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Embassy to continue repatriating Filipinos in Lebanon amid ceasefire with Israel

Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are seen at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE PHILIPPINE Embassy in Lebanon on Monday gave assurance to overseas Filipino workers still in war-torn Beirut that it is accepting and processing voluntary repatriation applications amid the country’s 60-day ceasefire with Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier placed Lebanon under Alert Level 3 and Crisis Alert Level 3, which suspends the return of contract workers to the West Asian country.

“The Philippine Embassy constantly reminds Filipinos in Lebanon to maintain their vigilance and preparedness through various means: ensuring important documents are ready and up to date…” the embassy said in a statement.

It also urged Filipinos in Lebanon to keep an eye on international news and to stay in touch with the Migrant Workers Office in Beirut.

On Dec. 18, 28 Filipinos were repatriated from Lebanon after the ceasefire was declared.

Lebanon and Israel had agreed to a 60-day ceasefire amid Syria’s political transition after the fall of the Al-Assad government.

More than 3,000 people have died in Lebanon since late September, Reuters reported. Israeli airstrikes and widespread detonation of homes destroyed more than 40,000 housing units in the country’s border, it said, citing Lebanon’s state news agency.

“The Embassy continues to monitor the situation across Lebanon and provides updated advisories to Filipino nationals,” the Philippine embassy said.

“The voluntary repatriation program remains open to Filipino nationals who wish to return to the Philippines.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

GCTA proposal ‘problematic and unfair,’ Veloso lawyer says

MARY JANE F. VELOSO — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Justice’s (DoJ) proposal to apply the Good Conduct Time Allowance (GCTA) rule is “problematic and unfair” to Filipina drug convict Mary Jane F. Veloso, who was incarcerated in Indonesia for almost 15 years, as it requires another six years before she qualifies for the benefit of GCTA and possible parole, her lawyer said.

Edre U. Olalia, one of Ms. Veloso’s legal counsels, said the application of GCTA is unfair to her who has been on death row since 2010 because this requires serving the minimum sentence of reclusion perpetua of 20 years.

“Absolute pardon is within the sole power and prerogative of the [Philippine] President especially if this is based, as in the case of [Veloso], on humanitarian and not legal grounds,” he said in a Viber chat to reporters on Monday.

The lawyer noted the only “condition” requested by Indonesian authorities when they turned over the former domestic helper was for her conviction not to be questioned anymore, and for the Philippines should respect the Indonesian legal and judicial system and process.

“The legal jurisdiction over drug trafficking case remains with Indonesia but the physical custody is passed on to the [Philippine government] under a bilateral transfer of sentenced prisoner agreement,” Mr. Olalia clarified.

The hearing for the criminal cases for qualified human trafficking, illegal recruitment and estafa, filed in the Regional Trial Court of Sto. Domino, Nueva Ecija in May 2015 against Ms. Veloso’s recruiters, who allegedly planted heroin in her suitcase, will be on Feb. 19, 2025, the lawyer said.

“The taking of her testimony originally via deposition in Indonesia jail has been delayed for years because of legal challenges by the accused but which is now settled and superseded by her impending testimony in person in open court,” he added.

A legal expert earlier told BusinessWorld Ms. Veloso was a victim of human trafficking, which should have exempted her from criminal liability under international conventions.

The expert noted this issue was never raised during her trial in Indonesia, leading to her prosecution for drug trafficking when she should have been exempted from criminal liability.

Ms. Veloso was convicted in 2010 for drug trafficking in Indonesia after being caught with heroin in her luggage. However, evidence and testimonies that emerged later suggested that Ms. Veloso was a victim of human trafficking, exploited by a syndicate that used her as an unwitting drug courier.

She received a last-minute reprieve from execution in 2015 after the late former President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III appealed to the Indonesian government, arguing she could be a vital witness in prosecuting drug syndicates.

She arrived in Manila last Dec. 18 and has since been detained at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL’s FTA with South Korea to take effect on Dec. 31

REUTERS

SOUTH Korea’s free trade agreement with the Philippines will take effect on Dec. 31, its embassy in Manila said on Monday.

This comes after the Philippine Trade department said it would take effect on Jan. 1 next year after both countries ratified the pact, which is expected to boost exports of Philippine bananas and processed pineapples to is East Asian neighbor, earlier this year.

“The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will officially come into effect on December 31, 2024,” the embassy said in a statement.

“Moreover, Korean companies will contribute to the Philippines’ economic development by creating quality jobs through expanded investments in advanced manufacturing, including automobiles, electronics, and energy.”

It added that the agreement is expected to also boost economic ties in sectors such as industry, agriculture, infrastructure, and energy.

The Philippine Senate ratified the trade pact in September, while South Korea’s National Assembly did so in November.

Under the deal, the Philippines secured the elimination of 1,531 tariff lines on agricultural goods, of which 1,417 would be removed after the FTA enters into force.

It will also remove 9,909 tariff lines of industrial goods, 9,747 of which would be removed after the deal enters into force.

South Korean automakers are expected to benefit from the FTA, which will remove the 5% import duties on Korean-made automobiles. Tariffs on Korean electric and hybrid vehicles would also be eliminated within five years.

“With a comprehensive scope covering 97% of imports, the FTA will significantly enhance market access for Philippine products like bananas and pineapples in the Korean market,” the embassy said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Meralco ready to address power issues over holidays

BW FILE PHOTO

POWER DISTRIBUTOR Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said on Monday that it is ready to respond to any possible electricity service concern that may arise during the holiday break.

“Meralco crews and personnel will remain on standby 24/7 even on Christmas Day, to keep the lights on for its 8 million customers and help ensure a bright and accident-free celebration,” the power distributor said in a statement.

While Meralco business centers are closed on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), and Christmas Day (Dec. 25), customers can still report power outages and other concerns to Meralco through its official social media accounts.

Customers may also send a text message with their concerns to Meralco’s official contact number and hotline.

“We are reminding our customers to do their part in ensuring a bright and merry holiday season by practicing electrical safety,” Meralco Vice-President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.

“Rest assured, contingency measures are in place and our crews are on standby ready to respond to any concern on our electricity service,” he added. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Seniors may now avail medical discounts without booklets

JCOMP-FREEPIK

HEALTH SECRETARY Teodoro J. Herbosa on Monday signed an administrative order (AO) removing the purchase booklet requirement for senior citizens’ medical discount.

The order is in line with the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, the Department of Health (DoH) said in a statement.

Before AO No. 2024-0017, which deletes the requirement for seniors to present a purchase booklet to drugstores, senior citizens were required to present valid identification and a doctor’s prescription to avail themselves of medical discounts.

Albay Rep. Jose Maria Clemente S. Salceda lauded DoH for heeding the House’s call to remove the purchase booklet requirement for availing of senior citizen medicine discounts.

Citing a previous committee hearing, Mr. Salceda said the booklet requirement often causes senior citizens to be denied essential medicines.

“Senior citizens often forget these documents, or lose them,” he said in a statement as he welcomed DoH’s latest AO.

He said the 20% medicine discount, along with the VAT (value-added tax)-free treatment for a significant number of medicines, has been a “lifesaver” for many senior citizens.

“The January to March 2024 hearings of the House on senior and persons with disabilities discounts remains one of its most productive undertakings ever. We obtained at least P112 billion in benefits for these sectors, without even changing any laws yet. The removal of the booklet requirement is one of its major accomplishments,” he said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Benefits for seniors in jail pushed

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A CONGRESSMAN on Monday urged government agencies to ensure that elderly prisoners still receive senior citizens’ benefits despite being incarcerated.

“Our laws on senior citizens’ welfare do not distinguish nor discriminate against elderly PDLs (Persons Deprived of Liberty). But because elderly PDLs are out of sight, it would not be surprising that they are out of mind when it comes to aid programs and benefits,” Party-list Rep. Rodolfo M. Ordanes said in a statement.

“I specifically appeal to Social Welfare Secretary Rexlon T. Gatchalian and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla to please issue the necessary directives to include all senior citizens in the indigent seniors’ pension program,” he added.

He was addressing the Social Welfare and Development, and Justice departments and the Correction, and Jail Management bureaus.

The Philippines has one of the most congested prison systems in the world, ranking third globally for jail and prison overcrowding, according to the United Nations in 2023.

There were about 3,000 elderly inmates above 65 years old incarcerated in the country’s penal system, Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. said in 2022. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

CHR flags rise of fake PWD IDs

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday raised the alarm over the reported spread of counterfeit identification (ID) cards meant for persons with disabilities (PWDs), calling it a serious affront to their dignity and rights.

In a statement, CHR said the fake IDs undermine the benefits outlined under the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, Republic Act No. 7277, which provides PWDs a 20% discount and exemption from value-added tax (VAT) on specific goods and services.

“These benefits are essential to improving their quality of life and fostering inclusivity in society,” it added.

CHR cited the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) developing a unified ID system to boost transparency and accountability through real-time verification.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has also started a crackdown on the sale and use of fake PWD IDs to prevent revenue losses due to tax evasion schemes.

“We commend and support these initiatives. They are crucial in safeguarding the benefits and privileges accorded to persons with disabilities while ensuring that resources are allocated to those who genuinely need them.”

CHR urged citizens to report any instances of fake PWD IDs to the National Council on Disability Affairs, the Persons with Disability Affairs Office or appropriate law enforcement agencies. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

145 workers hired at Aboitiz

ABOITIZ CONSTRUCTION, Inc., the construction arm of the Aboitiz group, said it hired 145 candidates in its nationwide Recruitment One-Stop-Shop (ROSS) this year, it said on Monday.

“Many of the successful candidates are now deployed in Aboitiz Construction’s project sites in Batangas, Tarlac, Cebu, and Surigao del Norte,” Aboitiz Construction said in a statement.

Around 50% of the remaining applicants are currently undergoing further evaluation before they are possibly deployed for upcoming projects, it added.

The company specializes in heavy industries, light industries, infrastructure, and industrial maintenance projects.

Aboitiz Construction conducted its job fairs in Batangas on June 28, Tarlac City on Aug. 16, Negros Oriental on Nov. 13, and Bukidnon and Rizal on Dec. 6.

The job fair is expected to provide more opportunities for workers at the local level, said Aboitiz Construction Senior Associate Vice-President for People and Corporate Shared Services Raizza L. Manuel.

“By connecting directly with local talent, we create meaningful career opportunities that support both our project goals and regional economic growth,” Ms. Manuel said in a statement.

The recruitment activities were done in partnership with local government units and the Public Employment Services Office in their respective areas. Representatives from state agencies were also present to assist the job seekers. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

P4.5T worth of investments in green-lane project pipeline

THE Board of Investments (BoI) said that it has certified 173 projects as of late December for green-lane treatment and endorsed them to the One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI).

“Right now, we have certified, as of Dec. 20, 173 projects with a total project cost of P4.5 trillion,” BoI Investment Assistance Service and OSACSI Director Ernesto C. delos Reyes, Jr. said in a briefing last week.

He added that foreign-invested green-lane projects were valued at P1.65 trillion, led by investors from Singapore, Thailand, the British Virgin Islands, and Switzerland.

According to the BoI 139 of the projects certified for green-lane treatment are renewable energy (RE) projects valued at P4.11 trillion.

In 2022, the government allowed full foreign ownership of RE related projects, unlocking an influx of investments in the industry. Foreign nationals and foreign-owned entities are now allowed to explore, develop and use RE resources such as solar, wind, biomass, ocean and tidal energy.

Foreign ownership in RE projects was previously limited to 40%.

The BoI said that it had also certified for green-lane treatment eight digital infrastructure projects involving investment of P352.13 billion.

There were also 22 projects related to food security valued at P13.95 billion, while four manufacturing projects were also certified with a total project cost of P36.91 billion.

Of the certified projects, 130 were in pre-development, 35 were under construction, three were in pre-operations, and another five were operational.

The BoI said that the five operational projects include the Calabanga Solar Farm in Naga, Camarines Sur; Bugallon Solar Farm in Pangasinan; and the Phil-tower Consortium Inc.’s common tower cellular project.

Other operational projects were LBD Digital Infrastructure Corp.’s common towers; and Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corp.’s agricultural project in South Cotabato.

Established through Executive Order No. 18 in February 2023, green lanes aim to accelerate and simplify the permit and licensing processes for strategic investments. — Adrian H. Halili

Airline fuel surcharge to stay unchanged in Jan.

PHILSTAR

THE Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said the passenger fuel surcharge will remain unchanged in January.

The passenger and cargo fuel surcharge setting for domestic and international flights will remain at Level 4, it said in an advisory.

It added that the applicable conversion rate for the fuel surcharge to be collected next month is P58.66 to the dollar.

 At Level 4, the passenger fuel surcharge is between P117 and P342 for domestic flights and P385.70 and P2,867.82 for international flights originating from the Philippines.

A fuel surcharge may be collected by airlines based on the movement of jet fuel prices via a benchmark known as Mean of Platts Singapore.

“Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharges for the period must file applications with this Office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level,” CAB Executive Director Carmelo L. Arcilla said.

The global average jet fuel price rose 0.9% week on week to $90.04 per barrel as of Dec. 20, according to fuel price monitoring reports issued by the International Air Transport Association. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

PHL ODA funding hits $5.67 billion in 2024

DPWH

THE PHILIPPINES obtained $5.67 billion worth of official development assistance (ODA) this year, which it applied to big-ticket flagship infrastructure projects, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

In a statement on Monday, the DoF said the ODA was sourced from 12 financing agreements to support infrastructure, transport, defense, digital technology, health, and agriculture projects.

“These include the third tranche of financing for the Metro Manila Subway Project (Phase 1), which is the country’s first-ever underground railway system,” it said.

In addition, financing agreements were signed for the Dalton Pass East Alignment Alternative Road Project; first-tranche financing for the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge; and for the Samar Pacific Coastal Road II Project.

Other ODA-financed works include the 37.5-kilometer Laguna Lakeshore Road Network, the New Dumaguete Airport, the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Phase III project, and the Infrastructure for Safer and Resilient Schools project.

Others were the First and Second Digital Transformation Program, Second Sustainable Recovery Program; the Build Universal Health Care  Subprogram 2; the Value Chain Innovation for Sustainable Transformation in Agrarian Reform Communities project; and the Climate Change Action Subprogram 2.

The DoF said the Philippines also obtained $73.73 million worth of grants from bilateral and development partners for 13 infrastructure, peace and development, climate adaptation and mitigation, water security, and artificial intelligence, projects.

It said “prudent” debt management strategy has resulted in a financing mix of 77:23 in favor of domestic borrowings as of the end of November.

“The debt remains manageable at 61.3% of GDP as of the third quarter of 2024,” it said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Hog repopulation in 2025 to be driven by strong market prices

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

HOG production is expected to expand next year with farmers attracted by strong market prices, as their risks are increasingly mitigated by the impending African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccine rollout, an industry group said.

“Next year, hog production will grow. Despite ASF outbreaks, farmers remain resilient and will repopulate because of continuous good liveweight prices,” Alfred Ng, vice-chairman of the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc., said via Viber.

During the third quarter, hog production declined 8% to 414,610 MT, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Mr. Ng said that demand for pork will likely remain high as domestic supply continues to fall short.

He added that the INSPIRE (Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion) breeder program will “start bearing fruit next year.”

The ASF virus, which was first detected in the Philippines in 2019, has continued to affect the size of the hog herd, with infections triggering culls of animals in nearby farms.

The Philippines logged a resurgence of ASF cases in August, prompting the government to fast-track its limited vaccine rollout to commercial and small growers.

Recent outbreaks were blamed on the spread of contaminated water due to heavy rains and tropical cyclones during the second half.

“With more acceptance of the vaccine and with imminent announcement of vaccine success, we see (Food and Drug Administration) giving approval for commercial use and many farmers using vaccine secretly will now openly purchase vaccines to protect their herds,” he said.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said approval for commercial use of the ASF vaccine could come by February or March.

Only the AVAC ASF Live vaccine from Vietnam has received approval for a limited government-controlled rollout. The Food and Drug Administration has issued a Certificate of Product Registration for AVAC, valid for two years and subject to annual review.

The DA has allocated P350 million to procure 600,000 doses for the hog farmers in the initial target areas.

“We hope that more vaccine will be trialed and approved so the vaccination costs come down,” he added.

“The pork price outlook will remain good for 2025. Farmers will be encouraged to repopulate and expand their businesses especially if a good commercial vaccine is available,” he said.

According to DA price monitors, as of Dec. 20, a kilogram of pork shoulder cost P300 to P380 per kilo in public markets, with pork belly fetching P340 to P420.

Mr. Ng said the pork trade in Cebu is expected to revive next year, adding to the supply of pork in the market.

“More important, breeder farms from Cebu and Bantayan Island can once again operate and help with the breeder supply on Luzon,” he added.

As of Dec. 6, 88 municipalities across 19 provinces had active ASF cases, according to the Bureau of Animal Industry.

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