Philippines Morning News For November 8, 2019

General government debt-to-GDP worsens in Q1
THE country’s consolidated general government (GG) debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio rose in the first quarter of 2019, the Department of Finance (DoF) reported on Thursday.
— Manila Times

Duterte’s team changes tune on PPPs as infra push gets reality check
The Duterte administration had a change of heart in its aversion to public-private partnerships (PPPs), as its ambitious infrastructure push gets a reality check and an impending revamp.
— Rappler

PHL economy grows 6.2 percent in third quarter of 2019
The Philippine economy grew 6.2 percent in the third quarter of 2019, the government reported on Thursday, Nov. 7.
— Eagle News

Recto says unprogrammed funds in 2020 budget lack details
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto on Wednesday, November 6, said that items under the unprogrammed funds of the proposed 2020 national budget should be made public.
— Rappler

Investment pledges rise to P764b — BOI
Investment pledges registered with the Board of Investments jumped 105 percent in the first nine months to P764.7 billion from P372.9 billion in the same period in 2018, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Thursday.
— Manilastandard.net

Foreign tourists reach 6.2M in 9 mos; Koreans still top
VISITOR arrivals in the Philippines grew by 14.37 percent to 6.16 million in the first nine months of the year, latest data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) show.
— Business Mirror

Duterte signals plan to regulate plastic pollution
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has floated a proposal to his Cabinet to crack down on plastic pollution after making a similar approach to his fellow regional leaders, officials said.
— BusinessWorld

ICAD expects Leni to see, talk about truth in Duterte’s war on drugs
Officials of the Inter-agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) expect Vice President Leni Robredo to be enlightened about the true state of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs when they meet her on Friday.
— GMA Network

Duterte orders compulsory quality checks for hollow blocks
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has ordered the inclusion of hollow blocks in the list of products for mandatory certification after questions about the quality of building materials emerged following recent earthquakes.
— BusinessWorld

NEDA keen to enforce no-guarantee policy on new flagship PPPs
THE National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) will release guidelines for projects funded through public-private partnerships (PPP) after recently issuing a new list of flagship infrastructure programs that had more private participation.
— BusinessWorld

Compensation fund of P1B approved for culled hogs
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has approved a P1-billion fund to compensate hog raisers whose pigs were culled during the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak on Luzon, which will be sourced from the Office of the President’s contingency fund.
— BusinessWorld

Palace defends Duterte’s absences from Asean events
Malacañang defended Thursday President Rodrigo Duterte’s absences from meetings during the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.
— Inquirer.net (video)

Defense budget needs 2% of GDP to be at par with Asean – military
The Philippine government should increase its defense spending to at least 2 percent of the country’s growth domestic product (GDP) to increase the readiness of its armed forces and keep up with its neighbors in the region.
— Inquirer.net

The Philippine Economy Is Finally Bottoming Out, Says HSBC’s Incalcaterra
Joseph Incalcaterra, chief Asean economist at HSBC, discusses Philippines 3Q GDP and his outlook for the economy.
— Bloomberg (video)

GIR steady at $86 billion
The country’s gross international reserves (GIR) has almost stabilized at the $85-$86 billion level in the last six months as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reviews and implements its reserves management program under BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno’s term.
— Manila Bulletin

PH to maintain ‘beneficial relations’ with US, China; independent foreign policy means not to take sides – SFA Locsin
The Philippines wants to maintain “beneficial relations” with the United States and China instead of taking sides between the world’s two colliding powers.
— Manila Bulletin

Quake rehab entails P4 billion—study
Disaster officials said Thursday they will need at least P4 billion to rehabilitate and rebuild areas damaged by a series of strong earthquakes in Mindanao.
— Manilastandard.net

Philippine-US Free trade agreement
The idea of a Philippine-US FTA has been mooted since the termination of the Philippines’ preferential trade status in the US as part of the transitional arrangements from colonial rule to full independence. T
— The Philippine Star

Cap retail price of pork, groups urge government
Despite the better-than-expected performance of the country’s economy in the third quarter, economists and analysts said this will not be enough to enable the government to meet its growth target for 2019.
— Business Mirror

‘Yolanda’ victims shun inferior houses
Imelda Tacalan heaved a deep sigh and threw her fist in the air as she recalled how the storm surge destroyed her house in the coastal town of Balangiga in Eastern Samar six years ago today.
— Manilastandard.net

Utility firms asked to help reduce poverty
Cause-oriented group Infrawatch PH urged public utilities to institute sustained poverty-alleviation programs in their concession areas.
— Manila Bulletin

Japan pledges assistancefor Subic Bay master plan
Japan has pledged to extend technical assistance for the development of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and its surrounding areas, according to the Department of Finance (DOF).
— The Philippine Star

NEDA’s ICC-CabCom OKs 4 infra projects
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board’s Investment Coordination Committee-Cabinet Committee (ICC-CabCom) approved on Wednesday four infrastructure projects.
— Philippine News Agency

2019 GDP target still achievable after Q3 growth jump: Diokno
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin Diokno believes that achieving the government’s 6 to 7 percent growth target for 2019 is “still doable” after a recovery in the third quarter.
— Philippine News Agency

DILG’s new anti-drug info system excludes data on killings
The Department of the Interior and Local Government soft-launched its Anti-Illegal Drugs Information System (AIDIS), which aims to consolidate all government data, but excludes figures of deaths in anti-drug operations.
— Rappler

Duterte eyes single-use plastics ban
President Rodrigo Duterte eyed a ban on single-use plastics during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, November 6, said Malacañang.
— Rappler

In Duterte’s wars vs criminality, are protective legal remedies weaker?
Are extraordinary protective writs still effective as President Rodrigo Duterte wages his wars against criminality?
— Rappler

Mild 3.2-magnitude quake hits Cotabato
A mild 3.2-magnitude earthquake struck Cotabato on Thursday, Nov. 7. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake, of tectonic origin, hit 18 kilometers southeast of Tulunan at 3:13 p.m. Depth of focus was 30 kilometers.
— Eagle News

Cayetano to opposition: Don’t politicize the drug war
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano on Thursday urged critics of the administration not to politicize the campaign against illegal drugs.
— GMA Network

Now anti-drug czar, Robredo to cut down attendance at social events
Vice President Leni Robredo is considering reducing her attendance in ceremonial and social functions now that she has accepted the post as co-chair of the inter-agency committee against illegal drugs (ICAD).
— GMA Network

Commentary: India’s RCEP exit is a setback, but not a disaster
With an India-China deadlock out of the way, the path to finalise the historic regional trade agreement is clear, says the Perth USAsia Centre’s Jeffrey Wilson.
— CNA

1974 ‘massacre’ hoax recycled for a 2014 moneymaking scam
THE colossal hoax contrived in 1974 by the insurgent Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) of an alleged massacre of 1,500 Muslims in a barangay called Malisbong in Sultan Kudarat province, was intended to rouse to anger Muslim Arab leaders, especially the fiery Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi, so they would support, with their newfound oil wealth, the fledgling Moro insurgency.
— Manila Times

Trade dep’t, foreign chambers differ on reduced retail capital requirement
A SENATE technical panel tackling proposed amendments to the retail trade law on Thursday zeroed in on the provision that will reduce the minimum paid-up capital for foreign entrants and possible safeguards for small local businesses.
— BusinessWorld

Commercial, farmgate prices of rice mismatched –DA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday found that the cost of commercial rice in the market does not match the farmgate price, according to a report by Tina Panganiban-Perez on 24 Oras.
— GMA Network

Trade department lays out plans for onset of advanced manufacturing
GOVERNMENT agencies are proposing programs to address job losses caused by the possible contraction of the manufacturing sector due to increased automation, officials said at an economic forum.
— BusinessWorld

DA credit council releases P180-M funds to LandBank
THE Department of Agriculture’s (DA) credit arm, the Agriculture Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC), said on Thursday it released an initial P180 million in loanable funds to the Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) to help farmers increase their productivity under the liberalized regime.
— Manila Times

8 dead, 9 hurt in CamSur road crash
Eight persons died while nine others were injured when a passenger bus collided with a passenger van and a motorized tricycle in Barangay San Vicente, Pamplona town in Camarines Sur on Wednesday night.
— Philippine News Agency

PRO-7 chief orders in-depth probe on radioman’s killing
The chief of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in Central Visayas on Thursday ordered the Dumaguete City police to conduct an in-depth investigation on the killing of 67-year-old radio broadcaster Dindo Generoso.
— Philippine News Agency

Pampanga students get educational cash aid
The provincial government of Pampanga distributed on Thursday some PHP1.9 million educational assistance to 358 students in the province.
— Philippine News Agency

AFP claims no harassment in arrest of activists
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday maintained that there was no harassment involved in the recent arrests of around 60 activists in Bacolod and Manila.
— GMA Network

‘Good rating’ recognition of Duterte admin’s decisiveness
The Duterte administration’s “very good” net satisfaction rating reflects how Filipinos can see past the opposition’s “endless politicking”, Malacañang said on Thursday.
— Philippine News Agency

Robredo to discuss anti-drug czar post with Duterte if summoned
Vice President Leni Robredo will meet President Rodrigo Duterte as regards her appointment as co-chair of the inter-agency panel against illegal drugs when the Chief Executive summons her.
— GMA Network

House panel OKs return of GMRC subject for kinder to Grade 3
The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture has approved the measure seeking the return of Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) as a separate subject in kindergarten to Grade 3 levels.
— GMA Network

Senate OKs on 2nd reading bill declaring day of remembrance for road crash victims
The Senate approved on second reading Wednesday night a bill seeking to declare every third Sunday of November as national day of remembrance for road crash victims, survivors, and their families.
— GMA Network

Fastfood chain stops serving pork products in Batangas
A Chinese-cuisine food chain stopped serving pork meals from its menu in all its branches in this province.
— Rappler

Recto urges stop to ‘artificial spending’ practice of moving allotments to another agency
Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto on Thursday urged government to stop the practice of “artificial spending” by transferring allotments from one agency to another in order to cover up the failure to spend.
— GMA Network

2 workers injured after Baguio bridge’s wall collapses
The retaining wall being put up for a bridge across the Bued River at Camp 7 here in Baguio crumbled Thursday noon, November 7, injuring two construction workers.
— Rappler

Rainfall advisory hoisted over parts of Luzon
A rainfall advisory has been hoisted over parts of Luzon. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said heavy to intense rains are affecting portions of Ilocos Sur, particularly Sugpon, Alilem and Suyo.
— Eagle News

Palace on raid of militant groups’ offices: It’s gov’t duty to probe ‘criminal’ acts
Malacañang on Thursday said the government is mandated to look into complaints about alleged criminal activities amid criticism over the arrest of activists in recent raids in Bacolod and Manila.
— GMA Network

PH sovereignty not an issue in alleged harassment of Liberian ship: Panelo
The Philippine sovereignty was not an issue in the alleged harassment of Liberian-flagged ship by Chinese naval ship, Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Thursday.
— Spratly Islands

Robredo wants faith, human rights groups in anti-drug panel
Vice President Leni Robredo is proposing to expand the membership of the inter-agency anti-drug body to also include faith-based and human rights organizations.
— Rappler

With 1,115 athletes, 753 coaches and officials, PHL has largest delegation to 30th SEA Games
With 1,115 athletes and 753 coaches and officials, the Philippines will have the biggest delegation in the 30th Southeast Asian Games which the country will be hosting starting this Nov. 30.
— Eagle News

Malacañang to provide compensation for hog raisers affected by ASF
President Rodrigo Duterte approved the use of funds from his office to compensate hog raisers who’ve had to kill their hogs due to African swine fever (ASF) infection.
— Rappler

DepEd installs new schools division superintendent in Ozamiz
The Department of Education (DepEd) in Ozamiz has formally introduced Jean Veloso, CESO VI from DepEd Tangub City division as the new Schools Division Superintendent of Ozamiz City Division.
— Philippine Information Agency

DOST 10 to host Innovative Packaging Technologies forum in Bukidnon
Recognizing the added value of packaging to all types of products, the Department of Science and Technology Region X (DOST X) will host an Innovative Packaging Technologies Forum to tackle topics on the latest trends in Packaging and Labeling and Mandatory Labeling Requirements in the Philippines on November 12 at Hotel de Susana Resort, Valencia City, Bukidnon.
— Philippine Information Agency

DOST to hold Metalworking Technologies forum in Bukidnon
To promote the equity and growth in Bukidnon, the Department of Science and Technology-region 10 (DOST-10) and the Metals and Industry Research and Development Center (MIDRC) will host a Metalworking Technologies Forum on November 12 at Hotel de Susana, Valencia, Bukidnon.
— Philippine Information Agency

Palace approves creation of more teaching positions, curriculum reform
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte approved measures creating more teaching positions in the public school system and to reform the current curriculum.
— BusinessWorld

Warden wants bigger facility for Dumaguete inmates
The warden of the jail facility here is hoping for a bigger space for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), 80 percent of whom are facing illegal drug-related charges.
— Philippine News Agency

MPD hunts 4 suspects in DoLE officer’s slay
The Manila Police District (MPD) is now looking for four “persons of interest” in the Nov. 4 killing of a Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) officer in Malate, Manila.
— Tempo

Ferry capsizes off Cebu, dozens of passengers rescued
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescued dozens of passengers and crew members off the coast of Sibonga, Cebu, after a ferry capsized on Thursday, November 7.
— Rappler

31 released from Negros crackdown on progressive groups
The Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office Wednesday, November 6, ordered the immediate release for lack of probable cause 31 of the 42 individuals arrested last week in raids by law enforcers of the offices of progressive groups here.
— Rappler

Feature photo Non Perele

This week’s Philippines morning news feature photo focuses on recent earthquakes.

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Philippines morning news for November 8 added by Stella-maris Ewudolu on November 8, 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.