Philippines morning news for February 4

Philippines morning news for February 4
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Philippines morning newsPH drops 9 places in global economic freedom ranking
The Philippines achieved an economic freedom score of 63.8, making the economy the 70th freest in the 2019 Index of Economic Freedom (IEF), the Heritage Foundation announced.
— Manila Bulletin

EU flags ‘almost flat trend’ in PHL exports
THE European Union has urged the Philippines to make the most out of the EU Generalized System of Preferences program as Philippine exports to the EU have not been moving upward.
— BusinessWorld Online

PHILIPPINE TROOPS BATTLE MUSLIM MILITANTS AFTER CHURCH BLAST
Philippine troops clashed with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in fierce jungle fighting that left five soldiers and three militants dead, as the military pushed forward with a fresh offensive following a deadly church bombing last weekend.
— Khaosod English

14 deaths due to dengue, cases rise in Central Visayas
AT LEAST 14 people died of dengue in Central Visayas in the first 26 days of the year, 11 of whom were from Cebu, records of the Department of Health-Region 7 (DoH-7) showed.
— BusinessWorld Online

Lacson hit for P50-billion budget ‘insertions’
House Majority Leader and Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro said Saturday self-proclaimed anti-pork barrel crusader Senator Panfilo Lacson had introduced P50 billion of his own allocation into the 2019 budget.
— Manilastandard.net

World Bank official flags impact of lack of competition on PHL economy
LACK OF competition hinders the country from making significant progress in reducing poverty, according to an official from the World Bank.
— BusinessWorld Online

Doubts raised over claims Indonesian couple was behind Philippine church bombings
Analysts have raised doubts over claims made by a senior Philippine government official that an Indonesian couple was behind the church bombings in the southern Philippines, citing a lack of evidence.
— The Straits Times

Cebu province endorses P57.8B worth of projects to regional council for 2020 budget
THE CEBU Provincial Development Council (PDC) has approved and endorsed P57.771 billion worth of projects for 2020 to the Regional Development Council.
— BusinessWorld Online

DA forges fisheries deal with Papua New Guinea
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), has forged a deal on fisheries development with the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea.
— Manila Bulletin

Hanjin’s rehabilitation receiver resigns
HARDLY had moves to rescue debt-saddled Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines, Inc. (HHIC-Phil) begun than the rehabilitation receiver resigned last week, citing creditors’ opposition to his appointment.
— BusinessWorld Online

Foreign biz seeks easier entry into PHL data transmission
FOREIGN businesses on Sunday appealed to senators to pass a bill that will open up the data-transmission industry to more players by removing barriers to entry and prohibiting anticompetitive practices.
— Business Mirror

DTI to entice foreign investors to set up infra facilities
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking to entice more foreign investors to set up manufacturing facilities in the Philippines through the country’s participation in the world’s leading trade show for industrial technology.
— The Philippine Star

Science for Change
BEYOND the stellar performance and numerous achievements of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in 2018, such as the launch of the country’s second microsatellite Diwata 2 and the signing of the Balik Scientist law, among others, Science Secretary Fortunato de la Peña expressed his drive to improve three key areas: manpower, infrastructure and innovation.
— Business Mirror

RCBC unfazed by possible Bangladesh central bank case
Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC) is facing a possible suit in a U.S. court over the multimillion-dollar Bangladesh central bank heist three years ago.
— CNN Philippines

PLDT discloses program to invest P70b this year
PLDT Inc. said it is spending at least P70 billion this year to expand its fiber and wireless networks nationwide.
— Manilastandard.net

DTI eases importation of used trucks, components
Importation of used non-Euro4 motor vehicles, parts and components has been allowed up to June 2019 only and for as long as these units passed the mandatory emissions standards test, but the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is already looking at extending this deadline to help the local truck rebuilding industry.
— Manila Bulletin

Metro Manila mayors pass resolution supporting Manila Bay rehab, to resettle informal settlers contributing to bay’s pollution
(Eagle News) — Metro Manila mayors and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), have passed a resolution supporting the Manila Bay Rehabilitation program of the National Government, including the moves to close establishments polluting its waters and resettle informal settlers living along river tributaries.
— Eagle News

PDEA eyes establishment of office inside CRK
Pampanga Provincial Peace and Order Council and Anti-Drug Abuse Council Chairperson Governor Lilia Pineda (middle) endorses a resolution requesting for a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency office inside the Clark International Airport to beef up its anti-illegal drugs campaign.
— Philippine Information Agency

PH’s sugar production now stands at 1.1 MMT
The country’s sugar production has already reached 1.1 million metric tons (MT) or halfway through the government’s sugar production target for the current crop year, but stakeholders are not too optimistic.
— Manila Bulletin

PHL abaca production up 6% in 2018
Abaca output in the Philippines, the world’s top producer of the natural fiber, rose by 6 percent year-on-year in 2018, as planters sought to meet the rising global demand for the commodity.
— Business Mirror

DICT to pursue common tower policy even without 3rd telco
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said Saturday it is pushing through with the implementation of its common tower policy even without the entry of a new major telco player.
— Philippine News Agency

2 Chinese drug traffickers killed, P1.9B shabu seized
TWO suspected Chinese drug traffickers were killed and 274 kilos of shabu, worth P1.9 billion, were seized by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency during a buy-busy operation in Tanza, Cavite yesterday afternoon.
— Malaya

PHL reclaims rank as 2nd top banana exporter; growers seek govt aid
THE Philippines has reclaimed its position as the second-largest exporter of bananas in the world, but Filipino growers urged the government to provide more support to maintain the stature, amid tightening competition with South American producers.
— Business Mirror

‘Piggy banks lined with toxic lead’
Environmentalist group Ecowaste Coalition on Sunday urged consumers to be cautious of piggy banks and pig-inspired decorations containing high levels of toxic lead, which is unsafe to the people, especially children.
— Manilastandard.net

Our Top Picks: Best Beaches in the Philippines
With more than 7,000 islands in a tropical country, the Philippines is the perfect setting for the sand, sea and sun for its many beaches.
— Inquirer.net

Alejano, Chel Diokno express concern over Mindanao security situation
Two senatorial candidates on Sunday expressed their concern over the security situation in Mindanao, as the region has been hit by terrorist attacks despite being under martial law.
— GMA News

DOH to conduct massive immunization vs. rising number of measles cases
Department of Health Undersecretary Rolando Domingo said on Saturday that the entire year will be dedicated to conducting a massive immunization program to protect the communities from the rising number of measles cases in the country.
— GMA News

Philippine forces cleared this city of Islamist militants in 2017. It’s still a ghost town.
At the edge of a bridge leading into the heart of the devastation from a 2017 siege against Islamic State-linked militants, an electric-blue billboard stands apart from the ruins.
— The Washington Post

Philippines: Concern over extreme ideology of armed groups
A member of Ajang-Ajang, an armed group accused of carrying out last week’s twin bombings in the southern Philippines, has spoken exclusively to Al Jazeera.
— Al Jazeera

Duterte impersonator sparks frenzy at Hong Kong church
A Rodrigo Duterte impersonator sparked frenzy and confusion during Sunday mass when he walked into a Hong Kong church popular with the city’s Filipino community.
— ABS-CBN News

Tight security assured in Batang Pinoy meet
Giovanni Gulanes, Davao Del Norte’s provincial government department chief on youth and sports development, yesterday said they have already reinforced several measures on competition venues and billeting areas weeks before to ensure the safety of the delegates.
— Tempo

DOH looking into possibility that fake rabies vaccine doses still on the market
The Department of Health (DOH) is now investigating if there are still fake rabies vaccines on the market, after it was discovered that a supplier allegedly provided at least one hospital with the counterfeit product.
— GMA News

Duterte jokes about online rumors of his death
Responding on online rumors of his death, President Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday asked for messages from priests and the last wishes of drug users, which he said he would deliver to God.
— GMA News

Castro defends congressmen’s adjustments to proposed nat’l budget; lashes out at Lacson
House Majority Leader Fredenil Castro on Saturday, Feb. 2, defended the adjustments made by congressmen to the proposed national budget, even asking Senator Panfilo Lacson, who has been vocal against the pork barrel system, where his “P50-billion amendment” would go.
— Eagle News

Ilocos Norte passes anti-littering ordinance
Ilocos Norte gears toward proper waste management as the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approves the passage of the anti-littering ordinance on Jan. 28.
— Philippine Information Agency

All-set for minor basilica elevation of Marian shrine in Badoc
Physical and security preparations are now being prepared for the official proclamation of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church as “minor basilica” in Badoc town on Feb. 5.
— Philippine Information Agency

Gaming bill seen clearing House plenary
The House of Representatives was expected to approve on third and final reading a bill seeking to strengthen and expand the authority of the Games and Amusement Board to supervise other forms of international amusement events and online cockfighting betting before its sine adjournment this week.
— Manilastandard.net

Bicam lawmakers agree to ratify 2019 budget next week
Both houses of Congress are expected to ratify the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019 next week, as members of the bicameral conference committee reached an understanding, House Majority Leader and Capiz Representative Fredenil Castro said on Saturday.
— GMA News

Investors seen awaiting inflation, policy rate news
INFLATION data due tomorrow, February 5, and results of a Monetary Board meeting on Thursday are expected to determine the stock market’s direction during a shortened trading week.
— The Manila Times

4 suspects in slay of QC village chief arrested
POLICE announced Sunday the arrest of four suspects in the ambush-slaying of Quezon City village chairwoman and congressional candidate Crissel Beltran during a press conference at the headquarters of Quezon City Police District (QCPD) in Camp Karingal.
— Tempo

At least 8 bandits killed, several others wounded as military captures bandit stronghold in Maguindanao
(Eagle News)-At least eight members of the Islamic State-inspired Daulah Islamiyah were killed after the military captured a bandit stronghold in Maguindanao.
— Eagle News

Batang Pinoy fires off today
A simple opening ceremony will be held today at the Davao del Norte Sports and Tourism Complex with Davao del Norte Gov. Anthony Del Rosario leading the list of officials welcoming thousands of delegates for the weeklong multi-sports event.
— Tempo

No safe place
The high-profile political assassinations that took place recently in Quezon City, according to the news archives, were grudges that had roots elsewhere, far-away conflicts that gunmen opted to settle in the capital city.
— The Manila Times

PHL should protest construction of China rescue center in Spratlys, Locsin says
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Saturday said the Philippines should protest the construction of the China maritime rescue center reported to be on the Kagitingan Reef in the Spratlys.
— GMA News

Andaya: House budget bicam members want DBM report on unreleased 2018 funds
House members of the bicameral conference committee on the 2019 national budget have requested the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to furnish them with a report on the total unreleased appropriations and unobligated allotment for the year 2018.
— GMA News

Airbus sees Philippines as aviation investment destination
The Philippines, with its continuing economic expansion and population growth, is now seen as the best place to invest in Asia as far as the aviation industry is concerned, an executive from European aerospace giant Airbus said.
— The Philippine Star

Swiss firms urged to do business in Philippines
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is encouraging Swiss firms to do business and invest in the Philippines particularly in the areas of aerospace, agriculture, electronics, healthcare, information technology and food and beverage.
— The Philippine Star

 

Feature photo Philippine News Agency

This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo acknowledges Chinese New Year, 2019.

 

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.

 

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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.

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