NFA adjusts reference price for rice imports after failing to draw bids

THE National Food Authority (NFA) Council has authorized an adjustment in the reference price for the import auction covering 203,000 metric tons (MT) of rice, in the hope that the new price will be more acceptable to key government-to-government suppliers Vietnam and Thailand.

Tourism dep’t studying possible privatization of Duty Free stores

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) said that it is undertaking a review of Duty Free Philippines’ (DFP) operations to improve the retailer’s performance, with a decision on privatization possible.

BIMP-EAGA eyed as pilot area for ASEAN energy link

DAVAO CITY -- The Mindanao-Visayas power grid interconnection project is expected to pave the way for the pilot testing of the Philippines’ link to the energy network within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

French gov’t to fund feasibility study for cable car system

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said it started working on a feasibility study for a cable car system in Metro Manila, funded by a 450,000-euro grant from France.

NGCP readying Taguig-Baras transmission line

NATIONAL GRID Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is upgrading its network in Metro Manila by setting up a 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Taguig and Baras, Rizal to help accommodate growing power demand.

SMEs cite competition, product quality as top challenges

SMALL and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cited intense competition as their biggest challenge, topping other factors the need to offer quality products and corruption, according to a study conducted by a Philippine think tank.

Top withholding agents — In for the greater good

By May Anne Tolentino
“Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.” -- Arnold Bennett

Suppliers refuse to meet NFA price as rice auction fails again

THE National Food Authority (NFA) said it rejected the bids of Thailand and Vietnam in the second government-to-government (G2G) auction for 203,000 metric tons (MT) of long grain rice at the 25% broken grade, with bids much higher than the $447.88 per MT reference price.

Maternity bill bicam process stalled by improper insertions

THE House of Representatives and the Senate on Monday reconvened their bicameral conference committee session on the expanded maternity leave bill following the discovery of improperly inserted tax exemption and appropriations provisions.

Government revenue, spending at record levels as collections surge

THE GOVERNMENT’S fiscal deficit was right at the 3% target set for it in the first nine months of the year with revenue and expenditure as a share of the economy hitting fresh highs, the Department of Finance (DoF) said on Tuesday.

Gov’t pushing for improved protections for seafarers

THE labor department said a regional conference for seafarers in Asia that it co-organized will help ensure their work conditions are acceptable.

Mobile number portability bill clears bicam

THE BICAMERAL conference committee approved on Tuesday the mobile number portability bill, permitting the retention of phone numbers by users that switch providers.