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Central bank sees inflation easing from October

By Melissa Luz T. Lopez
Senior Reporter
INFLATION likely eased in October, coming from a nine-year high the preceding month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Wednesday, suggesting the possible start of a downtrend as higher oil prices were offset by lower food and electricity costs.
Prices of widely used goods likely rose 6.2-7% last month, the BSP’s Department of Economic Research said Wednesday.
This is slightly slower than the 6.3-7.1% forecast given for September which turned out as 6.7%, the fastest pace seen since February 2009.
At the same time, BSP’s estimate for last month compares to an actual 3.1% recorded in October 2017.
The Philippine Statistics Authority will report latest inflation data on Tuesday.
“Upward price pressures from domestic petroleum prices and water rates in Manila Water (Company, Inc.) and Maynilad (Water Services, Inc.)-serviced areas could be offset by the lower prices of rice and other food items as well as the downward adjustment in Meralco power rates,” the central bank said, referring to the country’s biggest electricity distributor, Manila Electric Co.
The BSP believes that inflation is slowly inching its way down.
If realized, October would break the nine-month ascent observed since the year opened.
The central bank unit sees month-on-month inflation at -0.2% to 0.6%, confirming the government’s expectations that inflation may have peaked last third quarter. BSP officials have said that inflation may have already peaked in September, and will slowly ease back to the 2-4% target range in the coming months.
Prices of widely used goods went up by five percent on average in January-September, an entire percentage point above the full-year target.
Metro Manila concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad raised utility rates starting October following regulatory approval for rate rebasing, plus a bigger charge to cover foreign exchange differentials.
For oil, the benchmark Dubai crude saw prices climb to four-year highs earlier this month, but later on eased amid increased US stockpiles and as the peso posted some recovery against the dollar.
In an economic bulletin e-mailed on Wednesday, the Department of Finance said the 36% surge in world crude prices as well as the peso depreciation were to blame for higher oil prices last month, while the P2.50 per liter increase in excise tax had a “small impact” on the overall price increase.
Meralco also announced a reduction of P0.0966 per kilowatt-hour in electricity tariffs in customers’ October bill, owing to a lower generation charge.
The recent spike in food prices may have also been clipped following four administrative orders from Malacañang directing the National Food Authority, the Sugar Regulatory Administration and the Department of Agriculture to lift non-tariff barriers and streamline import procedures for rice, sugar, meat and fish. These measures are meant to address supply bottlenecks and, in turn, bring down food costs.
The Monetary Board has raised rates by a cumulative 150 basis points since May, including a back-to-back 50bp increase in August and September, to temper inflation expectations. BSP Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo said in an interview that another rate hike remains “on the table” for the Nov. 15 policy meeting, although policy makers will remain data-dependent in coming up with their decision.
Some Monetary Board members have signalled that they could pause the tightening cycle should the inflation momentum show signs of easing.
Still, the central bank said it will continue close monitoring of prices and will “undertake necessary measures” to ensure stability.
The BSP expects full-year inflation to clock in at 5.2% before easing to 4.3% in 2019.
State economic managers and central bank officials are banking on an impending shift from a rice import quota system to one that liberalizes importation of the staple to slash retail prices of the grain and shave 0.7 of a percentage point off inflation.

Economic surveillance group maintains expectation of ‘robust’ Philippine growth amid risks

PHILIPPINE economic growth prospects remain strong despite inflation challenges and external headwinds, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said in a statement late Tuesday that showed projections were maintained from a previous report.
AMRO said its press statement reflected the “preliminary assessment” after its annual consultation visit to the Philippines last Oct. 15-24.
“The Philippine economy is expected to continue its robust growth, expanding by 6.5% in 2018 and 6.4% in 2019, broadly in line with its potential,” AMRO lead economist Siu Fung Yiu was quoted as saying.
“However, the economy is facing challenges from rising inflation; wider, tightening global financial conditions and an escalation of the ongoing global trade tensions,” he added.
“Thus, the authorities should strive to maintain the overall policy direction, while recalibrating the policy mix to maintain stability and guard against risks.”
AMRO’s estimates were kept from the Oct. 8 issue of its Regional Economic Outlook report.
They compare to the government’s downward-adjusted 6.5-6.9% full-year 2018 target and 7-8% for 2019 until 2022.
AMRO’s economic growth forecasts also compare with the World Bank and International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) 6.5% and 6.7% for 2018 and 2019, respectively, and the Asian Development Bank’s 6.4% and 6.7% for those years.
Economic growth clocked 6.3% last semester, compared to 6.6% in 2017’s first half, following a slower-than-expected six percent in the second quarter that was blamed on weak agriculture and export performance, and elevated inflation.
The overall rise in prices of basic goods averaged a nine-year-high five percent in the nine months to September, well past the government’s 2-4% target band for 2018.
AMRO said that GDP growth “is expected to pick up in the second half and to continue to expand robustly in 2019, driven by both consumption and an ambitious investment program to close the massive social and physical infrastructure gaps.”
“Going forward, inflation is expected to peak in the last quarter of 2018 and trend downward toward the middle of the target range in 2019,” it added, noting that inflation was caused by a combination of supply-side “shocks” and “robust” domestic demand.
“Amid the strong prospects for economic growth, near term challenges need to be properly addressed. The major challenges include uncertainty surrounding inflation such as rising inflation expectations, a higher-than-expected minimum wage increase; and a volatile external environment including the spillovers from the ongoing US-China trade conflict and higher interest rates in major economies,” the regional surveillance group said.
“To sustain high and stable growth over the long term, monetary policy should be appropriately tight to anchor inflation expectations and curb second round effects…. To further mitigate the impact of supply-side factors on inflation, non-monetary measures such as rice tariffication also need to be implemented in a timely manner,” the statement read, referring to plans to replace the current rice import quota system with one that liberalizes importation of the staple.
A return to a regular importation scheme is expected to slash retail prices of the grain by P7 per kilogram and shave 0.7 of a percentage point off inflation.
AMRO said that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ cumulative 150-basis point hike since May, so far, is “commendable.”
It also welcomed efforts to strengthen hedging functions in the foreign exchange market, fortify macrofinancial surveillance systems and to develop more macroprudential measures.
Moreover, “[t]he enormous efforts taken by the government to push infrastructure investment and social spending will serve the country’s long-term development objectives well.”
At the same time, AMRO shared the IMF’s concern in cautioning the government to watch its budget deficit as it prods infrastructure spending. “[F]iscal policy should be calibrated to help contain inflation pressure and support the external position, through a reprioritization of expenditure,” it said. — Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Transport dep’t seeks jeepney fare hike review

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) will ask the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to review the jeepney fare hike approved two weeks ago in the face of receding world crude oil prices.
“We will recommend for the LTFRB to review the fare increase. In the meantime, however, since there is already a decision, LTFRB can still implement the increase pending the review,” DoTr officer-in-charge Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark Richmund M. de Leon said in a statement on Wednesday.
The LTFRB on Oct. 18 approved a P10 minimum fare for public utility jeepneys in the National Capital Region as well as Regions 3 and 4 in response to a petition from transport groups affected by rising oil prices earlier this year and the weakening of the Philippine peso. The P2 hike — which incorporates a provisional P1 increase implemented in July — will be implemented starting Nov. 2.
The DoTr noted the price of fuel has been going down three weeks in a row.
“Nung diniscuss ‘yung price increase sa LTFRB, ang presyo ng gasolina per barrel, $82. Ngayong ina-award… ‘yung presyo per barrel, $76 (When the petition for price increase was being discussed in the LTFRB, the price of gasoline per barrel was $82. Now that it has been granted, the price per barrel is $76],” Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said in a press briefing on Wednesday.
He noted that, under the current system, having to hold consultations every time there is a fare hike petition can result in a situation wherein decisions are made when conditions that warranted the fare increase in the first place have lapsed.
The transportation chief noted the case for the aviation sector, wherein airlines are allowed to adjust air fares based on a regulator-approved matrix that sets the limit for fare increases vis-a-vis movements of global jet fuel price.
“I want rate increases to be predicated on a predetermined matrix,” Mr. Tugade said.
Sought for comment, LTFRB Chairman Martin B. Delgra III said in a mobile phone message that the board will consider the DoTr’s suggestion, and that the proposal for a matrix for fare increases “would be favorably considered.”
“Review of current policy and processes, consultation with stakeholders and concerned government agencies and protocol on frequency of fare adjustments may be some factors to be considered,” Mr. Delgra said. — Denise A. Valdez

New Customs chief sworn in, vows reforms

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has officially sworn into office retired Armed Forces chief Rey Leonardo “Jagger” B. Guerrero as the new head of the Bureau of Customs (BoC), replacing Isidro S. Lapeña after P11 billion worth of shabu, or methamphetamine hydrochloride, was found last August to have entered the Philippines under his watch.
Mr. Duterte administered the oath of office to Mr. Guerrero on Tuesday at the Presidential Guest House in Davao City.
Also in the same day, Mr. Duterte swore in Mr. Lapeña as Director-General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) at the Philippine Air Force Brigadier General Benito N. Ebuen Air Base in Cebu.
Mr. Guerrero, following his retirement from the military, was appointed in April as head of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).
Mr. Duterte instructed Mr. Guerrero in his new role to “double the zealousness” in performing his mandate of ridding the BoC of corruption, while noting that the retired general was a “good and honest” man.
He also ordered the replacement of Customs personnel with the Armed Forces.
During a turnover ceremony on Wednesday at the Customs headquarters in Manila, Mr. Lapeña said in a speech that he was true to his words to stop corruption in the BoC under his watch, noting that he has already relieved several Customs personnel who were found to be colluding with traders or who failed their collection targets under his one-strike policy.
The former Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief also noted his initiatives to cut red tape through the electronic valuation system, as well as anti-smuggling efforts and measures to reduce human contact on Customs transactions.
“I looked back at what I said during my assumption speech, and I thank all the men and women (who) went on board with me because the records showed I was able to deliver what I promised back then in my 14 months as your commissioner,” Mr. Lapeña said.
“I will leave the Bureau of Customs knowing that I have done the right things the right way. There may have been lapses in the systems and operations, but with what I told you 14 months ago, to do away with “tara” and stop the practice of “no pasalubong,” no-gift and no-take policy, these are the same policies that I have also followed,” he added.
Mr. Lapeña was appointed in August last year, replacing now Bureau of Corrections chief Nicanor E. Faeldon, also a military man, following the controversy on the entry of P6.4 billion worth of shabu found in a Valenzuela warehouse.
Mr. Guerrero in his turnover speech said he pledges to build the trust of the public with the BoC and commits to stop corruption.
“As I take the helm of the BoC, expect that the efforts against corruption will be both decisive and unrelenting, as I focus on addressing systemic weaknesses, implementing stronger internal safeguards, enhancing integrity systems and building capabilities and capacities of our law enforcement,” he said.
“We must regain the trust of those whom we serve, and we start by building trust between and among us. Without trust, we will not be able to make change happen, or rebuild our credibility in our reputation,” said the new BoC chief.
Tax experts interviewed for this story said the President’s order to replace Customs staff with military men may reduce collusion between the Customs and traders, although they may lack the technical expertise in Customs functions.
“They may be tougher and it may improve compliance, but they don’t know the work of tax professionals. It’s a political move,” a tax expert said in a phone interview who requested not to be named.
They added that corruption would still be possible under the watch of the military, and may have no significant impact on revenue collection.
“There would probably still be corruption, but maybe lower. However with the lack of experience in tax collection, it’s still vague how it will improve tax collections,” he said.
Another tax expert said Customs’ revenue performance may not be directly attributable to Mr. Lapeña’s efforts, but rather due to the weak peso against the US dollar, a high value-added tax take from high prices of imported oil, and a boost in capital goods imports.
The BoC raised P434.6 billion as of September, up 34% from the P323.8 billion in 2017’s comparative nine months, beating its P417.5 billion target by four percent.
The bureau’s nine-month revenues are equivalent to 74.76% of a P581.29-billion full-year target.
The bureau’s collections were also 20.58% of the P2.11-trillion overall state revenues recorded in the January-September period, and 22.93% of the P1.90-trillion tax revenues that grew 16% year-on-year.

Palace stands by Finance chief

By Arjay L. Balinbin
Reporter
MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez III of the Department of Finance (DoF) “continues to enjoy the trust and confidence” of President Rodrigo R. Duterte amid calls for his resignation.
“Some quarters have been asking for the resignation of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez. The Palace finds no reason or basis for such call,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
The Manila Times reported on the same day that the “Coalition Against Corruption (CAC)” is calling for the resignation of Mr. Dominguez because “the DoF has not shown any visible initiative to curb corruption” in the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC), “despite President Duterte’s declared war on corruption.”
But according to Mr. Panelo, “Secretary Dominguez continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.”
He noted that “as one of the President’s trusted economic managers, he steered our economy to become one of the best-performing growth leaders in the region and continues to perform remarkably.”
“Revenue collections reached new record-highs during his stewardship, including the highest first quarter tax effort we have ever achieved in the past 25 years. We expect Secretary Dominguez to maintain his superb work ethic for the rest of his stint in the Department of Finance,” Mr. Panelo added.
As for the issues surrounding the BoC, Mr. Panelo said: “Secretary Dominguez is aware of what is happening in the bureau. The corruption in the BoC is complex, and the Secretary does not need to be blunt just to exhibit what he does to address it. He was in touch with former BoC Chief Isidro Lapeña, and he is slated to meet with the new Customs head Rey Leonardo Guerrero regarding the bureau’s operations.”

Rosita out of PAR as gov’t takes stock of damage

RESCUERS worked with bare hands and shovels to try to free 23 people trapped under earth and rubble on Wednesday, after Typhoon Rosita (international name Yutu) dumped heavy rains on the northern mountainous region, triggering floods and deadly landslides, Reuters reported.
Apart from determining the death toll in the wake of Rosita, which left the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Wednesday, the government has also reported more than P100 million in damage to agricultural crops.
According to the Department of Agriculture (DA), 99.82% of the damage was attributed to rice, at P112.01 million affecting 7,429 hectares and 4,917 farmers in Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Aurora, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, and Zambales.
Damage to 19 hectares of high value crops such as cabbage, broccoli, potato, tomato, garden pea, bell pepper, lettuce, carrot and snap beans amounted a production loss volume of 4 metric tons valued at P199,079.
For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said in a statement on Wednesday, “The President has directed all government agencies to immediately respond and undertake measures to help the victims and families and to rehabilitate the typhoon ravaged areas, including the clearing and repairing of roads that have become inaccessible or impassable.”
He added, “Efforts to look for survivors are currently ongoing and we pray for the rescue of those still trapped or missing.”
President Rodrigo R. Duterte will visit the affected areas soon, accompanied by his Cabinet, Mr. Panelo said.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM), for its part, has released P662.5 million to cover the needs of those affected by typhoon Rosita.
The funds were released to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which will deliver family food packs, relief supplies, cash or food-for-work programs, as well as provide shelter assistance.
Budget Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said the fund release will also be for the “forthcoming typhoons that may enter the PAR in the last two remaining months of the year.” — reports by Reuters, Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio, Gillian M. Cortez, and Elijah Joseph C. Tubayan

Memorandum order out on regulation of sale of firecrackers

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other concerned agencies to “strictly implement” existing laws, rules and regulations on firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Through Memorandum Order (MO) No. 31 on Oct. 29, Mr. Duterte orders the PNP, in coordination with other concerned agencies and the local governments, to conduct inspections to ensure that manufacturers, distributors, retailers and users of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices are in compliance with the government’s safety guidelines.
The order also directs the PNP to “confiscate and destroy prohibited pyrotechnic devices and firecrackers like Picollo, which is “the top cause of firecracker-related injuries.”
The President’s MO 31 also noted that licenses and permits of those found in violation of existing laws, rules and regulations will be “cancelled or revoked.”
“Suspend the processing of new licenses and permits for the manufacture, sale, and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices pending review of existing licensees’ and permittees’ compliance with laws, rules and regulations,” the order also read. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Duterte issues EO on coordinating antidrug campaign

By Arjay L. Balinbin
Reporter
PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has signed an order institutionalizing the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drugs Strategy (PADS), which the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) formulated to address the drug problem in the country.
Signed on Oct. 29, Executive Order No. 66 noted that DDB’s PADS “outlines the balanced efforts of the government to strengthen its campaign against prohibited drugs and their precursors, and contribute to international efforts to counter the worldwide illegal drug problem.”
Hence, this order directs all government offices, departments, bureaus, agencies and offices, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, to “implement the PADS in accordance with their respective mandates.”
These agencies are also directed to submit to the DDB, as the lead agency in the implementation of the program, their respective implementing and operation plans.
The agencies mentioned, including Local Government Units (LGUs), “shall formulate and adopt their respective Drug-Free Workplace Programs, and conduct authorized drug testing among their respective officials and personnel….”
In its Oct. 15 statement, the DDB said PADS “will serve as the framework of action in ensuring drug abuse prevention and control in line with the current priorities of the Duterte Administration.”
“As emphasis is given to the supply reduction efforts including aggressive law enforcement to address the drug problem in the Philippines, we also highlight the importance of treatment and rehabilitation, reintegration and continuum of care for drug users. This concept is given importance through the ‘whole of nation’ approach which we have continuously advocated,” DDB Chairman Secretary Catalino S. Cuy said in the statement.

DFA: Kidnapped Filipino seafarers in Nigeria released

THE seven Filipino seafarers who were kidnapped last month in Nigeria have been released, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported late Tuesday.
In its report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro L. Locsin, Jr., the Philippine Embassy in the Nigerian capital of Abuja said the 12 crew members of the Swiss-owned MV Glarus, including the Filipinos, were released on Sunday, Oct. 28.
Ambassador to Nigeria Shirley Ho-Vicario said the Filipino seafarers are now in Zurich, Switzerland, awaiting to be flown back home.
The MV Glarus was on its way to Port Harcourt, Nigeria on Sept. 22 when it was intercepted by armed men who kidnapped the 12 crew members.
On Wednesday, the Philippine Embassy in Abuja also advised Filipinos in Nigeria, especially the 3,000 residing in Lagos, to remain vigilant as violent clashes between police and protesting members of the Islamic Movement continued. Ms. Ho-Vicario said no Filipino has been harmed amid that development.
According to a Reuters report, police forces opened fire at Shi’ite Muslim protesters who were demanding the release of their leader Ibrahim Zakzaky. At least 24 protesters were reported killed, but the military said only three people were killed, and four soldiers were wounded. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

SC upholds indictment of Grace Padaca, 2 others for graft, malversation

THE SUPREME Court (SC) affirmed the indictment of former Isabela governor Grace Padaca and two others for graft and malversation of public funds.
The charges involve a P25 million fund given to a foundation for the implementation of a provincial rice program. The high court has directed the Sandiganbayan to continue the necessary proceedings on the case.
In an Aug. 8 decision, the graft court’s Second Division dismissed the consolidated petition of Ms. Padaca, manager Dionisio Pine of private foundation Economic Development for Western Isabela and Northern Luzon Foundation, Inc. (EDWINLFI), and Municipal Councilor Servando, who is also the chairman of EDWINLFI. They sought to nullify the Office of the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause for the filing of graft and malversation of public funds and the Sandiganbayan’s denial of their motion to recall the arrest warrant on them.
The case involved the Provincial Government of Isabela’s procurement of a P35 million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines for the funding of the Priority Agricultural Modernization Project of Isabela. However, P25 million of the loan was released to EDWINLFI.
The SC stated that it agreed with the Sandiganbayan’s ruling that “no grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess in jurisdiction” can be linked to the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause against the petitioners as it is grounded on “substantial basis.”
The high court also said there is no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the Sandiganbayan in its denial of the appeal by the accused to recall the warrants for their arrest as it “aptly limited its determination of probable cause to resolve whether arrest warrants should be issued against the petitioners.”
“In sum, there is no cogent reason to disturb the Ombudsman’s finding of probable cause and the Sandiganbayan’s denial of Soriano and Pine’s Omnibus Motion….[T]he Court cannot and will not nullify the Ombudsman’s factual findings on the sole ground that the complainant does not agree with such findings,’” the decision read.
In its investigation, the Ombudsman found out Ms. Padaca involved the services of EDWINLFI in managing the rice program without “due regard to the rules on government procurement” and despite there being no memorandum of agreement ratified by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
It also noted that the affiliation of Mr. Soriano and the provincial government’s legal officer Johnas M. Lamorena with EDWINLFI cast suspicion on the regularity of the transaction.
ECHIVERRI CLEARED
In another ruling, the Supreme Court (SC) affirmed the Sandiganbayan’s acquittal of former Caloocan City mayor Enrico R. Echiverri and two others from graft charges and falsification of documents.
In a resolution dated Oct. 1, the SC dismissed the petition of the Office of the Ombudsman which assailed the Sandiganbayan’s ruling in favor of Mr. Echiverri for failure “to sufficiently show” that the graft court gravely abused its discretion in granting the demurrer to evidence filed by Mr. Echiverri, former city accountant Edna V. Centeno and former city budget officer Jesusa C. Garcia.
The high court affirmed the Sandiganbayan’s grant of respondents’ demurrer to evidence, as the evidence presented by the prosecution showed that Mr. Echiverri was authorized to enter into the concerned city development projects.
The SC added that the projects “strictly underwent the required procurement process, thereby eliminating the possibility that it was entered into by respondents with manifest partiality or with gross inexcusable negligence” that resulted in damage to the local government.
“In this light, the (graft court) also correctly ruled that Centeno and Garcia did not commit any falsification in certifying that funds were available for the subject infrastructure project(s),” the high court said in part. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Sister Fox to leave PH on Nov. 3

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas
THE LEGAL counsel of Australian missionary Patricia Fox said the nun will leave the country on Nov. 3 following the Bureau of Immigration’s denial of the extension of her temporary visitor’s visa.
In a statement, her lawyer said Ms. Fox is compelled to leave “under strong protest.”
“We will not allow the government to forcibly expel Sr. Fox out of the country given her stature as a respected missionary nun and human rights defender neither will we give them the wicked pleasure of gloating over this injustice,” the statement read, adding: “Sr. Fox will leave the Philippines with a clear conscience that she has done nothing wrong and illegal during her 27 years of stay in the country. She is and will always be loved by the Filipino people.”
The BI (Bureau of Immigration) previously denied Ms. Fox’s application for the extension of her missionary visa and required her to apply for a downgrade to a temporary visitor’s visa.
She was granted the temporary visitor’s visa on Oct. 24 with 59-day validity starting from the expiration of her missionary visa on Sept. 5. It will expire on Nov. 3.
Ms. Fox’s legal counsel added that she will continue her missionary and human rights work. “She will continue to stand for the oppressed and speak about injustices against the Filipino people.”
“She intends to come back (to) the Philippines as soon as President Duterte is out of power and another government more receptive of dissent and who recognizes missionary and human rights work is in place.”
Ms. Fox has a pending petition for review before the Department of Justice (DOJ), assailing the deportation case issued by the BI against her.
Ms. Fox was arrested on April 16. President Rodrigo R. Duterte has admitted that she ordered the investigation of Ms. Fox for “disorderly conduct.”

Palace calls reported P25 wage hike for NCR ‘unofficial’

MALACAÑANG said the reported P25 minimum wage increase for Metro Manila is not yet official and remains under review, after labor and employer representatives claimed knowledge of information contained in the National Capital Region (NCR) wage order ahead of its release.
In a statement on Wednesday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said that National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) has yet to review the wage order drafted by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board for the NCR after the wage board completed its deliberations on Tuesday.
“As of today, Oct. 31, the reported P25 wage hike for minimum wage workers has yet to be approved by the National Wage and Productivity Commission (NWPC). Therefore, the figure being disseminated is not official,” Mr. Panelo said.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), the RTWPB-NCR, and the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) have not confirmed that the wage order will call for a P25 wage hike.
On Tuesday, Employees Confederation of the Philippines (ECoP) Acting President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. told GMA News that the RTWPB-NCR approved a minimum-wage increase of P25.
In a phone interview with BusinessWorld, Mr. Ortiz-Luis said that information on the NCR wage board’s decision was relayed to him by the employers’ representatives of the RTWPB-NCR.
“I was just told by our representative in the wage board that they have already made a decision,” Mr. Ortiz-Luis said.
When asked if this was a reasonable amount for employers, Mr. Ortiz-Luis reiterated, “We will respect what the board decides.”
On the other hand, Associated Labor Union-Trade Union Congress of the Philippines Spokesperson Alan A. Tanjusay said in a briefing on Wednesday that the NCR-Wage Board failed to recognize the needs of minimum wage earners in the region.
“The board failed its mandate to balance labor and capital,” he said.
The labor coalition estimates that a P335.07 wage hike is needed for workers to earn a living wage, challenged ECoP to release a computation showing how workers can survive with a P25 wage increase.
Anakpawis partylist Representative Ariel Casilao said in a statement on Wednesday that a P25 increase is not enough to offset rising inflation.
The Anakpawis representative also said that in 2015, NCR establishments had a combined profit of P903 billion pesos while still paying their workers an average of P530.
“Raising the minimum wage in NCR to P750 will cost P133 Billion which is just 14.6% of their profits,” he said.
DoLE said in an advisory on Wednesday that it will announce the new NCR wage order on Monday, laying out the extent of the wage increase beyond the current P512. — Gillian M. Cortez

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