News Report
28 November 2019 Local
1. Senate OKs proposed 2020 budget
Manila Bulletin, 28 November 2019, p. 1, continued on p. 2
The Senate, by a 22-0-0 vote, approved on second and third reading, the proposed P4.1-trillion General Appropriation Act (GAA or national budget) for 2020.
2. PH secures ₱30 M in grants from Japan for human security projects Manila Bulletin, 28 November 2019, p. 1, continued on p. 8
The Japanese government has signed five grant contracts worth US$590,781 (roughly P30 million) for the construction of a school dormitory, a health station, and classrooms, as well as the pro- curement of medical equipment and agricultural machinery.
3. NGCP allays fears over China control of power grid
The Philippines Star, 28 November 2019, p. B1, continued on p. B9
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has allayed fears that China’s grid operator might have the capability to remotely shut down the Philippines’ power infrastructure following leaked reports to lawmakers. The State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC) is reported to have 40 percent stake in NGCP.
Korea
4. PH, Korea sign fisheries pact
Manila Bulletin, 28 November 2019, p. B2
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar and Minister Seong-Hyeok Moon of South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF) recently signed the two countries’ first ever Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on fisheries cooperation. Under the cooperation, DA and MOF will pursue and promote scientific and technical, economic, and trade cooperation in fisheries and aquaculture.
5. Duterte boosts PH-Korea ties
Manila Bulletin, 28 November 2019, p. 1, continued on p. 2
President Duterte had a “productive” participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Republic of Korea (ROK) Commemorative Summit in Busan, according to Malacañang.
During the summit, President Duterte and President Moon agreed to elevate the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership. He also extended an invitation to President Moon to visit the country “at the soonest mutually convenient opportunity.
Economic
6. PH-Russia team up to advance farm technology The Manila Times, 28 November 2019, p. B5
The Philippines and Russia have expressed interest to jointly improve the technologies in their respective agriculture sectors, particularly on rice production. Agriculture Secretary William Dar welcomed a delegation from Russia who offered digital technology that is essential in transforming the agri-fishery sector of the country.
7. MRT 7 on track for partial opening in 2021 Philippine Daily Inquirer, 28 November 2019, p. B1
The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 7, a 23-kilometer line that will link San Jose del Monte in Bulacan and North Avenue in Quezon City, is on track for partial opening in 2021.The Department of
Transportation (DOTr) and conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) took control of a property in Quezon City to be used for the MRT 7 train depot, which was a key obstacle in its plans.
