The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry reported that business have lost up to P1 billion due to the devastation brought about by tropical storm Ondoy last month. But PCCI president Edgardo Lacson said that while this is the case, local enterprises are now starting to recover.
Lacson added that although there is an existing price [...]

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the one-year suspension of payments for salary and housing loans of members of the Social Security Systems (SSS) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), according to her economic adviser. This is in line with helping the victims of Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo were in London recently to attend the Emerging Markets Summit, where he had a meeting with several British companies who have expressed interest to invest in the Philippines, either via fresh infusions or the expansion of their existing projects. Areas of interests include mining, energy and business [...]

The United Nations Secretary, through its Secretary General Ban Ki-moon gave assurance to the Philippine government of international humanitarian assistance to the country in the wake of the widespread and massive devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy over the weekend.

On October 2 to 6, Capiz celebrates Dungog: Indigenous People’s (IP) Festival. The provincial government takes the festival as an opportunity to showcase the province’s distinct hospitality, unique culture and captivating sceneries. This was relayed by Capiz Gov. Victor A. Tanco Sr. during the festival’s press conference, adding that the time has come for the [...]

The Philippines received more international assistance for the victims of tropical storm Ondoy. This time, it’s from the European Commission (EC), the executive arm of the European Union, who has given 2 million euros or equivalent to about P140 million. This is so far the biggest amount of international help that the country has received.

Here’s one good news amidst all these sad news on the devastation brought to the country by typhoon Ondoy. The Philippines was once again made proud by a recognition given to a fellow Filipino.
In the recently concluded IDEA World Fitness Convention in Anaheim, California, Department of Tourism Undersecretary Cynthia Carrion was named IDEA “Personal Trainer [...]

The Philippine government, through the Department of Energy (DOE), and Asian Development Bank (DBP) recently launched a campaign that would push the more efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) to replace the power-hungry incandescent light bulbs.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s visit to Saudi Arabia continues to reap positive results. The latest of which is expression of interest of the members of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) to invest in the Philippines, more particularly in rice and coffee production and in banana trading.
The delegation of JCCI members, led by its [...]

To boost investment in the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) offered special visa for employment generation (SVEG) to foreign investors and expatriates. Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan announced that there were a total of 140 companies based in Philippines which have applied for the SVEG.

Three major companies from the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia are looking to invest in the Philippines. This include a leading plant construction and maintenance company and the largest financial institution, who all made assurances to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Party-list Representative Vigor D. Mendoza II has filed a bill that seeks to establish a single traffic ticketing system nationwide that would consolidate penalty rules that are currently set by local government units (LGUs). The House Bill 6652 would require all traffic enforcers to issue a single traffic ticket that would come from the Land [...]

The Senate Bills (SBs) 3190 and 3191 are measures that were meant to restructure the excise tax on alcohol products and tobacco respectively. The senate is inclined to approve these two bills on the so-called “sin” products, in the hope of raising for the government more revenues.

As the 2010 elections draw nearer, the business community is becoming wary because of some bills that are still pending both on the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Believing that lawmakers attention would be shifted once the campaign season starts, sixteen local and foreign business groups wrote a letter to House Speaker Prospero C. Nograles [...]

Slowly turning out to be the ‘underdog’ as far as his party’s endorsement is concerned and his poor ratings in the survey, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman, and presidential aspirant, Bayani Fernando said he is still hopeful he would be named as the administration standard bearer. This, in spite of the widening support being [...]

Amidst a widely criticized trips and dinner overseas, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left for Libya early this morning. But this time though, the president has a “lean” delegation composed of only five Cabinet officials.
Travelling with the president in Libya are Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito D. Roque, [...]

A new law which was just signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo grants the Bureau of Food and Drugs more regulatory muscle and at the same time  renaming the agency into the Food and Drug Administration.
The Republic Act 9711 was signed into law on Tuesday by President Arroyo. RA 9711 or the Foods and Drugs [...]

Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women has been signed into law by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday. The new law prohibits discrimination against women and recognizes promotes and protect their rights. It also guards them against all forms of violence, including those committed by the state.

Banana has become one the Philippine’s major export products because of the growing global demand. In line with this development, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently signed Executive Order 807 which lifted the limit of hectarage for banana export plantation.
The lifting on the limit of the hectarage for banana export plantation was based on the recommendation of [...]

SONA 2009 PGMA (FULL HD) 1/7

Here’s a complete text transcript of the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last Monday, July 27, 2009.
GMA’s SONA transcript