Philippines Morning News For December 9, 2019

‘Flagship P8 trillion infrastructure program at a bottleneck’
As the government’s ambitious P8-trillion infrastructure program, commonly referred to as Build Build Build or BBB, continues to lag behind targets, analysts are now raising doubts over the Duterte administration’s capability to complete these flagship projects by 2022.
— The Philippine Star

Proposed 2020 budget approved by Tuesday, then ratified
THE PROPOSED P4.1-trillion national budget for 2020 will be approved on Tuesday, instead of Monday as initially planned, as senators sought more time to study the version produced by the Bicameral Conference Committee, Senate Finance Committee Chairman Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara said on Sunday.
— BusinessWorld

Philippines is ‘the lead in the South China Sea disputes,’ Locsin claims
Within days of the International Criminal Court prosecutor saying it has no jurisdiction over the allegations against Chinese President Xi Jinping for “crimes against humanity” in the West Philippine Sea, Foreign Affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. tweeted that the Philippines often stood up to China.
— The Philippine Star

South Korea, China lift 10-month arrivals
The Philippines continues to be a place for fun for many foreign tourists, attracting some 6.8 million of them from January to October this year.
— Business Mirror

Duterte eases off on water firms, offers to fix contract
The government is willing to negotiate with Manila Water and Maynilad to resolve the “onerous” provisions in the 1997 water deal between the government and the two private utility companies, Malacañang said Sunday.
— Manilastandard.net

DBM drafting simpler bill that forces punctual state spending
THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) is drafting a simpler version of the proposed budget reform bill and plans to submit it to Congress in 2020’s “first quarter.”
— BusinessWorld

Senate, House budget bill versions ‘90% to 95%’ reconciled – Angara
About 90 percent of the conflicting provisions of the Senate and the House of Representatives’ versions of the 2020 budget bill had been reconciled, Senate Finance Committee chair Sen.
— GMA Network

QCPD to implement 5 ‘discipline zones’ starting Dec. 9
Starting Monday, violators of laws and ordinances will be apprehended in five discipline zones in Quezon City, a police official said.
— Philippine News Agency

Panelo downplays critics’ ‘fervent wish’ of Duterte ‘arrest’ in ICC case
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo downplayed the fervent wish of critics who want President Rodrigo Duterte arrested by the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is conducting a preliminary probe into the administration’s war on drugs.
— Rappler

Over 250,000 infrastructures damaged due to Tisoy –NDRRMC
More than 250,000 infrastructures were reported damaged after the onslaught of Typhoon Tisoy, based on the report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Sunday.
— GMA Network

PHL still on top spot with 90 golds as of Sunday noon (Dec. 8)
The Philippines continued lead the 30th Southeast Asian Games medal tally with 90 gold medals as of Sunday noon, Dec. 8.
— Eagle News

Makati to temporarily stop issuing new business permits to POGO service providers
The Makati City government will temporarily stop issuing new business licenses and permits to service providers of Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) effective immediately.
— Rappler

DTI sees 2-4% rise in exports in 2019
The Department of Trade Industry (DTI) expects exports of goods and services to increase by 2 to 4 percent up to about USD99 billion this year, with services leading the growth.”
— Philippine News Agency

DTI: Trade row hurts 2019 goods exports
The Philippines may end 2019 with a flat growth in merchandise goods exports, as trade tensions between the United States and China dampened demand for locally made products, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
— Business Mirror

Philippines, Japan to finalize two infrastructure loan agreements
Manila and Tokyo are expected to finalize soon two loan agreements for the implementation of infrastructure projects in Metro Manila and Davao City, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.
— The Philippine Star

DTI expects investment pledges to hit P1.5t next year
The Trade Department expects investment pledges to reach a record P1.5 trillion next year on the back of more power and manufacturing projects.
— Manilastandard.net

Gov’t to take legal action vs. Maynilad, Manila Water if ‘onerous’ provisions not removed –DOJ
The government will be forced to take legal action against the two water concessionaires if they will not agree to remove the supposedly illegal and onerous provisions in its concession agreement with them, the Department of Justice said Sunday.
— GMA Network

Malacañang: Morales, Del Rosario tapped ‘ineffective process’ for propaganda value
Malacañang on Saturday, December 7, welcomed the conclusion of the International Criminal Court (ICC) that it has no jurisdiction over the crimes allegedly committed by China in the West Philippine Sea.
— Rappler

Changing perks could halve jobs — SEIPI
ELECTRONICS MANUFACTURERS — whose products make up more than half of the country’s goods sold abroad — expect 50% job loss by 2026 if the current version of the bill that overhauls tax incentives was passed, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI) President Danilo C. Lachica said.
— BusinessWorld

Gov’t expects to beat anti-poverty target for 2022
THE government of President Rodrigo R. Duterte expects to beat its anti-poverty goal of 14% by 2022 as reforms such as universal health care help more poor people, the Finance department said.
— BusinessWorld

Measures seeking to improve education quality filed at House
LAWMAKERS have proposed separate measures to improve the quality of education in the country.
— BusinessWorld

High court approves amendments to rules
THE Supreme Court has approved changes to both the 1997 Revised Rules of Civil Procedure and Revised Rules on Evidence.
— BusinessWorld

Joint Army-Police operation yield high-powered firearms of NPA unit
A total of eight high-powered firearms and assorted materiel belonging to a unit of the New People’s Army (NPA) were recovered Saturday in a joint Army-Police operation in barangay Punglo, Maria Aurora town.
— Philippine Information Agency

Kadamay members surrender to the government
A total of 185 members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay) in Bulacan voluntarily surrendered to government peacekeeping forces.
— Philippine Information Agency

PH, China ruling parties should ‘share experiences of governance,’ says new envoy
New Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian stressed the importance of sharing experiences of governance between the ruling political parties of China and the Philippines, the Chinese embassy said in a statement on Saturday, December 7.
— Rappler

PHL men’s volleyball team pulls upset over Thailand to reach finals
The Philippines men’s volleyball team pulled an upset over powerhouse Thailand in a thrilling five-set match on Sunday, Dec. 8, to enter the finals.
— Eagle News

Philippines wants to strengthen medical tourism
Executive checkups, dental procedures are some of the medical treatments the Philippines has to offer that could attract more health and wellness tourists into the country, an official of the Department of Tourism (DOT) said.
— The Philippine Star

DoE hosts first forum on cleaner energy future initiative for Asean
THE Department of Energy (DoE), in partnership with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, and the Mitsubishi Research Institute, Inc., hosted the inaugural Government-Private Forum on Cleaner Energy Future Initiative for Asean (CEFIA) on November 27 at the Makati Diamond Residences.
— The Manila Times

‘PHL needs other growth drivers to reduce poverty’
The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said there is a need to “level up” economic growth and incomes to further cut poverty incidence, which dropped to 16.6 percent in 2018, from 23.3 percent in 2015.
— Business Mirror

PhilMech bats for mechanizing camote harvest to cut farmers’ losses
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) pushed for the development of farm equipment that will help camote planters reduce their postharvest losses.
— Business Mirror

PRRD wants 200 free hajj slots for poor Muslims in 2020
President Duterte wants 200 indigents Muslim Filipinos to perform Islamic pilgrimage or hajj next year for free, with his office shouldering all their expenses at some P200,000 each.
— Manila Bulletin

Lawmaker seeks legalization of ‘habal-habal’
A leader of the House of Representatives on Sunday called for the swift passage of a house bill that seeks to legalize motorcycle-for-hires, or habal-habal, as a mode of public transportation nationwide.
— Business Mirror

Government to review poverty reduction target
The economic team of the Duterte administration will look into the possibility of further lowering the Philippines’ poverty reduction target from the current goal of 14 percent by 2022, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).
— The Philippine Star

Support for ban on single-use plastics gains ground in House
Efforts to prohibit the production, importation, sale, provision and use of single-use plastics have gained ground in the House of Representatives after two more House leaders, including Deputy Speaker and Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, also sought a nationwide single-use plastic ban.
— Manila Bulletin

Isabela floods leave P825 million damage to agri-fisheries
At least P825 million worth of agricultural and fishery products were destroyed by heavy rains and floods in Isabela last week.
— The Philippine Star

Build, Build, Build? Evict, Evict, Evict!
Media extoll the completed or on-stream Build, Build, Build (BBB) construction of expressways, overpasses, bridges, airports, railways, school buildings, evacuation centers and flood control projects.
— Rappler

PH education, lowest in Asean
Our Constitution affords education a top priority when it comes to public expenditures.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer

DOT to boost food tourism initiatives next year
The Department of Tourism (DOT) will continue its push for food tourism next year as it will boost its marketing initiatives in positioning the country as a gastronomic destination.
— The Philippine Star

Banks must report intraday liquidity
Banks will soon need to report to the central bank their intraday liquidity, according to newly approved regulations by monetary authorities.
— Manila Times

We reach a critical point in rice tariffication
We are ending the last quarter of the year, which is our main harvest season and when palay prices are seasonally at their lowest.
— BusinessWorld

The worst in math, science and reading
“PHL lags in global education survey,” read BusinessWorld’s front page banner story on Dec. 5. A one-fourth page graph showed the latest results of the education survey by Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), conducted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
— BusinessWorld

DSWD gives relief supplies to flood-hit families in Cagayan, Isabela
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 2 has conducted relief operations for families in various municipalities affected by rains and flooding caused by the surge of the Northeast Monsoon and the tail end of a cold front.
— Philippine Information Agency

Manila North Road still impassable due to landslide, clearing operations ongoing
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) region 2 personnel are now conducting clearing operations along Manila North Road portions due to landslide.
— Philippine Information Agency

Dead fetus found inside NAIA restroom
A “lifeless fetus reported to be a full-term baby girl” was found inside one of the restrooms at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported Sunday afternoon.
— Philippine News Agency

Eastern Samar town mayor suspended for 90 days over graft case
Mayor Annaliza Gonzales Kwan of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, was suspended by anti-graft court Sandiganbayan for 90 days over a graft case concerning the purchase of a fire truck in 2007.
— Rappler

4 Indian money lenders arrested in Mindanao
Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents have arrested four Indians in an operation against illegal aliens in Mindanao.
— Tempo

Joma won’t be arrested if he returns for peace talks
Communist leader Jose Maria Sison will not be arrested if he agrees to resume the peace talks with the government in the country, Malacañang said yesterday.
— Tempo

Duterte never harassed critics, it’s the other way around
Despite being harassed by his critics and detractors, President Rodrigo Duterte has never done the same to them, Malacañang said on Sunday.
— Philippine News Agency

CHR condemns use of child soldiers after 16-year-old boy died in clash
The Commission on Human Rights on Sunday denounced the use of children as warriors in armed conflict affected areas after the death of a 16-year-old boy in a clash between the state forces and rebels.
— GMA Network

Hontiveros warns hospitals asking patients who need urgent medical care for cash deposits first
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Sunday, Dec. 8, reiterated it was a crime for hospitals to ask a person in need of urgent emergency care for cash deposits before attending to him or her.
— Eagle News

Eleazar wants SAF to go after drug lords
To further intensify the government’s crackdown on illegal drugs, the Special Action Force (SAF) should be included in the anti-drug campaign, especially against high-value targets or big-time drug lords, a ranking official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
— Philippine News Agency

Solon: K to 3 pupils must focus only on reading, math, GMRC subjects
A lawmaker on Sunday suggested not to overload the kindergarten to Grade 3 pupils with many subjects so that they can focus on reading, mathematics and good manners and right conduct (GMRC).
— GMA Network

4 Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu clash
At least 4 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed in a battle with government forces on Saturday, December 7, in Sulu province, said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).
— Rappler

Pending LTFRB approval, Angkas pilot run to be extended – DOTr
Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade ordered the extension of the pilot run of motorcycle ride-hailing firm Angkas, according to DOTr Undersecretary Mark de Leon.
— Rappler

NUPL slams posters linking progressive individuals, groups with CPP
The National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers on Sunday slammed the posting of several paraphernalia in Leyte and General Santos City which appears to link progressive groups and individuals with the Communist Party of the Philippines.
— GMA Network

Palace predicts ICC junking of motion to probe PHL’s war on drugs
Malacañang said Sunday that the International Criminal Court will also decide to dismiss, for lack of jurisdiction, a motion urging the court to determine whether it is in the position to investigate complaints arising from the Philippines war on drugs.
— GMA Network

‘For democracy’: De Lima urges lawmakers to renew ABS-CBN franchise
Detained Senator Leila de Lima on Saturday, December 7, called on her fellow lawmakers to renew the franchise of broadcasting giant ABS-CBN Corporation , saying that doing otherwise would make them complicit in the death of democracy in the country.
— Rappler

PNP mobile forces eyed to help AFP vs. NPA front orgs
The heads of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are looking at aligning the skills of the PNP mobile forces in helping soldiers manage the New People’s Army (NPA) front organizations operating in urban areas.
— Philippine News Agency

DepEd to parents: Guide students to use the internet for learning
The Department of Education on Sunday urged parents to teach their children to use the internet as a learning environment and not as a distraction for their studies.
— GMA Network

LGU Maasin City surpasses 2019 blood collection target
The local government unit of Maasin City has surpassed already its blood collection target of 891 blood bags, the city health official in this city said during the Local Blood Council meeting on Friday at the Maasin City Hall.
— Philippine Information Agency

South Cotabato police arrest aunt offering nieces for online sex
The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested a woman in South Cotabato for offering Filipina girls, including her own nieces, for online sexual exploitation , the International Justice Mission (IJM) said Saturday, December 7.
— Rappler

Bohol aims to become PH milk capital
Bohol Province is pushing to lead the country’s milk industry after the National Dairy Authority (NDA) and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) located inside the Ubay Stock Farm started its dairy production from cattle and carabao and Bohol farmers began to adopt dairy production as an alternative source of income.
— Manila Bulletin

LRWC ends talks with Galaxy, drops plans for Boracay casino
LEISURE & Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) is dropping its plan to build a casino on its 23-hectare property in Boracay, as the company is no longer in talks with Galaxy Entertainment Group for the project.
— BusinessWorld

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Philippines morning news for December 9 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on December 9, 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.