Philippines detains 18 Chinese for illegal mining

 News
Aug 062013
 
Philippines detains 18 Chinese for illegal mining

Agence France-Presse 5:19 pm | Tuesday, August 6th, 2013 BLACK SAND mining by Chinese operators in Cagayan. MELVIN GASCON/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON FILE PHOTO MANILA – The Philippines has detained 18 Chinese men on suspicion of illegal black sand mining in the northern coastal town of Aparri, the justice department said Tuesday. Authorities say there has been a rise in the illegal extraction of magnetite – also known as black sand – which is an iron ore in huge demand by China’s steel mills. Justice department investigators raided two mine sites run by Chinese firm Hua Xia Mining and Trading Corp. last Thursday and detained 18 of its employees, department spokesman Alex Lactao told AFP. The company had a permit to dredge magnetite from a nearby river but not from the coast, he said. It is illegal to extract any minerals within 200 meters (656 feet) of a beach under Philippine law. “Nine Chinese nationals were burrowing and processing magnetite sand within the prohibited zone,” said Lactao. The other nine were arrested at a nearby beach where they were building a magnetite processing plant, he added. Environmental groups say illegal magnetite mining has been stripping Philippine coasts through erosion. They have blamed small-scale mining firms, most of them allegedly Chinese and often operating in collusion with shady local government officials, for the devastation. The men detained in Aparri lacked permits required to work in the Philippines and could face further criminal charges, said Lactao, adding they have now been handed over Read More …

Manila to apologize for Taiwan fisherman’s death—daughter

 News
Aug 052013
 
Manila to apologize for Taiwan fisherman’s death—daughter

Agence France-Presse 8:52 pm | Monday, August 5th, 2013 Taiwan government experts along with National Bureau of Investigation personnel are onboard the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) patrol boat Maritime Control Surveillance 3001, the patrol boat used by PCG when the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman happened, docked at a pier in Manila on May 28, 2013.  AFP FILE PHOTO TAIPEI — The Philippines will send a special envoy to Taiwan to apologize for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman, his daughter said Monday, signalling a potential breakthrough in a major row. The remarks sparked hopes that the conciliatory move, if realized, could ease the strained relationship between Taipei and Manila following the shooting of 65-year-old Hung Shih-cheng on May 9 in disputed waters. “The Filipino side has agreed to apologize to us in a public manner,” Hung Tzu-ching, the fisherman’s daughter, told reporters in Pingtung city, adding that the agreement was made with lawyers authorized by the Filipino government. “They have agreed to send a special envoy (over the matter)… we insist the representative must represent the Filipino government. They will let us know in advance who will be appointed. If we feel the designated representative is OK, then the time will be decided,” she said. Officials at Manila’s Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, the Philippines de facto embassy in Taiwan, were not immediately available for comment. A presidential spokeswoman in Manila said she had no immediate confirmation of the move. Taiwan’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Anna Kao Read More …

Fil-Ams urge new US envoy to push for stronger military ties

 News
Aug 052013
 
Fil-Ams urge new US envoy to push for stronger military ties

By Vivian Zalvidea AraulloINQUIRER.net US Bureau 2:30 pm | Monday, August 5th, 2013 Newly named Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg PHOTO FROM STATE.GOV SAN FRANCISCO—Filipino American leaders are calling on newly appointed US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg to push for stronger military relations between the United States and the Philippines. They agreed that the dispute between the Philippines and China over territory and maritime lanes in the East and South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) should be the new ambassador’s top concern. “The United States is already ‘pivoting’ towards Asia because of the prominent and aggressive role China has been playing in the past 10 years,” said Loida Nicolas-Lewis, chair of the US Pinoys for Good Government.  “Because of the strategic position of the Philippines in South East Asia, it is in the interest of the United States to be more present in our area.” The disputed territories are believed to be rich in oil and mineral deposits. Claimant countries Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines have complained about various incidents and “acts of aggression” allegedly initiated by China that threaten and encroach upon its stakes in the disputed areas. Jay Gonzalez, professor of Asian studies and international politics at the University of San Francisco believes the US should strengthen its military cooperation with and increase military aid to the Philippines. “American military exercises are very critical, because of the US’ capacity to invite more participants [other countries],” said Gonzalez. “If the US doesn’t conduct these multicountry exercises Read More …

ETF launch comes at opportune time

 Economy
Aug 042013
 
ETF launch comes at opportune time

MANILA, Philippines – The launch of the Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) this year comes at a time when investor confidence is high given the stock market’s ascent and the investment grade rating for the Philippines. The timely launch of the new investment product is expected to result in more investors participating in the local capital market, industry experts said. “While we wanted to roll this out earlier, we’re pleased that it is happening this time when the robust economy serves as a backdrop to launch these types of investment products,” said Philippine Stock Exchange president and CEO Hans Sicat. “The launch of the ETF is exceptionally timely. This instrument will improve financial intermediation which is one of the hallmarks of long-term economic development,” said National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon. For ETF expert Robert Tull Jr., the current momentum of the stock market serves as a good backdrop for the introduction of ETFs. “It’s always positive when investors see the equity markets up. Another value is that the Philippines has moved to investment grade rating now, which builds a lot of investor confidence,” Tull said. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Tull, CEO of consultancy firm Robert Tull & Co., has played a leading role in the design and development of more than 300 ETF products in the past 20 years. ETFs are securities and investment instruments that monitor a commodity of assets like an index fund but trades like a normal stock in an exchange. Last month, the Read More …

Agri-entrepreneurs for healthier Pinoys

 Economy
Aug 042013
 
Agri-entrepreneurs for healthier Pinoys

Hunger and malnutrition are widespread in many less-developed countries. Globally, it is recognized that the agriculture sector has yet to make progress in improving the nutrition and health of poor farmers and consumers in developing countries. Agricultural practices and policies can be improved and redesigned to maximize its contribution to health and nutrition benefits. It is a good thing that in the Philippine setting, agriculture plays a very important role in the Philippine economy as well as providing the daily nutritional needs of every Filipino. We are seeing more and more agri-entrepreneurs focusing their efforts on agri-produce that contribute to healthier Filipinos.  In relation to the celebration of nutrition month, I am featuring some of the most hardworking entrepreneurs who contribute to the success of both agriculture and nutrition of Filipinos. These five agri-entrepreneurs are featured in our book, 50 Inspiring Stories of Agri-entrepreneurs.  Mother’s rice Rice is a staple food for Filipinos. Henry Lim Bon Liong is one of the most diligent people advocating for high quality and productivity in rice production. In 1998, Henry, who started with the Sterling card and stationery business, met the “national treasure” of China, professor Yuan Longpin, because of his valuable agriculture research. Inspired by the professor, he started SL Agritech to focus on hybrid rice production, which led to the development of the first line of mestizo hybrid rice. Because of his genuine efforts to improve Philippine rice production, Henry is now supplying the variety that produces the delicious and fragrant rice he calls “Doña Maria,” Read More …

DOE orders reconnection of Albay to power grid

 Entertainment
Aug 022013
 

MANILA, July 31 (Mabuhay) — Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla has ordered the reconnection of Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) to the national power grid by 5 p.m. Wednesday. Albay on Tuesday experienced a blackout after National Grid Corp. of the Philippines cut off power supply to Aleco due to the cooperative’s debts to power generators. The […]

Kyochon, Korean fried chicken resto, to open 1st store in December

 Economy
Aug 022013
 
Kyochon, Korean fried chicken resto, to open 1st store in December

MANILA, Philippines – The group that brought the popular Singaporean chain BreadTalk in the country is also bringing Korean fried chicken restaurant chain Kyochon here. In a briefing on Friday in Makati, businessman Wilson Chu said Kyochon will initally open nine stores in the Philippines and its first store will be located somewhere in Greenbelt in Makati. Target opening of the first store is December. Besides BreadTalk, Chu’s group was responsible for bringing ToastBox Philippines, Banana Leaf Curry House Inc., Ikkoryu Fukuoka Ramen Philippines and Chops Chicago Steak House Inc. Chu’s group meanwhile also brought Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf to the country through a joint venture with a partner. It also operates No. 8 Chinese Bistro, Royal Sporting House, and Academy of Rock Inc.  Kyochon operates 950 stores in South Korea and has expanded to the US and other countries in Asia such as China, Thailand and Indonesia. Restaurants in Camboadia, Myanmar and Laos will also be opened. By 2020, the restaurant is tageting to have 10,000 stores worldwide. “You can say we are a little ambitious,” Chu said of the restaurant’s plan to become the number one fried chicken restaurant in the country. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 Chu added that their offering would be priced a little higher than BonChon, the first Korean fried chicken restaurant in the Philippines.  He cited their experience when they brought in CBTL to the Philippines and priced their coffee at P5 higher per cup than those sold Read More …

MVP picks Tesla sedan to promote e-vehicle use

 Economy
Jul 312013
 
MVP picks Tesla sedan to promote e-vehicle use

First e-vehicle charging station in PHL:  Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo (second from left) joins (from left) Meralco president and CEO Oscar S. Reyes, Meralco chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, and Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla during the launch of the first prototype electric vehicle (EV) charging station in the Philippines. The DTI is supportive of efforts to accelerate the development of the nascent electric vehicle (EV) industry in the country. This pioneering development in the EV industry is intended to provide a signal to EV stakeholders that Meralco is preparing itself to support the industry’s requirements. MANILA, Philippines – Business magnate Manuel V. Pangilinan has purchased a P9-million Tesla model S electric vehicle (EV), the first luxury sedan of its kind in the country, ending speculations he would be buying a Rolls Royce. The Model S is one of many models manufactured by Tesla Motors, a Silicon Valley-based car premium EV maker. “This is more affordable than a Rolls Royce,” Pangilinan said in jest. More than the monetary value, Pangilinan said his acquisition of an EV is part of Manila Electric Co’s efforts to promote the use of more environment-friendly EVs in the country. Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor which Pangilinan chairs, is willing to help in manufacturing EVs, he said at the launch of Meralco’s first commercial prototype EV charging station Tuesday night. “We in Meralco will help propagate local manufacturing here. We’re prepared to invest and help set up financing. We Read More …

Tourist influx grows 11% in H1

 Economy
Jul 312013
 
Tourist influx grows 11% in H1

MANILA, Philippines – The influx of international tourists continues to improve growing 11 percent in the first half of 2013 to 2.4 million, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. told The STAR. The arrival figure, he said, makes up 45 percent of the projected 5.5-million arrivals for the year. He said the sustained growth in foreign tourist arrivals signals the country’s robust efforts to improve its tourism industry. Jimenez said while data from United Nations World Travel Organization (UNWTO) showed the Philippines lagging behind its neighboring countries in attracting foreign tourists, this may not reflect the actual picture. “The Philippines is not part of a contiguous land mass unlike our neighbors. We are in the middle of the ocean,” he said. “What the UNWTO data may have counted are the number of tourists visiting each country in Southeast Asia, even those crossing borders and/or making frequent visits by land. For example, citizens of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore..crossing borders every day and being counted as tourists. We have no way of doing that here,” he pointed out. Business ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1 “What we only have are air arrivals data which the UN data does not show. About 98 percent of our visitors arrive here by plane. Even the tourists from our neighbors would have to travel by plane just to visit here. Just imagine, a Malaysian tourist could visit Thailand and Singapore by land. The same with Vietnam, where its citizens can just cross borders from Laos Read More …

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