BusinessMirror November 07, 2024 by BusinessMirror

MORE FAMILY MEMBERS JOIN WORK FORCE–PSA

M UCH like the celebration of Christmas, earning a living has become a family aﬀair, especially amid soaring commodity prices, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

PSA

are male workers. So, we had more female workers entering [the labor force],” PSA Undersecretary Claire Dennis S. Mapa said.

“In terms of age, as we have seen in the previous months and even quarters, the senior workers are increasing, both in terms of numbers and in terms of percentage of workers,” he added, speaking partly in Filipino.

PSA data showed an increase of 391,000 senior workers who were employed, bringing the total number of Filipinos aged 64 and over who are working to 2.8 million in September 2024 from 2.4 million in September 2023.

PSA data also showed young workers who were employed also increased by 339,000 to 6.148 million in September 2024 from the 5.809 million recorded in September 2023.

Good sign DE La Salle University economist Maria Ella Oplas told BUSINESSMIRROR said the increase in women workers is a good sign that more women feel empowered enough to work and contribute to the family’s nances.

In terms of seniors, she said this was mainly due to the need to compensate the earnings of family breadwinners. This is the reason they look for side jobs that will enable them to share their family’s nancial burdens.

“In other countries, it’s normal to see high employment among seniors because they have aging populations but in the Philippines, [it’s not the case]. So the question is ‘what makes them want to work?’ [It’s because] the com-

‘PHL can be dominant force in global digital economy’

@maloutalosig

ADONALD Trump presidency is good for the Philippine economy, an economist and senator said as the Republican candidate reclaimed the White House after winning three of the seven battleground states Wednesday.

Trump has vowed to increase tari s for products imported by the US if re-elected. Such protectionist measure will likely a ect countries with a trade surplus with the US. The Philippines enjoys a trade surplus with the United States approximately $10 billion in 2022. While the Philippines has more exports than imports to the US, Trump’s trade policy will not likely a ect the Philippines, according to Prof. George Manzano, PhD of the Uni-

versity of Asia and the Paci c (UA&P) School of Economics.

“When you look at the export pro le or the types of goods that the Philippines exports to the US, around 50-60 percent are electronic products. And electronic products usually enter the US duty-free,” Manzano said.

The International Technology Agreement (ITA) under the World Trade Organization binds countries to trade electronic products at very low tari s or zero tari s. An increase on tari in semiconductors would also hurt the IT industry of the US because these are intermediate products, he said. If the prices of intermediate products are expensive due to higher tari s, then the cost

THE Philippines can become a “dominant force” in the global digital economy after it emerged as the fastest-growing internet economy in Southeast Asia in 2024, based on the recent report by Google, Temasek and Bain& Company, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

e 9th edition of the Google e-Conomy SEA Report showed the country posted a 20 percent growth in the overall digital economy based on its Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) which rose to $31 billion in 2024, from the $26 billion recorded in 2023.

e e-Conomy SEA report by the three ﬁ rms covers six countries in Southeast Asia: Indonesia,

Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, ailand and Vietnam.

Among these six countries, the Philippines posted the fastest growth rate in the overall digital economy based on GMV as it grew by 20 percent. is was followed by ailand, 19 percent; Malaysia, 16 percent; Vietnam, 16 percent; Indonesia, 13 percent, and Singapore, 13 percent.

“ e Philippines is strategically positioned to maximize its demographic advantages and technological capabilities and become a dominant force in the global digital economy,” DTI Acting Secretary Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Wednesday. According to the e-Conomy SEA 2024 report, the Philippines

while an annual decrease of 25.5 percent was recorded in September 2023. Meanwhile, the PSA data showed export earnings contracted 7.6 percent after two consecutive months of at growth. The largest contraction in exports this year was at 17.3 percent recorded in June 2024. The country’s total export sales amounted to $6.26 billion, a 7.6-percent contraction from the $6.77-billion total export sales in the same month of the previous year.

In August 2024, the total export sales registered an annual increase of 0.3 percent, while it posted an annual decline of 6.6 percent in September 2023. PSA said year-to-date annual total value of exports—that is, from January to September 2024—amounted to $55.67 billion. This represents an annual increase of 1.1 per-

period. This represented growth of 0.6 percent from the year-to-date annual total import value of $94.49 billion in January to September 2023.

“In September 2024, the commodity group with the highest annual [increase] in the value of imported goods was metalliferous ores and metal scrap with $260.98 million,” PSA said.

“This was followed by electronic products, which increased by $197.03 million, and other food and live animals with an annual increment of $140.63 million,” it added. Meanwhile, PSA said the United States and People’s Republic of China were the country’s top trade partners in September 2024. The US was the country’s top export market, accounting for a 17.3 percent or P1.08 billion share in the country’s total exports for September 2024.

Other top export markets were Hong Kong which accounted for earnings worth $867.42 million or a 13.9 share of the total; Japan, $847.47 million or 13.5 percent; China, $830.36 million or 13.3 percent; and Republic of Korea, $318.5 million or 5.1 percent of the total.

China, meanwhile, was the country’s top import source, accounting for $2.84 billion or 25 percent of the country’s total imports in September 2024.

The data also showed other Asian countries were considered top import sources such as Indonesia which cornered $1.09 billion or 9.6 percent of the country’s import receipts. The list includes Japan with $837.75 million or 7.4 percent of total imports; Republic of Korea, $784.65 million or 6.9 percent; and Thailand, $735.58 million or 6.5 percent.

Praising Meralco’s record, House grants 25-yr franchise

THE House of Representatives on Wednesday granted Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) another 25year franchise.

With 186 aﬃ rmative votes, 7 negative votes, and 4 abstentions, lawmakers approved on third and ﬁ nal reading House Bill 10926, granting another 25-year franchise to Meralco. e bill will now be transmitted to the Senate for its own deliberations. Meralco’s current franchise is set to expire in 2028.

House Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Joey Salceda, one of the bill’s primary authors, expressed conﬁdence on Wednesday that the Senate would quickly pass the franchise bill, potentially

even without the need for a bicameral conference.

“Meralco is an exemplar of how service reliability can create economic growth and development,” Salceda stated, underscoring the utility company’s impact on the economy.

Using data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), Salceda estimated that if all electric cooperatives and utilities in the country performed at Meralco’s standards, the Philippines could gain an annual net gross val-

ue added of P204.29 billion.

“ is achievement is a direct result of some P220 billion Meralco has invested in reducing system losses and minimizing service interruptions. It’s no surprise that around 40 localities have requested Meralco’s service in their areas,” Salceda noted.

Meralco has also fulﬁ lled its obligations to consumers, including issuing P48.3 billion in refunds per ERC directives, said Salceda, adding that the company has complied fully with regulatory requirements as well as the conditions set in its current franchise.

Earlier, House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairman Gus Tambunting highlighted Meralco’s reputation as a customer-friendly ﬁ rm.

“In its customer empowerment eﬀorts, Meralco oﬀers various platforms for addressing electric services, including a mobile app and website, allowing customers to apply for service, track applica-

tions, report outages, and make inquiries,” he said.

e bill mandates Meralco to supply electricity to its captive market in the least costly manner.

e retail rates and charges for the distribution of electric power shall be regulated by and subject to the approval of the ERC or its legal successor.

It also requires Meralco to establish a platform for consumer concerns to handle consumer complaints, ensure adequate promotion of consumer interests, and for the grantee to act with dispatch on all complaints brought before it.

e bill requires Meralco to submit an annual report to Congress on its compliance with the terms and conditions of the franchise and its operation on or before April 30 of every year.

e measure imposes a ﬁ ne in the amount of P1 million per working day for noncompliance in the submission of its annual report to Congress.

TRUMP RECLAIMS WHITE HOUSE AS REPUBLICANS SWEEP SENATE

ate, picking up seats in West Virginia and Ohio.

Top House races are focused in New York and California, where Democrats are trying to claw

Republicans reclaimed control of the Sen-

back some of the 10 or so seats where Republicans have made surprising gains in recent years.

The victory validates his bare-knuckle approach to politics. He attacked his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, in deeply personal—often misogynistic and racist—terms as he pushed an apocalyptic picture of a country overrun by violent migrants.

The coarse rhetoric, paired with an image of hypermasculinity, resonated with angry voters—particularly men—in a deeply polarized nation. As president, he’s vowed to pursue an agenda centered on dramatically reshaping the federal government and retribution against his perceived enemies.

Republican Rep. Mike Lawler won reelection to a US House seat representing New York on Wednesday.

Lawler is one of several Republicans who ipped traditionally Democratic New York districts in 2022. The 17th District contains the northern part of wealthy Westchester County and extends north and west to include suburban Rockland County and the Hudson Valley’s Putnam County. He defeated former Democratic Rep. Mondaire Jones, who lost his seat after redistricting in 2022.

Michigan ip

REPUBLICANS have ipped a House seat previously held by Democrats, giving them a valuable pickup in a frenzied race for House control.

At this point, practically every seat matters when it comes to building a House majority. In Michigan’s 7th district, Republican Tom Barrett picked up a seat that Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin vacated to run for US Senate. Barrett, a former state senator, defeated another former state lawmaker, Democrat Curtis Hertel.

On the campaign trail, Barrett didn’t back away from his record of supporting abortion restrictions in the statehouse, but he also described abortion access as a settled issue in Michigan.

Zelenskyy, EU on Trump

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said earlier he appreciates Trump’s commitment to “peace through strength” as the Re-

publican presidential nominee closed in on the electoral votes needed to win the White House.

“We look forward to an era of a strong United States of America under President Trump’s decisive leadership,” said Zelenskyy.

“I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ’peace through strength’ approach in global a airs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer. am hopeful that we will put it into action together,” he said.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU and US “are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800 million citizens.”

“Let us work together on a transatlantic partnership that continues to deliver for our citizens. Millions of jobs and billions in trade and investment on each side of the Atlantic depend on the dynamism and stability of our economic relationship,” she said in a statement.

The tari s that Trump slapped on steel and aluminum exports during his last term roiled the bloc’s economy.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said he looks forward to working with Trump “to advance peace through strength” as the former president closes in on the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House.

“We face a growing number of challenges globally, from a more aggressive Russia, to terrorism, to strategic competition with China, as well the increasing alignment of China, Russia, North Korea and Iran,” Rutte said.

“Working together through NATO helps to deter aggression, protect our collective security and support our economies,” he added.

Rutte also praised Trump for his work during his rst term to persuade US allies in NATO to ramp up defense spending.

World leaders

“CONGRATULATIONS on history’s greatest comeback!” wrote Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on X. “Your historic return to the White House o ers a new beginning for

is poised for continued strong growth on the back of “robust domestic consumption, a revitalised services sector, and increased remittancees from overseas workers.”

“Stabilizing inﬂ ation and declining unemployment rates will further stimulate private consumption, driving increased demand for digital services,” the report also noted.

e report also noted that the Philippines posted double-digit growth rates across “core sectors” of the digital economy, driven by e-commerce as the country grew by 23 percent in this sector.

Meanwhile, the country posted a 13-percent growth in the Transport and food sector; 13 percent in Online travel and 12 percent in Online media.

e study also reported 22 percent growth in the digital payments area as gross transaction value (GTV) jumped from $103 billion in 2023 to $125 billion in 2024.

GTV for digital payments includes the value of credit, debit, prepaid card, account-to-account (A2A) and e-wallet transactions.

e study noted that the increase in digital payment volumes is prompting service providers to maintain competitive fees while enhancing security and service reliability.

“As the digital payments landscape matures and adoption becomes more widespread, e-wallet providers are increasing merchant discount rates. Super-apps are expected to maintain their prominent role in digital payments, with their comprehensive oﬀering,” the report said.

In the aspect of legislation, the report recognized the Philippines’s increased oversight over digital businesses. For one, it noted, “ e government’s enactment of the Internet Transactions Act, requiring all online businesses to register with the Department of Trade and Industry, aims to enhance safety in e-commerce.”

“ ese regulations also impose compliance obligations on e-marketplaces and e-merchants alike,” the study added. Moreover, it noted that a 12-percent value-added tax on non-resident digital service providers seeks to “level the playing ﬁeld between local and international digital businesses.”

Roque said: “ e results of the 2024 Google, Temasek, and Bain & Co. Study reaﬃ rms the eﬀ ectiveness of the administration’s digital economy strategies. e country’s whole-of-govern-

of nal IT products made in the US would not be as competitive.

“I don’t think the US will increase the tari s on electronics products unilaterally, unless they leave the ITA which is not very good also. So think, despite the rhetoric of increased tari s by the US, the big chunk of Philippine exports which is electronics could still enter the US duty-free,” Manzano said.

More China than PHL HE believes that the US tari increase will target more of China than the Philippines.

“President Trump is really very sensitive when it comes to the balance of trade. He feels that if you have a negative balance of trade, meaning they import more than they export, that means it’s a sign of weakness and the target then was China,” Manzano explained.

During the rst salvo of President Trump’s trade war with China, Vietnam was able to win over foreign investors that exited China. If Trump pushes through with his plan to put pressure on China-made products, it would be a second wave of the trade war with the United States.

The Philippines should be ready this time to accommodate foreign investors leaving China.

“Firms that are already invested in China will look for alternative countries which they can use as export base. And the Philippines has good diplomatic relations with China. The only issue is that we

House panel verifying if Sara signed Lopez’s travel permit

By Jovee Marie N. de la Cruz @joveemarie

THE chairman of the House Committee on Good Gov -

ernment and Public Accountability on Wednesday disclosed that the panel is verifying reports suggesting that Vice President Sara Duterte signed the travel authority allowing her Office of the Vice President (OVP) chief-of-staff, Zuleika Lopez, to leave for the United States just before a key accountability hearing.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, shared that reliable sources indicated Duterte’s possible authorization of Lopez’s travel, which has raised concerns about possible efforts to sidestep testimony in the ongoing investigation into the alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds by the OVP and the Department of Education (DepEd) under Duterte’s term as Education Secretary.

“It is disappointing that there appears to be an effort to prevent OVP officials from facing our investigation. We are currently verifying whether VP Duterte herself signed the travel authority for her chief of staff’s departure to the US just before our hearing,” Chua said.

The House committee is examining P500 million in confidential funds allocated to the OVP and an additional P112.5 million to DepEd during Duterte’s time as Secretary.

Chua stressed that Lopez’s

absence, along with other key OVP officials, has hindered the committee’s attempts to address concerns over alleged mismanagement of these funds.

He noted that the Commission on Audit (Cos) has flagged a significant portion of these confidential funds and even disallowed P73 million of the P125 million spent by the OVP in just 11 days during the last quarter of 2022. This finding, he stated, underscores the need for clarity and transparency from Duterte’s office.

“In addition to preventing her officials from attending hearings, the OVP even attempted to convince COA not to forward audit documents to the House,” Chua noted, referring to an OVP letter to COA. The letter, dated August 21, 2024, argued that the House Committee on Appropriations’ subpoena violated the principle of separation of powers and could interfere with COA’s independent audit process.

“Instead of answering, they are trying to prevent COA from sharing important documents with the House of Representatives. This is a disservice to the Filipino people, who deserve transparency and accountability in the use of public funds,” he added.

He also pointed out that Duterte continues to avoid directly addressing the alleged misuse of these funds, even as her key officials are being prevented from attending the hearings.

The repeated absences of OVP officials, including Lopez, reflect a pattern of a lack of transparency and accountability, according to Chua.

House leaders urge Duterte to attend QuadCom hearings

AS the former President Rodrigo Duterte declined again the invitation from the House Quad Committee, lawmakers on Wednesday said the former chief executive should see the ongoing hearings as an opportunity for redemption amid scrutiny over his administration’s controversial anti-drug campaign.

Manila Rep. Ernix Dionisio and Assistant Majority Leader Pammy Zamora said that Duterte can shed light and clarify his side by attending the next House Quad Committee hearing scheduled for Thursday.

“As a lawyer, former President Duterte has the opportunity to show Filipinos his commitment to lawful processes by participating in the QuadCom inquiry into the war on drugs, which allegedly claimed over 30,000 lives,” said Zamora, one of the leaders of Young Guns bloc in the House.

Zamora added that Duterte’s attendance would “reinforce respect for the rule of law by advocating that everyone, regardless of former titles, should be willing to answer for their actions.”

The mega panel, chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, had anticipated Duterte’s appearance as a resource person in the previous hearing on October 22. However, Duterte declined due to health reasons.

Yet, just six days later, on October 28, a seemingly energetic Duterte attended the Senate Blue-Ribbon Committee’s investigation of a similar nature, even stating he was prepared to answer senators’ questions until the following morning.

Marce batters Northern Luzon with strong wind, heavy rainfall

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga & Rex Anthony Naval

TYPHOON Marce (YinXing) continued to batter Northern Luzon with strong winds and heavy rainfall on Wednesday and is now threatening to make landfall in the Babuyan Islands or mainland Northern Luzon the state weather bureau said.

In its Tropical Cyclone Bulletin issued at 2:00 p.m. the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) placed the northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan (Santa Ana and Gonzaga) under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal 3. Many areas in Northern Luzon remain under TCWS 1 and 2.

As of 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, the center of the eye of the typhoon is located 285 kilommeters east of Aparri, Cagayan.

Marce is packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 185 kmh. It is moving Westward slowly.

Marce is forecast to move generally west-northwestward slowly on Wednesday over the waters east of Cagayan before gradually accelerating westward on Thursday through Saturday over the Babuyan Channel and the northern portion of the West Philippine Sea.

Storm surge threat

Zamora noted that by appearing before the QuadCom, Duterte could dispel the impression that he favors other venues over the House of Representatives while also setting a good precedent for both incumbent and former officials.

For his part, Dioniso said Duterte could use this moment to strengthen his legacy by embracing transparency and accountability. “It’s a chance for Duterte to solidify his legacy by showing he values truth and transparency, potentially gaining respect for addressing challenging questions head-on,” Dionisio said.

Decline

DUTERTE, through his legal counsel Martin Delgra III, however has formally declined an invitation from the House’s Joint Committee on Public Accounts, Dangerous Drugs, Public Order and Security, and Human Rights (known as QuadCom) to participate in a public hearing scheduled for November 7, 2024.

In a letter, Delgra said Duterte expressed “serious doubts” regarding the committee’s impartiality, citing previous statements by committee co-chairs Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. and Rep. Danilo Ramon Fernandez, who publicly suggested Duterte’s accountability under the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.

“If that is indeed their belief, then the proper course of action would be for them to file the proper criminal cases against my client before the Depart -

PAGASA, there is a high risk of lifethreatening storm surge with peak surge heights exceeding three meters above normal tide levels in the next 48 hours over the lowlying or exposed coastal localities of Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union.

Marce is forecast to make landfall and traverse Babuyan Islands or the northern portions of mainland Cagayan, Ilocos Norte,

Tand Apayao or pass very close to these areas from Thursday to Friday morning.

According to Pagasa, the typhoon may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) region on Friday evening but warned that the surge of the northeasterly wind flow will result in a more southwestward movement during the weekend.

Marce is expected to continue intensifying and may reach its peak intensity on its passage over the Babuyan Channel.

“Slight weakening is expected due to possible interaction with the terrain of mainland Luzon, although Marce will remain as a typhoon throughout its passage within the PAR region. The surge of the northeasterly wind flow will trigger a continuous period of weakening during the weekend,” the state weather bureau added.

Heavy rainfall

HEAVY rainfall warning is up from Wednesday until Thursday in Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, and Aurora. On Thursday until Friday, Cagayan and Apayao Ilocos Norte, Batanes, Abra, Isabela, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Pangasinan, and Mountain Province will continue to receive heavy-than-usual rain from Thursday until Friday afternoon.

Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are likely, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and areas with significant antecedent rainfall.

Isabela and Cagayan were identified as the top two provinces most prone to landslides by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

Public told: Take proactive measures NATIONAL Defense Secretary

Gilberto Teodoro called on residents in the path of Typhoon Marce to take proactive measures and gather vital information to prevent loss of life, property, and livelihoods.

Teodoro, who also chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), emphasized the importance of public coordination to ensure safety as the country faces its 13th tropical cyclone this year.

“I invite our countrymen to be proactive and ask barangay officials what they should be expecting, where they should be evacuated, or where they could get services,” Teodoro said in Filipino.

He also urged barangay chairpersons to collaborate with their municipal disaster risk reduction and management officers to ensure effective systems are in place.

‘Stay informed’ TEODORO encouraged the public to stay informed about Typhoon Marce through official channels, including the Philippine News Agency, the Presidential Communications Office, and the Office of Civil Defense.

“Let us strive to be safe. Let us refrain from doing unnecessary things and those against the warning of our agencies,” he advised.

Additionally, Teodoro urged the public to avoid traveling if conditions become unsafe.

Beef up preparations

LOCAL governments near the path of Typhoon Marce were advised to beef up preparations to mitigate the possible effects of the cyclone, a ranking Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said on Tuesday.

Interior and Local Government

Undersecretary Serafin Barreto Jr. also reminded local governments to prepare and ensure that evacuation centers are ready.

The DILG’s attached agencies— National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology—were also directed to be on standby for possible deployment to affected areas.

“Ang atin pong Secretary ay nagpapaalala sa kanila na ihanda ang lahat ng evacuation areas at gawin ang lahat ng paghahanda tungkol sa deployment ng National Police, BFP at BJMP,” Barreto added.

He said firefighters of the BFP and the jail personnel of the BJMP are now working closely with local governments and helping in the stock-piling of relief goods.

Convene local DRRMCs IN a recent memorandum, the DILG advised local governments to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs) and conduct pre-disaster risk assessments for floods, flash floods, rain-induced landslides, and other hydrometeorological hazards.

The DILG has also urged the establishment of drop-off zones for a more orderly and systematic distribution of relief goods.

Local governments were also reminded to spearhead the declogging and cleaning of waterways and drainage systems to mitigate flooding in the streets, especially in areas affected by the recent typhoons. Barreto added that key roads are also being cleared to ensure the quick and more efficient delivery of relief goods and other assistance.

The Department also reminded local governments to establish and strictly implement critical preparedness actions based on the Operation L!sto protocols, an advocacy program of the DILG that aims to strengthen the disaster preparedness of LGUs using the whole-of-government approach.

grants House panel request: Seven OVP execs now on Ilbo

By Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

HE Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday granted the request of a House of Representatives committee to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (Ilbo) against seven officials of the Office of the Vice President who have ignored its hearings on the alleged misuse of the OVP funds.

Covered by the Ilbo are OVP chief of staff Zuleika Lopez, assistant chief of staff and bids and awards committee chairman Lemuel Ortonio, administrative and financial services director Rosalynne Sanchez, special disbursing officers Gina Acosta and Edward Fajarda, chief accountant Julieta Villadelrey and former Education assistant secretary Sunshine Charry Fajarda. Prior to the issuance of the ILBO, the

OVP confirmed on Tuesday that Lopez had left the country but stressed that her departure was approved after she submitted the documents required of traveling government officials.

“The Secretary has just signed the immigration lookout bulletin order which now will allow the Bureau of Immigration to monitor the travel of the seven OVP officials,” the DOJ spokesman, Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic Clavano IV, said.

Clavano, however, immediately clarified that the Ilbo will not restrict the right of the seven OVP officials to travel “but merely a monitoring mechanism by which we can see if they had left the country or had returned already.”

The DOJ official said the Ilbo was signed by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla only on Wednesday or a day after Zuleika left the country.

Zuleika has left for Angeles, California, according to some lawmakers.

“The pronouncements by some congressmen came before we received formally the request for an Ilbo. So the Ilbo was officially signed today which under our process it will be immediately forwarded to the Bureau of Immigration for them to implement the Ilbo in their system,” Clavano explained.

Clavano added that the issuance of Ilbo was not intended to force the seven OVP officials to show up and participate in the House proceedings.

“it does not by any stretch of imagination force them to attend a particular hearing whether it be in the Congress, Senate or in court. It is merely a monitoring mechanism for our internal purposes,” the DOJ spokesman explained.

Manila Rep. Joel Chua, chairman of the

House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, made the request for the issuance of an Ilbo against the said officials after they refused to honor invitations and subpoenas for them to shed light on alleged financial irregularities in the OVP. The panel is investigating, in aid of legislation, the alleged misuse of confidential and intelligence funds of Duterte in the OVP as well as when she was secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) from July 2022 to July 19 this year.

Duterte has denied the alleged misuse of funds and insisted that the issue is now subject of a petition pending before the Supreme Court, thus, already covered by the sub judice rule.

Duterte has also pointed out that his office is cooperating with the Commission on Audit (COA) to iron out issues pertaining to the use of her confidential funds.

Senate upholding of OVP’s 2025 budget cuts draws praise from House

THE chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations on Wednesday welcomed the Senate’s decision to uphold the P1.3 billion reduction in the proposed 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP), saying streamlining government expenditures fosters more transparent and efficient fiscal management.

In a statement, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Zaldy Co commended the Senate for standing as an independent, co-equal body, aligned with the position of the Lower House that a significant portion of the OVP’s budget is allocated to overlapping functions with existing government agencies. The budget of the office of Vice President

Sara Duterte for 2025 has been reduced by over half, from the proposed P2.037 billion to P733 million, due to redundant social programs and overextended offices.

“This move underscores our shared commitment to eliminate redundant roles and ensure government spending prioritizes efficient public service,” said Co.

He said a significant portion of the savings stem from a reduction in the OVP’s satellite office rental expenses.

In 2023, the OVP reportedly allocated P53 million to lease 10 satellite offices and two extension offices nationwide, a stark increase from the previous administration’s annual office rental expense of P4.1 million.

The lawmaker said this cut is expected to generate millions of pesos in savings by curbing costs linked to roles and functions already handled by established government departments.

“The establishment of these satellite offices has led to duplicated services, which are better managed by agencies like DSWD

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ment of Justice and for the latter to resolve whether probable cause exists or not. After all, we have a fully functioning judicial system in our country,” he said.

Duterte’s counsel also criticized the committee’s alleged pressure on witnesses, which he characterized as inducing resource persons to make statements they may not be knowledgeable about, describing it as “a case of subornation, or inducing perjury.”

Delgra argued that Duterte’s recent appearance before the Senate’s Blue Ribbon Committee on October 28, 2024, where he spoke at length on the antidrug campaign, had sufficiently addressed the issues the QuadCom seeks to investigate.

With this, Delgra said that Duterte’s presence at the November 7 hearing is “no longer necessary,” citing concerns for government resources and taxpayers’ money in light of the former President’s existing testimony.

PSA reports 6.4 percent hike in Q2 GDP

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

THE economy’s performance in the second quarter was better than initially estimated owing to manufacturing, accommodation and food service activities, and real estate growth, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Wednesday. The agency reported that it revised

the second quarter growth estimates to 6.4 percent from the initial estimate of 6.3 percent.

PSA said this was driven by upward adjustments in the growth of manufacturing to 3.9 percent from the initial 3.6 percent; accommodation and food service activities (Afsa), 12.1 percent from 10.4 percent; and real estate and ownership of dwellings, 7.6 percent from 7.2 percent.

“Nag-iiba iba naman ang contributors

but the usual suspect ay iyong malalaki ang share sa GDP, given na malaki rin ang revisions nila based on the available dataindicators,” theh PSA Officer-in-Charge, Assistant National Statistician Mark C. Pascasio, told the B usiness M irror Under manufacturing, Pascasio said food manufacturing growth was revised upward to 2.1 percent from the initial estimate of 1.9 percent. This was largely due to the updated data from the Monthly

Integrated Survey of Selected Industries. In terms of the Afsa, Pascasio said the main contributor was the adjustment in the growth of food service activities to 10.7 percent from the initial estimate of 9.4 percent. The PSA also said there were also upward revisions were also observed in the second quarter of 2024 in the annual growth rates of the Gross National Income to 8.1 percent from 7.9 percent. The

Proposed law won’t alter rules on natgas–senator

SEN. Pia Cayetano, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy and sponsor of Senate Bill 2793 or the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act, said the measure, which was approved on second reading Tuesday, will not alter the regulatory regime governing the sale and purchase of natural gas.

During plenary deliberations, Cayetano opposed the competitive bidding

amendment to SB 2793, arguing that this would be counterproductive and deter potential investors looking to develop the country’s indigenous Malampaya gas field.

She asserted that this would contradict the goal of the measure, which seeks to create an investor-friendly environment in the Philippine natural gas industry.

“It’s inaccurate to say this will alter the way we buy. Currently, the supplier of natural gas, they enter into negotiate bids with the power plants. We can’t introduce the bidding here because that’s not the practice. It is negotiated,” said Cayetano.

She reiterated that SB 2793 will promote energy security and protect consumers from

higher electricity costs.

“Let us prioritize indigenous natural gas; this is ours. It will promote energy security and the record shows that it has by far more stable in pricing and lower in pricing,” Cayetano said.

“We have the potential to explore, to discover and to develop our indigenous natural gas. Why are they [investors] not coming in? Because since the ’70s, we neglected investing and encouraging promotion of indigenous natural gas.

After Malampaya was discovered, wala na. Pinabayaan na natin,” she argued. Cayetano stressed that although gas supply and purchase agreements are negotiated, the Department of Energy (DOE)

to follow these market pricing imposed by ERC. They are in place. As far as consumers are concerned, there are provisions in the law, that require DOE, ERC, and PCC (Philippine Competition Commission) that require suppliers to submit relevant information on supply contracting, procurement pricing, and distribution scheme, and there are even

Jovee Marie N. de la Cruz

Angara vows transparency, accountability in DepEd deals

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

THE Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday reiterated its commitment to uphold transparency and accountability in all its procurement and bidding processes.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara noted that all suppliers and contractors will be given an equal chance to participate, ensuring that the Department secures the best services and products for schools.

Aside from that, the DepEd also sternly reminder the public, bidders, contractors, suppliers, consultants, and employees that are directly involved in the procurement activity that any untoward activity, behavior, or practice that undermines and defeats the purpose of competitive procurement will not be tolerated by the agency.

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bined household income is no longer enough, and there’s a need to augment that income,” Oplas told this newspaper.

In general, the younger generation of Filipinos are “ma-diskarte” or resourceful, Oplas said. Even those who do not need to contribute to their family’s incomes are thinking of ways on how to share the financial burden with their parents.

She said younger workers are looking at opportunities to work online. Younger workers are more attuned to new technologies and, as such, are able to maximize and earn from them.

However, one painful reality to this family affair is that it may only be temporary.

Trump. . .

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America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America.”

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X: “Ready to work together as we were able to do during four years. With your convictions and mine. In respect and ambition. For more peace and prosperity.”

Trump, whose political career has been defined by division and acrimony, told the audience at his election night party early on Wednesday that it was “time to unite” as a country.

“It’s time to put the divisions of the past four years behind us,” Trump said. “It’s time to unite.”

“We have to put our country first for at least a period of time,” he added. “We have to fix it.” Most of the important people in Trump’s personal and political life have joined him on stage in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Former first lady Melania Trump stood near her husband and was joined by Barron, the former president’s youngest son. Trump’s

THE city government of Makati has allotted a total of P51 million in financial assistance to cover 83 disaster-stricken municipalities and cities throughout the country devastated by typhoons, southwest monsoons, and volcanic eruptions this year.

Depending on the severity of the damage incurred, Mayor Abigail Binay said, each local government unit (LGU) will receive an amount ranging from P250,000 to P1 million.

“The City of Makati stands in solidarity with the victims of the recent Tropical Storm Kristine and other disasters that occurred this year. We remain firm in our commitment to sharing our resources to help affected localities recover and build back better,” Binay said. According to the mayor, the city has allotted P21,750,000 for 34 LGUs severely affected by Kristine.

A total of P1 million each will be given to Legazpi City and Libon in Albay and to Ragay, Sipocot, Libmanan, Minalabac, Calabanga, Pili, Caramoan, Goa, Bato, Bula and Nabua

According to the DepEd Memorandum No. 61, series of 2024, the Department underscored that the bidding activities by the agencies shall be in line with the Republic Act No. 9184, also known as the Government Procurement Reform Act, which follows the principles of transparency, competitiveness, and accountability.

DepEd also stressed that any Department official and employee found guilty of being involved in illegal activities related to the procurement process shall be sanctioned and subject to disciplinary action, including dismissal from service.

Likewise, Angara urged the public to support this agency initiative and report any information related to possible illegal or corrupt activities in the procurement process to walangkorapsyon@deped.gov.ph

Mapa and Oplas said this may be seasonal, particularly the jobs for women, as indicated by the underemployment data.

Underemployed

THERE were a total of 5.94 million underemployed Filipinos in September 2024. This represented an increase of 831,000 from the 5.11 million posted in September 2023. (See: https://businessmirror.com. ph/2024/11/06/more-filipinos-lookingfor-better-paying-jobs-in-septemberpsa/)

Mapa said many of these women are underemployed or are in jobs that are not fulltime. He noted that some 430,000 women are working in private households as domestic helpers; 291,000 are in private establishments; and 547,000 are considered self-employed without paid employees.

older children, Don Jr., Eric, Ivanka and Tiffany, all joined their father on stage, too.

Trump’s top political minds, including top campaign advisers Susie Wiles and Chris LaCivita, joined Trump on stage. And his political allies were on stage, too, including House Speaker Mike Johnson.

Trump also celebrated a few celebrities in the audience and on stage.

Trump also shouted out Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X, who has become one of his most high-profile supporters. “We have a new star. A star is born: Elon,” Trump said. “The number of victories in the Senate was absolutely incredible,” Trump said.

Republicans have so far won 51 seats, giving them a majority. But Montana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Nevada have not been called, and it’s possible Republicans could pick up more seats.

Trump also said he expected Republicans to hold the House and complimented House Speaker Mike Johnson. The House, however, is still up for grabs.

There are over 70 House races across the country that have not been called, and neither party has a convincing edge in the tally of House races.The AP’s current count has him

in Camarines Sur; P750,000 each for Daraga, Albay; San Fernando and San Jose in Camarines Sur; and Mercedes, Camarines Norte; P500,000 each for Malinao and City of Tabaco in Albay; Del Gallego, Camaligan, and Canaman in Camarines Sur; and Labo in Camarines Norte; and P250,000 each for Mulanay in Quezon Province, Santa Cruz in Laguna, Santo Domingo in Albay, Cabusao, Milaor, Magarao, and Siruma in Camarines Sur, Virac in Catanduanes, and Daet, Jose Panganiban, and Paracale in Camarines Norte.

In addition to financial assistance, the Makati Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) provided relief supplies and deployed search and rescue teams to assist with relief and recovery operations in Batangas and the Bicol Region.

Additionally, a total of P3.5 million in financial assistance will be given to the six LGUs affected by Tropical Cyclone Julian, which ravaged Ilocos Norte. These are Laoag with P1 Million; Bacarra and Paoay with P750,000; Piddig with P500,000; and Batac

Storms, hog disease slash Q3 agriculture output–PSA

By Ada Pelonia @adapelonia

THE country’s farm production contracted for the second consecutive quarter due to lower palay and hog production in July to September, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said Wednesday.

PSA reported that agricultural production in terms of value shrank by 3.7 percent in the third quarter. In the previous quarter, output also fell by 3.3 percent.

According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), prolonged adverse weather conditions and persisting impacts of the African swine fever (ASF) on hog production took a toll on agricultural output in July to September.

“Undeniably, the combined effects of El Niño and La Niña weighed down palay production, a major contributor to the crop sector, which accounts for more than half of the value of agricultural and fisheries output,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P.

“Of course, because of the holiday season, more want to work, and this accounts for the employment rate in terms of both the rate and the numbers, but not all are absorbed as like full-time, and thus, you have also a substantial increase in the underemployment numbers and the underemployment rates,” Mapa pointed out.

Ateneo de Manila University’s Leonardo Lanzona Jr. shared this sentiment, telling BusinessMirror many of the jobs that can be found, particularly in the services sector, are low-quality jobs.

Lanzona said these low-quality jobs are found in administrative and support services as well as wholesale and retail trade. He also noted that many of those who found jobs are self-employed, preventing them from accessing private sector training programs.

at 267 of the 270 electoral votes he needs to win the White House. He is leading in key races left to be called, including Michigan and Wisconsin.

Pennsylvania puts Trump three electoral votes short of the presidential threshold.

The pickups for House Democrats have mostly come from New York so far as the party flipped its second seat in the state.

Democrat Josh Riley defeated Republican Rep. Mark Molinaro in a district that spans across the center of the state. Democrats earlier flipped a seat held by Rep. Brandon Williams.

While a House majority is still up for grabs, the victories will buoy Democrats’ hopes, especially in House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ home state.

Polls closed in Nevada nearly three hours late after voters waited in long lines to cast ballots, the state’s top election official said, and initial election results began to be posted just before 10 p.m. PST.

Polls had been scheduled to close at 7 p.m., but state law allows anyone in line at that time to cast a ballot.

Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar acknowledged Nevada’s position as an electoral battleground and promised to keep updat-

and Dingras with P250,000 each.

The city has also allotted P11,250,000 for the 21 municipalities of Camarines Sur and Northern Samar affected by Tropical Cyclone Enteng and Southwest Monsoon in September. The recipients in Camarines Sur include Libmanan, Calabanga, Pili and Bula with P1 million each; Milaor, Canaman, Caramoan, and Nabua with P750,000; Del Gallego, Minalabac, and Camaligan with P500,000 each; and Cabusao, Sipocot, Gainza, San Fernando, Magarao, Goa, San Jose, Siruma, and Bato with P250,000 each. Meanwhile, P500,000 is allotted to Allen of Northern Samar.

For the combined effects of the Enhanced Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Ferdie, Gener, Helen, and Igme, P250,000 each is allocated for Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Pandan in Antique.

A total of P10.5 million is also allotted for the 14 LGUs affected by the combined effects of Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclones Butchoy and Carina. This includes P1 million each for Abucay, Hermosa, and

Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

“We’re implementing changes to the rice cropping calendar and building infrastructure like water impounding dams to mitigate the impact of climate change on the farming sector,” he added.

Data from the PSA showed that the crop, livestock, and fisheries subsectors registered declines in terms of value. Only the poultry subsector maintained its positive performance in the third quarter.

The value of agriculture and fisheries production amounted to P397.43 billion at constant prices during the period. This was lower than last year’s P412.7 billion.

As output fell for two consecutive quarters, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said it would be difficult for the government to hit its agriculture growth target of 2 percent for 2024.

“It will be difficult to reach that target. For one, the Philippines could be struck by natural calamities (during the fourth quarter) which could pull down agriculture performance,” de Mesa told reporters in an

Many of the jobs created also have high barriers to entry such as those requiring gadgets and even motor vehicles.

“The increased demand for goods and service because of the Christmas season explains much of the jobs being created, making this improvement a seasonal phenomenon,” Lanzona said.

“Those with more sophisticated gadgets or faster and newer motor vehicles thrive from this business, thus worsening the inequality problem and the welfare status of the chronically poor,” he added.

Neda cites interventions MEANWHILE, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said the government would continue implementing supply- and demand-side interventions to achieve the quality employment targets set in

ing results as the counties receive “and cure” additional ballots.

Mailed ballots are accepted and counted until Saturday, and thousands of voters whose ballots were set aside to allow for signature verification, or “curing,” have until 5 p.m. Nov. 12 to validate their vote with election officials.

Aguilar, a Democrat, called Nevada’s elections “safe, secure and transparent” and said he was proud of reports of high voter turnout.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. joined the Trump watch party at the Palm Beach Convention Center, entering and walking briskly as he made his way near the stage among crowds of supporters.

Trump has said he will play a role when it comes to health policy but has not specified what that would be. Kennedy, who launched his own presidential bid as an independent before dropping out of the race and endorsing Trump, joined him at several rallies in the last stretch of the campaign.

As the election stretched into the early hours of Wednesday, Republicans—seeing a map trending positively for their party— began to point to a shift in demographic support among key voting groups who often lean Democrat.

Samal in Bataan, Masantol and Minalin in Pampanga, and Marilao, Meycauayan, Hagonoy, and Obando in Bulacan; P500,000 for Pilar in Bataan; and P250,000 each for Bauang in La Union, Mexico in Pampanga, and San Mateo and Taytay in Rizal.

Two LGUs from Cotabato are also receiving financial assistance worth P1.5 million for the combined effects of the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Depression Butchoy. This includes P1 Million for Pikit and P500,000 for Kabacan.

A total of P750,000 is also allotted to Quezon Province for the effects of Typhoon Aghon, with P500,000 for Pagbilao and P250,000 for Burdeos.

LGUs affected by the Kanlaon Volcanic Activity are allotted P1,250,000—P750,000 for La Castella in Negros Occidental and P500,000 for Canlaon in Negros Oriental.

“Aside from financial assistance, we are ready to extend our expertise, resources, and full support to aid in the recovery and rebuilding of affected LGUs,” Binay said. Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco

interview on Wednesday.

Marie Annette Galvez-Dacul, executive director of the University of Asia and the Pacific’s (UA&P) Center for Food and Agribusiness, said weather disruptions, rising input costs and the persistent threat of ASF affected dented farm output this year.

“UA&P expects agri growth at -0.5 to 0.5 percent in 2024,” Dacul told the B usiness M irror

PSA data showed that crop production, which amounted to P211.62 billion, declined by 5.1 percent year-on-year. Rice output, which accounts for a chunk of crops production, fell by 12.3 percent.

Livestock production amounted to P61.67 billion and contracted by 6.7 percent during the reference period, with the value of hog production recording an 8-percent decline.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) said the series of typhoons that devastated the country and the ASF outbreaks contributed to this decline.

“More typhoons struck the country in

the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary

Arsenio M. Balisacan said fast-tracking the implementation of key infrastructure projects, particularly in energy, logistics, and physical and digital connectivity, remains critical to unlocking the country’s growth potential.

“We are sustaining our efforts to enhance all dimensions of our labor market.

The government is urgently addressing the constraints to high-quality job creation and collaborating with the private sector to capacitate our workers with the right skills and competencies simultaneously,” Balisacan said.

The passage of the Konektadong Pinoy Bill, he added, is crucial to equip the workforce with emerging and in-demand skills are deemed necessary.

He said the government aims to strengthen

Preliminary AP VoteCast data suggested a shift among Black and Latino voters, who appeared slightly less likely to support Harris than they were to back Biden four years ago. About 8 in 10 Black voters backed Harris, down from the roughly 9 in 10 who backed Biden. More than half of Hispanic voters supported Harris, but that was down slightly from the roughly 6 in 10 who backed Biden in 2020.

the third quarter compared to last year and more farms were also devastated by ASF,” SINAG Executive Director Jayson Cainglet told the B usiness M irror National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NatFed) confirmed that there were more cases of ASF in the third quarter.

“The decline in third quarter hog production was likely due to the ASF outbreak nationwide during the months of June to August,” Alfred Ng, Vice Chairman NatFed told the B usiness M irror

“We hope the industry will try to bounce back by fourth quarter or at least by first quarter of 2025 so that we can increase our production and rely less on imports,” he added.

Based on PSA data, the output of fisheries subsector also declined by 5.5 percent. The subsector’s output was valued at P55.48 billion.

Poultry, which amounted to P68.66 billion, posted a growth of 5.8 percent, with chicken and chicken eggs production recording increments in terms of value.

collaboration with the private sector and academe to upskill the workforce, particularly in using digital technologies and other innovations.

Passage of the Lifelong Learning Bill and Enterprise Productivity Act will also further improve the employability of the Filipino workforce.

Balisacan said the government is now working to finalize the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan. This 10-year roadmap will include strategies to encourage investments in priority sectors, improve the employability of the current and future workforce, and enhance labor market governance for the next decade. The TPB Secretariat concluded its regional consultations in October this year and is set to begin drafting the plan, which is targeted to be finalized by the end of 2024.

Trump’s support among those groups appeared to rise slightly compared to 2020.

Republican Sen. Marco Rubio told AP at Trump’s election watch party in West Palm Beach, Florida, that he’s excited for the exit polling in states like Pennsylvania and Georgia, where Republicans are already seeing overperformance compared to this time in the election in 2020.

19.

20.

Brief

BusinessMirror

57.

58. PHUNG

59.

IKHWAH INTERNATIONAL TRADING INC. #106, Kitanlad St., Tatalon, Quezon City

60. ARSHAD, BILAL Sales Officer

Brief Job Description: Responsible for leading and managing the sales team to achieve sales targets and business growth.

ING HUBS B.V. PHILIPPINE BRANCH 27th Floor World Plaza Building, 5th Avenue E-square Zone, Crescent

City, Fort Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

61. POSTMUS, EELKJE HENDRIKA PETRA Customer Loyalty Member IV

Brief Job Description: Responsible for participating in the onboarding process for new employees and for organizing and providing soft skills, hard skills and basic essential training to the said new employees.

IOM PHILIPPINES, INC. Phil. Stock Exc, Ortigas Ctr., San Antonio, City Of Pasig

62. MUNASINGHE ARACHCHIGE, ACHALA SAJEEWA Manager - Oracle HCM SAAS Practice

Brief Job Description: Responsible for recruiting at least five to ten (5-10) Philippine nationals and train them on Oracle HCM application, build a local team for the HCM practice and for supporting the sales team in answering Prospect Checklist or terms of reference of Prospects.

NA ALLOUT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS CORP. Unit 309 Greenworld Plaza Building, #79 Presidents Avenue, B. F. Homes, City Of Parañaque

63. CHEN, YANMEI Bilingual Sales & Promotion Executives