Roxas to GMA: Resist Barack Obama pressure on cheap meds

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today asked President Arroyo to resist pressure when he meets with US President Barack Obama who will surely defend the US pharmaceutical companies’ opposition to the immediate implementation of the Cheaper Medicines law.

"Pangulong Arroyo, okay lang na makipagpulong ka kay President Obama pero huwag kang magpapa-braso na hindi natin pabababain ang presyo ng gamot dito sa ating bansa (It’s okay if you meet with President Obama but don’t be influenced into not bringing down the prices of medicines in our country)," he said.

"Matagal ng naghihintay ang ating mga kababayan na tuparin mo ang iyong pangako. Ipatupad mo na ang batas para sa murang gamot. Ang daming oras na ang nasasayang (Our people have long been waiting for you to make true your promise. Implement the law on cheaper medicines. We are wasting a lot of time with your administration’s dilly-dallying)," he added.

The Visayan senator noted pharmaceutical lobbying in the United States is one of the strongest and most influential in the world.

"Ang mga pharmaceutical companies, malaking industriya iyan sa Amerika. Yung pharmaceutical lobby isa sa pinakamalaki, pinaka-malakas, pinakamatindi…’yung healthcare reborn, isa sa pinakamalaking isyu sa Amerika. Kasi napakatindi ng lobby ng pharmaceutical industry (The pharmaceutical industry in America is big. The pharmaceutical lobby there is very strong. The healthcare reborn is a big issue because of the lobbying of the pharmaceutical industry)," he said.

Roxas reiterated his call for President Arroyo to sign the month-old draft executive order imposing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) on 22 most essential medicines for Filipinos.

He said even the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that 122 governments all over the world impose price regulations on medicines sold in their respective countries.

"Bakit kailangang dito sa atin ay pahirapan ang pagpapatupad nitong MRP? Ginang Arroyo, isipin mo naman ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan (Why are we having a difficult time with the implementation of this MRP? Mrs. President, be more considerate of your people)," he also said.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 | posted in barack obama, cheaper medicines bill, mar roxas, pgma, philippines, president, usa, world health organization | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas joined nation in commemorating President Manuel Roxas' 61st death anniversary

The country observed last Wednesday the 61st death anniversary of the late President Manuel Roxas, the third and last president of the Commonwealth and the first of the Republic of the Philippines, and the grandfather of Senator Mar Roxas.

Memorial masses in memory of the late statesman were be held in selected churches all over the country while members of the Roxas clan separately lead wreath laying activities at his resting place at the North Cemetery in Manila, at Clark Air Base in Pampanga, where he died on April 15, 1948, and at Roxas City where he was born in 1892.

Manuel Roxas - a patriot, statesman, parliamentarian, orator and the first President of the Philippine Republic - was born in Capiz, Capiz (now Roxas City) on January 1, 1892 to Gerardo Roxas Sr. and Rosario Acuña. His father died from bullet wounds from Spanish Guardia Sibils seven months before he was born.

Roxas received his basic education in public schools in Capiz and Manila, graduating in 1909 with highest honors at the Manila High School (now Araullo High School). In 1913, he graduated as class valedictorian from the University of the Philippines Law School, where he was also elected president of his class and the University Student Council. That same year, he topped the first ever Philippine Bar examinations in the country with a high grade of 92 per cent.

Roxas' brilliant career in public service began in 1917 when he was appointed as member of the municipal council of Capiz. In 1919, he was elected Provincial Governor, the country's youngest governor then at the age of 27. In 1922, he was elected as Congressman representing the first district of Capiz. He was Speaker of the House for 12 consecutive years.

Recognized as "the Master Strategist" in the movement designed to bring complete independence to the Philippines, one of Roxas' greatest achievements was the enactment of the Hare-Hawes-Cutting Law in 1932. This paved the way for the enactment of the Tydings McDuffie Act, otherwise known as the Philippine Independence Act of 1934, which led to the granting of Philippine Independence on July 4, 1946 after a transition period of ten years. He was a member of the Constitutional Convention from 1934 to 1935, and was one of the "Seven Wise Men" who drafted the Philippine Constitution.

When World War II broke out, Roxas enlisted in the military service and held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the USAFFE and served aide to General Douglas MacArthur. He was later promoted to Brigadier General. He was responsible for bringing food from his native province of Capiz to feed over 20,000 soldiers and civilians in Corregidor Island.

After the war, Roxas ran for President against incumbent Sergio Osmeña. He won the election and inherited a nation that was in ruins following the Second World War. President Roxas, also known as the "Nation Builder", was the brains behind the first Philippine Master Economic Plan, the first of its kind in developing Asia, which spurred the country's return to normalcy and growth.

To date, President Roxas holds the distinction of being the only Filipino leader who has ever served and exercised authority in the capacity of House Speaker, Senate President, and President of the Republic.

In his memory, works are under way for the construction of the President Manuel Roxas Memorial Center, a historical and educational institution designed to commemorate the critical evolution of Philippine democracy and the country's reconstruction from the ruins of World War II. The edifice would rise along the historic Roxas Boulevard and would be jointly pursued by the President Manuel A. Roxas Foundation (PMARF), the National Historical Institute (NHI) and the City Government of Manila.

Thursday, April 16, 2009 | posted in manuel roxas, mar roxas, philippines, president, usa | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas to GMA: Follow Supreme Court order, jail Daniel Smith

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo should comply with the Supreme Court (SC) order on the transfer of a convicted US solder to Philippine custody to avert another prolonged political debate on the need to review or scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippine and US governments.

"Walang kapalit ang dangal natin. Ipinagbuwis ito ng buhay ng mga ninuno natin. Nararapat lang na siguruhin ni GMA na hindi ito tinatapak-tapakan kahit pa man ng Amerika (There is no price for our country's honor. Our ancestors died defending it. It is but proper for GMA to ensure that no one steps or smears our country's honor, even if it involves the American government)," he said.

He noted that demands for a review or scrapping of the VFA came only after the government refused to comply with the SC order and allowed Lance Corporal Daniel Smith to continue being detained at the US Embassy compound in Manila.

The SC had ordered the transfer of Smith to Philippine custody while serving his jail term for the rape of a Filipina in Subic, Zambales. It, however, upheld the constitutionality of the VFA.

Smith was found guilty of rape on Dec. 4, 2006 and sentenced to 40 years in prison. The convicted soldier had been under US custody since his conviction two years ago.

"Naging issue lang naman ito (VFA validity) dahil ayaw ipatupad ni GMA ang hatol ng SC. Mawawala ang dahilan sa pag-review ng VFA kung gagawin ni GMA ang utos ng SC (This became an issue because GMA refused to comply with the SC decision. All these calls will become mute if GMA implements the order)," Roxas said.

He added: "Lagi na lang nating isinasakripisyo ang dangal, ang pangalan ng ating bansa para sa kapakanan ng gobyernong ito. Mas importante pa ba ang sasabihin ng Amerika kumpara sa karangalan nating mga Filipino (We have been sacrificing our country's honor for the sake of this government. Is America's sentiments more important compared to our reputation)?"

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 | posted in daniel smith, mar roxas, pgma, president, supreme court, usa, visiting forces agreement | 0 comments [ More ]

Mar Roxas 2010 Blogger attends US Election Watch 2008 in Cebu City

The Cebu Bloggers Society (CBS), which I co-founded, joined the US Election Watch 2008, organized by the US Embassy in the Philippines, in SM City Cebu's Northwing yesterday. Before I went to the event venue, I was already monitoring the US election results on CNN as early as 7AM and by past 8AM, CNN already projected that Kentucky went to (John) McCain's column while Vermont was for (Barack) Obama's.

After that projection, I hurriedly went out of the house and rode a jeepney to the event venue. When I arrived 30 minutes later, I registered (as group of the media) and got supporter pins with some election materials. I asked some people in the venue if any state was already called for any of the candidate after the Kentucky and Vermont in case I missed it, and luckily, none yet. I was glued to the large TV projector of CNN and I watched as the results came in. Then, I also accomodated my colleagues in the CBS.

The CBS members who were there included yours truly, Aldwin, AJ, X, Empress, Athan, Jerry, Clarence, Sinjin, Ethelbert, Zigfred, and Iggy (who didn't bother to enter the venue after the event was done). I never expected how curious and how politically-involved these bloggers are despite there different niches. Only of few of us dare to discuss topics like politics and elections but their participation was worthy of emulation.

Food was overflowing, information was all around and VIPs were in every corner. Finally I met GMA Cebu's Bobby Nalzaro, Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, Cebu City North District Rep. Raul del Mar, Cebu City Councilor Jack Jakosalem and lot more!

When CBS members try calling me the "Mar Roxas 2010 blogger" while I was speaking with Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes, he asked me if it was for real. I told him "Yes Mayor." He then told me that he also supports Mar Roxas for President in 2010, which made me happy, and cited his ability to serve the country and the people. He told me that he would back Senator Mar Roxas if ever he runs for President and hope he does.

During the event, I won a gift pack for the raffle and an imported brand of coffee for the trivia. The trivia was quite simple: "Who was the first female Vice-President nominee...?" I forgot the entire text of the question but I was sure of my answer. It was Geraldine Ferraro, who was the running-mate of Democratic Presidential candidate Walter Mondale in 1984.

On the other hand, CBS members also participated in the mock polls conducted during the event using any of the 3 electronic election devices. I was envied by how fast the election results came in. The two election devices were mostly like our "lotto" system wherein you shade a circle or complete an arrow to vote for a candidate. After that, you slide it on a machine and tadaa! You're done voting! As easy as that with no dirty ink on your finger. I used the touch-screen device which was more efficient I think. With just pressing on the small circles on that candidate of your choice, you can vote in less than 1 minute! I'm looking forward that these machines would be used also in the upcoming 2010 elections here in the Philippines.

At around 12 Noon, all of us broke into excitement as CNN declares that Senator Barack Obama won the US Presidency. All of us applaused the historic moment and couldn't help having some goosebumps as America bestows its support to the first African-American leader of the world's "still" superpower. A few minutes later, Senator John McCain conceded to President-elect Obama and offered his cooperation. This is what I admire in US politics, that when someone clearly loses, he doesn't demand for a recount. He instead demands for cooperation with the winning candidate. Although their passions have separated, they're one as Americans. Let's hope that Filipino politicians would also embrace that idea.

Let's hope that Senator Roxas, if ever he decides to run for President, would learn the lessons on how Obama ran his campaign which was the best political organization in the entire US history. And also to COMELEC, let's automate the 2010 elections and hope that they can realize how disappointed our people with the electoral process.

Congratulations to US President-elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle and kids Malia and Sasha!

Photos courtesy of Clarence.

Thursday, November 6, 2008 | posted in barack obama, blog, cebu bloggers' society, comelec, john mccain, mar roxas, philippines, usa | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas: Crisis a time for gov't to undertake drastic changes

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas yesterday said the Arroyo Administration must use the current global economic turmoil as a chance to reexamine its way of governance, or else plunge the country further down the abyss of socio-economic ruin.

“The crisis we are facing is huge. We still have time to prepare. The government has to own up to the magnitude of the crisis, to use it for catharsis, a drastic correction of the way it functions,” said Roxas during the 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX), in which he was guest speaker, in Makati.

He criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in the executive’s operations, which has led to great distrust among the populace for their leaders.

“Our people are getting the sense that no one is in charge. No one is on the driver’s seat. No one is steering and calibrating the course of our nation,” said Roxas, citing among other instances the recent failed peace agreement between the government and Bangsamoro representatives, as well as the Philippines failing the corruption control standards set by the United States’ Millennium Challenge Corp., falling from the 76th percentile two years ago to the 47th percentile this year.

“More than ever, we must spend properly and prudently. The government’s ability to use public spending to protect the vulnerable from greater misery, exploit opportunities in a downturn, and advance our further development despite the challenging environment will be a prime imperative,” he said.

Roxas has pushed for changes in the budget amounting to P100 billion that would direct government spending in the most effective manner to neutralize the worst of the economic crisis’ worst effects. For the Ilonggo senator, the budget should focus on food security, job security, and health and education services, as well as strengthening of the country’s financial institutions.

“Any strategy will be useless, though, if our government fails to regain the trust of the people, because more than anything else, this global crisis is above all a crisis of confidence in institutions,” he said.

“The impact of the turmoil will not be isolated to the stock or financial markets. It is likely to have real effects: on the demand for our exports of goods and services, on the flow of foreign direct investments and OFW remittances, and ultimately, on jobs and household incomes,” he said, noting that the US was still the number one market for Philippine imports and business process outsourcing services, and the top source of remittances of OFWs.

Roxas has also filed bills for a temporary increase in protection of bank deposits, a moratorium on home foreclosures and early withdrawal penalties for bank accounts of a five-year term or less, and a three-year income tax credit program for employers hiring new regular or permanent employees.

Friday, October 24, 2008 | posted in mar roxas, ofw, pgma, philippines, president, usa | 0 comments [ More ]

Roxas seeks US agencies' aid in recovering fertilizer funds

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today sought the assistance of various US government agencies in recovering the P728-million fertilizer fund or parts of it believed to have been deposited in bank accounts and assets of former Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn “Joc-Joc” Bolante in the United States.

In separate letters to three US agencies involved in finding illicit funds, the Roxas asked “for an exhaustive and comprehensive financial investigation” on Bolante’s bank accounts and assets in the US in line with the principles of truth and accountability in public offices.

“Sa pagdulog ko sa mga ahensiya ng Estados Unidos, kampante akong hindi nila papalampasin ang ganito kabigat na krimen,” he said.

He addressed this appeal for assistance to, among others, Stuart Levey, Undersecretary, Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Department of Treasury; Mark Sullivan, Director, Financial Crimes Division, Secret Service; and Matthew Friedrich, Acting Assistant Attorney-General, Asset Forfeiture and Money Laundering Section, Criminal Division, Department of Justice.

“Ginagawa natin ang lahat para maibalik dito si Joc-Joc para harapin niya ang batas sa lalong madaling panahon. Apat na taon na nating hinihintay ito. Kailangan nating ipakita na walang taong makakalusot sa krimen laban sa mamamayang Pilipino,” said Roxas.

He noted in the letters that although Bolante’s 32 known bank accounts had already been frozen, “there is strong probability that a substantial amount of the missing public fund has already been deposited to foreign banks or otherwise used to acquire assets in the United States. I fear that the Filipino taxpayers’ money, which has been illegally diverted to other uses, will never be traced and recovered,” he said in the letters to the US agencies.

“Hindi biro ang halagang ito: P728 milyon na dapat sana’y napunta sa mga magsasaka. Hindi puwedeng mawala na lang ito na parang bula,” he said.

Roxas noted that the Senate, on March 1, 2006, had already released its report finding Bolante to be the “main architect” of the P728-million fertilizer fund scam, and recommended the filing of criminal charges against him.

The US Court of Appeals 7th Circuit has already dismissed Bolante’s petition for asylum in the US, and a final ruling affirming this is being awaited. Last September 18, Roxas wrote US Ambassador Kristie Kenney requesting for her assistance in ensuring Bolante’s deportation directly to the Philippines once the US courts rule with finality against the asylum petition.

Monday, October 6, 2008 | posted in fertilizer fund scam, joc-joc bolante, kristie kenney, mar roxas, mark sullivan, matthew friedrich, pgma, philippines, president, stuart levey, usa | 0 comments [ More ]