Here in the Philippines, the flood control corruption scandals are not only keeping many Filipinos very angry but they are also affecting the economy negatively as the nation was prevented from achieving a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings, according to a news report by BusinessWorld.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…
THE FINANCE CHIEF on Tuesday said the multibillion-peso flood control scandal prevented the Philippines from getting a credit rating upgrade from S&P Global Ratings.
“If [only] we did not have the flood control issue,” Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto told reporters on the sidelines of a Senate budget hearing. “We met with S&P, and they were ready to give us a credit rating upgrade this year.”
The controversy, which involves “ghost” projects and fund misuse in government flood control programs, has triggered investigations by Congress, the Commission on Audit, the Ombudsman, and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure.
The Marcos administration is facing increasing scrutiny over flood control projects, where billions of pesos in public funds were diverted through padded contracts and shell companies.
The scandal highlighted spending inefficiencies and governance lapses that credit agencies closely monitor when evaluating institutional credibility and fiscal management.
Asked whether the Philippines can achieve an “A” credit rating in the next two years, Mr. Recto said: “I hope so.”
He said the government wants to maintain its current credit rating, despite the multibillion-peso corruption scandal.
“There is a big chance they will maintain it, but there was a bigger chance for a credit rating upgrade,” he added.
In November 2024, S&P affirmed its “BBB+” long-term credit rating for the Philippines, which is a notch below the “A” level grade targeted by the government.
S&P had also raised its rating outlook to “positive” from “stable.” A positive outlook means the Philippines’ credit rating could be raised over the next two years if improvements are sustained.
Mr. Recto said the government needs to improve its governance and resolve the flood control mess.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the national government should do to resolve the flood control mess? Are you convinced that the ongoing flood control corruption scandals are already turning away potential foreign investors?
Japan now has a new Prime Minister and her name is Sanae Takaichi (Takaichi Sanae for those who communicate in Japanese) and already her administration has been formed. Prime Minister Takaichi is a strongly conservative woman who not only has friendship with US President Donald Trump, but also met the late Margaret Thatcher who is her main inspiration for conservative governance and leadership. Being conservative, her loyalty to her people and nation is uncompromising and she intends to preserve the Japanese culture and ways while other nations of the world gave in to illegal immigration, Islamic terrorists and woke ideology.
To get yourselves oriented with the new Prime Minister of Japan, watch the selected videos below.
Shortly after taking office, an official statement was released by the Prime Minister which you can read in English below.
Today, I was designated as the nation’s Prime Minister, and a new Cabinet has been inaugurated. Bolstered by a strong and unwavering belief in the latent power and vitality of Japan and the Japanese people, I will dedicate myself completely to discharging my duty of forging a path for Japan’s future.
I will work resolutely for the sake of our nation and the Japanese people, filled with the determination to press ahead tenaciously under any circumstances. I will strive to build a strong economy, turning people’s unease and apprehension over their current lives and the future into hope, and I will deal with the challenges facing the international community as I embark on restoring Japanese diplomacy that flourishes on the world’s center stage.
I ask the Japanese people for their understanding and cooperation as I take these responsibilities upon myself.
Prime Minister Takaichi has already formed her cabinet and the stock market jumped sharply in response to her election. Takaichi was first elected to the Diet (Japan’s Parliament) in 1993 and she went on to serve for decades notably under the administration of the late Shinzo Abe. Clearly she is very experienced as a public servant.
A younger Takaichi with former British Prime Minister and conservative icon Margaret Thatcher many years ago. (photo source – Nikkei Asia)
The new Prime Minister also declared that Japan will NOT take in Islamists and illegal immigrants. This is a strong stance that I admire in Takaichi. Illegal immigration is a global disease that leads to worsening crime, failed multiculturalism and a series of problems for citizens. Islamists meanwhile are focused on migrating in great numbers to new countries believing they can overwhelm the locals, spread violence and hatred, and then destroy the local societies and cultures with the intention to replace them with their own.
In my experience, I visited Japan as a tourist. I admired Japan for its rich culture, its conservative ways, long lasting traditions and how their people lived with discipline and harmony. I certainly do not want illegal immigration and Islamization to ruin Japan. In fact, wokeness and political correctness are diseases and they will never make Japan better. That said, it is only right that Takaichi took office as Prime Minister.
The woke, the Satanic Leftists, the unhinged rabid feminists, the diversity extremists, the illegal immigration extremists and the LGBTQ mob can always keep on condemning PM Takaichi all they want (note: they have been doing it since Takaichi was elected president of her party weeks ago) but Japan does not really have to bow to them nor does it need to follow their evil ideologies. Takaichi has a nation to rebuild, an economy to revive and a lot of fellow Japanese people to take care of.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you hope to see in Japan under the leadership of Prime Minister Takaichi? Did you see archive photos of Takaichi personally meeting former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher?
In an attempt to prepare local residents and their communities to prepare themselves better for future disasters, the City Government of Las Piñas released several Go Bags (each with useful items for emergency use) to an initial batch of local communities, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The city government of Las Piñas distributed community go bags to different homeowners’ associations as part of the city government’s ongoing disaster preparedness and resilience campaign.
Barangays Manuyo Dos, Pulanglupa Uno, Zapote, and CAA were the first batch of communities to receive the go bags to equip households with essential emergency items that can be used during earthquakes.
Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the go-bags contained a first-aid kit, flashlight, lightsticks, and other essentials that can help in any calamities that may occur.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Has your local community received any Go Bags from the City Government already? Is your local community ready for potential disasters?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, a microchipping program for local pets was launched and handled by the City Veterinary Services Office and witnessed by Mayor April Aguilar, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
Las Piñas City, through the City Veterinary Services Office led by Dr. August Michael Basangan, has officially launched its Pet Microchipping Program to promote responsible pet ownership and work toward a rabies-free city.
During the launching, 60 fur parents registered for the microchipping of their dogs and cats, with the first to be implanted are the beloved fur babies of Mayor April Aguilar—a symbolic gesture underscoring her trust for the program and support for animal welfare and public health.
Microchips, which are as small as a grain of rice, are safely inserted between the neck and shoulder blades of pets. Each chip is permanent and tamper-proof, serving as a reliable means of registration and identification in the Animal Identification Database Registry System. This system allows authorities and owners to quickly identify lost pets, prevent cases of mis-identity, and strengthen monitoring for rabies control.
Mayor April emphasized that the program highlights the city’s continuing commitment to both public safety and animal welfare, ensuring that every pet in Las Piñas is protected, accounted for, and part of a healthier community.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? If you have pets, are you willing to have them inserted with microchips?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
In response to backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officially deferred the mandatory Trademark, according to a Manila Bulletin news report. Trustmark will be voluntary until December 31, 2025.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin report. Some parts in boldface…
After facing backlash from online merchants, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will no longer mandate the E-Commerce Philippine Trustmark, instead making the requirement voluntary until the end of the year.
In a statement, the DTI said the move was announced by Trade Secretary Cristina Roque during a town hall meeting about the trustmark’s implementation on Wednesday, Oct. 15.
Roque said that hearing directly from stakeholders made the agency want to improve the trustmark to make it more “useful, fair, and helpful for both businesses and consumers.”
“After all, our shared goal is to make e-commerce in the Philippines safer and more trustworthy for everyone,” she said.
The secretary—and the DTI as a whole—has been on the receiving end of outrage among online merchants, who have been labeling the trustmark as an additional burden.
The DTI even disabled the comment feature on its Facebook page after being bombarded with criticism on every post, even those unrelated to the trustmark.
The trustmark, aligned with the Internet Transactions Act, serves as a digital badge to ensure that online platforms and merchants are compliant with fair e-commerce practices. It is designed to help consumers identify legitimate businesses, protecting them against unfair trade practices, scams, and other fraudulent activities.
Under the new policy, the DTI said that the trustmark will be voluntary until Dec. 31. So far, the DTI is still finalizing supplemental guidelines for this policy, including fees that depend on the size or type of business, among other details.
By early 2026, the department is expected to evaluate whether the trustmark registration will remain voluntary.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? What do you think the Trustmark of DTI is more of a hassle than a benefit for online sellers? Do you think the Trustmark should be scrapped entirely? What do you think should be done to help consumers find legitimate online merchants?
Recently the City Government of Las Piñas achieved another tremendous honor as it emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI awards ceremony, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of the Manila Bulletin. Some parts in boldface…
The city government of Las Piñas was named as grand winner in the 2025 Metro Manila SubayBAYANI award which honors local government units that exemplify excellence, innovations, and accountability in local infrastructure governance.
Las Piñas City Mayor April Aguilar said the cities of Parañaque and Pasig also received an award during the ceremony held at the Manila Hotel on Oct. 7, organized by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-National Capital Region (NCR).
Aguilar said the recognition affirms the city government’s commitment to transparent, efficient, and community-centered implementation of infrastructure projects that continue to uplift the lives of its residents and promote sustainable urban development.
She said the SubayBAYANI grand award underscores the city’s consistent excellence in infrastructure management and progressive governance.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you happy that the City Government emerged as the grand winner in the 2025 SubayBAYANI awards?? Does the latest award make you trust Mayor April Aguilar even more?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
The annual inflation rate of the Philippines reached 1.7% this past September led by higher food prices, according to a BusinessWorld news report. Take note that August inflation was at 1.5% and business sentiment in the Philippines has weakened.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the BusinessWorld news report. Some parts in boldface…
Philippine annual inflation quickened for a second month, but it was still below the central bank’s 2% to 4% comfort range for the year, reinforcing expectations that a policy decision this week will be a close call between cutting rates and pausing.
The consumer price index rose 1.7% in September led by higher food prices, up from August’s 1.5%, the statistics agency said on Tuesday. It was below the 2.0% median forecast in a Reuters poll, and brought year-to-date average inflation to 1.7%.
The September rate, the fastest since March, comes just days before the central bank’s penultimate policy meeting of the year on Thursday.
“For the upcoming policy meeting, the Monetary Board will review newly available information and reassess the impact of prior monetary actions in light of evolving economic conditions and their implications for inflation and growth,” the Philippine central bank said in a statement.
At its August policy meeting, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) signalled another reduction was still possible this year before it concludes its easing cycle.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think the inflation rate of the Philippines will reach as high as 3% by the end of 2025? Do you consider inflation as a major factor behind the modest economic growth of the country this year?
To get straight into what happened, watch the selected videos below. Pay close attention to the details.
To put things in perspective about the many surviving hostages who made it back home to Israel after spending over two years in captivity in Gaza, posted below is an excerpt from The Jerusalem Post news report. Some parts in boldface…
All 20 of the living Israeli hostages held by Hamas have returned to Israeli territory, the IDF announced. The remaining live hostages held by Hamas were all in IDF custody as of 11:42 a.m.
The first seven hostages to be released were named as: Matan Angrest, Alon Ohel, Eitan Mor, Gali and Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, and Guy Gilboa-Dalal. The second round of returned hostages, which are the other 13, included: Bar Abraham Kupershtein, Evyatar David, Yosef-Chaim Ohana, Segev Kalfon, Avinatan Or, Elkana Bohbot, Maxim Herkin, Nimrod Cohen, Matan Zangauker, Eitan Horn, Rom Braslavski, Ariel Cunio, and David Cunio.
The released hostages have undergone a medical assessment and are en route to hospitals and will reunite with their families, the military added.
Despite earlier IDF estimates that the hostages would be returned in three rounds, in the end it took only two rounds, with Hamas seeming to want to have all hostages over to Israeli custody before US President Donald Trump was soon expected to speak to the Israeli Knesset.
The three expected locations for the transfers were Gaza City, central Gaza, and Khan Yunis in southern Gaza.
Earlier Monday at 9:10 a.m., the IDF had already received seven out of the 20 remaining live hostages back from Hamas via the International Red Cross (ICRC). By 8:10 a.m., the ICRC had already received those hostages from Hamas.
Late Sunday night, the IDF had said that if the live hostages were stable, they would move from Red Cross custody to IDF special forces custody, then to the Reim base, and then to the three hospitals: Shiba, Ichalov, and Beilinson.However, if a live hostage was in immediate medical danger, a helicopter would be sent to rush them to Soroka Medical Center or to Barzilai Medical Center.
All of the first round hostages were stable enough medically that they did not require an emergency evacuation.
The IDF expects that some deceased hostages will be returned on Monday, but has no set numbers about how many, and is prepared for that part of the process to be drawn out over multiple days or longer. The deceased hostages will be transferred to Israel in coordination with further Red Cross-supervised exchanges, under the same verification and transfer protocols. Part of the process will also involve identifying the remains with specific hostages.
According to the IDF, Hamas is bound to assist a joint mechanism associated with the Trump ceasefire to help locate other deceased hostages, where finding them may be less of an exact science.
The ICRC will also transfer around 2,000 Palestinian security prisoners held in Israeli prisons to the Gaza Strip, West Bank, and locations outside of Israel, such as Qatar and Turkey.
Praise and thank the Lord for the return of the 20 surviving hostages! Spending a little over two years as captives of the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas in Gaza surely has been painful and torturous for them. Their respective families had to deal with the long waits and uncertainties during the two years. The surviving hostages are now starting to get their lives back on track and figure out how they will fit back in with local society. The release of the hostages was made possible by the new peace deal for Gaza (and the Middle East) brokered by Trump. What has happened today is undeniably history unfolding and there is still a lot of developments yet to happen.
Of course, we should not forget about the other hostages who died in captivity in Gaza. For sure, the return of bodies of dead hostages will be sorrowful for the affected families and their local communities. That being said, I urge the faithful reading this to pray to the Lord to comfort and heal the families whose loved ones died in captivity in Gaza.
Moving on, Trump addressed the Knesset during his visit in Israel. He expressed how good it is to say that the hostages are back and that the painful nightmare left behind by the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks committed by Hamas (supported by terrorist state Iran) is over.
To put things in perspective and to find out what Trump exactly said, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of The Jerusalem Post. Some parts in boldface…
US President Donald Trump arrived at the Knesset on Monday morning, giving a speech at the plenum.
A trumpet fanfare sounded in the Knesset upon his entrance to the building and he entered the plenum to additional fanfare and wide applause.
“We’re in a nice place,” Trump’s speech began. We are “giving thanks to the Abrahamic God,” he added.
“The hostages are back! It feels so good to say it,” Trump said.
Netanyahu is “not easy to work with, but that’s what makes him great,” Trump affirmed.
“Like the USA right now, it will be the golden age for Israel,” the president commented.
Trump commented that “a lot of people said we were wasting our time” with regards to a ceasefire agreement, but thanks to several “great American patriots, we achieved this,” Trump commented, highlighting the work of US envoy Steve Witkoff for the part that he played.
Trump also thanked “someone who loves Israel so much, my daughter converted,” referring to his son-in-law Jared Kushner, and also thanked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, noting that the two were political rivals, particularly during the Republican party primaries before Trump’s 2016 election victory.
Trump said that countries working together toward peace under the Gaza agreement represents an “incredible triumph for Israel and the world.”
He said Israel “has won all that can be won by force of arms.”
He added that it was time to translate what he described as “victories against terrorists” into peace and prosperity for the Middle East.
Trump then said my “personality is all about stopping wars.”
“As you mentioned, Bibi before, peace through strength…We have a lot of weapons, and we’ve given a lot of them to Israel frankly…Bibi would call me sometimes, can you get me this weapon that weapon, some of them I had never even heard of,” Trump said.
“Never forget and never again,” Trump declared regarding Hamas’s October 7, 2023 massacre, as the plenum stood for a standing ovation.
The “cruelty of October 7 struck the heart of humanity. The US mourned alongside Israel,” Trump affirmed.
“Because of us, the long and painful nightmare is finally over,” he said.
Trump also praised Israel for its airstrikes against Iran in June’s Operation Rising Lion, and the part the US played in striking Iranian nuclear facilities in Operation Midnight Hammer.
“We stopped the number one state sponsor of terror in obtaining the world’s most dangerous weapons,” he said.
“Assuming we made the same deal we have today, there would be a dark could over the deal,” he added.
“We took a big cloud off the Middle East and off of Israel,” Trump said to a round of applause.
“They took a big hit,” Trump said about Iran. “You know it would be great if we could make a peace deal” with them, he said.
“The dagger of Hezbollah, long aimed at Israel’s throat, has been shattered,” Trump commented, adding that he is supporting the Lebanese president in disarming the terror organization.
“People are dancing in countries in the street that would never have danced in the street,” due to the deal, Trump said, adding that the entire region has endorsed the plan that Hamas will be demilitarized.
“Peace is not just a dream, it’s a reality that we can build upon piece by piece,” the president said.
Everybody that has tried antisemitic policies has become irrelevant, and those who have reached across to Israel have become important, Trump said referring to the Abraham Accords, signalling his intention for other countries to join the agreement. “Now you have peace…people who really like Israel,” he said.
“They did nothing with the document,” he said, referring to countries who have not yet join the normalization agreement with Israel.
“This little dot, look at what you’ve done it’s incredible,” he said, receiving another standing ovation.
“The world wanted peace and Israel wanted peace, everybody did, and what a victory it’s been. The timing of this is brilliant,” Trump said as he thanked Netanyahu for “having the courage to end the war” when he did.
“After tremendous pain and hardship, now is the time to build the country up, instead of tearing it downI intend to be a partner is this,” Trump said.
“It’s my firm hope and dream that the Abraham Accords will turn out to be everything that we thought they would. Trump said that even after the war, the countries within the accords have remained. I hope all the countries we’re seeking, join quickly, no games,” Trump commented.
When Iran signed the nuclear deal it was a disaster for everyone,” Trump spoke on the past.
“That was the beginning of a very bad time, and by the way, I terminated the Iran nuclear deal,” Trump added.
Iran “wants to make a deal,” Trump said. Neither US or Israel bear Iran any hostility, the president claimed.
“We are ready when you are, and it’s going to be the best decision that Iran ever made,” Trump said.
“The state of Israel is strong and it will live and thrive forever,” he said, praising Israel as a key US ally.
Trump also spoke on the things he has done for Israel, remarking on how he is the best ally Israel has ever had.
Still there in the Knesset, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the mourning families, the abducted and the wounded Israel Defense Forces (IDF) personnel. You can see it by clicking here.
Thank the Lord for US President Trump, Prime Minister Netanyahu, the Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the armed forces of Israel and the entire Jewish State for the breakthroughs that happened this year. Israel defeated Iran during the 12-Day War which involved America’s massive bombing on the Iranian nuclear facilities. Hamas terrorists lost a lot of ground in Gaza and were down to their final stronghold being cornered by the IDF.
The Trump-brokered peace deal is working as I write this and having been to Israel myself (some of my Israel 2023 tour blog posts can be read by clicking here, here, here, here and here) I truly believe that the Middle East will change for the better with Israel as God’s chosen state. There will be challenges, the Trump-brokered peace deal has to keep developing, Middle East nations will have to adjust before joining the Abraham Accords and the terrorist leadership of Iran has yet to vanish. Whatever happens, hang on to your faith in the Lord and live on with His Word (the Holy Bible). Do not let the worldly pawns of Satan and chaos of the world dominate you. Simply stay strong with the Lord and keep on supporting Israel and Trump’s current term as US President.
To everyone reading this, I encourage you to accept the truth that Israel is the land God designated specifically for the Jewish people (read Genesis 35:10-12) and His command must be followed without hesitation. If you want to be blessed further by the Lord, do so by loving and blessing the Jewish people (Genesis 12:1-3). I did my part when I was in Israel. Also, let me remind you all that the ties between the Jews and Christians are truly biblical!
I encourage you all to pray to the Lord God in support of Israel, to love and bless the Jewish people, and pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
Recently in the City of Las Piñas, the dredging and desilting project – a partnership between San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and the City Government – was launched and it is a part of the corporation’s Better Rivers PH program which can reduce the risk of flooding, the City Government announced via social media.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the social media post of the City Government. Some parts in boldface…
The City Government of Las Piñas, led by Mayor April Aguilar, formally launched the Dredging and Desilting Project in Las Piñas and Zapote River along C5 Extension, Barangay Pulanglupa Uno in partnership with San Miguel Corporation’s Better Rivers PH initiative.
The activity marks a major step toward improving flood control, restoring ecological balance, and ensuring long-term river rehabilitation in the city.
Present during the site inspection were Congressman Mark Anthony Santos, CENRO Head Engr. Cezar Perillo, City Engineer Mike Aguilar, City Administrator Reynaldo Balagulan, City Agriculture Head Dr. August Michael Basangan, and Councilor Henry Medina.
Representing San Miguel Corporation were Mr. Jimmy Lu, Vice President and Overall Project Manager of SMC Better Rivers PH, and Atty. Cynthia de Castro, Government Affairs and Advocacy Group Manager. Also in attendance were Gat Anthony Concepcion from the DENR Manila Bay Coordinating Office, along with Barangay Captains Guada Rosales of Pulanglupa Uno and Eduardo Robles of Elias Aldana.
Mayor Aguilar emphasized that dredging and desilting are crucial to the city’s flood mitigation efforts and environmental protection goals.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: If you are a resident of Las Piñas City, what is your reaction to this development? Are you happy that the City Government and SMC teamed up for the dredging and desilting project? How often is your local community hit by flooding whenever heavy rain happens?
For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673
Here we go again with the perceived challenges related to the tariffs of Trump-led America. This time around the secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) pointed to the Trump tariffs which she said raised the risk of products from Asian neighbors getting dumped into the Philippines and potentially harm local industries, according to news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
For the newcomers reading this, the Trump administration had set a series of tariff rates for different nations in Asia. American tariff on Philippines-made products was set at 19% after the big meeting between US President Trump and Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.
It is a known fact that many nations in Asia export their products to the United States but with the new tariffs in effect and the fact that the Philippines has a population of more than one hundred million people, the latter is anticipated to become the dumping ground of Asian products. This development is happening just as the economy of the Philippines will grow by less than 6% this year (click here, here and here). Recently, the US State Department published a report about pervasive corruption being a barrier to investment in the Philippines.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…
The recent increase in the United States’ tariff rates heightened the risk of Asian goods being dumped into the Philippine market, raising the need for more stringent measures to protect local industries, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said Wednesday.
Roque, in an interview on the sidelines of the Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. Business Summit in Makati City, said they expect increased entry of steel, cement, and garments, among others.
She traced this to the attractiveness of the Philippines as a market, given the country’s large population of over 100 million. She said DTI will work closely with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to ensure that only registered and properly taxed goods enter the country.
The DTI will also coordinate with local industries to prevent the continued spread of unregistered products in the market.
On Tuesday, personnel from DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau seized around PHP2 million worth of substandard construction materials from 24 retailers in Central Luzon as it strengthened its drive against uncertified and unsafe products in the market.
“We need to protect the manufacturing industry of the Philippines. So us, being in government, and us making sure we protect the jobs of the people,” she said.
Roque also noted that although investments continue to pour in, the volume is not what they had expected, thus, the need to boost local industries.
“So, we try to help them resolve whatever issues they have. And then we also at least help them strengthen or level up their businesses,” she explained.
Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think it is only a matter of time before a massive amount of Asian products (originally made for export to America) will arrive in the markets of the Philippines very soon? Did you notice any unregistered or sub-par quality products from overseas already being sold locally? What do you think can the DTI do to protect the local industries and livelihood of many Filipinos?
Author Carlo Carrasco 