You plan to move to the Philippines? Wollen Sie auf den Philippinen leben?

There are REALLY TONS of websites telling us how, why, maybe why not and when you'll be able to move to the Philippines. I only love to tell and explain some things "between the lines". Enjoy reading, be informed, have fun and be entertained too!

Ja, es gibt tonnenweise Webseiten, die Ihnen sagen wie, warum, vielleicht warum nicht und wann Sie am besten auf die Philippinen auswandern könnten. Ich möchte Ihnen in Zukunft "zwischen den Zeilen" einige zusätzlichen Dinge berichten und erzählen. Viel Spass beim Lesen und Gute Unterhaltung!


Visitors of germanexpatinthephilippines/Besucher dieser Webseite.Ich liebe meine Flaggensammlung!

free counters

Google

Showing posts with label Benigno Aquino. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Benigno Aquino. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Philippines Poised for Even More Success

 (philstar.com)



President Benigno Aquino III addresses the 4th Euromoney Philippine Investment Forum at the Rigodon Ballroom of The Peninsula Manila in Makati City on Tuesday (March 24). The Forum was host to a by-invitation-only audience of over 500 business leaders, investors and policy makers. Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau
"You ain't seen nothing yet."
This was President Benigno Aquino III's message to investors on Tuesday as he boasted the country's economic growth under his watch, claiming that the best is yet to come.
Speaking at the Euromoney Philippines Investment Forum in Makati, Aquino cited the economic achievements during his term including the country's new all-time record in foreign direct investments, improved global competitiveness rankings and the credit rating upgrades.
"The tremendous amount of confidence the global community has developed for the Philippines is incredibly gratifying, especially considering that, not too long ago, we were known as the 'Sick Man of Asia'," Aquino said.
"However, our administration remains hard at work so that we can maximize every opportunity available to us, and I think many of you will agree with me when I say: You ain't seen nothing yet," he added.
Aquino told investors that the country is "poised for even more success" and that "there is indeed much reason for optimism."
Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
Despite the country's economic gains, Aquino said that the "limitless potential" of Filipinos has yet to be "sufficiently measured."
"I know that we have only scratched the surface.. To those who are here to take a closer look at the Philippines," Aquino said.
"I invite you: Bet on the Filipino people, and discover for yourself how it’s more fun and more profitable to do business in the Philippines," he continued.
In his speech, Aquino did not fail to take a swipe at the Philippine media for not trumpeting the country's economic achievements.
"There has been so much good news these past few years, and yet, this good news has often been relegated to the back pages of our broadsheets. I must admit: our campaign to change the mindset that negativism sells is still a work in progress," Aquino lamented.

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

PNoy Believes Purisima Lied to Him During Mamasapano Operations

By XIANNE ARCANGEL, GMA News

President Benigno Aquino III felt he had been lied to by then-suspended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director-General Alan Purisima during the police operation to arrest two high-value terrorists in what is believed to be Moro Islamic Liberation Front territory in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on Jan. 25.
 
Two lawmakers who were present at the meeting Aquino held Monday in Malacañang confirmed the President believed he was told lies when he received inaccurate information from Purisima that help was on the way for the beleaguered SAF troopers trapped in a gunfight with Moro rebels in Mamasapano.
 
In an interview over dZBB Tuesday, House Minority Leader Ronaldo Zamora recalled Aquino was asked by a lawmaker who used to be in the uniformed services if he felt he had been misled by the information he received regarding “Oplan Exodus,” the police operation to arrest Malaysian bomb making expert Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan and Filipino terrorist Abdul Basit Usman. 
 
“Ang sagot ng Pangulo, tingin ko hindi lang [ako] na-misled. I had been told lies,” Zamora recalled Aquino as saying.
 
“I still remember the word [the President used]: ‘I had been lied to,’” the lawmaker added.
 
'They were lies'

Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop said he was the lawmaker who asked Aquino if he felt he had been misled by the information Purisima relayed to him regarding “Oplan Exodus.”
 
“I asked him: Do you think you were fed inaccurate information regarding this police operation? The President was candid enough to respond: I think they were lies,” Acop, a former police director, said.
 
In a transcript of text messages that he read before a Senate inquiry Monday, it was revealed that Purisima had told Aquino the military was already providing mechanized and artillery support even though they have not yet been deployed at that time. 
 
Purisima was already suspended as PNP chief when the SAF commandos carried out the operation to nab Marwan and Usman. According to Zamora, Purisima updated Aquino about the “Oplan Exodus” from Nueva Ecija. 
 
Aquino met with House leaders and select lawmakers later that day to explain how much he knew about the SAF operation in Mamasapano. Aquino recollection of his actions that day was accompanied by a Powerpoint presentation containing the text messages he received from Purisima.
 
Aquino is commander-in-chief
 
While Aquino did not specifically mention Purisima as the person who lied to him, Acop believes the President could have only been talking about him since the text messages the lawmakers saw came from the now-resigned PNP chief.
 
Zamora, for his part, said: “Hindi niya (Aquino) sinabing sinungaling si Purisima, but he felt he deserves to be told the truth.”
 
Acop said Aquino deserved to know the whole truth about the Mamasapano operation because he is the police and military’s Commander in Chief.
 
“The President should have been given all the true information regarding the operation, kasi if the information given to him were not true or relevant, he couldn’t make a good decision,” he said.
 
Acop said it was clear from the President’s presentation to them that he gave specific instructions to Purisima to inform PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas about “Oplan Exodus,” and to then- SAF director Getulio Napeñas to coordinate with the AFP but these were not followed.
 
“The burden of the operational lapse on communication on the ground now falls on Purisima and Napeñas since they had failed to coordinate and even when the President specifically instructed them to,” he said. 

—NB, GMA News

Saturday, February 7, 2015

PNoy's Speech on Marwan's Death, Purisima's Resignation and Mamasapano Clash

The path to peace is not easy to tread. Many Filipinos have given their lives in the fight against those who wish for continued violence and discord. It is our policemen and soldiers who are the most opposed to war, precisely because they are the first in line, and because they make the greatest sacrifice when fighting breaks out. As President and Commander-in-Chief, I am fully responsible for any result—any triumph, any suffering, and any tragedy—that may result from our desire for lasting peace and security.

 
On January 24, our Special Action Force conducted an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Their targets were two notorious terrorists: Primarily, Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan, a Malaysian, and Basit Usman. The operation against Marwan was successful.
 
In exchange for this triumph, we paid a heavy price. 44 heroes from the Special Action Force gave their lives. To the bereaved families: Last Friday, I made a request to meet you, and I am thankful that you agreed to have that meeting at a time when I could speak with you, with sufficient knowledge on what had happened, and concrete proposals for your futures. Just as I was responsible for your loved ones, so too am I responsible for you; it is my duty to ensure that the sacrifices made by your relatives are repaid. My promise to you remains unchanged: During my remaining 17 months in office, I am doing, and will continue to do, everything I can to guarantee your families’ well-being.
 
I am the father of this country and 44 of my children were killed. They can no longer be brought back. This tragedy happened during my term, and I will carry this to the end of my days. They were my responsibility, together with the rest of the forces of the SAF involved in this operation, as well as those who rescued them, and whose lives were likewise put in danger.
 
Terrorists such as Marwan and Usman murder innocent people without hesitation or remorse, which is why operations to neutralize them are inherently dangerous. Marwan was an international terrorist, who had been long sought not only by us, but also by other countries. We did not expect them to follow like obedient sheep when presented with an arrest warrant.
 
When it comes to the operations reported to us, we have always reviewed them to learn the lessons they may carry, especially when our troops are slain. This is why I continue to ask: Was there anything more that could have been done to avoid this tragedy?
 
Marwan and Usman have been wanted since 2002. There have been many operations conceptualized to neutralize them, even before I became president. This latest version of the plan has likewise been aborted many times. Like you, I want to know the whole truth behind this incident, and I have complete confidence that the truth will be uncovered through the comprehensive and unbiased investigation of the Board of Inquiry. We are awaiting its results. However, as President, it is part of my responsibilities to determine, at this very moment, the mistakes that were made in order to correct them. It is my responsibility to find justice at the soonest possible time.
 
It is precisely because of this that I undertook my own investigations and conducted my own interviews of those who participated in this operation. It has clearly emerged that: The situation our troops found on the ground was vastly different from what was expected under the plans.
 
The commander of the operation should have been aware of this, especially since he has long been assigned to Mindanao. Situational awareness is demanded of him. As commander, he had full knowledge of the entire plan, together with the dangers that came with it; he would be the first to know if the plan was being executed correctly. He should have known what was happening at every moment.
 
While studying what had transpired, precisely because the situation on the ground was so different from what had been envisioned in the plan, we saw that there were no fewer than three separate instances when the mission could have been aborted or postponed, or when the plan could have been dramatically changed. There was an even greater need for this, especially since he was well aware that no coordination had taken place regarding expected assistance, and since the Armed Forces could render little aid, if at all, because they were not given sufficient time to prepare.
 
How and why did it happen that there was no coordination? Why did the mission continue, when it had deviated so far from the original plan, and our troops were already in grave danger? These, and many others, are the questions that plague my mind. The former SAF Commander will have an opportunity to answer these, and explain himself, in the appropriate proceedings.
 
In all our efforts to capture Marwan and Usman, General Alan Purisima played a vital role. He contributed greatly to the long preparations and in the many operations in pursuit of the two terrorists. The public is likewise aware that Alan and I have known each other for a very long time. During the coup d’etat, or the attempted coup d’ etat in 1987, before we were ambushed, I was confident that our security personnel had sufficient skills to protect us. But because almost all my escorts fell during that ambush, my confidence was shaken. It was Alan Purisima who designed, executed, and trained us in a modified VIP protection course; this played a great role in restoring my confidence. From then, until today, Alan and I have gone through so much; he was with me in opposing powerful vested interests who were capable of threatening our lives. In the days when I was part of the opposition, even though it was detrimental to his career to be close to me, Alan did not leave my side.
 
For this reason, perhaps you will understand why I find it painful to see him leave the service under these circumstances. I have accepted, effective immediately, the resignation of General Purisima. I thank him for his many years of service prior to this tragedy.
 
I assure you: We are doing everything to uncover the truth. The report that will emerge from this investigation will provide invaluable lessons, to ensure such a tragedy will never happen again. There will be changes.
 
I fulfill, and I will continue to fulfill, my duties as President. The morale of our Special Action Force troops needs to be raised. Their status as a fully operational unit needs to be restored. As there are those who seek to drive a wedge between the AFP and PNP, we will make sure they do not succeed; we should not waste the good working relationship between the AFP and PNP, a relationship we have seen in rescue operations in the wake of calamities, or in other operations where they have worked together to respond to threats to our security, such as the Zamboanga siege. Let us remember, our work is not yet done: Usman is still at large.
 
To the members and leadership of the MILF: From the onset, I have considered you brothers on the path to peace. Until now, I am confident that you will help us in seeking justice; that those who have done wrong should be held to account, especially if it is confirmed that there were  SAF troopers who werel executed despite being wounded and defenseless. Your efforts to limit the movement of the BIFF are a good first step.
 
Now about Usman, let me point out the following: If he remains within your territory, or is protected by one of your members, we expect you to surrender him to the authorities. If not, we expect you to do everything you can to help capture him. And if even this is not possible, do not interfere with our pursuit of Usman.
 
May this serve as a warning and a reminder: We will get Usman, whatever you decide, regardless of who provides a safe haven for him, regardless of where he may be hiding. Let no one doubt: We are partners in pursuing peace and justice. To those who have lost their way, who would still stand in our way, remember this:  You are fighting the State, and we will run you over.
 
To the members of our uniformed services: We are with you. We will stand in front of you, beside you, and behind you, as needed; whatever is required of you, be assured that we are with you. I assure you: You are not alone.
 
Again, to the families of the fallen SAF members: No words can fully alleviate the pain of your loss. To each one of you, and to each person whose life was imperiled, I say to you today what the Filipino people said to us when we lost our parents: You are not alone.
 
To all those working with us towards peace: We are fully committed to continuing the fight. And I say to those opposed to our objective, especially those who resort to violence: Mark my words, you will feel the sharpened and strengthened might of a unified Filipino nation.
 
Let us all remain focused on our primary goal: a widespread and lasting peace. This is what our Special Action Force fought for in Mamasapano. This is what every decent Filipino who wishes to leave behind a better future for coming generations continues to fight for. Through solidarity and partnership, we can attain justice, pay tribute to the sacrifices of our policemen, and turn our collective dreams into reality.
 
Thank you, and good day.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Philippines' Protesters

Thousands of people including activists and clergy gathered at the Philippine capital's main park on Monday (Aug 25) in a rally to denounce the "pork barrel" system which they blame for spreading corruption. 

The crowd, which included nuns, priests and lawyers, was significantly smaller than a similar rally over the same issue last year which observers said drew at least 250,000. That rally, called through a vigorous social media campaign, had captured the outrage following reports of a scam involving tens of millions of dollars from the "pork barrel" funds of congressmen.

Such allocations are supposed to pay for the pet projects of legislators but large amounts were allegedly syphoned off. Three powerful senators have already been jailed over the controversy.

Influential Manila archbishop Cardinal Luis Tagle praised those taking part in the "march against pork" in a statement posted on a church social media site. "I extend my greetings and solidarity. Thank you for making democracy alive and active. Thank you for advancing decency in public life," the senior church leader said.

Peachy Bretana, an official of the Scrap Pork Network which was one of the organisers, told ABS-CBN television the issue was non-partisan. "This is not about parties. This definitely is not anti-administration. This is pro-people," she said.

But many of the protesters at the rally used the issue to attack President Benigno Aquino, whom they accused of abetting the pork barrel system and of seeking a second term despite being limited by law to only one term. "No to pork barrel. No to term extension," the placards read as protesters carried effigies of Aquino.

Aquino, who was elected in 2010 on an anti-corruption platform, has seen his approval ratings dip amid accusations that his allies are among the beneficiaries of the pork barrel system. The president did not directly address his critics. But speaking at an event at the military cemetery, he called on the public "to remain vigilant against those who seek to sow doubt and lies" and spread "baseless accusations".

Monday, January 13, 2014

Stronger Bonds with International Community

President Benigo Aquino sought stronger bonds with the Philippines and the international Community as they face the new year.

The President thanked the international community anew for the help they gave to Filipinos affected by calamities.

"As President, I am filled with happiness and hope, knowing full well that the New Year provides many opportunities to deepen our cooperation and strengthen the partnerships we have forget, " he said.

He added the Filipino people remember who their friends are, and will look for ways to repay those who stood by them in the most difficult times as part of "utang ng loob".

The President referred to the help from the international community to victims of last year's calamities, including the magnitude-7.2 quake that shook Central Visayas, and super typhoon "Yolanda" (Haiyan), which devastated Eastern Visayas and Southern Luzon.


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Fastest Growth in Asean?

I was really surprised receiving the news, that the Philippine economy moved to the fastest in Southeast Asia in the third quarter at 7.1 percent from a year earlier, coming just a little behind China's growth and surpassing projections.

I received these news while waiting at the airport in Manila for my flight back to Davao City.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda commented it like this: "This was possible due to sustained confidence in the leadership of President Aquino and his administration, which has consistently equated good governance with good economics. The government has pushed to ensure this economic growth is felt by the broadest number of people!"

The German Ambassador for the Philippines, Dr. Joachim Heidorn, whom I interviewed just a little while ago, had the same opinion. By the way, the interview shall be published here soon.

Philippines - the fastest growth in Asean? I pray and I wish, it might not become a nine days fly... .

Monday, November 12, 2012

Compact For Peace Formed

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) have forged an agreement to mutually cooperate in addressing local peace and security issues in Southern Philippines.

Lawyer Anwar Malang, ARMM chief of staff and currently Interior and Local Governments Secretary, met with Lawyer Randolp Parcasio, legal adviser of Nur Misuari, chair of a faction of the MNLF, in a Makati hotel last Friday.

The MNLF move came as a total turn around from Misuari's earlier provocative statements undermining the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro signed by the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

ARMM is composed of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas covered by the September 2, 1996 GOH-MNLF peace agreement.

Parcasio and Malang signed the ARMM-MNLF Peace and Development Compact.

Under the Compact, the group of Misuari is encouraged to cooperate with the ARMM leadership in addressing peace and order problems that have been causing poverty and underdevelopment in Muslim region. 

Misuari had been publicly rejecting the Framework Agreement calling it a product of conspiracy between the Malaysian government, Aquino government and the MILF.

Under the Compact, both the MNLF and ARMM leadership will cooperate "to protect life, liberty and poverty of all the people of ARMM. Both the ARMM and the MNLF also vowed to jointly resolve family feud and clan wars in the autonomous region. (PNA)

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Corona debunks charges in Impeachment Court

 Philippine Chief Justice Renato Corona was admitted to the intensive care of a Manila hospital today, interrupting his impeachment trial yesterday.

He was advised to stay in the Medical City Hospital for 48 hours over fears that he could suffer a heart attack, DZHR Radio reported, citing a cardiologist at the hospital. 

Corona had walked out of his Senate trial yesterday after declaring that the charges against him, including an allegation that he stashed away $ 12 million in 82 bank accounts were pure lies forwarded by President Benigno Aquino.

Here is more:

Monday, April 23, 2012

Philippine Press Institute Goes Live Streaming

For the first time since 1997 when the first press forum was organized, the Philippine Press Institute will cover live its 16th National Press forum on Media Accountability and Public engagement via video streaming on April 23 and 24 at Traders Hotel manila.

This is made possible by the Information Technology Ventures (ICTV) which offered its services and technical resources for free. Considered as one of the most anticipated annual gathering of publishers and editors from the 71-member newspaper of the institute, the Press forum will be accessed via Internet TV, to specifically cater to audiences who will not be able to attend the conference.

This year's exclusive broadcast partner TV 5, will also cover the vent from start to finish. Speeches from the main forum and industry forum will be made available in the PPI website www.philpressinstitute.com .

President Benigno Aquino is keynote speaker in the opening ceremonies. He is the first head of state to grace the annual event. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales is guest of honour in the Civic Journalism Community Press Awards which will honour outstanding community newspapers for excellence in various categories.

The PPI is celebrating its 48th founding year and 25th year since reactivation in 1987. Dubbed as "PPI: Legacy of a Free Press', the celebration recognizes the restoration of democracy in the country through the historic People power that eventually reinstated social institutions, the media included.


Saturday, March 24, 2012

Aquino Inspires German Business Leaders to Invest in The Philippines

German business leaders led by honorary consuls who compose part of the so-called "2012 Team Philippines-Germany" were inspired by President Benigno Aquino sincerity to effect the necessary reforms that will make the country more investment-friendly, thus preventing again past mistakes, including the controversial Fraport issue that has affected for a while relations between both countries.

Despite his busy schedule, President Aquino took time last March 21, 2012 to meet the German delegates, who in turn, cancelled at the last-minute their bookings for a long-scheduled trip to Bohol to sample the kind of tourism in the country, or "Why It's More Fun in Philippines" as the new tourism slogan goes.

The members of the "2012 Team Philippines-Germany" led by Philippine Ambassador to Germany Maria Cleofe Natividad and four German honorary consuls for the Philippines were commended and recognized by President Aquino for their initiatives and sacrifices to hurdle difficulties and mis-impressions on the Philippines by still showing interests in the country.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario expressed high regard for the team "Philippines-Germany". Also with the delegation from the business sectors were -among many others - Harald Penner, managing director of Asia-Pacific Forum and Berlin Partner GmbH, whom I will be meeting next week to discuss on how "People's College International" may assist in providing an intellectual basis for a comprehensive understanding of education as a life long learning process.

I strongly agree with Ambassador Natividad, who "hailed the unwavering support of the German group, despite the difficulties, adversities and challenges they face!"

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Aquino to Inaugurate Lufthansa Technik Facility


President Benigno Aquino will lead the inauguration  of the Lufthansa Technik, Philippines' new maintenance hangar for Airbus aircraft in Villamor Airbase in Pasay City.

The maintenance hangar, located at Macro Asia Special Economic Zone inside the Villamar Airbase, is intended for Airbus 380 aircraft.

Upon his arrival at the venue, the President will simulate operating an Airbus  A 380 aircraft. He will then pull the throttle that will signal the opening of the new maintenance hangar.

After his speech, the President will tour  the existing hangar servicing the Airbus A 380 aircraft. The inauguration of Lufthansa Technik Philippines is considered a milestone in the Philippine aviation industry, making it one of the world's nine locations capable of maintaining, repairing and overhauling the Airbus A 380, the biggest air craft in the world today.
For more than a decade, Lufthansa Technik Philippines, a German-Philippine joint venture, has placed the Philippines in the global aviation map by having German technology, precision, and innovation in addition to Filipino crafts-manship.

Lufthansa Technik Philippines' million new investment, as one could learn from a Philippine News Agency report, is expected to expand the company's capacity, create more local jobs and contribute to nation building.

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Now is the Time for PEACE!

(PNA) - Saying the Filipino is weary of all the fighting, discord, and senseless armed combat characteristic of the growing gap between the government and members of the rebel groups, President Benigo Aquino called on all the stakeholders and concerned citizens to rally behind his administration and support  the resumption of peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) taking place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The President made the call during the "Ilaw ng Kapayapaan" (Light of Peace) candle lighting ceremonies held at Quezon Memorial Circle last Tuesday night. 

Peace: - calm, repose, freedom from disturbance, war or hostilities as well as tumult and commotion. 

A German sayings goes like this: "Ein Friede ist besser als 10 Siege!" One peace is better then ten victories.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God!" (Matthew 5:9).

Also as an expat living in the Philippines and knowing the Philippines, especially Mindanao since the early 1980s, I wish us peace. In Mindanao, in the Philippines, and of course, in the whole world!