Malacanang nixes foreign funding of PH media
Malacañang is opposed to the foreign funding of some media entities especially when such resources are supposedly used to “demonize” the government.
— Tempo
Economic cluster to review spending target
The Duterte cabinet’s Economic Development Cluster (EDC) is set to review this week the government’s spending target to determine if it is still achievable given the delay in the passage of the 2019 budget, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.
— The Philippine Star
Probe set on 1 million invalidated votes
The endorsement of some influential groups of more than 12 senatorial candidates could have led to “overvotes” of over a million in the May 13 elections that were invalidated, Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III said yesterday.
— The Philippine Star
IC cuts risk charges for infra investments
THE Insurance Commission (IC) has reduced capital charges to make infrastructure investments under the government’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP) more accessible to insurers and allow a more stable long-term cash flow.
— The Manila Times
Tolentino to push for emergency powers to solve PH traffic woes
Former Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs Francis Tolentino, who is currently among the winning circle of 12 in the mid-term polls’ senatorial race, said he is going to push for the passage of emergency powers in the Senate to solve traffic woes, particularly in Metro Manila.
— Philippine News Agency
DOF, DOH step up efforts to get lawmakers to hike sin taxes
With just three more weeks before the 17th Congress officially comes to a close, the Departments of Health (DOH) and the Department of Finance (DOF) are pulling out all the stops to convince legislators to pass bills that will slap higher taxes on cigarettes and alcoholic drinks — or so-called sin products.
— Inquirer.net
PHIVOLCS: No tsunami threat to PHL following 6.8-magnitude quake off Loyalty Islands in Pacific
There is no tsunami threat to the Philippines. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology made the remark after a 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck southeast of Loyalty Islands in New Caledonia in the Pacific on Sunday, May 19.
— Eagle News
News Analysis: Diplomatic spat escalates over Philippines, Canada trash row
The diplomatic spat between Manila and Ottawa escalates as Canada failed to meet the May 15 deadline imposed by the Philippines to take back the tons of trash that the North American country illegally dumped in the Southeast Asian country from 2013 to 2014.
— Xinhuanet
40% foreign-owned builders are now eligible for infrastructure projects
THE Government Procurement Policy Board (GPPB) has approved a resolution raising the foreign equity requirement for infrastructure projects to 40% from the current 25%.
— BusinessWorld Online
UN flags low birth weight of PHL babies
NEARLY half a million Filipino babies are born with low birth weights (LBW) each year, increasing the risk of stunting and even death for these newborns, according to a report released by the United Nations.
— Business Mirror
British accountant faces death penalty in Philippines after ‘being caught with meth’
A British accountant could be executed after allegedly being caught with meth in a drugs raid on his flat in the Philippines.
— Metro
Search continues for missing trainer plane in Philippines
Search continued to find a missing trainer airplane with two people aboard that vanished on Friday shortly after takeoff in Occidental Mindoro province, the Philippine aviation authorities said on Sunday.
— Xinhuanet
Malacañang orders NYC Chair Cardema to vacate post
Malacañang on Sunday ordered National Youth Commission (NYC) Chairperson Ronald Cardema to vacate his post, as he is set to substitute his wife as the first nominee of the Duterte Youth party-list.
— GMA News
De Lima among world’s 187 ‘persecuted’ MPs, says IPU
Detained Sen Leila de Lima is among 187 “persecuted members of parliament” from around the world, the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has said as it renewed its call for the lawmaker’s release.
— Daily Express
P1.8-B jobs program launched
The United States Agency for International Development (USAid) and the Philippine Business for Education (PBed) launched on Friday a P1.8-billion recruitment program exclusively for unemployed and out-of-school youth.
— The Manila Times
Unicef to PHL: Don’t lower age of criminal responsibility
THE United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has made a last-ditch appeal to lawmakers not to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility, as the proposal championed by the Duterte administration is seen to be revived when Congress resumes sessions on Monday (May 20).
— Business Mirror
Only 731 occupied out of 5,272 houses built for typhoon Yolanda victims in Cebu
MORE THAN five years after super typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) struck the country, with the Visayas islands the most affected, only 731 out of 5,272 housing units built in Cebu are occupied, according to Cabinet Secretary Karlo B. Nograles.
— BusinessWorld Online
NBI charges 21 cops in killing of Glenn Chong’s aide
The National Bureau of Investigation has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to charge 21 police officers with two counts of murder for the ambush of the aide of former Biliran representative and senatorial candidate Glenn Chong and his companion last Dec. 9 in Cainta, Rizal.
— Inquirer.net
6th judge withdraws from De Lima cases
The trial of Sen. Leila de Lima has hit another snag as a sixth judge bowed out of her drug cases, more than two years since the Muntinlupa City court started hearing them.
— Inquirer.net
CHR ready for ‘frank, factual’ discussions on death penalty
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Sunday said it was ready to have a “frank and factual” conversation with Congress regarding the possible restoration of death penalty in the country.
— Inquirer.net
OFW death prompts call for PHL to review labor deal with Kuwait
Following the recent death of a Filipino household service worker in Kuwait, migrants’ rights advocates called on Manila to review a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kuwait.
— Business Mirror
Port users decry ‘arbitrary’ shipping lines’ fees
Truckers, brokers and importers decried what they alleged as “arbitrary” fees imposed by shipping companies, as they urged government to intervene in this logistical nightmare that they said is causing prices of consumer products to skyrocket and affecting the economy.
— Manila Bulletin
DoF: Govt willing to end cigarette industry
THE government is willing to terminate the cigarette industry and face revenue losses if that is what it takes to get more people to stop smoking, according to the Department of Finance (DoF).
— The Manila Times
DTI imposes preliminary safeguard duty on ceramic floor, wall tiles
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is imposing a provisional safeguard duty on imported ceramic floor and wall tiles to provide relief to local players hurt by increased imports.
— The Philippine Star
Senate to tackle priority bills as 17th Congress resumes in 3-week schedule
THE House of Representatives is set to discuss pending local and national bills in the next three weeks as regular sessions resume Monday.
— BusinessWorld Online
Deployment of OFWs no longer profitable for recruitment firms
Deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is no longer as profitable as it used to be, forcing some local recruitment agencies to abandon their business.
— Business Mirror
Cebu power firm upgrades substation to meet growing demand
The second largest electric utility in the country serving eight cities and municipalities in Metro Cebu has upgraded its northern town substation to meet the growing demand for electricity in the northern part of its franchise area.
— Philippine News Agency
‘Bato’ pushes partial proclamation of Top 6 winning senators
The camp of senatorial candidate former Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa is pushing for the partial proclamation of the Top 6 winning senators in the May 13 midterm polls.
— Tempo
Congress vows to pass more bills
As Congress resumes session today, the House leadership committed yesterday to make the remaining nine-session days count by passing more pro-people bills. House Majority Leader and reelected Capiz Rep. Fredenil Castro said all pending measures will all be treated as “a priority.”
— Tempo
Healthcare funding gap must be plugged by more sin taxes — DoF
THE Department of Finance projects the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act to have a total funding gap of P426 billion in the first four years of implementation if a fresh tax increase on tobacco and alcoholic beverages is not passed.
— BusinessWorld Online
Davao Light sees electricity demand growing in next 3-5 years
The Davao Light and Power Co. is expecting a 30-percent increase in electricity demand in its franchise areas from 421 megawatts (MW) in 2018 to 546 MW by 2023 based on the continued economic growth across the country.
— Philippine News Agency
First Gen and Tokyo Gas set to build $1-b LNG hub
First Gen Corp. and partner Tokyo Gas of Japan will hold a traditional Japanese “Kagami Biraki” groundbreaking ceremony for the $1-billion liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas on May 28.
— Manilastandard.net
Biz groups push okay of Public Service Act
BUSINESS leaders have closed ranks behind a final push to prod the 17th Congress—which resumes sessions on Monday (May 20) for its final three weeks of work—to pass the amended Public Service Act (PSA) before leaving office in June.
— Business Mirror
Comelec asked to accredit legitimate nominees of senior citizens’ party-list
The Coalition of Associations of Senior Citizens in the Philippines (Senior Citizens) has called on the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to recognize the legal officers of the party-list and accredit its official legitimate nominees.
— Manila Bulletin
Okada seeks legal remedies to stop arrest warrant
Japanese gaming tycoon mogul Kazuo Okada vowed to pursue all legal remedies after the Parañaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 257 upheld the issuance of warrants of arrests against him and his associate Takahiro Usui.
— Manilastandard.net
Magnitude 4 quake shakes Occidental Mindoro-Phivolcs
A magnitude 4.0 earthquake shook Occidental Mindoro on Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. The epicenter of the quake that struck at 3:56 p.m.
— The Manila Times
PPCRV to continue validating election returns even after Comelec proclaims winners
THE Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) will continue to validate election returns, even after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) proclaims the winning candidates in the midterm elections, Executive Director Ma. Isabel Buenaobra said on Sunday.
— The Manila Times
Human Rights Watch urges accountability on ex-PNP chief winning Senate race
ADVOCACY group Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Friday called for a winning senatorial candidate to be held accountable for his leading role in President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s drug war.
— BusinessWorld Online
4 departments to tackle ‘fake’ vinegar issue
Officials of the departments of agriculture, health, science and technology, and trade and industry are set to meet on Monday to address reports that “fake” vinegar products using the synthetic acetic acid are being sold in the market.
— Philippine News Agency
Namfrel: PHL should go back to manual counting in 2022 polls
The Philippines should go back to manual counting of votes in the next elections to avoid similar glitches and delays that marred the 2019 midterm polls, the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) said Sunday.
— GMA News
34 people hurt in LRT-2 train collision
THIRTY-four people were hurt in a collision of two coaches of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2), authorities said on Sunday.
— The Manila Times
DBM issues new rules on vehicle purchases
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has issued additional guidelines on the government’s centralized procurement of motor vehicles mainly aimed at prohibiting the purchase of luxury cars.
— Inquirer.net
CBCP urges solon to pass job-generating laws
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) urged newly elected lawmakers to craft laws that would help generate employment in the country so workers would no longer be forced to go abroad, where they may end up being abused by their employers.
— Inquirer.net
Environmentalists fear mine waste will hurt ‘butanding’
As the annual Butanding Festival here kicked off last week, environmentalists and local officials expressed concern over the operation and exploration plan of two mining firms in nearby Albay province that could threaten the town’s tourism and efforts to conserve whale sharks (Rhincodon typus).
— Inquirer.net
QC could put land value hike on hold
QUEZON CITY (QC) residents and businesses are likely to get a reprieve from an already deferred hefty increase in real property tax looming in January next year, as Mayor-elect Maria Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte said she plans to put on hold implementation of higher land fair market values (FMV) pending “further consultation with the people.”
— BusinessWorld Online
DOST to preserve weaving skills of Marawi IDPs
ILIGAN CITY, May 19 (PIA ICCC) — To revive the handloom weaving among Maranaos, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provides technical and financial assistance to the displaced Maranaos following the Marawi siege that happened almost two years ago.
— Philippine Information Agency
Fire hits Glorietta 2 mall in Makati
-A fire hit Glorietta 2 mall in Makati on Sunday, May 19. Fire authorities said the blaze hit a milk tea shop that was still under construction at 6:20 p.m. The fire was put out at 6:31 p.m. No one was reported injured.
— Eagle News
Name recall vital in winning polls — Panelo
Name recall remains a major consideration in winning in the country’s elections as seen in the partial, official results of the senatorial race, according to a Palace official.
— Tempo
Donsol LGU, WWF renew pledge for eco-tourism programs
The town of Donsol, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, and the Department of Tourism 5 (Bicol), have renewed their commitment for a sustainable and balanced eco-tourism program. Under the renewed agreement, signed Friday on the sidelines of the …
— Philippine News Agency
NBOC awaits transmission of 6 remaining COCs to be canvassed
Only six certificates of canvass (COCs) for the senatorial and party-list elections remain uncounted, according to a report by Divine Reyes on Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday afternoon.
— GMA News
In photos: President Duterte with Bong Go in Malacañang amid rumors the chief executive had been confined in a hospital
In these pictures released by Bong Go on Sunday, President Rodrigo Duterte is seen with his former aide in Bahay Pagbabago in the Malacañang Complex.
— Eagle News
LRT-2 resumes operations
The operations of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) resumed Sunday morning after it was suspended, following a collision involving two trains between the Anonas and Cubao stations last night.
— Philippine News Agency
CHR on death penalty restoration: We are ready to engage Congress
The Commission on Human Rights on Sunday said they are ready to engage the incoming Congress in a frank and factual conversation on death penalty.
— GMA News
PPCRV: Villar tops Senate race, JV Ejercito hangs below Top-12 margin
Reelectionist Senator Cynthia Villar still leads the Senate race, while Senator JV Ejercito hangs below the Top-12 margin (13th place), based on the partial and unofficial tally of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) Sunday morning.
— GMA News
Comelec to hold special polls in Isabela
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to hold special elections on Monday, May 20, in Barangay Dicamay I in Jones, Isabela where vote counting machines were burned by armed men on election day.
— The Manila Times
Robredo pushes for green, inclusive healthcare
Vice President Leni Robredo said it is high time to have a health care system that benefits all Filipinos, especially the poor.
— GMA News
DOH advises youth to get tested for HIV
The Health Department reiterates its advice to people engaging in risky sexual behavior to have themselves tested of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as infection cases in the country especially among the younger age bracket remains a concern.
— Philippine Information Agency
Energy department extends deadline for service contract bids
THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) has extended the deadline for interested entities to submit their bids to secure service contracts for the 14 areas in the Philippines offered by the government for oil and gas exploration.
— BusinessWorld Online
Man dies inside NAIA restroom
A man who was found unresponsive was declared “dead on the scene” inside a restroom at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Sunday, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) reported.
— Philippine News Agency
Turn campaign ad trash into cash: DENR
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 4-A (Calabarzon) is encouraging candidates in the recent elections and their supporters, as well as local communities, to recycle their campaign materials.
— Philippine News Agency
Truth prevailed about Reds-linked party-list groups: NTF ELCAC exec
A ranking official of the National Task Force to end Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) said Sunday the truth has prevailed about militant party-list groups after the latter’s severe vote losses.
— Philippine News Agency
Ifugao hosts camp for children with special needs
The province successfully hosted the 29th Pedya Kamp (PK) in this municipality attended by more than 200 delegates from the province and other places like Isabela, Quezon, Manila and Vigan.
— Philippine Information Agency
3rd Higatangan Island Summer Fest to showcase local food products, livelihood activities
With over 3,000 visitors noted in the previous Higatangan Island Summer Festivals in this municipality, residents were encouraged to prepare local products and amenities for the possible influx of guests and tourists this year.
— Philippine Information Agency
DOTr, LTO conduct road safety seminar in Baguio
More than 200 Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and out-of-school youth, rider group’s representatives and other stakeholders participated in the Road Safety Advocacy activity here.
— Philippine Information Agency
Iloilo’s MORE to source power supply from KEPCO’s Cebu plant
MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) has signed an interim power supply agreement for 5 megawatts (MW) with KEPCO SPC Power Corp. (KSPC), helping ensure stable electricity in Iloilo City for the one-year term of the contract.
— BusinessWorld Online
Worker arrested for stealing ‘liempo’ in Batangas
A man was arrested on Saturday for stealing pork belly, or “liempo,” from a roasted meat store in Balete town in Batangas, police reported on Sunday.
— Inquirer.net
DepEd officials urge stakeholders to join ‘Brigada Eskwela’ 2019
Officials from the Department of Education (DepEd) in Biliran province is urging stakeholders to join this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” which will be held on May 20-25.
— Philippine Information Agency
487 kids join week-long basketball camp in Bacolod City
A total of 487 campers joined the just-concluded Bacolod leg of the Alaska Basketball Power Camp 2019 held at Trinity Christian School here.
— Philippine News Agency
GMA unit signs partnership with Singapore Press Holdings/Mediacorp JV
GMA New Media, Inc. (NMI) has tied up with Singapore Media Exchange (SMX) Pte. Ltd., a joint venture firm established by two Singapore media groups, to help GMA expand its audience worldwide.
— BusinessWorld Online
Feature photo Philippine Beekeeping
This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo acknowledges World Bee Day, May 20.
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 May 20 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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