Speaker salutes the soldiers for exemplary service to PH

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Monday extolled the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as he assured them that Congress appreciates their service and dedication to the country.

The Speaker expressed his deep respects for the troops in remarks during a courtesy call on him by nearly a hundred newly promoted generals and senior officers of the AFP who are awaiting confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

“Every time I face men in uniform I have this tinge of jealousy that emanates from admiration for our men and women in uniform. Not only do you look great, but you do so many great deeds for our country,” Romualdez said.

“And that is why I’m so happy to share with you these moments, thankful, grateful for all that you do. These promotions to your positions are most deserved and the least that we can do for you, for you do so much for all of us,” he added.

With the Speaker in welcoming the AFP officers are Majority Leader

Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, and congressmen Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Raul Tupaz, and Ramon Guico, Jr.

Tupaz is the chairman of the House Committee on National Defense and Security, while Guico heads the House contingent to the CA.

Romualdez pointed out that key members of the House are present in the gathering to make sure the sentiments of the AFP are heard and that their concerns and sensitivities are respected and upheld.

“You are the standard that we try to emulate. And that is why we always look up to you and that your visit here to the House brings so much honor. You can only begin to imagine how much we truly appreciate your service,” Romualdez said.

“Sa dami nyong ginawa, sa sakripisyo nyo, karangalan ko ito na ibinibigay ninyo sa akin to honor you and to welcome you here,” he added. He assured the AFP officers that the House is their partner in peace and progress. Maricel V. Cruz

OATH TAKING. Incoming Philippine Information Agency (PIA) director general Jose Torres Jr. takes his oath before Secretary Cheloy VelicariaGarafil of the Presidential Communications Office, replacing Ramon Lee Cualoping III who served as PIA chief for three years. Manny Palmero

PCG says it can siphon remaining fuel from sunken tanker by June

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday expressed confidence it could finish siphoning the oil from a sunken tanker off Naujan town in Oriental Mindoro within the four-month timetable. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) recommended keeping the fishing ban in three towns in Oriental Mindoro still affected by the oil slicks.

The DA-BFAR also said it is planning to provide more than P117.86 million worth of emergency and relief assistance, early recovery efforts, and mid-to-long-term recovery aid for the affected communities.

According to the PCG, it might take two or more weeks in June to accomplish their mission. “Tingin namin kakayanin itong deadline na four months... Pero sIyempre depende sa panahon. Depende sa kung gaano kabilis yung operations na magagawa,” PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said.

The Dynamic Support Vessel (DSV) “Fire Opal” from Singapore to be used in extracting the industrial fuel from the sunken M/T Princess Empress was scheduled to arrive in Oriental Mindoro on Monday.

The oil spill has stretched over a sixkilometer expanse of sea water.

It was estimated that some 100,000 to 120,000 liters each may still be in one or two containers of the tanker.

In a statement, BFAR said the fishing ban should be maintained in the towns of Pola, Pinamalayan, and Naujan, citing the risk of contamination due to the lingering oil traces.