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PT PAL outlines weapons fit for Philippine Navy SSVs

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The Philippine Navy SSVs will be based on the Indonesian Navy's Makassar-class LPDs, such as KRI Banda Aceh (593) seen here in Surabaya. Source: IHS/Ridzwan Rahmat

Key Points


  • Indonesia's PT PAL says weapons fit for the two SSVs in build for the Philippine Navy will consist of 76 mm and 25 mm guns
  • In the longer term, the navy may seek up to four SSVs to meet strategic requirements


Indonesian state-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has confirmed that the two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) on order for the Philippine Navy (PN) will each be fitted with one 76 mm gun on the foredeck as the main armament. Two stern-facing 25 mm guns will also be fitted, one each on the port and starboard sides.

Speaking to IHS Jane's on 14 August, PT PAL's SSV project manager Turitan Indaryo also gave an update on build progress for both ships. "The first vessel is 68.39% complete, while the second vessel is 42.37% complete," he said, adding that the ships are on schedule for delivery in May 2016 and May 2017 respectively.

However, PT PAL was not able to confirm the potential suppliers of the ships' weapons. "We are just preparing the foundations. The Philippine Navy will decide," said Turitan.

PT PAL was awarded a USD92 million contract in June 2014 to construct two landing platform dock (LPD)-like vessels to meet the PN's amphibious transport and logistics requirements. The contract includes a support package that will enable Philippine industry to undertake ship maintenance and support in collaboration with the PN.

The 123 m platforms are based on the Indonesian Navy's (Tentara Nasional Indonesia - Angkatan Laut, or TNI-AL's) Makassar-class LPDs, which were designed by South Korean shipbuilder Dae Sun.

According to IHS Jane's Fighting Ships , the PN's SSVs have a full load displacement of 11,583 tonnes. The vessels will have lift capacity for 500 troops, can embark three large helicopters, and can accommodate 126 crew. The ships have a top speed of 15 kt, a maximum range of 9,360 n miles, and an endurance of 30 days.

PT PAL outlines weapons fit for Philippine Navy SSVs - IHS Jane's 360
 
Military and Defense News:

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Air Force looking for more advanced fighter aircraft
Philippine News Agency
August 18, 2015


Despite the “air-to-air” capabilities of its South Korean-made F/A-50 “Fighting Eagle” jet aircraft, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) still has its sights on acquiring a more advanced and capable jet fighter. This was announced by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado in an interview Monday.

“The aircraft that we’ll be getting, while it has the capability to intercept and engage in air-to-air (mission) is still a transition aircraft, and hopefully in the next few years we will come up with a more advanced aircraft,” he added.

“No schedule yet because we are taking it one step at a time considering the limitations in the our budget, the limitations in our resources, so we are taking these things one step at a time but for sure we are moving forward, we are soaring high with our development as we continue to pursue the course of the Air Force Transformation Roadmap and AFP Modernization Program,” he added.

Under its Flight Plan 2028, the PAF intends to acquire and commission 12 multirole fighters (MRF) by 2021 to augment the then existing fleet of South Koren-made F/A-50 jet fighters.

MRF is a combat aircraft which is capable of conducting strike, surveillance and air-to-air superiority missions.

An example of an MRF is the McDonnell Douglas F-18 “Hornet” strike fighter which is being operated by the US and its allies.

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Air Force looking for more advanced fighter aircraft | Ang Malaya Net
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First Time: Armed Navy AW-109 helicopter lands on BRP Ramon Alcaraz
Ruser Mallari
August 18, 2015


A week after the entering service, one of Philippine Navy’s two armed Augustawestland AW-109E helicopters made a landing on BRP Ramon Alcaraz. This was reported through the Navy vessel’s official social networking page.

“Only a few days after its christening, one of the two armed Augusta Westland (AW109) helicopters landed on BRP Ramon Alcaraz for the first time,” says in the post. “The helicopter landing was part of the ship’s Operational Readiness Evaluation (ORE) 2015.”

Two armed Augustawestland AW-109 helicopters formally entered the naval force August 10.

The Navy now has five commissioned AW-109Es, two of which are armed with Rocket Machine Gun Pod system on both sides, comprising of 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine gun, a NATO Standard 2.75inch/70mm 3-tube rocket launcher and a 400-round machine gun ammunition box.

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First Time: Armed Navy AW-109 helicopter lands on BRP Ramon Alcaraz | Ang Malaya Net
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Politics and National Security News:

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All Philippine military units ordered to be extra vigilant after bombing killed 22 in Thailand
Philippine News Agency
August 19, 2015


The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has ordered all its units to be extra vigilant and coordinate closely with their police counterparts to foil a Erawan Shrine style bombing attack from happening in the country. In the mentioned attack, 22 people were killed and 120 others wounded when still unknown bombers targeted the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand last August 17.

“I directed our forces to be extra vigilant and conduct measures to prevent similar incident to occur in our country,” AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri said.

“Our efforts are in coordination with the Philippine National Police and other organizations engaged in security services,” he added.

Iriberri said this edict is in line with his orders to make the Philippines inhospitable to all threat groups.

As this develops, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato clarified that there are no indications that similar attacks will take place here.

“There is none as of the moment, but nevertheless, the Chief-of-Staff has ordered our troops to be extra vigilant, this means we will just increase our (security) activities and taskings, ” he stressed.

Detoyato said this means military units must be on the lookout “for any indicator, or indications or any relevant information that must be pursued.”

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All Philippine military units ordered to be extra vigilant after bombing killed 22 in Thailand | Ang Malaya Net
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15 Abu Sayyaf terrorists killed near MNLF stronghold
Philippine News Agency
August 20, 2015


Fifteen Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were reportedly killed during an encounter with Joint Task Group Sulu units at Sitio Marang, Barangay Buanza, Indanan town, Sulu Wednesday afternoon. Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said the encounter took place at 5:25 p.m.

He added that troopers from 1st Scout Ranger Battalion under Lt. Col. Eugene Boquio were conducting “focused military operations” in the area when they encountered an estimated 80 to 100 brigands under ASG sub-leaders Yasser Igasan and Alhabsy Misaya.

The encounter scene is near a known Moro National Liberation Front stronghold where Nur Misuari is allegedly staying.

And in the issuing firefight, 15 ASG bandits were killed with no losses sustained by the government side.

Artillery fire was also provided to government troops.

Arrojado said that five of the slain ASGs were recovered along with three firearms.

Pursuit and scouring operations are ongoing as this posting.Many of the bandits are believed to be wounded in the encounter.

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15 Abu Sayyaf terrorists killed near MNLF stronghold | Ang Malaya Net
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Indonesia's Aceh an example of peace for Philippines' Mindanao

On Saturday (Aug 15), the Indonesian province of Aceh marked the 10th anniversary of a peace agreement signed between separatists and the Indonesian government. The Philippine central government is hoping for a similar ending with separatists in the Mindanao region.

read more: Indonesia's Aceh an example of peace for Philippines' Mindanao - Channel NewsAsia
 
Indonesia's Aceh an example of peace for Philippines' Mindanao

On Saturday (Aug 15), the Indonesian province of Aceh marked the 10th anniversary of a peace agreement signed between separatists and the Indonesian government. The Philippine central government is hoping for a similar ending with separatists in the Mindanao region.

read more: Indonesia's Aceh an example of peace for Philippines' Mindanao - Channel NewsAsia

no offense but the aceh is too saudi for us
 
no offense but the aceh is too saudi for us

Still, I would still prefer Indonesia's suggestion than what Malaysia's suggestion.


No one suggest philippines to copy Aceh for mindanao. The report only show Aceh as an example that peace process after decedes of rebel war can be achieved. 10 years of peace in Aceh today has dramatically improve their social, economic and political condition. So when Philippines government finalize the Bangsa moro basic law, their first consideration should be the prosperity of the mindanao people. How this peace process can help to accelerate the economic and social development there.

 
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No one suggest philippines to copy Aceh for mindanao. The report only show Aceh as an example that peace process after decedes of rebel war can be achieved. 10 years of peace in Aceh today has dramatically improve their social, economic and political condition. So when Philippines government finalize the Bangsa moro basic law, their first consideration should be the prosperity of the mindanao people. How this peace process can help to accelerate the economic and social development there.


I see.

Well one idea of the Bangsamoro deal is to improve the Moro society economically and socially but for political considerations, I don't trust Malaysia.
 
I see.

Well one idea of the Bangsamoro deal is to improve the Moro society economically and socially but for political considerations, I don't trust Malaysia.


Indeed, i agree. That's why this report was brought up recently. While most of us will agree that the peace process would greatly benefit the mindanao people, there's still some major block lingers.

1st, the battle to finalized and legalized the Bangsa Moro basic law in the congress.
2nd, there're disunity among the rebel groups to accept and move the peace process forward.
 
as far i saw the news the BBL is not going to pass and there is new bill BAR that is less then ARMM
Marcos has screwed it well
i dont think there will be peace soon
 
buying too much advance missiles and submarine is a plan i think but not too soon
it will be premature to do it now

i disagree with the armor vehicles AFP are getting the m113 those are old and not fit for protection of the solider
 
i disagree with the armor vehicles AFP are getting the m113 those are old and not fit for protection of the solider

Philippines defence industry can try to cooperate with PINDAD to join develop Anoa2 armored vehicles for philippine army. We can work out some offset scheme so that all the additional, modification and future maintenance work will be done independently in Philippines. For new build armored vehicle, the price definitely much more affordable than the western build such as VAB with similar capability.

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and much more...
 
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i am hoping for the Philippines to join for future Military Cooperation with Indonesia. we could have wait for some time until the Kfx/Ifx project finished, then i hope there will be cooperation for the Pfx (Philippines Fighter Experiment) either with Indonesia or with Korea.
 
Business News:

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Philippines can withstand impact of yuan slide – DOF
By Kathleen A. Martin (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 24, 2015 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines should be able to withstand the impact of China’s yuan devaluation due to the country’s strong economy, Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran said.

“The exit of portfolio investments will lead to a temporary slide in the peso, the PSEi (Philippine Stock Exchange index) and the local bond markets,” Beltran, chief economist at the Department of Finance, said in an e-mail.

“The markets will recover as the strength of the Philippine economy with its substantial current account surplus and fiscal space will offset the adverse impact of these activities,” he said.

The Philippines’ current account surplus hit a record high $12.6 billion in 2014, up from $11.4 billion in 2013. The current account surplus, an indicator of an economy’s health, shows a country’s exports and imports of goods and services, net income abroad, and net current transfers.

China’s intervention on its yuan came following the sustained growth slowdown in the world’s largest economy. Analysts believe the move could boost China’s trade activities and help lift economic growth.

“The uncertainties engendered by the CNY (Chinese yuan) devaluation is just a temporary phenomenon which will fade into the background as the Chinese economy tries to revive its economy in the face of slowdown,” Beltran said.

“The CNY devaluation will revive Chinese exports and this will benefit Philippine exports which are inputs to Chinese production,” he added.

China was the Philippines’ third largest export market last year following Japan and the US. The Philippines shipped $8.03 billion worth of commodities in 2014 to China, up 14 percent over 2013 levels.

At the same time, China was the Philippines’ largest source of imports last year with $9.57 billion.

Beltran further said while the Philippines would be able to easily shrug off the ill-effects of a China devaluation, other Asian countries especially those with stronger trade ties with China may be less fortunate.

“Some of our neighbors will not be as lucky. But since the fundamentals of Asian economies are relatively strong, they can easily bounce back from any slowdown,” Beltran said.

“Asian countries have accumulated adequate buffers that will enable them to ride through the storm,” he said.

Other Asian currencies fell from the shock of China’s devaluation and analysts cautioned a competitive devaluation may occur as economies strive to make their exports cheaper.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch, in a report late last week, noted concerns for the region stem from the fact that the devaluation came on top of China’s deflation and Asia’s sluggish exports.

The bank said the move contributed to the weakening of export competitiveness in Asia and also in key markets such as US and Europe.

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Philippines can withstand impact of yuan slide – DOF | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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Philippine economy picks up speed in second quarter, says IMF
By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 24, 2015 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said the Philippine economy likely picked up speed in the second quarter of the year after slowing down in the first quarter on weak global demand and lack of government spending.

IMF resident representative Shanaka Jayanath Peiris said the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew slightly faster in the second quarter due to improved spending by the Aquino administration.

“We would expect the economy to have picked up slightly in the second quarter from the first quarter level on improving government spending disbursements and bottoming out of the export decline, although manufacturing activity remained weak and may have dragged down growth,” Peiris said.

The Philippines recorded a 5.2 percent GDP growth in the first quarter of the year from 5.6 percent in the same quarter last year on the back of anemic spending caused by delays in the implementation of much-needed infrastructure projects.

The government is set to announce the country’s GDP growth figure for the second quarter on Thursday.

Last July, the IMF revised downwards the country’s GDP growth forecast to 6.2 percent based on the July World Economic Outlook (WEO) compared to 6.7 percent based on the April WEO as it lowered its global growth forecast amid the slow US economic recovery.

The IMF releases its WEO report during April and in September or October of every year. An updated WEO is also released every January and July of each year.

“The IMF’s GDP forecast for 2015 is 6.2 percent, therefore we expect the economy to gradually pick up through the year from 5.2 percent in the first quarter 2015,” Peiris said.

For the second half, he said the country’s GDP would gain more traction on recovering global demand and higher government expenditures.

“The second half of 2015 is anticipated to be stronger than the first half as global demand recovers and government spending accelerates further,” Peiris said.

Economic managers see GDP expanding between seven and eight percent this year.

The Philippines missed its GDP growth target of between 6.5 and 7.5 percent as the economy expanded only 6.1 percent last year from 7.2 percent in 2013.

IMF sees the country’s economic expansion picking up to 6.5 percent instead of 6.3 percent next year on the back of higher spending.

“Growth expected to accelerate further in 2016 to 6.5 as the budget deficit widens to the targeted two percent of GDP and in line with potential growth,” he said.

The IMF slashed its global growth forecast this year to 3.3 percent instead of 3.5 percent. This year’s revised forecast was also lower compared to the 3.4 percent global growth registered last year.

It said the crisis and Greece would have marginal effect on the global economy but was mum on whether the stock market meltdown in China would drag down the global economy. The devaluation of the Chinese yuan also emerged as another factor that could hurt global growth.

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Philippine economy picks up speed in second quarter, says IMF | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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CA upholds tax exemption of Pinoy employees in ADB
By Zinnia B. dela Peña (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 24, 2015 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - The Court of Appeals has junked the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s appeal which sought the reversal of an earlier decision that upheld the exemption of Filipino employees of the Asian Development Bank from payment of income taxes.

In a decision, the appellate court said the BIR should have elevated its case to the Supreme Court as required under Rule 45 of the Rules of Civil Procedure.

The BIR appealed the ruling of the Mandaluyong City Regional Trial Court Branch 213 Judge Carlos Valenzuela which nullified BIR revenue memorandum circular 31-2013 for being issued with no legal basis and/or without due process of law.

The circular was used as basis for the BIR to run after the supposed tax deficiencies of ADB employees.

The Mandaluyong RTC ruling was in response to the case filed by ADB employees Erwin Salaveria and Portia Gonzales who were slapped with tax evasion cases by the BIR for their failure to file their 2012 income tax returns in violation of the Tax Code.

The circular states that Filipinos employed by foreign governments, embassies, diplomatic missions and several international organizations including the ADB, are not exempted from paying income taxes.

The BIR cited the agreement between the ADB and the Philippine government that only officers and staff of the regional development bank shall be exempt from Philippine income tax.

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CA upholds tax exemption of Pinoy employees in ADB | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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MSME loans reach P1.8B
By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 24, 2015 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - Total loans approved by banks to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) under a credit enhancement scheme reached P1.8 billion over the past seven years, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported over the weekend.

Of the total amount, the BSP said P1.5 billion have been released to 14,591 beneficiaries of the Credit Surety Fund (CSF) program as of end June this year.

The BSP initiated the CSF Program in August 2008 as a credit innovation designed to improve the credit worthiness of MSMEs that cannot access bank credit due to lack of acceptable collaterals and credit information.

The CSF, through the issuance of a surety agreement, allows cooperatives and businessmen with viable business plans but limited capital to obtain loans from banks even in the absence of hard collaterals.

The program has been established in 30 provinces and 13 cities nationwide.

The BSP is set to launch the CSF program in the cities of Malaybalay and Valencia in Bukidnon today and tomorrow bringing to 43 the total number of CSFs nationwide.

Malaybalay and Valencia CSFs are expected to stimulate more economic activities in their respective localities ushering in job opportunities to increase household income.

A total of P2.2 million has been pledged by nine cooperatives, while the Malaybalay city government has committed P5 million for the CSF program.

On the other hand, the Valencia city government has pledged P2 million while 12 cooperatives committed P2.2 million for the credit enhancement program.

The BSP is scheduled to launch the program in Nueva Ecija next month.

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MSME loans reach P1.8B | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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Business News:

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Economy crawls to 5.6% growth in Q2
By Ted Torres and Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 28, 2015 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine economy crawled to a 5.6 percent growth in the second quarter, falling below the government’s target, but remains on track to sustain a high growth trajectory in the next quarters, the country’s chief economic planner said yesterday.

This brought the first semester GDP growth at 5.3 percent, which would need to accelerate in the second half to hit the government’s seven- to eight-percent growth target for 2015.

“Amid ongoing events in the global economy that may affect the country, the quality and the rate of current growth of the Philippine economy give us some assurance that, with greater vigilance and persistence in pursuing economic and governance reforms, we can withstand the volatile markets overseas, Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

The second quarter growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) is an improvement from the five percent pace in the first quarter – a three-year low – but slower compared to the 6.4 percent expansion a year earlier.

“Realistically, it would seem that a six-percent full year GDP growth would be better, since we have to grow an average 6.5 percent just to stay within the six percent growth,” Balisacan said in a press briefing yesterday.

“As one of the countries with a respectable growth compared to other emerging Asian economies, the Philippines remains an attractive market and investment destination. Our economic fundamentals are still strong,” he said.

Jeff Ng, economist at Standard Chartered Bank, said the GDP expanded 1.8 percent quarter-on-quarter in the second quarter compared to a flat growth in the first quarter, but would have to grow between 6.7 percent and 7.7 percent in the second half to achieve the revised growth target of six percent to 6.5 percent.

The country now ranks third among the fastest-growing economies in Asia, behind China and Vietnam, Balisacan noted.

He attributed the poor performance of the economy mainly to the El Nino phenomenon, which continued to choke the expansion of the agricultural sector.

The agriculture sector contracted 5.9 percent in the first six months, a reversal of the 3.4 percent expansion in the same period last year.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the faster growth in the second quarter from the first quarter gives authorities more space to keep its current monetary policy settings.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said the higher GDP growth in the second quarter was supported by solid domestic aggregate demand, particularly consumption and capital formation offsetting the decline in exports.

“With the second quarter number and given the current operating environment, we can expect economic performance that is still strong, albeit more modest than the government’s full year target. With this outturn, there may be no need for any immediate recalibration of monetary policy settings,” he said.

He added the BSP would continue to monitor external developments after the global stock market rout last Monday, the impending interest rate hike the US Federal Reserve, the debt crisis in Greece, the global economic slowdown, among others.

“We will also remain watchful of global developments to see how these would affect domestic growth and inflation dynamics,” the BSP chief said.

The BSP’s Monetary Board has kept key policy rates unchanged since September last year. The overnight borrowing rate is pegged at four percent while the overnight lending rate is at six percent.

Meanwhile, local and foreign business groups lauded the local economy’s ability to withstand a global economic meltdown but questioned the government’s ability to accelerate growth moving forward.

The country’s business community was generally satisfied with the 5.6 percent GDP growth in the second quarter which was lower than what the government was expecting.

Makati Business Club chairman Ramon del Rosario said the second quarter GDP growth was realized in spite of weak performance in agriculture and exports and was spurred by welcome increases in public spending.

“It is hoped that continued healthy public spending especially in the context of the coming 2016 elections and stronger holiday spending and OFW remittances will give our economy enough of a boost to offset the effects of El Nino and the economic weakness of major countries to still allow us to achieve a full year growth of 6-6.5 percent,” Del Rosario said.

“GDP growth slightly lower than expected but okay in the light of worldwide economic downturns,” Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) president Francisco Del Rosario Jr. added.

MAP’s Del Rosario, however, said the country should expect further roadblocks ahead especially with the coming elections, China’s economic slowdown, and the capital market’s uncertainties.

“Philippines should continue public-private-partnership (PPP) projects, removing foreign investment restrictions, pass Freedom of Information bill and form Department of Information and Communications Technology for IT development. Also justice system should be strengthened and corruption cases finalized. Long term development plan should be completed and institutionalized,” he said.

This was supported by Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Inc. president Dan Lachica, who said the local economy may not get better given global economic conditions such as currency devaluation of China and weaker economies of developed nations.

Lachica said exports, one of the main drivers of the economy, may also soften.

Foreign business groups, meanwhile, believe the future is bleak for the local economy if no immediate actions are taken on infrastructure development and public spending.

“The GDP growth is lower than expected and reflects government’s continuing delay in getting infrastructure projects implemented. Another issue is the low level of foreign direct investment due to the restrictive policies. If growth is to accelerate in the second half, these issues need to be addressed now,” said Henry Schumacher, vice president for external affairs at the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

For John Forbes, senior adviser at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, the second quarter Philippine economic growth was not surprising as most economies globally are going down.

“So in that sense, it could have been worse. On the other hand, the government can do more. What has to be done it more government spending. Governments have the power to spend in order to stimulate economy. It’s not that the government in the Philippines has inadequate funds, but there is an unwillingness to have a larger deficit and there is a weakness in the bureaucracy to push more and more projects out,” Forbes said.

“So now, I’m worried about three things. One is weak government spending, second is the El Nino and third is the country getting very bad reputation internationally for port congestion, airport congestion, and traffic congestion which can be fatal to GDP growth,” he added.

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Economy crawls to 5.6% growth in Q2 | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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Index treks back to 7,000-point level
By Iris Gonzales (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 28, 2015 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Stock Exchange index PSEi continued to recover yesterday as investors took their cue from a Wall St. rally and cheered the latest economic growth figures.

“The rebound of the market is a welcome relief amidst the uncertainties in the global markets. The second quarter growth numbers highlight the resilience of the economy despite challenges abroad and we hope that investors continue to look at the Philippines as a viable investment,” PSE chairman Jose T. Pardo said.

The main composite index surged 154.17 points to close at 7,022.09, while the broader All Shares index gained 74.93 points to finish at 4,006.37.

Joseph Roxas, president of Eagle Equities said the rally in Wall St. was a bigger factor that pushed share prices up than the latest economic growth figures.

“That (GDP) takes a backseat to wild gyrations in international markets,” Roxas said.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 619.07 points to settle at16,285.51, while the Shanghai Composite index was up 5.34 percent to 3,083.591.

Meanwhile, the PSE said there were no issues encountered yesterday in the trading terminals. The PSE halted trading on Monday and Tuesday as it observed data transmission issues in the front end terminals used by the brokers.

“The PSE has put in place fixes to the technical issues it encountered and we have seen trading operating normally. Rest assured, the Exchange continues to monitor the situation,” PSE chief operating officer Roel A. Refran said.

Value turnover rose to P14.586 billion. Advancers beat decliners, 139 against 45, while 34 stocks were left unchanged.

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Index treks back to 7,000-point level | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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Inflation seen still below 1% in August
By Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star)
Updated August 28, 2015 - 12:00am


MANILA, Philippines - The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees inflation falling below one percent in August due to cheaper power rates as well as the steady decline in oil prices.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said inflation is likely to settle between 0.2 and one percent in August after easing to a new record low of 0.8 percent in July.

“August inflation could be within 0.2 to one percent range, as continued downward adjustments in power rates and domestic oil prices could temper inflation in the month,” he said.

He added that base effects could also be at play.

Early this month, the BSP lowered its 2015 inflation forecast to 1.9 percent instead of the 2.1 percent projection made in June on the back of declining food and oil prices.

The central bank, however, retained the 2.5 percent inflation forecast for next year.

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Tetangco said inflation would likely pick up and fall within the two to four percent target of the BSP next year.

“For next year, however, we see inflation moving up to within target. Given the rebound in the second quarter GDP from the first quarter and the lags of monetary policy, there may be no need as yet to adjust policy,” he added.

The BSP chief explained monetary authorities would continue to monitor domestic and external developments such as the prolonged El Niño, the impending interest rate increase by the US Federal Reserve, the global economic slowdown, the stock market crash in China, among others.

“We are on the lookout for developments in oil prices, manifestations of El Niño, and financial market volatility as part of our surveillance to see if there is a need to adjust the stance of policy,” Tetangco said.

ING Bank Manila chief economist Joey Cuyegkeng said monetary authorities are likely to put on hold any interest rate adjustment in the near term.

“Monetary policy settings are likely to remain steady in the very near term while BSP remains focused on possible risks to inflation and financial sector stability,” Cuyegkeng said.

Cuyegkeng said the BSP is likely to report a modest liquidity growth for July amid the robust demand for corporate debt issuances and steady benchmark government yields.

He said upside inflation risks from El Niño continue to preoccupy BSP assessment and the central bank’s inflation outlook over the policy horizon.

“Deflation risk though is lurking as oil prices remain soft and near seven year low. Global commodity prices have also softened with China’s economic slowdown,” Cuyegkeng added.

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Inflation seen still below 1% in August | Business, News, The Philippine Star | philstar.com
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Military and Defense News:

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Army prepares issuance of new, improved rifles
Ruser Mallari
August 27, 2015


The Philippine Army said that it is preparing to issue to its troops the newly procured and improved 5.56mm R4A3 carbine rifles from Remington. The issuance will be done as soon as the required inspections and tests are finished, the Army said in a statement.

“The Army has procured a total of 56,843 carbine rifles as part of its capability upgrade program. Out of this total procurement, 44,186 rifles are now on-hand of which 24,300 are now ready for issuance and 19,866 still has to undergo ballistic test for record purposes,” the Army said.

The ballistic test is being conducted by Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory using Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS).

According to Army, IBIS is a computer-based system which has the capability to capture, store, rapidly compare and retrieve digital images of cartridge casings (shells) and bullets for the purpose of connecting or tracing this to the guns from which these were fired.

“With these new upgraded weapons, the Philippine Army is on the right track of transforming into a modern Army that our country deserves to have,” the Army said. Procurement of the rifles is under the Revised AFP Modernization Act under RA 10349 signed in December 2012 seeking to develop a credible strategic Armed Force and the professionalization of the AFP.

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Army prepares issuance of new, improved rifles | Ang Malaya Net
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USPACOM commander receives thorough briefing from West PHL Sea military commander
Philippine News Agency
August 27, 2015


A “meeting of the minds,” this was what the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) called the visit of US Pacific Command head Admiral Harry Harris to Western Command (WESCOM) headquarters in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Thursday. WESOM’s area-of-responsibility includes islands of Palawan and Kalayaan, including the disputed Spratly Islands group.

“Admiral Harris wanted to be appraised of the situation on the ground and follow on a previous meeting with Vice Admiral Alex Lopez, Commander of WESCOM who he met earlier in Singapore during the Shangri-La Dialogue,” said AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

Harris arrived in the Philippines Wednesday and visited ranking Filipino military and political leaders making his trip to WESCOM headquarters Thursday. “Admiral Lopez afforded him a thorough organizational and situational briefing on his command and its area-of-operation,” he added.

In the same vein, the US official’s stopover at Western Command was dubbed by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri as a “sort of area familiarization for the new Commander of the Pacific Command.”

He summed Harris’ visit as a great opportunity to further enhance a long lasting and enduring alliance.

It was also in furtherance of a collective effort at ensuring regional security and stability as well as leveling of expectations.

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USPACOM commander receives thorough briefing from West PHL Sea military commander | Ang Malaya Net
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National Development News:

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Philippine Marines opens training for civilians: Be measured physically and psychologically
Grace Gonzales
August 27, 2015


The Philippine Marines is opening its training for civilians to have a taste of how Marines train. “Be measured physically and psychologically by the challenging obstacle that is both man-made and natural,” said LTCOL Stepehn Cabanlet, Philippine Navy(Marines) in a statement.

The racing with obstacles event, KARERA LAKAS PILIPINAS: The 2nd Commandant’s Cup, to be held on October 25, 2015 will simulate ‘marine life in the operational area’. The rare event will be held at the training ground of the Philippine Marine Corps in Marine Base Gregorio Lim, Ternate Cavite.

Interested civilians can choose between Astig and Bangis categories which are 5km and 10km run with obstacle courses, respectively. Registration fees are 500 pesos and 750 pesos. Races are also open for the military.

“Funds raised in this event shall be used for the MARFIT (Strength and Conditioning Program) as well as Wounded Warrior’s Recovery and Reintegration Program,” LTCOL Cabanlet said.

“A serendipitous and unsung hero of our country is hoping for your support. These soldiers has given immense sacrifice for our country to protect our freedom especially now with what’s happening in Palawan and some areas in Mindanao. We believe that the strength of the nation is the people itself,” he noted.

Registrations can be done online or onsite at Marine Corps Special Service Office (MCSSO), Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City during office hours Mondays to Fridays. More details at Karera Lakas Pilipinas | Facebook

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Philippine Marines opens training for civilians: Be measured physically and psychologically | Ang Malaya Net
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No one suggest philippines to copy Aceh for mindanao. The report only show Aceh as an example that peace process after decedes of rebel war can be achieved. 10 years of peace in Aceh today has dramatically improve their social, economic and political condition. So when Philippines government finalize the Bangsa moro basic law, their first consideration should be the prosperity of the mindanao people. How this peace process can help to accelerate the economic and social development there.


Ya its option but again its too saudi for us

buying too much advance missiles and submarine is a plan i think but not too soon
it will be premature to do it now

i disagree with the armor vehicles AFP are getting the m113 those are old and not fit for protection of the solider

They been refurbished
 

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