August 9, 2013 Holiday In The Philippines

August 9, 2013 will be a regular holiday in the Philippines, the Malacañang Palace announced Thursday.

August 9, 2013 Holiday In The Philippines

Malacañang said President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III has singed  Proclamation No. 629, which declares the said date as holiday in observance of the Eid'l Fitr (Feast of Ramadhan).

Additionally, Eid’l Fitr is declared as holiday in order to promote cultural understanding and integration and to bring the religious and cultural significance of the said Muslim holiday to the fore of national consciousness.

According to Section 1 of Republic Act No. 9177, the approximate date of Eid’l Fitr may be determined in accordance with the Islamic calendar (Hijra) or the lunar calendar, or upon Islamic astronomical calculations, whichever is possible or convenient.

Eidul Fitr is the first day marking the end of the thirty (30)-day fasting period of Ramadhan.

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50 Richest People In The Philippines 2013 According To Forbes Magazine

Forbes magazine has released its annual list of 50 richest people in the Philippines, which includes the head honchos of some of the largest companies in the country.

Henry Sy of SM Group of Companies

For the sixth consecutive year, Henry Sy of SM group topped the list, with an estimated net worth of $12 billion. That's $2.9 billion more than the mall tycoon's net worth a year ago.

Second in the list is Phillip Morris Fortune Tobacco's Lucio Tan, with a net worth of $7.5 billion, while Andrew Tan of Megaworld, whose wealth is estimated at $4.6 billion, is third.

Based on Forbes list, the Philippines now has 17 billionaires and the collective wealth of the 50 individuals, which is $65.8 billion, comprises over a quarter of the total gross product of the country.

Check out below the names of the 50 richest people in the Philippines in 2013, according to Forbes magazine:

1. Henry Sy (SM group) - $12 billion 2. Lucio Tan (LT group) - $7.5 billion 3. Andrew Tan (Megaworld) - $4.6 billion 4. Enrique Razon (ICTSI) - $4.5 billion 5. John Gokongwei Jr. (JG Summit) - $3.4 billion 6. Jaime Zobel de Ayala (Ayala Corp.) - $3.1 billion 7. Aboitiz family (AEV) - $3 billion 8. David Consunji (DMCI) - $2.7 billion 9. George Ty (Metrobank) - $2.6 billion 10. Lucio & Susan Co (Puregold) - $1.9 billion 11. Tony Tan Caktiong (Jollibee) - $1.7 billion 12. Robert Coyiuto Jr. - $1.5 billion 13. Emilio Yap (Philtrust Bank) - $1.35 billion 14. Roberto Ongpin - $1.3 billion 15. Inigo & Mercedes Zobel - $1.2 billion 16. Manuel Villar (Vista Land) $1.05 billion 17. Andrew Gotianun (Filinvest) $1 billion 18. Beatrice Campos (Unilab) $900 million 19. Vivian Que Azcona (Mercury Drug) $840 million 20. Eduardo Cojuangco Jr. (San Miguel) $825 million 21. Alfonso Yuchengco - (Yuchengco group) $705 million 22. Oscar Lopez (Lopez Holdings) $675 million 23. Betty Ang (Monde Nissin) $600 million 24. Jorge Araneta (Araneta group) $505 million 25. Carlos Chan (Liwayway) $500 million

26. Michael Romero (Global Port 900) $490 million 27. Eric Recto $485 million 28. Mariano Tan Jr. (Unilab) $435 million 29. Frederick Dy (Security Bank) $290 million 30. Walter Brown (Atok-Big Wedge) $270 million 31. Ramon Ang (San Miguel) $260 million 32. Jose Antonio (Century Properties) $255 million 33. Wilfred Uytengsu Jr. $250 million 34. Manuel Zamora Jr. (Nickel Asia) $240 million 35. Jacinto Ng Sr. (Asia United Bank) $230 million 36. Alfredo Ramos (National Book Store) $225 million 37. Gilberto Duavit (GMA Network) $224 million 38. Menardo Jimenez (GMA Network) $223 million 39. Edgar Sia II (Mang Inasal founder) $210 million 40. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. (Rustan's) $205 million 41. Felipe Gozon (GMA) $200 million 42. Alfredo Yao (Zest-O) $180 million 43. Michael Cosiquien (Megawide Construction) $175 million 44. Edgar Saavedra (Megwide) $170 million 45. Juliette Romualdez (Benguet Mining) $165 million 46. Tomas Alcantara (Alsons Consolidated) $160 million 47. Lourdes Montinola (FEU) $155 million 48. Luis Virata (Nickel Asia) $120 million 49. Philip Ang (Nickel Asia) $115 million 50. Manuel Pangilinan (PLDT, First Pacific) $105 million

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Daniel Padilla Graces Chalk Magazine's August 2013 Cover

Daniel Padilla is featured on the cover of the August 2013 issue of Chalk magazine.

Daniel Padilla on Chalk magazine cover

Sixteen pages of the issue are dedicated to Daniel and his story of showbiz success—plus, even his on-and-off-cam sweetheart Kathryn Bernardo gives readers a chance to look into what she has to say about one of the country’s hottest teen stars.

In an issue that’s filled with  a collection of coming-of-age insight and tales to serve as the perfect go-to manual for every student, Chalk’s new look is perfect for refreshing and reenergizing the way students go about campus lives.

In the magazine’s “Live” section, the gorgeous Jessy Mendiola shows how she’s much more than a pretty face by tackling issues on standing up to bullies, while one of the country’s best storytellers, Atom Araullo, gives a glimpse into the life of a reporter.

The discovery of personal style is one among many things tackled this August in Chalk, as Karen Pamintuan, host of the Lifestyle Network’s show “Listed” gives her tips on finding the kind of fashion that is entirely one’s own. The magazine’s “Look” section also gives the lowdown on achieving that “Great Gatsby” kind of look.

The “Love” section of the magazine, on the other hand, tells the inspiring stories of eight college girls who redefine beauty, with thirteen new good habits to start, and ten rules of college dating according to the guys on campus.

Don’t miss out on Chalk magazine’s thirteenth anniversary issue, jam-packed with all the coming-of-age essentials and so much more. Chalk’s August 2013 Anniversary Special is available at all favorite magazine stands now. It’s also up for download in the iTunes App Store. For more details, follow Chalk magazine on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram.

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BMW i3 Unveiled In Three Cities

BMW i3, the first premium car to be purpose-designed as an all-electric vehicle, was revealed to the public for the first time by BMW in three metropolises, simultaneously.

BMW i3 unveiling in New York

The BMW i3 was held in the cities of London, New York and Beijing on Monday, July 29. The event was broadcast live on Youtube.

"With every step of the way from development, to production, to after-sales, the BMW i3 sets new benchmarks in sustainable mobility," Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG said in a statement. "In the brand-new architecture, we use carbon fiber for the passenger cell — a first in high-volume car production."

The BMW i3 features a large number of technological innovations – such as a carbon-fiber passenger cell and a chassis made of aluminium – and sets new standards in the field of lightweight construction. With a curb weight of 1,195 kg, it is lighter than most vehicles in the compact segment, yet offers significantly more space for up to four occupants.

"Our expertise in manufacturing with this material makes the passenger cell extremely strong and light weight," Reithofer added. "We produce the carbon fibre material using hydroelectric power. And we build the BMW i3 using wind power."

The vehicle’s running costs are comparatively low: Over a period of three years, the maintenance and running costs for a BMW i3 are about 40% lower than those of a highly-economical 320dA registered in Germany. In other countries, figures may even be lower, depending on the level of subsidies available for electric vehicles.

To go on sale in the United States next spring, the BMW i3 will start at $42,275. The car’s electric motor will have a “real world” range of 80 to 100 miles, BMW said. Customers looking to double the i3’s range have the option of a small gas-powered generator for an additional $3,850.

The 22-kWh lithium-ion battery will charge in about three hours using a 220-volt outlet, and a fast-charging station can add 80% of the charge in 20 minutes or 100% in 30 minutes, BMW said.

"Driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services specially developed for BMW i, combined with the services of 360° ELECTRIC, make emission-free mobility in the urban environment a fascinating everyday experience," the automaker said.

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How Did Flip From Street Outlaws Die?

How did Flip from "Street Outlaws" die?

Flip of Street Outlaw

There is no available online news report regarding the death of Flip of the Discovery Channel show, "Street Outlaw." According to talks in social media sites, Flip committed suicide. However, there is no strong evidence to support this claim.

Tyler "Flip" Priddy died on May 28, 2013 at his home in Yukon, Oklahoma at the age of 31. He is survived by his wife Morgan Amber and children Tovey Gene, Remey J, Dresdyn Rinot and Bennett William Edward.

Flip was the parts warehouse manager at Warren Caterpillar, where he worked for 10 years. He was a drag racing enthusiast who turned his passion towards a reality TV show titled "Street Outlaws," where he beat out several others to be selected for the show. The TV program, which centers around the underground world of illegal street racing, debuted on Discovery Channel on June 10, 2013.

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Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev Grace Metro Magazine's August 2013 Cover

A-list Hollywood on-screen power couple Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev are put in the spotlight as proof of the timelessness of style in Metro magazine this August.

Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev

Metro magazine dedicates its issue to how character plays a big role in absolutely anything. This issue of Metro contains ways to define, rediscover, and embrace personal style—regardless of changes in what’s in and what’s out. Quoting legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent, “fashions fade, style is eternal”.

This personal style is exuded by the power couple that graces the cover of this month’s issue. Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev, who lead the pack of stylish personalities on an international scale are shown in a light that inspires the uniqueness of one’s own fashion, aimed at letting readers look and feel their best.

Somerhalder and Dobrev recently inked an endorsement deal with local clothing branch Penshoppe.

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Discovery Channel Observes Ramadan With 3 Films Celebrating Islamic Culture, History

Every year, over a billion Muslims worldwide observe the sacred month of Ramadan. Celebrated this year between 9 July and 8 August, Ramadan is not simply about fasting from dawn to sunset, praying and charity, but it is also a time for reflection, spiritual purification and devotion to Allah, to inculcate self-control, generosity, kindness and God-mindfulness within a person.

Considered the most sacred time of the year, Ramadan ends with the most significant Muslim holiday – Eid al-Fitr, also known as the feast of breaking the fast or Hari Raya Aidilfitri. To commemorate this special month, Discovery Channel presents a RAMADAN SPECIAL featuring three one-hour documentaries premiering daily at 7:00 p.m. from August 5 to 7. Encores back-to-back on Eid al-Fitr on Thursday, August 8, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

The meaning of Ramadan dates back to about 610 A.D. and it was this time during the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar that Muslims believe Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, to Prophet Muhammad. In TALES FROM THE GOLDEN AGE, time-travel back a thousand years and unearth a host of timeless stories from Islamic history. Narrated by Jordanian-born English actor Nadim Sawalha, the anthology captures the Arab Renaissance period in a unique way with features on Muslim pioneers who have made significant contributions to the world, starting with the Story Of Fatima, a girl with big dreams who embarked on an adventure that would change the world. The daughter of a wealthy businessman, Fatima Al Fihri was a strong proponent of learning, establishing a mosque and place for scholarly discussions in 859 A.D. – the world’s first academic degree-granting institution of higher education. Back then, it was regarded as one of the leading spiritual and education centers of the Muslim world. Today, the University of Al-Karaouine in Fez, Morocco, which she founded, is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest continuously operating institution of higher learning in the world.

Also featured in TALES FROM THE GOLDEN AGE is the story of an Arab scholar and a Christian king who began a journey of discovery – Al Idrissi and The Book of Roger. It took Arabic geographic Muhammad Al Idrissi 18 toiling years to produce his medieval atlas of the world, the ‘Kitab Rudjdjar’ or ‘Tabula Rogeriana’, the most accurate map of the world in pre-modern times. The map, which he created in 1154, continued to be a great influence on cartography and was used by geographers for three centuries, even inspiring some of the world’s greatest explorers, scholars, and geographers including Christopher Columbus.

And finally, TALES FROM THE GOLDEN AGE tells The Story of Ibn Al Nafis and The Mysteries of the Heart – the tale of a brilliant Arab scholar from Syria who lived from 1213 to 1288. Ibn Al Nafis left a priceless legacy and revolutionised medicine by being the first physician to describe the blood circulatory system, and how the bronchi and coronary arteries interacted for the transfer of air to blood. He discovered that blood moved from the right to the left side of the heart via the lungs.  A polymath, Ibn Al Nafis was also a linguist, philosopher, and writer of fiction with a huge volume of work.

In SEVEN AGES OF QATAR, journey through the sands of time and follow an incredible project to uncover the secrets buried in the earth. Beneath the modern state lie the ruins of a magnificent desert civilization – the lost, ancient history of Qatar. Through contemporary research and archaeological discoveries that were long hidden by desert sands, SEVEN AGES OF QATAR reveals a rich and extraordinary past; one of brave warriors, the riches of the pearl trade, the rise and fall of empires and exodus.

Finally, be dazzled by the poetically visualized stories from the collection in Qatar’s stunning museum in TALES FROM MUSEUM OF ISLAMIC ART. Built on a man-made island, facing the cornice of Qatar’s capital Doha, this 35,500 square meter, US$300 million museum has the world’s largest collection of Islamic art on display. World-renowned architect Leoh Ming Pei, the creator of the Louvre in Paris, came out of retirement to design the building, the structure of which was inspired by Ibn Tulun’s mosque in Egypt and the Alhambra in Spain. The museum exhibits an art collection spanning thirteen centuries from across the Islamic world and countries that have been influenced by Islamic artistic trends such as India and Spain. While the museum has at least 4,500 objects, only 850 items are on display at one time. This documentary uncovers some of its most stunning artifacts and the fascinating stories, history, and culture behind these gems like a jade pendant belonging to Shah Jahan and Al-Sufi’s Book of Fixed Stars.

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'The Wolverine' Opens Strong In Philippines

"The Wolverine" ripped through new box-office highs earning P95 million on its four-day opening weekend in the Philippines and has now seized the Biggest Opening Weekend title for a Fox film all-time and is now the Highest Opening Weekend in the X-Men franchise.

Hugh Jackman's 6th donning of the adamantium-clawed hero evidently drew a stronghold of supporters and fans when "The Wolverine" yielded a solid P19 million earn on its opening day (July 25) with a tallied admission of 105, 045 in more than 300 screens in the country.  The first opening day figure of "The Wolverine" ebbed down "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith's" hold as the Biggest Opening Day for a Fox film All-Time.  Likewise, "The Wolverine's" opening day box-office also surpassed "Captain America," "Iron Man," "Thor," "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "X-Men First Class" and "X-Men: The Last Stand."

The movie's setting in Japan and Wolverine being vulnerable for the first time amplified the movie's unique tone encouraging repeat views and positive reviews across the nation.  Indestructible as adamantium, "The Wolverine's" impressive performance on its first 4-day weekend opening clawed in the larger percentage of the market share at 72% over all other films that played on the same week.

"The Wolverine's" highest opening weekend box-office receipts came from SM Mall of Asia with a gross of P4.9 million.  Next top grosser listed is SM Megamall with P4.5 million followed by SM North Edsa/The Block with P4.03 million while Newport (P3.8 M) and Ayala Cinema's Trinoma (P3.71 M) completed the top five grossing cinemas.

Still included within "The Wolverine's" top 20 grossing cinemas are Glorietta4 (P3.4 M); Powerplant (P2.7 M); Greenbelt3 (P2.43 M); Gateway Cineplex/Ali Mall (P2.19 M); Theatremall (P2.18 M); Alabang Town Center (P2.08 M); Eastwood (P2.02 M); SM Cebu (P1.9 M); Shang Cineplex (P1.88 M); Robinson's Galleria (P1.83 M); Robinson's Magnolia (P1.73 M); Ayala Cebu (P1.62 M); Robinson's Ermita (P1.61 M); SM Fairview (P1.34 M) and Market!Market! (P1.32 M).

Rediscovering the hero inside and on a perilous journey set in Japan amidst the maze of deceit, betrayal and honor, Logan aka Wolverine will truly come to know the price of a life without end.

"The Wolverine" is a 20th Century Fox offering still showing in cinemas nationwide in 2D and 3D format.

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JC De Vera Transfers To ABS-CBN

JC de Vera is set to transfer to ABS-CBN.

JC de Vera on the cover of Garage magazine

The 27-year-old actor will be signing a contract with the Kapamilya network on Monday, July 29, 2013.

"Bigday today! Eto na yun!," de Vera said in a tweet Monday morning.

De Vera's showbiz career blossomed in 2003 after landing a role in the youth-oriented show, "Click," on GMA-7. The Kapuso network named him as "Drama Prince" following the successful runs of his drama series, including "Pati Ba Pintig ng Puso," "Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig" and "Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita."

In 2010, the TV heartthrob signed a 3 year non-exclusive contract with TV5. While in the Kapatid network, de Vera was cast in several shows, among them were "My Driver Sweet Lover," "Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum," and "Valiente."

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Suspension Of Classes July 29, 2013

The following schools have announced suspension of classes on Monday, July 29, 2013 due to inclement weather:

Suspension Of Classes July 29, 2013

La Consolacion Manila - Preschool level only ("Klase sa preschool, kinder 1, kinder 2 at nursery sa La Consolacion College, Manila, suspendido pero #MayPasok ang elementary at highschool." -Unang Hirit)

San Sebastian College Manila - Preschool level only ("#WalangPasok San Sebastian College Manila (Preschool level) July 29, 2013" - Umagang Kay Ganda)

In its 24-hour forecast, state weather bureau PAGASA said Metro Manila, Central Luzon, MIMAROPA, CALABARZON, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, CARAGA and Davao Region will experience cloudy skies with moderate to occasionally heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

The rest of the country will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms, it added.

There is a Low Pressure Area located at 60 km Northeast of San Jose, Occidental Mindoro (12.6°N, 121.5°E) embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Visayas and Mindanao.

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Peyton Manning Hoax Claims Athlete Broke Both Legs In Car Accident

Peyton Manning broke hit two legs in a car accident, according to a hoax that circulated in social media sites over the weekend.

Peyton Manning Hoax

"A spokesperson for the Denver highway safety authority (HSA) has confirmed that Peyton Manning has broken both of his legs in a traffic altercation," states the false report. "He has been transported via ambulance to a local Denver hospital for treatment, and the full extent of his injuries are not known at this time, however, both of his legs were visibly broken and not life threatening according to sources."

Peyton Manning didn't break his legs because he was never in a car accident. The Denver Broncos quarterback is well.

The rumor originated from Global Associated News, which is a "celebrity hoax generator" website. All the news in the said website are fabricated and are not true.

Global Associated News had caused commotions in the past when it featured hoax reports of popular celebrities such as Justin Bieber, 50 Cent, Tiger Woods, Adam Sandler, Jackie Chan, among others.

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Philippine Arena, 'World's Largest Domed Arena,' To Open Next Year

Philippine Arena, which upon its completion will reportedly be the new record holder as the largest domed arena in the world, is set to open in 2014 in time for the 100th anniversary celebration of the religious group Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC).

Philippine Arena (Photo courtesy of Populous)

Started in 2011, the 50,000-seater indoor performance hall will soon rise at a 99,200-square-meter area in Bocaue, Bulacan. The project reportedly costs $175 million (about P7.5 billion).

Kansas City-based global mega-architecture firm Populous designed the arena, while PWP Landscape Architecture, the firm who landscaped the famous National September 11 Memorial & Museum, designed the landscape for the arena. Korean builder Hanwha Engineering and Construction Corp. is responsible for the arena's construction.

Apart from major church gatherings, Philippine Arena will also operate as a multi-purpose sports and concert venue, capable of holding a range of events from boxing and basketball to live music performances. The overall vision of the masterplan will eventually see inclusion of shopping centers, a hospital and large scale residential developments.

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Kim Chiu Of QC Wins Eat Bulaga's 'Super Sireyna 2013'

Kim Chiu of Quezon City, Francine Garcia, was crowned winner of "Super Sireyna 2013," a transgender beauty pageant in the hit noontime show on GMA-7, "Eat Bulaga."

"Kim Chiu," who earlier won the title Super Sireyna Queen of the Jungle, took home the P300,00 cash prize, half of which will go to her chosen cause. To win the coveted crown, she bested seven other lovely grand finalists --Super Sireyna Queen of Asia, Mariane " Cristine Reyes" Arguelles; Super Sireyna Queen of Tourism Mae "Marian Rivera" Andrada; Super Sireyna Queen of the World, Michelle "Georgina Wilson" Bermudez; Super Sireyna Queen of the Sky, Maki Eve "Jennylyn Mercado" Mercedez; Super Sireyna Queen of the Ocean, Bembem "Carla Abellana" Radaza; Super Sireyna Queen of the Wind, Aya "Bangs Garcia" Garcia; and Super Sireyna Queen of the Universe, Ava "Heart Evangelista" Santillian.

The QC beauty also bagged the FB Dabarkads' Choice after her photo received the most likes on "Eat Bulaga's" Facebook page, while "Bangs Garcia" took the Best in Talent award. The Best in Long Gown and Best in Costume went to "Jennylyn Mercado" and "Carla Abellana," respectively.

The panel of judges for the grand finals, which was held in Resorts World Manila on Saturday, was comprised of fashion designer Rajo Laurel, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, "Eat Bulaga" host Isabelle Daza, actor Aljur Abrenica and "America’s Next Top Model" model Michael Carandang.

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The Voice Of The Philippines Battle Rounds To Kick Off This Sunday

The Voice Of The Philippines Battle Stage

"The Voice Of The Philippines" 'Battle' rounds will commence this Sunday, July 28.

After coaches Apl de Ap, Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo, and Lea Salonga complete their teams of 13 artists each, the artists who belong to the same team must then face off in the Battle stage for the next round of eliminations.

The coaches will determine the ‘pairings’ or the pairs of artists who will compete in the Battles. The coaches will also pick the songs a ‘pairing’ must sing together to determine who will stay and who will go. At the end of the match-up, the coach must pick which artist will be sent home, and which artist will move on to the Live Shows.

Since each teams have 13 artists each, one ‘pairing’ per team will be composed of three artists who will surely heat up the vocal battle even more.

Who will be paired up with whom? Whose dream will continue and whose dream will soon end?

Before that, find out who will complete the teams first in the last day of the Blind Auditions tomorrow (July 27).

Don’t miss “The Voice of the Philippines,” every Saturday, 9 PM, and every Sunday, 8:15 PM on ABS-CBN. Get the latest news and updates about the show and view the exclusive artists’ profiles and performance videos in “The Voice of the Philippines” official website at http://thevoice.abs-cbn.com. Like the show’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/thevoiceabscbn, follow @thevoiceabscbn on Twitter, and follow abscbnthevoice on Instagram. Tweet your thoughts about the show using the hashtag #VoicePHBattles.

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Billy Crawford And Nikki Gil Break-Up To Be Tackled On 'SIR'

Billy Crawford and Nikki Gil's controversial break-up will be tackled on ABS-CBN's entertainment talk show, "Showbiz Inside Report" ("SIR"), on Saturday, July 27.

Billy Crawford And Nikki Gil

The show will shed light on what triggered the showbiz couple to end their relationship.

International singing sensation Billy Crawford, 31, and actress-singer-VJ Nikki Gil, 25, were together for over four years and were about to celebrate their anniversary next month before the news that they split came. Reports say their much-talked about break-up was "mutual" and there was no third-party involved.

Meanwhile, "SIR" will also feature the memorable birthday surprise of Bea Alonzo for her boyfriend Zanjoe Marudo and the ‘SIR-tified’ exclusive interview with Comedy Queen AiAi delas Alas, who just came back from her vacation in the US.

The trending Kapamilya showbiz talk show airs Saturdays at 2:30pm, after "It’s Showtime." For more updates, log-on at www.abs-cbn.com, follow @SIRTVOfficial on Twitter, or like the Facebook fanpage www.facebook.com/ShowbizInsideReport.AbsCbn.

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Yes! Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful Celebrities 2013

Yes! Magazine has released its annual 100 Most Beautiful celebrities list for 2013.

Yes! Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful Celebrities 2013

This year, the publication chose Kapamilya actresses Kathryn Bernardo and Julia Montes as the prettiest stars in the country. The two are gracing the cover of a special issue of the magazine containing the names of  celebs who made it to the list.

Last year, it was "It's Showtime" host Anne Curtis who topped the list, taking the spot occupied by John Lloyd Cruz a year earlier.

Among those who ranked number 1 in the previous editions of the list were Judy Ann Santos (2007), KC Concepcion (2008), Marian Rivera (2009), and Kim Chiu (2010).

Check out below Yes! Magazine's 100 Most Beautiful Celebrities for 2013:

Alden Richards Alessandra de Rossi Alex Gonzaga Andi Eigenmann Andrea Torres Angelica Panganiban Anne Curtis Bea Alonzo Bela Padilla Bianca Gonzalez Bianca King Carla Abellana Christopher De Leon and wife Sandy Andolong Coco Martin Cristine Reyes Daniel Padilla Dennis Trillo Derek Ramsay Dimples Romana Dingdong Dantes Edgar Allan Guzman Elmo Magalona Enrique Gil Gerald Anderson Glaiza De Castro Heart Evangelista Isabelle Daza Iza Calzado, Izzy Canillo Jake Cuenca Janella Salvador Jennylyn Mercado Jeric Gonzales Jerome Ponce Jessy Mendiola Jodi Sta. Maria John Lloyd Cruz Joseph Marco Judy Ann Santos Julia Barretto Julia Montes Julie Anne San Jose Kathryn Bernardo KC Concepcion Kim Chiu Kris Aquino

Krystal Reyes Lauren Young LJ Reyes Lorna Tolentino Louise delos Reyes Lovi Poe Maja Salvador Marian Rivera Martin del Rosario Martin Escudero Matteo Guidicelli Max Collins Michelle Vito Mona Louise Rey Nova Villa Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine Velasquez Paolo Ballesteros Paulo Avelino Piolo Pascual Rafael Rosell Rayver Cruz Richard Gomez and wife Lucy Torres-Gomez Richard Yap Ricky Davao Ritz Azul Robin Padilla Rocco Nacino Rochelle Pangilinan Ryzza Mae Dizon Sam Milby Sam Pinto Sarah Geronimo Solenn Heussaff Sophie Albert Susan Roces Thea Tolentino Tirso Cruz III and wife Lynn Ynchausti Tom Rodriguez Toni Gonzaga Tonton Gutierrez Vin Abrenica Wyn Marquez Xian Lim Zanjoe Marudo Zoren Legaspi and wife Carmina Villarroel

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Earthquake In The Philippines July 25, 2013

A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines on Thursday evening, July 25, 2013, according to the Philippines Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

The government agency said the tectonic quake hit at 6:51 p.m. and centered at 18km Northeast of Carmen, North Cotabato. The temblor was felt at the following intensities:

Intensity IV - Carmen, North Cotabato
Intensity III - Dangcagan,Bukidnon
Intensity II - Kidapawan City; Cagayan de Oro City; Cotabato City; Davao City

As of posting time, two aftershocks have occurred following the said quake.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to properties due to the earthquakes.

Apart from the three quakes, the following also jolted the Philippines on Thursday:

Time     Magnitude      Location
        
06:01 PM     3.0    037 km S 80° E of Cortes (Surigao Del Sur)
04:02 AM     3.8    013 km N 59° W of San Francisco (Surigao Del Norte)
03:48 AM     3.8    090 km S 89° W of Sabtang (Batanes)
02:44 AM     3.9    025 km S 31° W of Catubig (Northern Samar)
01:54 AM     2.2    036 km N 86° W of Calayan (Cagayan)

The Philippines is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, where continental plates collide causing frequent quakes.

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Thai Movie 'Pee Mak' Starring Mario Maurer To Be Released In The Philippines

"Pee Mak," a Thai horror movie starring Penshoppe endorser Mario Maurer, is set to be shown in the Philippines next month.

Star Cinema will be releasing the blockbuster film on August 28, 2013. The movie, which tells a scary but funny tale of great love shared through Thailand’s popular legend of Pee Mak and his ghost wife Nak (Davika Hoorne), is the highest grossing Thai movie of all Time, earning more than $33 million.

"Pee Mak's" plot is as follows: "Some time during the Rattanakosin Kingdom, Mak (Mario Maurer) becomes a soldier and has to leave his pregnant wife Nak (Davika Hoorne) at home in Phra Khanong. In the distant frontline he meets four soldiers who become his best friends. Meanwhile his wife Nak struggles to give birth to their baby alone.

"When the war is over, Mak invites his friends to go to his home and meet his beautiful wife Nak. But in Phra Khanong the rumor goes around town that Nak is a ghost. After a series of uncanny events his four friends and some villagers try to tell Mak that his wife is already dead.
Worldwide."

Also in the movie are Thailand’s funny foursome namely, Nuttapong Chartpong, Pongsatorn Jongwilas, Kantapat Permpoonpatcharasuk and Attharut Khongrasri. It was directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, who had previously helmed box-office horror films like “Shutter”, “4BIA” and “Phobia 2.”

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Nikki Gil And Billy Crawford Break Up 2013

Nikki Gil and Billy Crawford have called it quits.

Nikki Gil and Billy Crawford on "Deal or No Deal"

The celebrity couple's break-up was confirmed by showbiz columnist and TV host Ogie Diaz on Twitter.

"Kalungkot naman. Break na ang mga labs kong sina @nikkigil at Billy Crawford. Sana, friends pa din para naka-smile pa rin sila," Diaz tweeted Wednesday, July 24.

The news came a year after the pair was rumored to have broken up. While Nikki admitted they had a misunderstanding, she denied the reports that they had split back then.

Nikki and Billy have been together for more than four years. They are supposed to celebrate their fifth anniversary next month.

Update: Nikki has confirmed the break-up but refused to comment further.

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'Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters': Demigods Embark In New Modern-Day Odyssey

Logan Lerman returns as the titular hero, the demigod son of Poseidon in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” who embarks on his own, modern-day Odyssey.

The beginning of the second adaptation of Rick Riordan’s best selling “Percy Jackson” book series finds our hero doubting himself and not living up to his potential.  Feeling abandoned by his father and finding out that he has a half-brother who is a Cyclops, Percy soon deals with an enormous task ahead along with his teen demigod friends Annabeth and Grover along with his newfound brother Tyson to save their world from extinction.

Alexandra Daddario returns as Annabeth Chase, the demigod offspring of Athena, goddess of wisdom, the role she created in “Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief.” One of Percy Jackson’s best friends, she took a while to warm to Percy when they first met, coming around only after he showed his mettle in a game of Capture the Flag. She joined Percy on his quest to find the Lightning Thief and once again to recover the Golden Fleece.

“One of the most enjoyable aspects of the first film was accessing a bad-ass quality that you don’t really get to access in your real life. It’s been a great experience being able to do that,” says the actress.  But in “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters,” Daddario notes, “We see more of Annabeth’s sensitive side. In the first she was very tough; in this one we see a lot more of her vulnerability.”

The newest demigod at Camp Half-Blood is Clarisse LaRue, daughter of Ares, the god of war. Clarisse is the cream of Camp Half-Blood’s crop, a solid warrior and something of a bully.  She lives to best Percy at the camp’s many challenges. Leven Rambin (known for her role as Glimmer in “The Hunger Games”) plays Clarisse, whom she says is, “innately prone to fighting, competition and being the best. She always wants to prove herself to her father, who wanted a son, so she’s trying to live up to that.”

Produced by 20th Century Fox and distributed by Warner Bros, “Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters” is set to open on August 7, 2013 in cinemas nationwide.

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Be Careful With My Heart World Tour Goes To Singapore

"Be Careful With My Heart World Tour" will have its stop in Singapore on July 28, 2013.

The hit series’ final leg goes full force as it brings Richard Yap who plays family patriarch Ricardo who is more popularly known as Ser Chief, and his love interest Jodi Sta. Maria or Maya, and the other major stars at BCWMH’s last stop at Kallang Theater for two shows – at 12 n.n. and 4 p.m. Joining Ser Chief and Maya are beloved household help Doris (Rosario “Tart” Carlos) and Sabel (Vivieka Vivieka) who also joined the on-screen love team in the U.S. and Canada leg. Completing the cast for a third time is Mutya Orquia who plays Ser Chief’s precocious daughter Abby. Finally joining the tour are Janelle Salvador who plays Ser Chief’s other daughter Nikki and Jerome Ponce who plays her brother Luke in the series.

Aside from the lovable cast, ASAP Sessionista and crooner Richard Poon and G Force dancers Grace Fugita and Jobel Dayrit will also fly to Singapore to add more kilig, music and moves to the most-awaited event in the Merlion city this year.

"After the success of ASAP in Singapore in 2012, we wanted to continue delivering the same kind of entertainment and engagement which only TFC can bring to overseas Filipinos and in effect, can bring them that connection to the homeland," said Edgardo Roxas, managing director of ABS-CBN Australia Pty Ltd., official distributor of TFC in Asia Pacific via cable and other platform licensees. "BCWMH cuts across ages and across classes so we thought the breakthrough program’s tour stop in Singapore will resonate well with our kababayans from all walks of life in Singapore. Considering the demand for the stars and the show’s daily grind, we are fortunate to have been given this chance to bring the show to Filipinos longing for a piece of home."

Filipinos in Singapore can get a chance to win meet and greet passes with the stars in two ways. TFC subscribers can join the Watch & Win promo where a question for the week will be flashed during BCWMH’s Friday episode on TFC. TFC subscribers must then go to www.facebook.com/TFCSingapore and click on the “Watch & Win” promo tab to answer the question. Second, ticket holders can like www.facebook.com/TFCSingapore; click on the event pre-registration event tab; and fill-up the form. Fifty lucky winners and their companion (one per winner) will win meet and greet passes.

Tickets are priced at Sgd 80, Sgd 70, Sgd 45 and Sgd 25. For tickets to the much-awaited concert, contact Hello Asia Office at 02-45 Lucky Plaza, Singapore. For information, contact Hello Asia office at 6733-4995 and 9845-7645 or visit www.facebook.com/TFCSingapore

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61 Tons Of Silver Hauled From 3-Mile Deep Shipwreck

Over 61 tons of silver bullion were recovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration in July from a depth of nearly three miles off the coast of Galway, Ireland.

61 Tons Of Silver Hauled From Shipwreck (Photo: Odyssey)

The U.S.-based underwater archaeology and salvage company hauled the silver from the shipwreck of SS Gairsoppa, a 412-foot steel-hulled British cargo ship that sank in February 1941. The bullion included 1,574 silver ingots weighing about 1,100 ounces each or almost 1.8 million troy ounces in total, a new record for the deepest and largest precious metal recovery from a shipwreck.

"This was an extremely complex recovery which was complicated by the sheer size and structure of the SS Gairsoppa as well as its depth nearly three miles below the surface of the North Atlantic," commented Greg Stemm, Odyssey's chief executive officer. "To add to the complications, the remaining insured silver was stored in a small compartment that was very difficult to access.

The recovery operations were conducted from the 291-foot Seabed Worker mobilized with 5,000 meter depth-rated remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and heavy launch and recovery systems. Additional specialized deep-ocean equipment was mobilized by Odyssey on the ship for the project.

Including the silver recovered in 2012, Odyssey has now recovered 2,792 silver ingots from SS Gairsoppa or more than 99% of the insured silver reported to be aboard the Gairsoppa when she sank. Under the terms of Odyssey's contract with the UK Department for Transport, which follows standard commercial practices, Odyssey will retain 80% of the net salved value of the cargo. The contract was awarded to Odyssey following a competitive tender process.

Sources, including Lloyd's record of War Losses, indicate additional uninsured government-owned silver may have been aboard the SS Gairsoppa when she sank, but to date no uninsured silver has been located.

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Schindler's List On Ebay Not Worth $3 Million, Says Museum Director

Schindler's List is being auctioned on Ebay with a starting bidding price of $3 million. The California agent who is selling the historical document says it is the original copy obtained from the family of Itzhak Stern, Schindler's accountant and right hand man.

Schindler's List On Ebay

"This exceedingly rare original Schindler's is the only one ever on the market," eBay seller "gazinauctions" wrote.

However, a museum official in Krakow told Polish media Tuesday that the said Schindler's List on eBay is a just a rare copy and thus, the asking price is questionable.

"The document has great historic significance, but it's not worth 3 million dollars," Michal Niezabitowski, director of the Historical Museum of Krakow, said. "The problem is that the original list no longer exists. Someone is trying to sell the legend here."

The said copy was created in 1945 during the evacuation of Schindler's enamel factory, which was transformed into a museum about Krakow during the second World War. It is one of the four existing copies of the 14-page list, which contains names of Jews to be spared from Nazi death camp. The list was named for Oskar Schindler, a German businessman credited with saving more than 1,000 Jews from the Nazis by deeming them essential workers for his enamel works factories.

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Cha-Cha Cañete Brings Home Medals From WCOPA 2013

Cha-Cha Cañete of the hit kiddie gag show "Goin’ Bulilit" took home two medals at the recently concluded 17th World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) that took place in Hollywood, California. The competition ran from July 12 to July 21.

Cha-Cha Cañete (left) with Beverly Caimen

Earning much praise and recognition, Cha-Cha’s talent wowed the crowd and judges as she performed in five different categories during the prestigious competition. Just at the young age of eight, she was awarded silver medals for her performances of “The Climb” and “Climb Every Mountain” in the Pop and Gospel categories, respectively.

Aside from Cha-Cha’s success at WCOPA, Team Philippines proved to be a fierce competitor, besting representatives from over fifty countries.

Team Philippines’ Beverly Caimen won the highest recognition of “Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World”, while Aldeza Ianna de la Torre was also proclaimed “Junior Grand Champion of the World”—earning the Philippines a grand slam, winning the highest titles in both divisions. Beverly and Ianna also won as “Grand Champion Vocalists of the World” in their divisions.

Success for the country doesn’t stop there, as the title of “Grand Champion Vocal Group of the World” went to the Gollayan Sisters, and Reynaldo Gorospe, Jr. won as “Grand Champion Male Model of the World”—taking home the gold as the Philippines’ first ever representative to compete in the Modeling Category.

Even more—singing sensation Jed Madela, who was the first Filipino to win a grand slam as “Senior Grand Champion Performer of the World” and “Senior Grand Champion Vocalist of the World” in 2005 was inducted this year into WCOPA’s legendary Performing Arts Hall of Fame. Pinoy Dream Academy scholars Chivas Malunda and Laarni Lozada are included in those who brought home medals.

With all the country’s wins from its top talents, Team Philippines’ National Director, Gerry Mercado, took home a much-deserved award as “3rd Best National Director”.

A total of 29 members of Team Philippines took home awards in various categories, with 43 Gold, 38 Silver, and 26 Bronze awards. The team also received four Industry Awards.

The Philippine Team for WCOPA is led by WCOPA International Director Annie Mercado, WCOPA-Philippines National Director Gerry Mercado and the official talent scouts Charie Vega and Lito Napolitano from the Philippines, Royce Pellerin from Japan, and Dr. Molina from Saudi Arabia.

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Earthquake In The Philippines July 24, 2013

A magnitude 4.7 earthquake jolted Mariduque, Philippines on Wednesday night, July 24, 2013, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Epicenter of the July 24 quake (Phivolcs)

The temblor, which was 19km deep and tectonic in origin, hit at 6:51pm. Its epicenter was located at 15km northwest of Boac, Marinduque and was felt at the following intensities:

Intensity IV - Boac and Mogpog, Marinduque; and
Intensity III - Lucena City; Abra de Ilog, and Occidental Mindoro.

Philvocs said it is not expecting damage from the quake and aftershocks are unlikely to occur. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

The Philippine Archipelago sits on the Ring of Fire, an area in the Pacific where continental plates collide causing frequent quakes.

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The Wolverine 2013 After-Credits Scene Confirmed By Hugh Jackman

"The Wolverine 2013" has a post-credits scene, Hugh Jackman has confirmed.

If you want to see a teaser of the next "X Men" movie, then wait until the credits are shown. Jackman said the post-credit scene is the tease of all tease.

"There’s a lot of great actors in it, and if you stick around to the end of the credit of The Wolverine, you’re going to get a really nice Easter Egg for what Days of the Future Past has to offer… which we can’t reveal!" the actor said.

Tormented, embarking on a quest to find meaning in his life, this is Wolverine’s ultimate journey and one which forces him to unleash that unbridled, animalistic ‘berserker’ rage in all its power and ferocity.

Directed by James Mangold, "The Wolverine" takes the legendary mutant to Tokyo where Logan/Wolverine is out of his element in Japan and becomes embroiled in a murky and mysterious conspiracy. Battling the fearsome Silver Samurai and other vicious adversaries, he is also searching for meaning in his life and questioning his immortality.

Dark and gritty, the action-fueled drama is set after the events of the 2006 film "X-Men: The Last Stand" and was inspired by the storyline from a popular 1982 comic book by Chris Claremont and Frank Miller.

Apart from Jackman, the film also stars Hiroyuki Sanada, Hal Yamanouchi, Tao Okamoto, Rila Fukushima, Will Yun Lee, Brian Tee and Svetlana Khodchenkova.

"The Wolverine” is set to hit theaters nationwide on July 25.

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NAPOLCOM Exam Results May 26, 2013

The results of the May 2013 NAPOLCOM Exam have been released by the National Police Commission.

NAPOLCOM Exam Results May 26, 2013

The results contain the list of passers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) entrance and promotional examinations held on May 26, 2013 in various testing centers across the country. The PNP entrance examination covered general information, verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and logical reasoning while the promotional examinations consisted of questions on general information, police administration and operations, and values and ethical standards.

The May 2013 NAPOLCOM Exam was administered to 33,398 examinees, 13,767 of whom took the PNP entrance exam while the rest took the promotional tests. 

NAPOLCOM announced that it has decided to invalidate the exam results of 225 examinees from Mindanao after they were found to have cheated during the exam. The said individuals will be barred from taking the exam for three years.

Check out the May 2013 NAPOLCOM Exam results here: http://www.napolcom.gov.ph/May2013_Top20.htm

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Top 10 Most Livable Cities In The Philippines 2013

GMA News TV's "Ang Pinaka" recently came up with a list of "Top 10 Most Livable Cities in the Philippines." The cities were ranked as follows:

Cebu City (Photo: Wikipedia)

1. Cebu City
2. Makati City
3. Quezon City
4. Puerto Princesa City
5. Tagatay City
6. Davao City
7. Baguio City
8. Iloilo City
9. Bacolod City
10. Manila

The Top 10 livable cities were chosen by a panel of experts comprised of top architect and urban planner Felino 'Jun' Palafox Jr., University of the Philippines College of Architecture Dean Mary Anne Espina, and top travel blogger and heritage conservation advocate Ivan Henares.

Among the factors considered in the selection of the best places to live in the country were accessibility to services such as education and health, security, ease of doing business, presence of infrastructures and heritage and character.

What do you think of the list? Is your city part of the list? Fee free to comment below.

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Snow In The Philippines 2013 Hoax

A snow fall was experienced in the Philippines on Wednesday, July 24, 2013, claims a Youtube video that is making the rounds in social media.

Snow In The Philippines? (Youtube Screencap)

"A bizarre highly unusual phenomenon shocked the southern Philippine residents as of this 8:00 am (UTC+08:00) there were confirmed reports that a 3 straight hours of heavy snowfall was reported to certain areas in the Southern region," writes Youtuber "RodsburghNewsLive."

Of course, there is no truth to this. Such news should have been reported by major news agencies in the country and around the world if it really happened.

This "Snow In The Philippines 2013" video is just a hoax. The one writing this post is actually from Southern Philippines and it was scorching hot when he went to the dentist, yesterday, during the said time frame. There is no way it would snow at 32 degrees Celsius. The clip also talked about the Philippines having a "fall season," which is absolutely false.

It goes without saying that you shouldn't believe everything that you read, hear, or see online.

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'Juan Dela Cruz' OST Volume 2 Album To Launch This Sunday

After its first volume reached the gold record status, ABS-CBN’s no.1 superhero drama series "Juan dela Cruz" is set to launch the second volume of its official soundtrack this Sunday (July 28), 5pm, at the SM North EDSA Skydome.

Photo courtesy of Roelnatics

Released under Star Records, "Juan dela Cruz Official Soundtrack Volume 2" features the theme songs of the exciting adventures and touching moments in the life of Philippine TV’s favorite superhero portrayed by Teleserye King Coco Martin.

The tracklist includes "Maghintay Ka Lamang" by Roel Manlangit, "Sana’y Kapiling Ka" by Angeline Quinto, "Kaibigan Lang Pala" by Liezel Garcia, "Buko" by Jireh Lim, and "Ibong Ligaw" by Juana Cosme. Minus ones of the five songs are also part of the album.

Meanwhile, the plot of "Juan dela Cruz" continues to thicken now that Juan (Coco) has released all the weapons from the cross namely 'espada ng katapangan,' 'pana ng karunungan,' 'latigo ng katarungan' and 'sibat ng kagitingan.' How will Juan fulfill his mission as the Tagabantay when he discovers that he is the one destined to be the 'Anak ng Dilim?'

Don’t miss the exciting adventures of Philippine television’s favorite superhero "Juan dela Cruz" weeknights after "TV Patrol" on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For more updates follow @JUANDELACRUZ_TV on Twitter or "like" its official Facebook fanpage http://www.facebook.com/JuanDelaCruz.TV.

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New Pokemon X & Y Gameplay Video Released

A new Pokemon X & Y gameplay video is now out and it shows off fishing, surfing and a location fans haven't seen before.

The video, which was revealed over the weekend on "Pokemon Smash," starts with new Pokemon Fletchling battling Pokemon X & Y Starter Froakie before moving onto fishing at a never-before-seen beach location. The character then surfs to the shore of what seems to be one of the Kalos region's islands before taking on Inkay in the grass.

Check out the said new Pokemon X & Y gameplay video below:
New gameplay features regarding interaction with other players had been unveiled earlier this month. They include the Player Search System, which allow users to search other players around the world; the Holo Caster, which is used to talk to in-game characters with Street Pass capability; the Battle Spot, which allows gamers to play against other players worldwide; an updated Global Trade Station that allows the player to request Pokemon he or she has not yet encountered; the new Wonder Trade system,  which allows receiving blind trades from anyone in the world; O Powers that can be used to affect one's own or another player's game abilities; Shout Outs to send messages to players; and Photo Spots to allow the player to take screenshots of his or her game to share on the Pokémon Global Link.

The Pokemon X & Y games will launch worldwide in October 12, 2013, making them the first Nintendo-published retail games to have such a global simultaneous release in all key regions, including South Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and the first Pokemon games to be available in and outside Japan during the same period of time.

Also a first in the series, the entire game, including environments, character models, and battle sequences, are presented in fully polygonal 3D graphics. The Pokemon X & Y games are also first to allow movement in all directions, including diagonally; the ability to interact with pieces of the environment such as benches.

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SONA 2013 In English Full Text: PNoy's 4th State Of The Nation Address

Full text of SONA 2013 in English.  Below is President Benigno "Noynoy" S. Aquino III's fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered during a joint session to mark the opening of the first regular session of the 16th Congress of the Philippines on July 22, 2013 at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

SONA 2013 In English Full TextAdd caption

Vice President Jejomar Binay; Senate President Franklin M. Drilon; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and the eminent Justices of the Supreme Court; former Presidents Fidel Valdez Ramos and Joseph Ejercito Estrada; distinguished members of the diplomatic corps; honorable members of the House of Representatives and of the Senate; our leaders in local government; members of the Cabinet; members of the military and police in uniform; my fellow public servants; and, of course, to my Bosses, the Filipino people, a pleasant afternoon to all.

This is my fourth SONA; only two remain. Almost four years have passed since I was approached by various camps to urge me to run for the presidency. They said: “We know that our country’s problems cannot be solved in the blink of an eye, in one year, or even within the six-year term of a President. But just begin, and we will be one with you in nurturing change.”

Even then, I was aware of the significant problems that I would have to face. From being a candidate, to being President, or even after I step down from office, the difficulties I will have to face are no joke. Widespread transformation of society is my objective, and I am aware that there are many things and many people I would have to confront in order to achieve this. But I was not raised by my parents to back down in the face of challenges. I would not be able to live with myself if I had refused the chance to alleviate the suffering the Filipino should not have to endure.

We have answered the call, and those who have been with us from the start have only grown in number. I believe that if what I have been doing is right, then our allies will only grow. Just this May, I asked you, Boss, are we going in the right direction? Your reply: “Yes, and let us accelerate the transformation of society.” I asked for allies that would help steer the country in one direction, and you delivered. The truth is, not only the majority, not even nine of twelve, but nine of the top ten senators are individuals that I recommended to you. The message of the past election is clear: Yes, let us keep going, let us add to the 8,581 sitios that we have electrified; let us add to the 28,398 families who were once informal settlers but who finally have, or will soon have, decent homes; let us increase the not less than 40 billion pesos in additional funds that go to education, health, social services, and many others because of the right and more efficient collection of taxes; we feel all the other tangible signs that society is truly changing. I have become even more optimistic because of your message; it is clear that I am not alone in carrying these responsibilities. How can I not be encouraged, when even the likes of Mr. Niño Aguirre are helping shape our future? Just think: Though unable to walk, he climbed all the way to his fourth-floor precinct, just so that he could vote and contribute to true social transformation. Thank you, Mr. Aguirre.
 

There is no shortage of Filipinos who are ready to pitch in, and this is the source of the change we now experience. The strategy—maximize opportunities for all, especially for those most in need. We are not content to wait for the trickle-down effect; we cannot leave their fate—their receiving the benefits of progress—to chance. What we call inclusive growth—this all-encompassing progress—is the principle that drives every initiative, every action, and every decision of your government. The only ones who will be left behind are those who chose not to venture onwards with us, simply because they did not seize the opportunity.

The basis for this principle: Widespread opportunity is the key to comprehensive and sustained progress. Let us not forget that these opportunities are but seeds. We must water them with diligence, nourish them with determination, and cultivate them with dedication. Let us take a look at our TESDA-DOLE scholars. Of the 503,521 people who have graduated from their programs, an estimated six out of ten have found jobs. Before this, according to studies conducted by DBM, from 2006 to 2008, only 28.5 percent of TESDA graduates found jobs. Last year, under TESDA’s IT-BPO program, 70.9 percent of the graduates found employment. Under the electronics and semiconductor program, the percentage of employed graduates reached 85 percent. It is clear: You are the ones who will shape this growth, you are the ones who will determine whether the fruits of our labors become sweet and ripe for the picking, or if you will let them rot away and waste the chances that this new chapter in our history has given us.

Let us go through everything one by one. Our objective to expand the reach of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program: achieved. The over 700,000 household beneficiaries we found upon coming into office in 2010 have now grown to almost 4 million households in the three years of our administration.

There is more: According to research conducted by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, compared with those who only finished the elementary level, the income of high school graduates is 40 percent higher. Is it not right that we maximize the help we give these families, so that our young beneficiaries can finish high school, thereby helping them make the most out of the benefits of this program? That is why next year, families with children up to 18 years old will be included in this program so that their children will be able to finish high school.

Let us move on to education. Our goal is to raise the quality of learning that our children undertake, so that once they finish their schooling, they can seize the opportunities now opening up in society: accomplished. We have finally erased the backlog we inherited in books and chairs, and if Secretary Armin Luistro continues to demonstrate true grit, even the backlog we inherited in classrooms will also be erased this year. And there is even more good news: Now, we also have the ability to prepare for the additional needs that the implementation of the K to 12 program will require.

The problems that plagued Brother Armin in the DepEd are no laughing matter. Just think: one textbook used to be priced at 58 pesos; since he assumed office, the price of the exact same textbook has gone down to 30 pesos. What would have happened if we had been paying the proper price from the beginning? If we had saved the difference of 28 pesos for all the books bought, at five textbooks for each of the estimated 20.7 million students in our public school system, the equivalent would amount to almost 2.9 billion pesos. These savings alone could have funded our plans to repair and rehabilitate around 9,502 classrooms.

If Brother Armin didn’t have strength of will, he could have just left this culture of negligence in his agency for his successor to deal with. He could have also left the backlog, as well as the growing gap of needs because of the rising number of enrollees each year. But instead of being content, instead of saying, “This will do. My job is done,” Brother Armin will build even more chairs and classrooms, and will buy even more books, to ensure that even the needs in future years will also be met.

Regarding the strengthening of our agricultural sector, this has also been achieved. Just think: According to the NFA, in 2010, the country imported more than 2 million metric tons of rice. In 2011, this fell to 855,000 metric tons. In 2012: 500,000 metric tons. And now in 2013, the maximum we will import, including the private sector, will be the minimum access volume of 350,000 metric tons. This includes the 187,000 metric tons of reserve buffer stock in case typhoons arrive one after the other; in all likelihood, even the private sector will no longer have to import rice because we are still on track to becoming self-sufficient in rice. In addition to that, we have begun exporting premium quality rice. We have truly come so far from those days when it was said that we could not even feed ourselves.

The proof is in the data: This sector grew 3.3 percent in the first three months of 2013. This is triple the 1.1 percent growth it recorded in the same time period in 2012. That is why we continue to sow initiatives that will certainly bear the fruits of even greater progress for our farmers.

For example, the coconut sector. According to research conducted in 2009, coconut farmers make up one of the poorest sectors in the country. Let us look at the process of growing coconuts: Once planted, farmers wait seven years for the coconut tree to bear fruit; but after this, two generations will be able to benefit without doing anything else apart from harvesting the fruit. We have the potential to vastly increase the income of this sector if we can foster a culture that truly encourages hard work and productivity. The solution: intercropping.

The government will help you to strengthen your coconut farms; but in exchange, you will be required to sow different kinds of seeds in between the rows of coconut trees.  Doing so will raise the frequency of crop harvests, and depending on what they plant, their income will also increase. If they grow only coconuts, the farmers would earn about 20,000 pesos a year per hectare. But if they add coffee, they could reach about 172,400 pesos a year; if they add bananas, they could earn 102,325 pesos, while adding cacao would give them 89,000 pesos. Isn’t that such a huge difference?

We have already begun laying down initiatives for this: In 2012, we were able to use 5,500 hectares of land for intercropping in 90 different locations throughout the country. This program covered 10,000 farmers. Our target for 2013: an additional 434 sites for coconut intercropping.

We are also now steering our fishermen towards more productive waters. Think about it: our fishing industry contributed 193.65 billion pesos to our economy in 2012. In spite of this, based on a study last conducted in 2009, 41 percent of our fisherfolk still live below the poverty line. They are the ones who catch the fish, but all they have on their dinner tables are fish bones.

That is why various government initiatives are in place to help free our fisherfolk from the broad net cast by poverty. An example would be our initiative for Bataraza in Palawan. The waters here brim with fish. But because the fish cannot be brought to the merchants on time, still fresh, the fishermen end up having to dry the fish and sell tuyo instead. It is such a waste, because every three kilos of lapu-lapu is only equivalent to one kilo of tuyo. What if the freshness of the fish could be preserved in a cold storage facility? You could go to the merchant and still sell your catch at full price. You would exert the same amount of effort, but you would receive the right compensation for it. That is why the cold storage facility in Bataraza has already been built. In addition, we are also constructing new piers in strategic areas to raise productivity and income. We are constructing and adding new roads, bridges, and other kinds of infrastructure, including various services, for our fisherfolk.

The DILG, BFAR, and Coast Guard are also tightly monitoring irresponsible and unrestrained forms of fishing; this I ask of our fishermen: allow our fish to repopulate. I ask for your solidarity in caring for your own livelihood. As you no doubt see, the state has already opened up opportunities for you, but the result is in your hands.

If there is one topic my name is often associated with, that would have to be Hacienda Luisita. I would like to inform you that back in February, in compliance with the decision of the Supreme Court, the Department of Agrarian Reform has completed the list of qualified beneficiaries for the land in Luisita. According to Secretary Gil de los Reyes, the process to determine the beneficiaries’ lots began last week, and the turnover of these lots will begin in September of this year.

As for other large tracts of land: We have long tasked the DAR, DENR, LRA, and Land Bank to develop a framework for speeding up the parceling out of land. I would like to remind everyone: Correct data is the first step to the orderly implementation of CARPER. But we inherited a land records system that is problematic and defective. This is why, from the start, the DOJ, LRA, DENR, and DAR have worked to fix this system, and now we are at a point where we can guarantee that in the next year, all notices of coverage will have been served for lands covered by comprehensive agrarian reform.

It is clear: The state was established to serve you. If you have health problems, the government must care for you; in times of illness, it should be there to give aid and support. What has our government done in this regard?

Our goal to extend PhilHealth coverage to more of our countrymen has been achieved. When we began, 62 percent of Filipinos were enrolled; now, that number stands at 81 percent. The remaining number still not on our lists are those we are seeking to identify, including those in the informal settlers’ and indigenous people’s sectors. We are counting on the cooperation of our local governments to ensure that all of our countrymen are enrolled in the system.

It is not just PhilHealth’s roster of enrollees that is growing: so is its scope of services. The past year saw the launch of the Z Benefit Package. This past February, this was upgraded with the Expanded Z Benefit Package. The poorest of the poor can now get free medical care at public hospitals for more medical conditions than ever before. Last year, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and acute leukemia were included on the list of covered conditions; today, coronary bypass, and corrective surgery for holes and defective blood vessels in the heart, are also included in the package.

All these health benefits would go to waste if our health care facilities are substandard, or inaccessible to our countrymen in the provinces. This is why we have gone all-out in funding health care infrastructure projects: These past three years, we have budgeted a total of 33 billion pesos for the improvement and modernization of 4,518 hospitals, rural health units, and barangay health stations nationwide. Among these are Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City, which has successfully completed five kidney transplants in the last year; the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi; the Vicente Sotto Medical Center in Cebu; and the Northern Mindanao Medical Center in Cagayan de Oro, which, according to Secretary Ike Ona of the DOH, now have the capacity to perform open heart surgery due to upgraded facilities and equipment. There is also the Davao Regional Hospital in Tagum City, the first cancer center outside Metro Manila.

Regarding disaster preparedness: Our goal to develop mechanisms to protect the Filipino people from natural calamities, we have also achieved. Among these are the effective services brought about by the joint forces of the Geohazard Mapping and Assessment Program and Project NOAH of the DOST. This past year, we completed a multihazard mapping of the 28 most vulnerable locations in the country. A similar endeavor for the Greater Metro Manila Area will be completed by 2014. Geohazard maps for 496 cities and municipalities have also been completed. The remaining 1,138 covering every last corner of the country will be finished before the end of 2015. Not only have these maps increased in number, they are also more detailed and refined, which is why we will be able to more accurately identify high-risk areas.

From the time Project NOAH was launched, a total of 525 automated water level monitoring stations and automated rain gauges have been installed in 18 major river basins throughout the country. We also continue to modernize our weather detection technology, with Doppler radars, tsunami detectors, and alerting sirens.

But simply distributing high-tech equipment and new technology is not enough. We also need to train the end-users of this equipment in understanding, using, and disseminating the information gained. When the weather is bad, they no longer rely solely on wind speed for their forecasts; they can also predict the volume of rainfall, and they can provide correct and timely warnings so our communities can prepare accordingly.

We are also remedying the problem of flooding in Metro Manila.  Imagine: When Ondoy hit, an estimated 3,600 cubic meters per second of rainfall flowed down from the Sierra Madre. But the capacity of the channels through which these flowed can only support 1,000 cubic meters per second. Where would the difference of 2,600 cubic meters per second go? These are the sudden torrents of water that overflow into low-lying areas and become flash floods.

Haven’t we all heard before that “waterways are inalienable?” What this means is that the channels through which water passes should be for that purpose alone. The problem is, in addition to the lack of adequate drainage, certain structures are built, obstructing these drainage systems, a situation compounded by the trash of those living around it. To solve this problem, we are coordinating with our LGUs to safely and successfully relocate our informal settlers. In addition, a legal team led by Secretary Leila de Lima is preparing to file cases against those who have closed or obstructed our waterways.

We are not content with simply passing the blame and pointing fingers. Our action: an allocation of 6.2 billion pesos to prevent flooding throughout Metro Manila. This includes the construction of the Blumentritt Interceptor Catchment area. The entire project is 3.3 kilometers in length; and once it is completed, it will be able to catch the equivalent of 14 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water. When the rains hit, the rainwater now has somewhere to go, and will no longer accumulate on our streets. This project was started in March, and we aim to complete it by next year.

Government has been fulfilling its obligation to the people, but let us ask ourselves: How have I contributed to the solution? If someone dumps trash into a river, confront them; if you see a building being built above a creek, report it to the correct authorities. We will only drown in our problems if we do nothing.

Even after the storms have passed, our work to restore normalcy to the lives of calamity-struck families does not end. Through the cooperation of the government, and the private sector, 9,377 houses have been erected for the victims of typhoon Sendong. An additional 4,374 homes will be built before the end of the following year. We ask for patience and understanding, the process has been delayed because of the complex process of land acquisition; in truth, if discussions on other tracts of land go well, we will be able to construct an additional 2,719 houses.

We also aim to turn over a total of 53,106 homes to our countrymen who were left homeless by the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. We began to hand over houses in May; and we will complete another 17,609 homes by the end of the year. And by the time we finish the 35,447 homes still to be completed by 2014, all the families who felt nature’s wrath will once again find shelter under their own roofs.

Still on the subject of housing, this time for our men and women in uniform: More than a year ago, we had already built 21,800 housing units for our police force and soldiers. For Phase II of this project, we have already built an additional 26,050 homes out of our target of 31,200, and the rest will be completed by next month.

Apart from housing, livelihood projects are being implemented for the benefit of our troops. Several thousand hectares of land in three of our military camps—namely, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Camp Kibaritan in Bukidnon, and Camp Peralta in Capiz—will be the venues for these livelihood projects, which will give our soldiers additional income through plantations of bamboo, coffee, cacao, and palm oil. If before, soldiers were concerned solely with defending us, now, even military retirees can participate in improving our economy.

But our quest to find solutions to all the other problems we inherited regarding national defense does not stop here. Consider this: In 1986, there were an estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers protecting a total of 55 million Filipinos. Today, we still have an estimated 250,000 policemen and soldiers, who protect 95 million Filipinos. Our population has almost doubled, while the number of our protectors has not changed.

We are sure to have critics who will say “Is this really a problem? Just add more policemen and soldiers. You can even reduce unemployment that way.” If only it were that simple. Let us look at the situation. The common pension scheme works like this: both members and employers contribute to the pension. Their contributions serve as capital for reinvestment, and the gains of these investments will in turn fund the retiring members’ pensions. But what is the true situation of the AFP and PNP pensions? No contributions have been made, but there are payments to make. Apart from this, the pensions of retirees have been indexed to the salaries of active personnel. This means that if the salaries of those in the service increase, so too will the pensions received by retirees or qualified families. Yearly, there are more and more men and women retiring, so, naturally, the obligations that must be paid out also increase. What is worse is that funds from the national budget are being used for these growing obligations: In 2012, 54.48 billion pesos were spent on soldiers’ and policemen’s pensions. This year, that figure will rise to 61.29 billion. By 2016, it will be at 80.64 billion. Our pension deficit will keep growing and growing and growing, eating into the budget allocation for other social services. How then do we add more servicemen, given such a context?

We need a system that fulfills our civic obligations to our policemen and armed forces; and it is likely that we will request the assistance of the GSIS in this regard. We are currently studying the feasibility of using reclaimed land to generate funds that will form part of the solution. After all, we cannot surprise the GSIS and ask them to account for the entirety of our needs, which is why an even more thorough study will be conducted to create a fair, sustainable, and clear mechanism for the pensions of PNP and AFP personnel. I call on Congress today: Let us review PD 1638 and RA 8551 to ensure that these pensions are timely, and balanced against national needs.

     We see an equivalent solution for the problems that the SSS pensions will soon face. Consider that, since 1980, across-the-board pension increases occurred 21 times, but actual pension contribution increases only occurred twice. As a result, the SSS has accumulated an estimated 1.1 trillion pesos in unfunded liability. According to a study done in 2011, this shortfall will increase by 8 percent per annum, eventually resulting in the complete consumption of the fund 28 years from now. If this happens, the next generation is certain to suffer.

We believe that it is time to amend the SSS Pension Scheme. We must establish measures that remedy the outflow of funds. If we add 0.6 percent to the contribution rate, it will immediately deduct 141 billion pesos from the unfunded liability of the SSS. If we begin to invest in our future today, no further problems will be handed down to the next generation of Filipinos.

When it comes to our national police, our goal to strengthen their capabilities so that they may better fulfill their mandate: accomplished. Beginning this 2013, 30,000 policemen will finally be able go back to doing police work because we will be hiring civilian personnel who will focus on administrative work. After all, the skills and abilities of our police would be put to waste if we keep them imprisoned in the four corners of an office.

At the start of July 2013, we began distributing new units of 9mm Glock 17 pistols to our police. This is just the beginning: We are slated to distribute a total of 74,879 firearms among our police force, in keeping with our goal of a one-is-to-one police-to-pistol ratio.

These investments in our national police will yield abundant benefits, especially since this redounds to more efficient and reliable public service. Is it not true that we have gotten used to news of violence during elections? Oplan Katok directly addresses this. The goal of the program: track down loose firearms, which ensures that the guns we have licensed are in the possession of those authorized to do so. The police have knocked on a total of 491,929 front doors for the renewal of licenses. This contributed greatly to our campaign for Secure and Fair Elections, which yielded a 63 percent reduction among private armed groups—from the 112 during the 2010 elections, to just 41 this 2013. And from the 189 incidents of violence recorded in 2010, we have recorded only 77 confirmed incidents for the recently concluded election.

Let us use ARMM as an example. Governor Mujiv Hataman has said that he could not remember a time in his life when Lanao del Sur did not suffer a failure of elections. We should note that this was the first time that the ARMM elections were synchronized with the national elections. This means that, in the past, the full force of the State was focused on just one region, and yet it still had to call for a failure of elections. This 2013, because our uniformed forces had to safeguard elections across the entire country, there were those who thought the situation in ARMM would only get worse. But we have seen how vastly it has improved: ARMM successfully held a clean, safe, and fair election; votes were counted, and those whom the people charged with new mandates were proclaimed. Because of the diligence of our police force and of our soldiers, and the coming together of the nation, the 2013 elections were more peaceful.

But there are still incidents that sully our police force’s honor. We know of what happened to the members of the Ozamiz Gang—Ricky Cadavero and Wilfredo Panogalinga—who were caught, only to be killed. As with our investigation of the Atimonan incident, we will ensure that those at fault will be held accountable—regardless of their rank. Whoever masterminded all of this: prepare yourselves. I am close to learning who you are.

Despite these incidents, my confidence in and hope for our police remain high. They have never wanted for exemplars like PO3 Edlyn Arbo, who, despite being off-duty and unarmed, bravely confronted a mugger who embarked on the jeep she was on, and pursued him. There are also those like PO3 Felipe Moncatar, who has received countless commendations because of the growing list of criminals he has put in jail—I heard you’ve just apprehended another member of a syndicate—including members of carjacking syndicates and some of the most wanted in Bacolod. You may have also heard about PO2 Dondon Sultan. A car broke down along Quezon Boulevard, and PO2 Sultan stopped and offered his assistance. He did not just change a tire; he also helped bring the car to a mechanic. As thanks for his service, PO2 Sultan was offered 1,000 pesos—an offer he declined. He said, and I quote, “Our job is to help our countrymen.” We salute those of you who truly serve the public. You are proof that honest and capable policemen are not an endangered species. I have already instructed Secretary Mar Roxas of the DILG and Secretary Voltaire Gazmin of the DND to ensure that those like you in our uniformed services reap the appropriate rewards.

Add to these our disaster relief workers from many branches of government, as well as volunteers from the private sector. I know that it is not easy to battle floods, dig through mud, and confront calamities. I will not tire of recognizing your contributions to our society; I salute the way you have offered yourselves to help in lessening the suffering of our countrymen.

Peace is also within reach in a region that has long been torn apart by conflict. In October of the previous year, the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed. In truth, just nine days have passed since the signing of the second annex of the agreement. We are confident that we will not have to wait long before hearing more good news on the development of the peace process.

I am sure everyone is aware that the building of consensus is not an easy task; fortunately, both sides are ready to listen, willing to compromise, and willing to reach a meeting of the minds. We know, too, the consequences of impatience and haste. What is clear to me: Every word we utter must result in an action that would benefit all. Every line that we craft in the agreement we are forging must be set in stone and not merely written on water, only to be forgotten by history. My father raised me to be true to my word, and I can tell our brothers and sisters of the Bangsamoro: Whatever agreements we come to will be fulfilled by the national government.

Trust is vital to the peace process. It does not come automatically, perhaps because of the long history of conflict. Now, the desire of both sides to reach an agreement is palpable, and we are truly proving ourselves trustworthy. To those seeking to sow discord and doubt: Can you really say that you are a Filipino that has compassion for his fellow Filipinos?

I am hopeful that every Filipino will contribute towards our goals for the Bangsamoro. We will prove that they did not make a mistake in choosing the path of peace; we are ready to lend the strength of the entire nation to lift up the provinces of Muslim Mindanao, who are among our poorest. What we aim for is the triumph of all; we will not allow any of our countrymen to be left behind, while others surpass them. Once again, I call on Congress: The Transition Commission that will craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law has already been created. Once their task is completed in keeping with the principles of the peace process, I ask you to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law before the end of 2014. This way, we will have ample time to prepare for the election of a new Bangsamoro government come 2016.

We have accomplished whatever change we are experiencing today because we refused to be satisfied with the status quo in the government we inherited. Let me ask: How many of you have used what they call the Telepono sa Barangay? I wouldn’t be surprised if no one has. According to the DOTC, more than 5 billion pesos would have been earmarked for a program that would distribute landline phones to far-flung areas. Would this not have been a grave waste of funds, because in such a short time after its implementation, the number of Filipinos with cellphones just grew and grew? Who would take notice of the 6,000 landlines they would have installed, when we have 100 million cellphones in the Philippines?

Here is another example of the kind of thinking we’ve had to eradicate from government. Eight combat utility helicopters were bought for what they claimed to be “the more efficient deployment of our soldiers.” The problem: The guns the helicopters were equipped with were mounted at the door; requiring their removal in order to enable people to pass. If you are a soldier entering the fray at the height of battle, what use is a machine gun that is set aside and unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed? Why was this even approved in the first place?

We have to be more discriminating buyers. We cannot rely on the sales talk of suppliers alone. We have tasked the DOST to assemble a body of experts who can critically assess suppliers’ pitches, especially on big-ticket items. Our operating principles: the right identification of the root of the problem; the careful study and deliberation, grounded on correct methodology, to arrive at the best solution.

This was also the rationale and the driving force behind our response to the issue of informal settlers in Metro Manila. This is why we are already fulfilling our goal to remove from harm’s way those who crammed themselves into high-risk areas of the city. After all, I do not think anyone will disagree with us when we say the current situation cannot be allowed to persist. In the general welfare clause of our Constitution—Article 2, Section 5—it says, “The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy.”

Here we have proven that the Filipino listens to reason. If it is clear that compassion is your bedrock principle, then we will be more eager to work with you. Before roofs were dismantled, before walls were demolished, we explained how we came to our decision: better housing, access to public transport, and, for the diligent, no shortage of opportunities to earn. We made it clear that we wanted to provide a refuge to those who were high-risk and most in need—and not to syndicates. We are aware that whenever the aid given by the state is abused, the lives of other Filipinos are also put in jeopardy.

After a batch of informal settlers was moved to the relocation site, they urged their former neighbors: Join us. It is safer here. This year, our priority is to relocate more than 19,400 families living along Metro Manila’s major waterways. The convergence of DILG, NHA, DSWD, MMDA, and DPWH has resulted in a much clearer solution to one of our most long-standing problems.

Another example of transformation in government: haven’t vital bills languished in Congress? In the previous year, the Sin Tax Reform Law and the Responsible Parenthood Law were finally signed into law. We thank our partners in Congress and in the Senate who helped us push for the passage of these laws. We persevered through the long process of debate and consultation; we were not cowed by those who tried to sow doubt in the attempt to obstruct our meaningful agenda. We have fought for what benefits the people, and we are advancing true public service for the Filipino.

I would also like to propose to Congress several laws that will help us sustain and improve on the reforms we have established. Let us amend the Cabotage Law in order to foster greater competition and to lower the cost of transportation for our agricultural sector and other industries. Let us likewise enact the Fiscal Incentives Rationalization Bill, so that the incentives we provide to businesses become even clearer and more accountable. We also have to focus on the Land Administration Reform Bill, given the need for convergence among agencies tasked to oversee our land holdings, and thus ensuring that they can fulfill their collective mandate with increased efficiency.

Tomorrow, we are submitting to Congress our proposed 2.268 trillion-peso National Budget for 2014. I am confident of your support and advocacy for the allocation of funds which was arrived at after careful consideration. This budget is not only a continuation of our reforms, but it will also accelerate our momentum towards long-lasting inclusive progress.

There are those who insist on upgrading our Armed Forces. I agree with this, but some of them act as if they want us to invest every centavo of our country into fighter jets, tanks, and other equipment for warfare. They may not know that one fighter jet costs 1.58 billion pesos—equivalent to 6,580 houses for our soldiers and our police force, or nearly 2,000 classrooms for our children. And what can one jet do? To be truly effective, we would need a squadron—and one squadron is composed of twenty-four fighter jets. At 1.58 billion pesos per jet, we would have to devote 37.92 billion pesos of the nation’s coffers just to assemble one squadron. And what about practice missiles? And it is not as if jet fuel, a radar system, ground bases, and ground intercept controls are free. Building a minimum credible defense posture is not something we can take lightly. Do we follow others who prioritize the possession of a nuclear option at the expense of everything else? I do not think anyone would agree. We will balance our needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of our society, while remaining a good and upstanding member of the community of nations.

We are well aware that, in the past, decisions were made based on politics. Leaders did everything they could just to keep a firm hold on their power—at the expense of the suffering of present and future generations of Filipinos. Let us look, for example, at the consequences of refusing to raise passenger fares for the LRT and MRT.

Each trip that one passenger makes on the LRT is estimated to cost 40 pesos. What does each passenger pay? 15 pesos. This means that the government subsidizes the remaining 25 pesos. As for the MRT, the true cost of one trip is 60 pesos: 15 pesos paid by passengers, 45 pesos by the government—in the end, each and every Filipino pays a share of the subsidy. Whether you live in Mindanao or Visayas, and not once have you ever stepped onto the LRT or MRT, you help to fund this.

What’s worse: because past leaders gave away our commercial development rights, each peso that we can earn from the posters and billboards in the stations goes to private companies, instead of going to the government. What we could have used to subsidize the cost of maintenance and operations was given away.

Perhaps it is only reasonable for us to move the fares of the MRT and LRT closer to the fares of air-conditioned buses, so that the government subsidy for the MRT and LRT can be used for other social services.

You are my witnesses: We have no plans to hand down problems to our successors. In truth, projects that were left to decay in the past are now truly benefiting the people. Let us look at the Ternate-Nasugbu Road. This road, connecting Cavite, Batangas, and Metro Manila, is only six kilometers long, but it still took almost 20 years to finish. We already opened one part of this road, and when the sections requiring slope protection are completed, the benefit this road will bring to motorists will be complete.

We also have the Aluling Bridge in Ilocos Sur. The plans for its construction were first laid down on paper in 1978. And we made certain that our successors would not merely inherit sheets of paper. The bridge was finally completed in March. Last month, we also began the operation of the Laguindingan Airport—a project that took one generation to make the leap from idea to implementation.

There is also the semiconductor industry, which waited decades for a laboratory that could compete with facilities of other countries. We did not allow them to wait much longer. In May of this year, under the leadership of DOST, we inaugurated the Advanced Device and Materials Testing Laboratory (ADMATEL). Before, products manufactured here had to be sent to other countries to undergo testing. We were unable to maximize profits in this industry; we were unable to maximize the potential of our semiconductor industry to attract even more investments.

Because of ADMATEL, products will now be manufactured and tested here, and we will be able to take even greater advantage of the skills of Filipino workers in the electronics sector. And we have every expectation that this industry—one that contributed almost 44 percent to our exports in 2012—will grow even stronger.

With the help of our Big Man in the Senate, Senator Franklin Drilon, the more than fifty-year wait of Ilonggos has come to an end; the implementation of the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project II in Iloilo has started. How will this help us?

First, an estimated 24,000 farmers across Iloilo will benefit from year-round irrigation. As a result, the harvests of rice farmers may double. Let me make it clear: The 31,840 hectares of land that will be irrigated will yield an additional 146,013 metric tons of rice. This amount is equal to almost 80 percent of the buffer stock of rice that we will import for 2013.

This does not include the other benefits that this project will bring. For instance, preventing widespread flooding in Iloilo, and adding 6.6 megawatts in hydropower to the energy requirements of the province. This project will also contribute to the supply of water for some parts of the province, and to the development of its ecotourism industry. Apart from all these, the Jalaur River Project will create around 17,000 jobs; and once it becomes fully operational, an estimated 32,000 Filipinos will be given decent livelihoods. This project was first conceived in 1960—we share the same birthday.

We are aware that many of our countrymen are excited to see the fruits of our Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects. We likewise know that there are those who have grown impatient waiting for them.

Let us put things into context. Back in 2010, when our administration came into office, we were left with only 6.5 percent of the programmable budget for the year, or just around 100 billion pesos; 93.5 percent of the budget had already been allotted by my predecessor. This is precisely why we approached the private sector. We told them: “We do not have the funds, let us partner with one another to build the necessary infrastructure.”

Apart from this, we faced other difficulties when PPP began. The studies on which the projects were based were outdated; and the bureaucracy lacked the sufficient knowledge to implement them. Not to mention the public, who seemed to have lost confidence in the contracts the government undertook.

Nevertheless, whatever the situation may be, our principle is that anything worth doing is worth doing right. We have no plans of entering into questionable contracts today just to bequeath problems to the next administration. Each project has to go through the correct process to ensure that our taxpayers’ hard-earned money will be spent the right way.

As early as now, we are seeing the effects of the honest, transparent, and clear way we have been going about our PPP projects. Previously, even just the construction of a single airport already made headlines. Let us compare this to what we are seeing today: Apart from the Laguindingan Airport, which is already being utilized, we are upgrading and modernizing the Tacloban Airport, the Bicol International Airport, the New Bohol Airport, the Mactan Airport, and the Puerto Princesa Airport all at the same time. The Daang Hari-NLEX link road is the fastest PPP project that has been awarded in any administration, with no shortcuts in the processes. All these, and all the other infrastructure projects that are being and will be constructed, will give rise to a society teeming with opportunity.

The problems that we have inherited—and are currently solving—make up a long list; for example, the recurring, rotating blackouts in Mindanao. From the very beginning, we have been working on a solution for this—but we are also aware that a problem that has been ignored for an entire decade cannot be solved overnight. Right now, we continue to take steps to address the shortages as well as provide for immediate needs. We have helped electric cooperatives bring in generator sets that will reduce brownouts; and this will continue until the plants that will supply the region with more electricity are completed.

But the critics will never fully disappear. Some are complaining that the price of electricity will increase with the usage of diesel-fueled generator sets. Hydropower is abundant now because of the rainy season, so we hear objections to the generator sets. But come summer, many will once again complain about eight-hour brownouts.

We also want more power plants built in other parts of the Philippines. As our economy grows, so will our consumption of electricity, which means we must likewise increase supply. Do we really want to wait until our plants are at full capacity before more plants are built? Power plants do not sprout like mushrooms—a power plant takes two to three years to construct.

If anyone has a good suggestion, we are ready to listen. But I also hope that the kibitzers put the situation in the proper context. The plant in Redondo, Zambales, is a good example. A TRO was issued against the plant because of the argument that renewable energy is better. Did they happen to mention that renewable energy is also more expensive—from the cost of building the plants to the eventual price of energy? Did they mention that it cannot provide the baseload—the capacity required to make sure brownouts do not occur? If you put up a wind-powered plant, what do you do when there is no wind? If you put up a solar plant, what do you when the sky is cloudy? Let me be clear: I believe in renewable energy and we support its use, but there should also be baseload plants that can ensure a steady supply of electricity for our homes and industries. I wonder if those who are critical of the plants we want put up will be as noisy when they are busy fanning themselves during brownouts. All I am really saying is this: Let us help each other find a solution.

Since we are being frank with each other, let us talk about the renovation of NAIA 3. This is a complex issue, which has already undergone two arbitrations. We would have won both of them, but one of the decisions was reversed due to a technicality. This is why we are now preparing for our case to be heard once more. And there are added complications because of the issue of warranties for the completion of NAIA 3—it is not acceptable for us to find defects after renovations, and then have to spend even more money to fix them. This is why when we were told that the original contractor was willing to give a proper warranty, we agreed to the deal. But we want to be certain; we want to fully and correctly go through the process. So I must ask for your understanding on this issue.

Today, it is clear: A single goal is behind each square meter of cement we pour in building the foundations of a more progressive country; gain for all—and not politics. Whereas before, roads were constructed based on whims, and bridges were built where the Mayor enjoyed the friendship of Madam, now, we follow a nationwide plan. No favorites, no transactionalism, no patronage; each peso is spent to accelerate our goal of broad-based growth.

What we can expect in the years to come: airports and ports to facilitate commerce and tourism; roads to ensure that we all reap the maximum benefit from these big-ticket projects; power plants that will generate enough energy and fuel the development of industry. This is the framework from which other initiatives will branch out, creating even greater opportunities for Juan and Juana dela Cruz—from the farmer who will have access to adequate irrigation and who will be able to sell his harvest more quickly, to the construction workers erecting new buildings; from the continued development of call centers across the country, to the rise of even more businessmen ready to invest in the Philippines. We implemented the right projects for the right price; we completed these projects with the right quality; and we finished, or we will finish, these projects right on time, because the right people worked on them.

Let us talk about traffic: Isn’t it estimated that our economy loses an estimated 2.4 billion pesos every day because of Metro Manila traffic? Among the projects targeted to decongest Manila is the Integrated Transport System. For the buses that force themselves onto already-crowded roads, we will construct terminals in areas with less traffic. Our countrymen can already make use of the terminal in Parañaque, and the ones in Quezon City and Muntinlupa are already lined up. Provincial buses will be permitted only up to these terminals, so they do not add to the congestion.

There is also the two connector roads that will join the North and South Luzon Expressways. To tell you the truth, there were already plans to construct what they called the Metro Manila Highway in the seventies. This would have connected the two expressways, so that traveling from one point to another need not consume the hours it takes to pass through the entire length of EDSA. The problem: Mr. Marcos issued laws that favored one of his cronies. And unfortunately, we are required to follow them: Whoever constructs infrastructure in those areas must be in partnership with the corporation of Mr. Marcos’ friend. Even worse: every time they add even just another short section to the original road, their franchise is extended by thirty years. That is not the end of it: Once the company profited, the development of infrastructure in the area was left unfinished. Remember that these roads were supposed to traverse Pangasinan to Quezon… But when the company operated at a loss, they had the audacity to pass on to the government a multitude of debts. I ask our Congress today: Let us take another look at Presidential Decrees 1113 and 1894.

Despite this, our projects continue. We have an eight-kilometer, four-lane elevated expressway that will connect C3 road to Caloocan, crossing España, up to PUP in Sta. Mesa. There is also a more than fourteen-kilometer six-lane elevated tollway extending from Balintawak to Buendia in Makati. The Common Alignment of these two roads: a five-and-a-half kilometer, six-lane elevated expressway from PUP in Sta. Mesa, crossing Osmeña and Quirino Avenue, to Buendia in Makati. Once this road is opened to the public, what once took two hours from SLEX to NLEX will now take only fifteen minutes. What once was a three-hour drive from Clark to Calamba will be reduced by almost half to an hour and forty minutes. Every day, an estimated 55,000 motorists will benefit from this project. Motorists will save time and gas, pollution will be decreased, and commerce and tourism will flourish. Is this not a win-win situation?

In the space of only three years, we have proven that agencies that were once cesspools of corruption can be transformed into examples of honest and efficient service. Some of the simple, but effective, reforms that Secretary Singson implemented in DPWH: no more letters of intent, which bidders once used in conspiring with each other to inflate costs and gain more profit; simplified bidding processes, so even more contractors can compete for projects; and reasonable costs of doing projects. Government also now pays on time, attracting even more skilled contractors to do their part in raising the quality of public infrastructure. This kind of honest leadership has allowed the DPWH to save 18.4 billion pesos, which has been allotted to other meaningful projects.

As an example of the dividends of good governance, let us look at the Tagumbao Bridge in Gerona, Tarlac. In truth, I was an advocate of its construction back when I was just a Congressman. Back then, some of my constituents had to circle around two towns just to cross a river that overflowed during the rainy season. I even told past administrations: you can have my entire PDAF, just complete the bridge, in installments if possible. But nothing happened and time passed. The gap separating the banks of the river—and thus, the length of the bridge that was required—only widened further.

Right now, we are constructing the Tagumbao Bridge. Now that we are the ones implementing it, this is the story: Approved funds for the project stand at around 334 million pesos; but because of good management and prudent spending, the cost was lowered to 226 million pesos. In the end, we saved a total of over 108 million pesos without sacrificing the quality of the completed bridge. And even better: The funds that we saved can be used in the construction of a dike and river training projects for Phase II.

Let us move on to tourism. According to the Oriental Morning Post, we are the “Best Tourism Destination of 2012.” And it seems the Shanghai Morning Post fell in love with our country when they named us the “Most Romantic Destination of 2012.” Scuba Diving Magazine says that the Philippines is the “Best Diving Destination.” And Palawan is the “Best Island” if you ask Travel + Leisure Magazine. It seems they just stopped short of calling us paradise.

Given such resounding praise, it comes as no surprise that in 2012, we registered 4.3 million tourist arrivals in our country—another new record high. This figure is a 21.4 percent increase from when we assumed office in 2010, when only an estimated 3.1 million tourists visited our country. When it comes to our domestic travelers, our previous target for 2016 was 35.5 million tourists. But we have surpassed this as early as 2011, with 37.5 million domestic tourists. With the momentum that we are now experiencing, we have full confidence that we will achieve our new domestic target of 56.1 million before the end of 2016.

A stronger tourism sector will generate more job opportunities. The DOT estimates that tourism created 3.8 million jobs in 2011. The truth is, it is not just our scenic and most famed destinations that will profit from the arrival of tourists, but also the nearby towns that can be considered tourism support communities; the places from which resorts and hotels source the food that they serve, the souvenirs that they sell, as well as other products and services that provide a source of income for our provinces.

And I am certain that you have also heard the good news that has recently landed in our country. Last March, the International Civil Aviation Organization removed the significant safety concerns they had previously imposed on the Philippines. This was a fruit of our reforms in the aviation industry, to ensure that aviation safety in the Philippines meets international standards. And because of this, just last July 10, the European Union has once again permitted our flag carrier to resume direct flights to Europe.

Think about it: What if our aviation industry had already been improved and strengthened before? Was it not a waste to miss out on tourists whose lack of enthusiasm for visiting the country can be attributed to this? Missed jobs, funds, and opportunities—these are the results of the previous system of governance.

This is why, from the very onset, we have fought against corruption in all levels of government and pushed for the transformation of our institutions. The result: public service that truly benefits our countrymen.

Let us just look at the depth of transformation taking place in our GOCCs. Government-owned corporations whose losses were previously subsidized by the national government are now turning over dividends. Let us take the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA) as an example. In the thirteen years prior to our term, from 1996 to 2009, the dividends of the PRA amounted to a sum total of 676.82 million pesos. Along the straight path: in 2012 alone, their dividends—1 billion pesos. Is this not a complete transformation?

The Local Water Utilities Administration is another good example. In 2011, the said GOCC recorded a net loss of 950 million pesos. But because of prudent management, they did more than just balance their books; based on their report, their gross income amounted to 870 million pesos in 2012. Because of this, they were able to remit 365 million pesos to government for that same year.

Yet another example: In my first SONA, we exposed the questionable practices of the MWSS, whose officials were giving themselves excessive bonuses and allowances, even as their company failed to address the needs of our citizens. This agency itself reported: The MWSS registered losses amounting to 34 million pesos in 2010. This was completely unacceptable. That is why in 2011, we signed the GOCC Governance Act, which serves as the standard for integrity, credibility, and accountability in the management of our GOCCs. Its results: In 2011, the MWSS earned 333 million pesos, from the 34-million-peso loss of 2010. In 2012, their earnings totaled almost 2 billion pesos. Consequently, their dividends have also increased: from 150 million in 2011, these increased to 345 million pesos for 2012. It is saddening though, that the depth of the reforms planted by the MWSS leadership is tarnished by the mudslinging of those who want to cling to the old system.

In tandem with the increased confidence in our good governance is the continued resurgence of our economy. The results: two consecutive ten-place jumps in the global competitiveness index of the World Economic Forum. For the first time in history, we attained investment-grade status from two of the three most respected credit ratings agencies in the world, and it is quite possible that the third will soon follow suit. We have maintained the stability of our consumer goods prices, and we continue to reduce the portion of our budget allotted to paying our debts, while increasing the funds allotted to social services. In a period of lethargic global economic activity, we registered an astounding 6.8 percent GDP growth in 2012. We surpassed this in the first quarter of 2013, when we reported growth of 7.8 percent—the highest recorded GDP in East and Southeast Asia. Special mention must be made of the 28.5 percent contributed by the manufacturing sector to the growth of our economy. And we anticipate that manufacturing will gain even more traction in the coming years.

We are now considered a rising tiger by the World Bank; the brightest spark, according to the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, among other accolades that allude to the transformation that is sweeping our nation. From the prudent expenditure of funds to the effective collection of taxes; from infrastructure development to the transparent conduct of business that generates jobs, our message to the world could not be clearer: The Philippines is ready to ride the tides of progress.

The transformation of our society is not just evident in the economy or in statistics. Now, Filipinos know: Rich or poor, with or without political connections, when you do wrong, you will pay the consequences. Now, justice is truly blind. We will not undermine the orders of our Bosses to hold the corrupt accountable, and to right the wrongs of a system that has long beggared our country.

In fact, we are already holding the former leadership of TESDA accountable for his part in the outrageous overpricing of purchases by the agency. For example: one incubator jar is priced at 149 pesos. But Mr. Syjuco priced the same jar at 15,375 pesos. The normal price of a dough cutter, 120 pesos. The price according to Mr. Syjuco: 48,507 pesos. Let’s be clear: This is a dough cutter, not a Hamilton Class Cutter. Perhaps when he finally has his day in court to face the cases filed by the Ombudsman, Mr. Syjuco will finally learn to count.

We have also indicted the former PAGCOR officials who embezzled 26.7 million pesos just to produce a movie; burned through funds amounting to 186 million pesos to finance a party-list; and had the gall to use the rice donations allotted to calamity victims for campaign sorties.

Former leaders of the PNP are also being made to answer  allegations regarding the 131.6 million pesos wasted on seventy-five defective rubber boats, and the 104.99 million pesos spent on the anomalous purchase of secondhand helicopters from 2009 to 2010.  It would actually be better if they are able to properly answer questions regarding this, so we may discover if there are others who must also be held accountable.

On the topics of Cadavero, PDAF, MRT 3, and others: Just because the critics are not aware of what we are doing, they assume that we are doing nothing about these issues. If government possesses no data and yet announces who it will investigate, does that not send a message to the suspects to just hide the evidence? This is why we go where the truth takes us. The evidence decides our path.

When we denounced the “wang-wang” culture, we did not just dismantle the sirens of those who lord it over the streets; we also uprooted the culture of corruption that seemed firmly entrenched in our public institutions.

But let us be honest: Even today, there are still those in government who seemingly refuse to change. It is disheartening to discover the depth and breadth to which they have branched out in the bureaucracy; the moment we look away, someone is sure to be taken advantage of and victimized. The time has come to name names: we have repeatedly admonished the Bureau of Immigration to improve their watch over our ports and airports. How then was it possible for the brothers Joel and Mario Reyes, the principal suspects in the slaying of Gerry Ortega, to leave the country?  How could the escape of the Korean Park Sungjun—as blatantly seen in CCTV footage—have taken place? He is wanted in (South) Korea, and their government asked for our assistance in securing his arrest. How can we face them now, when our own government employees are the ones who enabled his escape?

The “make-do” culture at the NIA has also tested our patience. Instead of laying out plans for new irrigation systems, they are merely content with the continued rehabilitation of existing irrigation. For them, shoddy repairs are enough to say they have already done a good job. During their anniversary, I asked them why only 60 percent of their target was accomplished in 2012, when they had reached 80 percent in 2011. The next day, I met with their head during the NEDA Board Meeting. His excuse: 40 percent of the target areas were located in Mindanao and were devastated by Typhoon Pablo, thus the delay. When were we hit by Typhoon Pablo? In the first week of December. Which means that he meant to complete the remaining 40 percent of his tasks in the span of just three weeks. This is the kind of leadership we no longer need in the bureaucracy.

And here we have the Bureau of Customs, whose personnel are trying to outdo each other’s incompetence. Instead of collecting the proper taxes and preventing contraband from entering the country, they are heedlessly permitting the smuggling of goods, and even drugs, arms, and other items of a similar nature into our territory. The Department of Finance estimates that more than 200 billion pesos in revenue slips through our borders without going into public coffers. Where do these people get the gall? One can almost hear these public officials say, “I don’t care if the weapons go to criminal elements; I don’t care how many lives are ruined by drugs; I don’t care if our fields remain barren forever; What matters is that I am rich; it’s every man for himself.” Such practices have no place in government. If you cannot do your job, you do not deserve to remain in office.

If you are a good, conscientious employee of the BI, NIA, Customs, or any other government agency, I hope that you do even more. It is not enough to lie low and hide inside your cubicle; to prevent wrongdoing is part of your duty. You are in the right, so there is no need to hide; please make it easy for me to find people like you; I will raise you up as praiseworthy examples, that we may fully transform the flawed culture of your agencies.

And for those employees who refuse to turn their backs on the culture of wang-wang: my patience has run out. You were given three years to demonstrate your readiness to change; now, I shall pursue all of you and hold you accountable. No hard feelings.

And let us include in these reforms corrupt members of our Civil Service. It was during my mother’s time when I heard someone say, “So what if Malacañang ordered this? You will only be there for six years.” It is time to rectify this way of thinking. I call on our Congress to examine our Civil Service Code and PD1, so that we can revise these at the earliest possible time. I support the development of mechanisms that will restore the integrity of public service; that will ensure that only honest, capable, and principled civil servants will be allowed to enter and remain in government service.

And now, let’s allow our countrymen to share the transformations taking place in their lives:

[Video starts]

“My name is Violeta S. Abuque. We didn’t have [the Conditional Cash Transfer Program] before. Life was hard, you didn’t have any money, and you couldn’t approach anyone to ask for help because they didn’t have anything either.

“We were very happy that when DSWD launched their program, it covered even those of us living in the mountains. This program will help me put my children to school. We’ve realized how important it is to invest in your children’s education; they’ll have a different life from our ancestors who couldn’t even write their own names.

“I am very thankful for the [Conditional Cash Transfer] program, and to everyone who has supported this.”

— Violeta S. Abuque [CCT beneficiary]

“Before, my children couldn’t even bring food to eat in school—but now they can, and they even have breakfast.

“You really have to fulfill the conditions that come with the program. And, of course, you have to find a way to complement and augment the help they’ve given you. So every week, my child and I make some peanut butter and sell it.

“I am very grateful that I’m part of the [Conditional Cash Transfer] program, because it has been a really big help to my family.”

— Dulce Panaligan [CCT beneficiary]

“I went back to selling balut [fertilized duck eggs] while I was looking for a job. And then I heard that TESDA was holding trainings. I read up on these, and I registered. I’m very happy with how the TESDA program has helped me with my job-seeking. I’ve used what I’ve learned, so I can get a better life, so I can learn more things—especially applying what I’ve learned to my job.

— Emerson Paguia, TESDA scholar, IT Web Developer

“On 6:45 in the morning of April 2, I was on my way to the PCCR review center. A mugger entered the jeep, and on the Nagtahan flyover, declared a robbery. He held me at knifepoint, and when I struggled, he stabbed me on the thigh, but I got the knife from him. Before he got off the jeep, I stuck the knife in his back. I chased after him, and we were both bleeding. This was probably what got the people’s attention, which eventually led to the mugger’s arrest.

“I’m always aware of the oath I took, to serve our citizens. To my fellow police officers: Let us always do what is right, and what is for the good of the country—at the same time, what will reflect well on what we’re doing as PNP.”

— PO3 Edlyn Arbo, Philippine National Police.

“I was assigned to Police Station 4 from 2006 to 2012. I was given a spot meritorious promotion by the President, probably because of my apprehension of some of Bacolod City’s most wanted criminals. Last Saturday, I used the new gun the President had given me recently, to apprehend notorious car burglars here in Bacolod City.

“We do our jobs even if it’s difficult, even if we have to put our lives on the line—we do it so we can serve our fellowmen and our country.”

— PO3 Felipe Moncatar, Philippine National Police.

“My car broke down along Quezon Avenue, just after the tunnel. A policeman arrived after fifteen minutes, and he really helped me out—he even tried to lift the car with his bare hands. So I was thinking that, eventually, he would ask for a reward. Then the towing vehicle arrived, and they were about to tow my car. But this policeman said: No, help first before you haul.

“Out of gratitude, I tried to hand him 1,000 pesos for his help. But he refused it. He told me: Our job is to help the citizens. There has been positive change among our police force. To PO Sultan, I salute you.”

— Armin Punzalan, businessman

“The Navy’s modernization program is not just about equipment—it’s all about the welfare of our ranks. Everyone can see this—not just me, but all of my colleagues in the Philippine Navy; we are all very happy with the reforms we’ve seen.

“We’re experiencing the returns of the President’s straight and righteous path. We’re happy now, we do not want of anything. I tell my colleagues: The government has been giving us so much, and we just need to do our jobs well in return—to give back to the country, to give back to the people.”

— Lt. Commander Desuasido, Philippine Navy

[Video ends]

Our country has never lacked for people prepared to take a stand and fight for our country regardless of the enormity of the challenges before them. There is the courage of Commodore Ramon Alcaraz during the Second World War. In a small wooden Q-Boat, he took on nine Japanese Zero fighters—then considered among the most modern planes; three of these, he shot down. In fact, he would have continued fighting had he not received an order from his superiors to surrender. This type of bravery is what our soldiers display every day as they patrol our most remote mountains and our farthest islands; soldiers who continuously bear the distance from their families, who proudly stand their ground against anyone who challenges our sovereignty. It is no exaggeration either when I say that the triumphs we have achieved along the straight path might still be distant aspirations had it not been for the members of our Cabinet. When I asked them to join the government, they knew their jobs were not going to be easy. That they accepted the challenges was a blessing. They took an oath to help in transforming the country, and from the beginning, they have made sacrifices every day so that the privilege of serving you does not go to waste.

There are those like Secretary Albert del Rosario. Going by tradition, a Secretary’s first official travel outside the Philippines would be to a country with whom we enjoy strong and peaceful relations. But only a few hours after taking his oath as Foreign Affairs Secretary, Secretary del Rosario only took the time to possibly pack a change of clothes before immediately flying to Libya. He went through more than twenty checkpoints in the middle of crossfire and led the evacuation of more than 20,000 Filipinos who were caught in the conflict in Libya. You might also be surprised to hear the nationalities of the men and women we also ended up evacuating. Truly, the Philippines is different today: From a country that was always just the recipient of help, we have become a country capable of providing help.

All things considered, Secretary Albert could have said “no” to working in government. He is a successful and respected businessman, and, certainly, he would be much more comfortable living a private life. He had also already served as ambassador to America. He could have become disillusioned after being removed from his position, because he opposed the past administration’s declaration of a State of Emergency back in 2006. But we asked him to return to government, and he did. Now, he is contributing even more as Secretary. He is ready to put himself in harm’s way, because he knows that no one else will save Filipinos but fellow Filipinos. For continuing to stand up for our rights, I salute you, Secretary Albert del Rosario.

We also know that excellent public servants do not just transform a society; they inspire. Millions of Filipinos grieved when Jesse Robredo passed. For almost two decades, he served and led Naga with skill, compassion, and humility. These principles of his are the exact reasons we borrowed him from Congresswoman Leni and their three children, and from the Nagueños, so that he could become part of our Cabinet. This is why one of the hardest things I ever had to do as President was to deliver the news to Leni and their daughters, after the tragedy.

Apart from grieving, I could not avoid blaming myself for what happened to Jesse. Maybe if I had not asked him to join my Cabinet, he would still be alive today. Maybe if he had remained in Naga, he would still be with us. Maybe there would still be a Jesse Robredo in public service today.

But I also know that Jesse would not allow the transformation and righting of society to end with him. Jesse and I were only given opportunities to serve the country because of all of you. We cannot have just one face for transformation and change. We should not have to wait another hundred years before the next good citizen is born, before the next good Filipino rises to the occasion.

There are those who always ask: What will happen in 2016? What will happen when you step down? Will that be the end of good, honest governance? Will we have reached the end of the straight and righteous path?

My Bosses, let us remember: where did we begin? If you have doubts now, compare them with the doubts we all carried in 2010. Were we not happy enough then just to see the darkness end? Was it not enough for us to be able to replace those in power?

Now, we are experiencing change. Change that has sprung from the seeds of kindness, solidarity, and good will; change that was brought about by the million of Filipinos who have, in their own ways, big and small, pitched in and transformed the country.

And just look at where working together as one people has brought us: Did anyone imagine that peace would be within reach for a region that has, for the past 40 years, been torn apart by conflict? Who else could be responsible for this but the Moros who laid down their arms and said: “Come. Let’s talk. I trust you.” Who else but the common Filipino citizen who said: “Brother, we are all Filipinos. Let us put an end to this conflict.”

When the Pantawid Pamilya program was initially proposed, there were some who asked: How could we possibly achieve the program’s desired effects; where are the funds to cover all poor Filipinos? Did anyone imagine that in just three years, we will have expanded the scope of our project to cover four million household beneficiaries? And isn’t it they themselves who continue to help this program succeed? Each mother who wakes up early to send her child off to school? Each child that studies hard?

Did anyone imagine that from importing millions of tons of rice, we would be 94 percent rice self-sufficient by the end of 2012? Did anyone imagine that a country known as the “Sick Man of Asia” would, within three years of good governance, reach investment-grade status? Who would have thought that all the social interventions the government is providing right now would be doable without raising taxes, apart from the Sin Tax? And did they not have a part in this—each accountant, each doctor, each lawyer who now pays the right taxes? Didn’t we all have a part in this?

Is there any space left for doubt? Especially now that we are achieving things we never thought we could achieve; especially now that we have made progress—that our shared goals are within reach? My Bosses: Is this really the time for doubt?

For every Filipino who believes in the strength of small acts of kindness: You made this transformation possible. This is your SONA.

For every teacher who wakes at dawn just to teach children in far-flung areas: This is your SONA. For every policeman who serves and asks for nothing in return: This is your SONA.

For every Filipino who, unhappy with the list of candidates in an election, chose to knock on the doors of your neighbors to say: “We can’t be content. Let us find a rightful leader together,” this is your SONA.

For every student who strives to be aware of social issues, and does not just complain on Facebook but actually proposes solutions: This is your SONA.

For Brigadier General Ramon Mateo Dizon, the soon-to-retire head of the PSG, who stood alongside me even in facing coup d’états during my mother’s term: Up until my presidency, you have protected me, and my first and official family. I am able to go to different countries and to far corners of the Philippines with full confidence. Chito, you have done your part in changing our country. You are truly loyal to your flag, to the Constitution, and to the Filipino people. Of course, you could not have accomplished all this without your wife Jo-ann by your side. This SONA is for both of you as well.

And to all who roused their fellow citizens from apathy, those who challenged the cynics in our midst, and those who made the stubborn see reason: This is your SONA.

The road ahead of us is long; and we never said it would be easy—or that we could tread this path free of challenge. But I do not doubt our capacity to overcome any obstacle. We did not achieve our current success by chance. Let us not allow this transformation to be temporary; let us seize this opportunity to make the change permanent.

This is our fourth SONA. When I was a congressman, the people of Tarlac were my strength. When I became a senator and until now, in my Presidency, the people of our country have been there. Philippines, you are my strength. As we continue doing our part—and as we continue placing faith in our fellowmen and in God—I tell you: It will still be you who will make certain that what we have begun here will continue; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will completely eradicate corruption; you will be the ones who will make sure that we will never again stray from the straight and righteous path.

Once, I was told: “Noynoy, just begin the change.” So we did, and we can all see how far we have come. Now, my countrymen, let us continue to stand arm-in-arm. Together, let us foster, accelerate, and expand the transformation of society. I am Noynoy Aquino, and I proudly say to the world: I am a Filipino. How wonderful it is to be a Filipino in these times.

Thank you

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