More business opportunities await foreign investors in the Philippines with amended Foreign Investment Act

Liberalizing its economic policies and laws, the Philippines continues to transform itself as an attractive investment destination by allowing foreign investors who are considering doing business in the country to set up and fully own domestic enterprises through the recently-amended Foreign Investment Act or the FIA.  

The law is a testament of the Philippine government’s resolve and commitment to further create a business-friendly landscape so that foreign investors can grow and flourish their businesses.  

The law establishes the Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee (IIPCC), integrating all the investment promotion activities of various Philippine government bodies with the Board of Investments (BOI) as Secretariat. The IIPCC is set to convene its inaugural meeting on November 8, 2022. 

Here is the rundown of the salient features and provisions of the FIA that would offer an array of business opportunities for foreign investors who are eyeing to invest in the Philippines.  

FIA slashes barrier on foreign ownership of small and medium-sized enterprises 

Amending the 30-year-old law, the new measure will ultimately improve foreign investments in the Philippines by providing less stringent requirements for potential foreign investors to enter the roaring Philippine market. 

Primarily, the law allows – for the first time – foreign investors to set up and completely own domestic market enterprises categorized as micro-enterprises. The said economic measure gives way for foreign nationals to invest and fully-own micro and small domestic market enterprises with paid-up equity below the stated threshold but not below USD100,000.  

The enterprises, however, must fulfill the following criteria: (1) use of advanced technology, (2) endorsed as startup or startup enablers by the lead host agencies according to Republic Act (RA) No. 11337 or the Innovative Startup Act, (3) employ Filipinos as a majority of its direct employees.  

The amended FIA also trims down the employment requirement for foreign investments in domestic market enterprises from 50 direct employees to now at least 15 Filipino employees. Notably, the amended FIA cuts the list of investment areas exclusively reserved for Filipinos, namely: defense-related businesses and small and micro domestic market enterprises with paid-up equity capital of below USD200,000, subject to certain exceptions.  

In addition, foreigners engaged in export enterprises can secure 100 percent ownership in areas outside the Foreign Investment Negative List (FINL).  

The inception of the Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee  

Another major feature of the law is the establishment of the Inter-Agency Investment Promotion Coordination Committee (IIPCC), which is tasked to integrate the promotion activities to woo more foreign investors to do business in the Philippines. It also aims to achieve a world-class brand image for the country within the intertwined approaches of image building, investment generation, and investment servicing.  

Ushering in a culture of cooperation, the law removes competition for investments among the investment promotion agencies (IPAs), resulting in the best possible locational choice for investments. The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall be the Chairman of the IIPCC, while the BOI, headed by the Executive Director for Investments Promotion, shall be the IIPCC Secretariat which will provide administrative support to the said Committee. 

As the leader of the country’s investment promotion agencies (IPAs), the BOI is set to play an important role in spurring the growth of the country’s economy. The revised law will foster a “culture of cooperation” among the IPAs by coordinating investment promotion efforts in the country. 

Through the amended FIA, the IIPCC – led by DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual – is resolute to make more business opportunities happen in the Philippines for foreign investors. Before the creation of the IIPCC, there was the Philippine Investment Promotion Plan (PIPP) – an informal grouping of 19 IPAs –  in which the BOI headed both the Steering Committee and Technical Working Group.  

With these amendments, foreign investors are at an advantage. The FIA is an opportune moment for foreign investors to complement the recent full reopening of the Philippine economy. The said consequential economic law, along with the Public Service Act (PSA) and Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA), and the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives Act (CREATE) makes the country’s business climate more conducive to foreign investments.  # 

Voluntary wearing of face masks: One barricade down on the road to recovery

Published October 27, 2022, 12:02 AM

by Manila Bulletin

After allowing the voluntary use of face masks in outdoor spaces, now comes another development that would, in the words of our tourism officials, make the country “at par” with our ASEAN neighbors. The use of face masks will now be voluntary in indoor spaces and with only a few exceptions.

This new directive comes after a Cabinet meeting and consultation with the IATF last Oct. 25, 2022, and reflects the sentiment of the President when he said that the pandemic is “fading away” and it is already “time to go back to work, to go back to our normal lives.”

Though the business sector lauded this move, the general mood is one of cautious jubilation, an oxymoron since the world, officially, is still in a pandemic. There are still new daily Covid infections and the detection of the XBB and XBC variants that experts have said are more transmissible is a cause for concern. Nevertheless, businesses, especially those in the hospitality, travel, and events industries, are bannering “back to business” flags, ready to operate in full capacity and raring to welcome holiday revelers. 

“The direction of the Marcos administration is to lift the remainder of travel restrictions into the Philippines, and that includes easing of our mask mandates to allow our country to be at par with our ASEAN neighbors, as they have long liberalized the mask mandates,” said Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco. She noted, however, that face masks are still required when riding public or medical transportation, or when entering medical facilities. Meanwhile, those who are unvaccinated, with comorbidities, and senior citizens are strongly advised to wear face masks.

With the further easing of mask mandates comes the lifting of some stringent travel requirements, which Frasco said would further encourage the arrival of tourists. For one, travelers would no longer need an RT-PCR test as a pre-departure requirement. Unvaccinated individuals could also now enter the country provided that they present an antigen test taken 24 hours before departure, or an option to take an antigen test upon arrival.

Answering forms will become easier, too. The One Health Pass is now replaced with an eArrival card. Filling out the eArrival card will not be mandatory as a prerequisite to boarding and can be filled at one’s convenience prior to departure or upon arrival.

“(We) want our country to convey an openness and readiness to the world to receive tourists and investments so that we would give our fellow Filipinos an opportunity to regain all the livelihood and losses that were incurred during the pandemic,” Frasco added. 

Members of the Senate and the House also supported this move from Malacañang, with Senator Grace Poe saying that “loosening the mask mandate and regulations on the entry of tourists will help generate economic activities, foremost among them is providing jobs to our people.”  But she said that we “must build on the gains of the past in the fight against Covid-19 until we cross the finish line in this health crisis.”

Indeed, if this pandemic is a marathon filled with obstacles and barricades, then relaxing the mask mandate is a sign that we have hurdled a challenging phase of the health crisis. At the concluding leg of this marathon, may our nation never lose sight of our goal of full economic and social recovery. Anything less than that, which could reset all our efforts, would be unacceptable

PLGU-DdO intensifies emergency response preparedness thru Bulawanong Kaandam

To strengthen the operability response and readiness of the responders in managing critical incidents, the Davao de Oro government successfully conducted the Bulawanong Kaandam – a simulation exercise on Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) during the celebration of the Bulawan Festival on October 22, 2022. 

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) spearheaded the activity in partnership with the Provincial Health Office. The exercise was participated by various municipal emergency response teams, private and security sectors, and humanitarian organizations in the province. 

PDRRMO Department Head Joseph Randy Loy underscored the importance of exercise as it helps to evaluate, assess, and improve the capacity of organizations to react to emergencies effectively and efficiently.  

“We are here to prepare ourselves for response in the future, gikinahanglan nga kabalo ta sa atoang mga roles and responsibilities, particularly the local government units where the accidents have taken place,” Loy said. 

Staging MCI involving multiple vehicular accidents, Loy added that the exercise aims to test the effectiveness of the command control system, specifically the activation of the Incident Command System (ICS), establishing linkages, communications, and coordination. 

He also expressed his gratitude to Governor Dorothy Montejo-Gonzaga for allowing the Bulawanong Kaandam as one of the activities in the Bulawan Festival. 

Louise Mark Cirunay, Chief Operations of the Office of Civil Defense XI, congratulated the participants and the exercise management team for executing excellent operational coordination between the province, operation center, dispatch, and down to the responders. 

"As a whole, I am very confident na in times of disaster ang PLGU-Davao de Oro will be able to cope or respond accordingly to any hazard that may happen in the province," Cirunay added. 

(R. Hortizano, Photos by Albert Dayao, MCI victims all enactment/simulations)

Angeline Quinto celebrates first decade with '10Q' concert

Angeline Quinto with Michael Pangilinan, Bugoy Drilon and Daryl Ong.

A decade of dominating the music scene with her powerhouse vocals, Angeline Quinto comes full circle with the 10Q concert — a grand celebration of her iconic hits.

The power diva is taking center stage on November 12, 8 p.m., at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. R&B trio BuDaKhel — composed of Bugoy Drilon, Daryl Ong and Michael Pangilinan — is joining her in celebrating this milestone.

From being the next female pop superstar in "Star Power" to becoming one of the most sought-after divas in the country, Quinto cemented herself as an undisputed singer of her generation.

She ultimately became popular for her renditions of theme songs from the biggest Philippine dramas. Among her hits are "Kunin Mo Na Ang Lahat Sa Akin," "Pangarap na Bituin," and "Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin."

Quinto kickstarted the celebration by filming a ten-part series for the 10Q concert in 2021. She eventually brought her tour to different cities across Canada and the United States. This year, the concert series returns to Manila for fans to witness show-stopping performances and more.

Seafood consumption of Filipinos decline

By Bella Cariaso, Manila Times

THE seafood consumption of Filipinos has declined over the years, a study showed, with poor families consuming the least.

The study revealed that the quantity of fresh fish consumed increased with the level of wealth, while the amount of processed fish consumed generally declined as wealth increased.

Based on the findings, the poorest Filipinos consumed at least 179.7 grams of fresh fish; the poor, 210.9 grams; middle income, 239.4 grams; the rich, 258.3 grams; and the richest, 287.1 grams.

The study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Institute (DoST-FNRI) and commissioned by fishers' group Oceana showed that the daily protein intake of many Filipinos is only 94 grams per person, down from the 113 grams per person in 1982.

The study revealed that only 55.1 percent of households meet the recommended protein intake.

"The gap is even more stark among individual population groups that are in dire need of this nutritional intake. Only 17.1 percent among pregnant women, 19.1 percent among lactating mothers and 27.2 percent among the elderly are meeting the recommended intake," the agency said.

"Fish and seafoods are the main source of good quality protein for Filipinos, thus, availability and accessibility must be ensured. If the situation persists and left unattended, this may result in higher medical costs for the management of illnesses as a resultant factor of nutrient inadequacy," DoST-FNRI Director Imelda Angeles-Agdeppa said.

The Cordillera Administrative Region and the National Capital Region consumed the least fresh fish per day, while Zamboanga Peninsula or Region 9 consumed the highest proportion of fresh fish per day.

Oceana Vice President Gloria Estenzo Ramos said that restoring the ocean could feed people a healthy seafood meal a day.

"Our fisheries support communities and, in fact, the Philippines ranks second in the world with a population highly dependent on healthy and vibrant oceans for nutrition, livelihood, and coastal protection. But we need to be vigilant in ensuring that the human-induced pressures on our ocean which caused an alarming decline of fish population, such as rampant illegal fishing in our municipal waters and continuing destruction of marine habitats, are stopped," Ramos said.

The study found that fish from aquaculture like tilapia and bangus (milkfish) offer less nutrients such as protein and iron per serving compared to a diverse option of pelagic species like galunggong (round scad), matambaka (big-eyed scad) and tuna.

Tilapia and bangus are the commonly consumed fish by Filipinos, comprising 26 percent of total seafood consumption per individual.

"The findings should fire us up to restore the once-deep seated relationship that we had with our ocean and make it the wellspring of health, livelihood, and well-being of our people. Let's learn from some of our local government champions who have set the standards high for nutrition, wellness and ecological integrity as priority programs for their constituents," Ramos said.

10 cemeteries in Taguig open starting Oct. 29 for ‘Undas’

by Jonathan Hicap, MB

The Taguig City government announced that 10 public and private cemeteries will be open to the public from Oct. 29 for the observance of All Saints’ Day or “Undas.”

It will launch the “Oplan Undas 2022” to ensure safe and orderly visits of the public to cemeteries in the city.

Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig (Photo from Libingan ng mga Bayani’s official Facebook page)

“Hinihikayat ang lahat na bumisita ng maaga upang makaiwas sa mga araw ng pagdagsa ng maraming tao, siksikan, traffic at maging ligtas mula sa COVID-19 (Everyone is encouraged to visit [cemeteries] early to avoid days where there are surge in the number of people, crowding, traffic and to be safe from Covid-19),” the city government said.

The city government urged people to bring their own water bottles as there will be water refilling stations in cemeteries.

The public is also urged to follow health protocols including wearing of face masks.

Seven public cemeteries in Taguig will be open from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. These are the Bagumbayan Catholic Cemetery, Imam Moh Kusin Memorial Park, Tipas Roman Catholic Cemetery, Hagonoy Catholic Cemetery, Taguig Public Cemetery, Tuktukan Cemetery, and Aglipay Cemetery.

The Heritage Park Fort Bonifacio will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 30; 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31; 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.

The Garden of Memories Memorial Park and Chapels will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 29 and 30; 6 a.m. to midnight on Oct. 31; 6 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Nov. 1; and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 2. Its columbarium will be open from Oct. 29 to Nov. 2 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Libingan ng mga Bayani will be open from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The city government said the following are prohibited in cemeteries:

– Bringing or drinking alcohol

– Smoking or vaping

– Bringing firearms at pointed objects (knives, cutters etc.)

– Loud music

– Bringing toxic and flammable substances

67 students, teachers stranded at Mati City high school due to heavy rain

 Published October 26, 2022, 2:51 PM

by Ivy Tejano

DAVAO CITY – Sixty-seven students and teachers were forced to sleep overnight at the Buso National High School (BNHS) in Mati City, Davao Oriental after they were stranded due to a heavy downpour late Monday afternoon, Oct. 25.

STUDENTS and teachers of the Buso National High School in Mati City make themselves comfortable in their classroom after they were stranded due to a heavy downpour on Monday, Oct. 25. (Via Ivy Tejano)

The Mati City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that a bridge collapsed in Barangay Tagbinonga at 5 p.m. due to rain-induced landslide.

Commuters were stranded as a result, the Mati City Information Office (CIO) said.

Dinner was served by the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), Barangay Buso officials, and the Tagbinonga Sangguniang Kabataan to the stranded.

Mattresses and portable tents were given to the teachers and students to make them comfortable.

The city government sent heavy equipment to the area to transport stranded commuters.

The stranded students and teachers to returned home on Tuesday, Oct. 26, at around 10 a.m. after the weather cleared.

75th anniversary of France-PH diplomatic relations highlights French Film Festival

Published October 27, 2022, 12:20 AM

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

French Ambassador Michele Boccoz (left) and Isabelle Huppert

As part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of France-Philippines diplomatic relations, the French Film Festival brings to Manila a fresh selection of French and Filipino films at Greenbelt 3 Cinemas from Oct. 22 to 30. The curated movies are composed of current releases and new ones that came out in the last two years.

Award-winning and accomplished French actress Isabelle Huppert and French actor Lucas Bravo who became popular for his portrayal of Gabriel in the hit Netflix series Emily in Paris engaged moviegoers, fans, and the media in a brief interview about their movies that were screened at the festival. Huppert and Bravo are part of the cast of Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Anthony Fabian.

Isabelle Huppert

About Joan by Laurent Larivière and Promises by Thomas Kruithof are the two most recent films starring Huppert. She is also the main actress in Brillante Mendoza’s Captive.

Filipinos and the French share a passion for moving images. Soon after the Lumière brothers invented cinema, Pathé projectors found their way to the Philippine islands and soon enough Filipinos were making films already. The French Film Festival has been bringing some of the most critically acclaimed and crowd pleasers to the discerning Filipino audience in search of movies that look into social issues, family values, and beautiful scenery that are close to the heart.

Opening the festival, Eiffel by Director Martin Bourboulon recounts the building of the Eiffel Tower inspired by a love story. The selection includes Lost Illusions by Xavier Gianolli, Farewell Mr. Haffmann by Fred Cavayé, set in Paris during World War 2, Notre Dame on Fire by Jean-Jacques Anneaud about the incident that damaged another historical monument in the center of Paris, Him by Guillaume Canet on the life of a music composer, Paris Memories, remembering Paris under terrorist attacks, a sequel to the popular French agent OSS 117: From Africa with Love. Rise by Cédric Klapisch tells an inspiring story about a ballet dancer.

Isabelle Huppert and Lucas Bravo

The French Film Festival is also the event that brings together France and the Philippines, with the screening of Filipino films that have gained recognition by the French audience. Like On the Job by Erik Matti which was shown in the Director’s Fortnight in Cannes. OTJ Missing 8 will be screening also in the festival.

In the height of the pandemic, Director Sigrid Bernardo flew to Paris with actors and crew to shoot Walang Kaparis, produced by Piolo Pascual. While the film is still in post-production, it paves the way toward co-productions between France and the Philippines.

Lucas Bravo

The Film Development Council of the Philippines under the Chairmanship of Tirso Cruz III will strive to work toward the signing of a co-production agreement between France and the Philippines that will open more opportunities for collaboration between filmmakers and more French and Filipino movies in the near future.

Sarah Geronimo in Times Square billboard

by Punch Liwanag

Sarah Geronimo is the latest big name Pinoy pop act to be featured on a New York billboard.  

The “Tala” pop superstar’s recent image was spotted in the giant electronic billboard on Times Square in New York.

Geronimo’s long time label Viva Records, shared photos of Sarah Geronimo’s image towering above the famed New York city spot.

Said billboard is part of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist campaign. A popular playlist on the streaming platform. Said listing spotlights female artists from around the world. The Pinoy version of the playlist’s description reads: ‘Listen to women from the Philippines at full volume.”

Several Pinoy music acts have already been featured on said Billboard, but this is the first time that a Pinoy artist of Sarah Geronimo’s caliber has been featured on the EQUAL billboard.

Sarah Geronimo recently released her much anticipated new single titled “Dati Dati” a fortnight ago. This was the first time the multi-hyphenate released a brand-new song since her 2018 album “This 15 Me” (the title stylized to commemorate her 15 years in the music scene).

Sarah Geronimo is on the EQUAL Philippines playlist on the strength of her disco inspired new single “Dati Dati.”  

Spotify also saw fit to feature Geronimo on the cover of said playlist.  

Fans were delighted to find out that SG dropped a surprise single release last weekend when her version of “The Gift” – a duet with husband Matteo Guidicelli—found its way on digital streaming platforms.  

It is speculated that Sarah Geronimo will release a full-length album soon.

Church must guide PH youth to the ‘right path’ — VP Sara

by Raymund Antonio, MB

Amid temptations of substance abuse, rebellion, and extremism that face today’s Filipino youth, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte on Wednesday, Oct. 26, called on the Church to shape the minds of the youth and guide them toward the “right path” as she vouched for the government’s support.

Vice President Sara Duterte speaks during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila on Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2022. (OVP photo)

The official spoke during the Jesus is Lord Church Pastors’ Congress at Novotel Manila for its 44th anniversary.  

Citing the Church’s “significant role” in shaping the mind and conscience of the community, especially the youth, Duterte underscored how Filipinos all over the world seek the Church when they celebrate milestones and struggle with life’s challenges.

But she particularly urged the Church to guide the Filipino youth and contribute in rebuilding the nation.

“Our youth are vulnerable and easily impressionable and I call upon the Church to help us guide our young Filipinos into the right path. The lures of substance abuse, violent extremism, and rebellion keep pulling away our country’s future. I believe this is where the Church can support nation-building,” the Vice President said.

“Your ministries to the communities have never been more relevant than now when our youth’s mental and psychological health are held hostage by various social media influences and peer and social pressure,” she added, noting also how the isolation brought by the Covid-19 pandemic led to loss of confidence to navigate life.

(Photo from Inday Sara Duterte/Facebook)

“Without professional help and spiritual guidance, some have been driven to self-harm and harm others,” she furthered. 

But aside from the youth, the official also highlighted how the Church must unify the family as society’s basic unit.

“As you come together to reinforce your vision of nation-building, rest assured that we, at the government, are your partners in advocacies and ministries for the Filipino people,” she said, adding that a society guided by a “moral compass” is a shared dream by the Church and government.

“The call to build a strong nation is an open invitation. It is for us all. After all, we speak in universal truths of kindness, compassion, love, joy, and peace for all,” Duterte asserted.

The Vice President, who shared that Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s Jesus is Lord Church is the same age as hers, expressed admiration for the Church’s 44 years of dedication “to spreading the word of God and winning spiritual battles for our nation.”

“Your commitment and sacrifice to reach out, spend time, and minister to these people have truly changed lives one prayer at a time,” she said.