Philippines Morning News For November 1

PH ranking in ease of doing business slips from 99th to 113th
The Philippines’ ranking in the ease of doing business slipped to 113th this year from 99th last year across the 190 countries covered by an annual World Bank Group report.
— Philippine Daily inquirer

BOI approves $152,000 for cashew project in the Philippines
The Board of Investments recently approved the application of R-Ley Trading, based in Roxas, Palawan in the Philippines, as an expanding export producer of roasted cashew nuts.
— Fresh Plaza

Japan signs $6 billion worth of investment deals with the Philippines
President Rodrigo Duterte witnessed the signing of 25 agreements between the Philippines and Japanese firms that will potentially yield $6billion worth of investments for the country, said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Monday.
— Fresh Plaza

Is the Philippines Government Ready to Legalize Medical Cannabis?
The time is now to advance medical cannabis in the Philippines, said a policy advisor to Congressman Rodolfo T. Albano, who authored recent legislation.
— Marijuana

Indonesia Warships in Philippines on Goodwill Mission
On Sunday morning, two Indonesian warships visited the Philippines for what was termed a goodwill and cooperation mission. The visit was a reminder of the ongoing cooperation between the two Southeast Asian countries in the maritime domain.
— The Diplomat

20 Japanese companies to invest in PH after Duterte visit
During President Rodrigo Duterte’s second visit to Japan, 20 Japanese companies signed letters of intent signifying their interest to invest in the Philippines.
— Rappler

Japan provides $1-B loan for Philippines subway, other projects
Japan will provide close to P60 billion in loans to the Philippines to support three key infrastructure and development projects, including the establishment of a subway system in Metro Manila.
— Philstar

‘PH subway running by end of Duterte’s term’
THE country will have its first subway system before the end of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term.
— The Manila Times

Duterte holding on to China’s promise on Scarborough Shoal
President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday, October 31, he is holding on to China’s promise that it will not build anything on Scarborough Shoal.
— Rappler

UN aims to get more PH companies in family planning project
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) is aiming to partner with nine more Philippine companies to educate women about family planning and reproductive health care.
— ABS-CBN

PH navy top commander bats for urban terrain training
An official of the Philippine Navy sees the need for Navy force units, especially those involved in ground assault missions, to get more training and exposure in urban warfare.
— Update Philippines

Digital marketing ‘undervalued’ in PH: analyst
Filipino companies have yet to tap the full potential of digital channels to grow their business, a marketing analyst said Tuesday.
— ABS-CBN

UN report sees better prospects for PHL
THE PHILIPPINES was one of Asia’s “rising stars” in attracting foreign direct investments (FDI) last year and is among economies “expected to enjoy significantly better trade prospects this year,” according to a report the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) released on Oct. 30.
— BusinessWorld

Govt addressing delays in ecozone proclamations
Malacañang is working on the proclamation of new economic zones in a bid to address concerns raised by investors, a business group said.
— The Manila Times

PH, Japan ink ¥15.9b flood control loan
JAPAN has agreed to finance the initial loan provisions aimed at mitigating flooding in areas in Cavite province that host manufacturing facilities.
— Manila Standard

Loans, liquidity rise at double-digit level
Bank loans and money supply increased at double-digit levels in September from a year ago, in line with the overall economic growth, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.
— Manila Standard

Excessive regulation to hurt aviation
The International Air Transport Association warned the Philippine government that excessive regulation in the aviation industry could dampen the growth of the sector.
— Manila Standard

Political uncertainty could weigh on growth
Philippine economic growth may end up weaker than expected given signs that investors are being discouraged by the political climate, a research consultancy said.
— The Manila Times

PH, Japan finalize action plan vs. illegal drugs
The Philippines and Japan finalized the mid- and long- term action plan against illegal drugs during the working visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Tokyo, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed Tuesday night.
— Philippine News Agency

Farm dep’t signals shift in focus to meeting domestic demand
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said the farm industry’s export focus is overdone, resulting in an underserved domestic market.
— BusinessWorld

DFA resets passport appointments for ASEAN Summit
In light of the upcoming ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) rescheduled passport appointment dated November 13 to 15 for accommodation at any date until Nov. 29, 2017.
— Philippine News Agency

GBPC plans pumped-storage hydropower plant in Visayas
GLOBAL BUSINESS Power Corp. (GBPC) is developing a pumped-storage hydroelectric power plant in the Visayas with an initial capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) that it plans to use as back up power to the grid operator, its top official said.
— BusinessWorld

Sin tax take reaches P17.7B in September
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) posted PHP17.7 billion sin tax collection in September 2017, up 12 percent from PHP16.67 billion a year ago.
— Philippine News Agency

Troops kill Maute straggler in Marawi
Government forces yesterday killed a pro-Islamic State (IS) gunman in Marawi, a military official said, eight days after the hostilities were declared over.
— Philstar

November 1 has always had a profound place in the heart of family-centric Filipinos.
When Rappler interviewed her on Friday, October 27, she said they already cleaned 3 tombs since her semestral break began that week. It was less than the number they cleaned last year, she added.
— Rappler

PH Red Cross ready for Undas
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will mobilize its 103 chapter staff and volunteers nationwide to ensure public safety and attend to medical needs in line with its Oplan Kaluluwa 2017 as many Filipinos travel to their home provinces and flock to cemeteries for All Saints’ Day.
— Philippine Canadian Inquirer

PH to host Asian Obstacle
The Philippines hopes to make another mark in the world athletic stage as the Philippine Obstacle Sports Federation (POSF) hosts the 1st Asian Obstacle Course Race Championships early next year at the Aseana City in Parañaque City.
— Manila Bulletin

Human rights groups condemn Trump’s ‘warm rapport’ with Philippine leader
The White House has been condemned by human rights watchdogs after stating that Donald Trump enjoys “a warm rapport” with Rodrigo Duterte, the Philippine president whose war on drugs has led to thousands of extrajudicial killings.
— The Guardian

The Philippines looks to foreign investment to liberalise trade
In early October Ernesto Pernia, the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), told media that the government planned to significantly reduce the foreign capital limit currently in place for the retail sector.
— Oxford Business Group

Duterte to keep hands off probe on Paolo, son-in-law
President Duterte is leaving up to independent agencies to probe the alleged involvement of his son, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, and son-in-law, Manases Carpio, in drug trafficking activities.
— Manila Bulletin

Duterte orders release of P500M to care for soldiers wounded in Marawi
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ordered the release of P500 million for the care of soldiers who were wounded in the battle of Marawi City.
— Manila Bulletin

Duterte open to maritime exercises with Japan Coast Guard
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is open to continued maritime safety exercises between the coast guards of the Philippines and Japan in the region.
— Manila Bulletin

Feature photo European Commission DG ECHO
Find our previous morning news feature photos in the AEC News Today Morning News Feature Photos gallery where you will find a pictorial display of daily life throughout the Asean Economic Community (AEC).

Philippines morning news by AEC News Today is your one stop source for Philippines news on matters of governance and policies affecting Asean business communities. It is published M-F by AEC News Today: Governance, not government; policies not politics.

Philippines Morning News For November 1 added by Leakhena Khat on November 1, 2017
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Leakhena Khat

Leakhena is a junior journalist at AEC News Today who is also currently studying International Relations, which she finds adds perspective to her work reporting on the Asean Community.

“I love what I am doing so much as it gives me a lot of great experience and provides challenges to my mind.