GCG revises whistleblower policy

February 25, 2025 | 8:53 pm

GOVERNMENT-OWNED and -controlled corp. (GOCCs) whistleblowers against illegal and unethical acts in the sector are now protected under a new policy of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG).

In a memorandum circular No. 2025-01, the GCG said the Whistleblowing and Integrity Program (WHIP) for the GOCC Sector seeks to strengthen transparency, accountability, and integrity within the sector.

“The revised WHIP introduces important amendments to address emerging issues in the GOCC Sector,” the GCG said in a statement on Feb. 24.

“Among the most significant revisions is the inclusion of sexual harassment, illegal dismissal, and retaliatory acts against whistleblowers,” it added.

Additionally, the GCG, the monitoring body of the GOCC sector, said retaliation acts against whistleblowers “who submit reports in good faith shall not be tolerated by the Governance Commission, which shall extend all possible assistance to the whistleblower under the law and given circumstances.” — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

BoC intercepts P3.25-M unmarked fuel in Bicol

February 25, 2025 | 8:50 pm

THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) on Tuesday said it seized P3.25 million worth of unmarked fuel and a tank truck from two gasoline stations in the Bicol Region.

In a statement on Tuesday, Customs said authorities confiscated 31 liters of gasoline and diesel worth P1.75 million, along with a fuel truck valued at P1.5 million, bringing the estimated total confiscated assets to P3.25 million.

The BoC conducts random field tests of retail stations and tank trucks to verify compliance with fuel sold to the public under the Fuel Marking Program.

On Nov. 26, the agency reported that over P1 trillion in taxes have been collected in the program since it began in 2019.

“The identification and seizure of non-compliant fuel highlights our proactive stance against illegal fuel sales and tax evasion. We urge all fuel station operators to strictly adhere to regulatory standards to avoid severe consequence,” District Collector Guillermo Pedro Francia IV said.

In a separate statement, the BoC also reported that it seized undeclared currency consisting of 3.95 million Japanese yen, 20,000 euros, and 8,500 Kuwaiti dinar from a departing passenger at NAIA Terminal 1 on Feb. 21. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Maguindanao del Sur residents surrender 13 rifles to Army

February 25, 2025 | 8:49 pm

COTABATO CITY — Residents of Mamasapano town in Maguindanao del Sur surrendered 13 combat rifles to the Army’s 33^rd Infantry Battalion (IB) on Monday.

Army Brig. Gen. Donald D. Gumiran, commander of the 6^th Infantry Division, told reporters on Tuesday that the voluntary turnover was done along with the forging of a peace covenant by candidates for elective posts in Mamasapano in support of efforts to ensure peaceful elections in the municipality in May 2025.

The gathering of candidates was held at the battalion command post of the 33^rd IB in Barangay Zapakan in Radjah Buayan, Maguindanao del Sur. It was witnessed by local executives, Muslim religious leaders, and officials of units under the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

Mr. Gumiran said the peace dialogue, where candidates signed a manifesto expressing support for the security efforts of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), was jointly organized by Comelec officials in the Bangsamoro region, the Maguindanao del Sur Provincial Police Office, the Mamasapano Municipal Police Station, Mamasapano Mayor Akmad A. Ampatuan, Jr., and Col. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 601^st Infantry Brigade. — John Felix M. Unson

Busway stations to be modeled after 2 stations donated by SM

February 25, 2025 | 8:29 pm

edsa bus carousel — Commuters line up at the Main Avenue station of the EDSA bus carousel in Quezon City, July 18, 2022. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

THE planned privatization of the EDSA Busway project is on hold for now as the Department of Transportation (DoTr) studies improvements that will be patterned on two “model” stations serving the SM group’s malls in Quezon City and Mandaluyong.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon told reporters on Tuesday that the DoTr “will use the model stations of SM North EDSA and SM Megamall station,” which will be donated by the SM Group.

“There is a budget for (overall system upgrades) but we are going to find out exactly how much we have for this year,” he said, adding that the SM stations will serve as the “blueprint for the planned construction and improvements of the remaining 21 stations.”

“We are confident that within the President’s term, by 2026 or 2027, we will really have a proper, very modern busway carousel system.”

The DoTr is planning to auction contracts for the upgrade of EDSA Busway’s current stations, Mr. Dizon said, adding that the construction is projected to start within the second half of the year.

Mr. Dizon said in terms of immediate relief for commuters, the DoTr will fund some more immediate upgrades, for which the operations and maintenance contracts will be offered to bidders.

The EDSA Busway Project initially involved the financing, design, construction, procurement of low-carbon buses, route planning, and operations and maintenance of the busway, according to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center.

Mr. Dizon said the feasibility study for the EDSA Busway project is expected to be completed within the next few months pending finalization of the terms of reference by its consultant.

The project’s privatization is now expected to take place by 2026, he said in a separate statement.

According to Nigel Paul C. Villarete, senior adviser on PPP at Libra Konsult, Inc., a transportation analyst, described the change of plan as in line with accepted practice.

“That model is a common arrangement for many cities in the world. In essence, the more permanent and fixed parts which will last for the long term are taken on by the government while the operations or moving parts are carried by private sector,” he said via Viber.

Amkor Technologies in further Palace visit amid prospect of PHL expansion

February 25, 2025 | 8:28 pm

KEVIN ENGEL, CEO of US chipmaker Amkor Technology, paid a visit to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and heard a pitch from the Palace centered on helping the Philippines make higher-value products.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) quoted Mr. Marcos as saying during the visit: “Your continued involvement in the Philippines is something certainly we would like to encourage as we are trying to move our semiconductor industry up the value chain from pure fabrication to design.”

According to the PCO, the company sees potential in Philippine efforts in growing its chip workforce.

In December, the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) said US semiconductor companies are exploring local partnerships to transform Manila into an investment destination.

Amkor Technology, Allegro Microsystems, Analog Devices, Micro Technology and OnSemi also met with the President in December, exploring the possibility of setting up shop in the country.

In 2023, the Philippines generated about $50 billion in exports, with the industry supporting about 3 million direct and indirect jobs, according to OSAPIEA.

The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. has said that exports of semiconductor and electronic products are likely to be flat in 2025.

OSAPIEA said the government is encouraged by opportunities presented by the US CHIPS and Science Act, which features a $500-million International Technology Security and Innovation Fund to be allocated to seven countries over five years, as the US moves to de-risk its technology supply chains. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Drop in sugar yields stable since October

February 25, 2025 | 8:28 pm

THE Sugar Regulatory Administration said the drop in sugar yields has been holding steady since October, adding that it nevertheless expects to hit its 1.78 million metric ton (MMT) target for the crop year.

“We are currently about 11% down on LKGTC (50-kilo bag of sugar per ton of cane), and we have not seen a significant change in the percentage,” Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona told reporters.

Sugar production during the current crop year, was 1.01 MMT as of Feb. 16. The crop year runs from September to August, meaning that cane being grown starting last year experienced the tail end of the El Niño dry spells and the subsequent La Niña, which brought heavier-than-usual rains.

“The percentage decrease in yields has been the same since October,” he added.

Mill production fell 27.68% year on year to 1.01 MMT between Sept. 1 and Feb. 16. Output during the previous full crop year had been 1.92 MMT.

“The main factor that we are anticipating is the El Niño damage,” Mr. Azcona said.

He noted that the harvest in northern Negros has been delayed by rains, giving the final output numbers some upside that makes hitting the 1.78 MMT target possible.

“You move a bit south (in Negros), it’s already dry,” he said, facilitating the harvest there.

Mr. Azcona said big farms, which account for only 10% of the industry, are doing very well in terms of tonnage due to their access to water.

“The 85% do not have access to water. The other problem with the unirrigated farms is their costs this year are very high,” he said, noting that such farms planted and fertilized twice.

“They planted let’s say in October, and had to replant in May,” he said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

ECCP sees exit from FATF gray list strengthening Philippine argument for attracting investment

February 25, 2025 | 8:27 pm

PHL-flag-Peso — A Philippines peso note is seen in this picture illustration on June 2, 2017. — REUTERS

THE Philippines’ removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list is expected to improve the overall investment climate and enhance confidence, the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP) said.

“The ECCP believes that the Philippines’ exit from the FATF gray list will significantly enhance its attractiveness as a prime destination for local and foreign investment, fostering a more stable and secure business climate,” the ECCP said in a statement on Tuesday.

The FATF recently removed the Philippines from the category of jurisdictions requiring increased monitoring for “dirty money.” The Philippines had been on the list since June 2021.

The ECCP noted substantial progress in the implementing policies to counter money laundering and terrorism financing.

In particular, the ECCP said that the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) passed in July 2024 helps strengthen the integrity of financial accounts and the overall financial system.

“The chamber reiterates its support for the effective implementation of AFASA, which will further empower financial institutions to protect client accounts and combat financial account scamming,” it said.

“The passage of AFASA demonstrates the government’s proactive approach to addressing financial crimes and ensuring a secure financial environment,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Instant noodle industry in push to reduce unhealthy ingredients

February 25, 2025 | 8:27 pm

INSTANT noodle makers said they are developing healthier products with reduced salt, sugar, and fat content while adding essential nutrients.

At the World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) Summit on Tuesday, WINA said its WINA Challenge Target addresses nutrition and health, environmental sustainability, food safety, and resolving social issues.

“We hope the entire instant noodle industry will unite and cooperate with government agencies and other organizations to work on the various social issues we face,” according to Mitsuru Tanaka, chief development officer at Nissin Foods Holdings.

Mr. Tanaka said that it is important to protect consumer health and improve their quality of life.

Monde Nissin Corp. Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice-President Henry Soesanto said he expects instant noodles to remain a staple food in the Philippines.

“I think (instant noodles) will keep on being a staple food, but we will improve the health aspect so people can continue consuming them,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the summit.

Asked about challenges faced by instant noodle makers, he said that there is a need to educate consumers on health.

National Nutrition Council Assistant Secretary Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang said that WINA can help improve nutrition through reformulation and fortification.

“WINA can transform the instant noodles nutrition profile first through reformulation, reducing sugar, salt, and trans fat, and second through fortification, so not only reformulation but also adding nutrients like iron and zinc,” she said.

“This will make instant noodles very palatable, very nutritious, and make instant noodles a staple,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PAGCOR warns fake website is issuing gaming licenses

February 25, 2025 | 8:27 pm

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) warned that a fake website is taking in applications for gaming licenses.

“We urge the public not to download anything or transact through the said fake website that uses the domain name www.pagcorphilippines.com because it is definitely not from PAGCOR and all its contents are spurious,” PAGCOR Chairman and Chief Executive Alejandro H. Tengco said in a statement on Feb. 24.

Mr. Tengco said the legitimate and only PAGCOR website is www.pagcor.ph.

“We have reported this incident to the Department of Information and Communications Technology,” Mr. Tengco said.

He said the fake website went live on Saturday, Feb. 22 when PAGCOR’s head office was closed.

On Feb. 2, PAGCOR also warned of supposed official letters and text messages falsely claiming that Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators will reopen.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the ban of all offshore gaming operations during his State of the Nation Address in July last year. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Exporters to France urged to maximize use of trade deals

February 25, 2025 | 8:26 pm

EXPORTERS are being encouraged to further explore market opportunities in France by making use of free trade and bilateral agreements, the World Trade Center Metro Manila (WTCMM) said.

“France is a significant trading partner of the Philippines. The trade relationship has shown growth over the years, with efforts to enhance trade ties continuing through business collaborations and economic engagements between the two countries,” WTCMM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pamela D. Pascual said.

WTCMM recently organized an information workshop with the Department of Trade and Industry’s Export Marketing Bureau to tackle the untapped potential of Philippine products in France and how to maximize trade deals.

Goods traded between the Philippines and France include machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and agri-food products, the WTCMM said.

The WTCMM said the untapped opportunities outside these industries “include business process outsourcing and information technology services, furniture and home decor, and textiles and apparel.”

The Philippines currently participates in the European Union’s (EU) Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), which gives its products preferential access to the EU.

Under the GSP+ scheme, zero duties are collected on 6,274 Philippine-made products.

Meanwhile, the Philippines and the EU have resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement after talks were suspended in 2017.

The second round of negotiations took place in the second week of February in Manila, while the third round is expected to take place in June in Belgium.

The WTCMM also said that the 55^th World Trade Centers Association Global Business Forum is expected to take place on April 6-9 in Marseille.

“This year, it provides a doorway to France, an economically refined nation with a large, diverse, and sophisticated consumer base, as well as the greater Mediterranean region with access to Southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East,” it said.

“It will focus on aeronautics, agriculture and food processing, consumer goods, cosmetics, food and beverage, fashion and retail, freight and shipping, logistics and transportation, luxury goods, maritime and energy services, and tourism, among others,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

NEA, DPWH to agree on rules for relocating displaced power lines

February 25, 2025 | 8:26 pm

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will establish a procedure for the removal and relocation of power distribution facilities to be affected by DPWH projects.

According to a joint circular issued by the Department of Energy and DPWH dated Jan. 31, the joint guidelines will cover distribution facilities that are “likely or at risk of becoming an obstruction to future DPWH projects within the national road.”

The guidelines will include an agreed formula for compensating electric cooperatives (ECs), as well as procedures for payment, which may be made by the NEA to the ECs in advance, for reimbursement by the DPWH later.

The rules will call for joint monitoring of the relocation process in line with the memorandum of understanding signed by DPWH’s implementing office and the ECs.

The NEA will also “assist the ECs in seeking regulatory support for the recovery of costs of removal and relocation of affected distribution facilities which may not be covered by the compensation provided under the DPWH-NEA joint guidelines.”

In October 2023, the NEA reported that 53,017 electric poles need to be relocated for impending projects at an estimated cost of P4.3 billion. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Scam calls hit record in Thailand before cyberfraud crackdown

February 25, 2025 | 6:49 pm

Bloomberg-mobile phone — ATTEMPTS were detected nearly 130 million times as text messages and 38 million times as calls in 2024. — BRENT LEWIN/BLOOMBERG

THAILAND saw the number of scam calls and text messages more than double to a record 168 million in 2024 from a year earlier, an anti-scam tech firm said, before authorities stepped up a crackdown on cyberfraud operations in Southeast Asia.

Scammers most often pretended to sell fake products, represent Thai firms, offer loans, or collect debt, according to data collected by Whoscall, an application that identifies unknown callers and blocks scam calls. The fraudsters have recently begun to impersonate delivery services and state utilities or agencies, said app provider Gogolook Thailand, a unit of Taipei-listed Gogolook Co. Ltd.

Such attempts were detected nearly 130 million times as text messages and 38 million times as calls in 2024. That’s a 112% surge from 2023, when Whoscall recorded a total of 79.2 million calls and messages.

“The substantial increase is attributed to the progressively intricate scam ecosystem, fueled by the adoption of advancements in generative AI technology via phone, SMS and malicious links,” Manwoo Joo, chief executive officer at Gogolook Thailand, said in a statement on Monday.

The staggering number of scam attempts highlight the enormity of the cyber scam industry across Southeast Asia, with centers set up in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. The billion-dollar criminal operations are run mostly by Chinese fugitives who fled their home nation in 2020 following a domestic crackdown and ensnare thousands of workers who are victims of human trafficking.

The United Nations Human Rights Office said in a report that hundreds of thousands of people across Southeast Asia are being forcibly held by criminal gangs and made to engage in illicit activities from romance-investment scams and crypto fraud to illegal gambling.

The Thai government has estimated that its citizens lose an average of 60 to 70 million baht ($1.8-$2 million) a day to the scam operations, with total losses amounting to 42 billion baht between October 2023 and November 2024. Local authorities have set up a hotline for victims to lodge complaints besides mounting a public campaign to not fall victims to cyber scam attempts.

Saying it needs to protect its citizens, Thailand has ramped up its crackdown on the transnational criminal industry in neighboring countries in recent weeks. The government has moved to make banks, mobile phone operators, social media platforms and online money lenders liable for financial frauds committed on their platforms. It also cut off electricity, internet access and fuel supplies to some areas in Myanmar suspected to house cyber scam operations.

Last week, Thailand worked with China and Myanmar’s junta to repatriate hundreds of Chinese citizens from scam centers in a border town in Myanmar. The three countries will meet again at a ministerial level soon about the next steps, Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on Sunday.

Thai and Cambodian police also rescued 215 foreign nationals in a raid on an online scam center in northwestern Cambodia on Sunday.

China’s Foreign ministry said last week that Beijing is working with Thailand, Myanmar and other countries to jointly prevent lawbreakers from crossing borders to commit crimes and end the scourge of online gambling and telecom fraud. — Bloomberg