Press briefing of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Monday, July 7, 2014

OPENING STATEMENT

Good afternoon, Marie. Good afternoon, members of the Malacanang Press Corps, especially to Bombo who is going to reveal something later. We have a statement for the week of July 7-11, 2014 

Exactly 122 years ago, the Katipunan was founded with the ideals of freedom and patriotism, its members fueled by love for country and solidarity. Today, many generations hence, we continue this struggle to build a better nation by strengthening our mechanisms of transparency, accountability, and inclusive prosperity through reform. As we mark this anniversary, we invite you to revisit this important landmark in our history, details of which can be found on the Presidential Museum and Library website:http://malacanang.gov.ph/4304-the-founding-of-the-katipunan.

On Wednesday, President Aquino will deliver the keynote address at the Grand Launch of Marco Polo Ortigas Manila. Apart from reflecting foreign investors’ trust in our country, establishments such as this are expected to further bolster our tourism industry, which has grown impressively in recent years. The industry grew by 10.3% and contributed 6% to the economy in 2012, employing 4.2 million individuals. In 2013, international tourist arrivals reached 4.68 million, 9.6% higher than the 4.27 million arrivals posted in 2012. By the end of this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) hopes to increase this number to 6.8 million and further solidify our country’s reputation as one of the top tourism destinations in the world.

Thank you.

Press Briefing of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Thursday, July 3, 2014

RG CRUZ (ABS-CBN): Good afternoon, sir. Was there an emergency meeting in Malacanang over the decision of the Supreme Court last night or early today or later today?

 SEC. LACIERDA: Last night, to my knowledge, there were no meetings yesterday—last night or today.

 Mr. Cruz: But how is the President taking the decision? Is he happy about it? Is he sad? Is he depressed?

SEC. LACIERDA: No, we’re waiting for the decision yet to come out—the full decision. The problem is… I know that you’re very eager to ask me questions and our comments on the Supreme Court decision. But how do I put it? It’s like… Without seeing the entire decision, it’s like asking us to comment on the full movie when we were able to watch only the last 10 seconds of the film. So I will have to beg your indulgence no matter how many questions that you will be asking me.

Press Briefing of Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Monday, June 30, 2014

OPENING STATEMENT

 Good afternoon, Marie. Good afternoon, members of the Malacañang Press Corps. We have a statement on the week of June 30 to July 4, 2014.

 Today marks President Aquino’s fourth year in office. Throughout these past years, we have remained focused on the commitments we outlined in our social contract with Filipinos. As we mark this anniversary, we invite you to view the inaugural addresses of the Presidents of the Philippines, which will be available on the Official Gazette:http://www.gov.ph/inaugural-addresses and on the Presidential Museum and Library website: http://malacanang.gov.ph/1608-the-protocol-ceremony-history-and-symbolism-of-the-presidential-inauguration.

 Tomorrow, we celebrate the 67^th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force (PAF). From its early days as the logistical air unit of the armed forces, to its days as one of the most formidable air forces in the region in the 1960s and 70s, until its further development to present day, the Air Force has continually striven to uphold the interests of the Filipino public.

 As such, the Commander-in-Chief will give thanks to the men and women of the Philippine Air Force, and will speak about additional capability enhancements that the administration is undertaking to enable our uniformed services to effectively meet the challenges of their responsibilities. Part of the modernization efforts of the Air Force is the acquisition of 12 FA-50 lead-in fighter trainer jets from South Korea. As a matter of fact, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has just released a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the implementation of this P18.9-billion project. With this, we can only expect the PAF to further improve its capacity to carry out its mandate as the “First Force,” not only in times of calamity but also in times of stability.

This modernization effort—along with the many programs and projects of the Aquino administration that focus on building confidence in our economy and expanding the scope of our social services—forms part of a holistic strategy to make the change brought about by good governance irreversible, lasting, and truly inclusive. In the remaining two years of the administration, the President and his team will continue the active pursuit of a Philippines where no one is left behind, capitalizing on the many significant gains we have collectively achieved. As such, we are all reminded that the task of nation-building is not left to government alone, and that each of us must put our country above ourselves as we work toward realizing our shared aspiration: a truly just and equitable society.

 

Press Briefing with Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte on Friday, 29 November 2013

OPENING STATEMENT

Hi, Marie, good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I have a short statement. I will read the appointments and then we can proceed to taking your questions.

On the online commemoration of the Andres Bonifacio sesquicentennial

Tomorrow, we celebrate the sesquicentennial of the birth of Andres Bonifacio, the emblematic father of the Philippine Revolution and once the President of the Supreme Council of the Katipunan.

We likewise commemorate the 80th anniversary of the unveiling of one of the country’s most enduring landmarks, the Bonifacio Monument, designed and wrought by National Artist for Sculpture Guillermo Tolentino.

In culmination of its year-long tribute to Andres Bonifacio, the Presidential Museum and Library [www.malacanang.gov.ph] launches tomorrow its online commemoration, featuring a comprehensive essay, videos, and rare glimpses of Tolentino’s masterpiece.

On the 150th year since the birth of the man it honors, we trace the history of the Bonifacio Monument and the legacy it has left—and, in effect, the role Andres Bonifacio has played in securing Philippine independence and in shaping our national narrative.

Radio interview with Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte on Saturday, November 9, 2013

OPENING REMARKS

USEC. VALTE: Good morning sa Saturday Group ng Malacanang Press Corps, at sa mga nakikinig sa atin dito sa Radyo ng Bayan.

Maikling update po muna bago po tayo kumuha ng inyong mga tanong: President Aquino is being updated on the situation in Tacloban and in other areas that have been hit by Typhoon Yolanda by Secretary Mar Roxas and Secretary for National Defense, si Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

At according to the information that I have received, nakaalis na po kaninang umaga iyong dalawang C-130 po natin sa utos nga din po ng Pangulong Aquino, at lumipad na po ito papunta po ng Tacloban City. Kanina ng 7.30 po iyong nauna, and shortly thereafter umalis na po iyong pangalawa.

Nakalulan po nito si Executive Director Eduardo Del Rosario ng NDRRMC, kasama po si Secretary Dinky Soliman, at ang Commanding General po ng Philippine Air Force na si Lieutenant General Lauro Dela Cruz. Kasama po iyong mga medical teams ng AFP, at saka 12,000 lbs. of various relief goods naman po ito. May dala din po silang power generator, may dala po silang communications equipment, mga water purifier para naman po paglapag sa Tacloban City ay may (dalhin) po doon sa mga lugar na kailangan na medyo bagsak pa ho iyong mga kawad ng kuryente at iyong hindi pa ho masyadong gumagana iyong ibang communications facilities doon.