Philippines Defence Forum

[Cossack25A1]

PH’s first subway system included in P602 billion worth PPP projects
8/08/2014

Private-Public Partnership Center executive secretary Cosette Canilao said 18 major infrastructure projects worth PhP602.2 billion will be launched before June 2015.

“We have identified these 18 projects which we are to roll out by June of 2015.” These projects are among 47 PPP projects included in the pipeline.

“This is product of about two years of streamlining processes of establishing interaction between various government agencies including capacities not only in the public sector but increasing the appreciation of the private sector on PPP projects,” PPP Center executive secretary said.

One of the biggest ticket in the list is the first subway system in the country. It is a 12-kilometer underground rail line that will connect Bonifacio Global City, Makati Central Business District and the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. The project will cost P132 billion, project launching is expected on December.

Another big ticket, the biggest, is the PhP265.3 billion North-South Commuter Rail project aiming to modernize the PNR Railway system. Project is expected to be launched on November.

Included in the 18 major infrastructures are the development of airport in Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, Laguindingan, Bohol and Puerto Princesa. These projects are expected to be open for bidding next month.



PH exports jump 21% in June, highest in 6 months
Aug 12, 2014

The country was the ‘top performer’ among trade-oriented economies in East, Southeast Asia

POSITIVE GROWTH. Semiconductors, which comprised more than half of the country’s total electronics exports during the period, posted its first positive growth rate in 2014. File photo by Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine exports grew at their fastest pace in 6 months in June, on the back of a rebound in electronics shipments. The country is the top exporter among “trade-oriented” East and Southeast Asian economies, according to the government.

Export earnings in June totaled $5.44 billion, up 21.3% from $4.49 billion in June 2013. This was the fastest growth since December, when exports grew 24.9%.

For the first half of 2014, exports rose 8.3% to $29.8 billion from $27.5 billion in a comparable period last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed.

The Philippines outperformed Vietnam (12.7%), People’s Republic of China (7.2%), Malaysia (5.6%), Singapore (4.7%), Thailand (3.9%), Indonesia (3.8%), Hong Kong (2.7%), Republic of Korea (2.5%), Taiwan (1.2%), and Japan (-6.5%).

“This is the highest level since the economy started posting a continuous positive growth in the same period last year. It is also way faster than the 6.9% increase in May 2014and the 4.1% in June 2013,” Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

“The export gains are broad-based, as reflected by increased overseas demand for our manufactures, mineral products, total agro-based, and forest products. This also indicates that the global economy is ready for a strong recovery,” he added.

Top export commodities

Shipments of the biggest export group, electronics, mainly semiconductors, rose 10.7% in June to $2.22 billion. This was a reversal of the 2.2% decline last year.

“The positive performance of semiconductor exports mirrored the upward trend in the global chip industry,” Balisacan said.

Other commodities that posted positive growth were:

• machinery and transport equipment
• bananas (fresh)
• other mineral products
• other manufactures
• articles of apparel and clothing accessories
• ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircraft, and ships
• electronic products
• chemicals

Favorable performance throughout 2014

Balisacan said the overall outlook for Philippine exports was bullish in view of favorable expectations on the global economy, particularly the advanced countries of US and Europe.

On the domestic front, industry expectations also point to favorable export performance. The Semiconductors and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. and exporters of some non-electronics manufactures such as furniture, fixtures, and garments “expect upward adjustment and expansions in their annual growth forecasts,” Balisacan noted.

“For agro-based commodities, bright prospects for banana and mango exports are seen on the back of a possible increase in market access, notably in Australia and the US,” the cabinet official concluded.

Japan biggest market

Japan was still the top destination of Philippine exports in June, accounting for 17.6% or $956 million of the receipts.

China came second, with a 15.8% share, followed by the US, with 13.8% share.

In terms of regional destination, shipments to the Association of Southeast Nationsmember-countries comprised about 14.2% of total exports while the European Union cornered 10.2%.

PH exports jump 21% in June, highest in 6 months


Demographics plus factor for PHL
13 Aug 2014

THE Philippines is seen attracting larger chunks of foreign direct investments (FDI) over the near term, as the country’s working- age population becomes increasingly more productive and consumption activities accelerate, global financial- services giant HSBC said.

Favorable demographics, one in which the most number of Filipinos contribute the most to local output, measured as the gross domestic product (GDP), should continue to boost domestic demand and attract even more investments for the $270-billion economy, looking to grow as high as 7.5 percent this year.

But at the same time, the British-owned lender warned of dark economic clouds in the form of poor infrastructure and employment issues acting as dampener on sustained high consumption activities in the country. Consumption accounts for more or less 70 percent of the economy and fed for the most part by the foreign currency earnings of some 10 million overseas Filipinos.

At a recent HSBC-sponsored briefing, HSBC economist Trinh Nguyen said the Philippines should reap handsome rewards from its young population in the form of robust domestic demand that will, in turn, help attract greater amounts of foreign investments down the line.

Nguyen looked ahead to the Philippines becoming a haven for “consumption-oriented” investments as other country destinations like Japan, for instance, begin reporting emasculated domestic demand as its population continues to age.

“As demand in Japan decline, as its population gets older, they will look for places like the Philippines because what the Philippines has is rising demand” Nguyen said.

“Not only that, the demographic profile of the Philippines will shift from high dependency to a more even-out shape. That is, you have more workers and less dependents. This is why the Philippines see its FDI [foreign direct investments] rising, we see more consumption-oriented firms try to look into the Philippines,” Nguyen added.

Consumption spending in the Philippines reached an all-time high of P1.2 trillion in the first three months of the year, the same having averaged only around P858 billion the past six years, based on central bank data.

The HSBC economist said favorable demographics, among other factors, are concrete reasons to be “bullish” on the Philippine economy no matter the certainty of higher interest rates both locally and abroad over the medium horizon.

“We believe that the Philippines is destined for a bright future ahead. In fact, in the past few years, we saw a lot of progress. And if the demographic transition is capitalized well, the Philippines will be a bright star in Asia,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen also said that while the low level of household debt in the Philippines portray households lacking full access to credit, the same provides a level of comfort for when the cost of money rises dramatically over time.

“Household debt in the Philippines is only 6 percent of GDP, the lowest in Asia, and that means when interest rates rise, the higher interest expenses [should] not hurt Filipinos as much,” Nguyen said of an aggregate pertaining to home mortgages, credit-card debt, as well as car loans that provide a snapshot of the consumption activities going on in a typical Filipino household. The New York-based sovereign credit watcher Moody’s Investor Service earlier said the country’s poor showing in household debt is attributable in part to the low level of bank penetration as lenders tend to congregate in urbanized areas in the country.

Nguyen reiterated HSBC’s observation that the deceleration in local output in the first quarter was indicative of an economy showing signs of fatigue.

Nguyen also said there is a need for the country to boost employment and pursue the buildup of infrastructure to prevent prices from spilling over the anticipated inflation path this year.

“The Philippines’s growth trend actually increased from 5 percent to 5.5 percent and there is a need for an increase in employment and supply structures such as infrastructure, electricity and food,” Nguyen said,

“These can push prices higher,” the economist added.

Inflation did rise and averaged 4.9 percent in July this year, the highest in three years, based on official data.

BusinessMirror - Demographics plus factor for PHL

Other than that subway, is there any news about "MRT-9" (formerly called MRT-4) which is supposed to have one of its terminus at North Avenue, supposedly connecting LRT-1, MRT-3 and MRT-7 and run thorugh West Avenue heading to Quezon Avenue and Espana Blvd and ends somewhere in Recto?

 

[Bob Ong]

Bad news for the Philippines:

VIDEO, NEWS5 EXCLUSIVE | President Aquino says he is open to Cha-Cha, 2nd term, and a weaker SC

(UPDATED 9:00 p.m.) MANILA - President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday said he is open to constitutional amendments, expressing what he perceives to be a need to clip the powers of the Supreme Court, while potentially paving the way for a second term for himself.

In an exclusive interview with News5's resident legal analyst Atty. Mel Sta. Maria, Mr. Aquino replied to this question: "Sarado ba kayo sa pag-aamyenda ng Constitution hanggang ngayon?" (Are you still closed to amending the Constitution until now?)

Aquino replied: "Bago nito, bago nangyari lahat ng ito, sarado....aminado ako (Before all these things happened, I was closed to it, I admit that)."

"Pero ngayon, napapag-isip ako talaga... yung tinatawag na judicial reach (But now, I'm seriously rethinking things. Because of the judicial reach.)"

The President stressed that he was worried that opening up the Constitution to amendments could result in some of the "good provisions" also being "diluted." Still, he noted how the 1987 Constitution mandated the Supreme Court to step into even political questions, in contrast to the setup when the Marcos-era SC refused to check the Executive on the 1972 martial law declaration because it was a "political question."

"And in fact in the 1987 Charter's martial law provision, any citizen may petition the SC as to the factual basis for the imposition of martial law," Aquino noted. "Ang problema lang ngayon, may nagtatanong, sobra ba?" (The problem now is, there are those who ask: Has it gone too far?)

He said under the current setup, the court can say, "Yung kongreso, executive, kumilos kayo, pero anytime, puede namin kayong kastiguhin...(Congress and Executive may do their work, but we can check them anytime)." Consequently, instead of being judicious with "judicial restraint," added Aquino, "parang masyadong madalas ginagamit (it seems the Court is using its powers to check other branches much too often)."

He added: "Ngayon, yung balance between the three branches, tila nawala." (Now, the balance between the three branches seems to be vanishing.)

Mr. Aquino alluded to the ruling on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), which he said shattered the constitutional presumption of innocence before being proven guilty. He noted that the Court not only declared the DAP unconstitutional, it also excoriated the Executive's "bad faith" and the presumption of regularity of official acts.

Aquino's statement came on the eve of hearings in the House of Representatives for the judiciary's 2015 budget. Representatives of the Court, led by SC justices, were expected to attend the hearings on Thursday.

The hearings on the judiciary's budget comes amid weeks of tension between the Executive and the Judiciary following the July 1, 2014 ruling by the high tribunal, declaring unconstitutional the key planks of the President's pet economic stimulus scheme, the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).

The President fired the opening salvo in the ensuing word war by openly attacking the SC in a national address aired live on television last July 14.

Then, his close allies in the House of Representatives aired moves to abolish the Judiciary Development Fund (JDF), or at least investigate how the SC has been spending it. Some allies openly talked of impeaching SC justices, reviving criticism about how the Executive "bribed" lawmakers to secure a conviction of then Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012.
Soon after, the court blocked two attempts by Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares to get copies of the Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) of all sitting justices over the past 10 years. Court sources earlier told InterAksyon.com the request was unprecedented and smacked of a "fishing expedition."

The latest irritant between the two branches is the Judicial and Bar Council's exclusion of Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza from the list of nominees to be considered for the vacant SC seat left by the May 2014 retirement of Associate Justice Roberto Abad. Malacanang Palace wrote the SC, asking it to direct the JBC to give Jardeleza a chance to answer questions raised against him.

Second term? PNoy will listen to 'bosses'

Asked by News5's Sta Maria if the constitutional amendment the President is now backing would also render him open to seeking another term in office, Mr. Aquino said: "Nung pinasukan ko ito, ang tanda ko one term of six years...Ngayon, after having said that, syempre ang mga boss ko, kelangan kong pakinggan 'yon." (When I first got into this, I noted, one term of six years. Now, after having said that, of course I have to listen to the people.)

He quickly stressed, however: "Hindi naman ibig sabihin..na automatic na hahabol pa ako na magkaroon pa ako ng dagdag dito, 'no?" (That doesn't automatically mean I'll be chasing after another term, right?)

The President told Sta. Maria he wants to consult the people on one crucial question: "How do we ensure the reforms we began will become permanent?" he said in Filipino.

His response echoed the coy remarks of Lacierda last week when he was asked by Palace reporters to comment on the statement made by Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to ANC, saying that if it were up to him, he'd rather have Mr. Aquino serve for another term.

Lacierda stoked intrigue over the President's openness to Roxas' float last week, even as all the talk was later quashed by Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma. Coloma said the President was in fact "counting the days" left in his term and was looking forward to being spared of the crushing burden of his office in 2016.

Lacierda did not shoot down outright the notion of a second term for Aquino despite the 1987 Constitution's term limits, but instead kept saying that it was the President's policy right from the start to "listen to his bosses," the term Aquino had used to refer to the people, since he took power in 2010.

Lacierda insisted, however, the Palace had nothing to do with a perceived "campaign" in social media to get more people to line up behind the idea of a second term for Aquino.

The 1987 Constitution is ironically called "the Cory Constitution" because it was drawn up soon after the incumbent's mother Corazon became president in 1986 with the peaceful revolt that ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The former president made it her top priority to put in place a Constitution to guide the nation through the process of democratic restoration after two decades of strongman rule.

Mrs. Aquino repeatedly shot down suggestions to amend the 1987 Charter later, and mustered a huge rally at the Rizal Park in September 1997, in a bid to dissuade her hand-picked successor, then President Fidel Ramos, from tinkering with the Charter to lift term limits.

-----

His reasons for constitution change is not to open the Philippines to foreign investors, rather, Noynoy Aquino is trying to reduce the power of the Philippine Supreme Court and likely center it to the Executive and Legislature or worse, the Legislature would allow the Executive to have more power, destroying the concept of "Separation of Powers."

And the fact that ABNoy now said that he will listen to his bosses (the pro-Aquino masses and "shadowy" figures in the oligarchy) means that he would likely consider to be president until 2022. I don't care if he is re-arming the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the fact that he is willing to destroy the constitution means he IS NOT FIT to be president. Since 2010, the Philippines has seen one fiasco go by, only to be followed with more fiasco and disaster!

To Filipino users here, if you are pro-Aquino and agree with DAP, then you are blinded by the local media!

The constitution currently prohibits term extensions for the president. But the constitution itself can be changed to allow term extensions. It is not unconstitutional to change the constitution. If the people wants it , the law can be changed . Congress has to bow. To be honest, I'd rather trust the President than those majority in the SC who are all cohorts of the previous corrupt regime who are only good at obstructing the reforms being instituted by the gov't.

I think Aquino government's thrusts is only to please the oligarchs.

6 years is long enough if he sincerely want to eradicate poverty, make health and education more accessible, lower down energy costs, and lower down prices of basic commodities...in fact, having all the powers vested in him ( as president), 6 years is even too long. To effect change that is felt, we do not need programs that enriches only the rich and keep the lower sector of society waiting for the leftovers. this is not hard to understand as well.

Ganun lang ba kadali? sana nagawa yan ng mga naging pangulo dati. Besides lahat ng mga nabanggit mo problema na yan ng pilipinas way before PNoy took office. Pero tanggapin nyo rin na marami ring improvements simula naging pangulo sya. Kaya nga our country badly needs a president like him. A true reformist and I honestly think that it is really a good idea for PNoy to have another term in office so he can continue with the reforms he initiated.

 

[Cossack25A1]

The constitution currently prohibits term extensions for the president. But the constitution itself can be changed to allow term extensions. It is not unconstitutional to change the constitution. If the people wants it , the law can be changed . Congress has to bow. To be honest, I'd rather trust the President than those majority in the SC who are all cohorts of the previous corrupt regime who are only good at obstructing the reforms being instituted by the gov't.


Ganun lang ba kadali? sana nagawa yan ng mga naging pangulo dati. Besides lahat ng mga nabanggit mo problema na yan ng pilipinas way before PNoy took office. Pero tanggapin nyo rin na marami ring improvements simula naging pangulo sya. Kaya nga our country badly needs a president like him. A true reformist and I honestly think that it is really a good idea for PNoy to have another term in office so he can continue with the reforms he initiated.

So you agree in the the idea of destroying the concept of Separation of Powers? Then we are not going to be much different from the Marcos era, particualrly from 1972 to 1986. Hell, prices on everything went up but they are reluctant in raising wages. Who is his real bosses? The Filipino people, the Fil-Chinese oligarchs or someone inside Hacienda Luisita?

As for your quote directed to the forum-member, "Pinoy"... if there were really "improvements" in the country, why is it that everything went downhill? Why does Noynoy keep playing the blame game from 2010 up to present, that is very evident during his SONA and lastly, why is it that he is against the idea of removing the 60/40 Economic Restriction? Is it because his (Noynoy) fellow Fil-Chinese that are in the business sector who are make up the economic elite in the Philippines (and eventually the richest people in the PH) are afraid to lose money because of foreign competition?

Hell, it is that 60/40 Economic Restriction is the only stumbling block in fully-developing the Philippines, all because of bullcrap reasons such as "Foreign enslavement."

Because you support Noynoy to be president up to 2022, I guess you would also agree that his cousin, Bam Aquino will run to become president in 2022 because he will likely say that he will "continue Noynoy's legacy."

And oh, before you say something, I also DO NOT support that Leprechaun president nor a supporter of anyone in the Opposition and lastly, I am NOT pro-China. Many Noytards and Yellow-zombies would likely accuse of such things... and I am just inches away in mentioning that the true power here in the Philippines are in the hands of the Chinese - the Aquino-Cojuangco clan itself are Chinese, so is the Sy family, the Tan family, Gokongwei family, Caktiong family, hell, the Lopez family who owns ABS-CBN is a Chinese family using a Hispanicized surname...and I bet that you are also a Fil-Chinese living in the USA who watches news in the TFC channel and has no damn idea about the TRUE situation of the Philippines.

 

[bdslph]

seriously Phil has politicians like this guy?

and seriously how can he be a senator he should be fired

Other than that subway, is there any news about "MRT-9" (formerly called MRT-4) which is supposed to have one of its terminus at North Avenue, supposedly connecting LRT-1, MRT-3 and MRT-7 and run thorugh West Avenue heading to Quezon Avenue and Espana Blvd and ends somewhere in Recto?

it should be done and built quickly the a lot of space in the Quezon area and a lot of ppl will be living here if the project finish i wish they start soon

 

[Cossack25A1]

it should be done and built quickly the a lot of space in the Quezon area and a lot of ppl will be living here if the project finish i wish they start soon

I just hope that this project would be re-considered and started using legal funds.

 

[Nike]

Coup rumours and Philippine president's declining popularity highlight growing political divisions ahead of 2016 general election
IHS Jane's Intelligence Weekly
13 August 2014


Key Points

• There have been several military mutinies in the Philippines, most recently in 2007. Given the ongoing political corruption scandal over the government's controversial stimulus package and President Benigno Aquino's declining popularity, the rumours of another coup or impeachment, which were started by Senator Antonio Trillanes, are unsurprising.
• These rumours do not increase the risk of government instability significantly, but they demonstrate growing political divisions in the Philippines ahead of the 2016 election.
• The present political scandal is likely to continue to undermine the Aquino government's popularity and trigger anti-government protests in Manila in the one-year outlook, but these are likely to remain small and peaceful.

To read the full article, client login
(107 of 1183 words)

Coup rumours and Philippine president's declining popularity highlight growing political divisions ahead of 2016 general election - IHS Jane's 360

 

[Nike]

Crashed Sokol chopper can be repaired - Air Force

(philstar.com) | Updated August 11, 2014 - 3:48pm

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/08/...aired-air-force


MANILA, Philippines — The W-3A "Sokol" helicopter that crashed in Marawi City while part of the convoy of Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II last week can still be repaired, a Philippine Air Force official said.

"Initially, based on the damage to the airframe, it will be costly and will take time to recover. Costs and how long to repair are not yet determined," Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya, Air Force spokesman, said in a state news report.

The damaged air asset is among the eight Sokol helicopters of the Air Force acquired brand new from Polish firm PZL-Swidnik and British-Italian firm AugustaWestland for P2.8 billion in 2012.

The unit, which was designated backup helicopter for the one carrying Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, crashed immediately after taking off at Camp Ranao on August 7. A crew member and a civilian were injured from the crash.

Canaya said that the manufacturer has been notified of the incident, the cause of which has not yet been ascertained.

The seven remaining "Sokol" helicopters in service have been grounded as a precautionary measure until after findings have been released by the investigation team. - Camille Diola

 

[Cossack25A1]

Coup rumours and Philippine president's declining popularity highlight growing political divisions ahead of 2016 general election
IHS Jane's Intelligence Weekly
13 August 2014


Key Points

• There have been several military mutinies in the Philippines, most recently in 2007. Given the ongoing political corruption scandal over the government's controversial stimulus package and President Benigno Aquino's declining popularity, the rumours of another coup or impeachment, which were started by Senator Antonio Trillanes, are unsurprising.
• These rumours do not increase the risk of government instability significantly, but they demonstrate growing political divisions in the Philippines ahead of the 2016 election.
• The present political scandal is likely to continue to undermine the Aquino government's popularity and trigger anti-government protests in Manila in the one-year outlook, but these are likely to remain small and peaceful.

To read the full article, client login
(107 of 1183 words)

Coup rumours and Philippine president's declining popularity highlight growing political divisions ahead of 2016 general election - IHS Jane's 360

Well, last July there was a new that is reported about a possible coup plot against Noynoy Aquino.

DND: Stop peddling coup plot rumors | Headlines, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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DND: Stop peddling coup plot rumors
By Alexis Romero (philstar.com) | Updated July 31, 2014 - 6:26pm

MANILA, Philippines - The Defense department on Thursday urged those who are peddling rumors about destabilization plots to stop and focus on “positive things” happening in the country.

Defense department spokesman Peter Galvez said talks about supposed coup plots could harm the economy and do not help in promoting development.

“Whoever is spreading such kind of rumors should stop. There are no complaints among the soldiers and we can see what the President is doing,” Galvez told reporters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

“They should not talk like that. Maybe it would be better if we concentrate on the positive things that are happening in our nation,” he added.

Galvez said the Aquino administration is providing soldiers the equipment they need to perform their mission.

Earlier, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV revealed that some retired generals identified with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo are hatching a plot against the Aquino administration.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
He claimed that former generals are meeting with active military officers to convince them to destabilize the government.

Trillanes’ allies in Magdalo, a group of rebel soldiers who staged a failed uprising against the Arroyo administration, confirmed that some retired generals are planning to destabilize the government but until now, no names have been revealed.

Loyalty check?

Galvez accompanied Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in his visit to Camp Aquino in Tarlac on Thursday, a trip that was supposed to assess the soldiers’ readiness to respond to disasters.

There were speculations that the visit was part of a “loyalty check” but Galvez claimed it had nothing to do with the alleged coup plots.

“We just reminded our troops to prepare especially now that we have entered the typhoon season,” Galvez said in Filipino.

“We are checking their readiness and determining the equipment they need. Hopefully we can try to get all these equipment so they can strengthen their disaster relief operations,” he added.

Gazmin said he has not detected any plan to destabilize the government.

“I have been going around even before the (reports about) coup came out. I am checking the readiness of AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) as first responders during disasters and calamities,” the defense chief said.

‘Retired generals discussing issues’

A source who requested anonymity confirmed that two groups of retired generals had met to discuss important issues.

“But they did not talk about coup. It was more of people expressing their views on DAP (disbursement acceleration program) and PDAF (priority development assistance fund),” the source said.

The source said the generals were associated with previous administrations.

“They just talked and there is nothing wrong with that,” the source added.

Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Maj. Gen. Eduardo Ano said they have not monitored any plans to unseat the administration.

He said discussions about current issues are just “part of the democratic space.”

“As long as they’re not recruiting from the AFP or instigating for soldiers to take up arms against the government, then there’s no problem,” Ano said.

 

[Aepsilons]

Crashed Sokol chopper can be repaired - Air Force

(philstar.com) | Updated August 11, 2014 - 3:48pm

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/08/...aired-air-force


MANILA, Philippines — The W-3A "Sokol" helicopter that crashed in Marawi City while part of the convoy of Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II last week can still be repaired, a Philippine Air Force official said.

"Initially, based on the damage to the airframe, it will be costly and will take time to recover. Costs and how long to repair are not yet determined," Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya, Air Force spokesman, said in a state news report.

The damaged air asset is among the eight Sokol helicopters of the Air Force acquired brand new from Polish firm PZL-Swidnik and British-Italian firm AugustaWestland for P2.8 billion in 2012.

The unit, which was designated backup helicopter for the one carrying Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, crashed immediately after taking off at Camp Ranao on August 7. A crew member and a civilian were injured from the crash.

Canaya said that the manufacturer has been notified of the incident, the cause of which has not yet been ascertained.

The seven remaining "Sokol" helicopters in service have been grounded as a precautionary measure until after findings have been released by the investigation team. - Camille Diola

Good Luck!

 

[Cossack25A1]

Crashed Sokol chopper can be repaired - Air Force

(philstar.com) | Updated August 11, 2014 - 3:48pm

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/08/...aired-air-force


MANILA, Philippines — The W-3A "Sokol" helicopter that crashed in Marawi City while part of the convoy of Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas II last week can still be repaired, a Philippine Air Force official said.

"Initially, based on the damage to the airframe, it will be costly and will take time to recover. Costs and how long to repair are not yet determined," Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya, Air Force spokesman, said in a state news report.

The damaged air asset is among the eight Sokol helicopters of the Air Force acquired brand new from Polish firm PZL-Swidnik and British-Italian firm AugustaWestland for P2.8 billion in 2012.

The unit, which was designated backup helicopter for the one carrying Roxas and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, crashed immediately after taking off at Camp Ranao on August 7. A crew member and a civilian were injured from the crash.

Canaya said that the manufacturer has been notified of the incident, the cause of which has not yet been ascertained.

The seven remaining "Sokol" helicopters in service have been grounded as a precautionary measure until after findings have been released by the investigation team. - Camille Diola

Well, the damage doesn't seem to be severe and only the tail needs replacing but this means ordering the spare parts if we don't have.

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Not sure but I think the Russian BMPT or Russian BTR-T are suitable for the Army instead of an M113 with remote-operated 25mm autocannon or 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine gun and M113 APCs as these vehicles have tougher armor compared to the M113s. Also, the BMPT can perform the same purpose as an M113 armed with 25mm autocannon and M113 armed with 76mm gun in one package and the BTR-T can perform the role of the M113 APC and provide better armor protection.

 

[Cossack25A1]

'Philippines has highest income tax rate in ASEAN' | ABS-CBN News
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'Philippines has highest income tax rate in ASEAN'
by Alvin Elchico, ABS-CBN News

Posted at 08/13/2014 5:54 PM | Updated as of 08/13/2014 11:51 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino workers pay the highest income tax in the entire Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, according to the Tax Management Association of the Philippines.

A position paper submitted by the TMAP to Congress, where several measures to bring down the tax rate or tax bracket are being tackled, showed the Philippines has the highest applicable personal income tax rate.


A Filipino employee earning a little over P500,000 is taxed 32 percent while his Thai counterpart earning the equivalent income is only taxed 10 percent.


A worker earning an equivalent P500,000 in Singapore pays only 2 percent income tax. In Vietnam, the tax rate is 20 percent while in Malaysia, it is 11 percent.


In Cambodia, the same income gets 20 percent income tax while in Laos, a 12 percent income tax is levied.


In Brunei, workers who earn the equivalent amount of P500,000 do not have to pay any income taxes.


TMAP President Rina Manuel said it's really time to lower the tax bracket or amend the tax bracket to make it equitable.


"Yung corporations are only subjected to 30 percent tax rate while individuals are taxed 32 percent. Ang corporations may deductions pa, while ang empleyado personal exemptions lang at additional for the children," Manuel said.
(The corporations here are only subjected to 30 percent tax rate while (private)individuals are taxed 32 percent. The corporations has deductions on the taxes they pay while an employee has only exemptions and has to pay additional taxes for the children.)


Also included in the TMAP's position paper is the tax exemption of marginal income earners, whose income are actually small yet are taxed 5 percent, the minimum income tax level.


While a minimum wage earner is tax-exempt, getting additional income no matter how small in excess of the minimum wage, the whole income will now become taxable.


The Bureau of Internal Revenue warned smaller tax collections could hurt government spending, which is crucial to drive economic growth.


"As far as BIR is concern, any tax eroding measure should be accompanied by a reduction of the revenue goal. I think it is reasonable and but logical that if you lower tax rate, amount collectible will go down or there will automatically be an amount that cannot be collected because there is nothing to collect," the BIR said.


"So if the final decision is to reduce tax rates, you cannot expect the BIR to collect from air, you will have to reduce the revenue goal. It is like a household, if someone decide to stop working, you cannot keep on spending the way you use to do because eventually you will go bankrupt or you do not expect people to keep on lending to someone who is a credit risk," it added.

 

[Nike]

let me became a salesperson for a while

Indonesians Boost CN235 Sales after Pact with Airbus D&S
Today 09:51
Indonesians Boost CN235 Sales after Pact with Airbus D&S

by Alan Warnes
August 14, 2014, 9:18 AM

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has stepped up its marketing of maritime versions of the CN235 and is completing assembly of its first C295. The moves result from the strategic collaboration agreement that PTDI signed with Airbus Defense & Space in 2011. That deal also transferred production of the smaller C212 transport to PTDI’s facility in Bandung.

Arie Wibotwo, PTDI’s vice president of marketing, told AIN that PTDI is bidding for several maritime patrol requirements in the region. “We have been selected by the Philippines government to supply two CN235 ASWs. A contract is expected to be signed this summer with delivery taking place 26 months afterwards” he said. Working with PTDI as a mission systems supplier will be Raytheon Systems, the first time a U.S. company has gone into partnership with the Indonesians.

Several other CN 235 MPA/ASW proposals are on the table “but the mission systems will be flexible, completely the choice of the customer,” Arie added. “Malaysia prefers Thales, Vietnam wants the Airbus D&S Fully Integrated Tactical Systems (FITS) or a Swedish SSC system, while Thailand and Brunei seem fairly relaxed over the systems they want.” This means that PTDI could find itself working with several differentsystems integrators from Europe and the U.S. if these countries opt for the CN235. In the past PTDI has even worked with Israel’s Elta, on the Korean Coast Guard deal for four CN 235-220MPAs in 2011-12.

Having recently delivered a CN235 to Thailand’s parapublic KASET organization, with options on another two, PTDI feels it is well positioned to provide the Royal Thai Navy with a solution for its ASW/MPA requirement for up to four aircraft.

Domestically, PTDI will shortly deliver a second CN235 MPA to the Indonesian Navy as part of MARPAT (MARitime PATrol) 1 program. These aircraft are equipped with the Thales AMASCOS system on board and include the FLIR Systems Star Safire sensor turret. “Another two CN235MPAs are contracted by the Navy as part of MARPAT 2 but the radar system will come from Telephonics,” Wibotwo revealed.

Meanwhile, PTDI is assembling the first of two C295s for the Indonesian air force.

Airbus D&S previously delivered seven from its production line at Seville, Spain. The two being assembled at Bandung complete the order.

Indonesians Boost CN235 Sales after Pact with Airbus D&S | Aviation International News

it is true? @Cossack25A1 @Pinoy @JayMandan @Zero_wing

 

[Cossack25A1]

let me became a salesperson for a while
Indonesians Boost CN235 Sales after Pact with Airbus D&S
Today 09:51
Indonesians Boost CN235 Sales after Pact with Airbus D&S

by Alan Warnes
August 14, 2014, 9:18 AM

PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) has stepped up its marketing of maritime versions of the CN235 and is completing assembly of its first C295. The moves result from the strategic collaboration agreement that PTDI signed with Airbus Defense & Space in 2011. That deal also transferred production of the smaller C212 transport to PTDI’s facility in Bandung.

Arie Wibotwo, PTDI’s vice president of marketing, told AIN that PTDI is bidding for several maritime patrol requirements in the region. “We have been selected by the Philippines government to supply two CN235 ASWs. A contract is expected to be signed this summer with delivery taking place 26 months afterwards” he said. Working with PTDI as a mission systems supplier will be Raytheon Systems, the first time a U.S. company has gone into partnership with the Indonesians.

Several other CN 235 MPA/ASW proposals are on the table “but the mission systems will be flexible, completely the choice of the customer,” Arie added. “Malaysia prefers Thales, Vietnam wants the Airbus D&S Fully Integrated Tactical Systems (FITS) or a Swedish SSC system, while Thailand and Brunei seem fairly relaxed over the systems they want.” This means that PTDI could find itself working with several differentsystems integrators from Europe and the U.S. if these countries opt for the CN235. In the past PTDI has even worked with Israel’s Elta, on the Korean Coast Guard deal for four CN 235-220MPAs in 2011-12.

Having recently delivered a CN235 to Thailand’s parapublic KASET organization, with options on another two, PTDI feels it is well positioned to provide the Royal Thai Navy with a solution for its ASW/MPA requirement for up to four aircraft.

Domestically, PTDI will shortly deliver a second CN235 MPA to the Indonesian Navy as part of MARPAT (MARitime PATrol) 1 program. These aircraft are equipped with the Thales AMASCOS system on board and include the FLIR Systems Star Safire sensor turret. “Another two CN235MPAs are contracted by the Navy as part of MARPAT 2 but the radar system will come from Telephonics,” Wibotwo revealed.

Meanwhile, PTDI is assembling the first of two C295s for the Indonesian air force.

Airbus D&S previously delivered seven from its production line at Seville, Spain. The two being assembled at Bandung complete the order.

Indonesians Boost CN235 Sales after Pact with Airbus D&S | Aviation International News

it is true? @Cossack25A1 @Pinoy @JayMandan @Zero_wing

There is no recent news about the acquisition but if this blog Philippines to Acquire CN235 Medium Lift Aircraft - Everything is Under Ten and this news reported May 2013 Indonesia pitches transport planes to PAF -Solar News is to be believed, then the news is likely true although this "list" and the second link that leads to the news story seems to indicate that it is the CN295 that will be acquired instead.

 

[Cossack25A1]

Another bad news despite what Aquino spits out from hit mouth.

Get ready for higher interest rates as PHL failed to create more jobs, attract more investments – HSBC economist | Economy | GMA News Online

Get ready for higher interest rates as PHL failed to create more jobs, attract more investments – HSBC economist
By DANESSA O. RIVERA, GMA NewsAugust 12, 2014 7:10pm

The Philippine economy has seen strong growth over the past few years but has failed to create more jobs and induce more investments in infrastructure and agriculture, which in turn, tends to push consumer prices higher, an economist of British banking giant HongKong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited said Tuesday.

As a result, the central bank will be forced to further raise interest rates as inflation continues to trend higher.

However, this will also help the economy draw more job-generating investments and induce more infrastructure spending.

Signs of growth fatigue are starting to eat up on Philippines given the strong growth rates in the past years, Hong Kong-based economist Trinh Nguyen said during HSBC Premier Personal Economy Forum in Makati City.

"The trend of Philippine growth rate has increased from 5 percent to 5.5 percent, but without increase in employment and supply like infrastructure, electricity and food... it will push prices higher," she said.

The Philippine economy grew by 7.2 percent in 2013, compared with 6.6 percent in 2012 and 3.7 percent in 2011.

In the first quarter, the GDP expanded by 5.7 percent as the economy reeled from the impact of Typhoon Yolanda.

Higher consumer prices will drive Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to raise interest rates, Nguyen said.

Higher interest rates bode well

Bangko Sentral raised its policy rates by 25 basis points or 0.25 percent from record lows during the Monetary Board meeting last July 31 in response to inflation pressures.

Inflation in July rose by 4.9 percent, its fastest in nearly three years, as food prices spiked and the cost of utilities contributed to overall price increases for the month.

This brought the year-to-date average to 4.3 percent, which is at the upper end of the government target of 3 to 5 percent.

Nguyen noted a higher interest rate environment in the Philippines will bode well for the country as it will attract more investments, saying the global interest rate environment will stay low for a long time – at least until the third quarter of 2015.

With a slow economic growth on the global front, central banks of different countries will continue to inject more money in their respective financial systems, the economist noted.

"The global economy has not improved that much... Banks will have trillions and trillions of dollars looking for high yields, better investments elsewhere as the interest rates in their countries drop to near zero," she said.

"Philippine interest rates will rise modestly due to the fact that the Western economies are dragging their feet," she added.

Higher rates will also be a "fix" for the economy in the short-term, Nguyen said.

"The Philippine economy has saved up and is now a net saver economy – meaning investment is less than savings which means it has a current account positive," she said.

"Banks are flushed with cash... The Philippines, in many ways, has a very easy challenge moving ahead, which is to spend it," she added – VS, GMA News
(Of all the people, it has to be my sister to report this news T___T )

 

[Bienvenido]

To fully catch-up with our neighbors in ASEAN. Why not make the Defense budget to 10%?

So you agree in the the idea of destroying the concept of Separation of Powers? Then we are not going to be much different from the Marcos era, particualrly from 1972 to 1986. Hell, prices on everything went up but they are reluctant in raising wages. Who is his real bosses? The Filipino people, the Fil-Chinese oligarchs or someone inside Hacienda Luisita?

The writngs on the wall clearly shows Aquino wants to extend his term. He is no better than his hated Ferdinand Marcos. But at least Marcos had leadership and vision...

God Bless the Philippines!