Assumption for Mar Roxas 2010

Here's an article from Philippine Daily Inquirer columnist Maurice Arcache about the Assumption for Mar Roxas 2010:
When Mar calls, the girls come running. So it was like Assumption Day at Balay Ni Mar where 200 Assumption alumnae from different batches gathered to launch the Assumption for Mar movement, which will support Sen. Mar Roxas when he runs in the 2010 presidential elections.

Assumption for Mar will not only help in the campaign, palanggas, but also come up with feeding programs and medical missions in depressed areas.

The gals had a super great time chatting and reminiscing, until the man of the hour, Senator Roxas, gave his short but eloquent talk on his presidential platform. All listened intently to his plans "for a better future for our country." All left committed to help him; they even signed up for different activities.

It was definitely a happening: Young or old Assumption gals came together, praying for change and building a better country, to the rallying song "Stand by Me," recast as "Stand by Mar."
Go go go Assumption for Mar Roxas 2010! Together, let us bring reform and change to Malacañang by 2010.

Oras Na! Roxas Na!

Friday, March 20, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas to POEA: Dig deeper into how Legacy schemes affected OFW trust fund

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas today urged the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to dig deeper into how Legacy's double your money scheme put at risk the stability of the trust fund of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
"Walang patawad itong si Celso. Pati ang ating mga overseas workers ay niloko din niya (Celso de los Angeles would not even spare OFWs!)," lamented the chairman of the Senate trade and commerce committee, which is looking into the Legacy fund mess.

"Kailangang masiguro natin na may kakayahan ang mga recruitment agencies na nagpadala sa mga OFW sa abroad sakaling magkaroon sila ng problema sa kanilang mga trabaho (We have to make sure that these recruitment agencies can address the problems of these OFWs, should any arise)," he added.
The Ilonggo senator noted testimonies during the last committee hearing revealing that at least 144 recruitment agencies entrusted their escrow deposits at the Asia Trust bank, which in turn had inked an internal agreement with De los Angeles' Bank of Paranaque to double the amount of deposits.

POEA Dir. Melchor Dizon had told senators the agency requires all recruitment agencies to put up a P1 million escrow deposit in a bank, in this case the Asia Trust, to secure claims of workers in case the workers encounter problems or difficulties with their foreign employers. He said they have discovered that escrow deposits of Asia Trust's 144 agencies were all transferred to the Bank of Paranaque for a 20% per annum interest, with the authorization of the recruitment agencies.

The time deposits with Bank of Parañaque were secured by government securities, but Dizon said the securities have turned out to be insufficient, thus now forcing recruitment agencies to cough up additional money to complete their respective escrow funds.
"Sa huli, ang biktima dito ay ang mga OFWs (The OFWs are the victims here in the end)," he stressed.
He said the POEA, with the assistance of the Department of Justice, should determine if the recruitment agencies could be held liable for the insolvent state of the OFWs' trust fund.
"Kailangan nating malaman kung may kasalanan din dito ang mga recruitment agencies. Nakakolekta na sila ng 20% na interes sa kanilang mga deposito (We need to know if recruitment agencies are also at fault. After all, they already collected the 20% interest on their deposits)," he said.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas seeks two-year PAG-IBIG fund moratorium

To help alleviate the plight of workers during the economic slowdown, Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas has sought a two-year moratorium on the mandatory contribution of all workers to the Pag-Ibig fund.
"Sa panahong mahigpit ang bulsa ng mga konsyumer natin, bigyan natin sila ng pagkakataong pumili kung gusto nilang ipagpatuloy ang pagbabayad sa Pag-Ibig o kung gagamitin muna nila ito para punan ang mga pangangailangan nila (At this time that household budgets are constrained, let's give our consumers the choice to continue contributing to Pag-Ibig or to use their contributions to make ends meet)," he stressed.

"Mahalaga ang pabahay. Pero nakikita rin nating mahalagang maitawid ang mga kababayan natin mula sa gutom. Bigyan natin sila ng pagkakataong pumili (Housing is important, but we also see how important it is to help our people cope with hunger. Let's give them the power to choose)," he said.
In filing Senate Bill No. 3127 Roxas said that salaries of workers remain the same or even less, while the global financial meltdown continues its onslaught on the local economy. While the mandatory monthly Pag-Ibig contribution serves the long-term goal of housing for all, "every peso counts when it comes to each family's survival."

SB 3127 proposes a two year freeze in the collection of the monthly Pag-Ibig fund contributions of workers both in the public and private sector, subject to exceptions such as those who would voluntarily want to be covered and those who have outstanding Pag-Ibig loans.

Pag-Ibig fund contributions are mandatory in character. It was established through Presidential Decree No. 1752, or the Home Development Mutual Fund Law of 1980 and intended to motivate employed and other earning groups to better plan and provide for their housing needs. It has a total of 7.27 million members as of September 2008.

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Basketball Clinics for Mar Roxas 2010

Calling all basketball enthusiasts and Mar Roxas supporters in La Union and Benguet! A Former UAAP Basketball Coach of the University of the Philippines will be conducting a series of basketball clinics in support of Mar Roxas in the following dates/venues:


  • March 20 - A Clinic for Players (San Fernando, La Union)
  • March 21 - A Clinic for Coaches in both Baguio and Benguet (9 AM - 12 NN at the FVR Gym, Baguio City)
  • March 21 - A Clinic for Players (2 - 5 PM at the FVR Gym, Baguio City and CCDC La Trinidad, Benguet)
If you are in this location from March 20 to 21, please do attend the event in support for Mar Roxas.

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La Salle for Mar Roxas 2010

Calling all people from La Salle! Please join our movement to elect Mar Roxas as our next President in 2010.


There will be an event this March 17, 2009 at 6:00 PM for La Salle people for Mar Roxas 2010 at the Balay ni Mar (Cubao Clubhouse) located in Expo Centro, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City.

Please invite more Green Archers for Mar and help us build our movement for reform.

For more details please contact Gina Policarpio at 0922-3274148 or e-mail her at gapolicarpio@yahoo.com

Monday, March 16, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas condemns Manuel Gaite appointment to SEC

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas said today President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's appointment of Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reflects the administration's lack of decency and concern for public opinion of its conduct.
"Wala talagang malasakit ang administrasyon sa iniisip ng publiko (This administration does not care for what the public thinks). At this time that the SEC's reputation is crumbling down, President Arroyo has appointed someone whose own credibility is as low as the one he's replacing," Roxas said.
The Ilonggo senator said Gaite's appointment was also apparently a reward for his role in Malacanang's attempts to silence NBN-ZTE broadband deal whistleblower Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr.
"Anong patunay ni Gaite na meron siyang 'good moral character'? Isa ito sa mga itinakda ng batas na kwalipikasyon para sa mga SEC commissioner (What proof could Gaite show that he has 'good moral character?' This is one of the qualifications set by law for SEC commissioners," he stressed.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce and Trade cited Section 4.2 of the Securities Regulation Code on the qualifications for SEC commissioners, which states, "The Commissioners must be of good moral character, of unquestionable integrity, of known probity and patriotism, and with recognized competence..." SEC commissioners are Presidential appointees.
"Kung seryoso talaga ang Pangulo na linisin ang SEC at ibalik ang tiwala ng publiko sa mga institusyon, i-atras niya agad ang appointment ni Gaite at maghanap siya ng taong hindi matatawaran ang integridad (If the President is really serious in cleaning up the SEC and recovering the public trust in our institutions, she should immediately cancel Gaite's appointment and headhunt for a person whose integrity cannot be assailed)," he said.
Gaite had been selected by the President herself to replace former SEC Commissioner Jesus Enrique Martinez, who took flak for allegedly receiving a house and lot and a sports utility vehicle, among others, from Legacy Group owner Celso de los Angeles.

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Senator Roxas to gov't: Move fast to attach Legacy assets

Liberal President Senator Mar Roxas last Friday asked three government agencies to move fast to attach the assets of businessman Celso de los Angeles and his failed Legacy Group of Companies to protect planholders and investors from losing their investment.

Roxas made the call after transmitting to the three government agencies copies of documentary and testimonial evidence gathered by the Senate in its investigation into the Legacy mess triggered by an inquiry into the financial problems of the pre-need industry.

Senator Mar Roxas comforts a crying Bernadette Raymundo who told Roxas that she lost her life's savings because of the collapse of the Rural Bank of Subangdaku, one of the 13 Legacy banks that collapsed because of mismanagement by controversial businessman Celso de los Angeles. Roxas met Raymundo at the assembly hall of Siliman University in Dumaguete City yesterday during a forum with victims of the Legacy collapse organized by the Parents Enabling Parents (PEP) Coalition.

He said the documents from the Senate hearing transmitted to the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Justice (DoJ) are more than enough to cause the attachment of De los Angeles' assets, many of which are part of the trust fund of the two collapsed Legacy pre-need companies and the assets of the 13 Legacy banks that declared bankruptcy late last year.

He said the evidence also prove allegations that De los Angeles engaged in illegal business transactions and diverted Legacy funds for his personal use.
"Considering the seriousness of these allegations, we trust that your office will conduct an in-depth investigation on the matter and expeditiously act to cause the attachment of all assets that may have been acquired using the trust fund and deposit accounts of Legacy policy holders and depositors," he said in separate letters sent to PDIC president Jose Nograles, SEC chairperson Fe Barin and Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez.
Documents transmitted to the PDIC includes copies of the Transcript of proceedings of the four committee public hearings (February 2, February 10, March 2 and March 9) and the sworn affidavits of former Legacy chief executive officer Carolina Hinola, chief finance officer Namnama Pasetes-Santos, Paul Montenegro, Myrna Axalan and Jeannette Ortiz.

The SEC and the DoJ, on the other hand, were given copies of the Transcript of proceedings of the 4th public hearing last March 9 and sworn affidavits of Hinola and Santos.

The Ilonggo senator said the affidavits of Hinola and Santos are relevant to the investigations being conducted by the three offices, particularly on De los Angeles' alleged misuse and misappropriation of the trust funds and bank deposit accounts of the Legacy group of companies.

Also, the Senate committee wrote House Speaker Prospero Nograles and furnished his office certified true copies of the sworn affidavit of Santos and vouchers and checks showing the disbursement of a total of P1.8 million to Paranaque Rep. Eduardo Zialcita drawn from Legacy' pre-need trust fund.

Santos had testified that Legacy Consolidated Plans Inc. (LCPI) paid Zialcita a consultancy fee of P100,000 monthly on the instructions of De los Angeles. The checks, she claimed, were received by the congressman's former secretary identified as one Leila Omana.

Zialcita is a second cousin of SEC Commissioner Jesus Martinez, who has been accused of "protecting" Legacy's interests within the SEC. Witnesses have alleged the Legacy group paid for a P5 million house and lot in Paranaque that Martinez gave his son.
"In observance of the inter-parliamentary courtesy customarily practiced by members of both houses of Congress, I transmit herewith (these documents) for your reference and in support of whatever action you may deem appropriate under the circumstances," Roxas said.
He added members of the House can examine and verify the original vouchers and checks, which are in the custody and safekeeping of the Senate Blue Ribbon Oversight Office Management (BROOM).

Sunday, March 15, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas to Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez: What accomplishments?


Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas today rebuked Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez for claiming much has been done to fight corruption amid action from international agencies and even the US government that have expressed alarm over the spread of corruption in the Philippines.
"Nasa'n ang sinasabi niyang accomplishments? Wala akong nakikita (Where are the accomplishments she is claiming? I don't see any)," he said in reaction to Gutierrez's claim before members of the Rotary Club of Manila on Thursday that her office had overseen the disposition of a record number of cases, and had seen the prosecution and conviction of high government officials.
He said what is more apparent to the public is the Ombudsman's cover-up of corruption involving President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's men involved in cases like the NBN-ZTE bribery scandal, the DA fertilizer fund diversion scam, the Euro Generals international controversy and the World Bank collusive bidding allegations.
"Anong sinasabi niyang sterling performance ng Ombdusman? Inupuan niya ang mga kaso, nagkalumot na ang mga ito sa opisina niya, napanis na ang mga ito. 'Yan lang ang ginawa niya (What sterling performance is she talking about? She sat on the cases until these grew cobwebs, until they got stale. That's what she did)," he stressed.
He said Gutierrez's inaction on cases involving officials close to GMA has prompted an impeachment complaint to be filed against her with the House of Representatives.
"Sa tagal ng pagkilos niya sa mga kaso laban sa mga alipores ng pamahalaang ito, nawala na ang mga witnesses na maaari sanang magdiin sa mga kawatan sa gobyerno. Nakalimutan na nga ng publiko ang mga kasong ito dahil sobrang tagal na silang nakabinbin sa opisina niya (Because of her slow action on complaints against allies of this government, many of the witnesses who could have nailed down the culprits have already disappeared. The public has forgotten these cases because they have long been placed in the backburner)," he added.

Saturday, March 14, 2009 | posted in , , , , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas: Celso de los Angeles has yet to present waiver on bank accounts

Senator Mar Roxas said yesterday that Albay town mayor Celso de los Angeles, owner of Legacy Consolidated Plans, Inc., has yet to issue the waiver on the confidentiality of his private bank accounts as he promised at the Senate hearing last Monday.

Roxas said De los Angeles also has not submitted yet an official copy of his Statement of Assets and Liabilities as a public official, which he promised to provide during the February 20 hearing by the Senate committee on trade and commerce.

The waiver would allow senators to examine De los Angeles’ bank accounts and determine the veracity of allegations that Legacy funds were diverted for his personal use.
"Is this another empty promise? Where is the waiver? Has he changed his mind? Or perhaps he is buying time to again trying to falsify bank documents?" said Roxas.
He said the Senate can’t dip its hands in the Legacy owner’s accounts without the waiver - a requirement under the Bank Secrecy Act.

The senator challenged De los Angeles during the March 9 public hearing to waive all his rights under the Bank Secrecy Act.

This, after De los Angeles made a blanket denial of the allegations and even said he would open his active personal accounts at the Philippine Rural Bank and the Philippine Countryside Bank as well as his closed account at Metrobank Bicol.

Legacy group’s former chief finance officer Namnama Pasete-Santos had testified during the public hearing that P38 million in company’s funds were given to De los Angeles supposedly to bankroll his mayoralty bid in Sto. Domingo, Albay, during the 2007 general elections. Another P30 million was also paid out in 2006 and a total of P22 million in 2008.

In the Senate inquiry, Legacy chairman and president Carolina Hiñola also said that P25 million was paid to De los Angeles by Legacy for the purchase of the Punta Engano property in Lapu-Lapu City in Cebu.
"It’s important for us to review the movement of money in and out of his accounts, because what’s involved here is the money that his plan holders and depositors entrusted to him," Roxas said as he assured that he will not let Celso go "until we exact justice for your victims."

Friday, March 13, 2009 | posted in , , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

Senator Roxas to attend Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association opening

Senator Mar Roxas will be attending the opening ceremonies of the 2009 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet, a week-long sports competition, on March 15 at the Villareal Stadium in Capiz.

Also expected to attend the WVRAA opening are Bacolod City Mayor Evelio "Bing" Leonardia, six provincial governors in Western Visayas and Department of Education (DepEd) regional officials, among others.
"The hosting again of Capiz of the WVRAA after three years is an opportunity and pride for Capiceños that we will try to make all necessary measures for the success of the event," said Capiz Gov. Victor Tanco in the province's "Pag-ulikid" newsletter.
The province's Villareal Stadium which will be the main venue of the 18 sporting events boasts of its facilities like Capiz Gym, rubberized track oval, swimming pool and 2 courts each for sepak takraw, volleyball, outdoor basketball, and lawn tennis, among others.

The different events for this year's WVRAA Meet include archery, athletics, gymnastics, swimming, badminton, table tennis, tennis, baseball, basketball, football, sepak takraw, sipa, softball, volleyball, chess, arnis, boxing and taekwondo.

A point system will be employed instead of the medal tally will be the basis for the ranking of the participating provinces.

Thursday, March 12, 2009 | posted in , , , , | 0 comments [ More ]

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