILA

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 04:15:00 US/Mountain

British Foreign Office Minister of State Jeremy Browne MP (above) is visiting Manila this week for a two-day visit, announced the British Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires Colin Crorkin.

“This visit reinforces the growing importance our new Government attaches to Asia, including the Philippines. Relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines are strongly underpinned by trade and investment,” said Crorkin.

“The Minister’s visit to the Philippines is part of an active effort to promote the business relationship between our two countries and examine the scope for further investment in both directions. We enjoy many shared values and with new governments in both London and Manila, this visit is most timely.”

Browne will speak Wednesday 21 July about these opportunities before captains of industry at a breakfast meeting hosted by the Institute of Corporate Directors (ICD).

Browne will also pay a courtesy call on President Benigno Aquino III.

His visit includes a series of discussions on issues of bilateral interest with senior Philippine government officials and meetings with key people from civil society. Among the issues Browne is expected to discuss are the situation in Mindanao and wider bilateral issues.

This is Browne’s first trip to the Philippines, which is part of his visit to South East Asia.

Minister Jeremy Browne MP is the Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament for Taunton Deane and was appointed as the Minister of State at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office by the new Coalition Government between the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats on 14 May 2010.

He has responsibility for South East Asia and the Far East, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Australasia, the Pacific, and Overseas Territories. He also leads on Human Rights, Consular Policy, the 2012 Olympic Games and Public Diplomacy.

As the son of a former Ambassador, he is no stranger to issues of diplomacy in which he gained experience as the former spokesperson on Foreign Affairs for the Liberal Democrat Party.

FORECLOSED PROPERTIES OFFERED BY THE BANCO DE ORO

Sun, 18 Jul 2010 10:02:00 US/Mountain

The folowing is a sample of foreclosed properties offered for sale by Banco De Oro throughout the Philippines

The details in order are left to right: Vicinity, Property Address, Picture (where available), Lot Area and Floor Area in square meters & the indicative price

For a complete list of properties as well as cars and chattels available, click the banner at the bottom

This will take you to the page specifically for Luzon, although there are links to properties available in the Visayas and Mindanao

Click the banner below to view the complete list;

LIST OF FORTHCOMING FILIPINO EVENTS IN THE UK

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 06:57:00 US/Mountain

The following is a list of forthcoming events of interest to Filipinos in the UK & Northern Ireland.

The list has been supplied by the Philippine Embassy in London.

If you have an event likely to be of interest to Filipinos, you can submit it to us for inclusion.

The listing does not have to be restricted to the UK, any events of interest to OFW's may be submitted via email free of charge: Email Us

Event

Date/Time

Venue

Remarks

1. Phil. Centre Barrio Fiesta sa London 2010

(See attached flyer)

17-18 July 2010

Saturday & Sunday

Lampton Park, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 4DN

Guest celebrities: Pokwang, Gabby Concepcion, Vina Morales & MelaSon.

For stall information, pls call 079 1788 7333 or email bariofiesta2010@gmail.com.

www.philippinecentre.com

2.CREBA Real Estate Forum and Briefing

24 July 2010

Saturday

1pm - 5pm

Consular Grounds, Philippine Embassy

6 Suffolk St., London SW1Y 4HG

Organized by the Chamber of Real Estate & Builders' Assn (CREBA) - UK, London Chapter (Bernadette Bisdee, President)

3. Pista Sa Nayon / 1^st Barrio Fiesta sa Southwest

24 - 25 July 2010

Saturday and Sunday

9am - 6pm

Bristol, Southwest Durdham Downs, Stoke Road BS8 2, Bristol

Organized by the Association of Filipinos in Bristol (AFB), Samuel Culbengan, President;

Angela "Maan" Dela Llana - 07590560663 / 01179559879

For details, call PINOY EVENTS at 0845 838 7880 / 0207 096 1246 or email

admin@pinoyevents.co.uk

Also visit www.pistasanayon.com

4. Filipino Summer Festival

Theme: Cultural Integration

FEATURING MR. DAVID POMERANZ

25 July 2010

Sunday

8am - 5pm

Three Kings Piece, Mitcham, Surrey CR4 2QA

Organized by Mitcham Filipino-British Association

The event is a Family-friendly outdoor activity.

Contact details: 020 8646 4181 / 07894 824 512 / 07717 685 795 / 07766 314 207

Email: info@mitchampinoy.com

http://www.mitchampinoy.com/

FREE ADMISSION

5. Fun Day of the Batangas Assn UK (BAUK)

31 July 2010

Saturday

Compton Farm, Surrey

Organized by the BAUK (Fred Gomez, President: secretariat@batangas-association.org.uk), as part of their fund-raising for The Home of the Orphaned and Abandoned Elderlies in Batangas, feeding malnourished children and scholarship grants for deserving indigent high school students.

The Fun Day is a 3-kilometer walk at Compton Farm.

6. 2^nd Barrio Fiesta in Blackpool

1 Aug 2010

Sunday

10.00am - 6.00pm

Stanley Park Lawson's Field FY3 8LL

Organized and hosted by the Filipino-British Lancashire Assn UK (Blackpool) (Zai Martin, Events Coordinator: eventinblackpool@tiscali.co.uk, 0781 804 3006), in partnership with the Blackpool Race Equality Forum and The Blackpool Communities Engagement Division of Blackpool Borough Council.

Open to the public, free entrance.

7. Pista Sa Nayon / Barrio Fiesta sa Scotland

7 - 8 August 2010

Saturday and Sunday

9am-6pm

Kelvingrovel, Glasgow, Scotland

Organized by the United Filipino Communities of Scotland (Victoria Soutter, Alex Pullan - 07766656856, and Gi Espiritu - 47766418759) in cooperation with Pinoy Events.

For details call PINOY EVENTS at 0845 838 7880 / 0207 096 1246 or email admin@pinoyevents.co.uk

Also visit http://www.pistasanayon.com/.

There is Santakrusan, Filipino cuisine and cultural performances.

8. LONDON BIENNALE - AHOY!

7, 14, 21 and 28 Aug. 2010

(4 Saturdays of August 2010)

3.00 pm

Different venues (Please see next column f or details.)

Mr. David Medalla, renowned Filipino artist and Director of the London Biennale, organized arts and events celebrating the London Biennale 2010.

Details of Venue:

7 Aug. - Underneath the Aragon Tower, London SE8

14 Aug.- ‘Long Shore Drift' in Shoreham-on-Sea

21 Aug.- to meet at the lawn in front of Tate Modern

28 Aug.- will take a boat from Putney to Kew, and will gather for tea at the foot of the Chinese Pagoda at Kew Gardens.

9. Family Fun Day

8 August 2010

Sunday

Ferry Meadows, Peterborough

Organized by the Filipino Community of Peterborough (Celso Valmonte, President: 079 9956 0738 or oslec_123@yahoo.com)

10. Pista Sa Nayon / Barrio Fiesta sa Northwest (Liverpool)

14 - 15 August 2010

Saturday and Sunday

9am - 6pm

Liverpool, Northwest

For details call PINOY EVENTS at 0845 838 7880 / 0207 096 1246 or email admin@pinoyevents.co.uk

Also visit www.pistasanayon.com

11.Philippine Jury Campaign International (UK)

"Summer Cultural Event"

21 August 2010

6pm - 11pm

Baden Powell House

65-67 Queens Gate, London SW7 5JS

Organized by the PJC (UK) (Amy Balliao, Executive Director - editor@philjury.com)

12. Pista sa Nayon / Barrio Fiesta sa Northeast

August 2010

Newcastle-Upon-Tyne

For details, call Pinoy Events at 0845 838 7880 / 0207 096 1246 or email admin@pinoyevents.co.uk.

Also visit www.pistasanayon.com.

13. Pista sa Nayon sa London

September 2010

London

For details, call Pinoy Events at 0845 838 7880 / 0207 096 1246 or email admin@pinoyevents.co.uk.

Also visit www.pistasanayon.com.

14. "Pandangguhan" a Celebration of Song and Dance of the Philippines

By the Lahing Kayumanggi

4 Sept 2010

Saturday

6.00pm - Dinner

The Chrysalis Theater

Japonica Lane, Willen Park South, Milton Keynes

Organized by Robert Wright.

The Lahing Kayumanggi Dance group will be putting on their most extravagant performance to date.

15."RITWAL"

Lahing Kayumanggi's 16^th Anniversary Celebration

11 - 12 Sept. 2010

Saturday7:30pm

Sunday 7pm

Cockpit Theatre

Gateforth St., London NW8 8EH

Organized by the Lahing Kayumanggi Dance Company (Ronnie Del Barrio, Artistic Director ; http://www.lkdance.org.uk/; tickets@lkdance.org.uk; Call-020 7193 9828, text- 07879 756 282) Tickets at: £12.00 each

16. Dance Crew Competition "Audition Day"

19 September 2010

Sunday

1.00pm-5.00pm

Paul Robeson Theatre, Hounslow

Organized by the Filipino Youth Foundation UK (Julius Billones, Founder & Chairman), as part of their fund-raising activity for their activities and projects.

The Competition is open to all nationalities and international groups and will be held for 8 consecutive Sundays beginning 19 September 2010.

IMMIGRATION MATTERS & NEWS

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 06:25:00 US/Mountain

English UK Win High Court Battle Over Tier 4 Students

English language schools, represented by English UK, have won a High Court battle over visa restrictions which they say are ‘absurd and damaging' to their businesses.

They took the action over new regulations which say that people coming to the UK to study must have a good standard of English, even when they are coming to study English.

The restrictions were part of a raft of hurried changes to the student visa rules brought in before the General Election.

The previous Labour government said that migrants seeking low-skilled work were abusing the Tier 4 student visa system.

Foreign students coming to study are now required to have English language skills of at least GCSE level.

English UK, which represents 440 language schools, says the regulations are "disproportionate and unjustified".

Full story...

Should illegal immigrants pay taxes?

"Do illegal immigrants pay U.S. taxes?"

Global Recession leading to stricter immigration rules

The effects of the recession have seeped into other aspects of policy around the world - including immigration.

Four people jailed over sham marriage scam UKBA reports

The UK Border Agency reports that four people have been jailed for a total of more than six years for their part in a sham marriage scam involving Nigerian and Dutch nationals.

Three quarters of UK employers ‘require higher level qualification'

Intense competition for graduate jobs means that more than three quarters of employers require at least a 2:1 degree grade, a survey suggests.

Five million UK adults ‘act as carers'

At least 20% of the five million people in England who act as a carer for an elderly, disabled or sick person put in more than 50 hours a week, the NHS says.

Asylum seeker wants to stay so he can win the ‘X Factor'

UK asylum seeker is begging immigration officials not to throw him out of Britain - so he can win X Factor.

The great American immigration deception

Republicans have been criticized for their support of the bill, SB 1070, but it is now commonly believed that President Barack Obama supports expanding legal immigration. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Weekly Immigration News Round up 4 July 2010

If you need any immigration advice or help with Sponsorship or Work Permits, Visa or an appeal against a refusal please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/

UNION BANK FORECLOSED PROPERTY AUCTIONS - 24 & 31 JULY 2010

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 06:39:00 US/Mountain

Union Bank are holding a series of public auctions of repossessed properties in Luzon, to be held in Manila on the 24th July, then on 31st July simultaneous auctions in Bacalod, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga of Vis/Min properties.

Contact details are listed so interested parties should confirm details with Union Bank reps as properties may change prior to the auctions and to confirm what specific requirements for bidding.

List 1 - Luzon properties

List 2 - Vis/Min properties

UK IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:39:00 US/Mountain

British Home Office Confirms Cap On Migration

London - By Charles Kelly

The number of non-EU workers entering the UK will be controlled by a new limit, the Home Secretary announced this week.

In a statement to the House of Commons Home Office boss Theresa May confirmed leaked reports that ‘net migration will be scaled back to the levels of the 1990's - with the effect that it will be in the tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands'. Introducing a limit on migrants from outside Europe coming here to work is just one of the ways the government intends to achieve this.

Leading business figures have already criticised the cap on immigration commenting that government-imposed limit on immigration could pose a risk to the UK recovery and will ‘hit growth'.

Care home owners have also expressed concerns that the move could affect their ability to maintain staffing levels.

Details of how the final limit will be delivered will be agreed following a 12-week government consultation with businesses. In the meantime, an interim limit will be introduced to ensure that there is no ‘closing down sale' and the number of work visas issued stays below 2009 levels.

The results of the consultation on the permanent limit will pave the way for the government's fundamental changes on the way in which workers from outside the European Union (EU) will be chosen to come and work in the UK. FULL STORY...

Yes, overseas students are turning to universities as UK government clamp down on private colleges

UK based Filipino students are increasingly looking to Universities as a place to continue their studies after having their fingers burned by private colleges.

Emigrating to Canada growing as the appeal widens

Canada is in a unique position within the main countries to which people choose to emigrate, as they possess the world's most positive attitude to immigration.

Home Secretary's statement to the House of Commons on immigration cap

Theresa May told the House of Commons that the government would ‘scale back net migration to the levels of the 1990s - with the effect that it will be in the tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands. Imposing a cap on non EU migrants from coming here to work is just one of the ways the government intends to achieve this. Full statement.

Government limit for Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system

From April 2011, the government will introduce an annual limit on applications for Tier 2 (General) of the points-based system.

UK Border Agency issue clarification on changes to Tier 1 points

On 28 June the UK Border Agency (UKBA) announced that the pass mark for Tier 1 (General) will be increased from 95 points to 100 points from 19 July. Following a ‘number of enquires' about who will be affected by this change, they have issued the following clarification...

Filipinos happily pursue dreams in London

Juanita Trinidad of the Manila Bulletin reports on Filipino's living and working in the UK.

UK immigration cap Q&A - your questions answered

The BBC has produced this useful Q&A on the new immigration cap...

Immigration consultation launched by Migration Advisory Committee

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) launched a consultation yesterday on the annual limit of the number of non-EU migrants admitted to work in the UK through Tiers 1 and 2 of the points based system, the UK Border Agency announced.

UKBA challenge Appeal Court Tier 1 ruling on AP (Russia) and others

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) has issued the following statement on the Judgment by the Court of Appeal in the case of AP (Russia) and others on 23 June.

Immigrant cap will ‘hit growth' business tells UK Government

The Government-imposed limit on immigration could pose a risk to the UK recovery, a prominent business group has told Sky News.

Philippine Government launches another program for OFW's

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) recently launched a program that ensures the efficient delivery of the social protection services to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Immigration cap and restriction on overseas students threaten to divide cabinet

New moves to curb overseas student numbers threaten to trigger a fresh dispute within the coalition cabinet over immigration, the Guardian reports.

Immigration will be reduced says Home Office Immigration Minister

Damian Green, who replaced Phil Woolas following the general election, announced last week that the new government will introduce measures to ‘properly control immigration' following figures released on 24 June which shows an increase in the UK population.

House of Commons Speaker to investigate leak claim

Commons Speaker John Bercow has promised to investigate claims that a statement on immigration was leaked to the media before MPs were informed, the BBC reports. Labour MP Chris Bryant accused ministers of "consistently leaking to the press".

UK Government scraps social care recruitment incentives

Guide2Care reports that the new coalition government has slashed a £75m programme to help 50,000 young unemployed people enter the adult social care workforce, in a move condemned by a leading care provider.

New Green Card Form I-9 Documentation

On May 11, 2010, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) announced it had redesigned the Permanent Resident Card, which most of us know more commonly as the Green Card.

American Immigration - what will be the impact of increased processing fees?

The following article by analyzes the rising costs of US Immigration petitions and applications and how these increased fees may impact those who wish to bring a foreign loved one to the United States of America.

Lib Dem defends temporary cap on non-EU migration

There have been several media reports that the coalition government has watered down its flagship ‘immigration cap' election pledge after a cabinet revolt.

Government considers incentives to relocate UK jobless whilst capping immigration

The new government wants to get Britain's jobless back to work through a series of ‘carrot and stick' measures, whilst introducing an immediate cap on non-EU immigration.

Why the world wants to be Canadian

Survey results suggest Canada can thrive in the looming global talent wars, as 53 per cent of adults in the world's 24 leading economies said they would migrate to Canada.

Weekly Immigration News Round up 27 June 2010

If you need any immigration advice or help with please email:

info@immigrationmatters.co.uk or visit:

http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/

Complete USA Immigration and Naturalization Package

For information on US Naturalization and immigration Click Here!

For more information on how you can migrate to Canada - CLICK HERE

Other stories: http://www.immigrationmatters.co.uk/category/news

NEW LAWS COULD HIT JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR CARERS IN CANADA

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:50:00 US/Mountain

Caregiver Agencies see a 70 - 90% Drop in Placements Following Changes by the Government of Canada to
the Live-in Caregiver Program

"Significant Improvements" Bring Burden to Families

Vancouver, BC - Recent changes to Immigration Canada's Foreign Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) have increased the burden on Canadian families through high costs and increased risks associated with hiring an overseas caregiver. The "Balanced improvements" have produced a significant decrease in the number of families using the program.

On April 1, 2010, Minister of Immigration, Citizenship and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney, made it mandatory that any family hiring a live-in caregiver for children, elderly or disabled care must pay all travel costs (including airfare), medical insurance, worker's compensation premiums plus all employee recruitment costs.

"The Association of Caregiver & Nanny Agencies Canada (ACNA) applauds the Government for its efforts at bringing much needed improvements to the LCP," said Manuela Gruber Hersch, President, "but the changes have reduced the capability of Canadian families to hire overseas caregivers. Not only is it much less affordable, but there is no protection or risk mitigation for those who make the investment."

Results from three consecutive surveys taken by over 100 Caregiver & Nanny agencies over the last three month across Canada show a significant drop in placements, ranging from 70 - 90%, as a result of the increased risks and financial burden on employers.

Although the employing family must pay all associated costs, the caregiver has no obligation to stay with the family and can terminate employment at any time. As a result, Canadian families are vulnerable to applicants who abuse the LCP by coming to Canada at no personal expense, staying long-term and seeking other employment. As families shy away from utilizing the program, this in turn limits job opportunities for overseas caregivers. Individuals willing to provide much needed caregiver services in Canada have little choice but to turn to illegitimate off shore agencies for assistance.

Currently, Canada has no universally affordable childcare option, leaving some families with few alternatives other than hiring an overseas caregiver. Should the caregiver leave, many families struggle to find replacement workers. This can be emotionally and financially taxing, heightened by the fact that families typically assist the caregiver to adapt to Canadian culture, often making a substantial investment of time and dollars to train and teach the employee. The family carries the full cost of this expense - in contrast to government funded integration services provided to other categories of immigrants.

ACNA calls on Minister Jason Kenney not to treat private families accessing the LCP the same as business corporations accessing the Temporary Foreign Worker program. The corporation's main objective is to grow revenue and turn a profit, while the family's objective is to raise healthy children and provide care for future and senior Canadians.

As ACNA predicted in December 2009 when the proposed changes were first announced, the changes have had a profound impact on the industry and on Canadian families-who have stopped hiring. Families wanting to hire a foreign caregiver must apply for a Labour Market Opinion (LMO), a process that demonstrates that the family has adhered to certain requirements. Current issued Labour Market Opinions numbers for April 2010 are at 1,949, a number above the average. ACNA attributes this to Canadian families rushing to submit their applications before the April 1st deadline which would make them obligated to shoulder the new changes (airfare etc), and thus higher costs. ACNA estimates a huge drop to come in June 2010, which would be in line with the survey results.

As a result of these changes to the program, many reputable caregiver agencies have closed down and many families are left with no elder or child care. "The revisions to the Live-in Caregiver Program are having a negative effect on family life and are further eroding Canadian productivity," finished Gruber Hersch.

ACNA Canada is an industry association of employment agencies who provide nannies and caregivers to Canadian employers.

For further info contact

Manuela Gruber Hersch:

ACNA Canada

Association of Caregiver & Nanny agencies Canada

http://www.acnacanada.ca/

info@acnacanada.ca

Tel:604.609.9925

OFW GROUP ATTACKS BALDOZ & ROMULO'S APPOINTMENTS

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:17:00 US/Mountain

Migrante International, an alliance of overseas Filipino workers and advocates worldwide, today expressed concern over the appointments of Rosalinda Baldoz as head of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Alberto Romulo as secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

Baldoz once served as administrator of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) while Romulo is the sole re-appointee in the incoming Aquino Cabinet.

According to Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante, "We are worried that the appointments of Baldoz and Romulo as heads of agencies directly affecting the protection, welfare and defense of OFWs could be reflective of the Aquino administration's policy framework and perspective for the migrant sector."

He said that Baldoz was "incompetent in addressing labor-related concerns of OFWs during her time in the POEA" while Romulo's re-appointment "seems to convey the message that no significant change is needed in the DFA."

Baldoz botched labor case of Sentosa nurses Martinez said that, under Baldoz' term, many anti-migrant policies ensued and numerous cases of unfair labor practices were unresolved.

Martinez highlighted Memorandum Circular 04 which Baldoz attempted to implement. The circular effectively banned direct hiring by requiring OFW applicants to first undergo trainings in recruitment agencies accredited by the POEA.

"This resulted in loss of jobs and employment opportunities and imposed added exorbitant fees on OFWs. It also served as a milking cow for corruption in POEA."

MC04 was met with protests from OFWs from around the world and forced the POEA to suspend its implementation.

Martinez also recounted another case which "exposed how Baldoz treated cases of OFWs brought to the POEA."

In 2006, 27 Filipino nurses and physical therapists sued Sentosa Care after resigning due to unfair labor practices and "involuntary servitude". They also filed an administrative case before the POEA against the Sentosa offices in Manila and their representatives.

Martinez narrated that in a dialogue with families of the Filipino nurses United States, Baldoz uncaringly dismissed the plight of the nurses.

"The families of the nurses left crying because Baldoz told them to their faces that she could not do anything despite the overwhelming evidence against Sentosa because there were thousands of jobs at the pipeline," he said. "The families accused Baldoz of sacrificing their relatives for money."

Martinez continued, "How can we now entrust the welfare of our Filipino workers, both here and abroad, to the kind of incompetence and neglect that Baldoz has so far displayed?"

Reforms needed in the DFA

Martinez also said that he hoped Romulo's re-appointment in DFA is not merely "a payback for his early allegiance to Aquino's candidacy even while he was still a senior member of the Arroyo Cabinet."

"We hope that this does not entail a continuation of the status quo. Urgent actions are needed. Endless cases of repatriation, countless OFWs in jail and in the death row that the Arroyo administration had failed to urgently address should be of topmost national priority."

"There is also a pressing need for Romulo and the Aquino administration to instill major policy reforms in terms of labor migration and unfair and one-sided treaties that have long endangered the lives and welfare of our OFWs," he said.

Dialogue with OFWs

Martinez said that Migrante International is willing to hold a dialogue with the DFA and the DOLE to discuss cooperation and coordination with regard to OFW-related concerns and issues.

"President Noynoy Aquino gave mention to migrant issues in his inaugural address. The first step to change is for a more accessible and OFW-friendly DFA/DOLE than that of the previous administration. We hope that Romulo and Baldoz would be more amicable to OFWs and their families than they were during Arroyo's term," he said.

BAD IMMIGRATION ADVICE? BEEN RIPPED OFF IN A VISA SCAM?

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 05:02:00 US/Mountain

Have you had experience of poor immigration advice - have you had to find a new adviser to unravel the mess you've been left in by the first one?

Or do you now fear you are here illegally because of the bad advice you have received - and possibly paid good money for?

We are trying to get an idea of the problems experienced by immigrants who have tried to make legitimate arrangements to work or study in the UK.

If you'd like to let us know what you have been through please get in touch. We will need to verify your story so only contact us if you have documentation which proves your experience. We can't help if it is just your word.

Email Us

FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENT AQUINO'S INAUGURATION SPEECH

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:58:00 US/Mountain

Inaugural Speech of President Benigno S. Aquino III

(In Filipino with an English translation)

June 30, 2010

Quirino Grandstand

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

Ang pagtayo ko dito ngayon ay patunay na kayo ang aking tunay na lakas. Hindi ko inakala na darating tayo sa puntong ito, na ako'y manunumpa sa harap ninyo bilang inyong Pangulo. Hindi ko pinangarap maging tagapagtaguyod ng pag-asa at tagapagmana ng mga suliranin ng ating bayan.

Ang layunin ko sa buhay ay simple lang: maging tapat sa aking mga magulang at sa bayan bilang isang marangal na anak, mabait na kuya, at mabuting mamamayan.

Nilabanan ng aking ama ang diktaturya at ibinuwis niya ang kanyang buhay para tubusin ang ating demokrasya. Inalay ng aking ina ang kanyang buhay upang pangalagaan ang demokrasyang ito. Ilalaan ko ang aking buhay para siguraduhin na ang ating demokrasya ay kapaki-pakinabang sa bawat isa. Namuhunan na kami ng dugo at handang gawin itong muli kung kinakailangan.

Tanyag man ang aking mga magulang at ang kanilang mga nagawa, alam ko rin ang problema ng ordinaryong mamamayan. Alam nating lahat ang pakiramdam na magkaroon ng pamahalaang bulag at bingi. Alam natin ang pakiramdam na mapagkaitan ng hustisya, na mabalewala ng mga taong pinagkatiwalaan at inatasan nating maging ating tagapagtanggol.

Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin.

Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa - nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan. Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita. Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din - talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino?

Ngayon, sa araw na ito - dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat.

Sa tulong ng wastong pamamahala sa mga darating na taon, maiibsan din ang marami nating problema. Ang tadhana ng Pilipino ay babalik sa tamang kalagayan, na sa bawat taon pabawas ng pabawas ang problema ng Pinoy na nagsusumikap at may kasiguruhan sila na magiging tuloy-tuloy na ang pagbuti ng kanilang sitwasyon.

Kami ay narito para magsilbi at hindi para maghari. Ang mandato ninyo sa amin ay pagbabago - isang malinaw na utos para ayusin ang gobyerno at lipunan mula sa pamahalaang iilan lamang ang nakikinabang tungo sa isang pamahalaang kabutihan ng mamamayan ang pinangangalagaan.

Ang mandatong ito ay isa kung saan kayo at ang inyong pangulo ay nagkasundo para sa pagbabago - isang paninindigan na ipinangako ko noong kampanya at tinanggap ninyo noong araw ng halalan.

Sigaw natin noong kampanya: "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap." Hindi lamang ito pang slogan o pang poster - ito ang mga prinsipyong tinatayuan at nagsisilbing batayan ng ating administrasyon.

Ang ating pangunahing tungkulin ay ang magsikap na maiangat ang bansa mula sa kahirapan, sa pamamagitan ng pagpapairal ng katapatan at mabuting pamamalakad sa pamahalaan.

Ang unang hakbang ay ang pagkakaroon ng tuwid at tapat na hanay ng mga pinuno. Magsisimula ito sa akin. Sisikapin kong maging isang mabuting ehemplo. Hinding hindi ko sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob ninyo sa akin. Sisiguraduhin ko na ganito rin ang adhikain ng aking Gabinete at ng mga magiging kasama sa ating pamahalaan.

Naniniwala akong hindi lahat ng nagsisilbi sa gobyerno ay corrupt. Sa katunayan, mas marami sa kanila ay tapat. Pinili nilang maglingkod sa gobyerno upang gumawa ng kabutihan. Ngayon, magkakaroon na sila ng pagkakataong magpakitang-gilas. Inaasahan natin sila sa pagsupil ng korapsyon sa loob mismo ng burukrasya.

Sa mga itinalaga sa paraang labag sa batas, ito ang aking babala: sisimulan natin ang pagbabalik ng tiwala sa pamamagitan ng pag-usisa sa mga "midnight appointments." Sana ay magsilbi itong babala sa mga nag-iisip na ipagpatuloy ang baluktot na kalakarang nakasanayan na ng marami.

Sa mga kapuspalad nating mga kababayan, ngayon, ang pamahalaan ang inyong kampeon.

Hindi natin ipagpapaliban ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga estudyante, kaya't sisikapin nating punan ang kakulangan sa ating mga silid-aralan.

Unti-unti din nating babawasan ang mga kakulangan sa imprastraktura para sa transportasyon, turismo at pangangalakal. Mula ngayon, hindi na puwede ang "puwede na" pagdating sa mga kalye, tulay at gusali dahil magiging responsibilidad ng mga kontratista ang panatilihing nasa mabuting kalagayan ang mga proyekto nila.

Bubuhayin natin ang programang "emergency employment" ng dating pangulong Corazon Aquino sa pagtatayo ng mga bagong imprastraktura na ito. Ito ay magbibigay ng trabaho sa mga local na komunidad at makakatulong sa pagpapalago ng kanila at ng ating ekonomiya.

Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo. Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat, tulad ng:

· dekalidad na edukasyon, kabilang ang edukasyong bokasyonal para makapaghanap ng marangal na trabaho ang hindi makapag-kolehiyo;

· serbisyong pangkalusugan, tulad ng Philhealth para sa lahat sa loob ng tatlong taon;

· tirahan sa loob ng mga ligtas na komunidad.

Palalakasin at palalaguin natin ang bilang ng ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan, hindi para tugunan ang interes ng mga naghahari-harian, ngunit para proteksyunan ang mamamayan. Itinataya nila ang kanilang buhay para mayroong pagkakataon sa katahimikan at kapayapaan sa sambayanan. Dumoble na ang populasyong kanilang binabantayan, nanatili naman sila sa bilang. Hindi tama na ang nagmamalasakit ay kinakawawa.

Kung dati ay may fertilizer scam, ngayon ay may kalinga na tunay para sa mga magsasaka. Tutulungan natin sila sa irigasyon, extension services, at sa pagbenta ng kanilang produkto sa pinakamataas na presyong maaari.

Inaatasan natin si papasok na Kalihim Alcala na magtayo ng mga trading centers kung saan diretso na ang magsasaka sa mamimili - lalaktawan natin ang gitna, kasama na ang kotong cop. Sa ganitong paraan, ang dating napupunta sa gitna ay maari nang paghatian ng magsasaka at mamimili.

Gagawin nating kaaya-aya sa negosyante ang ating bansa. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance, to business. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin mapupunan ang kakulangan ng trabaho para sa ating mga mamamayan.

Layunin nating paramihin ang trabaho dito sa ating bansa upang hindi na kailanganin ang mangibang-bansa para makahanap ng trabaho. Ngunit habang ito ay hindi pa natin naaabot, inaatasan ko ang mga kawani ng DFA, POEA, OWWA at iba pang mga kinauukulang ahensiya na mas lalo pang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa mga hinaing at pangangailangan ng ating mga overseas Filipino workers.

Papaigtingin namin ang proseso ng konsultasyon at pag-uulat sa taumbayan. Sisikapin naming isakatuparan ang nakasaad sa ating Konstitusyon na kinikilala ang karapatan ng mamamayan na magkaroon ng kaalaman ukol sa mga pampublikong alintana.

Binuhay natin ang diwa ng people power noong kampanya. Ipagpatuloy natin ito tungo sa tuwid at tapat na pamamahala. Ang naniniwala sa people power ay nakatuon sa kapwa at hindi sa sarili.

Sa mga nang-api sa akin, kaya ko kayong patawarin, at pinapatawad ko na kayo. Sa mga nang-api sa sambayanan, wala akong karapatan na limutin ang inyong mga kasalanan.

To those who are talking about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. Sa paglimot ng pagkakasala, sinisigurado mong mauulit muli ang mga pagkakasalang ito. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

Ikinagagalak din naming ibahagi sa inyo ang pagtanggap ni dating Chief Justice Hilario Davide sa hamon ng pagtatatag at pamumuno sa isang Truth Commission na magbibigay linaw sa maraming kahinahinalang isyu na hanggang ngayon ay walang kasagutan at resolusyon.

Ang sinumang nagkamali ay kailangang humarap sa hustisya. Hindi maaaring patuloy ang kalakaran ng walang pananagutan at tuloy na pang-aapi.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflicts, inclusive of the interests of all - may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. Sa tamang pamamahala gaganda ang buhay ng lahat, at sa buhay na maganda, sino pa ang gugustuhing bumalik sa panahon ng pang-aapi?

Kung kasama ko kayo, maitataguyod natin ang isang bayan kung saan pantay-pantay ang pagkakataon, dahil pantay-pantay nating ginagampanan ang ating mga pananagutan.

Kamakailan lamang, ang bawat isa sa atin ay nanindigan sa presinto. Bumoto tayo ayon sa ating karapatan at konsensiya. Hindi tayo umatras sa tungkulin nating ipaglaban ang karapatang ito.

Pagkatapos ng bilangan, pinatunayan ninyo na ang tao ang tunay na lakas ng bayan.

Ito ang kahalagahan ng ating demokrasya. Ito ang pundasyon ng ating pagkakaisa. Nangampanya tayo para sa pagbabago. Dahil dito taas-noo muli ang Pilipino. Tayong lahat ay kabilang sa isang bansa kung saan maaari nang mangarap muli.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, "it all works."

Inaanyayahan ko kayo ngayon na manumpa sa ating mga sarili, sa sambayanan, WALANG MAIIWAN.

Walang pangingibang-bayan at gastusan na walang wastong dahilan. Walang pagtatalikod sa mga salitang binitawan noong kampanya, ngayon at hanggang sa mga susunod pang pagsubok na pagdadaanan sa loob ng anim na taon.

Walang lamangan, walang padrino at walang pagnanakaw. Walang wang-wang, walang counterflow, walang tong. Panahon na upang tayo ay muling magkawang-gawa.

Nandito tayo ngayon dahil sama-sama tayong nanindigan at nagtiwala na may pag-asa.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. Sa inyong mga nag-iisip pa kung tutulong kayo sa pagpasan ng ating krus, isa lang ang aking tanong - kung kailan tayo nanalo, saka pa ba kayo susuko?

Kayo ang boss ko, kaya't hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people's needs and aspirations.

Kayo ang nagdala sa akin sa puntong ito - ang ating mga volunteers - matanda, bata, celebrity, ordinaryong tao, na umikot sa Pilipinas para ikampanya ang pagbabago; ang aking mga kasambahay, na nag-asikaso ng lahat ng aking mga personal na pangangailangan; ang aking pamilya, kaibigan at katrabaho, na dumamay, nag-alaga at nagbigay ng suporta sa akin; ang ating mga abogado, na nagpuyat para bantayan ang ating mga boto at siguraduhing mabibilang ang bawat isa; ang aking mga kapartido at kaalyado na kasama kong nangahas mangarap; at ang milyun-milyong Pilipinong nagkaisa, nagtiwala at hindi nawalan ng pag-asa - nasa inyo ang aking taus-pusong pasasalamat.

Hindi ko makakayang harapin ang aking mga magulang, at kayong mga nagdala sa akin sa yugto ng buhay kong ito, kung hindi ko maisasakatuparan ang aking mga binitawang salita sa araw na ito.

My parents sought nothing less and died for nothing less than democracy, peace and prosperity. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

Layunin ko na sa pagbaba ko sa katungkulan, masasabi ng lahat na malayo na ang narating natin sa pagtahak ng tuwid na landas at mas maganda na ang kinabukasang ipapamana natin sa susunod na henerasyon. Samahan ninyo ako sa pagtatapos ng laban na ito. Tayo na sa tuwid na landas.

Maraming salamat po at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!

Official English translation of

The Inaugural Address of Benigno S. Aquino III

My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.

Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.

I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet - migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered - is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino's lot is merely to suffer?

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.

Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino's problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.

We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.

This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.

During the campaign we said, "If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor." That is no mere slogan for posters -- it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.

I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.

To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.

To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.

We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.

Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.

We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.

We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:

· Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;

· Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;

· A home for every family, within safe communities.

We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.

If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.

We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.

We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.

We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.

I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.

To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all -- may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?

If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.

After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.

This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, "it all works."

Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.

No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.

We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?

You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations.

You are the ones who brought me here - our volunteers - old, young, celebrity, ordinary folks who went around the country to campaign for change; my household help who provided for all my personal needs; my family, friends, colleagues at work, who shared, cared, and gave their support; my lawyers who stayed all hours to guard my votes and make sure they were counted; and the millions of Filipinos who prevailed, kept faith, and never lost hope - I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if do not fulfill the promises I made.

My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.

Thank you and long live the Filipino people!

###

PRECISION TRAINING - BBC DOING AN UPDATE

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 05:36:00 US/Mountain

You & Yours, the BBC Radio 4's investigative program is doing an update on the Precision Training story.

This will be aired Wednesday 30th June at 12 noon London time.

Among the matters being reported on is an interview with the boss of SkillsWise, the internet company who hold the E-portfolios of the course work of Precision Training's students, and it is expected he will detail the ways students can recover their work free of charge.

92.5-96.1 Mhz FM
103.5-104.9 MHz FM
198 kHz LW

Also on MW :
603 khz
720 khz
774 khz
756 khz
1.449 khz
1.495 khz

You can also listen to it live on the internet through the BBC I player and the I Pod

FILIPINO EVENTS IN THE UK

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:48:00 US/Mountain

New Section Available

Listings of forthcoming events in the UK & Ireland

Filipino Events In The UK

THE TWO COWS ECONOMIC REALITY

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 14:24:00 US/Mountain

A new economic reality is expected after the financial mishaps over the past couple of years. Various solutions have been proposed and are in experiment around the world; higher taxes, cuts in public spending.

A radical rethink on capitalism, socialism and other theories abound. One model that may be considered is the 2 cows format.

SOCIALISM

You have 2 cows. You give one to your neighbour.

COMMUNISM

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and gives you some milk.

FASCISM

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and sells you some milk.

NAZISM

You have 2 cows. The State takes both and shoots you.

PHILIPPINE CORPORATION

You have 2 cows. The Dept of Agriculture want a bribe before you can feed them, the Dept of Health want a bribe before you can sell the milk. You eat the cows, get a job in the Middle East as an OFW and forget about farming.

BUREAUCRATISM/EUROPEAN UNION

You have 2 cows. The State/EU takes both, shoots one, milks the other, and then throws the milk away.

IRISH BUREAUCRATISM

You have 2 cows. The Government takes all your milk and gives half of the milk to the Bank and tells you to get milk from the Bank. The Bank won't give you milk unless you give the Bank the same amount of milk you are looking for. The Government gives the other milk to the public sector that keeps spilling the milk and whinge that they don't have enough milk.

TRADITIONAL CAPITALISM

You have two cows. You sell one and buy a bull. Your herd multiplies, and the economy grows. You sell them and retire on the income.

SURREALISM

You have two giraffes. The government requires you to take harmonica lessons

AN AMERICAN CORPORATION

You have two cows. You sell one, and force the other to produce the milk of four cows. You sell that cow to a corporation you spin off from the original corporation. They borrow a million dollars to buy the cow. The cow dies. The spin off declares bankruptcy. You vacation in Bora Bora.

ENRON VENTURE CAPITALISM

You have two cows. You sell three of them to your publicly listed company, using letters of credit opened by your brother-in-law at the bank, then execute a debt/equity swap with an associated general offer so that you get all four cows back, with a tax exemption for five cows.

The milk rights of the six cows are transferred via an intermediary to a Cayman Island Company secretly owned by the majority shareholder who sells the rights to all seven cows back to your listed company. The annual report says the company owns eight cows, with an option on one more. You sell one cow to buy a new president of the United States, leaving you with nine cows. No balance sheet provided with the release.

The public then buys your bull.

A FRENCH CORPORATION

You have two cows. You go on strike, organise a riot, and block the roads, because you want three cows.

A JAPANESE CORPORATION

You have two cows. You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. You then create a clever cow cartoon image called 'Cowkimon' and market it worldwide.

A GERMAN CORPORATION

You have two cows. You re-engineer them so they live for 100 years, eat once a month, and milk themselves.

AN ITALIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows, but you don't know where they are. You decide to have lunch.

A RUSSIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows. You count them and learn you have five cows.

You count them again and learn you have 42 cows. You count them again and learn you have 2 cows. You stop counting cows and open another bottle of vodka.

A SWISS CORPORATION

You have 5000 cows. None of them belong to you. You charge the owners for storing them.

A CHINESE CORPORATION

You have two cows. You have 300 people milking them. You claim that you have full employment, and high bovine productivity. You arrest the newsman who reported the real situation.

AN INDIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows. You worship them.

A BRITISH CORPORATION

You have two cows. Both are mad.

AN IRAQI CORPORATION

Everyone thinks you have lots of cows. You tell them that you have none. No-one believes you, so they bomb the **** out of you and invade your country. You still have no cows, but at least now you are part of Democracy....

AN AUSTRALIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows. Business seems pretty good. You close the office and go for a few beers to celebrate.

A NEW ZEALAND CORPORATION

You have two cows. The one on the left looks very attractive.

UK IMMIGRATION MATTERS

Sat, 26 Jun 2010 03:41:00 US/Mountain

POINTS BASED SYSTEM APPEAL SUCCEEDS

By Charles Kelly

The appeal against the Home Office interpretation of the Points Based System has succeeded in the Court of Appeal.

The case is Secretary of State for the Home Department v Pankina [2010] EWCA Civ 719. The question now is where this leaves the Home Office/UK Border Agency on the many Judicial Review cases it is defending against international colleges and English UK. FULL STORY

American Immigration - what will be the impact of increased processing fees?

UKBA immigration officials are failing victims of domestic violence says leading Barrister

An article by leading immigration Barrister Colin Yeo for the Guardian.

Border Agency bust sham marriage - six arrested

The UK Border Agency reports that a bride and groom together with four wedding guests were arrested as part of an investigation into a suspected sham marriage.

Demographic shift ‘will cut UK growth' according to ONS figures

Office for Budget Responsibility predicts curbs on immigration and costs of an ageing society will slow economy's growth rate...

Canadian Government takes on rogue immigration consultants

People seeking help to emigrate to Canada are set to be better protected after the Canadian government announced new legislation to deal with fraudulent immigration consultants.

Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre expansion plans scrapped

Plans to double the size of Yarl's Wood Immigration Removal Centre in north Bedfordshire have been scrapped.

American town bans renting property to illegal immigrants

American voters in Fremont Nebraska on Monday approved a ban on hiring or renting property to illegal immigrants, the latest proposal in a series of U.S. immigration regulations taken up by communities around the country.

Early day motion by MP's in support of doomed RMJ

The JCWI has called for members to write to their MP's to ask for support for the Early Day Motion to save the RMJ.

JCWI call for demo against Refugee and Migrant Justice closure

The Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants (JWCI) has issued a press release calling on the government to take urgent action to prevent the closure of Refugee and Migrant Justice (RMJ).

Overseas Filipino workers boost Philippine balance of payments

The Philippines balance of payments (BOP) surplus rose by almost a third in the first five months of the year, as more foreign exchange flowed in (from OFW's) through loans against domestic currency used to pay the country's debts.

Why the world wants to be Canadian

More than half of people around the world say they would abandon their homelands and migrate to Canada if they could.

Filipino domestic workers struggle for justice and survival

ABS-CBN's Niña Corpuz, the author of the article, "Filipino Domestic Workers: between justice and survival," won the 2010 edition of the journalistic prize for the best story on labour rights, awarded by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), the training arm of the ILO.

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