BusinessMirror October 17, 2024 by BusinessMirror

DESPITE reducing key policy rates by another 25 basis points on Wednesday, the Monetary Board intends to take “baby steps” when adjusting policy rates next year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

e Monetary Board reduced its Target Reverse Repurchase (RRP) Rate to 6 percent while the overnight deposit and lending facilities were accordingly adjusted to 5.50 percent and 6.50 percent, respectively. ese will take place on October 17, 2024.

In an earlier interview on Bloomberg, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. said the Monetary Board may reduce rates by 100 basis points next year. However, on Wednesday, he said this will be done in a measured manner.

“If we rule out a hard landing [in

FILIPINOS continue to suﬀer from a lack of opportunities for socioeconomic mobility that would have been a key to achieving inclusive growth, according to the World Bank.

In the World Bank’s new Poverty, Prosperity, and Planet Report, the Philippines still has a gini coeﬃcient of 40.7 percent, which placed it as a high-inequality country together with Malaysia and the United States.

Based on the report, high-inequality countries have a gini coeﬃcient of 40 and above. e Gini coeﬃcient is a measure of inequality where perfect inequality is 100 and perfect equality is zero.

“ e number of economies with

VACANCY rates of condominiums are expected to continue in the wake of the exodus of Philippine o shore gaming operations (Pogo) and the completion of projects this year, according to a local property consultancy rm. In an East West Bank economic forum, Colliers Philippines Research Director Joey Bondoc said the overall vacancy rate in Metro Manila was at 17.2 percent as of the second quarter of 2024. Bondoc said the country’s vacancy rate could continue to hover above 17 percent. The projected vacancy rate could average 17.7 percent by yearend and average 17.3 percent next year.

“Vacancy is declining. We saw this being at 17.9 percent in 2021 because of the height of the Pogo exodus as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. We are now seeing some improvement,”

Bondoc said.

“However, we’re likely to see vacancies slightly inching up by the end of 2024. Why? Because there will be substantial completion this year, 2024. About 11,300 will be completed across Metro Manila this year,” he added. Bondoc noted that the projects to be completed this year are the same ones launched in 2018-2019, at the height of Pogo demand for units. This has led to a 65-percent decline in preselling launchings and 58-percent decline in preselling takeup as of the rst semester of 2024.

In 2018, there were 55,000 units launched and 59,000 units taken up; while in 2019, 56,000 units were launched and 51,000 units were taken up.

However, in the rst semester of 2024, only 5,000 units were launched and 6,000 units

were taken up. In the full year of 2023, a total of 25,000 units were launched and 23,000 units were taken up.

“Two out of three unsold ready-for-occupancy units are coming from the mid-income segment. It’s still this segment that is growing, that is still seeing sustained demand,” Bondoc said.

Nonetheless, these units will continue to be taken up as the economy’s prospects for growth are looking up. Bondoc said many infrastructure projects are also coming online further supporting various real estate projects.

Bondoc said the real estate sector will also be driving growth in regional areas and the resilience of key sectors like outsourcing and tourism.

“Given the rapid changes in the Philippine economic environment, particularly in the real

estate sector, it is crucial to equip our clients and stakeholders with the knowledge needed to make informed and calculated decisions,” Richie Tamayo, Senior Vice President and Head of Wealth Management at EastWest, said. “At

high income inequality has declined over the past decade,” the World Bank said. “High inequality reﬂects a lack of opportunities for socioeconomic mobility, which hinders prospects for inclusive growth and poverty reduction.”

e World Bank report said 49 countries are classified as having high inequality countries based on their gini coefficients. However, the number of countries classified as such has declined over the years.

“[Some] 1.7 billion people—20 percent of the global population—still live in high-inequality economies, concentrated mostly in

THE Philippines may be one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia, averaging growth of 6-7 percent annual gross domestic product. But with 17.54 million poor Filipinos, that GDP rate is still “not enough,” a Filipino economist said on Wednesday.

e government should aim for a higher gross domestic product growth to 8 percent to be able to achieve its target of bringing down poverty incidence from 15.5 percent to 9 percent by 2028, according to Dr. Bernardo Villegas, vice president of the University of Asia and the Paciﬁc.

“A high rate of GDP means very little if close to [17] million Filipi-

nos go to bed hungry every day,” Villegas said in a brieﬁ ng with the diplomatic corps Wednesday.

e Philippines has the highest poverty rate incidence compared to neighboring Asean countries such as Singapore, ailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia which register single-digit poverty incidence.

“Even 9 percent is not good enough,” he added, considering that other Asean countries average between 0 to 5 percent in poverty incidence.

Villegas said he oﬀered “strategic” solutions to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to achieve an 8 percent GDP.

“We’re asking him, ‘Please, Mr.

livelihoods, and health and the economic, physical, social, cultural, and environmental assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries.

e Framework resulted from stakeholder consultations initiated in March 2012 and intergovernmental negotiations held from July 2014 to March 2015, supported by the United Nations Oﬃce for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).

Over 456K rooms needed by 2028–DOT

and private sectors to facilitate growth and accommodate the projected room demand,” said the Phisap. Areas with a projected medium room demand are Cotabato-Sarangani with a 7,819 room gap by 2028; Metro Manila and Rizal 7,242; Surigao-Dinagat Islands 7,068; and Cagayan de Oro Coast and Hinterland 6,967.

“The time to act is now,” said Frasco. “There is no time to wait. Every delay in building capacity and improving infrastructure is a missed opportunity, for the global tourism industry is rapidly evolving and travelers’ preferences are shifting. We cannot a ord to fall behind.”

Per the Phisap, the National Capital Region has the most number of keys at 60,812 in 461 accommodation establishments (AEs); followed by Region 7 (Central Visayas) with 50,944 keys in 2,607 AEs; and Region 6 (Western Visayas) with 36,199 keys in 1,778 AEs.

PHL, EU resume FTA talks in Brussels after 7-yr break

THE Philippines and the European Union have resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement, seven years after a hiatus brought about by the bloc’s staunch opposition to the previous Duterte administration’s war on drugs.

German Ambassador to Manila Andreas Pfaﬀernoschke announced this Wednesday during a meeting with the German Chamber of Commerce.

Philippine Foreign Aﬀairs Undersecretary for Multilateral Affairs and International Economic

the United States], then as I have said, we prefer to take baby steps in terms of adjusting the policy rate meaning 25 basis points at a time but not necessarily every quarter and not necessarily every meeting,” Remolona said. “I would say 100 basis points in 2025 after the cuts we’ve made in

Relations Charles Jose also con-

rmed to BM that the Philippine-EU FTA talks have resumed in Brussels this week.

e EU is the Philippines’ fourth largest trading partner.

e Philippines, on the other hand, is the 7th most important

2024 [is possible]. [ is] would be somewhat on the dovish side. It’s possible that it will be somewhat dovish,” he also said.

Key policy rates were reduced on Wednesday on account of better inﬂ ation expectations. e risk-adjusted forecast of the BSP is now lower at 3.1 percent from 3.3 percent estimated in the previous meeting of the Monetary Board.

However, the BSP said, its risk-adjusted outlook for 2025 was increased to 3.3 percent from

trading partner of EU in the Asean region, and the 41st worldwide.

Bilateral trade in goods amounted to over €18.4 billion in 2022, while trade in services was worth €4.7 billion in 2021.

e EU is also one of the largest investors in the Philippines, with the EU’s foreign direct investment to the Philippines amounting to €13.7 billion in 2021. Currently, the EU extends duty free access to the 6,274 goods from the Philippines under the Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+). e GSP+ was extended until 2027.

e DTI, which is leading the negotiations, hopes that with the Philippine-EU FTA agreement, more goods from the Philippines will enjoy duty-free market access to the world’s largest trading bloc.

the 2.9 estimated in August. e 2026 risk-adjusted forecast is now pegged at 3.7 percent, also higher than the 3.3-percent forecast made in August.

e BSP’s baseline forecast for inﬂ ation was at 3.1 percent in 2024; 3.2 percent in 2025; and 3.4 percent in 2026.

BSP Monetary Policy Sub-Sector Assistant Governor Zeno Ronald R. Abenoja said the main driver of the adjustments made on the inﬂ ation expectations was oil prices. Nonetheless, the forecasts are still within the BSP’s inﬂ ation target of 2 to 4 percent.

“To some extent, that reflects what we are seeing, possible higher oil prices, than what was originally envisioned for 2024 and 2025. So we might still see very muted infl ation rates for the rest of the year and early next year, but with positive [base] effects that the Governor has mentioned, the infl ation print might go up slightly by the second half of 2025,” Abenoja said. Meanwhile, international economists share the BSP’s outlook when it comes to infl ation. Given

merce and Industry Inc.

Delegates from the Philippinesalso engaged their counterparts from other Asean nations and China in a wide range of activities focused on trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange, DTI said. e Philippines has consistently participated in the Caexpo, held annually in Nanning, China. “ is vital platform fosters trade and cooperation between China and Asean member states, providing valuable opportunities for businesses to forge connections and expand their global reach,” DTI said in a statement on Wednesday.

these, analysts also expect the Monetary Board to continue its policy easing in 2025.

Capital Economics said the BSP is still expected to make another 25- basis-point reduction in December as well as in 2025. It expects that by the end of 2025, the BSP’s RRP rate will be 4.75 percent, which “is more dovish than the consensus.”

e analyst also noted that the policy rate cut was correctly predicted by analysts and marked the second consecutive meeting at which the BSP has cut rates.

Oxford Economics: Easing to continue

Oxford Economics, meanwhile, expects the BSP’s easing cycle will continue, probably with another 25 basis point rate cut at BSP’s next meeting in December.

“Core inﬂ ation also dipped to 2.4 percent year on year from 2.6 percent in August, the lowest since March 2022. We expect headline inﬂ ation to continue its downward trend, especially since India has lifted restrictions on non-basmati

Aim for 8% GDP to sharply reduce poverty–economist

President, make sure that under your watch, the agricultural sector will grow at 3 to 4 percent every year,” he recalled telling Marcos Jr. He also suggested increasing the investment-to-GDP ratio which is now at 20-21 percent. Other East Asian economies like South Korea and China have 40 percent investment-to-GDP ratio.

“After agricultural productivity, please make sure that by the end of your watch, we are getting $15 to 20 billion of foreign direct investment,” he also recalled suggesting to the President.

Villegas asked the diplomatic corps to share with the Philippine government the reasons foreign investors refuse to invest in the Philippines compared to Vietnam.

white rice exports,” Oxford Economics said.

“Nevertheless, upside risks to prices—potentially driven by higher electricity prices—could constrain the pace of BSP’s rate cuts particularly in 2025,” it added. Earlier, geopolitical tensions and even a Trump presidency in the United States should serve as a caution to the Monetary Board to not cut rates aggressively as this could add to inﬂ ationary pressures, according to an analyst.

In the recent Chamber of rift Banks General Membership Meeting, Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at professional services fi rm Reyes Tacandong & Co., said aggressive monetary policy easing could be infl ationary by itself. is could be a problem since geopolitical tensions are poised to raise prices while the plan of former President Trump to raise tariffs on US imports could drive up prices of goods in the international market. (See: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2024/10/13/geopoliticstrump-win-not-suited-to-sharp-ratecuts/)

Rice importers are required to secure an SPSIC from the BPI before bringing in foreign rice stocks. is would certify that an inbound shipment is safe for human and animal consumption, and would not bring in any pests that could be detrimental to the local agriculture sector.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said a number of factors would account for the nonuse of the import clearances issued by the government.

For one, the lack of ships and

Latin America and the Caribbean, and Sub-Saharan Africa,” the World Bank, nonetheless, said. e Bank estimates that at the current pace of poverty and inequality reduction, it could take more than a century to eliminate poverty. It said this is based on a poverty threshold of less than $6.85 per day.

e report said the global goal of ending extreme poverty—deﬁ ned as $2.15 per person per day—by 2030 is out of reach.

Almost 700 million people—8.5 percent of the global population— live today on less than $2.15 per day, with 7.3 percent of the population projected to be living in extreme poverty in 2030.

e World Bank said extreme poverty remains concentrated in countries with historically low eco-

nomic growth and fragility, many of which are in Sub-Saharan Africa.

It is estimated that 44 percent of the world’s population lives on less than $6.85 per day, the poverty line for upper-middle-income countries. e number of people living under this poverty line has barely changed since 1990 due to population growth.

“After decades of progress, the world is experiencing serious setbacks in the ﬁght against global poverty, a result of intersecting challenges that include slow economic growth, the pandemic, high debt, conﬂ ict and fragility, and climate shocks,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank Senior Managing Director.

“Amid these overlapping crises, a business-as-usual approach will no longer work. We need a fundamentally new development playbook if we are to truly improve people’s lives and livelihoods and protect our planet,” he added.

tropical storms discouraged traders who will have to comply with the government directive to bring in rice within a prescribed period.

“When there is news that tariﬀs will decline, importers put on hold their importation plans. So, they reapply after their SPSICs expire,” the DA chief told the B-

“ en when there was a tender from Indonesia and Malaysia. ere were Vietnamese suppliers who canceled contracts to try to get a better price, so traders were not able to use their SPSICs.” Laurel noted that since rice is liberalized, the department could not stop anyone from applying for an import permit.

e World Bank also said the progress in reducing the Global Prosperity Gap, the World Bank’s new measure of shared prosperity, has stalled since the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting a slowdown in inclusive income growth over this period.

On average, incomes around the world would have to rise ﬁve-fold today to reach the level of $25 per person per day, the minimum prosperity standard for high-income countries.

In order to address poverty and inequality, the World Bank said high-income and upper-middleincome countries should focus on cutting carbon emissions while ensuring job generation.

e World Bank said governments must ﬁ nd ways to alleviate job losses and other short-term costs that can result from such cuts, particularly for people living in or vulnerable to poverty.

Cai U. Ordinario

QuadCom tracing money trail in EJKs

By Jovee Marie N. dela

@joveemarie

THE House Quad Committee investigating extra-judicial killings (EJKs) during the Duterte administration is ramping up its efforts to follow the money trail allegedly used to incentivize police officers in the bloody war on drugs.

Led by Co-chairmen Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr. of Manila and Dan Fernandez of Laguna, the committee is seeking the assistance of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to trace the cash flow tied to these operations.

This move follows explosive testimony from former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Royina Garma, who claimed that cash rewards for carrying out EJKs were funneled through the banking system.

Garma exposed the reward system behind the killings and detailed the roles of Duterte and his close aide, Christopher “Bong” Go, in overseeing the lethal antidrug operations.

Co has since been elected to the Senate.

“THE QuadComm will leave no stone unturned. Those who profited from the killings must be held accountable, and the AMLC is key to tracking down these illicit transactions that led to the deaths of innocent civilians,” Abante said.

Fernandez, for his part, added that “the use of financial institutions for illegal activities is a serious crime. We will follow every lead to ensure that those responsible face justice.”

The Quad Committee plans to formally request AMLC’s assistance

within the week. Lawmakers believe the financial probe will shed light on the full extent of the money trail behind Duterte’s violent anti-drug campaign.

Abante and Fernandez called on police officers who may have received cash rewards to come forward.

“Your testimony could be critical to uncovering the truth. This is the time to speak up,” said Abante, who chairs the House Committee on Human Rights.

Fernandez, who heads the Committee on Public Order and Safety, assured that those who cooperate will be treated fairly.

“We are giving those involved a chance to help clear the air and ensure justice is served,” he said.

Potential misuse

MEANWHILE, House Deputy

House leader calls for amendments to UHC Law

ALEADER of the House of Representatives said that replacing the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) head would be useless if the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law were not amended.

House Deputy Majority Leader Janette Garin, also a physician and vaccinologist, called on the leadership of both Houses of Congress to prioritize amending the UHC Law, citing specific “killer provisions” that hinder its effective implementation.

“We can change the PhilHealth

chief a hundred times, but unless we amend the law as soon as possible, universal health care can never be achieved,” Garin, former health secretary, said.

“I call on the leadership of both Houses to make the amendment to the UHC a priority,” she added. Garin said she plans to refile a House Resolution, urging the House Committee on Health to review some provisions of UHC Law as the said law will not be fulfilled because it contains “killer provisions.”

Garin aid that health inter -

ventions such as medicines, vaccines, and medical devices need not undergo Phase IV clinical study, as Section 34 of the UHC law states.

She emphasized that after the Phase III clinical trial, health interventions are already considered safe and efficacious.

“With this requirement of Phase IV, Filipinos will have no recourse but to go to other countries to gain access to any breakthrough in science. This Section 34 of the UHC is just one of the many provisions deemed restric -

Minority Leader Rep. France Castro raised concerns about the possible misuse of confidential and intelligence funds by former President Rodrigo Duterte, suggesting these funds may have been used as rewards for extrajudicial killings, not only in the anti-drug campaign but also against Duterte critics.

Castro pointed out that substantial allocations to confidential and intelligence funds in Davao during Duterte’s time as mayor and later under his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte, were significant. “In 2016 alone, Davao’s confidential funds reached P144 million, escalating to P2.697 billion by 2022,” she noted.

She also cited Garma’s testimony at the Quad Committee hearing, which indicated that confidential funds were used as reward money

tive and detrimental to health care accessibility,” added Garin.

The lawmaker also criticized the creation of the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC), pointing out that it was influenced by anti-pharmaceutical groups and former officials who wanted to empower themselves.

Garin has been pushing for the amendment of the UHC Law since the 18th Congress. It has been pending at the committee level since August 2020.

Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz

Lacson assails cash ‘rewards’ system in drug war

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

ORMER senator Panfilo

FLacson on Wednesday offered “unsolicited advice, as it may be,” to strengthen and make independent the National Police’s Internal affairs Service which, he said, “as of now” is not functioning as well as it should owing to inherent limitations in its structure, mandate and funding.

Proof of such institutional weakness, he said, is that the local IAS, for all the hard work of those named to head it, does not evoke as much fear among the ranks of policemen under investigation. In contrast, he said., in the US, “pag narinig ng pulis sila pinapatawag ng IAS, alam nila totohanan at meron

SEN. Christopher Go, during the Senate hearing on Monday on the proposed 2025 budget for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), highlighted the importance of ensuring that Filipinos returning to their provinces under both the “Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa” (BP2) and the new “Oplan Pag-Abot” programs receive appropriate assistance in accordance with its guidelines.

Go stressed the need for comprehensive support, as he urged Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian to provide continued monitoring and aid for these returnees, ensuring their success -

silang paglalagyan kung may kasalanan sila [when a cop learns he is being called by IAS, they know it’s serious and they will land somewhere if they’re found guilty].”

In aid of legislation, he added, one reform may be that besides the filing of cases against erring cops. “let’s strengthen IAS to handle abuses and violations. By policemen. Besides, he added, “under the PNP Law [there is a] PLEB [Police Local Law Enforcement Board], which is communitybased.

He agreed with Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla that “we should really remove politics from the National Police. Stop the practice of allowing local politicians to pull the strings and interfer in police

operations.

Asked how politicking can be stopped, Lacson, a former National Police chief before being elected senator, said, “the structure must be defined.”

In the case of the PNP IAS, he said police officers must not be shuffled between their mother units and the IAS and back, to avoid pressue from peers or superior officers.

The IAS should be like “a permanent service where one stays until retirement so as to be insulated from politics. Let’s face it, there’s politics in the PNP; may pulitika sa PNP. There’s politics in all organizations, even in the private sector.”

Lacson’s views were sought in a radio interview owing to his police background, and the recent

controversies that ensnared former ranking police officials, notably the murder of a former PCSO official, and the revelations that a “reward system” was set up during the Duuterte presidency so that policemen carrying out the anti-drug war received higher “rewards” if they killed suspects. Lacson said a reward system is always good, but it’s better to give out medals for achievements, not cash.

“Ang kasamaan kasi nito pag may reward, nagiging overeager ang ating kapulisan at minsan nauuwi sa personalan at kung hindi man, pinipilit maka -score para makakuha ng reward money. Iyan din ang sinabi ni Colonel Garma.

Pardon the word, pero naprostitute ang kalakaran sa operation laban sa droga.”

ful reintegration back into their communities.

Go was one of the proponents of the BP2 program, a key initiative during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic aimed at decongesting urban areas, aiding Filipinos who wish to relocate back to their home provinces and at the same time, promoting regional development. One of the central discussions during the hearing was the introduction of the DSWD’s new initiative, “Oplan Pag-Abot.” This program, as clarified by Gatchalian, specifically targets families and individuals in street situations within Metro Manila. Its primary goal is to offer these vulnerable

populations options, including returning to their provinces where they can receive the support they need.

“All in all, 7,000 families were profiled living in streets in Metro Manila. Of which, 2,638 actually went back to their families and reintegrated back to their families,” Gatchalian reported.

However, Go quickly followed up with a pressing concern, asking for more clarity on how long the DSWD monitors these individuals. He also raised a crucial point regarding individuals who might return to the streets despite receiving initial assistance.

Go’s main point of emphasis was

the continuity of support for returnees, regardless of whether they were part of the BP2 or the newer Oplan Pag-Abot program. He repeatedly stressed that these programs must deliver a comprehensive package of aid to all beneficiaries.

Gatchalian assured the Senate that the DSWD is actively monitoring the situation of individuals who have returned under both the BP2 and Oplan Pag-Abot. He highlighted the use of biometrics to track individuals and ensure that those who return to urban areas after initially going back to their provinces are identified and provided with further assistance if needed.

for EJKs during the drug war. Castro stressed that the confidential funds for the Office of the President (OP) significantly increased during Duterte’s presidency, particularly as the administration intensified attacks on critics.

The confidential and intelligence funds from 2016 to 2022, totaling P2.697 billion, could have been better utilized to support sectors like education, which could have provided critical support for teachers and students, Castro said.

She emphasized that the funds could have provided a P1,000 city allowance to approximately 17,000 Davao City teachers for over 13 years. Castro urged a thorough investigation into the use of these funds, calling for their abolition due to the lack of transparency.

Marines-led Kamandag military exercise ongoing

By Rex Anthony Naval

THE Philippine Marine Corps (PMC)-led Kamandag military exercise with key allies is going on in various locations in the country.

Kamandag is short for “Kaagapay ng Mga Mandirigma ng Dagat.” Opening ceremonies of the exercise took place at Naval Station Jose Francisco, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, on Tuesday.

At least 1,150 troops from the PMC, Naval Air Wing of the Navy, National Police, and Coast Guard are participating in the exercise.

The US Marine Corps sent 1,072; Japan Ground Self Defense Force, 54; Republic of Korea Marine Corps, 58; eight from the British armed forces and five from the Australian Defense Force.

Observers for this year are two members of the French Armed Forces, one from the Royal Thai Marine Corps and one from the Indonesian Kor Marinir.

Overall, there are an estimated 2,351 participants and observers.

Primary exercise locations for Kamandag are in Burgos, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes, Zambales, Aurora, the National Capital Region, Cavite, and Palawan.

Kamandag is being conducted pusuant to the Mutual Defense

Board and Security Engagement Board (MBD-SEB) activities for CY-2024.

The exercise aims to strengthen the interoperability of participating nations while promoting regional security and cooperation.

It is designed to enhance combined operational proficiency in key areas such as special operations, coastal defense operations, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

This year’s exercise features participants from several allied countries, fostering deeper international military cooperation and preparedness. It also serves as a platform for promoting cooperation in pursuit of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific, the PMC said in a statement.

Kamandag is more than just defense. It is about building trust, fostering cooperation, and reinforcing the partnerships that allow us to maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific,” the PMC commandant, Maj. Gen. Arturo Rojas. said. He added that the exercise also represents the deep bond between the participating nations and the collective will to safeguard peace and stability in the region. Rex Anthony Naval

Ombudsman files graft charges against Porac mayor, others

GBy Joel R. San Juan @jrsanjuan1573

OVERNMENT authorities on Wednesday filed graft charges before the Department of Justice against the mayor of Porac, Pampanga, Jaime Capil, and several others for allowing the illegal offshore gaming operations of Lucky South 99. Aside from Capil, also charged for violation of Section 3 ( e ) (f) (j) of Republic Act 3019 or the Antigraft and Corrupt Practices Act were Porac vice mayor Francis Laurence Tamayo, Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) chief Emerald Salonga Vital and municipal councilors John Nuevy Venzon, Rohner Buan, Michelle Santors, Hilario Dimalanta, Essel Joy David and Addrian Carreon. The Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (Paocc), the National Polics-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT)

initiated the filing of the charges against the Porac local officials. The Office of the Ombudsman earlier suspended the said local officials for six months pending its investigation on the administrative complaint filed against them. The graft and administrative complaint stemmed from the alleged anomalous grant of a business permit to Lucky South 99, which was raided by the PAOCC last June 4 where more than 200 workers, mostly Chinese nationals, were rescued. Section 3 ( e ) of RA 3019 declared as unlawful the “causing any undue injury to any party, including the government, or giving any private party any unwarranted benefits, advantage or preference in the discharge of his official administrative or judicial functions through manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence. The provision applies to

Cruz

It’s official: Sara’s 2025 budget reduced by ₧1.3B

By Jovee Marie N. dela Cruz @joveemarie

THE House of Representatives has officially reduced the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) 2025 budget by P1.3 billion, redirecting the funds to vital programs under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH).

House Committee on Appropriations Chairman Zaldy Co confirmed that the small committee responsible for introducing individual and

institutional amendments to the 2025 General Appropriations bill (GAB) had reallocated the P1.3 billion cut to two agencies.

He said a total of P646.5 million will now bolster DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, while another P646.5 million will support the DOH’s Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (Maifip) program.

Earlier, the House Committee on Appropriations and the entire House agreed to reduce Vice President Sara Duterte’s 2025 budget from P2.037 billion to P733.198 million. Lawmakers cited overlapping functions between the OVP and other agencies like the DSWD and DOH, which contributed to

redundant expenses.

Co said the realignment will result in significant savings, particularly concerning the OVP’s rental expenditures. In 2023, the OVP spent P53 million on leasing 10 satellite offices and two extension offices nationwide. This was a steep increase from the P4.1 million annually spent on office rentals during the term of former Vice President Leni Robredo.

“These satellite offices are performing functions that should fall under existing government agencies, leading to unnecessary duplication and higher costs,” Co explained.

He added that some of these offices, which are only manned by a few individuals, are often

Marcos asks Congress to amend mining law

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

AMID the surge in demand for critical minerals as the world transitions to green energy, PresidenT Marcos called on Congress to finally pass the bill simplifying the mining fiscal regime to help the country generate more revenue and become a leader in responsible mining.

In his speech during the 2023 Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) awarding ceremony in Malacañang on Wednesday, the chief executive underscored the need for investments to attain the said targets.

The Department of Environment Natural Resources (DENR) said the Philippines is among the countries which can benefit from the energy transition due to its rich deposits of minerals needed for green technology such as copper and nickel.

“And in the emerging landscape, our country’s abundant resources place us in a prime position to lead the way [in responsible mining],”

Marcos said.

“But to truly harness this potential, we must invest in the infrastructure and the technology required to process these minerals domestically,” he added.

Pending priority bill TO help finance the said investments, the President reiterated his call to lawmakers to pass the bill for the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime. “I urge all our dedicated agencies and esteemed members of Congress to support the Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime. This crucial bill, which I highlighted in my 2023 SONA [State of the Nation Address], is fundamental to creating a fair and equitable mining environment for everyone involved, he said.

Rationalization of the Mining Fiscal Regime bill is also part of the priority bills of the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (Ledac).

Last month, the House of Representatives passed on final reading the said piece of legislation. The

Senate has yet to pass its counterpart version of the said bill.

Under the proposed version of the bill from the Department of Finance (DOF), a four-tier scheme will be implemented, wherein margin-based royalty ranging from 1.5 percent to 5 percent will be imposed on the income from mining operations outside of mineral reservations.

Currently, the tax obligations of mining groups and companies vary depending on their mining agreement. It also imposes taxes only for mines operating within a mineral reservation.

Good practices

ENVIRONMENT ang Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonio Yulo-Loyzaga explained the need for promoting responsible mining to allow the country to continue extracting its valuable mineral resources with minimal negative impact on the environment.

She said the PMIEA will help in mainstreaming good practices in the mining industry which focuses on rehabilitation of affected areas and giving back to the affected

communities through social services, while addressing the country’s demands for mined resources in line with existing laws and government policies.

“The thrust here of the President, and here we have made this very clear to the mining sector from his first SONA was that those who extract our natural resources must follow the law,” Loyzaga said.

The 13 mining companies that were recognized for the 2023 PMIEA are Cagdianao Mining Corporation; CTP Construction and Mining Corporation; Eramen Minerals, Inc.;Hinatuan Mining Corporation-Tagana-an Nickel Project; FCF Minerals Corporation; Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation; Taganito Mining Corporation.

Also among the PMIEA winners were Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc.-Batangas; Eagle Cement Corporation; Helix Resources and Development Corporation; Republic Cement & Building Materials, Inc.Teresa; Coral Bay Nickel Corporation; and Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Alcoy Plant.

Foundation receives Bantayog ng Lawa Award

By Jonathan L. Mayuga @jonlmayuga

F OR its effort in protecting and conserving Laguna de Bay, the Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) was recognized with the Bantayog ng Lawa award by the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).

MTFI was among 59 other individuals and institutions awarded a trophy and plaque during the 55th anniversary of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) in ceremonies held in Quezon City.

Sustaining the gains of the Annual Million Trees Challenge (AMTC) of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) to plant a million trees annually, MTFI has

partnered with the MWSS and its private water concessionaires Manila Water Corporation, Inc. and Maynilad Water Services, Inc. to reforest some of the country’s critical watersheds including Laguna de Bay, also the country’s biggest aquaculture hub.

Laguna de Bay is the largest lake in the country. It has 29 shoreland towns with 217 shoreland barangays. Its watershed area is approximately 2,920 square kilometer Laguna de Bay is one of the watershed beneficiaries of MTFI’s watershed rehabilitation program through reforestation.

The Bantayog ng Lawa trophy with its figurine shaped like the Laguna Lake was received by MTFI Chairman Emeritus Reynaldo V. Velasco.

Velasco said the MTFI is grateful for

the award.

“This is another inspiration for us in the Foundation to continue our efforts in tree-planting and tree-growing to save our critical watersheds and contribute to environment protection.” MTFI targets to plant 15 million trees more by 2030.

Among those present at the event were Enviroment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, Marius P. Corpus, chairman of the Government Commission for GOCCs, Vice Governor Reynaldo H. San Juan, Jr. of Rizal, and Roda Valenzeula, Department head of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resource Office of Laguna, and LLDA officials led by Acting General Manager Senando A. Santiago. In her speech, Secretary Loyzaga

said that aside from providing pathways and resources for socioeconomic development, the lake has a role in defining our culture as a nation. She thanked the awardees and stakeholders for “the environmental initiatives and for providing sustainable and innovative solutions for the development and economic growth of multiple regions, not just one.”

Meanwhile, Atty Corpus urged the audience to consider the future and the legacy of the younger generation. “Act now to protect our lake, save our future. Indeed the challenges we face require not just policies but passion and partnership among the various stakeholders, both public and private,” he added.

used for political rather than social service purposes.

“By eliminating redundant roles, the government can save as much as P1.3 billion, which constitutes a significant portion of the OVP’s proposed P2.037 billion budget for 2025. The House believes this amount could be more effectively allocated to existing agencies, enabling them to extend their services to the public more efficiently,” Co stressed.

While the OVP has reported serving over 1.5 million beneficiaries through its medical, burial, and relief programs as of August 31, 2024, Co noted that these services could be more efficiently managed by agencies with dedicated resources and expertise.

“Consolidating these responsibilities under the appropriate departments would not only eliminate costs associated with maintaining satellite offices but also streamline service delivery, reducing administrative overlap and minimizing confusion among beneficiaries,” he added. Co also said the Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended a thorough review of the OVP’s functions and expenditures to assess the necessity of maintaining these satellite offices.

“As the government faces increasing pressure to adopt more fiscally responsible practices, reducing the OVP’s redundant spending could be a key step toward ensuring more efficient governance,” Co said.

Tolentino recognizes key role of business licensing officers

SENATE Majority Leader Francis ‘Tolentino recognized the key role of Business Permits and Licensing Officers (BPLOs) in fostering economic growth at the municipal, city, and provincial levels.

Moreover, the senator said that BPLOs reflect the local government’s commitment to ensure a fair and efficient business climate that allows investments to grow and thrive.

This was the gist of Tolentino’s speech at the 7th National Association of Business Permits and Licensing Officers (NABPLO) convention held in Okada Manila on Tuesday afternoon.

“The issuance of business licenses is not just about speed, but also fairness,” the Senate Majority Leader told the audience, composed of 600 BPLOs from different local governments. He continued: “As business licensing officers, you are the custodians of public interest. It is your duty to balance the need for efficiency with the responsibility of ensuring that businesses adhere to regulations that protect consumers, the environment, and the public.”

If the BPLO is fair to everyone, then this would redound to

a sound, strong and sustainable local economy, Tolentino noted.

Citing an example, the senator recounted how Tagaytay—where he served as mayor for three consecutive terms—developed into a progressive city with a bustling business climate.

He noted that Tagaytay’s success didn’t come overnight, but was the result of the hard work, sacrifices, and innovations undertaken by the local government to foster business confidence and support local entrepreneurship. Moreover, Tolentino recalled that from just two restaurants and one hotel, the number of business establishments in Tagaytay grew to 300 by the end of his term.

Tolentino also took pride in how several homegrown businesses from Tagaytay came to be widely known in other localities, including Metro Manila.

Finally, Tolentino said that he will work on legislation that would institutionalize BPLOs in the Local Government Code.

“Every license you issue, every entrepreneur you assist, and every innovation you adopt contributes to the bigger vision of progress for our nation,” he said.

DPWH completes road enhancements in Nueva Ecija

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has successfully completed twoprojects aimed at enhancing road safety and durability in the towns of Guimba and Zaragosa, Nueva Ecija.

With a combined cost of P192.02million, the road repair and upgrading works implemented by DPWH Nueva Ecija First District Engineering Office (DEO) involved portions of Tarlac-Guimba Road in barangay Banitan, Guimba and Sta. Rosa-Tarlac Road in barangay H. Romero, Poblacion, and Sto. Rosario, Zaragosa town.

In a report to Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, DPWH Region 3 Director

Pogo. . .

Continued from A3

officers and employees of offices or government corporations charged with the grant of licenses or permits or other concessions.

Section 3 (f), on the other hand, declares as unlawful the giving of undue advantage to any party while Section 3 (j) declares as illegal the grant of permit to any person not qualified or entitled to such privilege.

“It was discovered based on documents that Lucy South 99 managed to secure a permit from

Roseller A. Tolentino said that the asphalt overlaying covered 2.8 kilometers of road in Guimba, and 4.796-lane kilometers of road in Zaragosa. “Reflectorized thermoplastic markings were also applied to alert drivers to potential hazards, thereby aiming to reduce accidents and enhance overall safety,” said Regional Director Tolentino. The completion of the road projects in Guimba and Zaragosa which were funded under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), has greatly benefited motorists by improving access to public transportation and reducing the risk of accidents for vehicles traveling between provinces.

2021-2023 despite the problems with the documents it submitted to support its application,” San Fernando Assistant prosecutor Jose Teodoro Leonardo Santos said.

Santos noted that Lucky South 99’s primary purpose was to engage in the export of services by the way of business process outsourcing but was instead allowed to operate a POGO hub. The complainants said Capil and the other local officials were charged with graft since they were the ones who approved the business permit of Lucky South 99 and for their failure to detect its illegal activities.

Comprehensive monitoring system for mining up in ‘25

TO help prevent the spread of illegal activities in the mining sector, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to establish a comprehensive monitoring system next year to keep track of all mining operations nationwide.

In a press briefing in Malacañaang on Wednesday, DENR

Secretary Maria Antonia YuloLoyzaga said they will soon complete their preliminary geospatial database of all mineralized areas nationwide.

“What we’re doing now is we’re overlaying all the different permits, whether they are local, national [on the geospatial database].

So we will be able to complete that by the end of this year,” she said, partly Filipino.

“So, the observation and monitoring system will then follow,” she added.

This was in line with the order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for DENR “to strengthen regulatory capabilities for all mining operations to ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.”

Loyzaga underscored the importance of identifying the areas which they need to monitor since the country has nine million

hectares of mineralized areas.

“That is a large area—almost one third of the entire Philippines have some kind of mineralized [assets], which can be used for development,” Loyzaga said.

The DENR chief made the remark amid reports that 11 Chinese workers in an illegal mine were arrested by authorities in Paracale, Camarines Norte.

Loyzaga said she believes there are other foreign workers who are illegally working in other mines nationwide.

“I think it was last year, we also apprehended, together with authorities, an operation on the border of, I think, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in the upland areas that had foreign workers also conducting, yes, illegal activities,” she said.

She noted it is illegal for foreign workers to engage in mining, unless it is for specific highlytechnical positions.

DENR is now coordinating with local government units (LGU), Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to ensure there are no illegal migrant workers in the mining sector.

Samuel P. Medenilla

BOI upbeat about breaching ₧1.6-T investment approvals

By Andrea E. San Juan @andreasanjuan

THE Board of Investments

(BOI) said it is optimistic that investment approvals this year will breach the P1.6-trillion mark, an all-time high, owing to upcoming renewable energy and “big-ticket” infrastructure projects.

“We’re confident that we will breach the P1.6-trillion mark,” BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo told reporters on the sidelines of the 16th Investment Policy Forum held in Pasay City on Wednesday.

On top of the influx of renewable energy projects, Rodolfo said the BOI is processing “big-ticket” infrastructure projects, which he did not disclose, explaining, “I don’t want to preempt.”

As to the pipeline of renewable energy projects, he confirmed that the investment promotion agency is still expecting to approve more RE projects: “Yes, if you base it on the pipeline of projects under the green lane. Kitang kita namin eh pag nagpo-progress sila doon, pumupunta naman dito [We can clear see it, that when they process proposals for that, the investments come in].”

Just last week, Ernesto C. Delos

Nearing 100 days at DepEd, Angara hopeful

By Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco @claudethmc3

WHILE faced with many challenges after assuming the position as chief of the department, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “ Sonny” Angara on Wednesday said that they were “never short of hope” as he neared the 100-day mark, serving the largest bureaucracy in the country.

“We are reaching our 100 days. I have to tell you we are already low on our red urgent tags. I remind my team that there are no quick, easy answers for a system of this scale. Policies, though long awaited, remain a work in progress.Nothing is final. Everything will be up for feedback,” Angara said in his speech before the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

Angara also provided a rundown of the DepEd’s

accomplishments and progress in reaching its target.

The veteran legislator assumed the top DepEd post after the resignation of Vice President Sara Z. Duterte from the Marcos Cabinet. Angara said he and his Team Angara had prioritized the basics, namely, making the curriculum flexible, gearing up early for international assessments, raising teachers’ allowances and benefits, among others.

“This includes a curriculum that ensures functional literacy and numeracy, a disciplined plan for local and international assessments and the Senior High School’s full promise of employability,” he said.

As for our resources, he said, they don’t aim for abundance.

“We just want them on time. I’m grateful that some of the best technocrats and reformists have joined my team to make this happen,”

he said..

Angara said the DepEd will fulfill the President’s marching orders to “secure the basics and make the students ready for work.”

To ensure the welfare of teachers, Angara said the department is making fiscal room to provide them additional allowance.

“What we can’t put money on, we are making up for it in benefits. This includes additional service credits and leaves. We’re reviewing our teacher development plan,” he said, adding that teachers need to have the dignity of career promotion and progression.

Matatag curriculum

ANGARA added: “We just want to work from what’s already there, so we will continue the piloting of the Matatag curriculum for Grades 1, 4, and 7 for this year and then for next year Grades 2, 3, 5, and 8 [that’s to continue],” he added.

The Matatag curriculum targets the “decongestion” of the current curriculum to improve the quality of basic education in the country.

Among the revisions in the K to 10 program include reducing the number of competencies and greater emphasis on the development of foundational skills such as literacy, numeracy, and socioemotional skills for Kinder to Grade 3 learners.

The current curriculum has seven competencies -Mother Tongue, Filipino, English, Mathematics, Araling Panlipunan, MAPEH, and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao.

However, under the Matatag curriculum there will be five competencies namely, Language, Reading and Literacy, Mathematics, Makabansa, and GMRC.

Angara also promised dramatic actions to address the classroom shortage, which he said stood at around 159,000 nationwide.

Pacific isles, African states likely focus of LDF

SBy Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

MALL Pacific islands and African states, which are now facing existential threats from Climate Change, will likely be prioritized for the fund aid from the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF), according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

In a briefing in Malacañang on Wednesday, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga noted the climate-vulnerable countries, particularly those from the Pacific, are in dire need of financial support since they are bearing the brunt of Climate Change.

“I have to say, small island

development states and Africa, will be prioritized rather than the Philippines because we know how severe their problems are,” Loyzaga said. Countries like Kiribati and Vanuatu, she said, are losing their coastal areas due to rising sea waters and now organizing migration to other countries under special agreements.

“Their conditions are far more extreme than what is happening here [in the Philippines]. We don’t diminish what is happening here [in the Philippines] in terms of floods, but in their case, they don’t have mountains to block [the typhoons] or whatever--they are exposed, they are vulnerable,” Loyzaga said.

As the host country and member of the LDF Board, Philippines will have a say in the crafting of the guidelines in the availment of the fund.

“It will contain the guidelines on who can avail [of the fund] and will be the rules for its availment. So it is access, which is really important,” Loyzaga said.

She said the LDF Board will meet in December to discuss the guidelines for fund availment and other possible sources of the LDF budget.

“Now, the funding only comes from countries. The whole idea of the board and the fund is actually so that there can be funding sources from other countries than countries, specifically,” Loyzaga said.

The LDF was established during the United Nations Climate Conference 2022 (COP27) in Egypt to provide financial support to low-income countries that are heavily affected by climate change.

“Right now, the funding of the board still is at around less than 700 million dollars. Most of that will actually be used in setting up the operations of the fund,” Loyzaga said.

In his opening speech at the 2024 Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR), President Ferdinand Marcos stressed the importance of providing funding to climatevulnerable countries for their climate response.

Reyes, Jr., BOI Director for Investment Assistance Service (IAS), told reporters that nearly P2 trillion worth of projects are waiting to be approved under the green lane, with renewable projects occupying a huge chunk of the pipeline.

“There are still about 90-plus projects on line, mostly RE,” Delos Reyes told reporters recently.

Investment approvals under the BOI from January to midSeptember this year reached P1.35 trillion, surpassing the P1.26trillion full-year investment approvals last year, with renewable energy projects accounting for a huge chunk of the pie.

According to the investment promotion agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the energy sector, or mainly projects in renewable energy, continued to dominate the investment approvals at P1.29 trillion.

Meanwhile, during the 16th Investment Policy Forum held in Pasay City on Wednesday, Rodolfo shared his insights on how the BOI strategizes in terms of attracting investments.

“We follow 5Ps for investment attraction. Number one, [you must have the] right policy. And then number two, very important are the programs and projects; and then number three are the partnerships; and then people and institutional development; and number five are promotions,” added Rodolfo, partly in filipino. In the case of the renewable energy projects which accounted for a huge chunk of the investment approvals of the BOI this year, he explained that the “most critical piece of the puzzle” that led to this was the removal of the foreign equity restriction on RE projects.

“That’s the most important. So you started with the policy, second , you go full blast on the programs and projects. For example, port development for offshore wind because you need that,” he said. In addition, he noted, “Green jobs, [or the] training of our seafarers who before were into offshore drilling to now be certified for putting up the windmills.”

Neda Board clears 2 WB projects on health, transport

THE National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) Board led by President Ferdinand Marcos has approved two World Bank (WB)funded projects, which will improve health system resilience and transport connectivity in Mindanao.

In his social media post, the chief executive said he the board greenlit the Phase 1 of the P27.92billion Health System Resilience Project, which will help enhance healthcare in 17 provinces.

“This is about ensuring that no matter where you live, you can count on your healthcare system when it matters most,” Marcos said.

The NEDA Board also approved Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project, which benefits Regions 10, 11, and 12.

“For farmers and communities in these regions, this means better roads, easier access to markets, and more opportunities to grow,” he said.

For his part, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said it will help facilitate high-speed traffic in the three regions covered by the project.

“This project should provide high-level traffic services by assuring high speed mobility and safe travel to vital transport socio-economic activities for development of the regions and the country as a whole,” he added. Both projects were approved during the 21st NEDA Board Meeting at the Malacañang last Wednesday. Samuel P. Medenilla

The project will have at least five components before its completion in 2030. Marcos said the infrastructure project will help unlock the full potential of Mindanao, particularly its agriculture sector.

Palace won’t stop reopening of high-profile drug war slays

CITING the need for the fair dispensation of justice, Malacañang on Wednesday said it will not stop the Philippine National Police (PNP) from reopening the investigation of high profile drug cases from the previous administration.

Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin made the assurance after PNP announced it will once again look into the 2018 murder of then Tanauan City, Batangas Mayor Antonio Halili.

This, after former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) chief and a retired police colonel Royina Garma recently claimed that a police official was behind the said killing.

“The reopening of the investigations of the high killings related to the war on drugs should indicate that the Marcos administration places the highest importance on the fair dispensation of justice and on the universal observance of the rule of law in the country,” said Bersamin, a former chief justice.

Last Tuesday, Bersamin said the Marcos administration will also support the filing of charges against former National Police

Commission (Napolcom) Commissioner Edilberto Dela Cruz Leonardo, who is being linked to the killing of convicted Chinese drug convicts.

Both Garma and Leonardo were also linked to the killing of PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga in 2020. During the House of Representatives Quad Committee (Quadcom) probe, Garma claimed there was a state-sanctioned scheme for killing of drug suspects during the administration of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte, which she called the “Davao Model.”

Aside from Congress, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is also conducting its own investigation on the bloody drug war of the Duterte administration, which killed at least 6,000 people, according to police records. The Marcos administration, however, maintained it will not cooperate with the ICC investigation and instead let local authorities investigate those responsible for the drug-related deaths.

Samuel P. Medenilla

XIAOZHEN Marketing Specialist

Brief Job Description: Responsible for coordinating with other marketing and sales professionals to implement innovative campaigns for branding or product launches.

Basic Qualification: Ability to work under pressure and motivation to succeed in a competitive environment. Should have a bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing,

Brief

15. KIM, HAERAN Ground Instructor

Brief Job Description: Responsible for assisting the Chief Ground Instructor in the performance of his duties and for monitoring all aspects of ground training.

NIPPON AIRWAYS CO., LTD. 15/f Tower 11 Rcbc Plaza, 6819 Ayala Ave., Bel-air, City Of Makati

16. SUZUKI, TAKAYA Aircraft Maintenance Specialist

Brief Job Description: Responsible for ensuring aircrafts operate properly and safely and for performing regular inspections, modifications and updating aircrafts as needed.

ASHTEL PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit 215b, 2nd Flr, V-mall, Gsc, Greenhills, City Of San Juan

17. MATHEW, ARUN Marketing Manager

Brief Job Description: Create comprehensive marketing plans.

BLOOMBERRY RESORTS AND HOTELS INC. Solaire Resort And Casino, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo,

18. JANG, EONYOUNG Agent, Casino Services

Brief Job Description: Responsible for telemarketing efforts to liaise with

BusinessMirror

FORTINET SECURITY PHILIPPINES, INC. Unit B 19th Floor Menarco Tower, 32nd Street

Bonifacio, City Of Taguig

48. GIACUMBO, EMILIANO

Senior Technical Trainer

Brief Job Description: Responsible for delivering instructor-led training on

company’s products and solutions, and cybersecurity skills to the company’s customers, partners and employees.

GENPACT SERVICES LLC 5f Genpact Bldg., Cyberzone Northgate, Alabang, City Of Muntinlupa

49. PHURAHONG, CHAKRIYA Process Associate - Thai

Brief Job Description: Work different shifts including night, weekend schedules and overtime.

GIGA INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT INC. 31/f Pbcom Tower 6795 Ayala Ave., Cor. V.a. Rufino St., Bel-air, City Of Makati

50. CAI, JUNQIU Chinese Account Specialist