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US sounded out on electronics, minerals tie-ups

THE Department of Finance (DoF) said it discussed possible collaboration in electronics, minerals, and energy with a US State Department official.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DoF said Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto met with Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and Environment Jose W. Fernandez to discuss “areas of strategic partnerships and closer cooperation in matters of common concern, including strengthening economic resilience.”

“Undersecretary Fernandez highlighted specific areas of interest for the US, particularly critical minerals, semiconductors, and energy security,” the DoF said.

“In response, Secretary Recto expressed a strong willingness to collaborate on the said areas, emphasizing the important role of the US as an anchor for potential investment that could signal increased attention from other global investors,” it added.

Mr. Recto also promoted trade partnerships with the US to “diversify supply chains and enhance economic resilience.”

He said the Philippines is working to address concerns on ease of doing business, citing the proposed amendments to the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act.

Mr. Recto has said he proposed a free trade agreement with the United States in a separate meeting.

Separately, Mr. Recto met with the Securities and Exchange Commission Philippines (SEC) on Tuesday.

Mr. Recto instructed the SEC to work with the Bureau of Internal Revenue to share data and improve tax collection.

“Secretary Recto also assured the SEC of the DoF’s staunch support for its reforms and initiatives to further digitalize systems, boost the Philippine stock market, intensify consumer protection, enhance supervision and regulation of the financial system, promote trade and investments, and advance financial literacy and sustainability, among others,” it added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Financial literacy courses urged for OFWs

THE GOVERNMENT needs to develop programs to enhance financial literacy, social protections and skills among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), according to a discussion paper issued by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

“Results of primary data collected from interviews with selected OFWs and their family members suggest that young OFWs dream of retiring early but may not be provided systematic support for financial literacy,” it said in a paper, “Long-Term Effects of Labor Migration in the Philippines.”

The paper, written by Jose Ramon G. Albert, Ma. Teresa Habitan, Aubrey D. Tabuga, Jana Flor V. Vizmanos, Mika S. Muñoz and Angelo C. Hernandez, concluded that the government must promote financial literacy programs to help “futureproof” OFWs and their dependents.

“Financial literacy programs can educate OFWs on managing their earnings, savings, and investments, encouraging them to invest in sustainable projects that contribute to the economic development of the Philippines,” it said.

“The government has been providing some financial literacy programs and tried to provide better financial instruments for OFWs through the OFW Bank,” it said.

It also cited initiatives by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to improve financial literacy among OFWs.

“The communication of government initiatives to improve the financial literacy and stability of OFWs has, however, not been systematic enough to make a solid impact,” it added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority’s Survey on Overseas Filipinos indicated that remittances were primarily used for consumption (47.4%), followed by savings (24.8%) and investments in property, business ventures and financial instruments (12.6%).

Remittances typically account for 10% of gross domestic product. The central bank estimates that cash remittances rose 2.8% to $30.211 billion in the first 11 months of 2023.

The PIDS paper also pointed to the need to improve social protection plans such as health insurance, pension, unemployment benefits, and other safety net schemes.

“Advocating for family reunification and extending access to social protection programs for OFW families is paramount,” it said.

“Furthermore, addressing mental health and providing essential social support to both OFWs and their families is equally vital. OFWs are at a higher risk of developing mental health problems due to the stress of working abroad and separation from their families,” it added.

It also called on the government to develop programs that will help upskill OFWs.

“Additionally, developing comprehensive skills development and training programs, especially focusing on digital and soft skills, will prepare OFWs with future skills to provide them with more competencies,” it said.

“These programs should also help facilitate their integration into the host country’s society as well as assist them to preserve their cultural identity,” it added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Philippines, Vietnam agree to boost cooperation between coast guards

By Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES and Vietnam on Tuesday agreed to boost cooperation between their coast guards and prevent untoward incidents in the South China Sea.

The two Southeast Asian countries, which have competing claims over some parts of the South China Sea, announced the deal during Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s state visit to Hanoi.

The disputed water, a conduit for $3 trillion (P169 trillion) of annual ship-borne trade, is claimed by China almost in its entirety.

The two memoranda of understanding on security covered “incident prevention in the South China Sea” and “maritime cooperation” between their coast guards, according to a Vietnamese official who announced the deals during a formal ceremony at the country’s presidential palace.

The agreements in Hanoi, details of which were not disclosed, could risk angering China, especially if these paved the way for future compromises on disputed claims. China tends to view progress in the resolution of border disputes among other claimants with skepticism.

Both Hanoi and Manila have had run-ins with China’s coast guard in the past, but altercations have been frequent in the past year between vessels of China and US ally the Philippines, adding strain to deteriorating relations.

Before meeting Vietnam’s President Vo Van Thuong, Mr. Marcos said Vietnam was “the sole strategic partner of the Philippines” in Southeast Asia and stressed that maritime cooperation is the foundation of that relation.

“The world and regional situation are evolving in a rapid and complicated manner and therefore, we need to unite and cooperate more closely,” Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said, adding that Mr. Marcos’ visit had helped boost bilateral relations.

The coast guards of both countries would form a committee to “discuss common issues and interests,” the Philippine presidential palace said in a statement.

Mr. Marcos said the two countries also signed a deal on “incident prevention and management” in the South China Sea. “I hope that through dialogue, we can maintain a peaceful, friendly and harmonious environment in the South China Sea.”

“It is imperative to the Philippines and the world that the sailings and the air traffic over the South China Sea remain free for the large amount of trade that goes through those areas,” he added.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, and Malaysia — which are all ASEAN members — as well as Taiwan and China hold different but in some cases overlapping claims over some features in the South China Sea, which Beijing claims almost in its entirety.

‘NATURAL PARTNER’
Vietnam, one of the world’s biggest rice exporters, also sealed agreements with the Philippines, a top importer of the grain, covering rice trade and agriculture cooperation.
In his two-day visit to Hanoi, Mr. Marcos is meeting Vietnamese leaders, but not Communist Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong, according to official schedules, in what would be Mr. Trong’s third consecutive absence from meetings with visiting leaders this month.

Mr. Trong, 79, attended a Parliament session in mid-January, partly dispelling concerns about his health after he was not included in official schedules of visiting leaders from Laos and Indonesia.

Before meeting Vietnamese political leaders on Tuesday, Mr. Marcos met Pham Nhat Vuong, the head of Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest conglomerate, on Monday.

Vietnam was said to be the “last man standing” in the South China Sea conundrum when the Philippines pivoted to China during the rule of Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Vietnam is a natural partner of the Philippines due to common concerns against China,” Joshua Bernard B. Espeña, who teaches international relations at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

He said the two have been vocal about how “things should be dealt with in the South China Sea — pragmatism over inaction.”

“We must all appreciate small informal steps that may optimize the operational designs of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) claimant states’ capabilities,” he said. “Absent a military alliance, this is as close as to some ASEAN member state coordinating altogether.”

In his meeting with Mr. Pham, Mr. Marcos said the Philippines considers both the United States and China as key actors in the region.

“The US is the Philippines’ only treaty ally,” he said. “As such, we continue to pursue military cooperation with the US to strengthen our defensive capabilities and our ability to respond to humanitarian crises and disasters.”

He expressed concerns over tensions between China and Taiwan, which China also claims as its own.

Any conflict in Taiwan would affect the northern territories of the Philippine archipelago “and may compromise the safety and well-being of 170,000 Filipinos”

“I understand that Vietnam has a sizable population in Taiwan as well.”

The Philippine leader last year gave the US access to four more military bases on top of the five existing sites under their 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), angering China, which said the move threatened regional peace.

Three of the new EDCA sites are in parts of northern Luzon facing Taiwan while one is on the island of Palawan facing the South China Sea.

“While Hanoi is not a US ally, it welcomes Washington’s regional presence as a stabilizer,” Mr. Espeña said. “Especially regarding the expansion of EDCA and other activities related to the alliance, Hanoi’s elites silently welcome Manila’s moves.”

“I think this is because ASEAN member states are becoming more slowly aware of collective deterrence — reinforcing your partner’s capabilities through informal coordination since another’s downfall can affect one’s security.” — with Reuters

Marcos says he’ll keep Sara in Cabinet

VICE-PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE-CARPIO — PPA POOL/YUMMIE DINGDING

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday said he would keep Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio as his Education secretary, adding that his relationship with her was unchanged.

The President, who was in Vietnam for a state visit, noted that Ms. Duterte-Carpio had not attacked him.

“It’s exactly the same because she hasn’t said anything of that nature,” Mr. Marcos told reporters in Hanoi, alluding to his predecessor Rodrigo R. Duterte’s attack at the weekend when he called him a drug addict.

During a political rally in Davao City on Sunday, city Mayor Sebastian Z. Duterte, son of the ex-President, urged Mr. Marcos to step down.

The President on Monday struck back at Mr. Duterte, the Vice-President’s father, saying the firebrand leader’s fentanyl use could have affected his judgment.

Mr. Marcos and Ms. Duterte-Carpio ran in tandem and won the 2022 elections under the UniTeam alliance.

“UniTeam is not just one party,” Mr. Marcos said. “It’s the unification of all political forces in the Philippines. That’s still there. It is still vibrant.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Speaker helped civic group in ‘Cha-cha’ signature campaign

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE SPEAKER had helped a so-called people’s initiative to get enough signatures in the push to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the head of the civic group behind the campaign told senators on Tuesday.

“Yes, we coordinated with the Speaker and congressmen in getting the 3% [signature requirement] per congressional district,” Noel Oñate, lead convenor of the People’s Initiative for Reform Modernization and Action (PIRMA), told a Senate committee investigating the signature drive.

“They (congressmen) are just helping, but we are at the forefront,” he added.
At the hearing, Senator Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, who heads the Senate committee on electoral reforms, presented a photo of PIRMA members with the Speaker and Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co during a meeting on Jan. 8.

Before that, Mr. Oñate denied meeting with Mr. Romualdez.

Ms. Marcos, the President’s sister and the Speaker’s cousin, earlier said as much as P20 million was offered to districts in several provinces that could deliver 20,000 signatures in favor of Charter change (“Cha-cha”).

The Constitution may be amended either through a constitutional convention composed of delegates, by Congress sitting as a constituent assembly or through a people’s initiative.
Under the law, the signatures must account for at least 12% of voters nationwide and 3% of voters in each legislative district. The Supreme Court rejected a similar campaign in 1997 in the absence of an enabling law.

Any proposed amendments or revisions must be ratified by majority of Filipinos in a plebiscite.

Mr. Oñate said the meeting with the Speaker took place at his house in Forbes Park, Taguig City. He added that he denied meeting with the congressmen on the people’s initiative campaign because it had slipped his mind.

PIRMA reached out to the Speaker and other congressmen for “administrative and advisory” assistance in collecting signatures, Mr. Oñate said.

The group was responsible for a TV advertisement pushing Charter change.

Mr. Oñate said about P27.5 million of the P55 million used in the group’s campaign had come from his own pocket, while the other half came from donations from supporters and congressmen.

Ms. Marcos and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Martin “Koko” D. Pimentel III asked him to reveal his donors for the signature campaign at the next hearing, which he agreed to do.

In a separate statement, Mr. Romualdez confirmed his participation in the meeting, saying it was “in the spirit of open dialogue and understanding of civic actions spearheaded by our citizens.”

“My role, as misinterpreted by some, is not as an orchestrator but as a facilitator for healthy democratic processes,” he said. “The initiative and its operations are entirely led and managed by the group themselves.”

Mr. Romualdez denied involvement in the alleged vote-buying that took place during the collection of signatures for the Charter change push.

Earlier, Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman said municipal mayors had been asked to pay every voter who signed the petition P100.

“As the Speaker of the House, my primary role is to steer legislative actions within Congress and ensure that all processes are conducted with integrity, fairness and in accordance with our laws,” Mr. Romualdez said.

Meanwhile, House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe urged the Senate to pass the Resolution of both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which proposes changes to economic provisions of the Constitution.

“We should pass Senate President Zubiri’s RBH No. 6 so that the people’s initiative can’t prosper through a plebiscite because it is clear in the law that you cannot have two in a span of five years,” he told a news briefing in mixed English and Filipino.

The Commission on Elections on Monday suspended proceedings related to the people’s initiative.

Last week, the 24-member Senate issued a statement against the initiative, saying it is “ridiculous” for the Senate to have a “dispensable and diluted role” in the “Cha-cha” push.

Mr. Zubiri on Monday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is set to ask the House of Representatives to stop its push to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative.

“I urge the public and media to approach this topic with an understanding of the distinct roles in our democratic framework and to avoid conflating support for civic discourse with direct involvement in specific initiatives,” Mr. Romualdez said.

BuCor, PEZA sign deal to set up economic zones in penal colonies

COMMONS.WIKIMEDIA.ORG

THE BUREAU of Corrections (BuCor) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) on Tuesday agreed to set up economic zones at idle penal colonies after the former released more than 600 inmates to decongest its prisons nationwide.

In a statement, the Department of Justice (DoJ) said the BuCor and PEZA would identify idle penal colonies that could be used as agricultural and economic zones.

“Under this partnership, idle lands of the BuCor which formerly had little to no use will now be maximized to produce economic and agricultural output making a major contribution to the country’s food security,” the DoJ said.

During the signing event, BuCor Director General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. said potential idle lands that could be used to set up ecozones measured about 32,300 hectares in total.

The lands are composed of 25,000 hectares in Ihawig Palawan, 7,000 hectares in Sablayan Mindoro and 300 hectares in the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City.

“It is our firm belief that the ecozone model should not only remain relevant but must be pivotal as well in advancing our country’s socioeconomic development,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said during the agreement signing event on Tuesday.

“To date, our 422 economic zones host more than 4,350 locator projects, employing more than 1.8 million Filipinos and generating more than $65 billion in actual export sales,” he added.

In a separate statement, the DoJ said the prison bureau has released about 9,228 inmates since July 2022, noting that the agencies adhered to the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners.

“The reforms we’ve introduced are not just about improving systems; they’re about recognizing the potential in every individual and fostering their contribution to society,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said.

The DoJ noted that it has been simplifying the parole and clemency processes and lowering bail amounts for poor inmates.

Many of the country’s jails fail to meet the United Nations’ minimum standards given inadequate food, poor nutrition and unsanitary conditions, according to Human Rights Watch.

Earlier, Mr. Remulla said the government was working on accelerating legal proceedings for inmates still in jail due to pending criminal cases. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

PAF relocation pushing through

THE RELOCATION of Philippine Air Force (PAF) facilities from Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga goes full swing with next month’s bidding for the initial phase to transfer the housing facilities to an 85-hectare area in New Clark City, Tarlac — estimated to cost about P742 million.

This was confirmed by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in a statement on Tuesday on the P4.24-billion project aimed at freeing up 300 hectares of prime property in the middle of the Clark Freeport commercial area.

“With the support of the Marcos administration, the BCDA is now ready to commence the relocation of PAF’s housing and operational facilities,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said.

The project is part of the memorandum of agreement the BCDA signed with the Department of National Defense in 2019.

“Once completed, this project will allow us to provide modern and world class facilities for the Air Force,” he added of the plan to transfer the PAF’s operational facilities to a 147-hectare area within the OMNI Aviation near the Clark International Airport (CRK).

With PAF’s facilities relocated from Air Force City, the BCDA would use the freed-up land for more developments such as the proposed 100-hectare Clark Central Business District and the second runway of the CRK.

“The transfer of PAF’s facilities is just the first step to unlocking more opportunities in Clark. We believe that Clark still has so much to offer, and we are committed to bring out its full potential for the benefit of the people of Pampanga and nearby provinces,” said Mr. Bingcang.

Up for bidding in February is the first phase of the project which involves site development works and management services in the 85-hectare lot in New Clark City.
Upon the completion of the first phase of the project, the BCDA will move forward to the construction of PAF’s housing and support facilities which is estimated to cost P3.5 billion. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Households to get solar kits

THE NATIONAL Electrification Administration (NEA) has partnered with the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC) to facilitate donations of solar kits to households in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela.

In a statement on Tuesday, the NEA said that it has signed separate memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with the SGCC in partnership with Cagayan II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAGELCO II) and Isabela II Electric Cooperative (ISELCO II).

“The project is similar to the photovoltaic mainstreaming program of the NEA that uses various solar kits to energize households and other state-owned facilities within the recipient communities,” the agency said.

According to the NEA, the MoUs will facilitate the donations and grants from the SGCC in building off-grid photovoltaic energy storage and power supply systems to selected barangays served by the partner electric cooperatives.

The MoUs were signed by NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda and SGCC Chief Representative to the Philippines Yao Yousheng.
CAGELCO II and ISELCO II are represented by Board President Arnel Onza and Board Chairman Sherwin A. Balloga, respectively. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Stiffer cover-up penalty sought

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

LAW enforcement officers guilty of covering up heinous crimes should face harsher penalties under the law, a party-list congressman said on Tuesday.

In a statement, Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund S. Yamsuan pushed for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 7972, which seeks to amend Article 19 of the Revised Penal Code.

At present, the law imposes a penalty of 40 years in jail for heinous crimes such as drug trafficking and 12 years imprisonment — a penalty two degrees lower — for being an accessory to the same crimes.

What HB 7972 proposes is that law enforcers involved in the destruction or concealment of evidence for heinous crimes be imprisoned for up to 20 years, which is only one degree lower than the penalty for the actual crime. “They [law enforcers] should be held to a higher standard of behavior and conduct,” Mr. Yamsuan said.

The bill is currently pending at the House revision of laws committee.

In November 2023, the House dangerous drugs panel recommended to indict several police officers involved in an alleged cover-up of a drug buy-bust operation in 2022 in Tondo, Manila City, where P6.7 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

P23-B bridge project on hold

DAVAO CITY — The regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA 11) revealed on Tuesday that the implementation of the P23.04-billion Samal Island-Davao City (SIDC) Connector Project has been suspended since Jan. 3, 2023.

Speaking at the press briefing, NEDA 11 Regional Director Maria Lourdes D. Lim said the suspension is due to the right of way (ROW) acquisition issue on the Davao City side that involves two to three parcels of land.

She explained that the properties, which have two owners, are located in the area where the pier of the bridge will be situated on the Davao City side.

“If non-negotiation, the government may resort to expropriations. But hopefully, the parties involved will come to an agreement,” Ms. Lim said as she expressed optimism that the ROW issue will be addressed.

The construction of the bridge involves a toll-free four-lane prestressed concrete (PC) extradosed bridge with a total length of 3.98 kilometers including ramps in Davao City and 24 meters 24-meter-wide road and roundabout at the Samal circumferential road.

Ms. Lim reported that as of November 2023, the Detailed Engineering Design (DED) based on the Design and Build Contract was already recorded at 83.91 percent.

“But it’s currently suspended effective Jan. 3, 2023, due to the prevailing issues on ROW acquisition which contributed to the delays in project implementation,” she said.

The construction of the SIDC Connector project is targeted to be completed by 2027. — Maya M. Padillo

Probe rights attack, UN agent told

HUMAN rights group Karapatan urged United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Opinion and Expression Irene Khan on Tuesday to look into the defamation charges to be filed by the state against two supposed environmental activists, saying it is an attack on free speech.

Last Monday, the Department of Justice (DoJ) recommended the filing of defamation charges against Jonila Castro and Jhed Tamano for claiming that they were snatched by military personnel in September last year.

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has stood by its report that the two women, who signed an affidavit admitting they were members of the communist New People’s Army, had sought the help of the military after abandoning the rebel group.

Karapatan Secretary General Cristina E. Palabay said: “They represent the victims of abduction and enforced disappearance who are being gagged in speaking out the truth.”

In a statement on Tuesday posted on Facebook, Ms. Castro and Ms. Tamano urged the DoJ to reconsider the defamation charges, saying the move was just meant to harass and silence those speaking out against the government.

“We are also urging the Supreme Court to pass our petition for a Writ of Amparo and Habeas Data since four months have passed,” they said, citing legal remedies granting protection to individuals from public officials.

On Sunday, Ms. Khan questioned the prolonged detainment of human rights defenders Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna as well as journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio. They have been imprisoned on illegal firearms charges since 2020.

The UN expert is in the Philippines for a 10-day visit that involves discussions with state officials, civil society groups and other human rights groups on freedom of expression issues and challenges in the Philippines. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Incentives may attract retired doctors back to medical practice — group

UNSPLASH

THE Philippine Medical Association (PMA) asked congressmen on Tuesday to consider incentives for retired and elderly doctors so that they would continue with their professional practice amid the shortage of physicians in the country.

“The Philippine Medical Association has a request to fill in the gap of the lack of doctors practicing right now in the Philippines,” Prudencio Z. Sta. Lucia, Jr., a licensed doctor and member of the group, told a hearing at the House of Representatives.

Mr. Sta. Lucia said the prevailing doctor-to-patient ratio 1:26,000, which is far from the ideal ratio of at least one doctor for every 1,000 patients.

“We came up with a proposal if it’s possible that doctors who are already retired and are senior citizens — but they’re still professionally abled — [to] be given some sort of incentive and encouragement [to practice medicine,]” Mr. Sta. Lucia, who also represents the Pasay-Parañaque Medical Society, said in a mix of English and Filipino.

He cited how elderly doctors could be exempted from paying their premium contributions under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) or be entitled to certain tax incentives.

He attributed the lack of doctors in the country to the low salary, among others.

A study published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies last year reported that 80% of hospitals, especially those handled by local government units (LGUs), struggle to keep their best medical practitioners due to the lack of incentives.

On Sunday, Quezon City Rep. Marvin D. Rillo reiterated his call for a higher base pay for nurses amid the doubled number of professionals taking the annual licensure examination to practice in the United States.

The panel created a technical working group to draft a new law that would streamline the necessary discounts and benefits for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

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