Weaker peso favors exports, consumption

 A money exchange kiosk displays the exchange rate of the Philippine peso to the US dollar last April. PHOTO BY AARON RONQUILLO

INSTEAD of being alarmed by the peso's depreciation against the US dollar, economic managers and other policymakers should try capitalizing on the advantages. That may seem odd for some people because politicians often equate a strong peso with a healthy economy. But in actuality, changes in every economic indicator benefit some people and at the same time, hurt others. That is why interpreting changes in the economy can be challenging. As the late American economist Edgar Russell Fiedler quipped: "Ask five economists, and you'll get five different answers — six if one went to Harvard."

Clearly, Filipino families, receiving remittances from relatives working abroad, are better off when the peso is weaker. The dollars they receive buy more pesos. That is good for the Philippine economy, which is largely driven by consumption that contributes about 70 percent to gross domestic product (GDP).

A rebound in consumption could hasten economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. The more worrisome indicator now is high inflation, which constricts spending both in the private and public sectors. That is natural since higher prices discourage people from buying or make them buy less.

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As many have heard, inflation is pushed up by skyrocketing fuel prices, which is linked to the war in Ukraine. Because of the economic sanctions imposed on the aggressor, Russia, it cannot sell its oil to the global market. Russia is the third-largest oil producer in the world after Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Complicating the problem is the peso's depreciation because the Philippines imports fuel. Worse, rising pump prices make basic goods more expensive, particularly food that need to be transported from farms to markets.

But as mentioned earlier, there is a good side. A weaker peso — or more accurately, a stronger US dollar — favors exports and local consumption of domestic goods.

One way to capitalize on the peso's value is to reduce the balance of trade, resulting in higher GDP growth. For now, the Philippines is a net importer, meaning Filipinos buy more things from abroad than what they export. If exports can grow, that will benefit local manufacturers that sell abroad.

88% of Philippines with increasing Covid cases

NEARLY nine in 10 areas in the Philippines are currently experiencing rise in coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, with 57 areas being flagged by the Department of Health (DOH) for recording positive growth rates in the last two weeks.

In its latest national Covid-19 situationer report, the DOH said a large majority of the country's provinces and cities saw continued case increases.

"National and all regions observe continued case increases in the recent weeks with 88 percent of provinces, HUCs (highly urbanized cities), and ICCs (independent component cities) across all island groups showing positive growth in cases," said the DOH.

It noted how the average daily reported cases have gone up to 914 for the period of June 25 to July 1, from 599 for June 18 to 24.

"National case trend show continuous increase with seven-day average cases higher by 53 percent from the previous week," said the DOH.

In particular, the health department flagged 57 areas in different parts of the country outside the National Capital Region (NCR) after recording positive one-week and two-week growth rates.

"There were 32 Luzon areas, 14 Visayas areas, and 11 Mindanao areas showing positive growth in cases in the recent one and two weeks," said the DOH.

Flagged in Luzon are Baguio City, Abra, Apayao, Mountain Province, La Union, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Nueva Vizcaya, Cagayan, Isabela, Lucena City, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Angeles City, Pampanga, Albay, Naga City, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Masbate.

In Visayas, flagged were Iloilo City, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, Negros Occidental, Bohol, Cebu City, Mandaue City, Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Tacloban City, and Biliran.

Flagged in Mindanao are Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Sur, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao City, Davao Occidental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Cotabato, Agusan del Sur, and Tawi-Tawi.

In Metro Manila, the DOH said there remains a sharp increase in cases with the average daily cases up to 442 for the period of June 25 to July 1, from 291 for the period of June 18 to June 24.

"NCR cases show continued increase in the recent weeks, currently higher by 52 percent from the previous week," said the DOH.

Despite the increasing number of cases in most parts of the country, the DOH reiterated that the country remains at low risk classification from Covid-19.

This, as the case increases have not translated to rise in other metrics, particularly the average daily attack rates and healthcare utilization rates.

"All regions remain at low rise case classification with average daily attack rates at low risk; while health care utilization rates also remain at low risk in all regions," said the DOH.

Total Covid-19 beds utilization remains at low risk at 19 percent occupancy rate.

Similarly, national ICU utilization remains at low risk at 15 percent utilization rate.

"Severe and critical cases at 10.62 percent or 648 cases of the total Covid-19 admissions," said the DOH. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)

IF IFS AND ANDS WERE POTS AND PANS...

A phrase that advises against wishing for impossible or absurd things to happen. The full phrase is "If ifs and ands were pots and pans, there'd be no work for tinkers' hands." A: "If only my parents would give me a car, life would be so much easier." B: "Yeah, well, if ifs and ands were pots and pans, right?"

A still longer version: If wishes were horses, then beggars could ride / If turnips were watches, I'd wear one by my side / If ifs and ands were pots and pans / There would be no work for tinkers. Dandy Don Meredith often recited a similar a somewhat similar phrase about wishful thinking that involved candied nuts

Well, life doesn't only consist of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Life has ups and downs and everyone tries to survive in his own clock-shell surrounded by a dangerous  ocean. Life is stuffed with plenty of excuses, and we are sometimes unable to apologize and say a meaningful "sorry" at the right moment.

Excuses don't know the question of age. I still have two significant examples to share:

The church was crowded. confirmation. A woman came too late. Traffic jams. In need of help, the woman looked to the left and then to the right. It looked like a young man liked to help her. He murmured, "Show up a bit, the LOLA likes to sit down". The situation looked problem-free at that moment. But after taking a deep breath, the LOLA realized the young man's comment. She was just 38 years "young"! With uneasiness she looked at the youngster, who started smiling at her. How old could he be? 14 or 15? A very big difference already to her age. Then suddenly, the young man realized his inappropriate remark and stuttered, "Sorry Madam, please excuse me! If I would have only known...!"

Choked with emotions, I also listened to the story of my former editor colleague in Germany several years ago. Her mother had expelled her from life. Only while laying on her deathbed, her mother did offer a plea in extenuation because of her lifelong fault. 

Excuses because one is embarrassed or with a simple alibi can be  found at every corner. Did you, my dear reader, count already, how many times you used the term "IF"?

Just to mention this example, which I noticed several times from my students. " If I could pass my German language exam, my partner would be very proud of me!" Sure, not only he, but also me, as your German language professor in Davao City. 

"If there would be a God, there wouldn't be so much misery, poverty, and war on earth!"

Well, if that's the way it's got to be...? If there is no other way? 

Maybe, you still remember Elton John's song from 1976: "Sorry (in the right moments!) seems to be the hardest word..." That depends!

‘Grateful’, Gov Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga takes oath

Nabunturan, Davao de Oro--- It’s a dawn of a new beginning for the golden province in Davao Region as the first lady governor-elect of the Davao de Oro province took oath today (June 30, 2022), at the Nabunturan National Comprehensive High School Gymnasium, Poblacion Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga is the first-ever lady governor-elect in Davao de Oro since its separation from Davao del Norte in the year 1998 as an independent province. During the oath-taking and thanksgiving ceremony, Dabawenyos from all-over the province converged at the NCCHS Gymnasium to witness the official ceremony of the new governor along with Congressman Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga of District II, Vice Governor Tyron Uy, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Board Members, Department Heads and assistants, Municipal Mayors, National Government Agencies, Brgy. Captains and the people of Davao de Oro.

 “Ako gyung gihinay-hinay ug pronounce every word of the oath arun musil-sil sa atung alimpatakan ug sa akong huna-huna in the presence of everyone here nga mao gyud na ang buhaton namong mga bag-o ninyong gipili nga opisyales,” said Governor Gonzaga during the oath-taking ceremony reassuring commendable public service for the people of the province. The new governor took her oath before Judge Cresenciana DC-Cruz, the Executive Judge of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 3.

“We will faithfully defend and promote the constitution at all times,” added Gov. Gonzaga. Unwavering support filled the atmosphere of the whole gymnasium of NNCHS as the people applauded and cheered the new face of governance, a brand that makes government work for the welfare of the people.

A thanksgiving mass was offered first before the official oath taking ceremony, and followed by a turn-over ceremony held at the Executive Building, Provincial Capitol of Davao de Oro. Vice Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy officially turned over the governance of the province to Governor Dorothy Montejo Gonzaga. (𝐽. 𝐴𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑎, 𝑃𝐴𝑂-𝐼𝑃𝑅𝐷 𝐷𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑜 𝑑𝑒 𝑂𝑟𝑜, 𝑝ℎ𝑜𝑡𝑜s 𝑏𝑦 𝐽. 𝐶𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑧 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐴. 𝐷𝑎𝑦𝑎𝑜)

Photocaptions:

𝗖𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻-𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗗𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗼 𝗱𝗲 𝗢𝗿𝗼.

Vice Governor-elect Tyron L. Uy, officially turned over to Governor-elect Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga the governance of the province right after the oath taking ceremony. The turn-over ceremony was held at the 4th Floor Executive Building, Provincial Capitol of Davao de Oro.

The ceremony is an act required by the Department of Interior and Local Government  (DILG) as a manifestation of showing transparency, accountability and good faith.

Be guarded against self-righteousness

By Fr. Roy Cimagala*

GIVEN our strong tendency to fall into self-righteousness, everyday we should devise some kind of plan or strategy to protect ourselves from it. That effort that definitely requires a lot of sacrifice and self-denial, would always be worth it.

Self-righteousness is a danger most common among the so-called ‘good’ or ‘pious’ people. The descriptive words are in quotations since the goodness and piety of those afflicted with this vicious spiritual disease is only apparent, since it lacks the real substance of the real righteousness.

And that’s because their idea of goodness and piety, their idea of righteousness is not properly based or grounded, nor is it properly oriented. Instead of having God as principle and end of their life and actions, as shown and taught by Christ and actualized  through the abiding action of the Holy Spirit, they only rely on their own ideas that can be developed through some complicated and attractive ideology and philosophy, or some tradition and culture that are not properly inspired.

This spiritual anomaly of self-righteousness can show itself in many ways, like being quick to judge, to brand, stereotype and condemn people, slow to understand others and to forgive, not wanting to be corrected, being highly opinionated and wanting to have the last word always, to dominate others, etc. It is notoriously impatient.

That’s why, we should never let go of our duty to be humble and to find ways to make humility always grow and deepen, because that’s the antidote to pride and conceit, the very virus of self-righteousness. All our thoughts and intentions, our words and deeds should have God as the beginning and end. Thus, we have to continually devise ways of keeping God always in mind, and of referring everything to him.

St. Paul, for example, keenly aware of his high dignity and responsibility as an apostle, highlighted the indispensability of humility. “My speech and my preaching was not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the showing of the Spirit and power.” (1 Cor 2,3)

And in another instance, he said that he preached Christ crucified, “a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,” (cfr. 1 Cor 1,23), to emphasize the fact that the real righteousness that comes from God is never triumphalism according to worldly standards.

That’s why St. Paul gloried in his weakness. “It’s when I’m weak that I am strong.” And, “If I must glory, I will glory of the things that concern my infirmity.” (2 Cor 11,30) We should never think we are something, since everything good that we have comes from God. Let’s always remember that the only thing we can contribute on our own—without God—is evil, is sin.

We have to be most careful when we start to use our reasoning. Reason without faith and charity—in short, reason without God—is very dangerous. We can deftly use reason by citing all sorts of proofs, arguments, evidence, examples, doctrine and principles, stats, but if it is not inspired by faith and charity and delivered in humility, then it easily becomes a tool of pride, envy, hatred, revenge, deceit, etc.

Reason and truth should always be given in charity—“veritas in caritate,” as we have been reminded in an encyclical of Pope Benedict quoting St. Paul. It’s actually charity, the very essence of God (Deus caritas est), that gives reason and truth their true life and purpose, their living substance. 

The real righteousness has charity, as shown by Christ, as its very soul!

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Citizen Duterte flies home to Davao City

LAST SALUTE AS PRESIDENT President Rodrigo Duterte and his successor, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on June 30, 2022. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Catherine S. Valente, Manila Times

AFTER six years as the country's president, Rodrigo Duterte returned to his hometown as a private citizen.

After departure ceremonies in Malacañang on Thursday, Duterte flew to Davao City.

"Mag-commercial flight siya (He will take a commercial flight)," outgoing National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon said in an interview on the sidelines of the event in Malacañang.

Duterte capped his presidency on Thursday by welcoming Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. at the Palace before Marcos' inauguration at the National Museum.

Marcos arrived at Malacañang Palace past 10 a.m. and was greeted by Duterte at the top of the grand staircase.

He signed the guestbook before spending a few more moments with Duterte.

Duterte skipped the traditional car ride that would have brought him and Marcos to the National Museum.

The country's first president from Mindanao had contemplated seeking another electoral post after his term.

He initially accepted the nomination of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) party to become its candidate for vice president, only to change his mind and announce his retirement from politics in October last year.

A month later, Duterte filed his certificate of candidacy for senator but backed out of the Senate race in December.

In a public address earlier this month, he urged Filipinos to "come to terms with reality" and support the country's new leaders.

Duterte had said the country's next leader should be "compassionate and decisive."

"President-elect Marcos would need the cooperation and help of everybody. We must give it to him," he said.

Immer mehr Rentner zieht es ins Ausland – aus einem einfachen Grund

Von: Lisa Mayerhofer

Die Zahl der Renten-Auszahlungen ins Ausland ist in den vergangenen Jahren stark gestiegen. Das ist vor allem eine Folge des deutschen Wirtschaftswunders.

Freiburg – Sommer, Sonne, Steuervorteile – oder einfach zurück in die Heimat: Immer mehr Rentner wollen ihren Ruhestand im Ausland verbringen. Vor allem ehemalige Gastarbeiter zieht es zurück in ihr Herkunftsland. Darüber hinaus locken beliebte Urlaubsziele wie Griechenland mit Steuervorteilen für Rentner.

Deutsche Rentenversicherung: Immer mehr Ruheständler zieht es ins Ausland

So ist die Zahl der ins Ausland gezahlten Renten in den vergangenen 20 Jahren um rund 37 Prozent gestiegen. Das geht aus einer Statistik der Deutschen Rentenversicherung hervor, die der Deutschen Presse-Agentur vorliegt. Demnach sind im vergangenen Jahr rund 1,72 Millionen Renten ins Ausland ausgezahlt worden. Im Jahr 2001 lag der Wert noch bei 1,26 Millionen.

Arbeiten in Deutschland – und zur Rente zurück in die Heimat

Ein Grund dafür sei, dass Ausländer, die früher in Deutschland gearbeitet haben, nun vermehrt ins Rentenalter kommen und in ihr Heimatland zurückgekehrt sind, sagte der Vorsitzende der Bundesvertreterversammlung der Rentenversicherung, Jens Dirk Wohlfeil. Die meisten dieser Arbeitnehmerinnen und Arbeitnehmer kommen aus Ländern wie Italien, Spanien, Griechenland, dem ehemaligen Jugoslawien sowie der Türkei. Viele von ihnen seien in den 60er und 70er Jahren nach Deutschland gezogen, sagte Wohlfeil.

Die deutschen Rentner zieht es vor allem nach Österreich

Rund 13 Prozent der Auslandsrenten werden an Deutsche ausgezahlt, die im Ausland wohnen. Ihr Anteil stieg binnen zwanzig Jahren um knapp zwei Prozentpunkte. Die meisten der Betroffenen beziehen ihre Rente in Österreich (über 26.000), gefolgt von der Schweiz (etwas weniger als 26.000) und den USA (rund 22.000).

Dabei erinnert die Deutsche Rentenversicherung Auswanderer daran, die Änderung ihrer Adresse beim Umzug postalisch mitzuteilen. Entsprechende Formulare gibt es im Downloadcenter des Renten Service. Die Adresse des zuständigen Renten Service finden Ruheständler in ihrem Rentenbescheid oder ihrer jährlichen Rentenanpassungsmitteilung. (lma/dpa)

LTFRB okays P2 jeepney fare hike

By Franco Jose C. Baroña, Manila Times

BEGINNING July 1, the minimum fare for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) nationwide will be at P11 and P13 for modern jeepneys.

This development came after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted on Wednesday the petition filed by transport groups to increase the minimum fare for all PUJs amid the continuous rise in the prices of fuel products.

In its seven-page order, the LTFRB granted the petition to expand nationwide the P1 provisional increase in minimum fare it approved on June 8 for PUJs operating in Metro Manila, Central Luzon and Region 4 which includes both Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) and Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan).

On top of this, the LTFRB also granted an additional P1 provisional increase for all PUJs operating nationwide.

With the LTFRB's latest order, the minimum fare for traditional PUJs will be at P11 nationwide while P13 for modern jeepneys.

The order also emphasized that there will be no increase in the succeeding kilometers after the four-kilometer distance covered by the minimum fare.

Other conditions that the latest LTFRB order cited were for all PUJs to still grant 20 percent discount to senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities; that all PUJs must post the notice of increase inside the vehicles; and that no fare matrix revision will be allowed and posted that details increase in succeeding kilometers after the four kilometers covered by the minimum fare.

The petitions for a fare hike was filed by 1-United Transport Koalisyon, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc., Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines, and Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization on June 25

The petitioners noted that while LTFRB granted June 8 a P1 provisional increase to the minimum fare for jeepneys in three regions, including the National Capital Region, bringing it to P10 from P9 for the first four kilometers, the cost of diesel has since risen, offsetting any relief the fare hike might have provided.

They said the increase is "grossly insufficient" and can "hardly be felt" by jeepney operators.

Pope Francis sends good wishes to BBM

By Franco Jose C. Baroña, Manila Times

POPE Francis extended his congratulations to Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. for his upcoming inauguration as the 17th President of the Philippines.

"I send my congratulations and cordial wishes to your excellency as you begin your mandate as the president of the republic," Pope Francis said in his message shared by the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Charles Brown.

The pope said he is praying for Marcos as he takes over the mantle of leadership of more than 100 million Filipinos.

"In assuring you of my prayers that you will be sustained in wisdom and strength, I invoke the Almighty God's blessings of peace and prosperity upon the nation," the pope added.

Marcos will be formally sworn in as president on June 30 after being elected by the majority of Filipinos in the May 2022 elections.

His inauguration will be held at the National Museum of the Philippines at 12 p.m. He will be sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo.

Archbishop Brown earlier revealed the positive conversation he had with Marcos when he made a courtesy call on June 10. Their discussion centered on strengthening the relationship between the church and government.

The Vatican representative in the Philippines said Marcos expressed his willingness to cooperate with the church.

"We had a very productive, encouraging and positive discussion. The president-elect has assured me of his desire to collaborate and cooperate closely with the church and the Holy See," Archbishop Brown added.

Pope Francis conveys 'solidarity' with 'Agaton' victims

The Catholic Church in the Philippines already assured continued engagement with the incoming government for the benefit of Filipinos.

According to Caritas Philippines national director, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, they will work with the new administration on programs that will address the rights and dignity of the people as well as promote truth and honest governance.

Toni Gonzaga to sing national anthem in BBM's inauguration

 MARCOS SUPPORTER Actress-host Toni Gonzaga (second from left) will sing the National Anthem at the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the National Museum. With Gonzaga in this photo are Marcos, Vice President Sara Duterte and husband and director Paul Soriano. INSTAGRAM PHOTO/CELESTINEGONZAGA

By Iza Iglesias

(UPDATE) ACTRESS-HOST Toni Gonzaga will sing the Philippine national anthem in the inauguration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. or BBM on June 30, 2022 at the National Museum in Manila.

The news was confirmed on Tuesday by Franz Imperial, a member of the preparation committee.

Gonzaga was among the prominent personalities who campaigned for the UniTeam led by Marcos and running mate and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio.

She has joined and performed in the tandem's nationwide campaign rallies while her husband, award-winning director Paul Soriano, directed the political advertisements of Marcos.

The president-elect, who happens to be their wedding godfather, earlier applauded Gonzaga and Soriano despite being criticized by netizens on social media platforms.

"We should congratulate them for the fine work that they did. In front of me is Miss Toni Gonzaga. Sabi ko nga kanina na siya ang nag-start ng kampanya na ito. Noong pumutok 'yung interview sa akin at kriniticize siya, ang tapang-tapang nito. I didn't expect that this elegant lady would be able to withstand these criticisms (As I had said, she started the campaign, When her interview with me came out, and she was criticized for it, she stood her ground, she was brave)," Marcos said, referring to Gonzaga's one-on-one YouTube interview with him, in a Facebook video shared by director Darryl Yap on May 15.

"Sinundan pa ni Paul (Paul followed suit), who did our ads. Sa aking palagay (In my opinion), nobody can contest at malayung-malayo (the ads and they were exceptional). Ginagaya nga, eh (They were being imitated). 'Di ba 'yung isa o dalawang ads natin ginagaya (Isn't it that one or two of our ads were being copied)? They were that good, and we kept the momentum going and the message alive," he added.

Movie and TV actress Cris Villonco will sing the inauguration song titled "Pilipinas Kong Mahal" with the Young Voices of the Philippines choir.

Meanwhile, National Commission for Culture and the Arts head Nick Lizaso confirmed that the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, pianist Cecille Licad, and singers Robert Seña and Isay Alvarez have been tapped to perform at the reception dinner in Malacañang.