Philippines’ manufacturing PMI indicates modest advancement in January
The Philippines manufacturing sector saw a moderate improvement in business conditions in January, according to the survey.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)
Bicam scraps ‘insertions’ for flood control, drainage projects in 2019 budget
A bicameral conference committee on Monday agreed to remove all fund insertions for flood control and drainage projects in the proposed P3.7 trillion 2019 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) to expedite the crafting of the national budget for this year.
— The Manila Times
Duterte transfers power to approve reclamation to Office of the President
Amid an ongoing cleanup of Manila Bay and proposals to halt to reclamation projects there, President Rodrigo Duterte transferred the power to approve reclamation projects from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA), which he placed under his office in Malacañang.
— Rappler
Controversy over proposed bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility in the Philippines | Video
Despite strong opposition from rights groups, a Philippine Senate committee has recommended lowering the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to 12. On Jan 28, the lower chamber – the House of Representatives – approved the proposed bill.
— Channel NewsAsia (video)
Fire leaves at least 800 families homeless in Cainta
A fire of still undetermined origin struck Gruar Subdivision and the San Buena Compound in Barangay Santo Domingo in Cainta, Rizal on Sunday, at 5:22 p.m., according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
— Inquirer.net
Foreign shipbuilders eye Hanjin takeover
Shipbuilders from the United States, Japan, South Korean, Indonesia, Australia and Turkey have expressed interest in taking over the operations of cash-strapped Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Philippines (HHIC-Phil), Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.
— Philippine News Agency
Senate opens probe on political killings
The Senate on Monday began its investigation into a number of political killings in the country.
— ABS-CBN News
Philippines risks return to bad old days of spending sprees
Even as the Philippine government celebrates a successful dollar bond sale, signs are emerging of a return to the bad old days when fiscal profligacy undermined the country’s creditworthiness.
— Nikkei Asian Review (paywall)
Clash on budget insertions far from over
The Senate and the House of Representatives’ clash over the supposed “pork” insertions to the proposed P3.757-trillion 2019 national budget may still be far from over with the Upper Chamber standing firm on its amendments.
— Manila Bulletin
US, Australia interested in taking over troubled Hanjin
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday that a number of shipbuilders from the United States, Australia, Turkey, Japan, South Korea, and Indonesia are interested in taking over the daily operations of the troubled Hanjin shipyard at the Subic Bay Freeport.
— Manila Bulletin
PNP declares Jolo blast ‘case closed’
The Philippine National Police on Monday declared the Jolo cathedral bombing “case closed” after authorities took custody of the man allegedly linked to both the mastermind and the bombers.
— ABS-CBN News
Can The Philippines Survive Rodrigo Duterte?
As economic bookends go, a recent assertion by Philippine research group IBON Foundation is a head-turner.
— Forbes
Manila Bay not yet safe for swimming – DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) urged the public to wait for test results on Manila Bay’s chemical and physical quality, as well as its coliform levels, before they go for a swim.
— Rappler
Duterte’s ailing presidency
It would be premature to claim that Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency in the Philippines is in trouble.
— East Asia Forum
Philippines’ ICT infrastructure gap calls for heightened collaboration between private & public sectors – Globe Telecom
Globe Telecom proposes for intensified partnership between the public and private sectors in responding to the Philippines’ ICT infrastructure divide.
— The Independent
Italy donates P12.6 million to WFP for Marawi residents
The Italian government has donated $240,000 or around P12.6 million in livelihood and food assistance to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) for residents affected by the fighting in Marawi.
— The Philippine Star
Chinese top list of arrested foreigners
CHINESE NATIONALS topped the list of the foreigners arrested by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in 2018.
— BusinessWorld Online
Army to commit more assets in anti-terror ops
The Philippine Army (PA) has vowed to commit more of its resources in the ongoing anti-terrorism campaign in Sulu, an official said Sunday.
— Philippine News Agency
House’s stricter SALN rules may violate Constitution — Palace
A move by the House of Representatives to impose stricter rules for public access to members’ Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth of lawmakers might violate the 1987 Constitution, Malacañang said Monday.
— The Philippine Star
P33.9M irrigation project boosts rice production in Agusan Norte
The Department of Agriculture-Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) led by Deputy Project Director Jodel Tabada turned over the Php33.9 Million completed rehabilitation of Culit Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Nasipit, Agusan del Norte to the Culit-Kinabjangan Irrigators Association on January 30.
— Philippine Information Agency
Smoking can cause almost 20 cancers
No matter how you take tobacco into your body — through smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke — it affects not only your lungs but also your entire body.
— Philippine Canadian Inquirer
House committee OKs bill on exemption of donor’s tax
The House Committee on Ways and Means unanimously approved on Monday a substitute bill seeking to strengthen the political party system in the country, as it decided to exempt from donor’s tax the voluntary contributions to any political party.
— Manila Bulletin
Thai league acquires 9 PH booters
A record number of Filipino players are seeing action in the Thai League 1 this season, including several national team members signing with clubs vying in what is widely considered as Southeast Asia’s top football league.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
Jolo blasts prime suspect ‘Kamah,’ 4 others surrender
The local terrorist tagged as the prime suspect behind the twin explosions that killed 22 people and injured more than 90 others in Jolo, Sulu, and four of his accomplices has surrendered to authorities, the country’s top cop said.
— CNN Philippines
1st batch of trash sent back from Philippines arrives in South Korea
The first batch of trash illegally brought into the Philippines has finally returned to South Korea, environmental watch group EcoWaste Coalition said.
— The Philippine Star
Experts see early benefits in PAL-ANA alliance
The entry of Japanese industry giant All Nippon Airways (ANA) into Philippine Airlines (PAL) will provide a host of benefits for the flag carrier, including the immediate goal of helping reverse losses over the last two years as PAL’s aggressive international strategy delivered mixed results.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
Seven-year effort to save Manila Bay unwraps
January 27 marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Manila Bay. In a historic first, cleaning and dredging operations kicked off a planned 7-year Save Manila Bay program.
— Manilastandard.net
‘No evidence Indonesian duo behind church attacks in Jolo’
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 Phnom Penh Post
House OKs bill seeking to institutionalize, expand 20% student fare discount
The House of Representatives (HOR) has passed on third reading House Bill No. 8885, which institutionalizes the discount on student fare for all modes of transportation.
— UNTV
Senate approves 4Ps bill
THE Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the bill seeking to institutionalize the government’s anti-poverty Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
— BusinessWorld Online
Debates expected as Senate bill lowering age of criminal responsibility reaches plenary
Senator Richard Gordon presented to the Senate plenary Monday the committee report lowering the minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years old from the present 15.
— GMA News
Customers’ withholding tax on Meralco refunds cut to 15%
Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has approved a revenue regulation (RR) reducing by almost half the 25 to 32 percent creditable withholding tax on the refund due customers of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to a flat 15 percent as provided under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law.
— Philippine News Agency
PPA offers lot for families displaced by Manila Bay cleanup
More than 2,000 families who will be displaced by the ongoing government cleanup of Manila Bay have been assured of relocation to a 5-hectare property in Tondo, Manila, according to Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
— Philippine Daily Inquirer
DTI mulls over safeguard duty to protect local poultry raisers
The Trade Department plans to coordinate with the Agriculture Department in imposing safeguard measures to protect local poultry growers from imports.
— Manilastandard.net
‘Banks to feel more pain from rice tariff bill than default of Hanjin’
THE full liberalization of the rice industry may hurt banks more than the default of South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co.-Philippines (HHIC-Phil), as thousands of millers could go bankrupt.
— Business Mirror
Fee hikes to push more youths to leave schools, groups warn
As thousands of schools are expected to raise tuition and other school fees next school year, progressive youth organizations warned that government approval to another round of fee hikes “will only keep more youths out of schools.”
— Davao Today
BSP revises licensing rules to limit bank risks
THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced on Monday that it has revised its guidelines to streamline the licensing requirements for banks applying for special authorities.
— Business Mirror
New program to ‘rescue’ street children to be launched in NCR
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) is set to launch a new government program to “rescue” street children and minors to keep them from turning into recidivists, or worse, into petty street criminals.
— Business Mirror
Israeli firm offers funding for irrigation
The Department of Agriculture (DA) said LR Group of Israel offered to participate in the country’s solar-powered irrigation program by sourcing funds and providing technology to irrigate 500,000 hectares of farmlands over the next three to five years.
— Malaya
Country’s business sector issues joint statement expressing “full support” for rice tarrification bill
(Eagle News) – The country’s business sector, including bankers and foreign businessmen, has issued a joint statement fully backing the bill seeking to impose tariffs, recognizing it as measure that will liberalize the economy and eventually free consumers from “food supply apprehension.”
— Eagle News
Golden Triangle ring eyed in P1.9-billion drug haul
The Chinese-run Golden Triangle syndicate could be behind the P1.9 billion worth of shabu seized at a Cavite warehouse over the weekend, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
— The Philippine Star
Government eyes $2-billion panda, samurai bonds
The government is eyeing to raise as much as $2 billion from the issuance of renminbi-denominated panda bonds and yen-denominated samurai bonds this year, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said yesterday.
— The Philippine Star
Palace opposes stricter rules on release of SALN
Malacañang is opposed to the proposal requiring plenary approval for access to the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) of lawmakers, saying it might hinder the people’s constitutional right to information.
— The Manila Times
House passes bill penalizing abuse of elderly
The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the measure which seeks to promote and further protect the rights of senior citizens.
— GMA News
DTI mulls safeguard measure against imported chicken
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is looking at safeguard measure as it looked to help the local poultry raisers, who have been seriously injured due to supply glut abetted by uncontrolled importation of chicken.
— Manila Bulletin
Rodrigo Duterte, Kim Jong-un impersonators cause wild scenes in Hong Kong at fast-food restaurant and church
Scenes of hysteria swept Hong Kong Island on Sunday when a man impersonating the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte paid the city an unexpected visit.
— South China Morning Post
SC set to rule on martial law extension in Mindanao
The Supreme Court will soon decide on the petitions assailing the constitutionality of the third extension of martial law declaration in Mindanao.
–Manilastandard.net
Top-level US panel to discuss amendments to Mutual Defense Treaty –Lorenzana
A top-level team from the United States is due in the country soon to discuss amendments to the PHL-US Mutual Defense Treaty signed in 1951, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday.
— GMA News
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Appears on Facebook Live to Dispel Rumors About His Death
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has appeared on Facebook Inc.’s live video streaming to dispel rumors that he’s dead.
— Time
Pacquiao seeks inquiry on IOC cash grant to POC
SEN. Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao wants the Philippine Olympic Committee to account for the reported $450,000 grant that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave to the Philippines through the POC.
— The Manila Times
Murder, frustrated murder raps filed vs five suspects in Jolo twin blasts, including Kamah
Charges for damage to property also filed vs them (Eagle News)-Charges on Monday, Feb. 4, were filed against several suspects in the Jolo, Sulu blasts that killed at least 23 people and injured 95 others.
— Eagle News
Senate won’t implement stricter rules on SALNs — Sotto
Senators have no intention of implementing stricter rules on the release of their Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALNs).
— GMA News
SGMA new bill seeks shark conservation in PH
Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has pushed for the enactment of a bill regulating the catching, sale, purchase, possession, transportation, importation, and exportation of all sharks, rays, and chimeras in the country.
— Manilastandard.net
‘No backpack policy’ in church creates confusion
WITH the strict implementation of the “No backpack policy”, some Catholic faithful in Davao City had to attend mass outside the church on February 3 after they were not allowed entry because their bags were bigger than a small purse.
— Sun Star
NBI urged to stop new ‘ponzi’ group in Mindanao
A party-list lawmaker on Monday disclosed that the new group operating a “ponzi scheme” in Mindanao has been “very active” recruiting would-be investors especially in General Santos City, Davao City, Bislig and in most areas in Central and Southern Mindanao despite a warning issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission on the existence of such group.
— Manilastandard.net
US has been helping Philippines fight terrorism – Lorenzana
The United States has been working closely with the Philippines to combat terrorism, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Monday.
— Inquirer.net
Threats of terror attacks confined to some Mindanao provinces –Lorenzana
There is no indication that the terror attacks in Mindanao will spill over to the rest of the country, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Monday.
— GMA News
House OKs bill allowing use of motorcycles for public transport on third and final reading
The House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading the bill seeking to formally allow and regulate the use of motorcycles like Angkas and habal-habal as a mode of public transport.
— GMA News
Jolo cathedral bombing death toll rises to 23
The death toll in the twin explosions that rocked Jolo Cathedral in Sulu on January 27 has risen to 23, the Philippine National Police said on Monday.
— GMA News
Customs exceeds collection target in January 2019
The Bureau of Customs surpassed its collection target in January 2019 posting a total of P48.153 billion with a surplus of 2.527 or 5.5% increase above its P45.626 billion goal.
— Manilastandard.net
The ANC Brief: Inflation to cool
Inflation is expected to stabilize, and Congress rushes to pass the budget. Here are the stories ANC will be covering today:
— ABS-CBN News
Lacson: No 2019 budget unless Senate, House agree on ‘pizza pie’
The passage of the 2019 budget is dim before the adjournment of Congress this week unless legislators agree on their shares of the “pizza pie.”
— Inquirer.net
SC to hold oral arguments on law entrance exam next month
The Supreme Court (SC) has set oral arguments on petitions questioning the legal basis of the nationwide entrance examination for aspiring law students.
— GMA News
Police insist former congressman’s aide Richard Santillan killed in shootout
(Eagle News)-The police on Monday, Feb. 4, reiterated that Richard Santillan, former Biliran Rep. Glenn Chong’s aide, was killed in a legitimate encounter with police.
— Eagle News
Pichay: There’s nothing wrong with ‘pork’
Deputy Speaker Prospero Pichay Jr. believes there is nothing wrong with having pork in the national budget, as it is their constituents who will actually benefit from it.
— GMA News
Duterte ‘dismayed’ by delay in passage of 2019 budget – Medialdea
President Rodrigo Duterte is “dismayed” over the delay in the passage of the 2019 national budget, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Monday.
— Inquirer.net
NBI arrests Kenneth Dong
The National Bureau of Investigation on Monday afternoon arrested in Muntinlupa City Chinese-Filipino businessman Kenneth Dong who is facing charges over his alleged involvement in the smuggling of shabu from China worth P6.4 billion in 2017.
— Tempo
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.
Philippines morning news for February 5 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on
View all posts by Stella-maris Ewudolu →
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.
Latest posts by Stella-maris Ewudolu (see all)
- Zoonotic crossover fear sees Vietnam ban (almost) all wildlife trade (video) – July 26, 2020
- Job & revenue losses: COVID-19 to hurt Asean airlines the most – July 24, 2020
- Philippines morning news for July 24 – July 24, 2020
- Philippines morning news for July 23 – July 23, 2020