CHINA LOOKS TO MAINTAIN PHILIPPINES SUPPLY CHAIN GAINS AS MARCOS JR PIVOTS BACK TO US

China’s move to establish “demonstration parks” for trade and innovation in the Philippines is part of an effort to shore up supply chains amid US decoupling threats and moves by President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr to restore ties with Washington, analysts say.

Beijing wants to jointly build the parks in both countries, Huang Xilian, the Chinese ambassador to Manila, told Communist Party tabloid Global Times last month. Analysts say parks like these typically offer tax breaks and other incentives to stimulate business.

The parks will also further integrate the supply chains of the two countries, he said.

His comments were published not long after Marcos Jnr said the future of the Philippines was tied up with the US as a "partner", effectively walking back his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte's more pro-China orientation.

Amid US threats of decoupling, China is likely looking to maintain gains made under Duterte with its new proposal, experts said.

"(China) wants to make sure that what was gained from the Duterte administration can be sustained," said Herman Kraft, a political-science professor at University of the Philippines Diliman.

In light of decoupling, he said, "my suspicion is that they want to have bases covered".

The US has slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of Chinese goods and banned the export of American technology, which has driven many Chinese firms to establish alternative production bases in Southeast Asia.

Though the Philippines lacks the vibrant manufacturing hubs of Malaysia or Vietnam, and foreign investors are concerned about the costs of electricity and ocean freight, it has distinct advantages.

Chinese manufacturers can still source tech components from the Philippines, while taking advantage of the archipelago's relatively cheap land and English-fluent labour force.

"The Philippines is well located for the supply chain, in a good position between East and West," said Jonathan Ravelas, managing director of the Metro Manila-based consultancy eManagement for Business and Marketing Services.

Nick Marro, lead Asia-Pacific trade analyst with The Economist Intelligence Unit, said the proposed demonstration parks "might be a step in the right direction" to form "industrial clusters".

HOUSE SETS 50-PERCENT CUT ON REMITTANCE FEES

A panel in the House of Representatives has recommended for plenary consideration several pieces of legislation that aim to protect the remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

This was as the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, chaired by Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo, on Thursday began deliberationson House Bills 185, 1190, 2944, 3020, 4170, 4257, 4343, 4397 and 4469.

These bills propose a 50-percent discount on remittance fees, which would eventually be granted as tax deductions for the service providers.

The committee eventually consolidated and approved the nine bills and took note of position papers to be submitted by concerned agencies and organizations in crafting the substitute bill.

Citing a World Bank study, Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said OFWs paid $3.44 billion in fees on the $31.4 billion they sent home to their families last year.

“Had the bill been enacted, it would have saved our workers $1.72 billion or P95.67 billion at the exchange rate of P55.70 to one US dollar,” he said.

“That is P95.67 billion in extra money going to OFW families, instead of that huge amount accruing to banks that are raking in tens of billions in profits. Let us choose to help our OFWs and their families, rather than make bank owners richer,” the Pampanga lawmaker noted.

MARCOS SAYS POSITIONS 'WILL SOLIDIFY' SOON AMID TRANSITION IN ADMINISTRATION

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has appointed lawyer Cheloy Garafil as press officer-in-charge so far as the government continues its rightsizing policy, he said Friday.

Garafil was offered the OIC and not the secretary post "because we are still in transition," said Marcos.

"We talk about rightsizing all the time. We are rightsizing everything, everywhere all the time and this is part of that," the President said when asked if there would be any announcement from his office soon about new appointments.

"So, that’s the reason that I said we are still in transition. But magsosolidify na yang mga position na yan," he added.

Garafil's appointment came following the resignation of former Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles due to health reasons. Weeks before, lawyer Vic Rodriguez also stepped down from his post to focus on his family.

Former Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin was appointed as Rodriguez's successor.

DE LIMA APPEALS TO PBBM

Detained former Senator Leila de Lima on Thursday asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “order” the Department of Justice (DOJ) to “stop blocking the testimony” of a recanting witness in her ongoing drug-related trial.

“Mr. President, I will not and will never ask you to interfere with the courts. This is my earnest and most respectful plea to you, your Excellency: Order DOJ to stop blocking the testimony of the recanting prosecution witness Rafael Ragos and for them to stop presenting obviously perjured witnesses like Herbert Colangco,” De Lima said in a tweet.

Ragos appeared on Sept. 30 at the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) supposedly to affirm his April 30 affidavit recanting his statements linking De Lima to the illegal drug trade, but was prevented by prosecution lawyers from affirming his retraction on the witness stand.

Ragos’ lawyer, Michael de Castro, then told reporters that the DOJ filed a motion for reconsideration (MR) on an earlier court order that would have allowed his client to take the stand.

In their six-page MR, the DOJ panel led by Provincial Prosecutor Ramoncito Bienvenido Ocampo Jr. argued that “recantations are typically viewed with suspicion and hardly given much weight.”

“Obviously, Mr. Ragos’ alleged recantation is nothing but an afterthought. The timeliness and circumstances of the alleged recantation is clearly suspect and even amounts to perjury,” they said.

According to De Lima, Mr. Marcos is in the position to undo the “wrongs” inflicted on her by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

“You can reverse the grievous wrongs inflicted on me by your predecessor. Please, Mr. President. Salamat po (thank you),” De Lima said.

“I have faith in our justice system, but I pray that the DOJ panel will be instruments of truth and justice this time around,” added the ex-lawmaker, who endured being hostaged at the PNP headquarters last Sunday.

DEPED JUNKS CLAIMS OF REBRANDING ML

The Department of Education on Thursday denied claims that it plans to rebrand the teaching of martial law as “Bagong Lipunan” (New Society) in the basic education curriculum.

Asked for confirmation, DepEd Spokesperson Michael Poa told ABS-CBN news the plan was “not true.”

During the campaign period for this year’s elections, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. denied spreading false information about the events under his father’s administration.

Mr. Marcos’ running mate, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, is also the concurrent Education Secretary.

The President’s sister, Sen. Imee Marcos, has said their family would not “revise history” but only share their side of the story.

According to reports from global human rights watchdog Amnesty International, there were 100,000 victims of martial law from 1972 to 1981, with 3,000 killed, 34,000 tortured and 70,000 arrested.

A social media user recently alleged that their friend, whom they identified as a professor from the University of the Philippines, “was invited by the DepEd to discuss changes that will happen in the new curriculum.”

“Sa panahon ng Batas Militar, gusto nilang gawing ‘Panitikan ng Aktibismo at Bagong Lipunan’. Bali ire-replace nila yung term na ‘Batas Militar’ to ‘Bagong Lipunan’ all over the curriculum kasi ayaw nilang may kahit anong ‘offensive’ kay BBM sa curriculum,” the post read.

BBM refers to President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son and namesake of the former chief executive who declared martial law in the Philippines in 1972.

MARCOS: CALLS FOR REMULLA TO RESIGN OVER ARREST OF SON IN ANTI-DRUG OPS HAS 'NO BASIS'

MANILA - Calls for Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin "Boying" Remulla to resign after his son was arrested with over P1 million worth of marijuana "has no basis," as he knows his boundaries as a government official, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. said on Friday.

Marcos said one could only ask an official to step down from their post if "he’s not doing his job or that they have misbehaved in that job."

"He has not done... he has done quite the contrary. He has taken the very proper position that he is recusing himself from any involvement in the case of his son," the President told reporters in an ambush interview.

"I think that being the Secretary of Department of Justice, he’s very aware that he must allow the processes of the judiciary to work properly and that no one in the executive should interfere," he added.

Juanito Jose Diaz Remulla III, the eldest son of the Justice secretary, was nabbed by law enforcement authorities Tuesday in Las Pinas City for alleged possession of suspected kush worth around P1.3 million.

Secretary Remulla said he is grateful to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for doing its job "without fear or favor".

"I have to abide by the Oath of Office I took when I assumed this position," he said.

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HIGH INTEREST RATE, ELEVATED INFLATION TO BITE INTO HOUSEHOLD CONSUMPTION: ECONOMIST

MANILA — Household consumption could slow down in the next few months as the impact of previous interest rate hikes by the central bank takes effect and as inflation remains elevated, an economist said on Friday.

Inflation quickened to 6.9 percent in September, government data showed.

Inflation crossing the 7-percent mark is possible in November, ING Bank Senior Economist Nicholas Mapa said, adding that it could peak in November or December.

"Households will start to feel the pinch in the next few months with inflation here in the Philippines and the rest of the world is really searing hot," Mapa told ANC.

"With rates on the way up and inflation elevated, we could see a slowdown in consumption in the next few months," he added.

Since the pandemic, salary loans and credit card debts served as "life line" to most Filipinos which were used to purchase basic goods, Mapa said.

These types of loans contributed to the increase in bank lending which grew 12.2 percent year-on-year in August, according to the data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

But credit-reliant households could see further obstacles as the BSP eyes raising the cap on interest rate for credit cards which is currently at 2 percent, Mapa said.

"With rates on the way up and inflation elevated, we could see a slowdown in consumption in the next few months," Mapa said.

Mapa said that with the US Federal Reserve likely to implement another rate hike in November after Thursday's inflation report, the BSP might also raise interest rates by up to 100 basis points in November and December.

Despite the headwinds, the Philippine economy is on "better footing" with improving jobs and reopened economy compared to 2020, Mapa said.

In terms of the Philippine peso depreciating against the US dollar, Mapa said the "silver lining" is that the increased remittances during the holidays could prop up the local currency.

The peso closed at its lowest level against the dollar at P59 for the third time on Oct. 13.

AFP IS MOST TRUSTED GOV’T AGENCY

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Technical Education and Skills Authority (TESDA), and Department of Education (DepEd) led the 10 government agencies that garnered the highest “trust ratings” based on the results of the latest PUBLiCUS Asia survey.

Pahayag 2022 Third Quarter is an independent and non-commissioned survey conducted by PUBLiCUS Asia Inc between September 16 to 20, 2022.

Based on the survey results, the AFP posted the highest trust rating at 57%, closely followed by TESDA and DepEd at 56 and 55% respectively.

The rest of the government agencies in the Top 10 are the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) with 53%; the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with 49%; Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with 48%; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) garnering 47%; Department of Health (DOH) with 45%; Department of Tourism (DOT) with 44% and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) with 44%.

Office of the Press Secretary officer-in-charge Undersecretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil noted that government agencies with high trust ratings are those who have direct contact with the people, especially in the delivery of basic social services.

Garafil said it is not surprising for the AFP to have the highest trust rating because it is directly involved in search and rescue operations in times of distress and calamities.

“The AFP has the Army, Navy, and Air Force at its disposal during times of calamities and disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes.

Army soldiers are responsible for conducting rescue and relief missions in far-flung areas in the provinces. Navy personnel are engaged in seaborne search and rescue operations,” she said.

NENENG LIKELY TO INTENSIFY, TO BRING HEAVY RAINS IN NORTHERN LUZON

MANILA - Tropical depression Neneng is likely to intensify further, the state weather bureau said early Friday, adding it is projected to bring heavy rains in northern Luzon.

In its 5 a.m. weather bulletin, PAGASA said Neneng was last sighted 1,015 km east of extreme northern Luzon packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center with 70 kph gusts while moving west-northwestward at 10 kph.

The weather agency said that beginning Saturday, the tropical cyclone may bring heavy rains in northern Luzon where Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No.1 may also be raised due to strong breeze to near gale strength winds

Neneng is expected to make landfall or may pass very close to Babuyan Islands or Batanes, PAGASA said.

The weather disturbance may also reach tropical storm category while moving over the Philippine Sea by Saturday.

"The possibility of further intensification prior to its close approach to Extreme Northern Luzon is not ruled out," PAGASA said, adding the expected strongest TCWS is No. 2.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

'CATTLEYA KILLER' TO PREMIERE AT MIPCOM CANNES 2022

MANILA -- ABS-CBN's upcoming series "Cattleya Killer" will premiere at this year’s MIPCOM Cannes, the largest content market in the world.

ABS-CBN will present the pilot of the international six-part series to industry decision makers, in anticipation of securing a global distribution partner.

The series follows the intriguing investigation of a slew of cryptic murders by a copycat of an infamous serial killer who terrorized Manila two decades ago. The son of the cop who cracked this legendary case becomes the prime suspect when past traumas and long-buried secrets are brought to light. This project is filmed in Filipino with English subtitles and overdubs.

Arjo Atayde, who won best actor at the Asian Academy Creative Awards in 2020, stars in the series, which is executive produced by Ruel S. Bayani, and directed by Dan Villegas.

It also stars Jake Cuenca, Christopher De Leon, and Zsa Zsa Padilla.

Bayani, who also serves as ABS-CBN International Production Division head, is responsible for some of the biggest movie and television hits in the Philippines. He spearheads this incredible milestone for Philippine entertainment as this marks the first time a Filipino production will screen at MIPCOM.

"It is our vision that Filipino content will be known as innovative, compelling, and meaningful; and that as we become an integral part of the beautiful tapestry of global storytellers, we will find our permanent place in the hearts of the international audience," Bayani said.

“Cattleya Killer” was filmed as part of the 2021 Full Circle Series Lab, a Southeast Asian talent development initiative by the Film Development Council and French film company Tatino Films, with creative development guided by International mentors from South Africa, Israel, and Germany.

Recently, ABS-CBN co-produced Diane Paragas’ feature film “Yellow Rose,” which was acquired by Sony Pictures and was the first Filipino film to have wide theatrical release.

Other ABS-CBN international co-productions include “Concepcion,” a crime family series centering on a Filipino kingpin in Los Angeles; and “Sellblock,” a New Bilibid Prison-set drama that involves an American agent. Both were announced earlier this year.

The premiere screening of “Cattleya Killer” will be held on October 19 with Atayde and Bayani in attendance.

SPORTS

MANNY HINTS OF RETURN

MANILA — Retired eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao fueled speculation that he may make a serious ring comeback during a recent press conference in Seoul to promote his six-round exhibition with martial arts guru DK Yoo at the Korea International Exhibition Center in Goyang on Dec. 10. Pacquiao arrived with wife Jinkee in the Korean capital last Monday and they’re expected back in Manila today.

“My style, my stamina and my body – if I can continue my boxing career but I’m still OK,” said Pacquiao. “Right now, I feel good. I’m excited to work hard, go back to basics where we started, sparring with caliber boxers, training hard. I’m happy for this opportunity and thankful to have the chance to be in Seoul.”

Pacquiao, 43, has started training in General Santos City for the bout which will feature two-minute rounds and 10-ounce gloves. In pro boxing, fighters wear 10-ounce gloves starting the superwelterweight or 154-pound division and eight-ounce gloves from welterweight down. The heavier gloves cushion the impact of hard punches. Yoo, 42, has never fought as a pro although last year, he figured in a six-round exhibition with former UFC battler Bradley Scott. Yoo is known as the founder of Wartime Combat System and a master of 15 fighting disciplines. The exhibition is billed as The Champ against The Master.

Both Pacquiao and Yoo are southpaws. The Korean has a distinct advantage in height, standing 5-10 to Pacquiao’s 5-5 1/2. Pacquiao hasn’t seen action since losing the super WBA welterweight title to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas in Las Vegas in August 2021. “It’s a big deal,” said MP Promotions head Sean Gibbons who flew from Los Angeles to Seoul to join Pacquiao in the promotional tour. “There were at least 50 TV cameras in the press conference. Manny’s a big deal anywhere in the world, particularly in Asia. He’s excited to be back in the gym. This is no joke. They’re coming to fight. To be honest, I think once Manny lands a big punch, Yoo’s going down. I don’t know what Manny’s future plans are. Where he goes will depend on how he does in the exhibition.”

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Self-respect is the root of discipline; the sense of dignity grows with the ability to say no to oneself. - Abraham J. Heschel