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Opposition leader urges De Castro to stay out of ‘politically charged cases’

THE LEADER of the opposition in the Senate wants Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo De Castro to “inhibit (herself) from politically charged cases, as a way to address “questions, issues, and doubts” on her appointment over the weekend.
Ms. De Castro held her first news conference on Tuesday, taking the occasion to assert her independence and track record in the judiciary.
In his statement on Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon of the opposition Liberal Party (LP) said: “All questions, issues, and doubts surrounding the appointment of Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo de Castro, particularly with regard to her impartiality, can only be addressed if the newly-appointed chief magistrate refrains from participating in any political case pending before the court.”
“I encourage her to inhibit from politically charged cases in order to uphold the integrity of the decision that the Supreme Court may make during her short tenure,” Mr. Drilon also said.
He added: “I have known Chief Justice de Castro for over two decades and I have known her to be a woman of intelligence and integrity. However, whether she can do as much, set a trend, or influence the Supreme Court, during her five weeks tenure as Chief Justice is something that is difficult to expect given such limitation. What else can she do within her term?”
Pending in the Supreme Court is an electoral protest by Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. against Vice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo, the current LP chairwoman. Malacañang has said President Rodrigo R. Duterte may step down if Mr. Marcos wins his protest case.
In her press conference, Ms. De Castro said in part: “I think they should look at my record,…my long service in the judiciary, and I don’t think that one incident like you mentioned would have been enough for me to be elevated to the highest position of the judiciary.” She was referring to her vote in the quo warranto petition that served to oust her predecessor and mutual critic, Ma. Lourdes P.A. Sereno.
“We should all move on and work together for the good of our judiciary. Let’s put the past behind us, but of course we should not forget the lessons that we learned in the history of the judiciary,” the new chief justice also said.
Ms. De Castro also said, “I would like to inform everyone that up to this time, I have not met the President…I did not approach him whether directly or through anybody. So he appointed me without knowing me personally. So I don’t think that the President will do anything that will impair the independence of the judiciary.”
She added, “We would like to express our appreciation that the President has that strong political will, to see to it that the merit system which is the hallmark of public appointment is followed, and upholding the time-honored tradition seniority in the Supreme Court.”
Regarding the impeachment complaints filed against her and six other Supreme Court justices, Ms. De Castro said, “I have no time to think about it, because you know,…I have very few weeks to work here in the Court, and I don’t want to be distracted by anything else. My schedule is full. I have so many activities set in the coming weeks, I do not wish to be distracted by that.”
“I want the De Castro Court to be remembered as the Court that restored collegiality in the Supreme Court, the Court which was able to institute several reforms in the judicial process. And I think I can do that in such a way that processes in the judiciary become more expeditious, less costly, and more accessible to the general public,” she also said. — with Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Official appointments released for NYC, ERC, other agencies

National Youth Commission (NYC)-Luzon representative Ronald Gian Carlo L. Cardema

APPOINTMENT PAPERS were released for officials in various government offices, including National Youth Commission (NYC)-Luzon representative Ronald Gian Carlo L. Cardema, who will now head the agency for three years. Mr. Cardema, who is more known as head of the Duterte Youth Movement, replaces resigned Cariza R. Sequerra.
ERC
The appointment of lawyer Alexis M. Lumbatan as a board member of the Energy Regulatory Commission has also been made official. Mr. Lumbatan, former member of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, will hold the ERC post until July 2025.
PNOC, OTHER AGENCIES
The other appointments are: retired Air Force officer Romeo D. Poquiz as member of the Philippine National Oil Company Board of Directors until June 30, 2019; Antonio T. Kho Jr. as Commission on Elections commissioner until Feb. 2022; Francisco Gil N. Garcia, president of the University of Southern Mindanao, as academic community representative to the Philippine Rice Research Institute Board of Trustees for two years; Myrla B. Paradillo, Luzon representative to the Cooperative Development Authority Board of Administrators for six years; lawyer Kristian Vicente T. Gargantiel as member of the DBP Data Center, Inc. Board of Directors until June 30, 2019; and Maria Luisa I. Belen as director II of the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

Business leaders tackle federalism in forum

By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
BUSINESSMEN on Tuesday raised concerns on the proposed shift to a federal form of government and the tax system under the draft Charter crafted by the Consultative Committee (ConCom) to Review the 1987 Constitution.
Retired chief justice and ConCom head Reynato S. Puno, at a forum in Makati on Tuesday morning, Aug. 28, addressed members of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) on the draft constitution for federalism.
In his speech, Mr. Puno stressed that federalism is the practical solution to the country’s “century-old poverty.”
“There may be other solutions to our problems… But certainly, the solution is not the status quo that has continuously cultivated a culture of dependence, a culture of mendicancy in our regions, a culture that continues to impoverish our regions,” he said in part.
The forum panelists were Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. independent director Rafael M. Alunan, P&A Grant Thornton chairman and CEO and Finex president Maria Victoria C. Españo, Banco Mexico, Inc. president Victor Y. Lim, Jr., Association of Credit Rating Agencies in Asia secretary-general Santiago F. Dumlao, Jr., Lazaro Bernardo Tiu & Associates managing director Romeo L. Bernardo, and MAP National Issues Committee chairman Eduardo H. Yap as moderator.
Mr. Dumlao questioned the timing of the proposed shift to a federal setup. “Some are saying that we need to understand more the federalism concept that we propose and let us not rush, and that we should wait for the Bangsamoro [Organic] Law to be implemented and see how we can learn out of this similarly federalism approach,” he said.
For his part, Mr. Puno said: “Let us look at the pressing problems of the country. The continuing revolution in the countryside, the continuing threat of terrorism, not just by the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) but also by the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) and other Muslims factions, and the widespread poverty in our country. You are now saying that we now have this Bangsamoro Law. But there’s no assurance that the Bangsamoro Law will be a successful experiment.”
He added that if “we are giving the demands” of the Bangsamoro people, “why should we not give the demands of our regions to minimize our problem on poverty?”
“If I discuss federalism with our poor people, the ultimate question being asked is: ‘What material benefit will I get under federalism?’ In your case, given your superior status in our society, I hope you will not ask that [same] question; rather, I hope that you remember the words of a wise man: ‘I am because we are.’”
For her part, Ms. Españo’s question focused on how the government can ensure that local and national tax systems are harmonized and guarantee that “each region will not define its own tax which may result in double taxation.” She noted as well concerns among businesses on the “consistency of laws and the preservation of the sanctity of contracts” under federalism.
In response, Mr. Puno said: “Tomorrow, we shall be meeting with the [President’s] economic managers, (Finance Secretary) Sonny (G.) Dominguez III, (Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M.) Pernia, and others.”
“I am confident that we shall be able to find the correct fiscal formula….I am suggesting, perhaps, we can go forward if there will be a….flexible fiscal formula,” Mr. Puno also said.
A flexible fiscal formula, according to Mr. Puno, “will be determined by an intergovernmental council, which is composed of representatives from the executive, from the legislature, and from the council of the governors.”
He said the flexible fiscal formula he is suggesting “is flexible in the sense that the formula can be reviewed and the council can tilt it in favor of the federal government.”
“I am confident that the lack of agreement with respect to the fiscal formula can be subject to compromise,” Mr. Puno added.
Sought for comment, Mr. Yap said Mr. Puno “presented a strong case” in favor of federalism.
“At the end of the day, it will depend on Congress,” Mr. Yap added, regarding whether Charter change will push through.
“As Justice Puno said, abolishing the political dynasty is key to him. Now, in our assessment, it looks like the political dynasties are very much well-entrenched in Congress. So, the likelihood of that happening is dim,” he also said.
Mr. Yap said MAP will be conducting another forum on federalism on Sept. 11. “The next forum that we are going to have will be on the contra-arguments….So, this is very serious and we want to learn more. At this point, if you ask me, it’s premature to render an opinion. This is a very complex issue, very fundamental and transformational. We need to listen and learn more.”

Drilon: Carpio’s appointment as next chief justice still possible

SENATE Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon, in a statement on Tuesday, said it was still possible for Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio to be nominated as the next chief justice after the retirement of Chief Justice Teresita de Castro in October.
“The President has announced that Justice Teresita de Castro is appointed Chief Justice with her seniority as a principal and major consideration. That could be a good indication for Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio to be the next Chief Justice,” Mr. Drilon said in his statement.
He noted that Mr. Carpio “declined the nomination for the vacancy created by the removal (by quo warranto) of (Maria Lourdes P.A.) Sereno because he did not want to benefit from the removal of Sereno, which he has opposed.”
 
“But Carpio’s reason for declining any nomination for chief justice is no longer applicable today, because the vacancy that will be created next is by reason of de Castro’s retirement – not the removal of Sereno,” Mr. Drilon said. 
He added: “Contrary to news reports that the President has shut the door for a possible Carpio-led Supreme Court once the newly-appointed Chief Justice retires in October, I read the President’s statement to mean that, he respects Carpio’s refusal to be nominated as Chief Justice for the vacancy created by the removal of Ma. Lourdes Sereno.” 
 
“Unless I am wrong, the President did not close the door to future nominations of Carpio as next Chief Justice. In fact, the President’s statement that seniority is his major and principal consideration in appointing individuals to the government boosts Carpio’s chance of becoming the next chief justice.”
“Hence, I urge the most senior associate justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Carpio, to reconsider his stand and heed the call for him to apply as a successor of de Castro. I urge him to apply as the next chief justice.”

Maritime law enforcers from 7 nations join SEACAT

REPRESENTATIVES FROM seven countries are participating in the SEACAT (Southeast Asia Cooperation And Training) Exercise’s boarding workshop, ongoing from Aug. 27-31 at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Surface Support Force in South Harbor, Manila. The PCG, which is hosting the SEACAT for the second time, said the exercises are intended to address common concerns on maritime security threats in the ASEAN region such as illegal fishing, smuggling, illegal drug and human trafficking. The 100 participants come from the PCG, Philippine Navy, Royal Brunei Navy, Royal Singapore Navy, Royal Thai Navy, Indonesian Maritime Security Agency, Indonesian Navy-Komando Armanda I, Royal Malaysia Police, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, and Thailand Maritime Enforcement Coordinating Center. The training will be concluded by a sea phase activity in Philippine waters, one in Subic, Zambales in the west and at the Sulu Sea in the south.

7 Boracay entrepreneurs get loan from SB Corp.

THE GOVERNMENT-run Small Business Corp. (SB Corp.) announced yesterday that it has started releasing loans to micro enterprises affected by the six-month shutdown of resort island Boracay, more than four months since the closure started on April 26. In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry’s loan arm said the initial released funds were distributed to seven entrepreneurs who each received P30,000 through the Pondo sa Pagbabago at Pag-asenso (P3) program. The P3 is intended to support micro entrepreneurs by providing affordable, low cost and easy-to-pay loans to help them expand their businesses. Loan payment terms vary from monthly to semi-monthly over a period of six months to one year, depending on the borrower’s financial capacity. “Helping the people of Boracay Island and local tourism during this period means ensuring their micro entrepreneurs have access to available funds to support their businesses,” Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez said in the statement. — Janina C. Lim

New inter-agency traffic council gears up to ease congestion in Metro Cebu

THE NEWLY-formed Inter-Agency Council on Traffic (I-ACT) under the Cebu provincial government has started training traffic management officers of the towns and cities as a first step to easing road congestion, particularly within the Metro Cebu area. Cebu Provincial Traffic Management focal person Jonathan F. Tumulak, in a statement, said the I-ACT will formally convene immediately after Cebu Governor Gov. Hilario P. Davide III signs the ordinance creating the council. The signing was scheduled yesterday. “I-ACT will serve as the mother of all traffic management offices that is being created in most LGUs (local government units); they will become an avenue where our towns can voice out their traffic concerns, and the body can help solve this concern,” Mr. Tumulak said. The council will be chaired by the governor, with members and representatives from the LGUs and national agencies, including the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Next week, the provincial board is expected to approve the Unified Traffic Code for Cebu Province, which includes a provision on “inter-operability” among the LGUs — the cities of Carcar, Naga, Talisay, Danao, and Mandaue; and the towns of Minglanilla, San Fernando, Compostela and Carmen. The I-ACT will also implement the local public transport route plan (LPTRP), which will be developed by each LGU with consideration on recent economic developments in their respective areas.

Davao officials say staying in top 5 cities good despite drop in competitiveness ranking

DAVAO CITY dropped one rank to 4th most competitive highly-urbanized city in the country for 2018, but officials say staying within the top five continues to reflect good governance. “Davao City has consistently ranked among the top 5 most competitive cities in the Philippines in the past years,” City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head Ivan C. Cortez said. The city ranked 5th in 2015 and 2016, and moved up to 3rd last year. “The skid from 3rd to 4th can be explained by the different concepts in the business permitting processes,” Mr. Cortez told BusinessWorld, explaining that with the new system, the whole process of getting a permit is counted as five days if the applicant has to go to different offices even if the permit is released in just one day. “The award is the testament of all the efforts made by all of the departments of the city government… With this award, we can see that the government is unceasingly giving its best to continue to improve its services,” Mr. Cortez said. Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, for her part, attributed the award and other achievements to the strong partnership between the city government and the private sector. The Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index is an annual ranking developed and collated by the National Competitiveness Council. — Carmencita A. Carillo
>> See the list on https://goo.gl/NA4h6p

Cotabato’s Kalivungan Festival celebrates tri-people unity

COTABATO PROVINCE, formerly and still referred to as North Cotabato, is holding this week the main events for the Kalivungan Festival, a celebration of its tri-people composed of Christians, indigenous peoples, and Muslims. “The Kalivungan Festival this year is more meaningful because of the different activities that have been implemented. Every year the technical group of the festival work hard to engage all the people,” Jimmy Sta. Cruz, provincial information officer, said in an interview during Sunday’s opening ceremony. The activities are spread around the different towns and the capital city of Kidapawan. Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza, in her opening speech, said the Kalivungan is a time for celebrating and sharing meals together, and not for politics. Ms. Mendoza cited the province’s success to the commitment and unity of everyone, especially on challenges in peace and security. Cotabato, which is also celebrating its 104th founding anniversary on Sept. 1, ranked 4th most competitive province in the 2017 National Competitiveness Council index. — Maya M. Padillo

Nation at a Glance — (08/29/18)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Peso strengthens vs dollar

THE PESO strengthened versus the dollar on Tuesday following the speech of the Federal Reserve chairman as well as the trade pact between US and Mexico.
The local unit closed at P53.325 against the greenback on Tuesday, up 14 centavos from the P53.465 finish on Friday.
The peso traded stronger the whole day, opening the session at P53.36 per dollar.
It climbed to as high as P53.32, while its intraday low stood at P53.42 versus the US currency.
Dollars traded climbed to $640.85 million from the $421.05 million that switched hands before the three-day weekend.
A foreign exchange trader said on Tuesday that the dollar “just moved weaker across the board so the peso just followed suit.”
“We’re seeing support level at P53.30 starting to break, so I think there’s a momentum for the dollar-peso to strengthen,” the trader said in a phone interview.
The trader added that the global move of the dollar was lower following the speech of Fed chair Jerome Powell on Friday.
Speaking at a research symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Mr. Powell said that “further gradual increases in the target range for the federal funds rate will likely be appropriate” as the economy remains strong.
“Not much change really. They are projecting two more rate hikes, but some investors are expecting a more hawkish stance,” the trader added.
“We saw profit-taking on the long dollar position. The dollar is correcting at the moment.”
Meanwhile, UnionBank of the Philippines chief economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the market was “stable” with the latest developments on global trade, particularly on the news of trade pact between the US and Mexico.
Reuters reported that the two countries reached a deal to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement, with Canada expected to also agree to the new terms to preserve the three-nation pact.
For Wednesday, Mr. Asuncion and the trader said they expect the peso to move between P53.20 and P53.40 versus the dollar. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal with Reuters

Stocks climb on improved volume, Wall Street

LOCAL EQUITIES jumped on Tuesday, benefiting from the return of investors after a long weekend alongside gains recorded across international markets.
The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) climbed 1% or 78.14 points to 7,844.61 Tuesday, August 28, while the broader all-shares index likewise gained 0.64% or 30.31 points to 4,759.13.
“As largely anticipated, the local bourse cruised through Tuesday’s session entirely in green, driven by the return of both local and foreign participants to the market following the long break,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Investment Analyst Rens V. Cruz II said in a mobile message.
The main index reflected the positive finishes seen abroad, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average firming up 1.01% or 259.29 points to 26,049.64. The S&P 500 index edged higher by 0.77% or 22.05 points to 2,896.74, while the Nasdaq Composite index had an uptick of 0.91% or 71.92 points to 8,017.90.
Southeast Asian stock markets also edged higher on Tuesday as concerns over global trade war eased after the United States and Mexico made a deal to overhaul the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
“Moreover, the optimism that spread across markets Tuesday, August 28, from the preliminary agreement between US and Mexico on NAFTA certainly set the tone for the local benchmark’s opening, while the return of domestic funds and investors buoyed trading throughout,” Mr. Cruz added.
Papa Securities Corp. trader Gabriel Jose F. Perez also attributed the PSEi’s increase to optimism in international markets.
“Recall that US markets surged [on Monday], with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq even making new highs, on the back of developing news on a trade deal between the US and Mexico,” Mr. Perez said in an e-mail.
Back home, most sectoral indices stayed in positive territory, led by the mining and oil sector which rose 1.84% or 181.59 points to 10,018.40. Financials followed with a 1.67% increase or 30.11 points to 1,827.17, while holding firms went up 0.9% or 68.71 points to 7,677.39.
Property also increased 0.76% or 29.91 points to 3,935.01, while industrials added 0.59% or 67.53 points to 11,333.34.
The services counter was the lone sub-index that ended in the red, albeit with a minimal loss of 0.01% or 0.19 point to 1,546.15.
Some 1.55 billion issues valued at P7.65 billion switched hands, up slightly from Friday’s P7.22 billion. Advancers outpaced decliners, 112 to 94, while 38 issues remained flat.
Foreign investors returned to the market, with net purchases reaching P474.40 million versus a net outflow worth P398.89 million in the previous session.
“Moving forward, we anticipate developments from US markets [on Tuesday] which might have a hand again in how our index fares [on Wednesday]. Look out as well for foreign flows as these have recently dictated the PSEi’s movement,” Mr. Perez said. — Arra B. Francia with Reuters

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