THE opportunity loss for the Philippines as a result of the controversy generated by the new government amounts to foregone investment from two European companies that would have created 5,000 jobs, a European business chamber official said on Wednesday.
THE GOVERNMENT warned it could take back the rights to unused frequencies after publishing a list of all assigned spectrum assets and their utilization, saying that the potential haul could accommodate a third or even a fourth telecommunications player.
(First of two parts) When TNCs like Uber and Grab entered the country, commuters noticed the difference right away. They changed service standards and pricing expectations and execution, using technology to solve recurring problems with public transportation. Using technology, they completely upended the transportation equation and disrupted the taxi/livery industry.
THE Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) is keeping the threshold for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) that require its approval, saying there is “no pressing need” to raise the P1-billion cap for such deals it needs to review.
THE House ways and means committee aims to pass the Department of Finance-backed comprehensive tax reform package before the chamber takes a break in mid-March, its chairman said.
NEW ZEALAND has offered to send experts to share best practices on improving the ease of doing business, in aid of the administration’s campaign to cut red tape, according to a statement sent to reporters recently.
THE Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECoP) said a proposal to enact into law profit sharing will hurt the country’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs.)
THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) said the focus of tax reforms on increasing the excise on key goods will make the system less regressive, helping improve the business environment while sustaining growth.
Does the current Bank Secrecy law serve as a citadel for investors or depositors against possible abuse of power by the government, or does it provide a shield for tax evaders? Balancing of interests is a continuing challenge for the State, and with the advent of the tax reforms of the Duterte administration and with the introduction of House Bill 4774, the need to balance these interests once again arises.
THE PHILIPPINES rose to the 58th spot in this year’s Index of Economic Freedom, riding on robust economic growth and fiscal gains, although concerns remain on whether these can be sustained under the new government.