by magnolia_eic | Jun 29, 2010 | Business, Headlines, National News
Manila, Philippines – the Department of Trade and Industry has issued an administrative order removing the expiration of gift certificates, checks and cards.
Zenaida Maglaya, Trade Undersecretary said, the order was issued last June 25 and would become effective upon its publication in July.
Maglaya added that the issue on the expiration of gift checks had already been discussed at the time when Peter Favila was still Trade secretary in response to the complaints of consumers about the short usage period given by the sellers.
Commercial establishments usually give an expiration term of one-year from date of issuance on their gift checks.
According to the DTI, the practice is contrary to state policy on protection of consumer welfare and interest and promotion of fair, honest, and equitable relations between parties in consumer transactions.
Click here for full article from Philippine Star
by magnolia_eic | Jun 29, 2010 | Headlines, National News
Manila, Philippines – President-elect Noy Noy Aquino is set to name the members of his Cabinet today. One of the members include Cesar Purisima as finance secretary.
The announcement of the Cabinet members is part of the preparation for Aquino’s inauguration tomorrow as the country’s 15th president.
Outgoing Finance Secretary Margarito Teves said he met yesterday with Purisima for a briefing on the condition of the economy. However, Purisima came as a member of the transition team and not as the next finance chief. Some sources however, have confirmed that Purisima has accepted the finance portfolio.
Click here for full article from Philippine Star
by magnolia_eic | Jun 25, 2010 | Headlines, National News
TOURISM investments for the period of 2000 to 2009 have reached P62 billion, providing robust employment to more than 46,000 Filipinos, a recent study showed.
The Asian Foundation (TAF) and the Centre for Research and Communications (CRC) cited data from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) revealing that tourism-related establishments produced 46,048 jobs.
In Central Philippines, 2,002 establishments provided 28,629 jobs; 240 Metro Manila establishments offered 16,082 jobs; and Tagaytay produced 1,337 jobs with its 101 establishments.
Cherry Lyn Rodolfo of the CRC said the number of jobs generated by the tourism industry hit three million for the past nine years.
In terms of local area development, there is at least a demand of P14 million for food supplies in tourism destinations.
Of this, 60 percent is sourced from local markets and neighbors, citing the experiences in Palawan resorts like Amarela, El Nido, Dos Palmas, and Microtel in Boracay.
Investments from private stakeholders also contributed to the increased jobs in tourism-related businesses. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Jun 25, 2010 | Headlines, National News
THE Asian Development Bank and its co-financing partners are considering investing some $1 billion in various renewable energy and energy efficiency projects in the Philippines over the next three to four years, beginning 2011.
According to Sohail Hasnie, principal energy specialist at the ADB, the Manila-based lender has had initial discussions with the National Economic and Development Authority and is just waiting for the incoming Aquino administration to look into the proposal.
Hasnie explained that it was ideal for the country to shift to renewable energy sources since the Philippines has high electricity tariffs; a lot of renewable energy available; and a good regulatory framework.
Most of the $1-billion funding will be in the form of loans, while a small part will be in the form of grants. On the renewable energy side, the ADB is looking into commercial application of solar resources, while on the energy efficiency side, it would want to focus on reducing consumption, particularly on large scale air-conditioning use in public offices and malls, among others.
Hasnie added that the Philippines was an ideal country to investment in, since it is leading the region on the renewable energy and energy efficiency fronts.
According to Hasnie, ADB has yet to work out the planned investment details with the Departments of Finance and Energy, after which, it will identify the implementing agency for these energy projects. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Jun 24, 2010 | Headlines, National News
THE Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) to conduct an extensive investigation into the disappearance of political activist Jonas Burgos three years ago.
In a 16-page resolution, the high court also expressed dissatisfaction with the findings of the military and police regarding Burgos’ disappearance, saying this was the reason why it cannot rule yet on the petition for amparo filed by Jonas’ mother, Edita.
Edita was asking the court to reverse the July 17, 2008 ruling of the Court of Appeals dismissing the case against soldiers believed to be behind the kidnapping.
“Considering the findings of the CA and our review of the records of the present case, we conclude that the [Philippine National Police] and the [Armed Forces of the Philippines] have so far failed to conduct an exhaustive and meaningful investigation into the disappearance of Jonas Burgos; and to exercise the extra ordinary diligence (in the performance of their duties) that the Rule on the Writ Amparo requires,” the Supreme Court ruled.
The court gave the CHR 90 days within which to submit its report and recommendations to the Court. It also directed the commission to provide Mrs. Burgos and the respondents a copy of its report.
Burgos, son of the late freedom fighter Jose Burgos, was abducted April 28, 2007 allegedly by military personnel while he was having lunch at a restaurant inside Ever Gotesco Mall in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City. (PIA-Bohol)
by magnolia_eic | Jun 18, 2010 | Headlines, National News
PRESIDENT-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has included his defeated running mate, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, in his 5-man presidential transition team.
In a letter dated June 11 sent to Malacañang on Wednesday morning, Aquino identified Roxas as one of the members of his transition team.
The other members of the transition team are: former Education Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad, who may return to the Department of Education (DepEd); Julia Abad, Aquino’s chief of staff in the Senate; incoming Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa Jr.; and, former Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, who is reportedly being eyed to head the Department of Finance again.
The letter informs Presidential Management Staff (PMS) chief Elena Bautista-Horn that the 5 individuals have been granted the authority “necessary and indispensable for the lawful and efficient transfer of government authority and responsibility on June 30, 2010.”
The letter adds: “These responsibilities include, and are not limited to, coordinating arrangement for the inaugural program, ensuring the smooth turnover of Cabinet portfolios, and assisting in the accounting and disposition of relevant records, information and equipment.” (PIA-Bohol)
