Manila – Philippine economic managers have requested President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to certify four tax measures as urgent to bolster the country’s economic resilience in the face of a global economic slowdown.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, in a Palace press briefing following a sectoral meeting at Malacañan Palace, detailed the economic team’s recommendation. The proposed measures include Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) and three bills aimed at imposing value-added tax (VAT) on digital service providers, excise taxes on single-use plastic bags, sweetened beverages, and junk food.

According to Philippines News Agency, certifying these measures as urgent is critical for ensuring sufficient government financing for the proposed budget and achieving the target of a 5.1 percent deficit-to-GDP (gross domestic product) ratio for 2024. The Package 4 of the CTRP and the VAT on digital service providers, along with the excise tax on single-use plastic bags, are already in advanced stages in the Senate Ways and Means Committee. These are projected to generate PHP32 billion or 0.1 percent of the GDP.

The proposed excise tax on sweetened beverages and junk food, meanwhile, is estimated to yield PHP75.7 billion or 0.3 percent of the GDP. Diokno did not specify whether President Marcos is inclined to certify these legislative measures as urgent, stating that the briefing was more of a general overview of the state of the economy rather than expecting a specific reaction from the President.

Highlighting the Philippines’ economic performance, Diokno noted that the country remains one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia. He emphasized the Philippines’ low external debt-to-GDP ratio, which stands at 27.5 percent, compared to higher ratios in neighboring countries like Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. This low ratio indicates a strong external position for the Philippines, making it less vulnerable to adverse external shocks. Diokno cited the country’s favorable investor credit ratings from various international rating agencies, reinforcing the strength of its external debt position.

Zamboanga del Sur – A firefighter has been arrested in Zamboanga del Sur for allegedly scamming applicants by offering recruitment slots in the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in exchange for money.

BFP-9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) director Fire Chief Supt. Renato Marcial reported on Tuesday that Fire Officer (FO) 3 Jesson Casanes, assigned at the Isabela City Fire Station in Basilan province, was apprehended by the Criminal Investigation and Detective Group – Zamboanga del Sur. The arrest occurred during an entrapment operation in Barangay Sicade, Kumalarang town. Agents seized PHP400,000 in marked money from a BFP applicant at the time of the arrest.

According to Philippines News Agency, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has since urged applicants to follow proper recruitment procedures and avoid dealing with individuals promising non-existent jobs for a fee. Abalos emphasized that such practices are not tolerated and that the arrest should serve as a warning against such malpractices.

This incident is not isolated, as two other BFP personnel were previously arrested for similar schemes. In October, FO1 Ramces Paul Benipayo of the Muntinlupa Fire Station was arrested for accepting PHP200,000 in exchange for a fraudulent job promotion. In May, FO1 Karla Rodriguez of the Guiuan Fire Station in Eastern Samar was apprehended for extorting PHP150,000 from a female applicant.

Manila – The House of Representatives has categorically denied allegations that Speaker Martin Romualdez has a PHP1.8 billion travel fund. Secretary General Reginald Velasco refuted the claims as “completely unfounded” and “categorically false.”

According to Philippines News Agency, Velasco’s statement comes in response to accusations made by hosts of a program on Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). He described the allegations as fake news aimed at misleading the public and damaging the reputation of both the Speaker and the House of Representatives.

The Secretary General called for caution and fact-checking among the public and media before spreading such baseless claims. He affirmed the House’s commitment to transparency and accountability, clarifying that such a large amount allocated for the Speaker’s travel expenses does not exist.

In a recent development, Quezon Rep. David Suarez addressed the chamber in a privilege speech, urging the legislative franchises committee to investigate the matter. The House subsequently approved a motion to probe the SMNI broadcast.

Paris – South Korea’s southeastern city of Busan is making a final push to host the 2030 World Expo, competing against Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Rome, Italy. The host city will be selected by the member states of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) during its general assembly in Paris on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Led by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, South Korean delegates and business leaders have been actively campaigning in Paris to secure the event for Busan. Their efforts include meeting with delegates from BIE member states to present Busan’s vision and its capability to transform the World Expo into a platform for addressing global issues.

Prime Minister Han reiterated President Yoon Suk Yeol’s message to give their best efforts until the final decision is made. President Yoon, who recently returned from a trip to Europe, actively participated in the final campaign efforts in France to advocate for Busan.

Busan faces a challenging competition against Riyadh, which has conducted an extensive marketing campaign. However, South Korean officials have expressed determination, with a government official noting shifts in support between South Korea and Saudi Arabia in the final stages of the campaign.

Former U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has also joined Busan’s campaign efforts, emphasizing the city’s potential to contribute to sustainable development globally.

The World Expo, a significant event promoting global innovation and cultural exchange, is scheduled to be hosted in Busan between May 1 and October 31, 2030, if the city wins the bid. The theme proposed for the Busan Expo is “Transforming Our World, Navigating Toward a Better Future.”

Busan’s local authorities estimate that hosting the Expo could generate economic benefits worth 61 trillion won (US$47 billion), attract over 50 million tourists, and create more than 500,000 new jobs.

During the BIE General Assembly, each candidate city will present its project, followed by a secret ballot vote. South Korea plans to highlight Busan Expo’s unique strengths, including the city’s appeal, the government’s long-term efforts, and international support.

The proposed site for the Expo in Busan is a 3.43-square-kilometer area at a port, with plans to provide access via a hydrogen-powered tram from a new airport to be completed by late 2029.

The BIE General Assembly voting process involves one vote per country from 182 member state representatives. The winning city must secure a two-thirds majority, with a runoff vote planned if no candidate achieves this in the first round. Observers anticipate a close race between Busan and Riyadh.

Nueva Ecija – The province of Nueva Ecija, known as the ‘Rice Granary of the Philippines,’ is embarking on an ambitious plan to become a leading farm tourism destination.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Nueva Ecija provincial board council recently approved Governor Aurelio Umali’s proposal to partner with the University of the Philippines (UP) to create a comprehensive tourism development framework plan. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the province’s tourism potential.

San Pedro, in a radio interview, emphasized the significance of the collaboration with UP. He noted that UP’s technical expertise in developing supporting documents and gathering data will be instrumental in refining the province’s tourism plans, particularly in the areas of marketing and promotion.

The tourism officer also highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts involving various tourism stakeholders, including local government units (LGUs), hotel and resort owners, restaurant operators, travel agencies, and owners of tourism farms. He stated that a series of consultations and meetings would be held to gather suggestions and feedback from these stakeholders.

San Pedro pointed out the necessity to assess the potential of the LGUs and the infrastructure needed to support the growing tourism industry. Identifying programs and projects essential for the development of tourism in the region is a key focus of the initiative.

He mentioned that several farm tourism sites in the province, including a farm village project in Palayan City, are currently under development. This initiative is expected to significantly benefit the Novo Ecijanos, many of whom rely on tourism as their primary source of income.

San Pedro also shared that the reported day tourist arrivals in Nueva Ecija from January to September this year reached 1.7 million, marking an increase from the 1.2 million recorded during the same period last year.

Manila – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is ramping up security measures in the country’s ports, harbors, and waterways in anticipation of the increased number of travelers and cargos during the holiday season.

According to Philippines News Agency, PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has instructed the 15 PCG districts to enhance their presence to ensure “zero maritime crime” and provide the public with convenient, comfortable, and safe sea travel during the holidays. “We are expanding our efforts to ensure maritime security and public safety and lessen, if not completely eradicate, maritime crimes amid the increasing maritime traffic and sea transport operations this upcoming holiday season,” Gavan stated.

The initiative will involve over 30,000 personnel from the PCG and the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) maritime sector. Gavan emphasized the importance of the PCG’s maritime security teams, including sea marshals, K9 units, seaborne patrols, and intelligence operatives, being in a high state of readiness to respond to any incidents during the holiday period.

The increased security measures follow a recent robbery incident near the Manila International Container Terminal at the Manila Bay Anchorage Area, where safety gears and other essential equipment were stolen from the vessels M/V G Crown and M/V Hansa Colombo.