News Report
14 November 2019 Local
1. PNP bats for selective martial law in Mindanao
Manila Bulletin, 14 November 2019, p. 1, continued on p. 9
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, Philippine National Police officer-in-charge, said that while he agrees that martial law is unnecessary in most areas in Mindanao, there are still places where it is needed.
He cited the continuous peace and order problems in the past months. He further said that they are currently conducting assessment in Mindanao to identify the areas where there is no more need for Martial Law.
2. AFP: No need to extend ML
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 14 November 2019, p. A7
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Noel Clement said there was no need to extend martial law anew in Mindanao since the peace and order situation in most areas has vastly improved.
At his confirmation hearing, Gen. Clement told members of the Commission on Appointments that should military rule be extended beyond this year, it would be only in certain areas.
Economic
3. Phl mulls tariff hit vs Thailand over WTO ruling
The Philippine Star, 14 November 2019, p. B1, continued on p. B3
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is considering the imposition of duty on vehicle imports from Thailand as a retaliatory measure for the latter’s failure to comply with a World Trade Organization (WTO) decision on a cigarette tax case the Philippines won.
4. $10-M financing secured for disaster mitigation project The Philippine Star, 14 November 2019, p. B8
The Philippines has secured a $10-million grant from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) for the establishment of an impact-based forecasting and early warning system to communities at risk of natural hazards. The total cost is $20.2 million, with the Philippine government allotting the remaining funding requirement of $10.2 million.
5. ADB: Chinese investment pledges in PH surged in ‘18 Philippine Daily Inquirer, 14 November 2019, p. B1
The Philippines enjoyed a surge in Chinese investment pledges last year while it also benefited slightly in the area of trade amid tensions between the United States and China, according to the Asian Development Bank (ADB). In its report, the ADB said foreign direct investments (FDIs) more than quadrupled in the Philippines, with an influx of investments from China in the metals industry ($7.9 billion).
6. ‘Build Build Build’ defended vs critics
Philippine Daily Inquirer, 14 November 2019, p. A4
Bases and Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) President Vince Dizon rejected Wednesday Senator Franklin Drilon’s claim that the Duterte administration’s “Build, build, build’’ infrastructure program was a “dismal failure,” citing the program’s contribution to economic growth.
Dizon, who is also President Duterte’s adviser on flagship programs and projects, said inroads in the infrastructure program has already jacked up government spending on infrastructure development which largely contributed to the gross domestic product (GDP).
