| Regional Affairs
‘China should be challenged on flights to island’ The Philippine Star 8th Jan 2016
The Philippines denounced on January 7 Chinese test flights to an artificial island in the disputed South China Sea, warning that if China is not challenged it will likely impose an “unacceptable” air defense zone over the area. China landed two test flights on an island it has built in the South China Sea on January 6, four days after its first landing on the 3,000-meter runway on a reef in the Spratly Islands. “We believe that the other concern we have is that if this is to happen and if this is not challenged, we’ll have a situation where China will take the position that an air defense identification zone (ADIZ) could be imposed, whether this is done in terms of a de facto basis or whether it is official. Of course this would be deemed as unacceptable to us,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told a news conference. China declared an ADIZ over the East China Sea in 2013, where it has overlapping claims with Japan. The United States criticized it as dangerous and provocative.
Philippines urges ASEAN pressure on China for rules on disputed sea Reuters 8th Jan 2016
Philippine President Benigno Aquino on Friday urged Southeast Asian neighbors to put pressure on China to agree on a binding code of conduct to ease tension in South China Sea following Chinese test flights to an island it has built. Since 2010, China and the 10 members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been discussing a set of rules for rival claimants in the South China Sea aimed at avoiding conflict. China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of world trade passes every year, and has been increasingly assertive in staking its claim. Aquino said the Philippines had done everything it could to push forward discussions on the code - a set of rules setting out how claimant states should behave, and imposing sanctions on countries that violate it, aimed at preventing provocative action, the raising of tension and conflict. Aquino said China and ASEAN were due to meet next month to draw up elements of the code.
National Affairs
SSS: 5 members paying for single pensioner PhilStar 19th Jan 2016
Improving collection efficiency will not solve the Social Security System (SSS)’ problem of not having the funds to cover the proposed increase in retirees’ pension. “Collection efficiency is not the solution,” Michael Victor Alimurong, representative of the general public to the SSS commission, said yesterday. He said the situation is tantamount to having five SSS members pay for a single pensioner every month.
Heavy taxes force traders to leave Manila The Manila Times 18th Jan 2016
Manila businessmen are transferring to nearby cities because of heavy taxes, 5th District Rep. Amado Bagatsing on Monday disclosed as he vowed to form a business-friendly city if he wins the mayoralty race in the May 2016 polls. Bagatsing, who is facing reelectionist Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada and former mayor Alfredo Lim, claimed he received various complaints from business owners and investors in the city of Manila this first half January. He cited mall and medium enterprises that could not afford the 314 percent increase in business taxes and the 200 percent increase in real property taxes, which took effect when Estrada was elected in 2013. Bagatsing, son of former Manila Mayor Ramon Bagatsing, said he was very much concerned when businessmen came up to him and admitted they could no longer endure the increase of taxes, prompting them to transfer to other areas in Metro Manila, such as Quezon City, Pasay City, Makati City, and even Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City.
Binay, Escudero lead 2016 race – SWS poll Rappler 15th Jan 2016
Vice President Jejomar Binay and Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero would be the winning tandem if elections were held in early January, according to results of the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) pre-election survey released on Friday, January 15. The results of the BusinessWorld-SWS January 2016 Pre-Election Survey, first published in BusinessWorld, showed voters' preference for Binay rising to 31% in January, from 26% in December. Senator Grace Poe obtained 24% voters' preference, a 2-percentage point drop from December; and administration standard-bearer Manuel "Mar" Roxas II, to 21% from 22%. Voters' preference for Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte remained at 20%.
Market Development
Foreign investors eyeing Clark Green City Business Mirror 19th Jan 2016
Foreign investors are now eyeing Clark Green City (CGC), according to the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). At the Balitaan media forum organized by the Capampangan in Media Inc., in cooperation with the Clark Development Corp., BCDA President Arnel Paciano Casanova cited several major business partnerships between foreign investors and the BCDA, which are not only expected to generate thousands of jobs but are also expected to expedite CGC’s full development as a new flagship modern city in the region.
Meralco supports DTI program on MSME development The Philippine Star 19th Jan 2016
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has forged a partnership with the country’s largest power distributor, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), to support and promote the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Under the agreement, Meralco would provide technical assistance to MSMEs on its service application requirements as well as give free technical consultancy related to electricity and power for the DTI’s Shared Service Facilities program. With Meralco’s assistance, DTI Regional Operations Group Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said MSMEs would not only be able to identify ways on how they can be efficient but also how they can lower their power costs.
Customs
SC upholds suspension of P650-M BOC computerization The Philippine Star 7th Jan 2016
The Bureau of Customs has secured temporary relief from the Supreme Court (SC) in implementing the cancellation of a P650-million contract for the BOC’s computerization. The SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 47 from canceling the BOC’s award of the contract to Omniprime Marketing Inc. and Intrasoft International Inc. for the Philippine National Single Window 2 (PNSW2) project. The program is composed of two consolidated computer programs necessary for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) integration. The integrated system, along with a national single window (NSW), is seen as a solution to address smuggling in the country.
High court issues TRO for Customs The Standard 7th Jan 2016
The Supreme Court has restrained the Manila City Regional Trial Court from stopping the Bureau of Customs from canceling the award of the P650-million contract to the joint venture of Omniprime Marketing Inc. and Intrasoft International Inc. for the agency’s computerization project. In a two-page resolution, the SC’s Second Division chaired by Associate Justice Antonio Carpio granted the appeal of the BOC for the issuance of TRO enjoining Presiding Judge Paulino Q. Gallegos of Manila City RTC, Branch 47, from enforcing its Aug. 24, 2015 order enjoining the bureau from proceeding with the cancellation of the contract award. The TRO will take effect immediately and continuing until further orders, the high court said.
Senate approves customs modernization act Rappler 18th Jan 2016
The Senate on Monday, January 18, approved on 3rd and final reading the proposed Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), which will put the country’s custom procedures in step with global best practices. It will achieve this by amending the current Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP). "We want to overhaul and modernize the bureau which has long been perceived as one of the most corrupt and underperforming government agencies in the country. Approximately $277 billion (P13.23 trillion) in revenues was lost by the government from 1960 to 2011 due to technical smuggling according to a 2014 study of Global Financial Integrity,” said Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said.
Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia might join TPP, says Miti The Star 14th Jan 2016
Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia have actually expressed interest to be part of the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), said the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti). Miti said this in its written response to issues raised by Dr Jomo Kwame Sundaram recently that countries such as Thailand and the Philippines had opted to distance themselves from this treaty. Contrary to the claims made by Jomo, both Thailand and Philippines have actually expressed their interest to be part of the TPPA, said the ministry.
Customs misses 2015 revenue target Rappler 10th Jan 2016
Despite an increase in revenue collection, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has been consistent in missing its annual target. BOC data show that the revenue-generating agency failed to attain its P436-billion ($9.24 billion) revenue goal in 2015 after it only collected P366 billion ($7.76 billion) – a shortfall of P70.56 billion ($1.45 billion) for the year. Last year’s deficit was the 5th time in a row that the BOC missed its target.
BOC intel group may pore over export declarations with tax refunds Port Calls Asia 7th Jan 2016
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has authorized its Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) to have access to export information to “maximize the anti-smuggling campaign” of the agency. Customs commissioner Alberto Lina signed on Dec 22, 2015 Customs Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 44-2015 allowing the CIIS of the Intelligence Group to check export declarations and entries in order to verify, spot-check, and confirm derogatory information against export shipments that have drawback claims or tax refunds.
Defense & Security
US troops can be deployed to disputed islands - Biazon The Manila Times 19th Jan 2016
American soldiers may be deployed to disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) alongside their Filipino counterparts under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), according to Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, a former chief of the Armed Forces. The lawmaker, a member of the ruling Liberal Party, on Tuesday noted that the deployment of US troops is similar to the provision under the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that allows American soldiers to engage in anti-terrorism and disaster-preparedness training with their Philippine counterparts. American soldiers, however, are banned from participating in combat operations.
PH plans flight-tracking system in disputed sea The Manila Times 19th Jan 2016
The Philippines said Monday it would install a civilian flight-tracking system in the disputed South China Sea after China landed several aircraft on one of its man-made islands in the potential flashpoint region. The automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) machine, which detects aircraft positions using satellite signals, will be operational by November on Pagasa island, the biggest Filipino-occupied feature in the disputed Spratlys, said Rodante Joya, acting director of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). An average of 200 civilian flights pass over the Spratlys daily, Joya told AFP, adding the Pagasa surveillance system was part of a broader 10-billion-peso ($209 million) effort to expand the country’s commercial flight radar coverage to 80 percent from the current 30 percent. “Our objective is to track all commercial flights passing over our airspace,” Joya said, adding the radars would not be used to monitor military aircraft.
Philippines, US vow close coordination on EDCA PhilStar 15th Jan 2016
The Philippines and the US have committed to coordinate closely on security and defense initiatives as part of the implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). In a joint statement at the conclusion of the Second US-Philippines Two-Plus-Two Ministerial Dialogue in Washington, the two countries also reiterated that EDCA is “consistent” with the Philippine Constitution. Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin met with their counterparts US Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter in Washington last Jan. 12 to discuss security issues and work out defense arrangements.
Zambales fishermen hail SC ruling on Edca Inquirer 14th Jan 2016
Fishermen caught in the maritime disputes between China and the Philippines and other Asian countries said the Supreme Court decision to legitimize the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) ended their sleepless nights. Adriano Pascasio, 70, a resident of Castillejos town in Zambales province, said the presence of American troops in the country would give Filipino fishermen security when they venture out to sea.
Eight camps being considered as sites for EDCA PhilStar 13th Jan 2016
At least eight military camps are being considered as sites that would host the US equipment to be pre-positioned in the country for the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), an official said on Wednesday. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said the shortlist contains military installations in Nueva Ecija, Clark, Palawan, Cebu and Cagayan de Oro. “They can be part of the areas that can be devoted for maritime security and maritime domain awareness. But there is no final agreement yet,” Padilla said in a press conference. He said the priority sites for the EDCA are Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija and Basa Airbase in Pampanga. Other camps that will be subjected to further discussions are the Antonio Bautista Airbase in Palawan, Benito Ebuen Airbase in Cebu, Clark Airbase in Pampanga, Lumbia Airfield in Cagayan de Oro and unnamed naval bases in Palawan and Cebu.
SC rules: PH-US military deal constitutional Rappler 12th Jan 2016
Voting 10-4-1, the Supreme Court on Tuesday, January 12, declared constitutional the military deal signed by the Philippines and the United States in 2014 under the Aquino administration. SC spokesperson Theodore Te said in a news briefing that 10 magistrates voted to declare EDCA legal, while 4 voted to declare it illegal. Among those who voted in favor of the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) are Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, and Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, who have issued separate concurring opinions. Those who disagreed with the majority decision are Justices Arturo Brion, Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Estela Perlas-Bernabe, and Marvic Leonen. Of the 4, Leonen and Bernabe are appointees of President Benigno Aquino III. Justice Francis Jardeleza inhibited from the case. The ruling upheld the position of Malacañang that EDCA is an executive agreement and does not need the Senate's concurrence.
Japan’s Defense Minister to Visit Philippines to Boost Security Ties The Diplomat 8th Jan 2016
Japan’s defense minister Gen Nakatani could visit the Philippines as early as April this year to beef up security ties between the two nations as they celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties, Kyodo News reported January 5. According to a government source, the visit, which may take place during the Golden Week holidays from late April to early May, would build on existing defense pacts reached between the two strategic partners in 2015. These include a memorandum of understanding to enhance defense cooperation reached in January as well as an agreement in principle covering the transfer of defense equipment and technology in November.
Economics
Local markets fall, dragged by decline in Asean bourses Business Mirror 19th Jan 2016
Share prices fell on Monday, as the local stock market was pulled down by regional markets that closed lower due to tumbling oil prices. Prices of oil products are expected to go down, further exacerbated by the entry of Iran into the world markets after its international sanctions were lifted. The Philippine Stock Exchange index shed 114.41 points, or 1.77 percent, to close at 6,335.09 points. The main index was down more than 2 percent, reaching a low of 6,276.1 at midday, and recovered before the close of the trade on late buying.
Philippine peso poised for longest losing stretch since 2005 Business Mirror 15th Jan 2016
The Philippine peso weakened for an eighth day, its longest losing streak since June 2005, on dollar demand from local companies and as global funds pared stock holdings amid an emerging-market selloff. Developing-nation equities and currencies were headed for a third week of declines as the turmoil in financial markets in China, Asia’s largest economy, damped risk appetite. Overseas investors have sold $44.6-million more Philippine shares than they bought in 2016, trimming holdings before Filipinos head to the polls in May this year to elect a new president.
Philippines may import up to 1.2m tonnes off rice this year The Brunei Times 13th Jan 2016
THE Philippines, one of the world’s top rice importers, is set to buy 400,000 tonnes of the grain for delivery in the second quarter, and may need an additional 800,000 tonnes to cover this year’s requirements, a grains agency official said. “This volume (400,000 tonnes) is required for the lean months, beginning July,” Renan Dalisay, National Food Authority (NFA) administrator, told Reuters. Dalisay said the country may need to import an additional 800,000 tonnes to completely cover this year’s estimated gap between local harvest and consumption, and maintain a 30-day buffer stock.
Philippine aero industry set to take off The Philippine Star 13th Jan 2016
The Philippine aerospace industry is seen to post revenues of up to $1.5 billion in the next 10 years. From only $5.9 million in 2008, the sector’s revenues surged to $226 million in 2014. As of the third quarter of last year, revenues from exports of aerospace products already reached $309 million. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Philippine key industry players composed of aviation parts and components manufacturers, maintenance, repair and overhaul providers, airlines, and aviation training organizations, would join the Singapore Airshow next month.
Phiilippines economy to grow 6.4% this year – WB The Philippine Star 8th Jan 2016
Philippine economic growth is forecast to slow to 5.8 percent in 2015 before recovering to 6.4 percent this year, the World Bank said in its Global Economic Prospects 2016 report. The World Bank said that, as growth would be sustained above six percent in the next two years, the Philippines would be able to grow an annual average of approximately 6.23 percent, maintaining its upward trajectory although at a slower pace. The World Bank cited the Philippines and Vietnam as among the countries in East Asia with the strongest growth prospects.
Energy
Latest DoE RE contract awards total 1,700 MW Business World 19th Jan 2016
The Department of Energy (DoE) has awarded renewable energy (RE) service contracts that are equivalent to around 1,700 megawatts (MW) of potential capacity. “These projects are on top of the additional total potential capacity of 12,128 MW recorded in November 2015,” the DoE said in an official statement. The DoE went on to say that it is aggressively fulfilling international commitments and promoting indigenous sustainable energy.
P4 billion in savings to consumers from renewables in WESM -- PEMC Business World 19th Jan 2016
The inclusion of renewable energy in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) resulted in a savings of P4.04 billion or 5.67 centavos per kilowatt-hour (/kwh) for consumers, representatives of the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) said on January 18. In a briefing, Jonathan B. de la Viña, senior specialist for operation and market development of the PEMC said without renewable energy, the cost of the WESM price would have been 12 centavos/kwh. The Philippine Renewable Energy Act of 2008 provides for incentives to encourage participation in the development of renewable energy sources. It provided for the country’s feed-in tariff (FIT) system, a scheme that requires the industry to source electricity from renewable sources at a guaranteed fixed price and for a given period of time.
Aboitiz to explore Mt. Apo for geothermal energy sources Sun.Star 12th Jan 2016
After receiving support from Indigenous People (IP) communities and local government units, the AboitizPower is gearing up to explore Mt. Apo and Mt. Sibulan for geothermal energy sources. Manuel M. Orig, AboitizPower 1st vice president for Mindanao Affairs, told reporters they are still waiting for the approval of their permit for exploration for the Mt. Apo Geothermal Project (MAGP) from the Department of Energy (DOE). The first phase of the work program includes surface exploration of potential source of geothermal power and introduction of the project to respective local government units and other stakeholders and indigenous peoples. Exploratory activities will determine the existence, adequacy, and suitability of geothermal resources.
ADB report urges ‘green’ policies The Manila Times 11th Jan 2016
The Philippines could be the third fastest growing economy in a group of Southeast Asian countries by 2050, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a new report, but growth could contract by 1% if the government does not address increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the report titled “Southeast Asia and the Economics of Global Climate Stabilization,” the Manila-based lender said assumptions under the Intertemporal Computable Equilibrium System (ICES) Model showed that for 2010 to 2050, the Philippines could become the third fastest-growing Developing Asia 5 (DA5) economy. The DA5 is composed of Southeast Asia’s five biggest economies: the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Energy projects dominate BoI investment approvals in 2015 Business World 7th Jan 2016
On January 6, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) outlined its accomplishments in 2015, including an increase in the capital infusions coursed through its investment promotion arm and the country’s export-oriented economic zones, as well as the jobs they created. Trade Secretary Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. said the Board of Investments (BoI) approved a total of P366.74 billion worth of investments last year, up 3% from a year earlier. The approval of big power projects largely contributed to the increase. Of the new projects, energy-related ventures accounted for 55 with a total investment of P246.42 billion. These projects are expected to have a total generating capacity of 2,095.92 megawatts (MW).
Aquino to inaugurate 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Davao City Friday Inquirer 7th Jan 2016
In his first official provincial trip this year, President Aquino flies to Davao City on Friday (Jan. 8) to inaugurate a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant of Therma South Inc. (TSI), a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp. (ABC). The facility’s two 150-mw units, in Toril, Davao City, and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, are expected to boost the baseload capacity of the Mindanao grid. The plant’s first 150-mw unit started commercial operations in September after delays due to brownouts following the outage of the Mt. Apo geothermal facilities and the coal-fired power plant of Steag State Power Inc. The President has promised more reliable energy supply in Mindanao by building the Davao coal-fired power plant, among other facilities.
Financial Services
Interbank specialist eyes PH expansion The Manila Times 19th Jan 2016
The Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT) is looking to expand in the Philippines. In a statement, SWIFT said it would help the connectivity and optimization of operations of banks in the Philippines through a new initiative intended for the Filipino market called Philippines Cooperative-to-Bank (C2B) Initiative. The C2B will provide a platform to help banks and financial institutions in the Philippines improve consolidated cash visibility, auto-reconciliation of bank statements, standardized payment formats supporting ERP systems, digital confirmation of treasury transactions (for foreign exchange and money markets), as well as a single platform of communication with multiple banking partners.
IC eyes bill of rights for insurance policyholders Business World 19th Jan 2016
The Insurance Commission (IC) is looking at drafting a bill of rights for policyholders of insurance products. “We will craft the bill of rights for policy owners so it will be enshrined and adopted by all insurance companies,” Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel F. Dooc told reporters Monday on the sidelines of the 2016 Strengthening Week in Manila. The proposed bill of rights, which the IC may issue through a circular, will tackle fraud and unethical business conduct of sales agents of insurance products, Mr. Dooc said.
SEC: Corporate governance blueprint for ASEAN needed Business World 19th Jan 2016
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to take the lead in crafting a regional blueprint that will adopt a holistic approach to corporate governance. The Philippine SEC has assumed the chairmanship of the ASEAN Capital Markets Forum (ACMF) Corporate Governance Initiative, comprising the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard (ACGS) and the ranking of ASEAN publicly-listed companies.
Congress moves forward on foreign ownership liberalization measures Business World 19th Jan 2016
An administration priority measure and one of the reform measures being pushed by the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines, Senate Bill No. 3023 or the Act Amending the Foreign Ownership Restrictions on Financing and Lending Houses and Investment Houses, passed on third reading after it received 19 affirmative votes in plenary session. The bill lifts foreign ownership restrictions on adjustment companies, lending companies, financing companies, and investment houses. Government agencies, which include the National Economic and Development Authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Insurance Commission, have backed the measure.
Bill opens up ownership of financial firms Manila Bulletin 19th Jan 2016
The Senate has approved a measure that would make the Philippines an investment-friendly country, increase the flow of foreign capital and create jobs. This followed its approval on third and final reading of a bill which would open up financing companies, investment houses, lending companies and adjustment companies to foreign ownership. The measure, Senate Bill No. 3023, sponsored by Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, seeks to amend foreign ownership restrictions in specific laws governing adjustment companies, lending companies, financing companies and investment houses cited in the country’s Foreign Investment Negative list.
Regus sees better business outside Metro Manila Business Mirror 18th Jan 2016
Global workplace provider Regus sees more growth in its business outside Metro Manila, as it embarks on an aggressive expansion plan in key countries, including the Philippines. Congestion and competition in Metro Manila’s major cities are encouraging the space supplier to look at the areas at the cusp of growth, beyond the borders of the bustling metropolis. “We’re looking at places outside of Metro Manila. I see at the moment several tier-2 cities: Zamboanga, General Santos, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Naga, expanding more in Cebu, Bacolod , Iloilo. In addition to Clark, there’s Subic and Baguio,” said Lars Wittig, country manager of Regus Philippines.
Microfinance NGO accreditation relaxed The Manila Times 14th Jan 2016
The Securities and Exchange Commission is giving non-governmental microfinance enterprises three years from their initial registration to comply with the accreditation requirements imposed by the regulator. Armando Pan Jr., officer-in-charge of the Office of the Commission Secretary, said in an interview the objective of the newly-enacted Microfinance NGOS Act is to pursue poverty eradication. The corporate regulator said it is letting microfinance non-governmental organizations to register even before getting accredited.
Philippines: Up to 8 capital-shy non-life insurers could go on the block Asia Insurance Review 11th Jan 2016
Up to eight non-life insurance companies may be up for sale this year as they are unlikely to be able to comply with the higher capitalisation requirement set by law, a ranking official of the Insurance Commission (IC) said. Deputy Insurance Commissioner, Mr Ferdinand George A. Florendo, told reporters that five to eight companies have informed the IC that they are considering offering themselves for sale or to be merged with another firm. “They were asking the Commission the process of how they [can] convert to a servicing company and stop selling,” Mr Florendo said.
Food & Agriculture
Courts asking wrong question on Bt talong case – national scientist The Philippine Star 9th Jan 2016
A National Scientist yesterday said the Supreme Court (SC) and the Court of Appeals (CA) were asking the wrong questions when they tackled, and eventually ruled against, the field testing of a variant of genetically modified (GM) eggplants. Ricardo Lantican, a member of the agricultural sciences division of the National Academy of Science and Technology, said the courts misunderstood the issue when they deliberated on the safety of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) talong when consumed by the public. He noted that the issue is whether or not it should be allowed to be tested on the field, and that the question should be focused on the effect of the trials on the environment and human health. “At this stage of the research process, the food safety question is temporarily set aside by the straightforward and stringent risk management measures imposed by the regulators that no plant part of any kind gets out and is consumed by animals and humans outside of the confined field trial area,” said Lantican in a position paper.
Farmers, R&D and academic sectors oppose SC ruling on Bt eggplant ban The Philippine Star 7th Jan 2016
The agriculture, research, and academic sectors have closed ranks to oppose a Supreme Court (SC) ruling stopping the field-testing of eggplant genetically modified (GM) to be pest-resistant. SC decision permanently banned the field trials of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) eggplant developed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños-Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB) with the support of international and national research and academic institutions. The high court also declared null and void the Department of Agriculture (DA) Administrative Order No. 08, series of 2002, which provides for the “Rules and Regulations for the Importation and Release into the Environment of Plants and Plant Products Derived from the Use of Modern Technology.”
PH scientific community worries over GMO ruling Manila Times 12th Jan 2016
The scientific community is gravely concerned about the negative effects on food security and research development in agriculture of the Supreme Court decision banning field testing on genetically-modified (GM) crops and scrapping the biosafety standards set by the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Health & Life Sciences
Senators slam RH budget cut The Philippine Star 9th Jan 2016
Principal authors of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law in the Senate are up in arms over the P1-billion cut in the budget for its implementation. Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Pia Cayetano issued strongly worded statements condemning the huge cut in the 2016 General Appropriations Act, describing it as “unacceptable.” the P1-billion RH Law fund was realigned to various agencies, including the Department of National Defense, which was given an increase in its budget of close to P11 billion for the upgrading of air assets.
Health reform advocate Anthony Leachon named PhilHealth director Rappler 19th Jan 2016
Sin tax lobbyist and health reform advocate Dr Anthony Leachon has been appointed as a director of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) board, a Department of Health (DOH) official confirmed on Tuesday, January 19. Dr Minguita Padilla, head executive staff of Health Secretary Janette Garin, confirmed Leachon's appointment as a member of the PhilHealth board in a text message to Rappler.
VP pushes comprehensive health plan for all Pinoys The Manila Times 18th Jan 2016
Vice President Jejomar Binay on Monday vowed to improve government health services, as he noted that health services in the country have deteriorated and have become more costly based on a recent study.
Free maintenance meds at DOH's Hypertension and Diabetes Club Rappler 14th Jan 2016
To combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the Philippines, the health department has established the Hypertension and Diabetes Club where patients can avail themselves of free maintenance medicines. "The current dilemma in addressing NCDs in the Philippines is that patients usually seek treatment in hospitals when they are already sick or already in long-term complications," Health Secretary Janette Garin said in a statement. To join the Hypertension and Diabetes Club, patients must go to the nearest health center or primary health care facility and undergo assessment, screening, and management through the Philippine Package of Essential NCD Intervention protocol.
Philippines funds for contraceptives adequate despite budget cut: senator Channel NewsAsia 12th Jan 2016
The Philippines Department of Health has adequate funds for contraceptives despite the decision to eliminate contraception funds from the country's reproductive health program, a lawmaker said on Tuesday. Infuriated legislators and advocacy groups said last week the legislature's decision to cut the US$21 million contraceptive budget would fuel HIV infections, maternal deaths and teenage pregnancies, particularly among the poor. But Senator Loren Legarda, head of the Senate Committee on Finance, said the Department of Health (DOH) still had enough funds for contraceptives for 2016.
DOH to spend P3,000 per child on dengue vaccine The Philippine Star 11th Jan 2016
ver a million public school students will be selected to have three doses of dengue vaccines worth P3,000, the Department of Health (DOH) said. Health Secretary Janette Garin said the DOH is spending a total of P3.5 billion for the vaccination program for public school students in areas with high incidence of the potentially fatal disease.
Philippines contraception funding cut will fuel HIV and maternal deaths: Activists Channel NewsAsia 9th Jan 2016
The Philippines legislature's decision to eliminate funding for contraception will fuel HIV infections, maternal deaths and teen pregnancies, particularly among poor girls and women, reproductive rights advocates said on Friday. The decision to cut the US$21 million contraceptive budget surprised and infuriated legislators and advocacy groups who had struggled more than a decade to pass the Reproductive Health Law that guaranteed funds to provide contraceptives to the poor.
Philippine parliament scraps budget for contraceptives AFP 7th Jan 2016
The legislature in the mainly Catholic Philippines has eliminated the government's budget for contraceptives, the health department said Wednesday, despite a law mandating the state provide them to the poor. Health Secretary Janette Garin has confirmed the department's 2016 budget for contraceptives was scrapped when it passed through Congress, the bureau's press office said.
ICT
Streaming service Netflix enters Philippines The Philippine Star 7th Jan 2016
Netflix, the popular on-demand video streaming service on Wednesday announced that it is expanding to 130 new countries, including the Philippines. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada in the United States, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings said the company is quickly becoming global and multilingual, adding Arabic, Korean, and simplified and traditional Chinese to the 17 languages it already supports. Before the CES electronics show on Wednesday, Netflix was available in 60 countries and supported 17 languages. With the expansion, the video streaming service will now be available in 190 countries. Other new counties added include Azerbaijan, Vietnam, India, Nigeria, Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Turkey and Indonesia.
Congress to prioritize open access for telcos The Philippine Star 20th Jan 2016
The proposed Open Access Law for the telecommunications industry which seeks to expedite permits for telco facilities may be included in the list of priorities of the next Congress, according to Globe Telecom Inc. Globe said the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) has requested for additional information on the telco firm’s proposed Open Access Law. The Open Access Law seeks to address bureaucratic red tape and other political hurdles that stand in the way in the deployment of telecommunications and broadband infrastructure such as cell sites.
Globe seeks Open Access law for telco industry Business World 12th Jan 2016
On January 12, Globe Telecom, Inc. said that it wants to build 500 cell sites to boost Internet speed in the country but is held back by “red tape” at the local government units, and called for the creation of an Open Access Law. “[T]he government can expedite legislation to mitigate bureaucratic red tape and other political hurdles that stand in the way in the deployment of telecommunication and broadband infrastructure, such as cell sites,” Globe President and Chief Executive Officer Ernest L. Cu said in a statement. “Specifically, an Open Access Law for the telco industry would expedite the issuance of all the relevant permits for all telecommunications facilities at the local government level,” he added, although Globe noted there is currently no such proposal filed in Congress.
Thai e-commerce firm battles PH’s mall giants Inquirer 8th Jan 2016
Despite malls practically becoming cities in this country, Thailand’s leading online retailer, iTrueMart of Ascend Group Co. Ltd, still sees a great opportunity for growth in the Philippines’ e-commerce industry. iTrueMart debuted recently in the Philippines, which is just a small part of its $150-million expansion plan in the Asean Economic Community (AEC) that includes Vietnam, Indonesia, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Malaysia and Singapore. The firm, which saw tremendous success in Thailand, is looking to infuse $15 million in iTrueMart.ph this year. “We will put in as much as we need to to deliver great e-commerce experience to our consumers in our target markets, “ said Ascend Group chief executive officer Punnamas Vichitkulwongsa.
Infrastructure
Traders should lower prices of goods – Marcos The Manila Times 19th Jan 2016
Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday that if public transport organizations are willing to reduce fares following the series of fuel price roll backs, there is no reason why the business sector could not do the same. Marcos lauded public transport groups Alliance of Concerned Transport Organizations (ACTO) and Pinagkaisang Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON) for their proposal to cut the minimum fare for passenger jeepneys by 50 centavos. “This is a good example of social responsibility. I believe we have a lot of companies that are conscientious enough to start lowering prices on their own without government order or action and this is what they should do. These transport groups have shown the way and other sectors should follow suit,” he said.
DOTC rushes to improve MRT-3 The Manila Times 19th Jan 2016
With just six months left to prove that the Department of Transportation and Communications under the Aquino administration is capable of upgrading the ailing Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3), the transportation agency is now in a rush to make the necessary improvements to Metro Manila’s most disreputable rail line. Shortly after the arrival of the second of 48 light rail vehicles (LRVs), the DOTC on Tuesday announced that it had awarded three maintenance and upgrade contracts for the MRT-3 to private partners.
Work on Clark-Angeles -Mabalacat road starts The Manila Times 14th Jan 2016
State-owned clark Development Corporation held Thursday a groundbreaking rite for its P173-million Clark-Mabalacat-Angeles Road Project, aimed to spur progress in towns surrounding the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zones in Central Luzon. Construction of the road will start from Mabalacat gate to Baligago in Angeles City along the east perimeter fence of the Clark Freeport Zone. CDC President Arthur Tugade said CDC is funding the road project, which is part of the agency’s parallel development programs that cover Clark’s surrounding towns.
Manufacturing
CARS program expected to double PHL sales of automotive parts by 2017 Business World 19th Jan 2016
The Philippine Parts Maker Association expects local sales of vehicle parts and accessories to double to P240 billion by 2017 under the government’s Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program. Ferdinand I. Raquelsantos, the association’s president, said in a briefing that once the program is fully operational, it should result in boosting the capacity of small car parts makers. The CARS program is offering incentives to three car makers that can transfer to the Philippines the production of three car models at an output of 100,000 units each year for the six years. He said his group expects at least 31 joint ventures and technical agreements under the program. He said a Japanese company has already signed a deal with a local partner even before the start of application acceptances.
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