AMRO KEEPS INFLATION, GDP FORECASTS FOR PHL

By Cai U. Ordinario @caiordinario

DESPITE

In a briefing on Tuesday, Amro Chief Economist Hoe Ee

Asean economies.

See “Amro,” A2

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo @akosistellaBM

Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) scored the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for measures seen discouraging the arrival of more Chinese tourists in the Philippines.

In a letter to Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo dated June 8, 2023, DOT Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia Frasco said, “This is to respectfully reiterate the Department of Tourism’s URGENT APPEAL for the Department of Foreign

Marcos: Pagcor plays vital role in development of PHL

Affairs to LIFT the published daily quota of issuing only 100 visas per day per Philippine foreign service post in China.” (DOT’s emphasis)

She added: “While we understand from the initial reply conveyed to the DOT by DFA Assistant Secretary Henry S. Bensurtoz Jr. dated 30 March 2023 that there are instances where consular posts issue 200-250 visas per day, the continued website publication of an official policy limiting issuances to only 100 visas per day serves as a deterrent to potential visa applicants,

See “DOT,” A2

By Samuel P. Medenilla @sam_medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R.

Marcos Jr. on Tuesday highlighted the important role of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) in nation-building.

“Pagcor has made an indelible mark in our society with its undeniable contribution to nationbuilding,” Marcos said during the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Pagcor held at the Marriott Hotel Manila.

He said Pagcor played a crucial role in drawing in more tourists and in generating not only jobs but also revenues.

The state-run gaming and regulatory firm, he noted, has also helped in the development of the country’s sports sector by providing support to athletes and coaches.

“It is my hope that this anniversary will inspire you to continue setting new standards and keep being at the forefront of an industry that is not only financially successful, but also socially impactful and most importantly socially relevant,” Marcos said.

Pagcor Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the agency is determined to continue the said initiatives by generating more government revenues.

See “Pagcor,” A2