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Nation at a Glance — (03/13/19)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.
Nation at a Glance — (03/13/19)

Jimny Eat World:Suzuki Philippines brings in all-new version of iconic ‘cute ute’

Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila

THERE were a few bright spots in last year’s automotive scene, what with the onset of the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) Law, which effectively stymied a multi-year run of growth for the domestic industry owing to higher vehicle price tags, with a few exceptions.
Truly, one of those bright spots was the Suzuki Jimny, which made people almost forget about the excise-tax increase when the fourth iteration of the mini SUV was previewed at the 7th Philippine International Auto Show (PIMS) in October last year. There was a consensus among attendees that the unveiling of the new Jimny was one of the most applauded and awaited launches at PIMS.
On March 8, Suzuki Philippines finally ended the wait as it formally launched the new Jimny at the Bonifacio Global City’s amphitheater. Now appended with “All-Grip Pro” to denote the new off-road driving technology that underpins it, the Jimny nonetheless continues to honor its distinguished history by not straying far from the qualities that have endeared it to many car buyers since the nameplate debuted in 1970.
“The Suzuki Jimny is known as a real off-road compact vehicle,” said Suzuki Philippines director and automobile division general manager Keiichi Suzuki in an exclusive interview with BusinessWorld. “Suzuki does not want to change a lot in terms of the concept of the car, so we maintained the ladder frame and the part-time 4×4 system. On top of that, we still brought in new technologies, starting with the powerful 1.5-liter engine, and installed new 4×4 technologies that make it the All-Grip Pro.”
In a news release, Suzuki Philippines emphasized that the Jimny’s ladder frame makes it “more resistant than a monocoque body to torsion, and is therefore better suited for off-road, rough terrain.” The Jimny also uses a long-stroke, three-link suspension with rigid axles on both front and rear for “strong traction on uneven terrain.”
Its four-cylinder, 1.5-liter K15B engine supplies a maximum of 100hp and 130Nm at 6,000rpm and 4,000rpm, respectively. This engine is mated to either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. To back up its off-road claim, the Jimny features a 37-degree approach angle, a 28-degree break-over angle, and a 49-degree departure angle. The vehicle is a part-time 4WD with low-range transfer gear, and its 4L mode provides extra torque for difficult terrain. Other features include hill-hold control, hill-descent control, brake limited slip-differential and traction control.
ICONIC CHARACTER
But again, the company wanted to stay true to the iconic character of the Jimny. “We wanted to maintain the concept — the size, the looks — even as we improved other things like the beauty, driving performance, and comfort,” continued Mr. Suzuki.
The multimedia audio unit banners a nine-inch capacitive touch screen with legible and large icons, as well as soft buttons for easy control. An offline GPS navigation system and off-road audio guide complete the suite of functions. The new Jimny swallows 53 more liters of cargo than the outgoing model, and small items can be stowed in a removable luggage box.
When asked how the Jimny ranges against its price-point competitors, the executive replied; “From a Suzuki point of view… we think that we have no direct competitors, but in terms of off-road vehicles, our unique point is the compact size of the car, and its affordability.”
He offered insight into the target demographic for the badge. “In the past, it was focused on professionals — not so young,” revealed Mr. Suzuki. “Now, because of the features and the beautiful design, the car is going to be more attractive not only for professionals but also the younger generation, and even ladies. The profile is getting more varied.”
The new Jimny All-Grip Pro comes in the following variants and prices: GL M/T (P975,000), GL A/T (P1.035 million), GLX A/T Monotone (P1.085 million), and GLX A/T Two Tone (P1.095 million).

Music and MG:Free concerts headline brand’s summer push

Text and photos by Kap Maceda Aguila

MG PHILIPPINES on March 9 kicked off the first in a series of live, free musical concerts dubbed “MG Live!” at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City.
Staged in cooperation with Phoenix Petroleum, “MG Live!” is “a way for us to showcase our full vehicle lineup, announce our innovative after-sales complements, and unveil our upcoming dealership locations in a manner all Filipinos can appreciate: music,” said The Covenant Car Company, Inc. (TCCCI) president and CEO Albert B. Arcilla in a news release. TCCCI is the official importer, distributor and service provider of the MG brand, in addition to Chevrolet, in the Philippines.
Rock band Sandwich and electro-pop act Gracenote performed at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall on March 6, where MG Philippines also displayed its ZS crossover SUV, MG 6 fastback sedan, and RX5 compact SUV. At the mall’s basement parking area, units of the cars were made available for customers wishing a test drive. Also displayed was a 1969 classic MGB V8 two-door roadster, “as a nod to the brand’s rich and colorful heritage,” said MG Philippines in a news release.
“We sought the owner out, who’s a big MG fan,” revealed TCCCI SVP for marketing Lyn M. Buena in an exclusive interview with BusinessWorld. Founded in 1924, MG (Morris Garages) was previously best known for its two-seat, open-top sports cars.
While still headquartered in Longbridge, Birmingham in the United Kingdom, MG is now a subsidiary of SAIC Motor UK — in turn controlled by Shanghai-based SAIC Motor, which ranks 36th in the Fortune Global 500 company list. SAIC is China’s biggest car manufacturer, and also controls another British auto marque, Roewe.
Ms. Buena said that, following the SAIC takeover of MG, the brand “has become very forward-looking when it comes to technology, and it comes at an attainable value. Putting all these three together means a great option for the Filipino market.” She added that MG arrives in the market here at an opportune time when SAIC is aggressively working to establish itself as a global brand.
“Our products fit many stages of life, different lifestyles, but as a whole, ours is a brand that boasts great driving dynamics and living the fun and vibrant life. It’s about exceeding expectations.”
CONCERT SERIES
On March 30, “MG Live!” will be staged at SM Southmall in Las Piñas (featuring Hilera and Moonstar88), culminating on April 6 at the Manila International Auto Show (MIAS), to be held at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Performing at MIAS is Ultra Combo.
MG Philippines will launch two models at MIAS, according to Ms. Buena.
The so-called “hero vehicle” of the concert series is the 2019 model of the ZS. The compact SUV is priced starting at P818,888 for the 1.5 M/T Style variant, which is powered by a 1.5-liter, naturally aspirated gasoline engine that delivers 114hp and 150Nm. The car features an eight-inch Apple CarPlay-enabled LCD infotainment unit, push-button start/stop, multi-function steering wheel, and driving aids like a reverse camera, ABS, cornering brake control, electronic brake assist, electronic brake distribution, hill-start assist, tire-pressure monitoring system, and traction control.
Ms. Buena reported; “We’re not just building the brand. We’re making sure that after-sales service and the dealership facility are well taken care of. MG Philippines currently has four showrooms in operation: MG Centris on EDSA, MG BF Parañaque, MG Iloilo and MG Cebu. By the end of the year that number is expected to grow to 16. The company is also gearing up to launch a significant after-sales campaign, headlined a by a so-called mobile garage service. “It’s a service facility that goes to you — a ‘casa’ that goes to your home when you need help with your MG,” she said.

Jaguar’s electric crossover voted European Car of the Year

JAGUAR’S fully electric compact crossover, the I-Pace, has been named the 2019 European Car of the Year (COTY).
The COTY award, announced at the Geneva International Motor Show, is the first for a Jaguar.
Jaguar Land Rover chief executive Ralf Speth noted the I-Pace is also Jaguar’s first electric vehicle.
“The I-Pace was designed and engineered in the UK from a clean sheet of paper. It is the most technologically advanced battery electric vehicle. It’s a true game-changer. Winning European Car of the Year is an honor and real recognition of what our world-class team has delivered,” Mr. Speth said.
Sixty automotive journalists picked the I-Pace over six other COTY finalists. The other finalists were the Alpine A110, Citroen C5 Aircross, Ford Focus, Kia Ceed, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Peugeot 508 — none of which are electric-powered.
Jaguar said the I-Pace blends the performance of a sports car and the practicality of an SUV. It added the vehicle is supported by Jaguar’s public charging service which can be accessed via a dedicated app, or via an RFID key. The I-Pace is also offered with tailor-made charging packages and tariffs compiled into a monthly bill, giving drivers access to more than 85,000 charging points throughout Europe.
Jaguar said it had sold more than 8,000 I-Pace models to date. Deliveries in Europe accounted for 75% of the total volume.
The COTY plum adds to the 55 awards the I-Pace has received worldwide since its introduction in 2018, according to Jaguar.

Nissan to sell Leaf EV in PHL in 2020

THE Nissan Leaf electric vehicle will be sold in the Philippines and Indonesia in 2020 as Nissan Motor plans to assemble EV components in key Southeast Asian markets.
According to Yutaka Sanada, Nissan regional senior vice-president and head of Asia and Oceania, the move is part of Nissan’s goal to have one fourth of its sales volume be composed of EVs. However, the executive, who announced the plans in a series of presentations held in Hong Kong on March 8-10, did not specify in which Southeast Asian markets Nissan intends to assemble the EV components.
“We are. . . bringing the new Nissan Leaf to more markets in the region, and introducing it in Indonesia and the Philippines is a key step. This allows customers to get first-hand experience with the benefits of electric vehicles. . . ,” Mr. Sanada said.
The Leaf is a fully electric, battery-powered compact car introduced in 2010. The car’s second-generation model was launched in Japan in 2017. Nissan said more than 400,000 Leafs have been sold since the original model’s debut. In Asia and Oceania, the car is already available in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Audi goes on EV offensive at Geneva motor show

FOUR new all-electric drive vehicles, four new plug-in hybrid versions of existing models, and a fully electric racecar — these are what Audi is displaying at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, which opened on March 5 and which ends on March 17.
Audi in a statement posted on its media Website said all four EVs will have their production versions released “soon.” The first among the quartet is the Audi e-tron, whose production coupe equivalent, the e-tron Sportback, will be released within the year. Audi said its next EV model, the Q2 L e-tron, will be presented in mid-April at the Auto Shanghai motor show in China. The Q2 L e-tron is also scheduled to go into series production within the year.
The production versions of the Audi e-tron GT and Q4 e-tron are set to be introduced in 2020, according to the car maker.
“We have set ourselves a clear goal: One in three new Audi vehicles sold in 2025 will have electrified drive already. Because we are pursuing a clear vision, we are committing ourselves to emission-free mobility,” said Bram Schot, chairman of Audi’s board of management, in the same statement.
Also planned for release within the year are the plug-in hybrid versions of the Audi A6, A7 and A8 sedans, and the Q5 SUV — all four are making their debut at Audi’s stand in Geneva. Complementing the electrified lineup in the show is the fully electric Formula E racecar, the Audi e-tron FE05.
Audi bared part of its future strategy is to develop four platforms and product families which will serve as the foundation for the brand’s EVs in every segment — or from A to D.
A joint project between Audi and Porsche, the Premium Architecture Electrification, would allow for multiple Audi model families with all-electric drive to compete in the high-volume B through D segments. Audi said models to come out from this program are developed exclusively for electric drive.
The car maker added it is also collaborating with several Volkswagen Group brands on the development of the modular electrification platform, which in turn is intended for the A segment.

Realities and uncertainties on the future of work

There is no doubt that advances in technology will shape the future of work. However,
technology on its own is not enough. The growing diversity of views and expectations
across the workforce will also come into play, pushing companies to stay relevant and
embrace new business models.
Such insights were underscored at the first leg of Spark Series 2019 at St. Paul
University Manila with the theme “Imagining the Future of Work.”

Diving deep on the implications of Generation Z (Gen Z) – the generation after
Millennials, or those born from 1996 to 2014 – into the future of work, Bianca Eleisse
Eyales, associate consultant at Acumen Strategy Consultants, discussed Gen Z’s
unique characteristics that results from the world they live in.
According to Ms. Eyales, Gen Z have great similarities with Millennials. Both
generations are motivated to enjoy life and pursue new adventures. However, enjoying
life for Gen Z comes with a sense of responsibility. They are highly driven by being
matured and hyper empowered, valuing experience over material things, exercising
accountability for their actions, and desiring freedom with limits.
Reflecting such values in the workplace, Ms. Eyales explained that Gen Z strive to
balance their desire from financial security, growth opportunities, ethical reputation, and
even positive workplace culture.
In addition to being matured and hyper connected, Gen Z, according to Ms. Eyales, are
champions of change.
Amid all the bad occurrences they have encountered, Gen Z believe that they have the
power to shape the future. They want to brainstorm solutions then put those into
actions, and not just understand the problem itself.
Also, growing up in a world with frequent instantaneous updates from various
information sources, Gen Z apply a filter of purpose, meaning, and authenticity to how
they approach life.
“Gen Z want to see people to live out their personal purpose,” Ms. Eyales said. “They
really highly value authenticity. Authenticity for them is the sign that someone is truly
honest about who they are and actually doing things that matter to them.”
For organizations to prepare for Gen Z, Ms. Eyales said that they need to anticipate and
respect the values that this generation will be bringing in the workplace. Organizations
shall integrate Gen Z’s passion and interest with their career ambitions, engage them as
co-creators of change, and understand their purpose, among others.

Meanwhile, to answer the question on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) will transform the
workplace of the future, Ignatius Donato Javellana, client servicing director for Mobext
Philippines, opened the second session of the conference.
AI, according to Mr. Javellana, has already invaded some of the aspects of people’s
lives, but such type of AI only refers to technology that focuses on one particular task.
This AI is called Narrow AI.
Mr. Javellana believes that AI will open up opportunities for humans to do their jobs
more efficiently and perform an “array of value-added functions” like data and behavior
science or more creative pursues like design.
“As we progress towards the future, we will be able to gather more and more data which
will help AI better understand its new roles,” he said.
Mr. Javellana assured that AI taking over humans in the workplace is still far from
reality. However, he pointed out that more advanced AI will continue to emerge.
“At certain point, if the AI becomes the Super AI, 50 or so on years in time, it will
become so much more intelligent that we cannot understand it. That’s why we should
always be part of the equation. Humans still need to be part of the development of AI.
We should still be there to not only safeguard it but to understand much better why is
this AI is heading this direction of thinking,” Mr. Javellana said.
“I really think that AI will be for the better of humanity if we guide it correctly,” he added.

Jay Joel Soriano, assistant vice-president and head of Integrated Planning Group of
Energy Development Corp., on the other hand, emphasized the importance of
renewable energy adoption to fight climate change and ensure a sustainable
environment that guarantees continued growth of companies in the future.
“We all need to keep moving forward to achieve it, it’s the only way to energize not only the future of work but of your own future,” Mr. Soriano said.
Mr. Soriano stressed that the future members of the workforce, aside from finding their
niche, identifying their interests, and knowing their strengths, shall work in companies
that are mindful of their impact to the environment and to the society.
“Be a part of a workforce that upholds sustainability at all times,” he said.
The first leg of Spark Series 2019 at St. Paul University Manila was presented by
BusinessWorld SparkUp and Energy Development Corporation, together with Acumen
Strategy Consultants and J. Legaspi Computer Graphics (JLCG), in partnership with St.
Paul University Manila – Business Management and Entrepreneurship Programs, with
media partners Philippine Star and ONE News, and organization Partners St. Paul
University Junior Marketing Association and EntrePaul Society.

Get your ideas off the ground with Spark Fest

Spark Fest is the only annual conference in the Philippines that brings together startup
founders, creative entrepreneurs, and social innovators.
The one-day conference gathers a rare mix of thought leaders and industry movers whose sole mission is to inspire Filipino talent to build, earn, and make the world better with their ideas. Participants not only get to attend special talks and panels but also get a chance to pitch and consult with some of the country’s top entrepreneurs.

The Spark Fest is powered by The Spark Project (TSP), the only Philippine-based
crowdfunding platform for creative and social enterprises.
“In the Philippines, there is a vast resource of talent left untapped. The success behind the Spark Project was that by creating a shared space for talent to build on talent, we were also able to build a community with a shared vision of helping aspiring and emerging entrepreneurs. It’s modern-day bayanihan at its finest,” said Patch Dulay, founder and CEO of the Spark Project.
The Spark Fest 2019 will feature Christian San Jose, co-founder of Make by Saatchi and Saatchi. He helped build the digital brands of Adobe Inc., Kobe Bryant, James Harden, and Usain Bolt. Joining him are amazing entrepreneurs like Sherill Quintana of Oryspa Solutions, Anya Lim of ANTHILL Fabric Gallery, the Instagram famous trio @pereastreet, and The Bloomfields. Returning to the stage are crowd favorites Anna Oposa of Save Philippine Seas, Kirk Damasco of Worship Generation and Get Blued, RJ Ledesma of Mercato Centrale, and TV host and author Bianca Gonzalez-Intal.
“Our challenge for Filipino talent is to reimagine the way they create. Having a highly-curated roster of speakers and mentors is essential. We really want to inspire and teach emerging entrepreneurs by putting them in the same room as people who have done it before and succeeded. So, we’re very intentional in our selection of stories because entrepreneurship, creativity, and social change can be challenging. But that’s how you make the world better. Our goal is to encourage those who are ready to level up,” added Dulay.
Now on its 3rd year, Spark Fest will take place on March 23, 2019 at the Globe Tower in
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig from 8 in the morning to 6 in the afternoon.

To register, visit https://www.sparkfestbytsp.com/.

Trade gap widens in January

The Philippines’ trade deficit in goods widened in January as exports decline while imports increase.
Preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed the January trade deficit at $3.756 billion, higher than the $3.752 billion deficit in December 2018 and $3.163 billion in January 2018.
Merchandise exports receipts during the month was $5.279 billion, 1.7% less than the $5.373 billion recorded in the same period last year.
Meanwhile, the country’s import bill grew by 5.8% to $9.035 billion in January from last year’s $8.536 billion.
Japan is the Philippines’ top export market for the month with a 16.8% market share at $884.95 million followed by the United States’ 15.8% share at $833.87 million and Hong Kong’s 12.2% share at $645.17 million.
Meanwhile, China was country’s top source of imports with a 22.2% share to total imports at $2.01 billion followed by South Korea’s 8.7% share at $789.56 million and Japan’s 8.7% share at $789 million. — Lourdes O. Pilar

We can be Sheroes

The time has come. Today we will no longer wait, and instead start to take charge. Today we will learn of our value, instead of believing that we deserve less. This is what every modern Filipina needs to realize — that it all starts with her.
Let’s face the facts: Filipinas represent 40% of the Filipino workforce and over 70% of secondary school graduates. While women today are better educated and have more access to finance, they have not adequately protected themselves. Thus, the risk of financial loss remains high as they still face the perils of economic, social, and natural shocks. The Filipina, an essential part of our economic progress, remains at a disadvantage without the right tools and coverage to pave her way to financial freedom.
Such was the reality that we at InLife (Insular Life), the country’s first and largest Filipino insurance company, wanted to change once and for all. As we recognized the power of women in community and nation-building, we partnered with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, to create a movement called InLife Sheroes.
Be Empowered
InLife Sheroes is an advocacy that empowers every woman to become self-reliant and financially independent. And while there are many organizations to date whose mission is to empower women as well, InLife Sheroes offers something new to the table: women economic empowerment, because we believe this is a powerful catalyst in our nation’s progress.
And so we’re calling us Sheroes—the women who have the power to build families, friendships,  careers, community, and the nation. We believe that great things happen when Sheroes from all walks of life unite in their goal to uplift their lives and the lives of their loved ones through their skills, hard-work, and sacrifice. That’s why we haven’t just put together a program with solutions that answer women’s needs.   We’ve also started a movement that equips Sheroes with financial knowledge and support that will empower them to do the good they want to do.
Be Savvy
At the core of our initiatives is our intent of empowering through education. Online, you’ll find a safe space where women can gain necessary knowledge and wisdom to enable them to live wealthier, healthier, and more fulfilled. While you can find almost anything on the internet, our site holds content intuitively curated by women who know exactly what women want: Financial Literacy, Health and Wellness, Women Specific Solutions, and Connection to Business and Social Networks. In this community, we talk about love, family, health, career, finance, and everything in between. Through meaningful conversations, we will raise women up, enabling every Shero to get the most out of life.
Additionally, there will be workshops and seminars on personal finance, women-specific health and wellness concerns, investing, wealth creation and preservation, estate planning, entrepreneurship, and more. Meanwhile, a network for start-up women entrepreneurs will be established so that our Sheroes will have access to skill development, mentoring, and B2B financial loans.
Be Part of the Community
All these will be available today. The best part? All you have to do is to sign up. So, sign up at www.inlifesheroes.com .Be part of the movement. Take charge. Be a Shero. Because your time has finally come.
The Advocates
There’s strength in numbers, and we mean that in more ways than one! As our movement gains ground, let’s hear from the advocates whose support has strengthened our platform to raise financially empowered Sheroes.
“Insurance, pre-need and health maintenance products tailor-fitted to the specific needs of women are some of the integral solutions to the difficulties that the Filipino woman faces due to the prejudices against her gender. I am more than delighted to learn that InLife has undertaken a project that is the first of its kind in the insurance industry…[bringing the country] one step closer to achieving true financial inclusivity.”

  • Dennis B. Funa, Commissioner, Insurance Commission

“To date, most insurers have not focused on truly assessing the risks women in the Philippines face at different life stages and how to properly cover them. An initiative like InLife Sheroes empowers women in the Philippines by giving them access to risk mitigation coverage, the tools they need to survive any financial, physical and social disruption, thus enabling them to grow as entrepreneurs and professionals.”

  • Henriette Kolb, Manager, Gender Secretariat, International Finance Corporation

“The Filipina is my inspiration for InLife Sheroes. She is a unique human being as she is an expert in multitasking, she does not divide time and love, she multiplies them, she fights for causes she believes in and turns obstacles into opportunities.   She listens to her head as well as her heart…she walks in when everyone else walks out…. Her ingenuity, diskarte and intuition are unflappable.”

  • Nina D. Aguas, Executive Chairman, Insular Life

SHE INSPIRES
In the spirit of women uplifting other women, InLife Sheroes – She Inspires introduces its pioneering circle of influencers who bring with them their own stories and experiences, advice and mentorship, to encourage future Sheroes along their journey toward financial empowerment.
Amina Aranaz Alunan
Elevating Filipino artistry and empowering young designers
Amina Aranaz-Alunan is the creative mind behind the eponymous fashion accessories brand Aranaz and the founder of the country’s first specialized design college, SoFA Design Institute.
Since 1999, the luxury fashion house has been elevating Filipino artistry and craftsmanship in the international market, staying true to its core commitment of promoting local artisans and handmade products. Meanwhile, the School of Fashion and the Arts (SoFA) Design Institute was established in 2007 to empower young designers to pursue their dreams in the creative arena here and abroad.
Sherill Ramos Quintana
Redefining beauty and wellness product line, the Filipino way
Ten years ago, at the brink of launching her venture, the bank holding her life savings and capital suddenly closed down, subsequently resulting to losses for Sherill. Fortunately, with an unwavering spirit and proceeds from life insurance purchased many years prior, she was able to establish Oryspa, the pioneering rice bran-based health, beauty, and wellness line.
Inspired by the women entrepreneurs who stood as her mentors as she established her brand, Sherill pays it forward by encouraging more women to take charge of their financial well-being just as she had many years ago.
Rose Fres Fausto
Multiplying the financial intelligence quotient
Investment banker turned full-time homemaker, Rose Fres Fausto, shares her financial skills through her books, website, social media channels, weekly columns, and insightful talks.
Anchored on financial intelligence quotient (FQ), Rose’s fqmom.com simplifies the principles of behavioral economics as she tackles financial literacy in women-specific scenarios through articles, podcasts, and videos on financial well-being and purposeful parenting and relationships.
Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation
Alleviating poverty through micro-finance
Founded in 1984 as a non-government organization aiding women and poverty alleviation efforts, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF) now serves almost 400,000 clients. The foundation has 130 branches in Batangas, Laguna, Palawan, Panay, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Samar and Leyte.
Encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit in women from rural communities, NWTF primarily provides Grameen-based micro-financing and developmental services through its two core projects: Dungganon and Kasanang. The former provides training and credit so that women can start or maintain their own small businesses. Meanwhile, Kasanang provides low-interest, individual loans to help rural and urban entrepreneurs acquire business assets and capital.

Inflation, tax perk jitters weigh on FDIs

By Melissa Luz T. Lopez
Senior Reporter
FOREIGN direct investment (FDI) net inflows fell short of expectation last year after five straight months of decline from 2017 amid rising prices and jitters due to planned changes to tax perks.
FDI net inflows ended last year at $9.802 billion last year, down 4.4% from the $10.256 billion received in 2017, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday.
Foreign Direct Investments in the Philippines
It was the first drop of such inflows in three years.
The amount is also lower than the $10.4 billion net inflows which the central bank expected for the full year, which would have otherwise been a fresh record high.
In a statement, the BSP said net inflows settled at $677 million in December alone, 4.8% lower than the $712 million received in the same month in 2017. This marks a sustained year-on-year drop in FDIs since August.
The lower FDIs came as equity investments plunged by more than half that month, with net inflows at $132 million versus $312 million a year ago. December saw gross placements at $161 million, countered by $29 million in withdrawn capital. In contrast, investments amounted to $334 million the prior year, partly offset by $22 million in outbound capital.
Reinvested earnings fell to $61 million in December from $65 million the previous year.
Providing some respite were foreign parents’ lending to their Philippine units which rose by 44.7% to $484 million from $335 million.
For the entire 2018, equity capital inflows dropped by a third to $2.267 billion. On the other hand, reinvested earnings roughly steadied at $859 million from $863 million while debt placements grew 11.3% to $6.676 billion from $ 5.996 billion.
The central bank said bulk of the FDIs went to manufacturing; financial and insurance; real estate; electricity, gas, steam and air-conditioning supply; as well as arts, entertainment and recreation.
Nabil Francis, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, cited factors behind the seeming reluctance of foreign businesses to make long-term bets in the Philippines.
“The decline in FDIs may be attributed to the continuing uncertainty over TRABAHO bill and risks to peace and order in certain areas of the country, which may discourage investor confidence. On the other hand, manufacturing challenges and challenging Internet connectivity… persist,” Mr. Francis said in a mobile phone message.
“The Philippines is also one of the countries in ASEAN which has a relatively higher number of non-working holidays, which also has an impact on the operational costs of businesses.”
In September, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 8083, or the proposed Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) Act, which gradually reduces the corporate income tax rate to 20% from the current 30% by two percentage points every other year starting 2021.
This will come alongside a uniform scheme for tax incentives that will replace various types granted by investment promotion agencies and likewise put a cap on the number of years in which a company can enjoy such perks. This reform has been flagged as a major risk by businesses.
Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion, chief economist at the Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc., said investors likely retreated to “careful sidelines” last year, largely because of escalating trade tensions between the United States and China.
“Another factor is the level of prices last 2018. Inflation rose to unexpected levels that has temporarily hampered positive perception about the health of the Philippine economy,” Mr. Asuncion said when sought for comment.
Equity capital came mainly from Singapore at $935.62 million, followed by Hong Kong ($270.19 million), Japan ($218.91 million), China ($198.68 million) and the United States ($160.43 million), according to BSP data.
However, Mr. Asuncion painted a better picture for 2019.
“With expectations that inflation will continue to decline and that the trade issues between the world’s biggest two economies probably seeing a resolution soon, thus potentially resulting to a better trade environment and global growth perception, UnionBank’s Economic Research Unit expects that Philippine FDI will recover its momentum from 2017.”
The BSP sees FDI net inflows reaching $10.2 billion this year.
John D. Forbes, senior advisor at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, said reforms are key to jump-starting big FDI flows.“Probably, more reforms will be needed, such as the PSA amendments, reducing business costs for manufacturing and allowing new mining investments, before the amount goes up to $15-20 billion,” Mr. Forbes explained, referring to amendments to the 82-year-old Public Service Act. — with Reuters

Malacañang watches as budget impasse simmers

MALACAÑANG on Monday said President Rodrigo R. Duterte was ready to veto questionable provisions in the P3.757-trillion national budget for this year, even as it hoped both chambers of Congress would resolve their differences soon.
The leadership of the House of Representatives and of the Senate continued on Monday to trade allegations of post-ratification changes to delayed 2019 national spending plan.
In a Monday news briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said the president “will exercise his power to veto if he feels that indeed the budget to be given to him does not conform with the Constitution; otherwise, he will sign it into law.”
Sought for comment about the continuing tiff between the two legislative chambers, Mr. Panelo said: “I’m sure they will agree — the House and the Senate — dahil nag-uusap naman sila eh (because they talk to each other).”
“From what I hear, they’re talking to agree. Hindi ko lang alam kung kailan mangyayari ‘yun (I just don’t know when that will happen),” he added.
While he said Mr. Duterte “hasn’t told me anything about what he intends to do”, Mr. Panelo said: “Siguro — kung (Maybe, if) I will have my educated guess — the President will persuade para matapos na ‘yang ano nila (to resolve both chambers’ differences). But knowing members of Congress, they always… agree eventually.”
The government has been operating on a reenacted budget since 2019 began that leaves new projects unfunded. That adds to worries about overall economic growth this year, which will see a 45-day public works ban ahead of the May 13 elections and weather disturbances next semester.
The Duterte administration has been pushing increased state spending — especially on infrastructure and social services — to prod gross domestic product (GDP) growth to a sustained faster 7-8% annual pace until it ends its six-year term in mid-2022 from 6.3% in 2010-2016.
The first two years of the administration saw GDP growth average 6.45%.
The House on Monday sent the 2019 general appropriations measure to the Senate for signature of Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III before it can be transmitted to the Office of the President.
“We intend to send this to the palace this afternoon and copies for the Senate have already been sent to Senate,” House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. of Camarines Sur’s 1st district said in a briefing, Monday.
But Mr. Sotto on Monday maintained that the Senate will not transmit the 2019 national budget to Malacañang for enactment if the House were to insist on realignments it allegedly made after both chambers of Congress ratified the measure.
“It’s simple. Whatever is approved, that should be the enrolled copy. It cannot be changed. It’s clear. We will be violating the Revised Penal Code, we will be violating the Constitution if we change anything after we have ratified it in both Houses,” he told reporters.
“When we see differences from the version we ratified, we would not transmit it to the President. And I will tell the President that this is not what we passed,” he later added.
Mr. Sotto had said in a radio interview that he received reports from the Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO) that the House realigned P79 billion in the national budget, a move that was not agreed on by the bicameral conference committee that harmonized conflicting provisions of the House and Senate versions.
Mr. Andaya countered by claiming the Senate had realigned P75 billion in the national budget after the measure was ratified.
Mr. Andaya said the House merely exercised its prerogative to “itemize” lump-sum items, while Mr. Sotto said: “The Senate did not touch anything, contrary to what the House Appropriations chairman is saying…”
“I have the assurance of the chairman of the Committee of Finance (Senator Loren B. Legarda), the assurance of the LBRMO and even Senator (Panfilo M.) Lacson (a vice-chairman of the Finance committee) that we did not touch anything after we ratified it on the floor.”
The Senate chief said further that “[t]he possibility is really looming now that there will really be a reenacted budget if the (House) would not revert to the original (measure) that we passed.”
“By July, we can make changes or we can pass a supplemental budget for the rest of the year.” — Arjay L. Balinbin, Camille A. Aguinaldo and Charmaine A. Tadalan

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