BUSINESS environment issues were discussed at an inter-government meeting on the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) yesterday, according to a statement from the Japanese embassy.
Mar 272014
Mar 272014
UPON the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) yesterday, the Agriculture department said it will soon present its initial programs for the Bangsamoro region to President Benigno S.C. Aquino III.
Mar 272014
MANILA, Philippines – The country’s budget deficit ballooned in January as the government ramped up spending for the reconstruction of areas devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda. In a statement, the Department of Finance said the deficit expanded by 75 percent to P34.2 billion in January from P19.5 billion in the same month last year. A deficit occurs when government expenditure exceeds revenue over a particular period of time. Excluding interest payments on the government’s debt, the deficit turns into a primary surplus of P22.2 billion. “The Philippines’ fiscal performance figures in recent years are a manifestation of restored normalcy in meeting the expectations of the Development Budget Coordination Committee,” Finance Secretary Purisima said. Purisima credited the country’s sound fiscal performance to improving revenue collections, declining reliance on foreign currency debt and President Aquino’s drive to transform the country into one of the fastest-growing economies. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 He said the Philippines has gotten closer to achieving its annual revenue targets over the last four years. In 2013, state revenues were just 1.7 percent short of the official target. Revenue collections for January rose eight percent to P148.8 billion with tax revenues accounting for 91 percent or P134.8 billion of the total or an increase of 12 percent year on year. The Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs posted double-digit growth rates amid an intensified campaign to curb smuggling and tax evasion. BIR collections grew 10 percent to P104.2 billion in January Read More …
Mar 272014
MANILA, Philippines – Delta Air Lines has heeded the call of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to transfer its operations to the newer Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 3 (NAIA3) to pave the way for the P1.3-billion rehabilitation of NAIA1. Steven Crowdey, director, Philippines, Australia and Micronesia of Delta, said the relocation of its operations to the NAIA3 from NAIA1 effective Aug. 1 would be permanent. At NAIA3, customers would experience larger departure and arrival immigration halls, a smooth flow from the airport entrance to the departure gates, more seating areas and less security congestion. In addition, passengers could enjoy more shopping and dining choices and better natural lighting throughout the lobby and departure gate areas. Furthermore, Delta would install more self service check-in kiosks in the lobby, reducing the wait time for check-in which will result in a better customer experience at the airport. Terminal 3 features a two-tiered design with its ground level designed for arrivals and the second level for departures. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Each level has 600 square meters of curbside space allowing for more efficient drop offs and pickups. The center of the building contains passenger processing function. Retail shops and food courts line the departure and arrival levels while parking for over 1,200 cars is provided in front of the terminal. Terminal 3 also offers a 232 square meters contemporary lounge with modern furnishings. “This exciting news is another big step for Delta as it has Read More …
Mar 272014
MANILA, Philippines – Wireless giant Smart Communications Inc., a unit of dominant carrier Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), has tied up with global music streaming service Deezer. Mellissa Limcaoco, innovation and product development group head at Smart, said in a statement that the strategic and exclusive partnership with Deezer would bring the full breadth of music experience to the 72 million subscribers of the PLDT Group through Deezer’s Premium+ service. “We are excited to announce this pioneering partnership with Deezer, which will deliver even more exciting music experiences to our subscribers and enhance their mobile lifestyles on the go,” Limcaoco said. With Deezer Premium+, subscribers would be able to enjoy unlimited web and mobile access to the most number of music tracks online and offline, all in high-quality and without the interruption of ads. Deezer’s availability in more than 180 countries would also allow Smart to provide a seamless experience to mobile users who want to be able to listen to their favorite songs wherever they are, whether they are in the Philippines or overseas. Smart would soon announce affordable streaming rates and promotions with Deezer that both prepaid and postpaid subscribers can enjoy. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 With this groundbreaking partnership, Smart users would be able to purchase a Deezer Premium+ subscription using only their prepaid or postpaid accounts. Earlier, Smart also partnered with SPINNR to strengthen the PLDT Group’s expanding suite of mobile content and application offerings that makes us a formidable Read More …
Mar 262014
THE PHILIPPINES’ exports and imports of commercial services grew in the fourth quarter of last year from the year before but still lagged behind those of other Southeast Asian countries, preliminary data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) showed.
Mar 262014
MOTOR vehicle assembly in the Philippines grew by double digits last month from a year ago but still lagged behind that of other Southeast Asian countries, data from the ASEAN Automotive Federation showed.
Mar 262014
AROUND the world, the role of women in society, business, politics, religion, and in almost every arena is celebrated in the month of March.
Mar 242014
PHILIPPINE and Spanish business leaders yesterday inked an agreement to further increase trade relations between the two countries.
Mar 242014
SEVEN firms have expressed interest in bidding for the lease and construction of a planned service station along the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).