Kerry’s assurances

US Secretary of State John Kerry assured the Philippines that it does not recognize the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) declared by China. The zone includes islands claimed by Japan, and may also be expanded to include the West Philippine Sea.

Kerry announced a grant of $40 million to assist Philippine Maritime borders’ security, calling the Philippines a “treaty ally”. He confirmed that the agreement for a US rotational presence is in advanced stage.

Kerry hailed the amazing resilience of the Filipino in the several calamities that visited the country.

Kerry visited Tacloban yesterday.

No Malacañang pressure

DOE Secretary Jericho Petilla expressed the view that there is no basis for pressuring ERC Chairman Zenaida Ducut to resign because she  has a term of office and no official complaint has been filed by the Ombudsman against her.

Malacañang Press Secretary Herminio Coloma agrees with Petilla saying it is up to Ducut to decide whether to resign or not, adding that there is no legal compulsion for her to resign.

About 30 officials have been charged before the Ombudsman, but only Biazon resigned.

Audit needed for Red Cross

Jeric Sian, former Red Cross chief accountant has asked for an audit of Red Cross funds. Dixie Villar, Red Cross South Cotabato chapter administrator has come out to support Jeric Sian’s call for an audit.

Sian has charged that P200 million of Red Cross funds have been used to buy items that had no relation to Red Cross work in calamities. Among the items bought were ballers and whistles.

Another winner

Congratulations to Bea Rose Santiago, 23 years old, who won the Miss International contest in Tokyo. She comes from Masbate. Her parents are in Canada.

A few weeks ago, Megan Young won the Miss World title crown in Indonesia. Ariella Arida won 3rd runner-up honors in the Miss Universe contest held in Moscow. Precious Lara Quigaman won the Miss International title in 2005. Other previous winners are Melanie Marquez, Gemma Cruz, and Aurora Pijuan.

UNESCO condemnation

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) condemned the spate of killings in Mindanao, and blamed the government for failure to solve the killings. The condemnation was issued by Irina Bokova, UNESCO secretary- general.

Twenty-seven journalists have been killed under the Aquino Administration. “It is very important that those responsible for these murders be brought to trial. Media workers in the Philippines have been paying a heavy price for exercising their rights to face speech,” Bokova said in a statement. In the Ampatuan massacre, thirty-three journalists were killed.

High rate of accidents

In the last three years, the number of motor vehicle accidents have increased. It is estimated that at least 40 people are killed daily in accidents.

North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), and the Quirino Highway to Bicol, Cebu, and Mindanao have recorded the most number of accidents. Who is the agency in-charge? The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) through its two agencies: Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO). In most cases, the brakes failed and in other cases, the driver is drunk, drugged or sleepy.

President Aquino must review the activities of LTFRB and LTO. There has to be stricter licensing procedures, it should be tightened up.

Speeding is a notable problem that can be stopped by stricter enforcement, especially in NLEX, SLEX, and Commonwealth Avenue. 

The licensed drivers involved in accidents should be revoked. It has been suggested that drivers be paid monthly instead of the present commission system. This year, there have been three bad accidents, involving buses on the Manila-Bicol route.

Hardworking Cabinet members

The following officials have done their job well in 2013:

1. MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino

2. DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman

3. DOE Secretary Jericho Petilla

4. DFA Secretary Albert del Rosario

5. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima

6. DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro

7. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson

8. Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras

9. Press Secreatary Herminio Coloma

10. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima

Excessive salaries

Despite the creation of the Governance Commission for  Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has been hiring new executives at exorbitant rates.

A newly-hired human resources director was given a maximum salary of P500,000 a month, plus a brand new car.

The appointment was classified as coterminous with President Aquino and has not been submitted to the Civil Service Commission.

Big helpers

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has increased the cost of reconstruction to more than P360 billion.

The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) conducted the distribution of relief in Tacloban, Ormoc, and Hernani, Eastern Samar.

Tzu Chi Foundation from Taiwan distributed P360 million in a “cash for work” program in Tacloban hiring 50,000 people.

Sagip Kapamilya reached the remotest barangays in Eastern Visayas. They were usually the first to arrive.

The SM Group of Companies has raised more than P100 million for  typhoon ‘Yolanda’ relief. SM City Clark raised P800 thousand.

The United States, United Kingdom, and Japan were the biggest foreign country donors.

The World Bank and Asian Development Bank also pledged $1 billion.

Tidbits: Barangay Chairman Mario Tejada was shot dead in Banna, Ilocos Norte. Barangay official Gregorio Virtucio escaped death in an ambush at San Pascual, Batangas.

Passengers are complaining about the lack of seats at the Tacloban airport.

Willie Revillame is holding a show and concert in Tacloban on December 22, 2013.

The Philippines got the 8th place in the list of ten ASEAN countries as favored investment destination in 2014-2015.

Happy birthday to Neng Juliano, a businesswoman from Cotabato City.

Condolence to the mother and siblings of Jonas Joshua Garcia, 16-year-old boxer, who died after fighting in Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association meet in Iba, Zambales.