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Development banks urged to invest more in power, transport infrastructure

Workers are seen mixing cement at a construction site in Quezon City, May 19, 2020. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

MULTILATERAL lenders should make more investments in power and transport infrastructure to meet the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), according to a report by the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database Consortium (GEMs).

“In the coming years, emerging markets will require significant infrastructure investment to facilitate economic growth, respond to demographic and urbanization pressures and meet the sustainable development goals,” it said in its latest report.

The Philippines has committed to hit the 17 SDGs by 2030. Last year, the Philippines fell three spots in the global SDG achievement ranking to 98th out of 166.

Investment in the global infrastructure market is valued at around $1 trillion a year, though the unmet need is estimated at $2-4 trillion.

More than half of the total investment demand would be allocated to finance generation, capacity, transmission and distribution networks in countries’ power sectors. It would also be needed for investment in transport (roads, ports and airports) and telecommunications.

The World Bank Group counted 2,091 infrastructure contracts in 2022, with a total exposure of 89.2 billion euros.

East Asia and the Pacific had the fifth biggest number of infrastructure contracts at 152, with a total exposure of 6.5 billion euros.

The region is behind Europe and Central Asia (627), Latin America and the Caribbean (475), Sub-Saharan Africa (377), and the Middle East and North Africa (278), but is ahead South Asia (130).

However, East Asia and the Pacific received the fewest number of financial contracts at 208, valued at 5.2 billion euros.

“International trade finance companies can help businesses in emerging markets improve their cash flow position and reduce their risk exposure,” according to the report.

“Improving availability to lending can benefit small and medium businesses in increasing working capital capacity, improving inventory turnover and revenue and offering increased employment opportunities,” it added. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

PHL eyes more agri, health collaboration with India — DFA

REUTERS

THE PHILIPPINES will pursue more collaboration with India in affordable healthcare and agriculture, thereby boosting trade between both countries this year, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Enrique A. Manalo said on Tuesday.

“Development cooperation, agriculture, food security, affordable healthcare, and infrastructure, remain high on our shared development agenda,” Mr. Manalo said in a speech in Pasay City following his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

The two ministers had discussed mechanisms to conduct trade between their two countries as well as progress in negotiations on a bilateral preferential trade agreement.

Philippine exports to India hit $1.1 billion (P56.34 billion) last year, according to the United Nations Commodity Trade Statistics Database.

“While this is undoubtedly good progress, current data indicates that we still have over half a billion dollars of unrealized export potential to India,” Mr. Manalo said, adding that he is pushing for increased trade between Southeast Asia and India.

On tourism, Mr. Manalo said the Philippines may resort to giving high priority to Indian travelers in the DFA’s electronic visa system project, which is currently being fine-tuned.

“We are moving ahead on quick impact projects in agriculture, health and capacity building,” Mr. Jaishankar said at the same venue.

“Indian companies have been active here as much in the digital infrastructure as in the physical one and there is considerable interest in the Indian corporate sector in stepping that up.”

He also cited the continued supply of rice from India as a sign of “growing comfort and trust” between both countries.

In October, India gave the Philippines a quota of 295,000 MT of non-basmati white rice, after imposing restrictions on exporting the grain to assure the sufficiency of domestic supply.

The Philippines also seeks more technology-based partnerships with India which could also develop the country’s financial technology industry, Mr. Manalo said.

“We have also taken note of India’s significant successes in science and technology, space and financial technology, particularly on financial inclusivity,” he said. “We are keen to begin closer cooperation in this regard.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

European assistance sought in shipping modernization drive

REUTERS

THE Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) said it is seeking European assistance in implementing its shipping modernization plan.

“We are pursuing collaboration with foreign maritime administrations like Norway, France and Denmark,” Sonia B. Malaluan, Marina administrator, said in a briefing on Tuesday.

Marina hopes to extend its partnership with France on maritime safety, Ms. Malaluan said, adding that the collaboration started in 2022 and is due to expire this year.

In January, Marina said it is in discussions with France on possible shipbuilding, ship repair, and marine environmental protection.

Ms. Malaluan said Marina also needs foreign help in training and upskilling seafarers in operating ships powered by liquefied natural gas, methanol, hydrogen, and ammonia.

She added that Marina is also pursuing a tieup with Denmark to decarbonize the shipping industry. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Manila: Filipino scientists harassed by Chinese chopper on Thitu Island

COURTESY OF BFAR

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

A CHINESE People’s Liberation Army Navy helicopter harassed a team of Filipino scientists at Thitu Island on Saturday by hovering at a close distance to one of its sand bars, the Philippines said on Tuesday.

Some of the scientists and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) crew suffered from cuts and scratches due to the strong wind and debris caused by the chopper, BFAR said in a statement.

The mission commander aborted the research work because of the incident. Thitu, which the Philippines calls Pag-asa Island, is the biggest contested island in the South China Sea. It lies about 300 miles (480 km) west of the Philippine province of Palawan.

This happened on the same day that a Chinese coast guard vessel fired a water cannon at a Philippine boat trying to bring food and other supplies to a grounded World War II-era ship at Second Thomas Shoal.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.

The Philippines lodged a protest and said the boat was damaged and some crew injured. It later summoned China’s envoy in Manila to protest “aggressive actions” in the South China Sea. Beijing warned Manila to behave cautiously and seek dialogue.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday expressed “grave concerns” over China’s recent use of water cannons against Philippine ships, saying it stokes tension in the South China Sea.

“We are gravely concerned about the recent and repeated use of water cannons in the South China Sea,” Seoul’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Lim Soo-suk, told a news briefing.

“These actions increase tensions in the South China Sea, a major international navigation route used by all countries including Korea, and undermine efforts to maintain peace, stability, security and a rules-based maritime order,” he said.

He added that the freedom of navigation and overflight must be respected by all countries based on international law.

South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol government has been vocal about tensions in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, saying it opposes attempts to change the status quo by force.

“We share your concern about China’s aggression with regard to many of the issues around the Philippines,” US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told President Marcos during a courtesy call in Manila on Tuesday, based on an e-mailed transcript sent by the Presidential Communications Office.

“We stand with you, and we want to continue to stand by you, and with you, and to push that aggression back appropriately.”

INDIA TIES
Meanwhile, India wants to boost maritime security ties with the Philippines, Manila’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Tuesday.

The two countries have agreed to hold a dialogue on sea cooperation and security later this year, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo told a news briefing after meeting with his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Manila.

“Our countries have a shared interest in a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” he said.

Filipino and Indian maritime experts discussed prospects for stronger maritime ties at a meeting in September.

“We regard it as the constitution of the seas,” Mr. Jaishankar said at the same briefing, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law on the Sea. “Two, we believe that all parties must adhere to it, as I said, in its entirety, both in letter and spirit.”

The Indian minister was set to meet with Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. later in the day.

Tensions between the Philippines and China have worsened in the past year as China’s coast guard continues to block Philippine resupply missions to Second Thomas Shoal.

The shoal is about 200 kilometers from the Philippine island of Palawan and more than 1,000 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass, Hainan Island.

The maritime dialogue between India and the Philippines seeks to explore what else both nations can do, Mr. Jaishankar said. “At the end of the day, every country has the right to uphold and enforce its natural sovereignty. And I think that is something that we have also discussed.”

The Indian Coast Guard ship Samudra Paheredar is in Manila for a four-day port call and its officials will meet with their Philippine counterparts to discuss maritime cooperation, India’s top envoy said.

India, one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and the most populous country in the world, has expressed support for a 2016 arbitral ruling by a United Nations-backed tribunal in the Hague that voided China’s claim to more than 80% of the South China Sea.

In the ruling, the five-member court ruled China had violated Philippine sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone by building artificial islands and failing to prevent its citizens from fishing in the zone.

Relations between India and China have been complicated by a border clash in 2020 that led to the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers.

China published a new 10-dash line map on Aug. 28 last year that covers regions beyond its borders. The Philippines and India had filed separate protests against the map.

The map also shows as being part of China the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh, where Beijing fought a border war in 1962, and the Aksai Chin plateau, which links Tibet to western China.

“As two seafaring nations of the Indo-Pacific, our maritime cooperation holds great potential,” Mr. Jaishankar said. “Secretary Manalo and I have discussed our shared interests in ensuring maritime safety given that our two countries contribute so much to the global shipping industry.” — with Norman P. Aquino and Reuters

US eyes Philippine ties in energy and critical minerals

PCO.GOV.PH

THE UNITED STATES plans to forge more partnerships with the Philippines in the energy sector and critical minerals this year, according to the head of a delegation of American senators.

“We do believe that we are in the moment of extraordinary opportunity, especially for economic ties, to build upon existing strengths, whether they are in the fields of energy or in the fields of rare earth minerals or in the fields of commerce,” US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand told Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during a courtesy call in Manila on Tuesday, based on a transcript e-mailed by the Presidential Communications Office.

“These are important alliances for us, and we want to continue to grow.”

Mr. Marcos earlier said his government seeks to attract more investments in renewable energy to fast-track the Philippines’ green transition.

The Philippines aims to raise its renewable energy share in power generation to 35% by 2030 and to 50% by 2040 from 22% now.

During her visit to Manila earlier this month, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said American companies plan to invest more than $1 billion (P56.3 billion) in the Philippines, including deals on developing power and refueling stations.

She said US companies are keen on investing in the Philippines’ semiconductor industry and to double the country’s 13 packaging, testing and assembly facilities.

Miners and semiconductor companies are reluctant to invest in the Philippines due to expensive power, US State Department Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and Environment Jose W. Fernandez said during his visit to Manila last month.

“These are important alliances for us, and we want to continue to grow on that,” Ms. Gillibrand said. “We want to build on the trip that Secretary Raimondo just had here with a number of executives from our companies.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Philippines: UN ruling on Gaza ceasefire long overdue

THE RECENTLY adopted United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution demanding a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza was “long overdue,” the Philippine Foreign Affairs Department (DFA) said on Tuesday, citing the need to keep civilians safe from the war.

“The humanitarian crisis demands swift and unified action from the international community,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A. Manalo said in an X post.

“The prompt implementation of the measures contained in the resolution will urgently relieve the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire and bring forth prospects for lasting peace,” he added.

The Security Council on Monday passed a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire for the month of Ramadan, the unconditional release of hostages and “the urgent need to expand the flow” of aid into Gaza. There were 14 votes in favor, with the United States abstaining.

The council rejected a Russia-proposed amendment that would have called for a permanent ceasefire.

The US ambassador said her delegation “fully supports” the critical objectives of the draft resolution, while Algeria’s ambassador said the ceasefire would end “the bloodbath.”

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu canceled meetings between an Israeli delegation and US officials this week after the abstention.

In a statement, he said the resolution “hurts both the war effort and effort to release the abductees.”

The Hamas militant group said it was ready to negotiate for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

Israel launched a barrage of airstrikes in Gaza after Hamas militants backed by waves of rockets stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 Israelis.

Gaza’s Health ministry has said more than 30,000 Palestinians have died in the war. At least four Filipinos died.

In December, the Philippines joined 152 countries in favoring a UN General Assembly resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, including the unconditional release of all hostages.

The country in October abstained from a resolution that called for a humanitarian truce in Gaza. It joined 144 nations a month later in favoring a general assembly resolution condemning Israeli settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory including East Jerusalem and Syrian Gowan. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Meralco prepared for summer’s high demand

MANILA Electric Co. linemen work on fixing electric posts in Tondo, Manila. — PHILIPPINE STAR/ RUSSELL PALMA

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

ELECTRICITY demand in the dry season will increase, but the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) assured the public on Tuesday that it has long prepared for the situation by obtaining additional power supply.

Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco’s vice president and head of corporate communications, said the company is coordinating with the Department of Energy (DoE) to ensure continuous delivery of electricity service to customers throughout summer, this year.

“Meralco also proactively obtained additional power supply via a series of competitive selection processes (CSPs) to meet the growing electricity demand of its customers,” Mr. Zaldarriaga said.

The power distributor recently secured an additional 400-megawatt (MW) capacity for its baseload requirement through a bidding which is subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

Meralco has secured its supply requirement from Limay Power, Inc., a subsidiary of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., after it submitted the lowest offer at P6.2708 per kilowatt-hour.

The bidding seeks to augment the power supply needs during the dry months, allowing the company to lessen its exposure to the sport market “when prices are highly volatile,” it said.

After two failed biddings, Meralco is also seeking potential suppliers for the 260-MW power supply to serve its peaking requirements.

Meanwhile, the power distributor has called for increased participation in the government’s Interruptible Load Program, wherein large power consumers are asked to use their generation sets or shift their operations instead of sourcing from the grid.

This is to spare households from power interruptions during instances of red alter or when supply is insufficient to meet the demand.

According to Meralco, there are 105 companies with 530 MW of de-loading capacity across its franchise area that are enrolled in the program.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT, Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.

Motorbike taxis in provinces mulled

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

AN expansion of the pilot operation of motorcycle taxis outside of the capital region must be contingent upon actual demand to avoid potential disruptions to existing transportation modes in the provinces, a transport alliance leader said on Tuesday.

“Expansion outside of Metro Manila is welcomed, as long as the number of units to be allowed will be determined by the actual need,” said Leonardo V. “Jun” De Leon Jr., national president of transport alliance Laban TNVS, who insisted that any provincial expansion of motorcycle taxi operations should require a consultation with stakeholders.

Quezon Rep. Reynante U. Arogancia, vice-chair of the House Transportation Committee, said expanding the motorcycle transport service outside the National Capital Region (NCR) would address mobility difficulties faced by commuters.

“In the provinces, most ordinary people cannot afford to buy or rent cars or SUVs,” says Mr. Arogancia in supporting the operation of motorcycle taxis, which are now only allowed in Metro-Manila, Metro-Cebu, and Metro-Davao. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

SC junks raps vs BoC executives

WIKIMEDIA/PATRICKROQUE01

THE SUPREME COURT (SC) dismissed a petition from the Department of Finance (DoF) against two Bureau of Customs (BoC) officials over their failure at completely disclosing their Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Networth (SALN) and reversed a Court of Appeals (CA) decision to fine them for simple negligence.

In junking the administrative charges against spouses Uthman F. Mamadra and Rosalinda P. Mamadra, the SC agreed with the CA that their failure to supply complete information in their SALNs did not warrant the penalty of dismissal from the service.

However, the SC disagreed with the CA that the accused were guilty of Simple Negligence and should be fined equivalent to three months of their salaries.

“All told, the Court finds that the administrative charges against the spouses Mamadra should be dismissed,” the SC resolution released on Tuesday read. It also cited the spouse’s efforts to rectify their errors on the SALNs, particularly on the missing details about stakes in private businesses. 

In 2018 they were found guilty by the Civil Service Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman of serious dishonesty and grave misconduct for not declaring their real properties in Parañaque City, Cavite, and Mindoro Occidental, firearms, and motor vehicles for their 2003-2012 SALNs.

But the SC decision pointed out that “the spouses Mamadra were not given the opportunity to amend or correct their SALN. Their failure to provide a detailed list or supply missing information could have been prevented if they were properly apprised by the head of office or appropriate committee.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

15 BIFF terrorists surrender

COTABATO CITY — Fifteen members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) are the latest to surrender to the government in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, the Philippine Army in southern Philippines said Tuesday.

Their surrender on Monday brings to 491 the number of local terrorists to surrender from Maguindanao del Sur alone in the past 12 months, according to Major Gen. Alex S. Rillera, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division.

Those who surrendered were led by BIFF faction leader Kagui Karialan, who is wanted for more than 30 high-profile criminal cases pending in different courts in Central Mindanao.

In renouncing their BIFF membership, they also surrendered at least 15 long firearms and a dozen improvised explosive devices or IEDs to the 6th Infantry Battalion led by Col. Michael Glenn S. Manansala. — John Felix M. Unson

2023 oil spill damage hits P4.93B

A PHILIPPINE Coast Guard aerial surveillance shows the oil spill off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. — PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD

THE DAMAGE caused by oil spills in 2023 has reached P4.93 billion, according to the data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Tuesday.

The PSA’s Compendium of Philippine Environment Statistics (CPES) Component 4 showed that the damage due to “human-induced disasters” reached P9.29 billion last year, of which 53.1% was mainly from oil spill incidents.

“The reported oil spill in various regions resulted in damages in the agriculture sector,” the agency said.

In 2023, damages brought by “minor human-induced incidents” such as armed conflicts/firefight and fire incidents totaled P4.36 billion.

“The total damages [sic] in infrastructure amounted to P4.31 billion or 98.7% of the total damages [sic] due to minor human-induced incidents,” the PSA said.

Meanwhile, damage resulting from natural extreme weather events and disaster declined by 17.5% to P24.49 billion in 2023 from P29.68 billion a year earlier. 

The total damage wrought by minor natural incidents reached P1.24 billion, up 33.4% from P0.93 billion in 2022.

Infrastructure incurred the highest damage overall at P630 million or 50.7%, followed by agriculture at P530 million or 42.4%. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

P1B set for heritage school repairs

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) said on Tuesday that it has approved the release of P1.134 billion to rehabilitate school buildings regarded as heritage structures.

In a statement, the DBM said it has affirmed the release of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to P1.134 billion to help restore Gabaldon School Buildings and other heritage school structures.

The amount, which was approved for release on March 1, is expected to benefit 654 classrooms in 83 sites nationwide.

“Whether nestled in bustling cities or remote provinces, these historic edifices hold the promise of progress,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said. 

Galbadons are referred to as old school buildings built during the American colonial period. Its design is inspired by the traditional nipa hut and stone house designs. To date, there are 2,045 Gabaldon Schoolhouses nationwide.

The 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) includes special provision no. 21, which states that heritage school buildings, including Gabaldon school buildings, must be preserved and restored as part of the country’s cultural conservation efforts.

The preservation of these buildings is also mandated under Republic Act No. 11194, the Gabaldon School Buildings Conservation Act, as well as its implementing rules and regulations.

The Departments of Education (DepEd) and Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are mandated to ensure the full restoration of the old school buildings.

The National Commission for Culture and Arts, the National Historical Commission, and the National Museum of the Philippines are also conducting joint inspections of the buildings, according to DepEd. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

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