Advocacy groups urge congress and senate to fast track the RP-RH bill

by Paolo Antonio Fernando on Monday, March 7, 2011 at 4:42pm

March 8, 2011 is International Women's Day which is celebrated globally celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This year’s theme is “Equal access to education, training and science and technology: Pathway to decent work for women”.  This year, 2011 marks the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day. The day was commemorated for the first time on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, following its establishment during the Socialist International meeting the prior year. More than one million women and men attended rallies on that first commemoration.

In celebration of such feat, the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC) in collaboration with various groups led by the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) is urging the Philippine legislators to give importance to the Responsible Parenthood-Reproductive Health Bill pending in congress and in senate.

Dr. Eden R. Divinagracia, the Executive Director of PNGOC said “the celebration of the international women’s day will be unforgettable once our legislators see’s the importance of such bill and how it can help each and every one of us especially the poor”.

“I could not see why some of our legislators are afraid of such bill; do they not see the long term effect of having a bill that can help save lives of mothers and children; do they not see the importance of having a law that can help couples plan their family; the RP-RH bill is PRO-Women, PRO-Poor and PRO-Quality of life that me and my organization is pushing for”.

PNGOC which is composed of 95 national and local based NGOs all over the country supports the passage of a Reproductive Health Care Act.

Over 6000 RH Supporters “Marching for RH, Marching for Life” on International Women’s Day

On the centennial celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8, the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) and supporters will march on Congress, with over 6,000 people expected to mobilize, becoming the largest pro-RH demonstration in Philippine history. They intend to send a clear message to the Catholic church that they are losing support.
Dr. Junice L.D. Melgar, the Executive Director of Likhaan Center for Women’s Health and the secretary-general of RHAN said “With the extremist language and actions of the bishops and their allies, women are seeking for spiritual inspiration elsewhere. This will worsen as the bishops’ intransigence on the RH bill continues.”
 
Kiko dela Tonga, heading the Youth Consortium for the RH Bill, spoke for young adult supporters, many of whom will be marching: “If the church thinks that sexual education will put impure thoughts in the heads of youth, that just shows how out-of-touch they are with what’s happening with today’s youth. We’re already getting information at a young age from the media and from each other, but we need it from a more reliable source: teachers that can help us protect ourselves.”
 
Ryan Tani, President of the Filipino Freethinkers, an organization promoting secularism in government commented on the the unprecedented level of support for non-interference of the church in government affairs. “Filipinas fear the Church no longer. Last Sunday, for the first time in history, over a thousand women marched to the CBCP headquarters with one clear message: We’ve had enough. These women have made it clear; the bishops are no longer in control of their lives. Filipinas are free. They have always been free, but now more than ever they’re making sure the CBCP knows.”
 
Over 3,600 marchers will assemble at 1pm at the Commission on Human Rights and at 1:30pm will march to St. Peter Parish. Groups include the Youth Consortium for the RH Bill, the Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines (DWSP), Freedom from Debt Coalition-Women’s Committee, MAKALAYA, PATAMABA, Partido ng Manggagawa, PILAKK, and many more. Another group of over 2,400 marchers will assemble at St. Peter Parish between 2pm and 3pm, and at 3:30pm, the entire assembled group of over 6,000 will march on the House of Representatives. At 5pm a Cultural and Solidarity Program at the sidewalk across South wing gate will commence. RH personalities are scheduled to speak and Pinikpikan, Kontra Gapi, Cooky Chua, Bayang Barrios, Cynthia Alexander, Lolita Carbon and many more are scheduled to perform.
 
Over 1,000 of the marchers are with the DWSP. “The Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines, a national federation of more than 300 community-based women’s groups with about 40,000 members is marching with our sisters. With the Catholic hierarchy’s more aggressive moves against the RH Bill, it also widens its distance from the faithful, many of whom are women. They–especially those from poor communities–are increasingly questioning the bishops’ relevance to their lives. On this day, we ask the Catholic hierarchy to listen to our voices. Our lives are at stake here and they should care. We need the RH bill to pass, ” said Elizabeth Angsioco, DSWP National Chair.

PNoy gets new AFP chief amid corruption scandals

BY SAMMY JULIAN
Manila News Bureau Chief, Panay News

MANILA – President Benigno Aquino III has named Lieutenant General Eduardo Oban Jr. as the next chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and promised to punish corrupt generals and their accomplices.

Oban, an experienced fighter pilot, will take over the post to be vacated by outgoing Chief of Staff Ricardo David Jr.

David is retiring. He will be 56 years old tomorrow, the mandatory age of retirement in the AFP.

The turnover ceremonies will be held today in Camp Aguinaldo.

President Aquino announced his choice for the new AFP chief during yesterday’s graduation rites of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Laon Alab Class 2011 in Baguio City, hoping to restore credibility to an institution facing corruption allegation.

“We will right wrongs. We will straighten those who have been twisted in government and make the thieves and their cohorts answer for their sins. We will not tolerate anybody. There will be no holy cows in our crusade,” the President said.

Oban belongs to PMA Class 1979. He is the third chief of staff since 1996 to come from the Philippine Air Force.

He promised to reform the military's personnel, logistics and financial system to stop corruption, and focus on upgrading the army and navy's capabilities.

The new AFP chief finished a bachelor’s degree at the University of Sto. Tomas before entering PMA.

He also holds a master’s degree in business economics from the University of Asia and the Pacific.

During PMA’s graduation rites at the Borromeo Field yesterday, Aquino commissioned 196 first-class cadets of the academy as second lieutenants and ensigns of the AFP.

He urged the new graduates to uphold integrity and loyalty to the flag.

“You are here not because you want to get rich but because you are concerned with the nation,” Aquino said. “I hope that when someone dumps a truckload of money in front of you, you can easily resist the temptation of taking it. The principles that the PMA instilled in you should prevail.”

Cadet 1st Class Angelo Parras, 21, of Apalit, Pampanga received the Presidential Saber from the President for topping his class. Parras is reportedly joining the Philippine Navy.

Cadet First Class John Gregor Guiang, 21, of Zamboanga del Norte, and Jason Cortes Luna, 23, of Enrile, Cagayan, ranked second and third, respectively.

Also included in the list of the PMA top 10 graduates were Aljay Cabriga Dino of Naic, Cavite; Rigor Nagar Pamitan of Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; Janice Baniaga Matbagan of Baguio City; Bobby Gabayno of Cainta, Rizal; Ramon Kristofer Ganab Engay of Tuao, Cagayan; Norman Avila Carual of Tabaco City, Albay; and Jason Fabros Parinas of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija.

This year’s graduating class is the youngest in the last five years, with their median ages between 20 and 22.

PMA officials said the class has at least 10 members aged 20 years old. They need a waiver to serve as officers in the military because the Armed Forces require its members to be at least 21.

Of the 196 graduates, 22 are females. One hundred and five cadets will join the army, 51 will go to the navy, and 40 will join the air force.

Present at the PMA graduation rites were Vice President Jejomar Binay, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

In welcoming the graduates to the military service, Aquino warned them of the challenges ahead.

“You should keep in mind that you will face difficult challenges for the first time – corruption, injustice and poverty,” Aquino said in Filipino.

“You will meet people posing as politicians. They will try to seduce you with piles of money and offer you power so you will stray from the straight path,” he said./PN

CFO to hold info campaign on human trafficking, migration

SAN JOSE, Antique — The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) will come to the province to conduct the CFO Community Education Program on Human Trafficking and Migration on March 9–12.

Among the subjects of the campaign are migration, intermarriage and other existing government policies and programs directed against illegal recruitment and documentation, fraud and human trafficking.

This inter-agency community education and information campaign seeks to assist prospective migrants in making informed decisions about settlement abroad, and to generate community involvement in migration concerns.

It also aims to raise public awareness on various issues concerning programs against illegal practices.

On March 9, the CFO in coordination with the Philippine Information Agency will hold a press briefing to augment the information campaign through print media, radio and cable television.

Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo earlier issued Memorandum Circular No. 2011-20.

Through the memo, he urged all local chief executives, Department of Interior and Local Government directors, field officers to help CFO in conducting the community education program.

Academic institutions, nongovernment organizations and religious organizations that are actively assisting migrants and their families were also encouraged to support the activity.

This year’s campaign has the theme “Handa ka na ba mag-abroad? Ano ang dapat mong alamin?”

CFO works directly under the Office of the President. (JCM/PSM/PIA6 Antique/PN)

PHILIPPINES RATIFIES ROME STATUTE OF THE ICC

THE Aquino Administration has ratified and endorsed the Rome Statute
of the International Criminal Court (ICC), sending a message to the
international community that it is committed to upholding and
protecting human rights.

Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. said on Sunday that President
Aquino III signed on February 28 the Instrument of Ratification of the
treaty, which provides for the establishment the of the ICC, and had
asked the Senate for its concurrence.

“Ratification of the Rome Statute enhances Philippine commitment to
human rights and is our contribution to an effective international
criminal justice system,” Ochoa said.

“It complements Republic Act No. 9851, which enables our country on
its own to prosecute international crimes and strengthens human
rights’ enforcement in our country,” he added.

Republic Act No. 9851, or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against
International Humanitarian Law, Genocide and Other Crimes Against
Humanity, was signed into law in December 2009. It is said to be the
country’s version of the International Humanitarian Law.

According to Ochoa, the ICC is the first permanent institution having
power to exercise jurisdiction over persons for the most serious
crimes of international concerns such as the crime of genocide, crimes
against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression, and is seen to
help end impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes.

“It adopts the principle of complementarity that recognizes a State’s
right to exercise jurisdiction over these crimes. Meaning, the ICC
will only act if such State is unable or unwilling to carry out the
investigation and prosecution of the crime,” Ochoa explained.

The Rome Statute adheres to the general principles of criminal law and
exclusion of jurisdiction over persons under 18 years old, he added.

In a meeting convened by the Presidential Human Rights Commission in
September last year, the Departments of Justice (DOJ), Foreign Affairs
(DFA) and National Defense (DND) agreed to recommend the ratification
of the Rome Statute by the President and subsequently transmit it to
the Senate for concurrence.

The DFA has recommended the timely transmittal of the Rome Statute to
the Senate in view of the visit of ICC President Sang-Hyun Song from
March 7 to 8 in the country.

The Philippines is one of the countries that drafted the 1998 treaty.
Former Acting Permanent Representative to the U.N. Enrique Manalo
signed it in December 2000

A revitalized Iloilo Press Club

BRIDGES By SAMMY JULIAN
THE entry of Mr. Rommel Ynion to the Iloilo Press Club (IPC) and his eventual election as its president has brought vitality to this institution that has known better days. Mr. Ynion’s entry was also instrumental in putting together the warring factions -- friends and allies before but because of misunderstanding and miscommunications, became bitter foes and slugged it all in public view. A renewed and revitalized club and the ushering in of peace and understanding – these are the elements that can move the club to address its future. Thanks to Rommel Ynion. He is not only concerned about the building and other physical needs of the club. He made himself an instrument for those concerned to lay down animosities and hatred and smoke the pipe of peace. Truly, men who can transcend the constrictions of petty quarrels, who can see beyond the exchange of harsh words and stand in between to preach the gospel of peace and reconciliation deserve our respect and admiration. And above all, our support. For Mr. Ynion is not the Iloilo Press Club. All of us are. And all of us can really make the club move and create ripple so it can be felt far and wide, something we can all be proud of -- that in this part of the country, the fourth estate is a dynamic partner of democracy, crying out against things that are not true, crying out against things that are not fair and just, crying out against things that trample and desecrate the dignity of man and his freedom. Mr. Ynion realizes this. He knows the weight of his responsibility. He is not taking over the helm of a club that is stable and firm. He is taking over the leadership of a club that has been through a lot of strife and turmoil. He sits at the head of a tattered and worn-out table which only saw discord and misunderstanding. And he has picked up the pieces and helped rebuild the club not with blocks and iron but mending broken hearts and restoring laughter; by creating that atmosphere of congeniality and making hands to shake in friendship. Iloilo is fast growing and is making leaps and bounds as it moves to the future. Once known as the Queen City of the South, indicators are present that this glorious era will be restored. The investments by local and outside businessmen, the Iloilo airport as a gateway to Panay, the resurgence of agricultural production, hotels and new establishments mushrooming in city, the expansion of Iloilo -- all these show a new dynamism in the economy of Iloilo. The Iloilo Press Club cannot stand on the sides. It must grow with the economic tide and must continue to function as expected. Mr. Ynion as the new president has seen the problems, has gone into solving them one by one and is in the process -- together with other officers and well meaning media persons – of making the club an appendage of Iloilo’s dynamic march to progress. Today, Mr. Ynion joins President Benigno Aquino III in his state visit to Indonesia and Singapore. He will be exposed to the dynamics of covering the President in a foreign country. But more than this, this is an act of bringing to the fore the Iloilo Press Club which will be seen and be heard from in the days ahead as a relevant organization of media persons. Mr. Ynion comes at the right time, at the right place and at the right moment in history. He comes when he is needed most./PN

Follow fire code or else…

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has stepped up its inspection of houses, buildings and other facilities here, warning Antiqueños that not following fire safety standards could get them into trouble.
According to Provincial Fire Marshal Senior Insp. Romeo Gigato, for the month of January alone, they have issued a total of 1,468 Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC).
In 2010, BPF-Antique inspected a total of 6,628 establishments – 3981 were residential houses, 2396 were mercantile, industrial and business.
Other establishments inspected were educational institutions and multi-purpose assembly areas among others, said Fire Officer Jose Talidong, Jr.
BFP is also inspecting boarding houses.
The strict implementation of Fire Code does not only ensure safety but also generate revenue for the government.
In 2010, BFP-Antique collected P827,269.39 for Fire Code fees.
Aside from houses and establishments, BFP also conducts fire drills/simulation exercises in various institutions such as schools, hospitals and government offices.
BFP, according to Senior Fire Officer Alex Ortiaga, is also strict in enforcing the Fire Code on newly constructed buildings and houses.

Specifically, owners are being made sure to follow fire safety specifications in structural designs and electrical installations. (JCM/PSM/PIA-Antique/PN)