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House adds P77.5 billion to 2023 budget bill

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THE House of Representatives approved on Wednesday an additional P77.5 billion for the 2023 General Appropriations Bill (GAB), with augmented allocations for health, education, transportation and other social services.

The extra allocations were added during the period of amendments prior to the ratification of the 2023 GAB, Speaker Martin G. Romualdez said in a statement.

Agencies receiving additional funding were the Department of Health at P20.25 billion, the Philippine General Hospital P500 million, the Department of Education’s classroom building program P10 billion and its special education programs P581 million.

Also added was P10 billion for the Department of Public Works and Highways’ water system projects in underserved barangays.

Another P12.5 billion was added to the budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance programs, with P5 billion going to the Individuals in Crisis Situations program, P5 billion to the upgraded senior citizen pension and P2.5 billion to the sustainable livelihood program.

Department of Transportation programs to address the rising cost of fuel, such as the fuel subsidy program, Libreng Sakay and bike lane construction were also granted an additional P5.5 billion.

A total of P5 billion was added to the budget for training and scholarship programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, P5 billion to the Commission on Higher Education’s Tulong Dunong Program, and P5 billion to the livelihood and emergency employment programs of the Department of Labor and Employment.

The national broadband project of the Department of Information and Communications Technology was given an additional P1.5 billion, while the Commission on Elections’ new headquarters project got P500 million.

Some P300 million was granted to the Philippine National Police for training while P250 million went to the Department of Trade and Industry to support the creative industries as mandated by Republic Act 11904.

The Energy Regulatory Commission got an additional P150 million, the Office of the Solicitor General P147 million and the National Electrification Administration P50 million.

 “I’m pleased that the House-approved version of the General Appropriations Bill responds to the most urgent needs of Filipinos,” Mr. Romualdez added. “We need to ensure that social services are sufficient for the greater good of our countrymen, especially those in dire need of basic social services to survive.”

Party-list Representative Elizaldy S. Co, who chairs the Appropriations Committee, said that the additional allocations were sourced from programs that can be implemented in later years. — Kyanna Angela Bulan

Low NEDA review threshold seen deterring investment in local projects

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

INVESTORS seeking to build local government transport infrastructure are deterred by the low threshold for triggering mandatory National Government review, a feature of the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) law, a Senate committee hearing heard.

“No foreign investor would endeavor to enter because there seems to be a legal obstacle here… While (local government units) have autonomy, in reality they do not have it because projects costing P200 million, for instance, would have to go through the NEDA-ICC (National Economic and Development Authority – Investment Coordination Committee),” Senator Francis N. Tolentino said at a budget hearing for NEDA at the Senate Finance Committee.

Mr. Tolentino said the National Government’s limited knowledge of local conditions also delays projects and discourages participation by private-sector partners.

“You have two options: either we do away with the P200 million cap or raise the bar. Because for a highly urbanized city, the need for an effective system of transport can be answered by the LGU,” he added. “They can have their own transportation system without the intervention of the National Government… Can’t we just raise the cap?”

At the same hearing, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the recently amended implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the BOT Law encourage private sector to collaborate with the LGUs.

“What we are doing right now is to improve the processes and making sure that these public investments and public infrastructure programs proceed smoothly,” Mr. Balisacan said.

“For example, the first thing we have done recently is amending the BOT IRR to encourage the private sector to be more involved with public infrastructure. That would open up doors for involvement, even LGUs, in public infrastructure development,” he added.

Mr. Balisacan said NEDA will revisit the BOT to review the P200 million threshold, and will work with Congress via the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council.

In amending the BOT, Senator Juan Edgardo M. Angara said the process of adjusting thresholds should be indexed to inflation.

“We should amend it and we should (require) indexation every five years or something like that,” he said.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. cited amendments to the BOT Law as priority legislation. He has called on LGUs to be open to public-private partnerships for their projects.

“I think this is the way forward, and I encourage all our (LGUs) to be open to the possibilities of PPPs,” he said in a meeting with the League of Cities of the Philippines in Malacañang two months ago.

“There’s ODA (official development assistance), there’s private sector (financing), joint ventures … Local governments generally cannot do it by themselves. We have to find partners… we have to find investors. You’re used to that.”

The Supreme Court’s Mandanas ruling granted LGUs a larger share of the national taxes, as well as a larger share of responsibilities.

As a result of the ruling, LGU allocations saw a 37.89% increase to P959 billion in 2022, reflecting National Government income from three years prior. However, because of decreased revenue collections in 2020 due to the pandemic, the allotment for next year is estimated to decrease by 14.47% to P820 billion. — Diego Gabriel C. Robles

The growing popularity of the Board of Investments

Recently, there has been a growing interest from the Registered Business Enterprise (RBE) in the Information Technology and Business Processing Management (IT-BPM) sector to register with the Board of Investments (BoI) because of the need to maintain flexible work arrangements, specifically the ability to allow employees to Work From Home (WFH). On Sept. 14, the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) announced that the IT-BPM RBEs will be allowed to continue offering WFH to 100% of the workforce with incentives intact if they transfer their registration to the BoI.

The official guidance was released through FIRB Resolution No. 026-22 issued on Oct. 4, allowing direct transfers to the BoI up to the end of this year. RBEs must simply signify to their current Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) their intention to transfer to the BoI. The IPA is to prepare an endorsement to the BoI containing the registration details, remaining tax incentives, and status of compliance with registration terms and conditions. Once endorsed and approved, the BoI will issue a Certificate of Registration indicating the remaining tax incentives the project is eligible for. The current cost-benefit analysis required for new projects no longer applies to the transferee RBEs. To further ease the transition, the current IPA will remain responsible for monitoring the compliance and availment of incentives of the transferee RBEs and submit a report to the BoI.

There are about 2,000 IT-BPM firms registered with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) that may transfer to the BoI. It is truly commendable that the government has made it as painless and efficient as possible.

While the spotlight has been on the IT-BPM sector lately, it is worth noting that the BoI caters to other industries and accepts new registrations as well, not just transferees.

Now, let’s talk about the qualifications for BoI registration, available incentives, and registration procedures for a new enterprise applicant.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR BOI REGISTRATION
The BoI, an arm of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is an incentive-granting agency in charge of promoting investment. To avail of BoI incentives, prior registration must be obtained.

To register with the BoI, the proposed business activity of a new applicant must be listed in the Strategic Investment Priorities Plan (SIPP) which is grouped into three tiers.

Under the 2022 SIPP, all activities listed in the 2020 Investment Priority Plan (IPP) are retained and included under Tier I, whereas, the activities proposed to be included under Tier II are industrial value chains, green ecosystems, health, defense, and food security-related activities. Finally, under Tier III, the proposed activities include those that accelerate the transformation of the economy primarily through the application of research and development, and attracting technology investments. It also includes activities involving the production of equipment, parts, and services that embed new technologies.

The tier will determine the extent of the incentives that may be granted based on a combination of both the location and industry priorities. The SIPP further provides the specific requirements that applicants must satisfy to qualify for registration.

For instance, if the applicant is a call/contact center, similar to PEZA, the BoI requires the enterprise to put in a minimum investment of $2,500 per seat to qualify for registration. This amount covers the cost of equipment (hardware and software), office furniture and fixtures, building improvements and renovation, and other fixed assets except land, building and working capital. If equipment is to be leased, the cost should be converted to assets at commercial interest rates and amortized over a five-year period. If equipment is proposed to be consigned, the same should have an assigned value to be considered as part of the project cost.

INCENTIVES AVAILABLE TO BOI-REGISTERED ENTERPRISES
Once registered with the BoI, the enterprise is entitled to fiscal and non-fiscal incentives granted under the Omnibus Investments Code of 1987 (Executive Order (EO) No. 226), as amended by the CREATE law.

RBEs are eligible for an Income Tax Holiday (ITH) of four to seven years depending on location and industry. An ITH of three years is available for expansion projects on incremental sales.

After the ITH period, an export enterprise has the option to avail of the 5% Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) or be subject to the regular corporate tax rate with Enhanced Deductions (ED) for 10 years. On the other hand, a domestic market enterprise can only avail ED for five years.

Other fiscal incentives include VAT exemption on imports and zero percent VAT on local purchases of goods and services that are directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity (for export enterprises only); a customs duty exemption on imports of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts and accessories directly and exclusively used in the registered project or activity; and exemption from all local government imposts, fees, licenses and taxes during the original ITH period.

On the other hand, non-fiscal incentives include the unrestricted use of consigned equipment, employment of foreign nationals, simplified customs procedures, and access to bonded manufacturing warehouses.

With the passage of the CREATE Law, which aims to provide uniform incentives for IPAs, the BoI now offers the same incentives as other IPAs like PEZA. One major advantage of BoI, perhaps the most important one as discussed above, is the flexibility of location. Enterprises do not need to locate in a Special Economic Zone to enjoy the incentives.

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES WITH THE BOI
The registration process may vary depending on whether the applicant is a Micro Enterprise, Small Enterprise, or a Regular Enterprise, as classified in the Citizen’s Charter of the BoI.

Generally though, the enterprise applicant must fill out the application form and must make sure that all documentary requirements in the checklist are complete. Once the Project Evaluation and Registration Division (PERD) formally accepts the application, the enterprise will then pay the filing fee and wait for the Notice of Board Action. If approved, the enterprise must submit the pre-registration requirements and pay the registration fee. Thereafter, the enterprise will receive the Certificate of Registration.

Under normal circumstances and after the submission of all the required documents, registration with the BoI can be completed within two weeks if it is a Micro/Small Enterprise, or within two months if it is a Regular Enterprise.

Compared to some IPAs, the BoI has fewer registration requirements. Some of them are a 15-year financial projection and schematic diagram of the activity being registered.

Taking advantage of the BoI’s growing popularity and flexibility in terms of work location, the Philippines could end up attracting more investment and position itself as a viable investment destination.

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.

 

Christian Grimaldo is a manager at the Client Accounting Services department of Isla Lipana & Co., a Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

UN fails to pass decree on Philippine human rights

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE UNITED Nations Human Rights Council dealt victims of human rights violations in the Philippines a serious blow by failing to pass a resolution that would ensure continued scrutiny of the country’s rights situation, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.

“The council will end its 51st session in Geneva on Oct. 7 without taking action on the Philippines, despite dire expressions of concern from the UN human rights office, civil society organizations and families of victims of abuses,” the global watchdog said in an e-mailed statement.

The 2020 Human Rights Council resolution on the Philippines required the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights to monitor and report on the Philippine rights situation through 2022.

A September report by the high commissioner’s office highlighted prevailing rights violations and recommended continued monitoring and reporting to the council.

But council member states and donor countries that supported the 2020 resolution and the ensuing Philippine-UN Joint Program did not press for a 2022 resolution, Human Rights Watch said.

“The UN Human Rights Council’s failure to act on the Philippines is devastating for both the victims of human rights abuses and civil society groups that seek to uphold basic rights,” said Lucy McKernan, Geneva director at Human Rights Watch.

“The end to council scrutiny of the Philippines reflects especially poorly on the European and other concerned governments, led by Iceland, that had banded together in 2020 to support a resolution and the UN Joint Program that sought real improvements on the ground,” she added.

The program was designed to institutionalize human rights reforms in the Philippines in the face of “catastrophic rights abuses” during the war on drugs started by then President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2016.

“Instead of creating a commission of inquiry to investigate the thousands of extrajudicial killings, the Human Rights Council in 2020 settled on providing the Philippines ‘technical cooperation’ and ‘capacity building’ that, while valuable, did not advance accountability for grave crimes,” Human Rights Watch said.

The three-year program has not gotten beyond its preliminary phase, facing unnecessary obstacles from the Philippine government, including attempts to undermine civil society participation, it said. Without a commitment to the program from the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and the political backing offered by a Human Rights Council resolution, the UN Joint Program is unlikely to make much progress, it added.

“Since Marcos took office on June 30, there has been no letup in drug war killings or other human rights violations,” the watchdog said. The Third World Studies Center of the University of the Philippines has reported 90 drug-related deaths under the new government.

‘PROGRESS’
On Oct. 3, unidentified gunmen killed radio journalist Percival Mabasa, in Las Pinas City near the Philippine capital. He was the second journalist killed since Mr. Marcos became president.

But Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the Philippines is exerting efforts to improve its human rights situation.

During a meeting with Nada Al-Nashif, the United Nations (UN) Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva on Tuesday, the Justice chief said the Southeast Asian nation would continue to engage constructively with the UN and international community, the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement posted on its website.

The Justice chief underscored progress in state efforts to strengthen domestic human rights mechanisms, it said. The UN official recognized government efforts to enhance accountability and ensure a human rights-based approach to drug control, it added.

Mr. Remulla cited state efforts to decongest jails with the release last month of more than 350 inmates including the sick and elderly.

With 215,000 prisoners nationwide, Philippine jails and prisons are overfilled more than five times their official capacity, making it the most overcrowded prison system in the world, according to the World Prison Brief. Many of the jails in the country fail to meet the minimum United Nations standards given inadequate food, poor nutrition and unsanitary conditions, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

Last month, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights issued a report saying the Philippine probe into human rights violations in connection with its deadly drug war lacked transparency.

“Transparency and public scrutiny in investigative processes and outcomes remain a challenge,” it said in a 16-page report dated Sept. 6. 

Philippine Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra said last week the government would pursue legal remedies to block an investigation by the International Criminal Court (ICC) of the government’s anti-illegal drug campaign.

He earlier told the Hague-based tribunal that the alleged murders of drug suspects in police raids were not crimes against humanity because these were not “attacks against the civilian population.” — Norman P. Aquino and John Victor D. Ordoñez

Long-time Marcos aide totally out of his administration

PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

PRESIDENT Ferdinand F. Marcos, Jr.’s long-time aide on Wednesday said he had completely left the government, saying he wanted to spend time with his family.

“I confirm that I have completely exited the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, after having spoken to him at length about my wish to spend most of my time with my family,” ex-Executive Secretary Victor D. Rodriguez said on Facebook. It was “a very personal decision that was happily made.”

He quit as executive secretary amid a sugar fiasco in which some senators blamed him for failing to communicate his boss’ import policy. Several agriculture officials resigned after the president vetoed a Sugar Regulatory Administration order to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar amid rising prices and tight supply.

His replacement, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday said Mr. Rodriguez was no longer part of the Cabinet, adding that he wasn’t aware of a presidential order that made him presidential chief of staff.

Mr. Rodriguez earlier said he had resigned as executive secretary but would stay on as presidential chief of staff, a new position created through an administrative order supposedly signed by the president.

Mr. Marcos on Tuesday reappointed 10 Cabinet members whose nominations the Commission on Appointments bypassed last week.

The presidential palace later said Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles and Commission on Audit Chairman Jose C. Calida, who were not reappointed, have quit their jobs.

Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy and Election Commissioner Nelson J. Celis also were not reappointed.

Mr. Marcos likely chose not to reappoint them given congressional resistance, said Francisco A. Magno, who teaches political science and development studies at De La Salle University.

“This reflects the loss of trust by the chief executive in their continued stay in office,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

People get appointed to government positions because the president trusts them, Jean Encinas-Franco, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, said in a Messenger chat. “Qualifications are secondary.”

She said factions among Cabinet members are expected.

“Malacañang is a snake pit,” Antonio Gabriel M. La Viña, former dean of the Ateneo de Manila University School of Government, said in a Messenger chat. “It always has been regardless of the administration. Only the fittest, brightest, smartest and the most hardworking survive.”

In his post, Mr. Rodriguez noted his “continued silence” on issues, adding that all communications between him and Mr. Marcos were “absolutely privileged, something which I shall continue to honor.”

“I have been ridiculed, maligned and subjected to baseless and unfair commentaries on all conceivable platforms, but I take solace in the legal aphorism ‘Men in public life may suffer under a hostile or unjust accusation; the wound can be assuaged with the balm of a clear conscience,’” he said. “I will continue serving as a private citizen as best as I can. Let us support President Bongbong Marcos and the Philippines,” he added in Filipino.

Senate President and Commission on Appointments Chairman Juan Miguel F. Zubiri last week said they failed to tackle the appointments of the 15 for lack of time.

Lawmakers went on a monthlong break on Oct. 1. — Norman P. Aquino and Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

MPIC’s Toledo willing to serve as Marcos’ press chief 

MALACANANG.GOV.PH

A METRO Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) executive on Wednesday expressed willingness to serve as press secretary under the Marcos administration.  

“Who am I to decline? I would be humbled and it would be an honor and a privilege to serve under the Marcos administration,” said Michael “Mike” T. Toledo, head of MPIC’s Government Relations and Public Affairs.  

“It’s not a question of interest but if public service calls for you to make sacrifices then who are you to say no?” he said in a chance interview on the sidelines of a government-led multi-stakeholder forum, based on a transcript from the Malacañang Press Corps (MPC).  

Mr. Toledo currently chairs the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines and serves as chief operating officer of Silangan Mindanao Mining Co. 

He served as presidential spokesperson during the administration of former President Joseph E. Estrada.  

Mr. Toledo, former broadcaster Gilbert Cesar C. Remulla, and Transportation Undersecretary Cesar B. Chavez were shortlisted for the position of press secretary, according to reports last month.  

In a phone interview with Palace reporters, Mr. Chavez confirmed that an “authorized person” offered him the press secretary post.   

“I said I’m not interested in the press office of the Malacañang,” Mr. Chavez told reporters, based on a transcript from the MPC.  

“Honestly, I think some people are more competent and able to handle the job,” he added. “Mentally, physically, emotionally, and professionally, they are more qualified than me.”  

Also on Wednesday, film director Paul D. Soriano, who played a key role during the presidential campaign of Mr. Marcos, confirmed to ABS-CBN News that he was also considered for the post, but he declined.   

MPIC is one of three key Philippine units of Hong Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the others being Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT, Inc.  

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Justice dep’t says all hands on deck for investigation of broadcaster’s murder 

JOURNALISTS and activists light candles for killed Filipino radio journalist Percival Mabasa during an indignation rally, in Quezon City, Philippines, October 4, 2022. — REUTERS 

THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DoJ) on Wednesday said an inter-agency investigation is underway for the killing of a radio broadcaster on Monday evening, which had been denounced by media groups, various sectors, and foreign governments. 

“We will look at all the facts relevant to the case because there’s really no room for this behavior,” DoJ Spokesperson Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV told CNN Philippines. “Hopefully, we will get to the bottom of this.” 

Radio journalist Percival Mabasa, 63, was killed by two assailants at the gate of a residential compound in Las Piñas, police said on Tuesday.  

His YouTube Channel, which had over 200,000 subscribers, showed he had been critical of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and some policies of current officials. 

The Justice official noted that the country’s task force on media security will collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to investigate the killing. 

The task force was formed in 2016 under Mr. Duterte’s presidency. 

Senior Deputy Executive Secretary Hubert Guevarra told reporters on Tuesday that President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. was “very concerned” over the shooting of the broadcaster. 

He added that the National Bureau of Investigation was also instructed to investigate the killing.  

The Philippine National Police has said it formed a special task force to lead the investigation.   

Las Piñas Police chief Jamie O. Santos earlier said that local police are not ruling out the possibility of Mr. Mabasa’s profession as a motive for his murder.  

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines as well as the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines have issued separate statements condemning the killing and calling for justice.  

On Tuesday evening, the embassies of the Netherlands, Canada, and France expressed concern over the journalist’s murder and media freedom in the Philippines.   

“Journalist killings strike at the very core of media freedom and can create a chilling effect that curtails the ability of journalists to report news freely and safely,” according to a joint statement posted by the Dutch and Canadian embassies and backed by the French embassy. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Senator asks Labor dep’t to partner with LGUs to penalize firms violating 13th month pay law

A SENATOR has asked the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) to partner with local governments to be able to penalize companies that fail to release the mandatory 13th month pay of workers.

Under Senator Raffy T. Tulfo’s proposal, local government units (LGUs) will get authority to withhold the annual business permit renewal of a company that violates the 13th month pay rules. 

Under existing labor guidelines, the benefit must be paid before Dec. 24.

“It’s almost the Christmas season. This is the time of the year where our workers hope to receive their 13th month pay. Instead, this does not happen because they are cheated by their employers,” Mr. Tulfo said in Filipino during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.

Mr. Tulfo, a former broadcaster, said he had previously handled several related complaints from workers in his program. 

He said “mere issuance of advisories” from DoLE is not enough.

“As long as they (companies) are not hurt in the process, they will ignore that advisory, seeing that even with a law requiring 13th month pay, employers are still disobeying it,” Mr. Tulfo said. “They need to taste the consequences for them to take action.” 

Business permit renewals are usually undertaken by local governments in January. Late application and approval is usually subject to financial penalties. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Solon calls for national ID contract termination if delay continues

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

A CONGRESSMAN on Wednesday asked the administration to set a deadline and terminate the contract for national ID cards if the supplier fails to meet the target date. 

Northern Samar Rep. Paul R. Daza said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should order a contract review that would be made public as well as look for a new head of the Philippine Statistics Authority, the lead implementing agency for the national ID program that started Oct. 2020. 

“What’s important is that the President and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan come up with a deadline, let’s say next month, and if they are not able to meet that deadline, then the contracts should probably be terminated,” Mr. Daza, said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel. 

“If it is really delayed despite having funding, then maybe the best thing to do is to terminate the contract.” 

Given the historical delays, the government would probably not meet the target of 92 million national ID cards delivered by June next year, he added.

Mr. Daza also suggested that the government should consider issuing digital IDs instead. 

“I think the best thing they (the government) can do is to consider digital ID,” he said. “The trend all over the world is to have digital IDs, so that should have been done, because there’s about 80 million Filipinos with phones, and most have smartphones.” 

He said printed IDs would be optional. 

During the House deliberations for NEDA’s 2023 budget, Mr. Daza questioned why only P6.8 billion out of the P28.4 billion fund for the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) or the National ID project had been used. — Kyanna Angela Bulan

Bill proposes separate ministry for tourism in Bangsamoro

THE BANGSAMORO region’s pavilion at the 33rd Philippine Travel Mart held at the SM Mall of Asia on Sept. 30-Oct. 2 was recognized as Best Provincial/Regional Booth and won the People’s Choice Award. — BANGSAMORO GOV’T FACEBOOK PAGE

A PROPOSED law has been filed in the Parliament of Bangsamoro, an autonomous region in southern Philippines, to create a separate ministry for tourism, which is currently grouped with the trade and investment sectors. 

“The bill seeks to establish a separate ministry for tourism by dividing the Ministry of Trade, Investments, and Tourism (MTIT) into two ministries: the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Trade and Industry,” Parliament Member Amir S. Mawallil, who authored the measure, said in a statement on Wednesday. 

He said Parliament Bill No. 13, or An Act Creating the Ministry of Tourism, aims to bring focus to a sector that could generate employment and contribute to the region’s economic development. 

“Under this proposed measure, the Ministry of Tourism shall be the agency responsible for encouraging, promoting, and developing tourism as a major socio-economic activity to generate revenue and employment, as well as spreading the benefits of tourism across a wider segment of the Bangsamoro population,” Mr. Mawallil said. 

He noted that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) offers unique attractions given its pristine land and sea resources,  and cultural diversity. 

The lawmaker said having an agency dedicated to tourism will help ensure that these sites will be sustainably developed.   

He also cited that the region’s proximity to the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area provides an added incentive to tourism investors. — MSJ

Motorcycle taxi group seeks probe of Grab’s acquisition of MOVE IT

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

A GROUP of motorcycle taxi drivers has asked the House of Representatives to probe Grab Philippines’ acquisition of MOVE IT, saying appropriate regulations should first be established for such deals.    

“What the driver groups want is for the pilot study under the Department of Transport (DoTr) that began three years ago with the purpose of drafting a law that governs the operation of motorcycle taxis be concluded first,” ARANGKADA Riders Alliance National Chairman Rod Cruz said during a dialogue with Manila Rep. Joel R. Chua. 

Grab Philippines announced its acquisition of MOVE IT in August, which paves the way for its entry into motorcycle taxi operations. A company official has said they are confident that the deal is compliant with existing rules. 

However, the DoTr told a Senate committee hearing in September last year that the technical working group (TWG) overseeing the operations of motorcycle taxis has ordered the suspension of the Grab Philippines-MOVE IT partnership. 

The TWG, which includes the DoTr, Land Transportation Office, and the House of Representatives, is mandated to discuss the standards and capacities of a motorcycle and its driver for public transportation service. 

“All riders and the riding public remain vulnerable until a law that defines proper rules and regulations is passed,” Mr. Cruz said. “And such underhanded moves, like the backdoor entry of Grab Philippines to the pilot program further places everyone at risk.” 

Ariel E. Inton, founder of Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, also said the acquisition was a backdoor entry into the pilot program. 

“The front door would have been filing for accreditation, but if you recall, Grab Philippines withdrew its motorcycle taxi application years back and then surprised everyone by news that they have acquired MOVE IT,” Mr. Inton said. — Matthew Carl L. Montecillo

Lawmaker files bills on regional specialized hospitals

PHC.GOV.PH

A SENATOR has filed separate bills seeking to build specialized medical facilities in every region to improve healthcare access nationwide. 

Senator Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla, who recently underwent a heart procedure, filed Senate Bill 1361 for the establishment of regional heart centers and SB 1362 for kidney and transplant institutes. 

“Filipinos living near the metropolis have a greater advantage in accessing specialized care from the Philippine Heart Center. Meanwhile, patients coming from rural provinces are to some extent deprived of the same quality of cardiac care that the specialty hospital provides,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Heart disease topped the cause of death in the Philippines in 2021, accounting for 18% at 125,913 deaths, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. 

Kidney failure cases, meanwhile, average 7,000 annually.

Benefit claims from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. also indicate an uptrend in the incidence of kidney diseases in the past six years. 

The senator also filed a bill on Wednesday for the establishment of a Philippine Institute of Virology as a long-term solution against various viruses, including the coronavirus disease 2019 and its variants. 

“The establishment of a research and development institute under the Department of Science and Technology is a priority agenda to undertake diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, among others,” Mr. Padilla said in a separate statement. 

The bill will also promote virology research ethics, biosafety and biosecurity; and strengthen the scientific and technological capabilities in virology and relevant disciplines. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

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