𝟖.𝟕𝐌 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐧

The full access of interventions for the agricultural sector has always been a part of Governor Tyron Uy's leadership in Davao de Oro.

On March 22, 2022, the Cocolife Multi-Purpose Cooperative (CMPC) in Pantukan officially received 8.7 million pesos worth of machinery and a new facility in support of the cooperatives' production of quality coconut products such as virgin coconut oil, desiccated coconut, and coconut milk. The intervention is also a close support for coconut farmers through marketing local coconut produce as one of the high-valued crops in the market. 

CMPC officially received two (2) units of Hauling Trucks, and one (1) unit Warehouse with Wastewater Management Facility equipped also with other machinery and equipment worth 8.7 million pesos from the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) in the coordination of the province’s Agriculturist’s Office.

Rudy Ang, CMPC Chairman thanked the working team behind the grants given to them which will directly help the production capabilities of the cooperative to supply products not only in the local market but also on an export scale. 

The realization of the intervention for the cooperative is very timely as the demand for coconut products in the market is increasing. Governor Tyron Uy also said that the provincial government continues to foresee interventions for local farmers with positive aftermath.

The ceremonial blessing and turn-over ceremony were attended by Governor Tyron Uy, Deputy Director PRDP Region XI Marila Corpuz, Dr. Ronald Sibayan of PAGRO, Municipal Agriculture Office of Pantukan, and members and officials of CMPC.

The coexistence of green and golden opportunities has brought Davao de Oro to where it is today. Being the second most competitive province in the whole Davao Region, and ranked 11th in the National Competitiveness Index, the province already set an edge among others.

Not only did its unified people give victory in the province for years, but also its rich agricultural lands that were made even stronger with the right interventions and programs from the best leaders. (JA, PAO IPRD, photo by J. Cadiz)

What would you never want to change about the Philippines?

 

Allan Daniel Serrano

Hi! I’m Allan Daniel Serrano, I’m a Filipino with good understanding of our culture, politics, religion, history, geography and everything related to our archipelago and our relationship with neighboring countries and other foreign nations.

My genetic makeup is native Austronesian with a dash of indeginous Papuan of course, plus the bloodlines of the Sangley traders and the Iberian conquerors.

I am nationalistic, but not to the point that I would berate and belittle other countries just to flag my pride, because I’m also globalist. I wouldn’t tolerate any condescending attitude towards my people and my nation.

Thanks for the A2A. The Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,000 islands that is full of color and contrast. It is considered as the “ Pearl of the Orient Seas,” had once been labeled as “. The Sick Man of Asia,” now bouncing its way to be an economic power again. Its people is one of the most hospitable in the world. Here are some of the things that I never wanted to change about the Philippines:

• Our respect towards the elderly.

Filipinos are very courteous when addressing their grandparents and other people of a much matured age. Whenever visiting our grannies, we bow a little and we place their hands on our foreheads as a sign of respect. The said custom is called pagmamano in Filipino.

Aside from this, we are also constantly using the honorary po/opo whenever we talk to them. It is a sign that they are being honored and respected by the youngsters.

Lastly, we are country that strictly adheres to the concept of Filial Piety. We are expected to give back the same love and sacrifices made by our parents to make our lives better. We are expected to take good care of them till their dying breath. That's why a Filipino who is negligent of his/her parents would receive criticisms from the eyes of the public.

• Spirit of Camaraderie (Bayanihan)

In the early times, whenever a house made of nipa and bamboo are going to be transferred from a rural area to the city or pueblo, every neighboring men in the town would help the owner of the house to carry it until they've reached their destination. This practice is called bayanihan. It bonds the community towards a certain aim and goal and it helps local communities to foster trust and understanding on one another.

This practice may have decreased a bit because houses nowadays are primarily made of permanent materials such as stone and brick. Although the spirit of camaraderie can still be seen amongst us. Whenever there is a calamity or emergency of sorts, always expect someone in the community to extend a helping hand on you.

• Our resilience. Filipinos would seem abnormal and weird in the eyes of foreigners, because it is one of the few countries wherein happiness and contentment can be seen in midst of calamity and poverty. For us, life still goes on, no matter how hard it is. It doesn't matter if we only have a piece of dried fish and salted egg in the table, as long as our families are bonded, we are happy and still have the highest hopes in our hearts. A photograph below shows a Filipino couple who still proceeded with their wedding vows in spite of heavy flooding and volcanic eruption. Pictures below also shows children in the slums posing happily. Only in the Philippines:

• Our lush, verdant fields.

I don't like the idea that the entirety of my country will be transformed into a metropolis and laid with asphalt, with erected concrete matchboxes spread across the archipelago. We don't want the entire Philippines to be like this:

I'm happy that God had blessed our land with fertile farmlands and greeneries. I am hoping it will be preserved by the future generations:

Wide open rice fields of Nueva Ecija, the “ Rice Granary of the Philippines”

Lush, golden rice fields of Quezon Province

Coffee plantation of Amadeo, Cavite, our Coffee Capital

Vast, open corn fields of Isabela Province, “ The Corn Capital of the Philippines”

A scenic photograph of Iloilo's sugar plantations, extending to the horizon.

Vast tracks of Banana plantation in Davao Region

Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras, one of the UNESCO heritage sites. This terraces had been curved in the mountainside by our Igorot ancestors, using only their bare hands and very crude tools. If the steps are going to be laid together jointly, it can cover half the surface of our world.

• Lastly, our strong belief in God Almighty:

Filipino Catholic devotees, during the parade of the Black Nazarene

Filipino Evangelicals/Protestants, raising their hands in worship

Chinese Filipinos, lighting incenses inside a Buddhist Temple

Filipina Moslems, gathering in prayer marking the end of Ramadan

Our country had been frequently devastated by natural calamities and troublesome political uprisings. I believe it is our strong dependence in an Almighty that keeps us alive and flourishing in the midst of harsh circumstances.

These are some of the things that I want to be preserved for my country. :)

(C) Quora

Pursuing unity amid our differences

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

“WHOEVER is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Lk 11,23) With these words, Christ tells us clearly where the basis for our unity and equality amid our unavoidable differences and conflicts can be found. Yes, it’s with him, and only with him.

No matter how right we may be in something, no matter how strongly convinced we are that we are in the truth, if we are not with Christ, then we would not know how to deal with others with charity, which in the end is what truly builds up unity and equality among ourselves.

Yes, it’s the charity that St. Paul describes as “patient, is kind. Charity does not envy, does not act wrongly, is not inflated. Charity is not ambitious, does not seek for itself, is not provoked to anger, devises no evil. Charity does not rejoice over iniquity, but rejoices in truth. Charity suffers all, believes all, hopes all, endures all.” (1 Cor 13:4-7)

Yes, it’s the charity that enables us to bear the burdens of each other and thus fulfil the law of Christ. (cfr. Gal 6,2) It’s the charity that is willing to suffer for the others, and can consider as our real treasures here on earth the following conditions: hunger, thirst, heat, cold, pain, dishonor, poverty, loneliness, betrayal, slander, prison…

It’s the charity that considers sacrifice as its way, that welcomes any cross that can come our way, that is detached from passing opinions and views, and willing to suffer for the truth, no matter how unfair that would be. It’s the charity that knows how to love enemies and to be ever merciful and magnanimous, how to be “all things to all men,” (1 Cor 9,22) irrespective of how the others are. 

Our pursuit for unity and equality amid our differences and conflicts can only be achieved if we have this charity that is based on our living union with God as shown in obeying the truths he revealed to us about ourselves and living them with God’s spirit, that is, with charity. Again, truth and charity should always go together for either one to be authentic, not fake or plastic. Otherwise, we would have a flying elephant.

Our problem is that we often get contented only with our own ideas, ideologies, laws and some consensus to achieve this ideal. Do you think these would be enough? Unity and equality among men and women, for example, just cannot be achieved simply with our human means. We can say, “tell it to the Marines,” when one would dare to affirm so. 

Imagine when we have to consider the complexities of pursuing social justice and of respecting and loving each other in our political differences that can become bitter, what with all the bullies and trolls around, the shameless virtue signaling and gaslighting, etc., that people like to use.

Though our human doctrine, ideologies and laws have a role to play, they are nothing if they are not inspired or infused with the living spirit of God, who is the source of all unity and equality. This should be made clear to everyone.

We would just be giving appearances, many times deceptive appearances, of unity and equality, when things are not done in the context of a living relation with God. The Trinitarian nature of God—three persons in one God, equal in dignity and in eternal relation with one another—is the pattern of the unity and equality proper to us.

Binibining Pilipinas queens dance to celebrate International Womens Month

Women's Month: Binibining Pilipinas queens show fitness routine; Samantha Panlilio signs with Viva

Earl D.C. Bracamonte - Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. (BPCI) gathered some of its reigning queens to celebrate International Women's Month at the Araneta City recently. The "Fearless Filipina"-themed event focused on the physical strength of women and the many things they can overcome and accomplish.

"Right now, we are focusing on the pre-pageant application activities. We speak to the new batch of entrants and give them pointers that are useful to their pageant experience. This is part of our 18-month contractual obligations with BPCI.

"I am also busy taking up acting lessons after signing for a five-year contract with Viva Artists Management. Me and my sister queens have been reunited now that things are opening up. I still do the same things to stay fit, like dieting and going to the gym," shared reigning Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Alexandra Panlilio.

The reigning queens - Binibining Pilipinas International Hannah Arnold, Binibining Pilipinas Grand International Samantha Alexandra Panlilio, 1st runner-up Gabrielle Basiano, and 2nd runner-up Meiji Cruz, together with Miss Araneta City 2021 Francesca Taruc - were all in their fitness gear to showcase the physical strength of Filipinas. All five queens joined in a Zumba routine at the Times Square Food Park, to the delight of mid-afternoon diners and pageant fans who were present during the event.

"Events like the International Women's Month breaks the bias against women in general. It shows people how working mothers strike a balance between their workplace and home life. For my part, I am focused on my advocacy with the DOST's 'Invent Science Program' in Philippine high schools. Likewise, I am very involved with my 'Books of Tomorrow" project in Masbate. This was an initiative I started when the pandemic struck. 

"I opened an Instagram page where donors and recipients could interact. The books we receive are sorted out to those who'll receive them. Book donors simply get in touch through our Facebook page. As of now, we have three reading hubs all over Masbate," revealed Binibining Pilipinas International 2021 Hannah Arnold.

The BPCI's relevance, as an organization, lies in more than just the quest for the true Filipina beauty. It is the gateway to many meaningful opportunities to be able to make a difference in the world with its enduring commitment to various humanitarian causes.

"I'm not closing my pageant journey as of yet. I'm aiming for the Grand International title as it is a challenge to win the elusive golden crown. If and when the chance would come my way, I'd simply show what's in my heart and give what the title and the MGI organization wants. One piece of advice I give to would-be entrants is to never compare yourself with others," intimated Binibining Pilipinas 2021 1st runner-up Gabbi Basiano.

Binibining Pilipinas is set to crown a new batch of young and empowered queens - International, Globe, InterContinental, Grand International, and another new title - who will promote beauty and advocacy on the pageant stage.

"Right now, I'm busy with my hosting jobs over at the PTV-4 network. I have a morning show ('Rise & Shine Pilipinas'), a weekend show for the Department of Agriculture, and an LGBTQ program entitled 'Beyond Letters'," intoned Binibining Pilipinas 2021 2nd runner-up Meiji Cruz.

Interested aspirants can now download the 2022 SEARCH IS ON application form from the organization's Web site at https://www.bbpilipinas.com. The deadline for submission of applications is on April 8. Stay tuned! — Video and photo by Jan Milo Severo

𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐮-𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐰 𝐬𝐚 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐬𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐤𝐚𝐧

Sa makausa pa napuno sa naglanog-lanog nga singgit, katawa, ug hudyaka sa libu-libong mga katawhan nga malipayong misaksi sa Walang Iwanan Concert, kalingawan panahon sa kagabhion, nga gidalit atol sa selebrasyon sa kapistahan ni Sr. San Jose nga gisaulog sa San Jose Parish sa Pantukan Marso 19,2022.

Ang Concert, nga naghimong talagsaon ug mas lingaw nga selebrasyon sa Fiesta, malipayong gidalit sa mga Sponsors nga sila Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy, Papa Gov Senior BM Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy, SB Member Mes Catherine Uy Pangay, Former Gov. Atty. Jose Caballero, Mayor Roberto Yugo, SB Member Chino Sarenas, sa Walang Iwanan Production Team, ug mga kauban sa Team Anak ng Pantukan.

Ang Walang Iwanan Concert diha himoa sa Pantukan Sports Complex nga napuno sa libu-libong mga katawhan nga puno sa kalipay ug kasadya nga misaksi sa mga paglingaw nga gidalit nila Dominic Roque, Querobin Llavorie, sa Day Break Band, Rennaizanz PH, ug Garbo All Stars nga kauban ni Papa Gov pagdalit sa nindot niyang awit nga gikahinamang paminawon sa mga katawhan sa lungsod.

“Walang Iwanan sa Kalingawan! Happy fiesta sa tanang Pantukenyos! Amoang pasalamat sa inyuhang pagmahal sukad sauna hangtod karon! Padayon kita sa nasugdang kabag-ohan sa lungsod sa Pantukan!

 Daghang salamat sa tanang niadto ug nitan-aw sa atong simpleng Walang Iwanan Concert! Salamat sa Walang Iwanan production team … for making this possible! Aduna pay daghang atangan sa umaabot nga adlaw!” Matud ni Papa Gov Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy. (Gilbert Magadan Cabahug PAO IPRD DdO, Photos from Chino Sarenas-Anak ng Pantukan/Papa Gov)

Businessmen hail signing of new Public Service Act

by Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin

Local and foreign investors hailed the signing into law of the Public Service Act (PSA) by President Duterte, while Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez revealed at least investment leads of $100 billion over a two-year period as the law opens up to 100 percent foreign ownership of public services in the country and creating more jobs for Filipinos.

Initially, Lopez said the amended PSA is projected to haul in more than $60 billion investments in the telecommunications, transportation, logistics and railways sectors. “This is still understated as other leaders have not indicated investment amount. Can be over $100 billion over two years,“ Lopez added without identifying the investment leads.

From the private sector, the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) applauded the signing of the bill amending the 1936 PSA pointing out that the amendments will match that of Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam’s level of liberalization in these sectors.

“AmCham is confident that its signing, along with other recent investment liberalization bills –the Retail Trade Liberalization Act and the Foreign Investments Act –will significantly help the Philippines compete with its regional neighbors in bringing in investments to the Philippines. It will also be extremely helpful to the long-run recovery of the economy after the pandemic,” American investors said in a statement.

 

The American business chamber, which was incorporated in 1920, vowed to continue to endeavor to contribute to the Philippine economic growth and serves the interests of Philippine and American businesses through the participation of members in promoting its long-term objectives. AmCham represents over 700 member organization’s voice and interests.

Officials of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI – AHK Philippinen), who were invited to witness the signing of the law in Malacanang as well the presentation of the recently enacted Amendments to Foreign Investments Act (Republic Act No. 11647), also lauded the enactment of the amended PSA.

GPCCI President Stefan Schmitz said “The passage of the Amendments of the Public Service Act harmonizes with the recently passed amendments to Retail Trade Liberalization Act and Foreign Investment Act” said “with these laws enacted, we are confident that the country can attract many investors in various sectors and will benefit Filipinos by improving basic services and creating more jobs.”

GPCCI Executive Director Christopher Zimmer said the “game-changing law shall break major economic barriers in the country and will be beneficial for the economic recovery.”

Zimmer said the enactment of RA 11659 seeks to ease or lift restrictions on foreign investments in public services by amending the 85-years-old public service law, distinguish definitions between “public utilities” and “public services”, and repeal provisions that limit foreign participation in certain economic activities.

The amendments will attract global players to help modernize Philippine public services telecommunications, shipping, air carriers, railways, and subways. Increased competition is seen to generate higher quality of service and competitive pricing for consumers.

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) noted of how they and other private sector groups collaborated to support the passage of the PSA amendments.

MAP President Alfredo “Fred” E. Pascual said that along with the recently amended Retail Trade Liberalization Act (RTLA) and the Foreign Investment Act (FIA), the amended PSA provides a legal framework to encourage the inflow of more foreign investments into the country. “The entry of foreign investors will foster strong competition that will benefit the consumers, create more jobs, expand our economy, and boost our recovery from the disruptions caused by COVID-19.A more open Philippine economy will enable us to catch up with our more progressive neighbors in ASEAN,” said Pascual.

In a statement, the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) said the enactment of the Amendments to the Public Service Act is the most game-changing economic legislative reform in 86 years that is pro-consumer, pro-security and pro-growth.

As the Philippine economy emerges from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, FEF said, the enactment of this law will facilitate new opportunities and sustainable growth by fostering competition in the public service sector, attracting much-needed foreign direct investments, and paving the way for better access, quality, and rates of public services.

FEF commended legislators and the government’s economic managers for crafting a law that not only opened the country to FDI and creates a more competitive public sector, but also safeguards the nation from potential national security threats, protects the welfare of small local businesses, and ensures benefits for Filipino businessmen.

“This new law will bring huge benefits for business and individual consumers alike, with the entry of more investors in the telecommunications and transport industries offering a wider choice at different price points. We foresee increased investments in the sectors opened up to a maximum of 100% foreign ownership such as telecommunications, shipping, trains and railways, airports and airlines, toll roads, and transport network vehicles (TNVs),” FEF said.

As new foreign investments enter the country, the amended Public Service Act establishes rules to protect the country from malign intentions that endangers our national security. The provisions on vetting of potential investments in critical infrastructure, and the requirement for an ISO certification for Information Security for telecommunications investors ensures that the Philippines will be less vulnerable to cyber threats and domination of foreign interests.

The amended law likewise protects consumer welfare by increasing the penalties for erring companies engaged in public services. It also provides protection for small operators in the transportation industry by retaining the 60/40 restriction for public utility vehicles such as tricycles and jeepneys. Filipino businessmen likewise benefit, as the law includes a reciprocity provision that may open up business opportunities for them in other countries. Another benefit of the law is the creation of more jobs for Filipinos with the entry of more investments.

Philippines is 2nd happiest country in Southeast Asia

by Alexandria Dennise San Juan, Manila Bulletin

The Philippines is now the second happiest country in Southeast Asia, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report (WHR), Malacañang announced.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the Philippines earned the second spot among Southeast Asian countries in the latest WHR released by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN).

“Ang Pilipinas po sa ngayon ang pangalawan pinaka-masayang bansa o happiest country sa Southeast Asia. Ito ay ayon sa 2022 World Happiness Report ng Sustainable Development Solutions Network (The Philippines is now the second happiest country in Southeast Asia. This is based on the 2022 World Happiness Report of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network),” Andanar said.

In the 10th edition of the WHR published last week, the country also ranked 60th out of 146 countries across the world with a score of 5.904. This is a notch higher than the 61st spot in 2021.

Finland remains the happiest country in the world for the fifth straight year with a score of 7.821 this 2022. Meanwhile, Afghanistan is at the bottom of the rankings with a score of 2.404.

In the Southeast Asian region, Singapore topped the list with a score of 6.480 and ranked 27th worldwide. Other Southeast Asian countries included in the rankings are Thailand (61st), Malaysia (70th), Vietnam (77th), Indonesia (87th), Laos (95th) Cambodia (114th), and Myanmar (126th).

Based on the WHR website, the report measures happiness “based on life evaluations as the more stable measure of the quality of people’s lives.” The happiness of each country can also be explained through different factors such as gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

“Overall levels of life evaluations have been fairly stable during two years of Covid-19, matched by modest changes in the global rankings,” the report read.

“Among the six variables used to explain these levels, there has been general growth in real GDP per capita and healthy life expectancy, generally declining perceptions of corruption and freedom, declining generosity (until 2020), and fairly constant overall levels of social support,” it added.

The 2022 WHR also showed that positive emotions have generally been twice as prevalent as negative ones—a gap that has been narrowing over the past ten years.

“The COVID-19 pandemic starting in 2020 has led to a 2021 pandemic of benevolence with equally global spread. All must hope that the pandemic of benevolence will live far beyond COVID-19. If sustainable, this outpouring of kindness provides grounds for hope and optimism in a world needing more of both,” it added.

Wetter in Bayern: Frühlingshaft mild, „Sonne von früh bis spät“

 

„Sonne von früh bis spät“: Wetterprognose für Bayern lässt Biergarten-Fans jubeln

Erstellt: 22.03.2022Aktualisiert: 22.03.2022, 05:28 Uhr

Von: Katarina Amtmann

Ist der Frühling endlich da? Der Wochenstart ist in Bayern vielversprechend. Die Wetterprognose für den Rest der Woche kann sich sehen lassen. Alle News im Ticker.

Wetter* in Bayern: DWD verspricht „Sonne von früh bis spät“.

Meteorologe Jung: Hoch* Peter hat möglicherweise viel Ausdauer.

Dieser Wetter-Ticker für Bayern wird regelmäßig aktualisiert.

München – Die Sonne strahlt aktuell vielerorts vom bayerischen Himmel – auch die nächsten Tage versprechen viel Sonnenschein und hohe Temperaturen. Aber der Reihe nach. „Heute Mittag und auch im weiteren Tagesverlauf meist ungehinderter Sonnenschein“, heißt es in der Vorhersage des Deutschen Wetterdienstes (DWD) für den Start in die Woche. Nur vereinzelt gebe es dünne hohe Schleierwolken, an den Alpen später ein paar lockere Quellwolken. Örtlich zehn Grad in der nördlichen Oberpfalz, westlich des Spessarts bis zu 17 Grad. Es weht schwacher bis mäßiger Wind.*

Auch am Dienstag wird es „frühlingshaft mild“. Die Temperaturen in Bayern erreichen zwischen 13 und 18 Grad. Auch am Mittwoch sagt der DWD „Sonne von früh bis spät“ voraus, die Temperaturen können im Freistaat dann sogar auf bis zu 20 Grad klettern. Am Donnerstag sind sogar bis zu 21 Grad möglich. Es wird also offenbar eine gute Woche für jeden, der gerne bei einer Mass und Brotzeit im Biergarten sitzt.

Duterte signs law allowing full foreign ownership of key sectors like telcos

By Philstar.com

March 21, 2022 | 6:34pm

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday signed into law the Public Service Act, which would ease restrictions on foreign investments in key industries.

The law amended the 85-year-old Commonwealth Act 146, known as the Public Service Act. The changes would open industries that foreigners were once limited to own or invest in — such as telecommunications, airlines, and railways — to full foreign ownership since they would be excluded from the definition of "public utility."

There are still some sectors that are restricted to full foreign equity such as public utility vehicles, power, water, seaports and petroleum pipelines. Under the 1987 Constitution, only corporations that are at least 60% owned by Filipinos shall be given “the franchise, certificate and authorization” to operate as a public utility.

As it is, the enactment of Public Service Act is Duterte’s latest attempt to open up the economy even more to foreign businessmen. Last January, he signed into law a bill amending the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000. That new law trims the required capital for foreign retailers to P25 million from $2.5 million (at least P125 million) previously to entice global brands to open their shops here.

By easing the country’s protectionist policies, the Duterte administration is hoping that the Philippines can now corner more job-generating foreign capital for Filipinos. In Southeast Asia, several reports show the Philippines has been lagging in terms of attracting foreign direct investments, with the coronavirus onslaught further tarnishing the country’s appeal to investors.

Beyond job creation, some experts said allowing more foreign participation in important industries would encourage competition, which could benefit consumers through affordable prices.

But some watchers said the longstanding issues of corruption, cronyism and red tape in the country will still deter foreign investments since it continues to delay permits, disqualify competition, and raise capital costs to do business in the country.

Ana Jalandoni deletes photos of boyfriend Kit Thompson

by Robert Requintina, Manila Bulletin

One of the last photos of Kit Thompson and Ana Jalandoni together that was posted on social media. This picture has been deleted.

Actress Ana Jalandoni is done with her boyfriend Kit Thompson – at least on social media.

This after Ana deleted the photos of her boyfriend on Instagram.

As of March 21, not one photo of Kit could be seen on Ana’s social media account. Kit has apparently done the same with their photos together on Instagram.

On Facebook March 18, Ana said that she will soon issue a statement about what happened to her in Tagaytay City on March 17.

She wrote:

“When you love someone, you will never ever harm them.

“Minahal mo ba talaga?

“This is me saying, you all should be careful out there. I can’t reply to all of you right now, but thank you for checking up on me.

“I will release a statement soon.”

On March 18, police confirmed they rescued Jalandoni at a hotel in Tagaytay City.

Police arrested actor Kit who allegedly detained and injured his girlfriend.

Cornerstone Entertainment has also released an official statement on the alleged involvement of Kit on the controversy. Kit is a talent of Cornerstone Entertainment.

Kit was temporarily released on bail following an altercation with Ana.