RP population to reach 94 million

By Sheila Crisostomo
The Philippine Star
Updated January 03, 2010 12:00 AM




Original Story: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=537685&publicationSubCategoryId=68


MANILA, Philippines - With some two million Filipino babies born annually, the country’s population will grow to 94 million this year, an official of the Commission on Population (PopCom) said yesterday.

PopCom executive director Tomas Osias said this increase, which represents a population growth rate (PGR) of 2.04 percent, is quite high, considering that Thailand’s PGR is less than one percent.

The Philippines and Thailand used to be known as “twin countries” as they were almost on equal footing when it came to economy and population in the 1970s.

But while the use of contraceptives in the Philippines is being discouraged by the Catholic Church, Thailand has been aggressively promoting the use of condoms to limit family size and to fight the spread of HIV.

In an interview, Osias claimed the country’s ideal PGR is less than one percent to effectively match the economic growth rate.

“We have to manage our population by providing couples with informed choice. All medically safe and ethically accepted family planning methods must be available to them,” he added.

But, apparently influenced by the Catholic hierarchy, the national government under the Arroyo administration does not procure contraceptives. Instead, it allows local government leaders to buy their own supply of contraceptives.

According to Elizabeth Angsioco, secretary general of the non-government organization Reproductive Health
Alliance Network (RHAN), the Philippines must have a strong family planning program to ensure a better “quality of life” for Filipinos.

“It’s so simple. The bigger the family, the harder for it to overcome poverty,” she said.

Angsioco further said that for the past 14 years, the Reproductive Health Bill has been pending in Congress. The measure would provide couples with the opportunity and means to decide for themselves the size of their family.

“RHAN does not believe in controlling the population. What we want is for couples to have access to all (family planning) information and services and then they can decide for themselves how they want to (manage) their family,” she added.

She expressed hope that the next president or whoever will be elected to Congress in the 2010 polls will support the RH bill.

“We need leaders who will respect our rights to make the right choices. Depriving us of information and services on family planning is like coercing us (into doing something we don’t really like),” Angsioco said.


Original Story: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=537685&publicationSubCategoryId=68

Next President faces tough times ahead — solon

By Jason Faustino
12/30/2009




Original Story: http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20091230nat1.html


After coming from a year of challenges, the country faces a critical period in the next six years as it is confronted by difficult changes and new realities and the next President will have his hands full trying to solve problems and crises one after another.

“The next administration (2010-2016) will face a growing population, an environment under extreme stress, rapid technological breakthroughs, and a dramatically restructured global financial market,” Sen. Edgardo Angara said.

Thus, he said, “ensuring a credible transition to power in th forthcoming national elections is crucial, because the new President needs a united nation to hurdle the daunting challenges ahead.”

Angara noted that the United Nations, in its World Economic Situation and Prospects 2010 report, said “the world economy will experience a weak and tentative recovery, and is expected to grow a modest 2.4 percent.”

“The Philippines will plod along. The Asian Development Bank predicts our economy to grow by 3.3 percent in 2010,” he said.

Angara, former president of the Senate and of the University of the Philippines, said measures are underway to prepare the country for the critical years ahead.

“The Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (Comste), which I head, is at the stage where we are beginning to implement legislative solutions and projects that will address our own current problems and, at the same time, we hope, will prepare us to come out of the economic crisis a leader in innovative solutions,” he said.

Angara cited the Renewable Energy Research and Development Institute and the Philippine Industrial R and Development Institute, two of Comste policy proposals, will lead “the country’s efforts at forging public-private initiatives to develop our indigenous clean-energy technologies” and aim “to provide an incubation institute for the electronics and semiconductor sector.”

“With these measures in place, I look forward to seeing their results in 2010, and to ensuring our economic recovery continues beyond it,” he said.

Angara, chairman of the Senate committees on education, agriculture and food, science and technology, bank and financial institutions, heaved a sigh of relief after the country pulled through in 2009 by the skin of its teeth.

“The economy teetered near recession during the first two quarters of 2009. And just as the country was seeing a fragile recovery, disaster took the country by storm – literally – through (typhoons) ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng,’ which caused almost $5 billion in losses,” he said.

As if that was not bad enough, the country is confronted with a new natural calamity with the impending eruption of Mayon Volcano and the sinking of two passenger ships last weekend off Cavite and Batangas provinces which have resulted in deaths. Fires have also struck several houses and buildings in Metro Manila, causing loss of lives and huge amounts of property.

The next President then should be strong and determined enough to address such challenges and steer the country toward peace and stability.


Original Story: http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20091230nat1.html

Militants begin GMA step-down countdown

By Katherine Adraneda
The Philippine Star
Updated January 02, 2010 12:00 AM




Original Story: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=537444&publicationSubCategoryId=68


MANILA, Philippines - The nation welcomed 2010 and militant activists started yesterday their countdown to the end of what they described as the Arroyo administration’s “dreaded reign of terror.”

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) claimed that there is a “collective wish” among Filipinos to see President Arroyo’s regime finally end this year.

“There is no way the people will allow President Arroyo to prolong her stay in Malacañang,” said Renato Reyes Jr., secretary-general of Bayan, an umbrella group of different activist organizations nationwide. “And we are looking forward to hopes and promises of a New Year without Mrs. Arroyo.”

He said the President, however, is bent on staying in public office by running for a congressional seat in her home province of Pampanga.

Critics consider this move as the “first step” in alleged plots of shifting to a parliamentary form of government, thereby making Mrs. Arroyo eligible for the position of prime minister.

Reyes said: “There is hope because Filipinos will continue to fight for change and struggle for what is just. Those wishing Mrs. Arroyo would stay in power forever can dream on. The people won’t let it happen. The last nine years have been fraught with corruption and human rights abuses. There is no way people will accept a scenario of having Mrs. Arroyo stay indefinitely in Malacañang.”

He said Bayan hopes that for the New Year, justice would be achieved in the many cases of corruption, killings, abduction and torture purportedly committed under the Arroyo administration.

Bayan also urged the people to remain vigilant to make sure that the May 2010 automated elections will not lead to a general failure of elections, a scenario which activists believes would be more beneficial to Mrs. Arroyo.

The group appealed for justice for the victims of the Maguindanao massacre and Hacienda Luisita massacre, as well as the hundreds of cases of activists who were killed or have disappeared in the last nine years under the Arroyo government.

“We hope that those still missing will be one day reunited with their families. We also hope the whistleblowers against the misdeeds of the regime can resume normal lives free from threats,” Reyes said.

“We hope the many victims will find the justice they have long been seeking. We hope that those who abused their power for the last nine years will finally be made accountable,” he added.


Original Story: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=537444&publicationSubCategoryId=68

1 milyong kabataan inendorso si Bro. Eddie

Original Story: http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/dec3109/news_story9.htm


Inendorso ng one-million strong Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB) Movement si Ba­ngon Pilipinas Party standard bearer Bro. Eddie Villanueva, sa pagsasabing siya ang pinakakuwalipikadong kandidato para pa­ngulo sa 2010.

Ibinigay ng KKB Movement ang manifesto of support nito kay Bro. Eddie sa Youth Summit ng grupo na dinaluhan ng 10,000 mi­yembro nito sa Cuneta Astrodome noong Martes.

Naging tampok ang mensahe ni Bro. Eddie sa KKB Youth Summit, isang taunang convention ng youth leaders na kuma­katawan sa mga miyembro ng KKB sa Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao at iba pang chapters sa 44 pang mga bansa.

Ang KKB Movement ay may isang milyong mi­yembro sa Pilipinas at ibang bansa.

Nagtayuan ang mga miyembro ng KKB sa Cuneta Astrodome upang sumayaw at kumanta ng “Sino pang may malasakit at pag-ibig sa bansa? Sino pa? EDDIE ako!” (“Who else cares about and loves the country? Who else? But me!”) habang nagpe-perform ang sikat na rapper-singer na si Gloc-9 sa KKB Movement.


Original Story: http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/dec3109/news_story9.htm

Don’t be swayed by pro-poor propaganda - CBCP

By Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:06:00 12/31/2009



Filed Under: Politics, Elections, Eleksyon 2010, Religions


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091231-244923/Dont-be-swayed-by-pro-poor-propaganda---CBCP


MANILA, Philippines -- Voters, especially the poor, should beware of candidates who have been making promises of getting them out of poverty, only to forget about them after the campaign period, the leader of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines said.

In his New Year's message, Tandag Bishop and CBCP president Nereo Odchimar urged voters to choose only the “reliable leaders” and not to be swayed by the usual campaign favors and dole-outs.

“The poor constitute the greater part of our population. They are remembered and courted by politicians during the campaign period. “Poverty alleviation, more jobs and upliftment of the masses are some familiar refrains chanted by candidates and issues incorporated into their attractive platforms,” he said.

Once elected into office, however, the campaign slogans become mere empty promises as the country's leaders fall back to corrupt practices that perpetuates poverty, according to Odchimar.

“If only there is political will, the economic situation of our people would be far better than it was generations back,” Odchimar stressed.

The upcoming 2010 election would be an opportunity for Filipinos “to put into office reliable leaders who would guide our nation in the coming years,” he said.

Echoing the call made by other religious leaders in the past weeks, the new CBCP president urged voters to exercise their right of suffrage wisely in the presidential and national elections on May 10, 2010.

“We must retain what is good, promote what still needs improvement and discard what is base and corrupt,” he said, as he rued the persistence of patronage politics.

“Admittedly and sadly, a number of us have remained myopic by focusing our attention only to the satisfaction of the moment, swayed by the glitter of money and promises of patronage, and do not raise our eyes beyond election time to the resultant situation created by our indiscretion,” Odchimar lamented.

“Those who have ... allowed...corruption to thrive in our midst, do not have the right to complain,” he went on.

He reiterated the Catholic Church's support for voters’ education as he urged citizens to be vigilant and to resist attempts by “ruthless politicians” to frustrate the genuine will of the people.

“If we were a part of the problem yesterday, we can also be a part of the solution today. We hold the key to a better tomorrow,” the CBCP president stressed.

“Election is an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. Over and above the factors beyond our capacity, with our great faith in God and in ourselves, we can still make our wish for a happy new year a reality,” he said.


Original Story: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091231-244923/Dont-be-swayed-by-pro-poor-propaganda---CBCP

2010 a chance for peaceful change

By ROY C. MABASA and KRIS BAYOS
December 31, 2009, 5:04pm






Original Story: http://www.mb.com.ph/node/236446/2010-a-chance-peaceful-change


VIce President Manuel “Noli” De Castro expressed optimism Thursday that the coming year 2010 will bring the Filipino people to a critical crossroads in the nation's political life and an opportunity for peaceful and orderly change.

“Today marks another new beginning for our country. Today we greet the coming year with renewed hope despite the challenges and uncertainties around us. Once more, we will exercise our right to choose our leaders at the national and local levels,” De Castro said.

The Vice President called on Filipinos “to take part in this democratic process so that the results will truly reflect our people's sovereign will”, referring to the national and local elections in May.

“Let us make a strong stand against poverty, corruption, divisiveness, and oppression. Let our united action and prayerful discernment open the path towards the continued development of our nation and sustained dynamism of our economy.

“Let the hope that we feel today be transformed into concrete steps that we will commit to do in the interest of the common good,” he said.

De Castro will step down as Vice President on June 30. He reportedly plans to return to broadcast journalism.

“The past year was a difficult one. We reeled with the rest of the world as the effects of the global financial crisis reached our economy. We suffered from the onslaught of natural disasters that left many of our people homeless and destroyed their sources of livelihood.

“We expressed indignation and rage over the senseless killing of our countrymen. Through all these, we fought back, rebuild our homes, and restored our lives,” De Castro added.

The political opposition for its part said the New Year promises new hope for the leadership of the Filipino nation but it will depend on the choice every Filipino will make in May 2010.

In his New Year's message, United Opposition president and Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay said every vote can make or break the opportunity that 2010 will offer to effect a much needed change in the national government.

"There is much reason to hope in 2010. We will be offered the opportunity to effect a much-needed change in our national leadership. Hopefully, the change in leadership will bring with it a shift towards a more transparent, caring, and effective management of our national affairs," he said.

A candidate for a national post himself, Binay challenged the Filipinos to vote wisely in next year's election and exert the effort to guard their votes.

"The challenge for every Filipino is to make the right choice in May 2010. But there is also the need for vigilance. While we focus our energies on effecting change, let us remain on guard against any effort to nullify the people’s mandate, much less take away from us the right to chart our destiny as a nation," he added.

"We are offered the chance to help install a new leadership that will govern with the best interest of the people in mind, one that will ensure that every Filipino lives a life with dignity. I am confident that we will again rise to the call of the times," he said.

"The New Year provides us with the opportunity to commit ourselves not only to bettering our lives, but in helping build a nation for our children," he added.


Original Story: http://www.mb.com.ph/node/236446/2010-a-chance-peaceful-change

Youth group endorses Bro. Eddie

December 30, 2009 17:13:00
Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net



Original Story: http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091230-244714


MANILA, Philippines - The Kristiyanong Kabataan para sa Bayan (KKB), a youth movement with one million members nationwide, has endorsed Bro. Eddie Villanueva for president in 2010.

The group, led by its executive director, Emil Galang, cited Villanueva’s “consistent” and “unshakable track record “ in serving the Filipino people as one reason for its decision to support his presidential bid.

“After an extensive examination and deliberation among its membership and then, the national leadership, the KKB Movement has unanimously decided to support the candidacy of Bro. Eddie Villanueva,” the KBB said in its manifesto of support.

The manifesto was presented to Villanueva, standard-bearer of Bangon Pilipinas Party, at a two-day youth summit held at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, which ended Tuesday night.

“The KKB movement believes that Bro. Eddie's consistent and unshakable track record in serving the Filipino people imprinted in his heart & soul the value of accountability: that public service is a public trust and that position is not personal glory but is a glorious means to serve his fellow citizens,” it said.

Villanueva’s message was the highlight of the summit, an annual convention of youth leaders representing the KKB membership from all over Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao and chapters in 44 countries abroad.

“History has given the youth a mandate to be the beacons of hope for our beloved country. Do not abandon the mandate, instead pursue it... and pursue it with all your heart,” he said.

He reminded the youth leaders about how youth in the like of Jose Rizal became heroes and pillars of Philippine history.

“Our history continuously unfolds. I have the faith that the youth I am speaking to tonight carry with them the same patriotic blood that would make them heroes and pillars of yet another glorious track that our country would tread on,” he said.


Original Story: http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091230-244714