Agri-machinery plant under way

March 12, 2024 | 8:33 pm

INITIAL work to build an agriculture machinery assembly plant that aims to boost farming in the Philippines has begun through a P1.6-billion partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative (KAMICO).

In a statement on Tuesday, the DA said that the parties have accomplished the prerequisites needed to establish the center, including site visits in Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija and Tiaong in Quezon and meetings with concerned local government units for terms and conditions.

“This is the result of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last year between DA and KAMICO that aims to set up the Korea Agricultural Machinery Manufacturing Cluster in the country,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr.

The initial project investment of $30 million (P1.6 billion) has three phases, with the last phase involving technology transfer, cooperative production, and domestic supply and export promotion.

“Ultimately, the project aims to set the standard for agricultural machinery and equipment that will be made available to Filipino farmers, and subsequently exported to other agricultural countries,” the department said.

The project, besides boosting local production, is also aimed at boosting employment and promoting specialization among Filipino technicians.

Mr. Tiu Laurel said that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., who witnessed the MOU signing last year, acknowledged that the partnership between the Philippine government and KAMICO would boost local food production.

“(Mr. Marcos) also recognized the importance of mechanization, stressing that it would result in better yield, lower production cost, and more competitive Filipino farmers,” he added.

For its part, the DA committed to extend assistance to KAMICO through its relevant agencies to help with the project’s realization.

KAMICO, which has 700 company members to date, aims to boost production and income in developing countries through agricultural machinery. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

DBM warns against ‘fund fixers’

March 12, 2024 | 8:33 pm

THE DEPARTMENT of Budget and Management (DBM) warned against individuals or groups who claim to have the power to influence government fund releases.

“In view of the numerous reports that certain individuals/organized groups have been claiming to have the capacity or influence to facilitate the release of funds, all government entities, from the executive, legislative and judicial branches, including local government units (LGUs), are again reminded that upon submission of requests for fund releases to the DBM, the same are acted upon consistent with pertinent laws and established procedures and budgeting rules and regulations,” the Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said in a circular dated March 7.

The DBM said it does not authorize any person or group to facilitate or expedite fund releases. It also does not solicit requests for any fund release.

It also urged government agencies to regularly advise their respective clients or stakeholders to rely only on official DBM channels.

“We strongly advise all national government agencies, LGUs, and all others concerned to refrain from entertaining or transacting with private individuals/organized groups of dubious character and be cautious of individuals introducing themselves as DBM employees,” it added.

The department also said it directly deals with agency heads and local chief executives or their authorized representatives, who must be organic personnel of the government entity concerned.

The DBM is in charge of releasing funds under the National Government’s annual budget to its respective agencies.

Last year the department issued a similar warning against individuals or groups claiming to effect fund releases. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Senate OK’s Negros Island region

March 12, 2024 | 8:32 pm

Senate-of-the-Philippines-010319 — *BW FILE PHOTO*

THE PHILIPPINE Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to establish the Negros Island to streamline the delivery of basic services to the island.

Twenty-two senators unanimously approved Senate Bill No. 2507, which also aims to boost Negros Island’s local government autonomy.

Under the bill, the island will be composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, their municipalities and cities, and Bacolod City.

“The creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) represents a monumental step for our communities encompassing both governance and socioeconomic development,” Senator Francis N. Tolentino told the Senate floor on Tuesday.

Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri said the measure would make it easier for residents to apply for identification cards, certificates or permits.

He said Negros Occidental residents today have to travel to Iloilo to apply for these, while those from Negros Oriental have to go to Cebu for the same purpose.

“At its core, the NIR aims to streamline the delivery of essential government services fostering a more efficient and responsive administration,” Mr. Tolentino said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Moro fronts to secure plebiscite

March 12, 2024 | 8:32 pm

COTABATO CITY — Local government units and leaders of two Moro fronts that have separate peace accords with Malacañang have given their assurance to help the police and military secure the April 13, 2024 plebiscite for the creation of eight new Bangsamoro municipalities in Cotabato province.

The chairperson of the Cotabato Provincial Peace and Order Council, Gov. Emmylou Taliño Mendoza, Bangsamoro Regional Labor Minister Muslimin G. Sema, who is chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in the province separately announced that they shall together help the Commission on Elections facilitate the plebiscite.

The eight towns being proposed shall be named Pahamudin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabacan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan and Ligawasan.

The democratic exercise is a requisite for the setting up of the eight towns that shall cover 63 Bangsamoro barangays in different towns in Cotabato, which is under Region 12, as proposed by the 80-seat regional parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

“All MNLF field commanders in these Bangsamoro barangays, also known as the Bangsamoro SGA (Special Geographic Area) had been directed to support the April 13 plebiscite security efforts of the police and the Philippine Army,” Mr. Sema, chairman of the MNLF’s central committee, said. — John Felix M. Unson

Jailed filmmaker’s group freed

March 12, 2024 | 8:31 pm

THE REGIONAL Trial Court (RTC) Branch 96 in Catanuan, Quezon ordered the release of a filmmaker and his friends after granting their motion to quash arson charges over the burning of a minibus last Jan. 31. Film director Jade Francis C. Castro and his three friends were released on Monday.

In a 16-page decision, Judge Julius Francis R. Galvez ruled that “police personnel of the MPS Catanauan, Quezon did not validly arrest the four accused thru a hot pursuit operation pursuant to Section 5 (b), Rule 113 of the Revised Rules of Criminal Procedure.”

In quashing the Information brought before the court, the judge absolved Mr. Castro and his companions Ernesto T. Orcine, Noel C. Mariano, and Dominic V. Ramos, citing that their arresting officers had no “personal knowledge of the facts indicating that the persons to be arrested have committed the crime charged.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

House will not allow political amendments in ‘Cha-cha’

March 12, 2024 | 8:31 pm

THE SPONSOR of economic Charter change (“Cha-cha”) in the House of Representatives told the plenary on Tuesday that no political amendments will be sneaked into the measure aimed only at opening the economy to foreign investors to generate up to 130,000 jobs annually and boost energy production, among other public service improvements.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez, who sponsored the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 7, said the proposed amendments to the Charter will only contain economic provisions and that no other articles of the 1987 Constitution will not be changed.

“The four corners of our resolution in the Committee Report 985 is definite, specific, and clear,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “Only three economic amendments, it will never happen that there will be any political amendments (inserted to RBH No. 7).”

He added that the phrase “unless otherwise stated by law” will only be added to Articles 12, 14, and 16 of the Charter — sections that limit the participation of foreign investors in public utilities, educational institutions, and the advertising industry.

The addition of the said phrase to Articles 12, 14, and 16 will allow Congress to have the needed “flexibility unlike what we have in the Constitution right now.”

Mr. Rodriguez, who also chairs the House constitutional amendments, said opening the economy to foreign investors will allow the generation of 40,000 to 130,000 jobs annually, citing a report from the National Economic Development Authority.

If passed by both chambers of Congress, Mr. Rodriguez also sees it possible that the entry of foreign investment “will be able to lower electricity costs.”

He also said that liberalizing the domestic economy does not necessarily mean that foreign investors will now have total control of the industries they are involved in.

“Congress will now determine what will be the percentages in the opening up of our public utilities,” he said. “However, this will be lodged in Congress to decide what the safeguards are, what the investment ratio, and standards to protect national security [are].”

Mr. Rodgriguez also asserted that there will be no bicameral conference if economic “Cha-cha” by both chambers of Congress generates “¾ votes in the Senate and ¾ votes in the House.”

“If the senate secures ¾ vote approving RBH No. 6 in the Senate, and we at the House of Representatives will approve with ¾ vote RBH No. 7, then there is a meeting of the minds of the two Chambers,” he said. “Therefore, this will be transmitted to the Comelec for a plebiscite to be conducted (within) 60 days upon commission (extending) up to 90 days.”

The government is expected to spend around P12 to P28 billion to hold the “Cha-cha” plebiscite. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Senate panel issues show cause order vs Quiboloy

March 12, 2024 | 8:30 pm

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A SENATE panel has issued a show cause order against televangelist Apollo C. Quiboloy to explain why he should not be arrested for consistently failing to appear before its probe into alleged sex trafficking and rape accusations against him.

“You (Mr. Quiboloy) are hereby ordered to show cause within a non-extendible period of 48 hours of this order why you should not be ordered arrested and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms,” read the order signed on Tuesday by the Senate Committee of Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality chairperson Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel and approved by Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri.

Mr. Zubiri had sent a copy of the order to media via Viber.

Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel said the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Church founder failed to attend the Jan.23, Feb. 19 and March 5 hearings of the panel. She earlier cited him in contempt for failing to appear before senators.

In an audio recording posted on Facebook on Monday, Mr. Quiboloy gave 17 conditions before he would attend the Senate inquiry, which included requiring witnesses to unmask and show their faces, reveal their real names and valid IDs, and for him to cross-examine all witnesses including Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel.

Mr. Quiboloy, who was former president Rodrigo R. Duterte’s spiritual adviser, was indicted in a California district court on Nov. 10, 2021, and a federal warrant had been issued for his arrest.

Meanwhile, in the House of Representatives, the Legislative Franchises Committee approved a measure seeking to revoke the broadcasting franchise of the televangelist’s media outfit, Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), which is operated by Swara Sug Media Corporation.

According to House Bill No. 9710, SMNI violated Sections 4, 10, 11, and 12 of the franchise which are related to ethical news coverage; the sale of the company to other entities without informing Congress; failure to offer at least 30% of its stocks to Filipinos; and failure to submit an annual operations report before the government, respectively.

The same committee also cited Mr. Quiboloy in contempt as he repeatedly snubbed congressional summons to attend House panel hearings on alleged violations of his media outfit.

Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David C. Suarez on Monday said that “pastor Quiboloy has to respect the legislative process of Congress as “he was invited, and he was asked to present himself so that he can clarify issues regarding the investigations being conducted by the committee on franchise.”

The panel has directed the House Sergeant-at-Arms to coordinate with the Philippine National Police to bring Mr. Quiboloy before the panel to answer the allegations propped against SMNI.

Congressmen previously criticized Mr. Quiboloy’s broadcast network for allegedly spreading false information about House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and his travel expenses. — John Victor D. Ordoñez and Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

SC junks petition against Comelec

March 12, 2024 | 8:30 pm

ballot-box-election-voters — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE PHILIPPINE Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed a petition seeking to compel the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to establish implementing rules and regulations (IRRs) and hold public consultations on how to conduct the election system for the country.

In denying the petition of the group led by Kilusan ng Mamamayan Para sa Matuwid na Bayan (KMMB), the SC En Banc cited the failure of the petitioners to “substantiate their allegation that there are no implementing rules for some of the crucial safeguards in the conduct of automated elections as prescribed under Section 7 of RA No. 9369 (Election Automation Law).”

The petitioners asked for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or the appropriate injunctive relief, prohibiting the Comelec from using Smartmatic, Inc., its VCMs, precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines, and other devices and tools for holding automated elections in the 2022 elections and going forward until the Comelec has issued the necessary implementing rules and regulations.

The 13-page decision penned by Associate Justice Ricardo R. Rosario said the petition lacked substantial allegations on the use of Smartmatic’s Vote Counting Machines (VCM) and suffered from procedural defects.

It pointed out the petitioners’ failure to comply with such procedural requirements as the submission of proof of service, proper verification and certification against forum shopping, and the requirement to provide competent evidence of the identity of the affiant in the affidavit of service.

“We dismiss the Petition and deny the prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order or any injunctive relief,” the SC ruled.

The KMMB is comprised of Capitol Christian Leadership, Buklod Pamilya Incorporated, and KMP Koalisyong Pangkaunlaran ng Mamamayan, among others. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Senior, PWD discounts will hurt small retailers, association says

March 12, 2024 | 8:13 pm

RETAILERS said the plan to increase the monthly discounts on basic goods and prime commodities enjoyed by senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) need to be “economically sustainable,” citing the potential to harm smaller businesses.

In a position paper released on Monday, the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) said the government should carefully consider the plan to increase the senior and PWD monthly discount cap to P500 as small retailers may struggle to offer the new level of benefits.

“While we commend these well-intentioned efforts, we also believe it is essential to strike a balance between social welfare and economic sustainability,” PRA President Roberto S. Claudio said in the paper.

The expanded benefits, floated in a draft joint administrative order, constitutes a financial burden on small and medium enterprises that are already operating on “thin profit margins” and may “struggle to absorb the costs” that the mandated discounts could introduce.

The joint administrative order will be issued by the Departments of Trade and Industry, Agriculture, and Energy.

The PRA recommended that the government consider extending direct subsidies or tax incentives to retailers to “alleviate the financial burden” of establishments providing discounts to seniors and PWDs.

“We advocate for the adoption of government-supported funding mechanisms to ensure the continued provisions of discounts to SCs and PWDs without unduly burdening the retail sector,” Mr. Claudio added.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez last month met with Trade officials to discuss the plan to increase the weekly discounts for senior citizens to P125 per week from the current P65.

The proposed discount hikes would result in a 92% increase in discounts on basic goods such as rice, bread, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and vegetables. Manufactured goods such as processed meat and sardines may also be purchased with the expanded benefit. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Philippine garment exports entangled in US sanctions vs China

March 12, 2024 | 8:13 pm

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it approached the US Commerce Department on the issue of market access by Philippine garment exports, which have been caught up in US sanctions directed at China.

“There are specific market access issues where Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual sought (Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s) support,” Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo told reporters on Tuesday.

“While these are not directly within the purview of the Department of Commerce, we are deeply thankful for the personal commitment of Secretary Raimondo to closely collaborate with us in finding a clear way forward to address the issues,” he added.

On Monday, the DTI said it brought up market access issues with the visiting US Trade and Investment Mission.

It said garments from the Philippines were reportedly detained in connection with the ban on cotton products produced in the Xinjiang region of China.

Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, the US prohibits the entry of goods manufactured wholly or in part with forced labor in China, especially from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

Mr. Pascual said that most of the cotton used in the Philippine garments exports is from Brazil, Turkey, and the US.

It was also said that Philippine garment companies use raw materials like cotton that is specified by the buyers themselves.

The DTI also raised the issue of certification hurdles in admitting Philippine shrimp paste products (bagoong) to the US.

US law regulates the shrimp catch to protect sea turtle populations. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

‘Informal’ talks ongoing with ADB after loss of China railway funding

March 12, 2024 | 8:13 pm

THE PHILIPPINES is in “informal” talks with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to seek support for the P14.38-billion South Long Haul rail project, after Chinese loans failed to materialize, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

“We are now informally discussing with the Asian Development Bank whether they will be able to glide into the project to ensure continuing effort here,” NEDA Assistant Secretary Jonathan L. Uy told a congressional oversight hearing looking into the status of projects funded by official development assistance (ODA) on Tuesday.

“We really need to start working on the implementation phase and we are hoping that ADB will provide us technical support to leapfrog the project from detailed engineering directly to bidding out both design and building.”

NEDA has also asked the Department of Transportation (DoTr) for updates on whether the detailed engineering phase of the project can be fast-tracked.

The South Long Haul railway project consists of a 639-kilometer rail line connecting Metro Manila to southeastern Luzon. The project was given P3 billion in funding from this year’s national budget.

“DoTr has indicated that they are not going to push through with Chinese ODA for the next stage and that’s why we are looking at ADB as sliding in whether it will be an ADB investment loan or technical assistance for a design-build implementation,” Mr. Uy said.

Transport Secretary Jamie J. Bautista has said that the government might tap ODA from Japan, South Korea, or India to fund the railway after the Philippines withdrew its request for assistance from China, citing lack of progress on the financing decision.

He has said the government expects to finish South Long Haul, the Mindanao Railway and the Subic-Clark Railway by 2028.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said last month that NEDA is looking into implementing the Mindanao Railway project as a public-private partnership.

In February 2022, the previous administration awarded to China Railway Design Corp. a contract to construct the PNR project. State-owned Export-Import Bank of China has not confirmed whether it will approve the loan request. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Buy-local quota needed to support PHL dairy producers, industry says

March 12, 2024 | 8:12 pm

THE GOVERNMENT needs to impose a buy-local quota for companies dealing in dairy products to support domestic milk producers, an industry association said.

The Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI) proposed a buy-local quota of at least 5% for milk processors and traders.

PCAFI said that its recommendation is in line with Section 17 of Republic Act (RA) No. 7884, which requires commercial milk processors and traders to procure a fixed portion of their requirements from the local milk supply, with volumes to be determined by the National Dairy Authority (NDA).

“Under this condition, we recommend requiring the commercial sector to secure their milk supply from local sources for at least 5% of their total requirement, either in full or on a staggered basis, over a certain fixed period,” it added.

Section 17 of RA 7884, the law that created the NDA, states that dairy cooperatives and the commercial sector must mutually agree on a level of local milk sourcing three years after the law becomes effective.

In the absence of an agreement, the NDA will determine the local-purchase level.

“Processors who purchase locally produced milk from dairy cooperatives in excess of the volume prescribed by the Authority shall be accorded tax credits equivalent to 10% of the value of the excess volume purchased,” according to the law.

PCAFI said the Philippines imported $1.6 billion worth of milk, mostly in powder form, from the US, New Zealand, and Australia last year.

“The Philippines continues to produce less than 1% of its requirement, 44 years after the congressional passage of a law known as the Dairy Industry Development Act and followed by the National Dairy Development Act of 1995,” it added.

If it is impossible to comply with the law, PCAFI said that the government may require the commercial sector to establish its own dairy farms or impose a special safeguard duty on imported milk products.

“If the argument is that the local production is not enough to supply such a volume of milk as required, the commercial processor or user shall establish their own dairy farm in the Philippines to supply their requirements and not import from other countries,” PCAFI said.

“Or if the imported milk is not sourced locally as required under RA 7884, a special safeguard duty should be imposed on imported milk products by commercial importers as provided for under RA 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act) in order to allow the development of the dairy industry,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile