Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube
Home Blog Page 390

What keeps CEOs awake at night? Top concerns for 2025 revealed

Every September, we look forward to sharing the results of our firm’s Philippine CEO Survey, timed to coincide with the International CEO Conference of the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP).

Now on its 11th year, our survey continues to provide valuable insights into the perspectives of business leaders across the country. This year, 175 CEOs participated, with 67% representing large companies.

Despite headwinds — such as the recent downgrading of the Philippines’ 2025 GDP growth forecast from 6.1% to 5.5% as well as growing concerns about rising commodity prices, it’s encouraging to see that most CEOs remain optimistic about their industries in the coming year. In fact, many expect their companies to achieve revenue growth over the next three years — a hopeful sign for the future.

Beginning last year, we also  asked CEOs what keeps them awake at night. Just like the previous year, our CEOs continue to cite geopolitical uncertainty, uncertain economic growth, and workforce issues as their top concerns. Why do these challenges still weigh heavily on their minds despite their overall optimism?  More importantly, what can they do to manage these risks?

GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
Geopolitical uncertainty remains a major concern for CEOs. The ongoing conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and between Israel and Hamas show no clear signs of ending, and their impact is felt worldwide — from rising fuel prices to disrupted supply chains, inflation, and shaken investor confidence. On top of that, uncertainties around US tariffs are disrupting the business landscape. These factors have led to lost customers, postponed expansion plans, and higher costs for businesses.

Many CEOs see diversification as the obvious solution. In fact, 35% of the CEOs plan to enter a new industry, making this the top strategic move for recovery and growth. Additionally, 28% plan to expand into new markets outside the Philippines.

With stronger workforce skills and improved digital infrastructure, companies are in position to expand into new markets. But it’s not just about entering new markets or launching new products — a smart strategy is critical. That means making sure the market is ready, finding the right partners, setting up the right structures, and complying with local laws and regulations. With careful planning, businesses can turn these challenges into opportunities.

UNCERTAIN ECONOMIC GROWTH
Uncertain economic growth continues to be a top concern for our CEOs, with about 42% expecting global growth to slow down over the next year. The International Monetary Fund forecasts the global economy to grow by just 3.0% this year, down from 3.3% last year. Several factors are at play here, including uncertainties around US tariffs, rising fiscal deficits, ongoing political tensions, and possible disruptions to global supply chains.

Our CEOs recognize that a slower economy impacts customer spending patterns and leads to higher costs, as we’ve seen recently. As such, being prepared is more important than ever. That means business leaders need to engage in thorough scenario planning — looking at different possibilities, even including a recession, and assessing how each might affect company profits, cash flow, and growth.

Additionally, stress-testing the balance sheet is essential. Companies must ensure they have enough liquidity and reserves to weather any storm. As we saw during the pandemic, companies with enough cash on hand are in a much better position to ride out tough times. Staying proactive and anticipating changes is key to keeping pace with the economy and evolving customer needs.

WORKFORCE ISSUES
Workforce issues also continue to worry Philippine CEOs, with 42% citing it as one of their biggest challenges this year—up from 38% last year. Keeping talented employees remains tough. According to WTW data, voluntary turnover sits at 12.5%, showing that many workers are opting to leave their employers to pursue new opportunities.

Managing people today isn’t easy. Millennials and Gen Z make up about 70% of the workforce, and they’re looking for more than just job security. What really matters to them is company culture, flexibility, strong leadership, and opportunities to grow. On top of that, with rapid advances in AI and automation, some employees are feeling change fatigue; they’re struggling to keep up with how fast everything is evolving.

Thus, CEOs can no longer focus solely on compensation and benefits. It’s equally important to help employees handle change and stress. Prioritizing employee well-being should be a key part of leadership. CEOs must also clearly communicate their vision for the company’s future and how employees fit into that picture.

Support like upskilling programs is essential to help employees close skills gaps and feel confident about the future. Showing that you’re invested in your people’s growth isn’t just good practice — it’s a business imperative.

THE BUSINESS MODEL REINVENTION IMPERATIVE
With everything happening around the world — from rapid technological change to shifting workforce priorities — the pressure on businesses to stay relevant has never been stronger. Our CEOs are feeling it too: more than half now say their organizations won’t be economically viable after 10 years if they continue on their current course, up from 46% last year.

Megatrends like climate change, technological disruption, demographic shifts, global tensions, and social instability are pushing business leaders to act fast. The pressure to reinvent isn’t going away anytime soon. Today’s leaders  must do more than adapt to stay several steps ahead – they must anticipate change, drive  transformation, and shape the future of their businesses.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Trissy Rogacion is a deals and corporate finance partner at Isla Lipana & Co., a Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

karen.patricia.rogacion@pwc.com

AMLC asked to freeze assets of officials, contractors in flood control scandal

PUBLIC Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon holds a press conference on Sept. 24, at the Department of Public Works and Highways office in Manila, where he announced that officials allegedly linked to a “lavish lifestyle” and “substandard projects” have been issued show cause orders. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

THE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has requested the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to freeze the billions of pesos worth of air and vehicle assets belonging to personalities, contractors and agency officials linked to anomalies in flood control projects.

“I think the freeze order will be issued (immediately). I think within a few days (after request) it will be issued. Hopefully, the freeze order will be issued right away,” Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio “Vince” B. Dizon said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

This move follows the DPWH’s announcement last week that it is coordinating with other agencies to probe real estate properties and high-value vehicles of 26 contractors and DPWH personnel linked to irregularities in flood control projects.

“LTO (Land Transportation Office) and CAAP (Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines) have already responded to our request. We are still waiting for MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) and LRA’s (Land Registration Authority) responses for these individuals’ sea and land assets,” Mr. Dizon said.

According to the report of LTO, a total of P474.48 million worth of motor vehicles were found to be registered under the names of DPWH personnel and private contractors.

Based on the report provided by the agency, about P277.26 million of the total amount were vehicle assets of former Pasig mayoral candidate Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya, and her husband Pacifico F. Discaya.

Among the top 15 flood-control contractors earlier identified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. were Alpha & Omega Gen. Contractor & Development Corp. and St. Timothy Construction, both linked to the Discayas.

Meanwhile, about P35.34 million worth of vehicles were registered under former DPWH assistant engineer Brice Ericson P. Hernandez and P670,000 under former district engineer Henry C. Alcantara.

“This is just the initial list. We do not know yet if there are assets registered under their relatives,” Mr. Dizon said, adding relevant agencies have been asked to check the assets registered under family members of those linked to the scandal.

Mr. Dizon said that while CAAP found no air assets registered under the 26 contractors, it found at least 10 air assets with a combined value of $82.59 million tied to Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co.

A total of P4.7 billion or $82.59 million worth of air assets were registered under Mr. Co’s Misibis Aviation and Development Corp. and Hi-Tone Construction and Development Corp. — founded by his brother Christopher S. Co.

Hi-Tone and Sunwest, Inc. founded by Rep. Co were among the 15 contractors that cornered more than P100 billion worth of flood control projects between July 2022 and May 2025.

Meanwhile, CAAP also found $2 million worth of aircraft registered under QM Builders, another company tagged in flood control anomaly.

“We have also written to the AMLC, Department of Justice and ICI (Independent Commission for Infrastructure) about these assets. NBI has already requested a freeze order,” he said.

Other contractors named were: Legacy Construction Corp.; EGB Construction Corp.; Topnotch Catalyst Builders, Inc.; Centerways Construction and Development, Inc.; Sunwest, Inc.; Hi-Tone Construction & Development Corp.; Triple 8 Construction & Supply, Inc.; Royal Crown Monarch Construction & Supplies Corp.; Wawao Builders; MG Samidan Construction; L.R. Tiqui Builders, Inc.; and Road Edge Trading & Development Services.

The DPWH has also issued show-cause orders against 10 of its regional directors and engineers for reported lavish lifestyle, tampering of official documents and involvement in substandard projects.

He said the agency is giving these individuals five days to submit written explanations.

“This will be followed by filing of cases, administrative cases will be filed if there is enough evidence against them,” Mr. Dizon said, adding that these individuals will also be submitted to ICI for potential filing of criminal cases.

Political scientist at the Ateneo de Manila University Arjan P. Aguirre said the move of the DPWH is a big help in the ongoing investigation in the flood control mess as this will prevent those involved from using their assets to undermine efforts to investigate them.

“This move will also prevent those accused from causing further harm or damage to public interest — since these properties, possessions, (among others) are assumed to have been acquired at the expense of taxpayers money,” Mr. Aguirre said via Facebook Messenger.

Ex-DPWH officials, Discaya couple now protected witnesses, Remulla says

FORMER First District Assistant Engineers Brice Ericson Hernandez is escorted as he left the Department of Justice on Sept. 24, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) has placed three former Public Works officials and a couple linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects under protected witness status, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” C. Remulla said on Wednesday.

Mr. Remulla confirmed that former Bulacan District Engineer Henry C. Alcantara, First District Assistant Engineers Brice Ericson P. Hernandez and Jaypee Mendoza, as well as Cezarah Rowena C. Discaya, and her husband Pacifico F. Discaya, are now covered by the program.

He said the DoJ has written to the Senate President to formalize their protection and will hold further discussions with the chamber.

“These witnesses are showing good faith by coming forward with documents and notes they have kept through the years. We consider them protected witnesses,” Mr. Remulla told justice reporters in Filipino.

He added that their cooperation is crucial as they provide evidence such as ledgers and records that could help establish transparency in ongoing cases.

The Justice chief clarified that being declared a protected witness is different from being discharged as a state witness, which frees individuals from criminal liability.

“That is a separate process. We are just at the tip of the iceberg,” he said.

He also confirmed that the Discayas were granted the same protection, saying the government would evaluate the scope of assistance, including security for their families.

“We will help them first with the security problems.”

Mr. Remulla said the information gathered so far has gone beyond what has been revealed in Senate hearings, with more names and details expected to surface.

He emphasized that the DoJ’s role is to prosecute cases, but securing witnesses and evidence is key to moving investigations forward.

Mr. Remulla noted that Mr. Hernandez has already begun returning assets, including a Lamborghini Urus, to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) as part of restitution efforts.

“These are symbols of wealth that should not have been amassed by a public servant. If these came from government funds, they must not be repeated,” he said.

He added that recovered assets should be auctioned promptly, with the proceeds remitted to the Treasury.

Malacañang on Wednesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. wants stolen flood control funds to be returned to state coffers.

“Return the people’s money,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said in Filipino at a briefing. “It is not enough to simple file cases against those involved in the anomalous flood control projects; nor is it enough to imprison them because the President wants people’s money to be returned.”   

This also comes as the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) ordered to freeze the assets of contractors and agency officials implicated in the scandal.

Public Works Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon on the same day said the agency has requested the AMLC to freeze about P474.48 million worth of vehicles registered under Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, staff, and private contractors.

The department will likewise issue show-cause orders to 10 regional directors and engineers over allegations of lavish lifestyles, document tampering, and links to defective projects.

INFRACOMM PROBE SUSPENDED
Also on Wednesday, a congressman said the House of Representatives will suspend its investigation into anomalous flood control deals to pave the way for a “full and impartial” probe by the government’s fact-finding body.

Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III will turn over all documents the House joint infrastructure committee has collected during its hearings into bogus flood control contracts to the ICI, Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon said in a media briefing.

He said the joint House panel investigating questionable flood control infrastructure would hand over a trove of evidence, including testimonies linking top officials “in the Executive and Legislative” to substandard or nonexistent flood mitigation structures in Bulacan province.

“We are announcing the suspension of proceedings of the House Infrastructure Committee to give way to the full and impartial proceedings of the ICI,” he said, adding the congressional panel is willing to cooperate with the fact-finding body.

The Philippines is facing a widening scandal over billions of pesos worth of flood control projects, with the two legislative chambers launching separate investigations amid allegations of kickbacks tied to public works contracts.

Lawmakers have traded accusations during parallel hearings, raising concerns over the credibility of the inquiries.

Mr. Marcos has formed an independent commission to investigate anomalies in flood control and other infrastructure projects, with authority to recommend criminal, civil, and administrative charges.

Mr. Dy on Monday said the House should let the independent commission take the lead in the investigation into bogus flood control contracts. “Most Filipinos no longer believe what’s being uncovered in the House committee,” he told reporters in Filipino.

Mr. Ridon said the House joint committee will keep its inquiry suspended “for as long as the ICI is… doing the work for transparency, accountability and justice.”

The Marcos administration has been rocked by an unfolding flood control scandal involving substandard, incomplete, or nonexistent infrastructure in a country regularly battered by flooding.

The controversy stems from Mr. Marcos’ revelation in August that more than 6,000 flood control projects launched since 2022 lacked key details. About P545 billion has been allocated for flood control since then, with P100 billion cornered by top contractors.

REPAIR OF SUBSTANDARD DPWH PROJECTS
Malacañang also said that Mr. Marcos ordered the immediate repair of substandard and unfinished government projects to prevent taxpayers’ money from going to waste following revelations that some of the DPWH projects were deliberately built below standards to allow kickbacks.

“What needs fixing should be repaired immediately so it can be utilized, otherwise the money spent will go to waste,” Ms. Castro told the same briefing.

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo M. Angara earlier reported that over 1,000 classrooms turned over by the DPWH to the Department of Education (DepEd) remain idle because they were left unfinished.

As a result, public classrooms remain crowded and rundown.

Meanwhile, a Philippine senator proposed to allocate part of the 2026 budget for flood control projects to fund the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)’s livelihood programs.

In a Senate budget hearing, Senator Erwin T. Tulfo proposed that part of the budget for flood mitigation projects should be transferred to the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.

“Perhaps we can do that. We can look into it or study it,” Mr. Tulfo said.

The government moved to cut the DPWH budget for flood mitigation projects amid the allegations of irregularities in projects, including substandard, incomplete or nonexistent infrastructure projects.

The AICS program seeks to provide immediate financial and material assistance to individuals and families in crisis; while the SLP is designed to help poor, vulnerable, and marginalized households and communities improve their socio-economic well-being by providing them with opportunities to develop sustainable livelihoods and access necessary assets.

DSWD Secretary Rexlon “Rex” T. Gatchalian said that the agency had initially requested P362.3 billion for 2026, a P149.2 billion drop from its initial P221 billion proposal for next year.

“The biggest item there would be protective services, under that is the AKAP (Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program) that is around P26 billion. Also the (AICS) also had a decline around P14 billion to P15 billion,” Mr. Gatchalian said. “There was also the SLP which decreased by P1.8 billion,” he added.

However, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian is pushing for the suspension of the AKAP program, amid concerns of budget insertions in the 2025 budget.

“When a program is not thoroughly discussed, this is what happens—numerous CoA findings, the intended purpose is not met, and worse, the program becomes redundant,” the senator said.

“It’s a waste of resources and inefficient. So, I understand why AKAP was not carried over to 2026,” he added.

AKAP is a social welfare scheme that provides one-time cash assistance worth P3,000 to P5,000 to workers whose income falls below the poverty threshold. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, and Adrian H. Halili

Opong may intensify into typhoon before making landfall in Bicol

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) continued to track Super Typhoon Nando (International name: Ragasa) and Tropical Storm Opong (Bualoi), as seen on the monitoring screen at the PAGASA Central Office Building in Quezon City on Wednesday. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

SEVERE TROPICAL Storm Bualoi, locally known as Opong, could intensify into a typhoon before making landfall in the Bicol Region on Friday, according to the state weather bureau.

“Opong will continue to intensify while over the Philippine Sea and may reach typhoon category before making landfall over Bicol Region,” the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration’s (PAGASA) said in its 5 p.m. bulletin, published on its website.

“It will then weaken as it crosses the archipelago, although it will likely remain as a typhoon or severe tropical storm during the passage. Re-intensification is highly likely once Opong emerges over the West Philippine Sea.”

The center of Opong, which intensified into a severe tropical storm, was estimated at 670 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. It has maximum sustained winds of 95 km per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 115 kph.

“Opong is forecast to begin moving west northwestward while approaching Eastern Visayas — Southern Luzon area,” PAGASA said, noting it may make landfall over Bicol region on Friday morning or afternoon and cross southern Luzon throughout Friday.

“Afterwards, it will continue moving generally west northwestward over the West Philippine Sea and exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday (Sept. 27).”

The state weather bureau has so far raised a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Samar, the rest of eastern Samar, Biliran, and the northern portion of Leyte.

Northern Samar, and the northern portion of Eastern Samar is now under TCWS No. 2.

PAGASA weather specialist Benison Jay N. Estareja said at an 11 a.m. briefing that as the cyclone further approaches and intensifies, the warning signal may be raised up to No. 4.

Meanwhile, more than 692,000 individuals, or over 156,000 families, were reported affected by recent tropical cyclones Ragasa (locally named Nando) and Mitag (locally named Mirasol), along with the effects of the southwest monsoon, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) latest advisory.

The mainly affected areas are Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, and central Luzon, as well as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which recorded the highest number of affected individuals at more than 486,000.

The NDRRMC also reported that the estimated damage to agriculture has reached P14.8 million. It added that it has already provided nearly P11 million worth of assistance to the affected families. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Preventing access to workplace counts as ‘illegal dismissal’ — SC

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Supreme Court (SC) ruled that preventing employees from reporting to work without a valid reason constitutes illegal dismissal.

In a 12-page decision promulgated on May 19 and made public on Wednesday, the SC’s Second Division, through Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, upheld a labor arbiter’s finding that 12 workers of a printing company were unlawfully terminated.

The printing company, which produces packaging materials for consumer goods, had engaged the workers as sorters and packers on a pakyaw or piece-rate basis.

The workers had complained about their below-minimum wage earnings, despite their 12-hour work day and seven-day work week. They also noted delays in their salaries and non-remittance of their mandatory contributions.

In response, they were told to leave if they were unsatisfied with the working conditions and were later blocked by security guards from entering the company premises.

The company argued the workers were not dismissed and could return under the arrangement. The company also said they should have sought clarification with management instead of assuming termination.

The National Labor Relations Commission and later the Court of Appeals sided with the employer, ruling that “being denied entry did not amount to dismissal.”

The High Court disagreed, stressing that “an employee who is ready and willing to work but is prevented from doing so without lawful reason is deemed dismissed.”

It held that “blocking the workers’ entry constituted termination without due process.”

The SC ordered the company to pay the 12 workers separation pay, back wages, service incentive leave, and holiday pay, but clarified they were not entitled to a 13th month pay since they were hired on a piece-rate basis. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

DEPDev raises poverty threshold

BW FILE PHOTO

A FAMILY of five in the Philippines now needs around P20,000 per month to cover basic food and non-food expenses, a congressman said late Tuesday.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) has raised the poverty threshold to about P668 per day for a Filipino family from P517, updating the estimates for basic needs from the 2023 benchmark, Sultan Kudarat Rep. Bella Vanessa B. Suansing said.

“That’s a jump of at least P5,000 per month,” she told lawmakers at a budget hearing where Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan was in attendance, referring to the past threshold.

Ms. Suansing said the DEPDev revised the food poverty threshold, setting it at about P12,000 per month for a family of five, or P422 per day to meet basic nutritional needs.

“[The] food threshold would be at P12,832, so that’s almost a P2,000 jump from the food threshold in 2023,” she said.

Reports last year pegging the food poverty threshold at just P64 per person drew widespread criticism, prompting authorities to revise the benchmark. This year’s food poverty threshold has been set at P84 per person every day.

Ms. Suansing said the updated food poverty is sufficient for “energy-giving, protein-rich and vitamin-rich” meals throughout the day, responding to a question from Party-list Rep. Elijah R. San Fernando.

Meanwhile, she said that a legislated wage hike could dampen economic activity, stoke inflation and trigger job losses for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos amid renewed calls to push a wage increase in Congress.

She said that enacting a P200 wage hike law could slow economic growth by up to 1.5%, push inflation by as much as 1.9% and lead to 360,000 Filipinos losing employment, citing DEPDev data.

“The DEPDev ran simulations on wage hikes… on how this would impact GDP (gross domestic product) growth, inflation and employment,” said Ms. Suansing.

She said a legislated P100 minimum wage increase could reduce economic output by 0.5%, push inflation up by 0.6%, and raise the unemployment rate by 0.2%, potentially resulting in 120,000 job losses.

A legislated P150 minimum wage increase could shave 1% off GDP growth, raise inflation by 1.3%, and push the jobless rate up by 0.5%, possibly leading to 237,000 in employment losses, she added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

VP slams Duterte ‘wellness check’

Vice President Sara Duterte arrives at the Department of Justice, May 9, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

VICE-PRESIDENT Sara Duterte-Carpio on Wednesday criticized the “wellness check” conducted by officials of the Philippine Embassy in The Hague on her father, former President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

In a statement, she said that the supposed welfare check was done without the knowledge of family members, as the ex-president who is detained in the International Criminal Court (ICC).

She claimed that Philippine officials had entered Mr. Duterte’s detention unit under the pretense of a “welfare check” and interviewed the ex-President.

The fire brand leader has been charged by the international tribunal with three counts of murder in connection to his bloody war on drugs, he was arrested by the International Criminal Police Organization last March.

Ms. Duterte added that these officials had “clearly abused” the rules of the detention unit concerning consular visits.

“If such sham ‘welfare checks’ are allowed to continue, then the ICC and the Philippine Government must be prepared to answer fully and directly, for any harm that comes to former president Duterte — including, should the worst happen, his death in custody as a direct result of these intrusions,” Ms. Duterte said.

The vice-president also alleges that the government has not done any welfare check to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that are detained or neglected.

“That’s a big lie,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing. “All the needs of our countrymen abroad, especially OFWs, are being met by the government.” 

Citing the Department of Migrant Workers, she added that all request by OFWs have been met by the agency.

“The statement of the Vice-President is not helping the OFWs, it is another fake news,” she added.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that it was in line with international laws to protect the welfare of Filipinos

“This is a duty of all Philippine Foreign Service Posts and is no different from what the DFA does for other Filipino citizens who are in detention abroad,” the agency said. — Adrian H. Halili

Flood control should be under NG

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro on Wednesday said flood control projects must fall under the mandate of the National Government (NG) given their scale and complexity.

“It should serve as a lesson that flood control should be a National Government initiative because river systems cannot be left at the hands of the municipality, district or province, considering it involves heavy construction, engineering, design and work,” he told reporters in mixed English and Filipino after a situational briefing in Quezon City.

He said the president himself was not satisfied when the President’s Infrastructure Plan Program was not followed.

“This should be a lesson that we should continue implementation of the masterplan for the river and road system, immediately.” — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Board to decide MECO appointment

PEOPLE AND CARS can be seen passing Taipei 101 in Taipei, Taiwan, April 17, 2025. — REUTERS/ANN WANG

THE Philippine Palace on Wednesday said the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) will decide internally on Sept. 25 on how to fill the vacancy left by Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil, who was recently elected as the House of Representatives secretary general.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a Palace briefing that MECO’s board members are set to meet on Sept. 25 to discuss the transition.

“The members can vote on who will be chosen as acting chairman,” Ms. Castro said in Filipino. “Once they select, that choice will be subject to approval [by the President].”

Ms. Garafil, who previously headed MECO, left the post to assume her new role in the House.

The office serves as the Philippines’ de facto embassy in Taiwan in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

CA orders release of FNI chairman

JOSEPH C. SY — GFNI.COM.PH

THE Court of Appeals (CA) ordered the immediate release of listed mining company Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) Chairman Joseph C. Sy, the company said.

In a disclosure on Wednesday, the company informed the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) that the CA, in its resolution, directed the Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials and any custodian holding Mr. Sy ‘to immediately release’ him from detention, warning of contempt if they fail to comply.

The court also demanded that they report their actions within 5 days of receiving the Resolution.

“This clear directive from the CA not only reinforces the earlier Decision of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Taguig City affirming Mr. Sy’s Filipino citizenship and declaring that the BI has no jurisdiction to detain him, but also supports the long-standing legal presumption in favor of his Filipino citizenship,” the company said.

Earlier this month, the Taguig RTC branch 271 ordered the immediate release of the FNI chairman ruling that his detention by the BI was unlawful since he is a recognized Filipino citizen.

Presided over by Judge Paz Esperanza Cortes, the court granted Sy’s petition for habeas corpus, declaring that the BI had no jurisdiction to detain or deport a Filipino.

In response, the BI, with the guidance of the Department of Justice filed an appeal against the RTC ruling, citing strong evidence against Sy and requesting a review by the Court of Appeals.

In August, Mr. Sy voluntarily took a leave of absence to address legal matters related to his citizenship. At the same time, the board appointed a new chairman to ensure the company continued to operate smoothly during his absence.

Mr. Sy was taken into custody on Aug. 21 for allegedly holding fraudulent Philippine documents and having biometrics that matched those of a Chinese citizen.

At the local bourse on Wednesday, FNI shares rose by 3.73% or 5 centavos to close at 1.39 apiece. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Franchises of PUVs in commonwealth under review

PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) has directed the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to review the franchises of public utility vehicles in Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City.

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said that more than 3,000 PUVs are registered to operate along the Commonwealth area but fewer units or about a thousand units are only operating this route.

“There are about 3,972 PUVs registered to operate in this area but it seems that there are fewer units operating here. The LTFRB must check if those who were given franchise are operational,” he said.

Mr. Lopez said franchisees who are operating should have their franchise revoked and give to those who are willing to operate in the area to address the lack of PUVs amid the worsening lack of public transportation and to service more commuters in the area.

Further, the Transport chief said the LTFRB has until Friday to assess the situation and recommend solutions to the DoTr to address the lack of PUVs in the Commonwealth area. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

BI nabs 9 Chinese for illegal mining in Masbate

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested nine Chinese nationals in a joint operation against illegal mining in Masbate, the agency said on Wednesday.

The foreigners were apprehended on Sept. 22 in separate mine sites in Barangay Cabangcalan and Barangay Pangle, Aroroy town in Masbate.

Authorities said they were caught actively working in mining operations without proper visas or permits.

Some were also found overstaying or violating their immigration status.

The group was transported to Manila and is now detained at the BI facility in Taguig City, pending deportation proceedings.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony M. Viado said the agency is intensifying enforcement against foreigners involved in illegal economic activities.

“Illegal mining not only undermines our immigration and labor policies but also threatens the environment and the livelihood of local communities,” Mr. Viado said. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

1...389390391...13,679Page 390 of 13,679
© 2024 BusinessWorld Publishing.
All rights reserved.
Read our privacy guidelines
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Twitter Youtube