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Jeepneys may operate till Jan. 31, but consolidation deadline stays — LTFRB

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

THE LAND Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued new guidelines allowing unconsolidated public utility vehicles (PUV) or commuter jeepneys to continue operations until Jan. 31, 2024, providing a one-month grace period beyond the yearend consolidation deadline.

The memorandum order, effective Dec. 25, permits unconsolidated PUVs to operate in areas with less than 60% consolidated authorized units (NAUs).

“To avoid hampering public transportation routes without consolidated TSE (transport service entities), individual operators in said routes shall be allowed to operate until January 31, 2024,” stated the five-page memorandum circular released on Thursday.

The LTFRB, however, will issue show-cause orders to all unconsolidated PUVs, clarifying that units failing to apply for consolidation before the deadline will not be confirmed for registration as PUVs.

The move aligns with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP), mandating operators to consolidate individual franchises under cooperatives or corporations to facilitate the acquisition of new, environmentally friendly transport vehicles.

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) is coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to plan local routes, ensuring passenger demand and required PUV units are met.

“LGUs will assist the LTFRB and DoTr after the Dec. 31, 2023 deadline in the implementation of PUVMP in their jurisdiction, particularly ensuring the adequate supply of PUV,” stated the DoTr.

In Metro Manila, nearly 30% of all units have consolidated, with routes approaching 50%, according to Jesus Ferdinand D. Ortega, Chairperson of the DoTr-Office of Transportation Cooperatives. The government aims to reach at least 65% consolidated units.

SC ORDERS DOTR, LTFRB TO ANSWER PETITION
Also on Thursday, the Supreme Court (SC) ordered the DoTr and the LTFRB to comment on the petition seeking to declare null and void the department order and circulars implementing the PUVMP.

In a four-page order, the SC En Banc required the two transportation agencies represented by Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and LTFRB Chairman Teofilo E. Guadiz III, to personally file their respective comments on the petition within a non-extendible period of 10 days.

The 57-page petition was filed last week by public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and transport groups led by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide (PISTON).

The petition sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) against DoTr’s Omnibus Franchising Guidelines, which serves as the framework of PUVMP. It also called for a preliminary injunction on the issuances of LTFRB mandating franchise consolidation and its year-end deadline.

With only a few days left before the deadline for franchise consolidation, PISTON filed on Thursday a supplemental motion before the High Court seeking to expedite its decision on the issue.

“The petitioners likewise pray for the immediate issuance of a TRO to prevent the grave and irreparable injury that the petitioners, the jeepney drivers and operators, their families, the commuters and the public in general will suffer,” read part of the 16-page motion.

Together with another transport group Manibela, PISTON announced that it will mount a protest march to Malacañang on Friday, expecting the majority of the jeepney drivers in Metro Manila to go on strike to join the mobilization.

LABOR SECTOR SEEKS REVIEW OF PUVMP
Meanwhile, labor groups are calling on the government to reconsider pushing through with the PUVMP, citing its effect to the transportation of workers as well as the livelihood of jeepney drivers.

“The nearing deadline for PUV consolidation under the modernization program poses significant concerns for the labor sector, particularly for jeepney drivers and operators,” Jose Sonny G. Matula, president of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW), said in a Viber message.  

“Workers, especially commuters, may need to adapt to higher fares and reduced availability of traditional PUVs. This could significantly affect their daily transportation budget and overall economic well-being,” he added.

Mr. Matula cited a joint trade union report to the International Labour Organization (ILO) which stated the PUV modernization plan’s “potential negative impact on the freedom of association.”

“The plan could disenfranchise many jeepney drivers and operators, hindering their ability to collectively represent their interests and negotiate terms beneficial to their livelihood,” he said.

The Partido Manggagawa labor group estimates that about 144,000 people would lose their livelihoods once the consolidation deadline comes.

Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. France L. Castro said the program would cripple small jeepney operators in the country, which are counted as micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The FFW called on the government to defer the modernization program for more planning and engagement with transport groups.

“The PUV modernization program, drawing upon legal precedents and international labor standards, calls for a balanced approach,” Mr. Matula said.

For his part, Confederation for Unity, Recognition, and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE) president Santiago Y. Dasmariñas, Jr. said the passage of bills on wage hikes, regularization of contractuals, and Public Services Labor Relations Bill would help aid government employees most likely to be affected by the PUVMP. — with reports from Jomel R. Paguian and Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Congress must fast-track maritime defense bills and publicize it — expert

PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

CONGRESS should push for the passage of measures that would establish and protect the country’s maritime zones in the South China Sea and build better security ties with the Philippines’ regional partners, policy experts said.

“The ultimate goal for Congress is to make us a maritime powerhouse in our region,” Michael Henry L. Yusingco, a lawyer and a policy analyst, said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Earlier this month, the Senate passed a bill seeking to boost the country’s defense program through investments in local defense equipment manufacturing amid rising tensions with China. The program will get P1 billion in seed funding.

Mr. Yusingco said lawmakers should ensure that progress in developing the Philippine defense industry is publicized and receiving inputs from national security experts.

“The P1-billion seed money is a good start, but the public needs to be assured that this money will be spent the right way and for the correct purpose. Hence, there is a need for the bill to be subjected to public scrutiny,” he said.

Lawmakers have also proposed measures establishing Philippine maritime zones and territories extending to disputed areas in the South China Sea.

Senator Francis N. Tolentino had said that the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones which he heads would craft a Philippine map to assert the country’s claim in the disputed waterway.

Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, said the government should ensure that planned infrastructure in the South China Sea is made accessible to local government units.

“Our fishing communities much-persecuted by the Chinese are already hostile to outsiders, it’s just a matter of keeping them onside and willing to support government action in the area,” he told BusinessWorld. “Investments and development there will make them loyal and more valuable, giving greater incentive to defend them.”

China insists on its claim to almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of commercial shipping annually, including parts claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

“We need to build better ties with East Asian and Southeast Asian neighbors, as well as others in the Pacific region and make them value ties with us more than China,” Mr. Juliano said.

Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke on the phone with Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique A.  Manalo to tackle recent incidents with Chinese vessels in the South China Sea.

“Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ ironclad commitments to the Philippines under our Mutual Defense Treaty,” the US Department of State said in a statement.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Medel M. Aguilar on Wednesday rebuked China’s previous claims that the Philippines is provoking tensions in the South China Sea.

96% of Filipinos facing New Year with hope — poll

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Reporter

MORE THAN 96% of adult Filipinos are entering the New Year with hope, according to the Social Weather Station’s (SWS) 4th quarter 2023 survey.

Citing its poll conducted on Dec. 8 to 11 and released on Thursday, the SWS said 96% of adult Filipinos said they are welcoming the New Year with hope, higher than 95% last year and matches the pre-pandemic sentiment in 2019.

“On the other hand, 3% will enter the New Year with fear, down by two points from 5% in 2022,” the SWS said in a statement.

According to the survey, 97% each from Metro Manila and Balance Luzon feel hopeful for the New Year, while 93% of residents in the Visayas and 96% in Mindanao are hopeful.

The percentage of adult Filipinos welcoming the New Year with hope is higher than those who expected a happy Christmas this year at 73%.

“Hope for the coming New Year has always been higher among those who expected a happy Christmas than those who expected a sad Christmas,” the SWS said.

Hope for the New Year also increased across educational levels from the last year, the SWS also noted.

It said that 93% of non-elementary graduates are hopeful, from 92% last year, while 97% among elementary graduates are hopeful, up by 95% in 2022.

The SWS added that 96% of junior high school graduates are hopeful compared to 95% last year, while 98% of college graduates have hope for the New Year, up by 2% from the previous year.

The SWS interviewed a total of 1,200 Filipino adults aged 18 and above through face-to-face interviews.

Out of the total respondents, 52% are from urban areas while 48% are from rural areas.

It had a sampling error margin of ±2.8% for national percentages, and ±5.7% each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Marcos establishes 5 medical schools

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has signed into law seven bills establishing five new medical schools in the Philippines and expanding the academic offerings of seven other colleges, the Palace said on Thursday.

Established through the bills signed into law by the President are the Benguet State University College of Medicine (RA 11970), the Southern Luzon State University-College of Medicine (RA 11971), the University of Eastern Philippines of Medicine in Catarman, Northern Samar (RA 11972), and the Visayas State University-College of Medicine in Baybay, Leyte (RA 11974).

In addition, Mr. Marcos signed RA 11973 establishing the Bicol University-College of Veterinary Medicine in Lagao City, Albay, which aims to produce a new crop of veterinarians.

Under RA 11968, the San Isidro Satellite campus of the Leyte Normal University (LNU) has been converted into a regular campus that will be named LNU-San Isidro Campus, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.

Another institution converted into a regular college campus is the Bataan Peninsula State University Bagac Extension, through RA 11969.

The PCO said that under the new laws, all of the colleges can provide a Doctor of Medicine program, including an integrated liberal arts and medicine program.

The President signed the new laws on Dec. 20 and shall take effect 15 days after their publication on the Official Gazette website or in a local newspaper of general circulation. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Pro-admin sentiment declined this year — PUBLiCUS Asia

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

LESS THAN half of Filipinos said they favored the Marcos administration this year, while citizens averse to the opposition have also decreased in number, according to a survey by PUBLiCUS Asia, Inc.

In a statement on Thursday, PUBLiCUS Asia said its PAHAYAG End of the Year survey of 1,500 respondents showed that Filipinos with political leanings in favor of the Marcos administration decreased to 46%, down from 50% last year.

Those who said they were against opposition politics in the Philippines dropped to 32% from 40% a year prior, the same survey showed.

Results of the poll also showed that Filipinos with an anti-administration sentiment this year stayed at 18%, while those who leaned neutral increased to 36% from 30% a year earlier.

The study was conducted nationwide from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4, 2023, with the 1,500 respondents being randomly chosen among registered Filipino voters.

The consultancy firm noted that, this year, the opposition party was still dealing with “discreditation” from the previous administration.

“Economic concerns, including price inflation, joblessness, low wages, and a perceived lack of productivity, emerge as driving factors behind the changing political landscape,” PUBLiCUS Asia said.

Headline inflation in November eased to 4.1%, the 20th straight month that it breached the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) target band of 2-4%.

Inflation averaged 6.2% in the first 11 months of 2023, still above the BSP’s 6% full-year forecast.

The Philippines’ jobless rate in October was the lowest in 18 years at 4.2%, the slowest since 2005 and matching the level in November last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

Job quality improved that month as the underemployment rate, which measures the number of Filipinos seeking more work or additional working hours, fell to 11.7% from 14.2% in the same months a year earlier.

“These issues, left unaddressed by the administration, have prompted a notable migration of pro-administration voters towards neutrality,” PUBLiCUS Asia said.  — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Designated fireworks zones urged

BULACAN.GOV.PH

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is urging local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila to designate fireworks display zones in their respective localities for the New Year’s Eve revelry.

“Setting up a common fireworks display zone can prevent or lessen fireworks-related injuries,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Romando S. Artes in a statement on Thursday.

The Department of Health (DoH) reported 88 fireworks-related injuries as of Thursday, 96% of which occurred at home or in the streets, mostly involving males. Illegal fireworks accounted for over half of the incidents.

The report identified firecrackers like boga, 5-Star, piccolo, pla-pla, and whistle bomb, as well as fireworks like kwitis and luces as accounting for seven out of every 10 (68%) injuries.

In terms of regional distribution, the DoH said the National Capital Region (NCR) recorded the highest number of cases at 31.35%.

Following NCR were Central Luzon at 11.12% and Ilocos Region at 10.11%. The Bicol Region, Davao Region, and Region 12 each recorded a 5.6% share.

The MMDA said that it has reminded NCR mayors regarding the authority’s resolution on designated firework zones during the recent Metro Manila Council meeting, reiterating Republic Act No. 7183 which regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

“It is a tradition to use firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices during the holiday season. There is undeniably a significant number of firecracker-related injuries, casualties, and accidental fires recorded every year in Metro Manila related to the indiscriminate and unregulated use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices,” the resolution stated.

Also, the MMDA reminded the public to dispose of garbage, particularly used and unused firecrackers, properly to avoid accidents, fires, and injuries. — Jomel R. Paguian

COVID-19 positivity rate up

THE WEEKLY positivity rate for COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) slightly increased, according to the latest monitoring by OCTA Research.

“The NCR weekly COVID-19 positivity rate went up slightly from 22% on Dec. 19 to 24.8% on Dec. 26,” OCTA Research fellow Guido David said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday.

In another post, Mr. David said there will be a projected 250 to 350 new cases of COVID-19 on Dec. 28.

On Wednesday, the Department of Health (DoH) reported that there are 240 new cases of COVID-19, 18 new deaths, and 205 new recoveries. The total active cases reported are 5,657.

Earlier, Health Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa said the public should not be alarmed by the minimal increase in cases, but reminded that the risk is still high, especially for the elderly or with comorbidities. 

The COVID positivity rate refers to the percentage of people who tested positive for the virus.

Mr. Herbosa had also urged the public to take precautionary measures because it is the “season of respiratory illness.”

“The social distancing and the wearing of face masks, having a cough etiquette, should be done to avoid catching illnesses,” he said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

More buses for BARMM urged

@BANGSAMOROGOVT

COTABATO CITY — Local officials called on bus companies in Mindanao on Thursday to enhance economic activities by increasing the number of units operating along highways connecting three Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) provinces to trading sites in Region 12.

Bangsamoro Transportation and Communications Minister Paisalin P. Tago announced plans to persuade bus company owners to add more units, starting January 2024, particularly for Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and parts of Region 12. The initiative aims to expedite the mobility of residents and merchants engaged in local entrepreneurial and trading activities.

The Bangsamoro region has seen improvements in commerce and trade in recent months, particularly in Moro-dominated barangays in Region 12. Mr. Tago emphasized the need to complement these improvements with increased bus services. 

Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño Mendoza, chairperson of the Regional Development Council-12, expressed support for the initiative, considering it essential for the economic growth of small-scale traders in the 63 Bangsamoro barangays. She believes that increased bus services will signal safety and encourage investment in Moro-dominated barangays.

Security forces, including the Army’s 6th Infantry Division and regional police, expressed readiness to collaborate in ensuring security along the highways connecting Bangsamoro provinces and Region 12 if bus companies expand their services. Local government units are already supporting current security efforts in these areas. — John Felix M. Unson

Davao launches tourism card

DAVAO CITY — The Davao City Tourism Association (DATA) has launched the Madayaw DATA Privilege Card, which is designed to support and promote its member establishments in a bid to boost the tourism industry and foster member engagement.

Priced at P350, cardholders gain a 10% discount at all 30 member establishments, spanning hotels, spas, travel and tours, events, food and beverage, restaurants, and resorts.

Nicole Bian-Ledesma, DATA President, explained the card’s purpose, likening it to a “DATA member crawl.” Participating members stand to benefit from increased patronage, and cardholders completing stamps from all establishments become eligible for a raffle draw.

Participating establishments include Annipie, Bec and Geris, Marina Tuna, Habi at Kape, Rekado, Café Sola, Luxebridge Sans, My Hotel, Rogen Inn, Bioskin, Elysia Wellness Spa, Thai Boran Massage, Kathryn Fanlo, and Villa Amparo. — Maya M. Padillo

PCC elevating carabao industry

THE PHILIPPINE Carabao Center (PCC) said it has inked a deal with the provincial government of Batangas to bolster the local carabao (water buffalo) industry by providing better business opportunities to the animal raisers.

This is contained in a memorandum of agreement (MoA) signed by the PCC with the Batangas provincial government, and the Rosario Livestock Agriculture and Farming Cooperative (TRLAFCO).

The partnership is aimed at implementing multi-party development convergence projects such as sharing available resources and support and creating collaborative opportunities in the implementation of the province-wide Carabao-based Business Improvement Network (CBIN).

The CBIN is a program of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, headed by Senator Cynthia A. Villar.

The projects would also be aiding all carabao raisers by linking and facilitating their inclusion in the carabao-based enterprises (CBE) value chain to boost the local dairy industry. — Adrian H. Halili

Consumption to pick up as inflation eases — Diokno

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

CONSUMPTION will once again be the primary driver of economic expansion in 2024 as the threat from inflation recedes, Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno said.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) expects gross domestic product (GDP) to grow by 6.5%-7.5% next year, “taking into account the risks posed by the possible global economic slowdown, El Niño, and other natural disasters, as well as geopolitical and trade tensions,” Mr. Diokno said in a statement Thursday.

The DBCC expects the economy to grow by 6-7% this year, and by 6.5-8% for 2025-2028.

GDP grew 5.9% in the third quarter, bringing the nine-month average to 5.5%.

“Growth in 2024 will be driven by private consumption as inflation is expected to return within the target range,” the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

The BSP last week maintained its 2-4% inflation target range through 2026, but said risks were weighted to the upside.

Its forecasts indicate inflation will likely decelerate next year and in 2025, “given limited demand-based inflation pressures amid improving supply conditions.”

Headline inflation slowed to 4.1% in November from 4.9% in October, marking the 20th straight month of price growth breaching the BSP’s 2-4% target. Year to date, inflation averaged 6.2%.

Growth in 2024 will also be led by investment due to the Philippines’ “sound macroeconomic fundamentals, investment-grade credit ratings, the implementation of structural reforms; and increased demand for Philippine exports as supply chain bottlenecks ease.”

On the supply side, growth will be driven by the services and industry sectors, the DoF said.

The government’s 2028 medium-term fiscal framework, which includes a deficit target of 5.1% of GDP, could also be achieved with the passage of proposed legislation to fund the P5.77-trillion budget for 2024.

“The economic team will continue to work with Congress in pushing for key reforms crucial to accelerating economic development,” Mr. Diokno said.

This year, the government’s deficit ceiling is set at P1.49 trillion, equivalent to 6.1% of GDP. The projection assumes P3.847 trillion in revenue and P5.34 trillion in disbursements.

The Bureau of the Treasury reported that the National Government budget deficit narrowed by 24.8% to P93.3 billion last month from the P123.9-billion deficit in November 2022.

In the year to date, the fiscal deficit contracted by 10.1% year on year to P1.11 trillion. This was equivalent to 74.1% of the full-year P1.499-trillion targeted deficit. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Low food tariffs will help, but agri output ultimately needs to rise — Balisacan

National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

THE extension of reduced tariffs on key food products will help mitigate inflation, but the Philippines will ultimately need to improve agricultural output, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

In a statement Thursday, NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the Philippines should also diversify its sources of imports to ensure the sufficiency and affordability of food.  

Such measures would help mitigate the inflationary impact of El Niño, the persistence of African Swine Fever (ASF), and geopolitical disruptions and as supplier countries move to restrict their food exports.

“Short-term and long-term interventions need to work together to protect the purchasing power of households and boost producer productivity and income. Doing so will ensure equitable and sustainable development,” Mr. Balisacan said.  

NEDA also said these strategies include sustained investment in irrigation, flood control, logistics, and climate change adaptation.

Headline inflation slowed to 4.1% in November from 4.9% in October, marking the 20th straight month that inflation breached the central bank’s 2-4% target range.

In the first 11 months of the year, inflation averaged 6.2%, still above the central bank’s 6% full-year forecast.

Meanwhile, the extension of the reduced Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rates for key agricultural commodities such as pork, corn, and rice will likely help keep food prices and overall inflation manageable, NEDA said.

“Swine fever, production shortfalls in corn, and estimated supply deficits in rice drove price increases in these commodities for this year, (but) additional meat imports played a crucial role in reducing meat inflation to -1.2% in September 2023 from 21% in 2021,” it said.

“In addition, the reduction on tariff rates had pulled down corn inflation and broadened market sources for rice, mitigating the impact of elevated inflation in September ,” NEDA added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last week signed Executive Order (EO) No. 50, which extends the reduced MFN tariff rates on rice, corn, and pork until Dec. 31, 2024.

The rates for rice imports will be kept at 35% for shipments both within or over the minimum access volume (MAV) quota.

Tariff rates for fresh, chilled or frozen pork were retained at 15% for shipments within the quota and 25% for those exceeding the quotas.

Imports for corn are still to be charged 5% for shipments within MAV and 15% for those exceeding it. 

The tariff rates on rice, pork, and corn are subject to review every six months, according to the EO. — Keisha B. Ta-asan

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