26 PHILIPPINE ASIAN NEWS TODAY April 1 - 15 , 2017
President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called on Filipinos to reflect and emulate the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and give aid to those in need .
“ This sacrifice marks the ultimate demonstration of love in laying down one ’ s life for the salvation of mankind ,” the President said in his Holy Week message .
“ His life is a testament to the power of selfless service and humility in the face of various trials . Amid uncertainties and difficulties , the way of the cross is our firm assurance that goodness and truth will always prevail ,” he added .
Duterte said he hopes Christ ’ s death for mankind would also inspire many people to care for the poor .
“ May the virtue of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen . Let the story of
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DUTERTE HOLY WEEK MESSAGE ‘ Emulate Christ , help poor ’
crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society ,” he said .
“ This moment of renewal of our faith sends a message of solidarity to everyone regardless of our denomination . Despite our differences as individuals , may we always choose to embody compassion as Christ has personified ,” the President added .
Duterte is expected to spend his Holy Week in the Middle East for state visits in Saudi Arabia , Bahrain , and Qatar from April 10 to 16 .
‘ Satisfied with govt preparations ’
In a statement , Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said that Duterte is “ satisfied ” with the current government preparations for the Holy Week , especially in terms of security and transport .
“ The government is now on heightened alert to ensure the safety and security of passengers at all airports , seaports , and other transportation hubs during the Holy Week ,” he said .
Abella said the government has already in place Oplan Biyaheng Ayos : Semana Santa 2017 .
He said the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board ( LTFRB ) has issued 1,153 special permits to bus operators to accommodate the increase in the number of passengers .
“ It [ LTFRB ] is now inspecting buses to ensure their roadworthiness and safety . It has also set up help desks at terminals ,” he added .
Abella said the Toll Regulatory Board , has deployed additional personnel at toll plazas where traffic build-up is expected .
“ If toll plaza queuing reaches 500 meters , additional entry / exit lanes , as well as reversible or counterflow lanes , will be opened ,” he said .
The Palace official also said the Manila International Airport Authority ( MIAA ) will assist the Bureau of Immigration ( BI ) in managing queues at immigration counters .
“ A MIAA Management Team started to be on duty on April 8 to ensure smooth passenger flow . A two-minute unloading rule is also being implemented to prevent congestion ,” he said .
In Cebu , the Mactan , Cebu International Airport Authority ( MCIAA )
Task Force to direct its security and safety operations during Holy Week .
“ The Airport Police Division was placed on red alert status , and various information and public assistance counters were also opened ,” he said .
Abella said the Maritime Industry Authority has been
Duterte visits Middle East on Holy Week
conducting a nationwide random inspection of passenger ships since April 7 to strictly enforce the “ no overloading ” policy , among other safety measures , while the Philippine Ports Authority has also directed its port managers , cargo handling operators , and passenger terminal building operators to ensure maximum security , safety , and convenience of passengers .
“ Passengers will be strictly screened , while ship agents are required to regularly update ship arrival and departure schedules ,” he said .
Moreover , the Philippine National Police ( PNP ) has deployed 75,000 police personnel on the ground to ensure the safety and security of the public during the Holy Week and the summer season , Abella said .( C . S Valente , MT )
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President Rodrigo Duterte will spend Holy Week in the Middle East to meet with three country leaders , as well as Filipino communities there .
He is set to go on state visits to Saudi Arabia , Bahrain , and Qatar on April 10-16 .
Through these visits , the government aims to push for the protection of the rights and welfare of overseas Filipino workers , invite potential investors to the Philippines , and forge stronger partnerships , Assistant Secretary Hjayceelyn Quintana of the Department of Foreign Affairs ’ Office of Middle East and African Affairs , told reporters on Friday .
The President also hopes to “ tap into the over $ 500 billion combined investment capital of Saudi Arabia , Bahrain , and State of Qatar and bring home more investment and jobs for our people ,” Quintana said .
She said the President has been planning to visit these countries as early as last year , but government officials came up with the
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final schedule only recently .
Duterte will first visit Riyadh , Saudi Arabia on April 10 , where he will meet with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud .
He will then fly to Bahrain on April 12 and meet with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in Manama , the kingdom ’ s capital .
On April 14-16 , the President caps off his visit to the Middle East with a trip to Qatar , where he will meet with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha .
Duterte is also set to witness the signing of various agreements on labor , agriculture , air services , culture , health , and political bilateral consultations .
“ The President will explore partnerships in tourism development , halal food security , Islamic finance , and energy security ,” Quintana said .
The President ’ s trip to any country won ’ t be complete without meeting Filipinos working and residing there . There are over 1 million Filipinos in the countries he ’ s visiting on Holy Week .
Amid cases of abuses against OFWs , Duterte is
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expected to tackle matters “ relevant to the welfare and dignity of the Filipinos ,” Quintana said .
It ’ s still unclear if the President will try to seek the commutation of sentences of Filipinos on death row in the Middle East . Quintana said there are around 31 in Saudi Arabia , and another one in Bahrain .
She refused to comment on the President ’ s plans , but
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said the DFA is studying which cases are ripe for clemency or pardon .
Despite economic challenges faced by the three countries because of reduced revenues from low oil prices , the DFA still sees the Middle East as a prime destination for Filipinos seeking to work abroad .
Quintana said Middle Eastern countries are working on lessening their
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dependence on oil and are exploring other sectors . She said this could benefit OFWs and open opportunities for the Philippine economy .
In 2015 , almost half a million Filipinos worked in the Middle East , with remittances of up to $ 7.54 billion in 2016 , government data show .
( I . Andolong , CNN PH )
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