Public bidding not needed for P1.2-B ‘Nayon’ lease deal STATE OF PHL ‘SOUND, IMPROVING’–MARCOS

11.7-percent underemployed Filipinos.

He said the government is eyeing to increase tax and revenue efforts up to 16.9 percent and 17.3 percent by 2028 to finance the investments.

Boost production, fight smuggling

SUSTAINING the economic gains, he said, will also require boosting the country’s agriculture production, “through consolidation, modernization, mechanization, value chain improvements, as well as timely and calibrated importation.“

Also part of the strategy is the government’s aggressive response against agriculture smugglers and hoarders by filing charges against them. They are putting at risk not only farmers, but also consumers. So we will not allow this kind of trend. The days of smugglers and hoarders are numbered,” Marcos said.

He attributed the spike in the prices of food commodities to price manipulation of the said unscrupulous individuals.

“ We, in the industry, are ablaze with excitement and enthusiasm over the bright, sunny horizon before us,” said Zozobrado.

The DOT recently reported the 3 million inbound travelers from January to July 19 this year, with South Koreans maintaining its lead as the Philippines’ top source market tourists. (See, “South Koreans ‘loving’ PHL help boost tourist arrivals to 3 million,” in the BusinessMirror , July 20, 2023.)

Earlier this month, the President ordered the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to initiate the probe on individuals linked to alleged onion smuggling, hoarding and price fixing during a Congressional hearing.

New Philippines

HE expressed hope his second SONA will inspire Filipinos to join the government in reaching the said goals.

“It is up to us to provide good leadership and guidance. They love the Philippines, and have responded to our call,” Marcos said. He ended his address with words that closely reflected his SONA conclusion last year: “With this in my heart, I know that the state of the nation is sound, and is improving. The Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) has arrived,” he added.

About 2,000 people witnessed the SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.