DA chief declares food security emergency on rice

Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday declared a food security emergency on rice based on the recommendations from the National Price Coordinating Council.

Related:

• DA chief says no rice cartel, blames past administrations
• Farmers hold off selling palay due to low buying price
• Price cap on imported rice to go as low as P49 in March
• DA cuts imported rice SRP to ₱55, eyes further reduction to below ₱50
• Farmers’ group slams DA’s ‘incompetence’ amid food security crisis
• Legarda bats for food security anew amid report of rising hunger in PH
• Hunger rate at its highest since pandemic — SWS

 (For 3rd-year running) Philippines to emerge as top global rice importer

The Philippines is poised to retain its position as the leading global rice importer this year and the next, according to the latest forecasts from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Related:

• Philippine rice imports set to grow after tariff cuts -USDA
• Philippines stays as world’s top rice importer
• Average post-harvest losses in rice more than P7 billion per year, says DA
• Farm lands shrank in past decades

 Probe sought on P202 million smuggled mackerel

A farmers’ group on Wednesday asked the Economic Sabotage Council, composed of the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard, to take the lead in probing the seizure of P202 million worth of smuggled mackerel from China.

 (Scientists urge SC) Protect fisherfolk’s rights, municipal waters

A scientist group has urged the Supreme Court to uphold the rights of small-scale fisherfolk amid legal battles over commercial fishing operations encroaching on municipal waters, which are meant to be reserved for artisanal fishers.

 Onion farmers protest 'untimely' imports amid peak harvest

Onion farmers are not happy about the government’s decision to import red and white onions during the peak harvest season in February and March.

 File charges vs contractors on delayed projects -COA to NIA

The Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended the filing of charges by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) against contractors for delays in the implementation of irrigation contracts and projects worth P2.04 billion.

 Agri chief urges steps to avert egg shortage

Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. of the Department of Agriculture (DA) said steps must now be taken to avert a possible shortage of eggs in April.

 DA warns some imported vegetables lack health certificate

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday warned consumers of imported vegetables that can be found in dry markets as they could have been smuggled.

 Philippines reports outbreak of H5N2 bird flu among backyard ducks

The Philippines reported an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N2 bird flu among backyard ducks, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Thursday.

Related:

• ASF-like ailment kills over 100 hogs in Northern Samar
• Bohol town under state of calamity due to ASF
• 53 La Union villages under red zone due to ASF
• Partylist urges nat’l state of calamity over ASF spread
• Pork prices up due to increase in production cost, group says

 PH bans importation of birds from New Zealand amid bird flu outbreak

The Philippine government, through the Department of Agriculture (DA), has imposed a ban on the importation of domestic and wild birds from New Zealand amid an outbreak of avian influenza or bird flu there.

Related:

• Temporary ban on bird imports from South Dakota imposed due to bird flu outbreak

 Agri groups warn vs removal of rice labels

The move of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to remove brand labels and premium classifications on imported rice is a “shallow attempt” at addressing price manipulation and will only “deceive” consumers, two groups have claimed.

 Number of cyclones not increasing, but intensity is, data shows

The number of tropical cyclones each year has not risen over the past four decades but their intensity has, according to international databases analysed by AFP that confirms the projections of climatologists.

 Inflation, health remain Pinoys’ top concerns -OCTA

A majority of Filipinos believe that inflation and health remain the top concerns, according to the latest survey from OCTA Research.

 Young Filipinos leave fishing industry - PSA

Younger members of Filipino fishing households left the industry between 2012 and 2022 to seek better jobs, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

 Oceana PH asks gov’t to step up efforts vs illegal fishing, over fishing

International advocacy organization Oceana Philippines is calling on the government to enhance transparency efforts and strengthen collaboration among government offices to resolve issues on illegal fishing, overfishing, and resource depletion.

 One of China's largest fisheries research ships sails in PH waters —expert

One of China’s largest fisheries research vessels was spotted passing through the Philippines’ archipelagic waters on Monday morning, according to a maritime expert.

Related:

• Philippines fishing boat rammed by unknown vessel in West Philippine Sea
• Fishers near Scarborough Shoal losing 60% of income after China’s fishing ban
• PCG informs Chinese embassy of Subic allision
• Brother says he saw missing fisherman dragged by vessel that hit their boat
• Philippines protests four-month South China Sea fishing ban
• Rozul Reef corals damaged, but marine biodiversity still in 'good condition' -BFAR
• PH mulls cases vs China, Vietnam over alleged cyanide fishing
• (Nothing's left) AFP suspects China behind massive coral harvesting in Rozul Reef
• Return West Philippine Sea shell catch -China
• Philippines does not recognize China fishing ban in West Philippine Sea
• Foreign vessels curtailed Philippine fish catch in 2022

 (Villar walks out) Don’t make me mad; you’re fooling me -Villar to NDA

A fuming Sen. Cynthia Villar couldn’t help but walk out of the Senate’s committee room amid a budget hearing. She was frustrated over the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Philippine Carabao Center’s (PCC) failure to properly disclose their contribution to the country’s dairy production.

Related:

• Philippines aims for 80M liters of milk by 2028 with French funding

 PH, Pakistan see million-ton rice deal by June 2025

Manila and Islamabad are confident that they could seal a deal by June 2025 if not earlier, through which Pakistan will ship to the Philippines at least 1 million metric tons (MT) of milled rice to augment the archipelago’s supply.

Related:

• Global rice prices to ease as India lifts export ban

 Philippines importing more meat

The volume of meat products imported by the Philippines last year surpassed the 2023 volume, fueled by the retention of low tariffs and the continued presence of African swine fever (ASF) in the Philippines.

Related:

• Meat importers decry delay of cargo quotas

 Palay production cost falls to three-year low

Lower fertilizer prices and higher yields allowed palay farmers last year to cut their production costs to a three-year low, government officials and industry players said.

 New flour plant in Sariaya to aid PH food security -Marcos

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Friday that the new flour milling plant in Quezon province would help in ensuring the country’s food security.

 Israeli envoy seeks expansion of agri training program in PH

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss is pushing to expand Israel’s intensive agricultural training program to reach more provinces across the country.

Related:

• Philippines gets $24.9M World Bank, FAO grant
• Filipino farmers, fisherfolk see increased incomes

 (Marcos tells agri officials) Boost biosecurity measures

President Marcos wants to ramp up livestock consolidation and intensify biosecurity measures in addition to the ongoing vaccination against African swine fever (ASF) to fight the virus.

Related:

• Hog vaccination so far yielding positive results

 Davao City tops Philippines traffic rankings, dethrones Manila

Davao City has overtaken Manila as the Philippine city with the worst traffic, based on the 2024 TomTom Traffic Index. Ranking 8th globally out of 500 cities, Davao City was also the most congested city in the Philippines.

Related:

• Metro Manila has slowest travel time among 55 countries -study
• The worsening traffic congestion of Metro Manila is currently costing the economy an estimated P3.5 billion a day.

 PLDT says services will not be affected as telco workers mull strike

PLDT Inc said on Thursday that it is working with the Department of Labor and the rank-and-file workers group Manggagawa ng Komunikasyon ng Pilipinas to resolve the issue linked to their ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations.

 TNVS drivers ‘dismayed’ over LTFRB plan to cut surge rate

Transport Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) drivers were “dismayed” over the proposal of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to reduce surge fees by 50 percent.

 Drivers' push for P15 jeepney fare under review

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) announced on Tuesday that it is reviewing a proposal to raise the minimum jeepney fare to P15.

Related:

• Most cooperatives struggle to repay PUV modernization loans—DBP
• Jeepney drivers who have consolidated as part of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) claim they lost income due to the expensive cost and maintenance of the modernized jeepney
• P50 minimum jeepney fare 'seen in 5 years' under PUV modernization
• Jeepney modernization program.. According to the DOTr, a modern jeepney costs P1.4 million to P3 million, depending on the unit, worrying drivers like Cruz who worry about the debt they will incur while complying with the policy.

 Rice shipment delays at Manila ports due to consignee inaction, not congestion -BOC

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has clarified that the backlog of rice shipments at Manila ports is not due to congestion, but rather pending actions from consignees necessary for the release of these goods.

 Outdated policy frameworks hinder government's internet expansion goal, study says

As the national government continues to find ways to address the wide digital divide in the country, a World Bank study disclosed that outdated policy frameworks in the country are serving as a hindrance in the broadband expansion and limit the access of internet connectivity to Filipinos.

Related:

• PH needs faster internet to compete globally – think tank

 PISTON files petition to allow unconsolidated jeepneys’ registration

Transport group PISTON on Monday filed a petition with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to allow the registration of unconsolidated jeepneys.

 Car owners may eventually have to pay fees to use Edsa, says Remulla

Drivers of four-wheeled vehicles in Metro Manila may eventually have to pay a fee to use the perennially congested Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (Edsa).

 Marcos holds meeting with MMDA on comprehensive traffic plan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday met with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Romando Artes and other Cabinet officials to discuss updates on the agency’s Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

 DICT hopes for cheaper internet for all as it builds National Fiber Backbone

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is hoping that internet rates will be cheaper once the government completes the National Fiber Backbone plan.

 Rail Renaissance By Marcos Administration Reshapes PHL Mass Transport

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. fulfilled his promise to enhance the country’s transportation system by inaugurating the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension Project (L1CE) Phase 1 on November 15, 2024.

Related:

• Neda approves Mindanao Transport Connectivity Improvement Project
• Japan-funded road project to spur Central Luzon growth
• DOTr breaks ground on Metro Manila-Laguna railway project
• Korea backs Dumaguete airport project with P13.15 billion funding
• Philippines secures P93 billion funding for new highway and subway (Japan)
• New MRT4 line from San Juan to Taytay to receive $1 billion funding from ADB
• PH-Japan sign P92.9-B loan for building Metro Mla Subway, Dalton Pass
• Japan commits to assisting Philippines in improving road transport system in NCR, surrounding regions
• Japan can keep Mindanao rail project on track–solon
• Mass transport to end traffic woes, ‘even the rich ride the train’ -Marcos
• Developing nearby provinces to improve NCR traffic -Marcos

Progress

• P23.5 billion Samal-Davao Connector poised for 2028 completion
• Philippines’ first long-distance mountain tunnel nears finish line
• North-South Commuter Railway Project (Tutuban – Malolos) – 61 percent complete
• North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project (Malolos – Clark) – 56.6 percent complete
• North-South Commuter Railway Extension Project (South Extension, Manila-Calamba) – 38 percent complete
• Metro Manila Subway Project – 41 percent complete
• LRT Line 1 Cavite Extension – 80 percent complete
• MRT Line 3 Rehabilitation and Maintenance – 85 percent complete

 DA urges infra overhaul to combat high food prices, reduce spoilage

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking the improvement of the country’s road and bridge infrastructure to ensure the smooth flow of agricultural products to markets, making prices of goods stable for consumers.

Related:

• Farm-to-market roads will be built in Central Visayas -Marcos
• Toll rebate for agri truckers to benefit consumers -DA
• 51 pct of farm-to-market roads target complete -Marcos

 New Maersk facility to boost PH logistics system

President Marcos said that the newly opened Maersk Optimus Distribution Center will bring the country's logistics system a step closer to becoming a "powerful force" that will bridge the country's islands, breathe life into different industries, and bring people together toward development.

 (Connecting the unconnected) SSS rolls out Starlink satellite internet in Basilan, Jolo, Tawi-Tawi

The Social Security System (SSS) has announced a collaboration with iOne Resources, Inc., the local distributor of Starlink, to bring high-speed internet connectivity to its service offices in remote areas.

Related:

• P16.1-B funding for digital infra projects OK'd

 World Bank OKs loan for PH digital infra project

The World Bank on Friday announced it has approved a multi-million dollar loan to finance a flagship infrastructure project of the Philippine government aimed at improving broadband connectivity across the country.

Average Minimum Wage: ₱441.00 ($7.60) per day + Income Tax (~30%) + mandatory Philhealth and SSS contributions shouldered by the business owner/worker.

 Filipinos blame business profits, interest rates for rising costs — survey

Businesses making large profit margins are among the key drivers of rising living costs, according to 77% of Filipinos in a 2024 survey by international research firm Ipsos.

Related:

• More biz groups oppose bill on P200 daily wage hike
• UST faculty-admin talks hit deadlock as union rejects final offer
• PLDT says services will not be affected as telco workers mull strike
• Sofitel hotel closes; Union to push fight
• Unions get all demands in deal signed with Sofitel

 Colliers: Metro Manila land prices to drop 2-5% amid growing condo glut and office vacancies

The Philippines faces possible “substantial correction” in land values in Metro Manila, the country’s main property market, amid a widening glut in residential condominiums and elevated office vacancy rates.

Related:

• PH gaming sector books P410.5B in revenues in 2024
• PH banks cut exposure to property sector in Q3
• IMF urges BSP to tighten banking policies, preempt risks
• Condominium rental prices lowest in 15 years -Expert
• PH office vacancies surge to all-time high amid Pogos’ departure
• (Rental rates to go down by 50%) Find out the condo market segment seen to suffer the most from POGO ban
• A real estate bubble is happening in the MOA Complex, Pasay

 South Korean ‘homeowners’ eye legal action over Camp John Hay evictions

According to the group, they informed Malacañang that they were perplexed by the notices to vacate served by a Baguio Regional Trial Court (RTC) in early January that locked them out of their homes and hotel rooms, after the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) took over Camp John Hay from developer Camp John Hay Development Corporation (CJHDevco).

 Tengco warns of casino threat as Thailand, Japan open markets

The Philippines’ gaming industry is bracing for intensified competition as Thailand and Japan move to legalize casinos, a shift that could divert high-spending gamblers away from the country, according to Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco.

Related:

• Lawmakers renew calls to shut down POGOs after foreign student’s abduction
• Abante tells House: Pass bill banning Pogos or risk games’ return
• PH among top 10 sources of romance scams – Moody’s
• 5,000 Australians targeted by scam hub in Philippines
• Tulfo sounds alarm; only 10% of Pogo workers were deported after deadline
• Some gov’t execs teaching Pogos to mask activities -Hontiveros

 Frasco’s leadership faces backlash for failing to meet 7.7M visitor target

Many pundits have reportedly questioned the impact Frasco has had on Philippine tourism, especially after she famously pinned hopes on boosting the number of Chinese tourists—a strategy that ultimately turned out to be a massive failure. In reality, the country failed to meet its 7.7 million visitor target and was overtaken by ASEAN neighbors who attracted more tourists.

 China's production boom threatens Philippine electronics exports

Philippine-assembled electronics—the country's top merchandise export—may be hurt by bigger Chinese production, the World Bank said.

 Philippine auto assembly industry lagging behind neighbors

The Philippines auto industry has much to celebrate, with 2024 serving as a banner year for vehicle sales, and yet another vehicle, the Toyota Tamaraw will begin local production. However, there’s also worrying development beneath these achievements. In spite of the growth, the Philippine auto industry, particularly its local manufacturing aspect, continues to lag behind its ASEAN neighbors.

 Factory activity slows in January

Philippine manufacturing activity in January expanded at its slowest pace in five months as growth in new orders eased.

Related:

• Factory activity slows in January
• Philippine manufacturing output grew at a slower pace last year, hampered by several production declines, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

 Philippines loses China market for bananas to Vietnam

Vietnam has upended the Philippines’ 20-year rule as the top supplier of bananas to China. International Trade Centre (ITC) data showed that Vietnam – for the first time – overtook the Philippines as China’s top supplier of bananas last year.

 Asean countries asked to work together to stop illicit tobacco trade

Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should work together to stop the spread of illegal tobacco trade which has been harming legitimate businesses in the region, according to international experts.

 Only 100 displaced POGO workers land jobs at DOLE fair

Out of the thousands of displaced workers from Internet Gaming Licensees (IGLs) who attended a recent job fair in Pasay City, only 100 were hired on the spot, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Saturday, February 1.

 Philippines among top 3 countries for highest screen time again — data

Collected data shows the Philippines ranks high yet again among countries with the most screen time, particularly on phones and social media.

 High power costs and connectivity issues keep Philippines behind in data centers -Saavedra

The Philippines lags behind Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia in attracting hyperscalers and global companies for their data center needs.

 Chief economic manager says Philippines' crypto market poised for further growth

Young Filipinos are investing in cryptocurrencies at a level comparable to the government's national budget, and this trend is likely to grow further with potentially supportive Trump policies.

 Greenhills mall still lone PH establishment in US counterfeit list

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has kept Greenhills Shopping Center, a popular mall in Metro Manila, on its watchlist for markets tagged for counterfeiting and piracy.

 BSP survey: Business confidence rises in fourth quarter, less optimistic in 2025

Banks cut their exposure to the volatile property sector in the third quarter to hit the lowest level in five years, with the proportion of soured home loans posting an uptick and staying elevated as financial conditions remained tight.

 Swedish biz most bullish on Philippines, but same-old investment, trade barriers hamper potential

The report "highlights the continued growth and potential of the Philippine market, and underscores the country’s open-door policy for foreign investments," Fries noted, adding that the Philippines "offers great potential for business and innovation, not least in areas where Sweden excels.. However, "all is not rosy and well—the report notes that Swedish companies face red tape, regulatory issues and high energy costs," Fries pointed out.

Related:

• World Bank urges PH to be more business-friendly
• Majority of Filipinos see red tape, restrictive rules as top barriers to foreign investments — survey
• Weak public services cripple Philippine businesses —World Bank

 Lacking job security, Filipino call center workers face AI threat

Mylene Cabalona has been taking calls for foreign companies from the Philippines since 2010, the same year when the country overtook India to become the world’s call center capital of the world, employing more than half a million people.

 PH slides two spots in World Digital Competitiveness Ranking

The Philippines dropped by two spots in this year’s World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, placing 61st out of 67 countries, according to a report by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) released Thursday.

 Lack of harmonized laws costs Philippines billions in mining investments

Chamber of Mines of the Philippines chairman, Atty. Mike Toledo, said the lack of aligned laws between local and national governments is costing the country billions in potential investments.

 Some gov’t execs teaching Pogos to mask activities -Hontiverus

Sen. Risa Hontiveros bared that some government officials are allegedly coaching illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogos) to conceal their activities as business process outsourcing (BPO) firms.

 May declared as Ease of Doing Business Month

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has declared May of every year as Ease of Doing Business (EODB) month.

 PH finally exits dirty money ‘grey list’

After more than three years, the Philippines has finally exited the “grey list” of Paris-based watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which commended the country for plugging all the holes in its defenses against dirty money and terrorism financing.

Related:

• SEC takes steps to ensure PH stays out of FATF grey list
• Marcos POGO ban order a 'big factor' in PH removal from FATF grey list –Palace
• China willing to work with PH vs crimes
• Mastercard launches AI-powered Anti-money laundering service TRACE in PH
• PH exit from FATF grey list to boost jobs, investments -Bersamin

 Marcos signs CREATE MORE Act amending corporate income taxes law

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law the measure that amends the law on corporate income taxes. The measure titled Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act or Republic Act (RA) No. 12066, seeks to boost the country’s economy.

 ‘Manila capable of evolving into global playground city’

Manila has the potential to become a global playground city, according to a Thailand-based hospitality consultancy firm.

Related:

• Despite tension, China remains an 'important market' in PH tourism — DOT
• DOT to host Terra Madre Asia Pacific 2025; pushing PH as gastronomy hub
• World Travel Awards founder recommends Philippines as ‘must-visit MICE destination’
• PH is still the ‘World’s Leading Dive Destination’ for 2024 – WTA
• Manila, a haven for affordable luxury, except for pricey whisky amid weak peso

 Filipino jobs may get some reprieve from AI, thanks to lack of technology -World Bank

Filipino workers need not worry about artificial intelligence (AI) immediately taking over their jobs as the World Bank reported that developing countries, including the Philippines, have lower exposure to AI disruptions. This relatively smaller exposure is "partly due to a different labor market structure in developing countries, with more jobs involving manual labor or interpersonal interaction." Such jobs are less susceptible to significant changes brought about by AI.

 Future looks bright! Marcos discusses semiconductor industry outlook with Amcor execs

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently met with executives of a global leader in the semiconductor industry to discuss growth prospects in the Philippines.

 DTI slaps duties on imported cement

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has slapped a provisional safeguard duty of P400 per metric ton on two types of imported cement that it believes to be harming the local industry.

 SM Foundation, German Chamber team up to upskill Filipino workers

The Sy family’s SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) and the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) have joined forces to create employment and upskilling opportunities for Filipinos.

 PH miners strike gold as global prices skyrocket

The Philippine mining industry, especially companies engaged in gold extraction, is poised to gain from record-high gold prices in the global market.

 Marcos says Mitsubishi's P7-B investment plan to create jobs for Pinoys

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. welcomed Mitsubishi Motors Corp.'s (MMC) P7-billion investment plan in the Philippines in the next five years, saying that this will create employment for Filipinos.

 DOST, AFP to develop combat uniforms using local fabrics

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) are collaborating to produce battle dress uniforms (BDUs) using locally sourced textile fabrics.

 SteelAsia ships record P1 billion exports to Canada

SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp., the country’s flagship steel company, shipped out over P1.1 billion worth of products to Canada last week, marking the Philippines’ largest steel export to date.

 MPWS, Hitachi to explore wastewater projects in Philippines

A unit of Metro Pacific Water (MPW) will explore wastewater management projects in the Philippines with a subsidiary of Japanese multinational Hitachi Ltd., including development of new treatment plants.

 Philippines, Denmark boost education for Pinoy nurses, healthcare professionals

The Philippine government has signed an agreement with Denmark to enhance healthcare education and training opportunities for Filipino nursing professionals and healthcare assistants interested in working in the European country, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.

Related:

• Pinoy accountants hired by almost all firms in UAE because of expertise –group
• Job opportunities in Taiwan offer monthly salary of at least P52,000
Nice, the same salary as a Medical Physician working in the government.

 Banks NPL ratio falls to 1-year low

The proportion of non-performing loans (NPLs) of Philippine banks to their total loans fell to a one-year low of 3.27 percent in December last year.

Related:

• Booming PH digital lending market to top $1 billion by 2025 -Digido

 Philippine electronics exports seen to benefit from Trump's tariffs vs. China

Given a relatively small exports advantage over America, the Philippines may escape US President-elect Donald J. Trump's tariffs threat and even boost its top export sector in case neighboring economies—especially China—are targeted by American trade and investment sanctions, according to the think tank Oxford Economics.. In particular, Davis cited that "the Philippines maintains a smaller trade surplus with the US compared to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and India."

 ‘Upskilling to expand Philippines role in semicon industry’

Upgrading the skills of Filipino workers from technicians to engineers and professors would allow the country to position itself better in the global semiconductor and electronics industry amid a booming technological advancement, a diplomat said.

 Delayed priority measure on PH seafarers’ charter signed into law

The President last year certified this measure as urgent after more than 50,000 Filipino seafarers working in European vessels almost lost their jobs because of their repeated failure to pass the standards set by European maritime authorities.

 Marcos signs law to tackle jobs mismatch, push quality employment

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act to address jobs and skills mismatch, strengthen career development, and promote quality employment in the country.

 Philippines ready to be a regional manufacturing hub —Marcos

President Marcos touted the Philippines as a strategic location for investment, saying it is now ready to be a regional hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing and services.

 Professor exposes poor records management at state-run fund

The Pag-IBIG Funds’ records management system is apparently so archaic that it has no consolidated records of contributions made by members.

 Philippines retains ‘partly free’ status as democracy struggles

THE PHILIPPINES maintained its “partly free” status for the second consecutive year in the 2025 Freedom in the World report by US-based Freedom House, as inequalities in its justice system remain.

 Tulfo, Lacson lament absence of anti-political dynasty law

Senatorial candidate Erwin Tulfo blamed Congress for not actively acting on a measure that would eradicate political dynasties in the country, maintaining that the absence of such enable the ascendancy of certain clans in the government.

 Lack of centralized data hampers infra planning in Philippines, says PIDS

A comprehensive database on the Philippine infrastructure system and its most urgent demands is necessary for guiding infrastructure investments, according to a recent study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

 Congressmen hit COA for leniency vs erring LGU

Lawmakers are now conducting an inquiry into Mayor Janet Ilagan and Vice Mayor Jay Manalo Ilagan's offices' alleged misuse of public funds and irregularities in its operations. In 2021, their offices spent millions of the local government's funds, and yet they cannot explain where the money was used.

 DPWH flagged for delayed projects worth P215.9 billion

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) for failing to efficiently implement local and foreign-assisted projects amounting to P215.9 billion.

 Will Cebu's BRT ever be finished? World Bank raises concerns

A decade after approving its loan for the Cebu bus rapid transit (BRT) project, the World Bank lamented sluggish implementation and warned it may remain unfinished when the financing ends two years from now.

Related:

• Amid slow project rollout, World Bank extends reduced loan for Metro Manila flood control

 Weak public services cripple Philippine businesses—World Bank

Businesses in the Philippines enjoy operating in a strong regulatory environment but are most bogged down by inefficient government support services, the World Bank's new Business Ready report launched on Oct. 3 showed.

 (PH infra) 61st out of 67 countries in 2024

In 2019, the World Economic Forum ranked the Philippines’ infrastructure 96th out of 141 countries in that year’s Global Competitiveness Report, which aims to provide annual assessments of selected countries’ drivers of long-term economic growth and productivity. The country’s transport infrastructure was ranked 102nd out of 141, while utility infrastructure placed 96th.

The country’s lowest ranking was in education, placing 63rd out of 67, dropping by one position from 2023. It ranked 60th for both health and environment and scientific infrastructure (down three spots from 2023), and ranked 62nd in basic infrastructure (down four spots from 2023).

 The Philippines Has the Highest VAT Rate in Southeast Asia

Every purchase now carries a heavier weight as the Philippines is found to have the highest value-added tax (VAT) rate in all of Southeast Asia for the 2023-2024 period, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

 Philippines seeks UN Security Council seat while facing scrutiny for NTF-ELCAC

The Philippines continues to court other nations’ support for its bid for a seat in the powerful United Nations Security Council while maintaining a controversial anti-insurgency task force that two UN special rapporteurs have called to disband.

  Rightsizing program law to address vacant plantilla positions -DBM

Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman urged Congress to pass the National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) to address the issue of unfilled plantilla positions in the government.

According to the policy brief, the number of undersecretaries and assistant secretaries has almost tripled since 1994, but the country lags in terms of hiring professionals such as teachers and doctors.

 Gender Lunacy

It's time to stop the madness.

 House files 13,454 measures since 2022, says Speaker Romualdez

The House of Representatives has filed a total of 13,454 measures since 2022, Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday. According to Romualdez, these measures were filed from July 25, 2022, to December 27, 2024, comprising 11,241 bills, 2,212 resolutions, and one petition.

 Senate performance in 2024 – 108 bills passed, 72 signed into law

Senate is on track in making 2024 among its most productive years, with more than a hundred bills passed and over 70 signed into law.

 Marcos lauds BOC for collecting P931 billion

President Marcos on Friday lauded the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for collecting P931.046 billion ($17 billion) in 2024, the highest in the agency’s history.

Related:

• BIR, BOC kick off 2025 with higher revenue hauls
• Government revenue hits 27-year high, budget deficit improves in 2024

 Marcos 'purged' unnecessary items from 2025 budget

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Monday defended President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s handling of the 2025 national budget, saying he had “thoroughly purged” it of unnecessary expenditures.

 Nat’l gov’t can save billions from rightsizing program – DBM official

The national government can save billions of pesos through the rightsizing program, a Department of Budget and Management (DBM) official said on Tuesday.

 (Marcos tells UN) PH remains proactive in fighting corruption

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday told the United Nations that the Philippines remains a “proactive member” of the global community in fighting corruption.

 DOF secures ₱1-billion EU grant for justice sector, anti-corruption, women's support

The Department of Finance (DOF) has secured a billion-peso grant from the European Union (EU) to fund a program strengthening the Philippine justice system, combating corruption, and supporting marginalized sectors, particularly women.

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 DBM strengthens commitment to open government, partners with Manila Bulletin, other media organizations

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has inked an agreement with the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation and other major Filipino media companies for transparency and accountability in government.

 SC case disposition up 22%; lower courts resolve over 500,000 cases

There has been a significant increase in case dispositions in several courts across the country in 2024, the Supreme Court spokesperson told reporters on Wednesday, December 11.

 World Bank gives Philippines ‘very satisfactory rating’

The World Bank gave the Philippines a “very satisfactory rating” in the implementation of the P34-billion World Bank and European Union-funded projects under the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP).

 Philippines approves P25.8B maritime security, flood control, tourism projects

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has approved a series of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing maritime security, improving flood control, and advancing tourism infrastructure in the Philippines.

 US treasury commits to strengthen Philippine tax system

The Department of Finance (DOF) said that the US Department of the Treasury has vowed to support the country’s efforts to strengthen its tax and customs administration system.

 Marcos issues EO to streamline gov't's performance evaluation systems

President Marcos has issued an executive order (EO) to streamline and harmonize the Results-Based Performance Management System (RBPMS) and Performance-Based Incentive (PBI) System in government.

 Philippines seeking assistance from IPEF vs corruption

The Philippines plans to seek the assistance of Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) partners in its fight against corruption, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

 Government enhances services with digital financial system

The creation of digital Philippine Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms will enable more efficiency and effective government services for Filipinos, Department of Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said.

 Marcos signs laws to improve gov’t procurement system, curb online scams

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA).

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• EO 59 to prevent delays in infrastructure projects -NEDA