Rody starts budget scrutiny amid House-Senate row
President Rodrigo Duterte is still “doing his homework” and scrutinizing the 2019 national budget, the Palace said on Monday, expressing optimism that he will sign the P3.757-trillion spending bill within the week.
— Manilastandard.net
US looking at terrorist financing through OFW remittances
THE United States is closely monitoring possible terrorist financing activities in the Philippines, a high-ranking Treasury official said yesterday.
— Malaya
Philippine Bonds Blow Away Global Peers as Inflation Slides
Philippine bonds were the world’s best-performers in the first quarter as slowing inflation fanned speculation the central bank has room to cut interest rates.
— Bloomberg
Subsidies to GOCCs down 64.5% to P3.56B
The national government’s subsidies to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) amounted to P3.56 billion as of end-February 2019, with the lion’s share accounted for by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
— Malaya
Big infra projects face delays from poll ban
THE implementation of big-ticket infrastructure projects faces delays as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked for additional documents from economic managers before it could decide on their request for exemption from the public works ban.
— Business Mirror
Banknotes with Diokno’s signature in circulation by June
The initial batch of Philippine bank notes bearing the signature of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno will be out around June 2019.
— Philippine News Agency
Duterte wants all Philippine government contracts reviewed for ‘onerous’ provisions
President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered a review of all government contracts with companies and other countries to remove “onerous” provisions that he said could harm Filipinos.
— The Straits Times
NEDA, DBM sign IRR for rice tariff law: Palace
Malacañang said Tuesday the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the rice tariffication law has already been signed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
— Philippine News Agency
Rice farms bear brunt as El Niño damage in 14 regions hits P5 billion
DAMAGE to the farm sector by the weak El Niño has gone up to P5.05 billion, with estimated volume losses of 276,568 metric tons (MT) and 164,672 farmers affected, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday.
— Business Mirror
Chinese contractors best bet for railway projects — DOTr
Chinese contractors are seen as the Philippines’ best bet in undertaking its biggest and most ambitious long haul railway projects to date, according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
— The Philippine Star
Aid Workers: People Displaced by Offensives in Philippine South Face Food Shortage
Tens of thousands of civilians uprooted during military offensives targeting militant suspects in three southern Philippine provinces were short on food, humanitarian aid workers told BenarNews as they delivered relief supplies to displaced people.
— Benar News
DOE on a 5-country roadshow for petroleum contracting
The markets targeted for multi-continent investment enticements are Singapore, United States of America, Canada, United Arab Emirates (in Abu Dhabi) and all the way down to Argentina.
— Manila Bulletin
Health workers remap villages, administer measles vaccine
More health workers will be deployed to go around the different households and administer anti-measles vaccine to children, an official of the city’s Health Services Office (HSO) said.
— Philippine News Agency
Poe: Release ‘made in China’ loan contracts for public scrutiny
Reelectionist senator Grace Poe on Tuesday, April 2, said the “made in China” loan contracts should be vetted and be released for public scrutiny.
— Rappler
Cebu City disaster council to recommend state of calamity
The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) is set to recommend the declaration of a state of calamity as damage to crops in 28 of the city’s 80 barangays has reached almost PHP15 million due to the mild El Niño.
— Philippine News Agency
Gov’t mulls bringing 2016 arbitral ruling to UN
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said the government is considering the United Nations (UN) General Assembly as an option to enforce the 2016 ruling by The Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration on the Philippines’ sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea.
— BusinessWorld Online
Hanjin takeover not limited to Chinese — gov’t
While two Chinese shipbuilding companies are waiting in the wings for their planned takeover of the debt-ridden Hanjin Heavy Industries (HHI), the Philippine government is also talking to other interested parties to bail out the debt-ridden shipbuilding firm.
— The Philippine Star
Women’s unpaid housework reckoned at 20% of PHL GDP
THE unpaid work rendered by women in the Philippines has been valued at nearly P2 trillion, equivalent of 20% of Philippine GDP, a government think tank said.
— BusinessWorld Online
Duterte Cabinet draws up plan vs El Niño, water shortage
Heads of government agencies presented to President Rodrigo Duterte roadmap on water supply-related issues during the Cabinet meeting on Monday, April 1.
— Rappler
26 deaths in W. Visayas due to dengue
Dengue fever already claimed 26 lives in Western Visayas based on the 11th morbidity week of monitoring by the Department of Health -Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD).
— Philippine News Agency
DOE mulls engagement of 3rd party to announce oil price adjustments
With the very lethargic approach of the oil companies on pricing adjustments, the Department of Energy (DOE) indicated that it is mulling over the engagement of a third party entity that will make announcements on price movements at Philippine petroleum pumps.
— Manila Bulletin
Household workers in Western Visayas get P500 pay hike
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB)-6 (Western Visayas) has approved a PHP500 salary increase for domestic workers or “kasambahays” in the region.
— Philippine News Agency
Duterte to release documents on police involvement in drug trade
The President said his administration’s unsuccessful drug war will be best explained by documents showing police involvement in the drug trade.
— CNN Philippines
President agrees to roadmap coordinating gov’t water agencies
MALACAÑANG on Tuesday said President Rodrigo R. Duterte gave his consent to the proposed creation of a Department of Water that would “synchronize all the acts from other agencies to prevent the recurrence of a water shortage.”
— BusinessWorld Online
Indonesia lifts ban on exports of PH onions, bananas
In a sudden move, Indonesia lifted anti-dumping measure on Philippine bananas and non-tariff measure on onions/shallots and even urged its ASEAN colleague to immediately restart exporting these agricultural products to Indonesia.
— Manila Bulletin
AFP receives P85-million PCSO assistance
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) formally received checks amounting to P85 million from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) under the agency’s AFP/Philippine National Police (PNP) Health Capability Program in a ceremony held at the PCSO Conservatory Building, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City, on Monday, April 1.
— Manila Bulletin
‘PHL lags in protecting intellectual property’
THERE might be improvements, but Manila still has a lot of work to do in protecting the intellectual-property (IP) rights of creators and copyright holders, according to a Washington report.
— Business Mirror
757 tarantulas seized at NAIA
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscated 757 live tarantulas that arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Central Mail Exchange Center on Monday from Poland.
— The Philippine Star
Comelec orders media to give bets higher ad discounts
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) ordered media outlets to give candidates higher discounts for their election propaganda, as the poll body implements an amended law.
— Rappler
Indonesian coffee firm to invest P4B in PH
Indonesia’s PT Mayora Indah Tbk(Mayora), maker of Kopiko, pledged to invest $80 million in local coffee manufacturing and processing in the Philippines over the next five years both for the domestic and export markets.
— Malaya
‘PHL must diversify exports to China’
THE country’s trade chief wants the Philippines to diversify its exports to China in a bid to balance its trade sheet with the economic superpower.
— Business Mirror
Bill to repeal Rice Tariffication law ready, says party-list solon
Anakpawis party-list Representative Ariel Casilao said on Tuesday a bill is set to be filed before the House of Representatives seeking to repeal RA 11203 or the controversial Rice Tariffication Law.
— GMA News
Chinese ships ‘standing by’ in disputed waters must leave after filing of diplomatic protest — Palace
HUNDREDS of Chinese vessels reportedly stationed around the Pag-asa Island in the disputed West Philippine (South China) Sea should immediately leave after the government filed a diplomatic protest, Malacanang said …
— The Manila Times
200 Shandong bizmen explore Cebu’s investment potentials
More than 200 Chinese businessmen on Tuesday explored Cebu province’s investment potentials through a cooperation seminar organized by the People’s Provincial Government of Shandong, China.
— Philippine News Agency
Carpio: Dominguez wrong, PH defaulted on debt in 1983
Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio corrected Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, saying that the Philippines has had its own share of loan defaults, contrary to the latter’s claims.
— Rappler
SC to probe judges linked to illegal drugs
The Supreme Court has tasked Associate Justice Diosdado Peralta to coordinate with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for the list of judges linked to illegal drugs.
— Eagle News
Proposed task force seeks to end hunger in PH by 2030
President Rodrigo R. Duterte has approved a proposal to draft an executive order (EO) creating a task force that seeks to eradicate hunger in the country by 2030, Malacañang said on Tuesday.
— Philippine News Agency
Yellow alert lifted in Luzon grid — Energy dept
THE yellow alert over the Luzon grid for most part of Tuesday was lifted after its reserves were deemed sufficient, the Department of Energy (DoE) announced on Tuesday.
— The Manila Times
Davao Light to pilot solar project in public school
DAVAO LIGHT and Power Company, Inc. (DLPC), a unit of Aboitiz Power Corp., is launching this year a solar power project, with the Sta. Ana National High School (SANHS) in Davao City as pilot site.
— BusinessWorld Online
Negros Oriental provincial, town police chiefs relieved amid probe of 14 deaths
THE PROVINCIAL police director of Negros Oriental and the chiefs in one city and two towns have been relieved from their posts as the investigation on the death of 14 farmers suspected as communist supporters gets underway, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar D. Albayalde announced on Tuesday.
— BusinessWorld Online
DOTr on heightened alert for Holy Week exodus
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies will be on heightened alert status in preparation for the great volume of passengers going to the provinces during the Holy Week break.
— Philippine News Agency
Zambo City council okays CCTV ordinance
The City Council here Tuesday approved an ordinance that mandates business establishments to install a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera system two years after the mayor signs it into a law.
— Philippine News Agency
SM Prime Holdings adopts Parañaque River, estuary
SM Prime Holdings Incorporated signed a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the cities of Pasay and Parañaque to help clean up waterways.
— Rappler
Cebu provincial government rolls out El Niño response plan
AN INITIAL P20 to P25 million budget has been allocated by the Cebu provincial government for intervention projects to assist farmers, fisherfolk, and other communities affected by the prevailing El Niño phenomenon.
— BusinessWorld Online
Albayalde relieves Negros commander, 3 police directors
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Oscar Albayalde has relieved the commander of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (PPO) and three police directors to give way for an impartial investigation of the bloody operations in the province that led to the death of …
— Tempo
PNP Set To Conduct Probe on Jim Paredes’ Scandal Video
PNP Ready To Investigate Jim Paredes’ Controversial Scandal Video The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed their willingness to conduct an investigation regarding Jim Paredes’ scandal video
— Philippine News
El Niño’s crop damage has no ‘adverse impact’ on national production – DA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said the agricultural damage sustained from he weak El Niño would have minimal effect on national production.
— Rappler
Limits to fishing in disputed seas? Yes, only PHL can in its EEZ, says expert
China’s Ambassador Zhao Jianhua may have referred to the Philippines’ rights over resources within its exclusive economic zone when the envoy said there was a limit to fishing in the West Philippine Sea, an international law expert said on Tuesday.
— GMA News
Independent body should study alleged damage on WPS
Malacañang on Tuesday said an independent body should conduct a study to confirm whether there is indeed “destruction of the environment” due to China’s buildup in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
— Philippine News Agency
2 police escorts to teachers injured in Abu Sayyaf ambush in Sulu
TWO police escorts to a group of teachers were injured in Patikul, Sulu in an ambush by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group on Tuesday morning.
— The Manila Times
Next in line: Sugar import liberalization
MANILA, Philippines – To combat rising prices of agricultural goods, it seems the government’s go-to solution has been to simply flood the market with imports.
— Rappler
CDO ex-mayor to lead WW2 historical body
The local government has appointed former mayor Constantino Jaraula to lead a historical committee focusing on data and artifact collection from the World War II (WW2) era.
— Philippine News Agency
PopCom brings family planning drive to gov’t offices
The Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) and the Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) in Eastern Visayas forged on Tuesday a memorandum of agreement to strengthen the Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) program through the conduct of classes in government offices.
— Philippine News Agency
NCRPO to deploy over 11,500 policemen to secure M. Manila during summer
The National Capital Region Police Office will deploy more than 11,500 policemen to secure Metro Manila during the summer.
— Eagle News
City gov’t promotes climate resilient businesses
Noel Mora, city environment officer, (center) presents to the City Investment Board the plan to delineate the stretch of the Pinacanauan River for tree planting projects.
— Philippine Information Agency
Feature photo World Heath Organization Philippines
This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo acknowledges World Health Day, April 7.
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 April 3 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on
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Stella-maris Ewudolu
Between November 2010 and February 2012 she was a staff writer at Daylight Online, Nigeria writing on health, fashion, and relationships. From 2010 – 2017 she worked as a freelance screen writer for ‘Nollywood’, Nigeria.
She joined AEC News Today in December 2016.
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