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.
OECD cuts 2018, 2019 growth forecasts for PHL
THE Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has adjusted downward its economic growth forecast for the Philippines this year and in 2019, though the economy is still expected to sustain its “good performance” over the next five years.
China trade show orders more than double DTI target
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Philippine businesses that joined the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) China generated $124 million in sales, more than double the department’s target.
Businesses worried about dealing with LGU taxes separately — Angara
A SENIOR SENATOR said businesses prefer to deal with the issue of local government unit (LGU) taxation via a unified national tax for economic zone locators under which the national government collects the tax and credits the LGU with their share.
PHL, Indonesia Customs agencies planning to act jointly vs. smuggling
THE PHILIPPINES and Indonesia have agreed to strengthen their anti-smuggling efforts and are proceeding with direct contact between the two countries’ Customs agencies, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.