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.
Corporate Code amendments hurdle 3rd reading at House
THE PROPOSED Revised Corporation Code of the Philippines, which extends corporate life indefinitely, was approved on third and final reading at the House of Representatives on Monday.
Mining industry backs profits-based royalty regime
THE Chamber of Mines has signalled its support for a royalty system based on profits.
National ID initial enrolment target set at 7 million
THE government will start registering people for the Philippine ID system (PhilSys) by September 2019, with authorities targeting an initial enrolment of 7 million.
PCC draft rules to offer immunity to 2 members of a cartel
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) said it is considering granting immunity to two members of a given cartel, instead of one, to broaden the field of those providing evidence against anti-competitive activity.
RCEP negotiations seen finishing in 2019
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said negotiations on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) are expected to conclude next year.
Senate panel to study sin tax funding of universal health care
SENATOR Juan Edgardo M. Angara said he will conduct a hearing this month to tackle bills raising sin taxes to determine whether the revenue generated could fund the proposed universal health care program.
El Nido, Coron ‘priorities’ for next gov’t inspections
THE DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Tourism (DoT) are set to meet with the mayor of El Nido, Palawan Nieves C. Rosento to inspect the town’s compliance with environmental rules.