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P50-M shelters open in Davao de Oro

THE Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has recently inaugurated two shelters in the disaster-stricken municipalities of Maragusan and New Bataan in Davao de Oro.

“The new facilities, built with P50-million funding each from PAGCOR, will serve as safe shelters during emergencies as well as venues for various socio-economic activities of the communities,” PAGCOR said in a statement on Wednesday.

To date, PAGCOR has completed and inaugurated 43 socio-civic centers nationwide with 29 more facilities under way.

The regulator said the Maragusan homes approximately 65,000 residents and are still landslide prone.

“Classes in public schools will no longer be interrupted; at the same time, this structure will serve as a venue for promoting our local government’s projects and activities,” said former Maragusan Mayor Maricel Colina-Vendiola, who headed the project in 2022.

Incumbent Mayor Angelito J. Cabalquinto said the facilities can also host economic and livelihood programs that can generate additional revenues. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

NEA, DepEd to electrify off-grid schools with solar

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the Department of Education (DepEd) have entered into a partnership to electrify schools in off-grid areas through solar power.

NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda on Wednesday inked a memorandum of agreement with Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara, in the presence of Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and University of the Philippines President Angelo A. Jimenez.

Under the agreement, the NEA, through its partner electric cooperatives, will provide technical assistance in setting up the solar PV panels, monitoring its system, and conducting further evaluations to ensure the project’s completion.

The agency said it will also mandate the electric cooperatives to refrain from imposing any charges, fees or cost in relation to the maintenance and sustainability of the project.

DepEd, for its part, will identify and prioritize schools needing electrification, facilitate the necessary permits from concerned local government units, and provide counterpart logistical and financial support to execute the project.

The program is targeted to be rolled out within the first quarter of the year, with completion set within the next two years.

Citing a report from the Second Congressional Commission on Education, the energy chief said around 1,500 schools in the country still have no electricity. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Two drug traders fall in P1-M drug sting in Kalinga

BAGUIO CITY — Agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Kalinga, aided by policemen, cornered two alleged drug traders who tried to sell nine bricks of dried marijuana leaves on Tuesday at Tabuk City, Kalinga’s capital.

The duo, whose names were withheld by authorities, were identified as local residents of Brgy. Loccong in Tinglayan town, Kalinga.

The cannabis bricks weighed a total of 9,000 grams and valued at P1.08 million.

According to PDEA-Cordillera director Derrick Carreon, firearms and ammunition were also captured from the suspects.

Meanwhile, the PDEA in Isabela bared that only nine towns and the two cities of the province are drug-cleared. Isabela has 35 towns and two cities.

PDEA said, the drug-cleared Isabela areas are: Ilagan City, Cauayan City, the towns of Tumauini, Reina Mercedes, Cabagan, Delfin Albano, Mallig, Quezon, Quirino, Sta. Maria, and Sto. Tomas. — Artemio A. Dumlao

BARMM mayor, escorts held for gun ban violation

COTABATO CITY — The police detained a mayor of a newly created Bangsamoro town and his three escorts after policemen and soldiers in a gun ban checkpoint in Toril, Davao City found two pistols in their vehicle on Tuesday.

Anwar D. Saluang, an appointed mayor of Nabalawag town under the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is within Cotabato province, and his escorts were on their way to the Davao City proper when policemen and soldiers at the checkpoint discovered they were in possession of two undocumented handguns.

Officials of the Toril Police Station and the Police Regional Office-11 told reporters on Wednesday, February 5, that Mr. Saluang and his companions failed to show to policemen at the checkpoint a clearance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that allows them to carry the confiscated guns outside of their residences.

Comelec’s nationwide ban on carrying firearms outside houses of owners started last Jan. 12. It was intended to ensure peaceful elections in May 2025.

Radio reports in Cotabato City on Wednesday morning stated that the Davao City Police Office shall prosecute Mr. Saluang and his escorts for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the gun ban being imposed by the Comelec. — John Felix M. Unson

DTI says US expressing ‘renewed interest’ in FTA

ASIANTERMINALS.COM.PH

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Reporter

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is seeing “renewed interest” from the second Trump administration in exploring a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) with the US.

“With renewed interest under the Trump administration, we are optimistic about negotiating a next-generation trade agreement that not only expands market access but also ensures the highest standards of labor rights, environmental protection, and social inclusivity,” Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the DTI, the Philippines has been working with the US to expand access to global manufacturing value chains.

“This includes exploring a potential bilateral FTA, while advocating for the reauthorization of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), and pursuing the establishment of a critical minerals Agreement,” it added.

The Philippines was a beneficiary of the US GSP, which eliminated duties on 5,000 tariff lines. However, legal authorization for the program expired on Dec. 31, 2020.

“Exports from the Philippines to the US that were previously duty-free under the scheme are now subject to Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) tariffs,” the DTI said.

“The Philippines was the fifth-largest beneficiary of the US GSP, with about $1.6 billion in duty-free exports entering the US in 2020, the last year the GSP was in effect,” it added.

On Feb. 4, Ms. Roque attended the Parliamentary Intelligence-Security Forum, where she touted the importance of free, fair, and open trade within the Indo-Pacific region.

“The Indo-Pacific is the engine of the global economy, contributing 60% of global GDP and over 80% of global merchandise trade. The Philippines, with its strategic location and dynamic economy, is poised to shape the region’s economic landscape,” she said.

The Philippines participates in major free trade agreements such as the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF).

“Our engagement in mechanisms like the IPEF reflects our commitment to pursue bilateral trade and overall economic interests with the US and other partner countries,” she said.

“It supports strategic collaboration in priority sectors, including energy and energy transition, climate mitigation and resiliency, good governance, supply chains, and critical minerals,” she added.

Gov’t procurement law IRR due next week

BW FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Budget and Management said the new government procurement law’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will be released next week, having been approved by the procurement board’s technical experts.

The IRR was approved at a meeting led by the Government Procurement Policy Board’s (GPPB) Technical Support Office on Tuesday, it said in a statement on Feb. 4.

“The GPPB approved it yesterday afternoon. We’ll just clean it up, polish it, and then it will be published on Monday. You will see it on our website on Monday,” Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said on the sidelines of the 2025 Open Government Partnership Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting.

Ms. Pangandaman, who also serves as the GPPB chair, said this will help departments and agencies enhance their budget utilization and deter corruption.

“The procurement law signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in July 2024 is now hailed as the biggest anti-corruption measure in the country’s recent history,” she said.

Ms. Pangandaman said the law sets up an online marketplace where agencies may directly procure supplies and equipment from vetted suppliers.

The data on transactions will be disclosed at all stages of procurement, from planning to contract implementation.

One of the provisions of the IRR allows live streaming of procurement proceedings, she added. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Auto body industry seeks more funding for PUV modernization

DOTR PHOTO

THE Automotive Body Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (ABMAP) has asked the government to prioritize and provide more funding for the stalled Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program.

“ABMAP is urgently calling on the government to secure additional funding and prioritize the program, which is critical not only for modernizing dilapidated, polluting, and unsafe jeepneys but also for revitalizing the automotive industry,” the group said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to reports, the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines have hit their lending limits for the program.

“The PUV Modernization Program is a transformative project that addresses multiple national issues — public safety, environmental sustainability, and economic growth,” ABMAP Executive Director Edgar Manuel said. 

“It is disheartening to hear that funding has run dry, especially when we are on the brink of realizing its immense benefits. We urge the government to act swiftly and allocate the necessary resources to keep this program alive,” he added.

According to the group, the PUV modernization program is expected to directly support 10,000 employees of vehicle producers and parts manufacturers and indirectly support 20,000 others connected to the auto parts manufacturing industry.

“Modern PUVs are not just about improving public transport; they are about creating opportunities for manufacturers and workers,” Mr. Manuel said.

“With locally produced vehicles adding 50% local value, every modern PUV supports our domestic supply chain, reduces reliance on imported parts, and strengthens the economy,” he added.

ABMAP estimates that at least 100 modern jeepneys could generate up to P125 billion in economic activity on top of reducing fuel consumption and lowering operating costs.

The group proposed that the government explore alternative funding mechanisms via partnerships with private sector institutions and international development agencies.

“We need a collective effort to secure the necessary funding and keep the momentum going. The future of our public transport system and the automotive industry depends on it,” Mr. Manuel said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Fishport landed volume falls 12.09% in 4th quarter

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE catch landed at regional fishports declined 12.09% by volume year on year during the fourth quarter, according to the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA).

In a report, the PFDA said the landed catch was 126,903.94 metric tons (MT).

On a quarter-on-quarter basis, fish volumes fell 1.8% compared with the 129,227.5 MT catch in the third quarter.

The PFDA added that the daily average of fish unloaded dropped 12.1% year on year to 1,379.39 MT. The average was 1.79% lower than a quarter earlier.

Commercial fishing was banned in several major fisheries starting in the fourth quarter, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

Fishing bans were in force in Northern Palawan, Ilocos, Negros Occidental, Capiz, and Cebu during the fourth quarter of the year.

Republic Act No. 8550 or the Fisheries Code imposes a three-month closed fishing season to repopulate certain fish species. The season typically ends during the first two months of the following year.

Vessel arrivals fell to 18,391, against the year-earlier 23,986.

The PFDA added that it completed the rehabilitation of regional fish ports in Davao and Sual, Pangasinan.

In a separate briefing, Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Arnel V. de Mesa said that fish production in the coming month is expected to recover with the resumption of fishing activities.

“Fishing is doing well now; our (fishing) areas are open again. We’re expecting our fishery sector to recover,” Mr. De Mesa added.

In 2024, fisheries production dropped 8.5%, reversing the 1.5% growth recorded in the prior year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. Total fisheries volume fell to 1.07 million MT from 1.17 million MT in 2023. — Adrian H. Halili

Targeted support, not P200 wage hike — business groups

PHILIPPINE STAR/ANDY ZAPATA JR.

BUSINESS GROUPS batted for targeted support for small businesses in place of the proposed P200 wage increase, saying that an across-the-board wage hike could have “devastating effects” on the economy.

“While we recognize the need for fair wages and improved working conditions for employees, we believe that the proposed P200 across-the-board wage increase is neither feasible nor beneficial in the current economic environment,” they said in a statement dated Feb. 4.

They said Congress should propose targeted measures that address poverty and inequality.

These include “providing more support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), strengthening social safety nets for workers, and improving access to education and skills training to help workers secure better paying, sustainable jobs,” the business groups said.

The House Committee on Labor approved last week a bill that would grant a P200 across-the-board wage increase for private-sector workers.

“We call on the committee to reconsider the potential adverse effects of this proposal on businesses, workers, and the economy as a whole,” the groups said.

“Rather than hastily passing blanket wage increases, we advocate for a more comprehensive, consultative approach that balances the needs of workers with the realities faced by employers, especially considering the current policies affecting the business landscape,” they added.

The groups said that the blanket wage increase will potentially burden businesses operating on slim margins, exclude informal workers, and result in wage distortion and higher prices for goods and services.

In particular, the groups said that businesses, especially MSMEs, are already struggling due to rising operational costs, and lack the financial flexibility to absorb increases in labor costs.

It added that the penalties of up to P100,000, imprisonment, and double indemnity for unpaid benefits place a heavy compliance burden on employers, especially for MSMEs that lack the resources to ensure full compliance.

“The risk of criminal liability and hefty fines, especially during times of economic hardship, could further discourage business growth and the creation of new jobs,” they said.

“The heavy penalties may inadvertently create an adversarial relationship between employers and employees, rather than fostering collaboration and mutual benefit,” they added.

The wage increase is also expected to make large enterprises, especially those in manufacturing, retail, and services, less competitive due to the substantial increase in labor costs.

“An increase of P200 per day for all workers will strain their financial capacity and could result in delayed investments, reduced hiring, and potentially even job cuts as companies are forced to streamline operations,” they read.

The joint statement was signed by the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc., the Philippine Hotel Owners Association, and the Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, Inc.

Other signatories were the Philippine Retailers Association, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Constructors Association, Inc., the People Management Association of the Philippines, and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines, Inc. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

SC rules in favor of shipping firm in VAT case

PHOTO BY MIKE GONZALEZ

THE Supreme Court (SC) ruled in favor of Dohle Shipmanagement Philippines Corp. (Dohle) in a value-added tax (VAT) case, in which it clarified the prescriptive periods for filing VAT refund claims with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

In a decision publicized on Feb. 5, 2025, and written by Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin S. Caguioa, the SC’s Third Division affirmed that for VAT refund claims filed before June 11, 2014, the 120-day period for the BIR to resolve a claim starts when the taxpayer determines that its submission of documents is complete.

For claims filed before June 11, 2014, the 120-day period begins when the taxpayer files a complete claim or indicates no further documents will be submitted.

If the BIR requests additional documents, the taxpayer has 30 days to comply, and the 120-day period starts upon submission or after the 30 days.

Moreover, if the BIR does not notify the taxpayer of incomplete submissions, the 120-day period starts when the taxpayer voluntarily submits additional documents.

The administrative claim must be filed within two years from the end of the taxable quarter.

Meanwhile, for claims filed between June 11, 2014, and Dec. 31, 2017, the 120-day period starts when the complete claim is filed.

Taxpayers also cannot submit additional documents.

The administrative claim must be filed within two years from the end of the taxable quarter.

For claims filed beginning Jan. 1, 2018, the BIR has 90 days to resolve the claim from the date of filing with complete supporting documents.

The BIR will not request additional documents as incomplete claims will be rejected outright.

The administrative claim must be filed within two years from the end of the taxable quarter or the issuance of tax clearance when a business ceases operations.

The case stemmed from Dohle, which sought a refund for unutilized input VAT for 2012. Dohle filed its administrative claim with the BIR on March 31, 2014, and submitted additional documents on July 28, 2014.

According to the 1997 Tax Code, the BIR has 120 days to decide on an administrative claim from the date the taxpayer submits complete documents.

If the BIR denies or fails to act on the claim, the taxpayer has 30 days to file a judicial claim with the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA). This is known as the 120+30-day rule.

The BIR argued that the 120-day period started when Dohle filed its initial claim on March 31, 2014, making Dohle’s judicial claim, filed on Dec. 23, 2014, too late. 

It also argued that BIR’s Memorandum Circular 49-2003 requires any additional documents to be submitted within 30 days of the initial filing.

However, both the CTA and the SC ruled in favor of Dohle, saying that the 120-day period began on July 28, 2014, when Dohle submitted additional documents.

The SC said the 120 days are intended to benefit taxpayers, ensuring the BIR acts on claims.

It also said the 30-day period for submitting additional documents only applies when the BIR determines the initial submission was incomplete.

In Dohle’s case, the additional documents were submitted voluntarily, making the 120-day period begin on that date. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

BCDA signs new deals with former John Hay operator’s leaseholders

CAMP JOHN HAY — BW FILE PHOTO

THE Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it signed lease agreements with sub-lessees of CJH Development Corp. (CJHDevCo) for Forest Estates, Country Homes, Golf Estates, and Forest Cabins in Camp John Hay.

“Following the Supreme Court’s final ruling allowing BCDA to recover the Camp John Hay property, the BCDA has signed over 40 new residential agreements with sub-lessees of CJHDevCo,” the state-owned agency said.

“BCDA has also been in talks with other stakeholders to come up with fresh term sheets for their residential leases in Camp John Hay,” it added.

BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said that he expects to finalize and sign agreements with the other residential leaseholders in the coming days.

“We want to assure all stakeholders that BCDA is here to help facilitate this transition of management in Camp John Hay. As we move forward, our focus now for Camp John Hay is to create a future that benefits everyone,” he said. 

“With the support of our private partners and the Baguio City government, we are working to improve facilities and services, protect the natural environment of the area, create employment opportunities, and ultimately, empower the community,” he added.

The BCDA took over Camp John Hay after the Supreme Court issued a final resolution allowing the recovery of the 247-hectare property from CJHDevCo.

The order covered all land and improvements in the property, whether they are held by CJHDevCo and its subsidiaries or affiliates or occupied by other parties claiming rights under them.

“The BCDA is set to conduct a review of Camp John Hay’s over 25-year comprehensive master plan to align it with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals,” it said.

Under the master plan, the BCDA aims to replicate the successes of Bonifacio Global City in Taguig and New Clark City in Tarlac in implementing infrastructure projects and attracting high-impact investments. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PhilRice in tieup to cut rice-farm emissions

Farmers inspect rice crops affected by floods in La Union in this Oct. 12, 2021 file photo. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS

THE Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) said it has entered into a partnership with a Japanese agriculture technology firm to reduce rice-farm emissions.

In a statement, PhilRice said that it signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Sagri Co., Ltd., and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for a project seeking to reduce methane emissions in rice farming and provide carbon credits to rice farmers.

“This initiative brings cutting-edge Japanese agri-tech to the Philippine rice sector, allowing us to optimize water management, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate economic benefits through carbon credits,” Project Lead Kristine S. Pascual said.

A pilot farm will be set up in Sto. Domingo, Nueva Ecija.

“The research project will utilize Japan’s satellite-based big data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning technology to monitor methane reduction through the Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) irrigation method,” PhilRice added.

PhilRice said the project will compare AWD to conventional continuous flooding this dry season.

According to the agreement, PhilRice will provide technical expertise, while NIA will identify project areas, schedule irrigation, and offer technical support to farmer participants.

Sagri will oversee data analysis, predictive modeling, and remote sensing in collaboration with PhilRice.

Ms. Pascual added that the project will use on-the-ground and remote sensing approaches to validate AWD’s effectiveness in reducing methane emissions.

“By integrating Sagri’s satellite-based water level detection and carbon credit monitoring system, the research project aims to come up with a robust methodology that can be integrated with the Joint Credit Mechanism (JCM) methodology, a program that promotes low-carbon technologies in partner countries including the Philippines,” she said.

Through the JCM, the Philippines can harness international collaboration, access cutting-edge technology, and obtain funding to speed up the adoption of AWD. — Adrian H. Halili

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