Philippines Morning News For December 11, 2019

154 attacks, threats vs. journalists recorded from 2016 to 2019 –report
A total of 154 attacks or threats against journalists were recorded between the start of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term in June 2016 and December 5, 2019, according to a report by a network of media entities.
— GMA Network

FDI net inflows fell 37% to $5.1b in first nine months
Net inflows of foreign direct investments went down by 2.9 percent in September to $566 million from $582 million a year ago, pulled down by the adverse effects of the prolonged trade dispute between the US and China, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said Tuesday.
— Manilastandard.net

Supreme Court allows live coverage of Ampatuan massacre judgment
The Supreme Court (SC) en banc ruled on Tuesday, December 10, to allow live coverage of the most awaited decision on the Ampatuan massacre which will be held on December 19 inside Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig.
— Rappler

PHL trade deficit widens to $3.25 billion in October from $3.04 billion in September–PSA
AS the country’s trade deficit widened, the country’s reliance on electronic products in boosting external trade performance has increased.
— Business Mirror

Number of Chinese kidnapped in PH jumps by 71% in 2019
The number of kidnapped Chinese has risen by 71% from 2018 to 2019, according to the latest data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) .
— Rappler

2019: Year of rough seas for PH in the face of belligerent China
Yes, the Chinese have been sneaking in and around the West Philippine Sea before, but in 2019, Filipinos faced empirical and visceral proof of China’s constant, widespread, and belligerent presence in Philippine waters.
— Rappler

House panel OKs P20 per kilo tax on single-use plastic bags starting 2020
The House committee on ways and means approved the bill that would impose a P20 excise tax per kilo of single-use plastic bags starting 2020.
— Rappler

Duterte threatens takeover of water firms’ operations
PRESIDENT Duterte has threatened anew to go as far as taking over the operations of water concessionaires aside from filing cases if he is not contented with the answers of water concessionaires on the alleged onerous deals.
— Business Mirror

Recto prods Congress to pass P310-billion salary standardization law
SENATE President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto prodded Congress on Tuesday to pass an updated salary standardization law (SSL) seen to benefit 1.7 million government workers and estimated to cost taxpayers a “P310 billion, four-year tab.”
— Business Mirror

Education in the Philippines is struggling despite $13 billion budget
The PH education system received several criticisms for failing to provide quality results. But is the problem being analyzed with the right perspective?
English Forward

Occidental Mindoro bans coal use for energy
THE provincial board of Occidental Mindoro has adopted an ordinance that effectively prohibits the use of coal as a source of energy.
— Business Mirror

Philippine Airlines launching new Perth flights
Philippine Airlines is relaunching flight from its Manila hub to Perth, WA.
— Centara

Church leaders, advocates say human rights ‘deteriorating’ in Visayas
Human rights has deteriorated in the Visayas, human rights defenders and leaders from the Catholic Church said here on Tuesday, December 10.
— Rappler

Labor groups urge gov’t to end red-tagging of trade unions
Various labor groups in the Philippines held protest actions on Tuesday to commemorate International Human Rights Day and to call for an end to the red-tagging of trade union members and activists.
— GMA Network

2019: Lawlessness in the Philippines under Duterte
The land is the Philippines, the law is President Rodrigo Duterte, and the method is fear.
— Rappler

Kidnapping cases increase – PNP
The number of kidnapping cases in the country has ballooned to at least 75 cases in the past three years, with the police attributing the sharp increase to casino and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related abductions involving Chinese victims and kidnappers.
— Tempo

Duterte threatens Manila Water, Maynilad with expropriation
President Rodrigo Duterte renewed his threat of an immediate government takeover of water distribution and treatment operations, the latest in his spat with water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad.
— Rappler

RBOI-BARMM registers P4.1 billion investments in 2019
The Regional Board of Investments of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-BARMM) has registered a total of P4.1 billion worth of investments and recorded 2,724 number of employment in 2019.
— Philippine Information Agency

Maasin City LGU procures fogging machines to fight against dengue
The local government of Maasin City now owns fogging machines after securing the much needed equipment in its fight against dengue.
— Philippine Information Agency

Charter change gets support of citizens and 256 local officials
AT LEAST 256 local chief executives have expressed their support for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s push to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the Interior and Local Government department said on Tuesday.
— BusinessWorld

Families displaced by Maguindanao clashes cry for help
As government forces battle terrorists in the central Mindanao province of Maguindanao, thousands of people are forced to leave their homes and stay in flimsy makeshift booths in coconut groves and other open spaces.
— Rappler

Rediscount loans more than double to P122.2 billion in 11 months
Banks further beefed up their lending portfolios by taking out more loans from the rediscount window of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) amounting to P122.2 billion from January to November, more than double the P56.82 billion disbursed in the same period last year.
— The Philippine Star

‘PHL and Indonesia had shown the world that bilateralism works’
I AM privileged to join you tonight in celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Indonesia, and to convey the warmest greetings of His Excellency President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, on this happy occasion.
— Business Mirror

ERC: Net metering draft rules at odds with law
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has opined that the Department of Energy’s (DoE) plan to revise the net metering program has “legal drawbacks.”
— Manila Times

Protection of IPs alive, robust in PH: NCIP
Contrary to the bad picture being painted by communist-linked groups, an official of the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) said the protection of indigenous peoples in the Philippines is alive and robust.
— Philippine News Agency

Qualified senior citizens to receive 2019 social pension
After a thorough validation and screening, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 is already paying out social pension for qualified indigent senior citizens in Region 1.
— Philippine Information Agency

SEC vis-à-vis a corporation’s ultra vires acts
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as the registrar and overseer of the corporate sector, is tasked to monitor and supervise corporations to ensure that the corporate vehicle is not used to defraud the investing public. In this light, our corporate law provides a framework for what powers a corporation may exercise.
— Manila Times

Creation of fisheries dept urged anew
LEADERS and stakeholders of the country’s fishing industry are pushing anew for the creation of Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR) to directly address the challenges faced by the sector, particularly the continued decline in production and management of Philippine marine resources.
— Manila Times

Make greater use of our water routes to ease traffic
THERE is good news for Cavite-Metro Manila commuters. “Water jeepneys” between the Cavite City Port Terminal and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Bay Terminal in Pasay City started Monday, cutting the three-to-four-hour land travel through some of the worst traffic in Metro Manila to only 20 minutes.
— Tempo

Robredo calls for justice, support for families orphaned by drug war, rehab for drug users
Vice President Leni Robredo on Monday called for justice and support for orphans and family members who lost their loved ones to drug war killings on top of improved community-based rehabilitation for drug users to mark the International Human Rights Day, saying it is everybody’s responsibility to ease the burden of their fellowmen.
— GMA Network

On Human Rights Day, fight vs abuses continues amid crackdown under Duterte
Groups on Tuesday, December 10, reminded Filipinos the importance of stadning up against repressive policies and fighting for human rights despite massive crackdown under the Duterte administration.
— Rappler

As esports pushes its legitimacy, PH hosting sets Asean bar
Competition is heating up and the medal rounds are looming. It’s the Southeast Asian Games and gladiators of a different make have been battling it out at Filoil Flying V Centre, hoping to make themselves count for their country in the medal tally.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

Australia to assist MinDA on BARMM livelihood projects
The Australian government will partner with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in its implementation of livelihood projects in Sulu and Lanao del Sur envisioned at linking the Bangsamoro region to the multi-billion dollar global Halal industry, according to agency Chairman Manny Piñol.
Manila Bulletin

Japan to play key role in Subic master development plan
Japan will help draw a development master plan for the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and areas near it to spur economic activities there, the Department of Finance (DOF) said on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

TESDA amends housekeeping training regulations
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has amended the Training Regulations (TRs) for Housekeeping NC III and NC IV qualifications falling under the tourism sector in a bid to align its training standards with industry trends and international commitment.
Manila Bulletin

Team PH bags ‘sweet surprise’ 2nd SEA Games overall title
Team Philippines on Tuesday raked in 11 more gold medals to formally clinch the 30th Southeast Asian Games’ overall championship described by a top local sports official as “sweet surprise”.
— Philippine News Agency

Philippine growth seen as ‘exception’ in region
PHILIPPINE economic growth will be an “exception” in a region feeling the effects of the US-China trade war, Nomura Global Markets Research said in a report, adding that its forecasts for Philippine economic growth are “above consensus” at 6% in 2019 and 6.7% in 2020.
— BusinessWorld

Luzon power demand projected to peak at 12,286 MW in 2020
THE Energy department expects power demand in Luzon in 2020 to peak at 12,286 megawatts (MW), which will be reached around the dry-season months, at a growth rate that is in line with performance seen in recent years.
— BusinessWorld

Plastic shopping bag tax measure hurdles panel to raise P4.8 billion
THE House Committee on Ways and Means approved a bill calling for a P20 per kilogram tax on single-use plastic shopping bags Tuesday, a measure intended to raise P4.8 billion to fund the enforcement of the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
— BusinessWorld

Pangasinan unscathed by ‘Tisoy’
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has recorded no damage to agriculture and infrastructure in the province following the onslaught of Typhoon “Tisoy”.
— Philippine News Agency

on Int’l Human Rights Day, De Lima urges youth to fight injustices, speak truth to power
On International Human Rights Day, detained Senator Lelia de Lima urged Filipino youth to use their voices to speak the truth and stand up against injustices to inspire change as violations against human rights continue all over the world, including the Philippines.
— GMA Network

Manila Water, Maynilad: We’re not public utility companies
Concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad Water Services reiterated that they are not public utility companies, despite delivering water to households in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
— Rappler

Dela Rosa says rebels only using peace talks to recruit fighters
Senator Ronald Bato dela Rosa on Tuesday, December 10, slammed the Left for their insincerity, days after President Rodrigo Duterte announced he would send Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to talk to Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder Jose Maria Sison.
— Rappler

Villar denies Duterte aiming for her family to take over water services
Senator Cynthia Villar on Tuesday denied that President Rodrigo Duterte is building up her family to take over the job of supplying water to Metro Manila from two water concessionaires.
— GMA Network

‘No compromise’ on human rights in the Philippines: Bono
U2 frontman Bono said Tuesday there must be no compromise on human rights, in a rebuke of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of the Irish rockers’ first Manila concert.
— CNA

DOJ to continue review of concession pacts despite water firms’ claims they would no longer ask gov’t to pay
The Department of Justice has said it would continue to review the concession agreements entered into by the government with Maynilad and Manila Water, even if their respective officials have said they would no longer ask the state to pay them P11 billion in supposed losses, as ordered by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in Singapore.
— Eagle News

DSWD warns youth on online sexual exploitation of children
Do you know that 60 percent of perpetrators of online and sexual exploitation among children are parents of the victims? Out of the 428 Online and Sexual Exploitation of Children (OSEC) victims rescued from the period 2011 to January 2019 are 12 years or younger.
— Philippine Information Agency

Police: Kidnapped woman in Makati is a POGO worker
Police confirmed Tuesday that the woman who was kidnapped by car-riding men in Makati City on Monday night is a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) worker.
— Tempo

Senate panels push for salary hike for gov’t workers
The Senate bill pushing for a fresh round of salary increases for government workers is now at the plenary.
— Rappler

Lifting of Mindanao martial law shouldn’t have preconditions –Makabayan solons
There should be no preconditions attached to the non-extension of martial law in Mindanao by the end of the year, progressive lawmakers in the House of Representatives said Tuesday.
— GMA Network

AFP vows to continue collaboration with local execs, residents in Mindanao despite non-extension of martial law
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday, Dec. 10, vowed to continue to collaborate with local chief executives and the people in Mindanao even if martial law there will no longer be extended.
— Eagle News

Local water districts of Matnog town damaged by Typhoon Tisoy
Matnog, the southernmost town of this province, is facing a water crisis after its local water districts were destroyed by Typhoon Tisoy (Kammuri).
— Rappler

Bono defends free press in PHL: ‘The safety of journalists is very important’
Bono said, I find some journalists to be a total pain in the arse, but I’m really glad they’re there.
— GMA Network

Bono launches drone delivery service for blood, medicines
IT took him 42 years to come to this side of the world, but the wait was worth it as he has brought good news for people who have limited access to blood and medicines.
— Manila Times

Time needed for yacht registration cut at least a year to 5 days –DOTr
They can make a yacht in less than 30 days. Pero para makuha ang lisensya, umaabot nang isang taon,” Tugade said in a statement released Tuesday.
— GMA Network

BRP Conrado Yap to be deployed to Palawan to protect PHL waters –Empedrad
The BRP Conrado Yap, the Philippine Navy’s most powerful ship, will be deployed to Palawan, according to Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad on Tuesday.
— GMA Network

Panelo falsely claims Makati kidnapping an ‘isolated incident’
Malacañang downplayed the kidnapping of a Chinese woman in Makati, saying it’s nothing but an isolated incident.
— Rappler

Villar on higher galunggong prices: ‘Why eat it if too expensive?’
The country’s richest senator , billionaire Cynthia Villar , said Filipinos should look for healthier and cheaper alternatives to galunggong or round scad, as the Department of Agriculture (DA) eyes its importation amid rising prices.
— Rappler

Palace: Ombudsman can probe SEA Games irregularities on its own
Malacañang said Tuesday the Office of the Ombudsman is mandated to investigate alleged irregularities in government after the anti-graft body announced a probe into the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games.
— GMA Network

Maynilad, Manila Water will no longer demand payment from gov’t
There’s no middle ground , only a win for government.
— Rappler

Chinese abducting POGO workers ‘fairly common’ – Makati investigator
Abductions of Chinese online gaming workers have become a fairly frequent occurrence in the cities of Makati, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque, said Makati Police Investigation Unit chief Major Gideon Ines Jr on Tuesday, December 10.
— Rappler

NCIP holds ELCAC action planning with Cordillera IPs
The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples gathered leaders of the indigenous cultural communities/indigenous peoples (ICCs/IPs) and government stakeholders in the Cordillera region for a three-day event to draw issues and concerns from the lens of the IPs on the Whole-of-Nation Approach program of the government to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC).
— Philippine Information Agency

Filipinos urged to stand up for justice, equality, dignity
A Palace official on Tuesday appealed to Filipinos to do their part in creating a discrimination-free world as the United Nations (UN) commemorates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).”
— Philippine News Agency

MILF base commanders gather; propose dev’t plans, programs
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) base commanders in Mindanao converged here to recommend how to transform their areas into peaceful and progressive communities.
— Philippine News Agency

Regus touts local economy impact of flexible offices outside NCR
SERVICED office company Regus Philippines said local economies outside Metro Manila benefit greatly from having business centers or co-working centers in terms of economic value generated and additional employment.
— BusinessWorld

Industry brings up fisheries dep’t campaign promise
THE fisheries industry continued its lobbying for the establishment of a Department of Fisheries, saying a dedicated Cabinet-level office will better promote the sector’s development.
— BusinessWorld

ERC raises legal concerns about Energy department’s net-metering draft
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) raised legal questions on the Energy department’s draft circular on net-metering, including inconsistencies with existing laws, while pointing out that the regulator is the entity with the mandate to issue rules and regulations.
— BusinessWorld

DA opens one-stop agribusiness hub for Caraga farmers
The Department of Agriculture in Caraga Region (DA-13) opened its One-Stop Agribusiness Center (OSAC) on Tuesday at the DA compound here.
— Philippine News Agency

GenSan to give cash incentives to 2 SEA Games medalists
Two national athletes from this city who garnered silver medals in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Manila are set to receive cash incentives from the city government.
— Philippine News Agency

Subanens hold peace rally as NPA leaders finalize peace talks
While the 53 members of New People’s Army (NPA) and their leaders were on the final stretch of the peace negotiations with government officials, Subanen groups and non-governmental organizations held a “peace rally” outside the Convention and Sports Center here on Tuesday.
— Philippine News Agency

Davao Norte town creates ‘peace protocol’ after NPA clash
With the recent clash between the New People’s Army (NPA) and government troops in neighboring areas, this municipality has established a “peace protocol” to further secure the town from the threats of insurgency.
— Philippine News Agency

Panay power firm shells out P134.9-M in tax dues
The city government here received roughly PHP134.9 million in additional funds for its coffers after Panay Electric Company (PECO) settled its real property tax (RPT) dues to the local government.
— Philippine News Agency

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Philippines morning news for December 11 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on December 11, 2019
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Stella-maris Ewudolu

Journalist at AEC News Today

Stella-maris graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Education from Ebonyi State University, Nigeria in 2005.

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.