Philippine Trade Surplus 2012

The Philippines registered a US$ 8.6 billion balance of payment surplus in the first 11 months of 2012, boosted by the surplus of nearly US$ 2.2 billion for November alone.

By Joann Santiago

Data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Wednesday showed the surplus last November is more than thrice the US$ 604 million surplus in the previous month and way higher than the US$ 364 million same period in 2011.

The surplus from January to November this year is, on the other hand, lower than the US$ 10.3 billion registered same period last year.

It is, however, higher than the revised US$ 6.8 billion surplus target for this year.

"Main drivers for BOP surplus in November were capital inflows, loan proceeds of the national government and investment income of BSP," BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said in a text message to reporters.

Last Nov 9, the Philippine government sold a total of P30.8 billion (US$ 750 million) worth of 10-year Peso Global Bond.

The freshly-issued peso denominated global note fetched a coupon rate of 3.90 percent and were priced at 100 percent, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said.

The third global peso note issuance brings to nearly P229 billion the total amount of Peso Global Bond that the government has issued since September 2010.

It is denominated in peso but is settled in US dollars.

Filipino Christmas

By Lilybeth G. Ison

With barely a week before Christmas day, President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said if only all Filipinos are united, it would make his job easier.

"Well, it makes my job that much easier if we are united in whatever endeavor we have to face. There are problems affecting the world where we cannot be isolated, and we, as a people, we really march forward as one, and then that helps," the President said during the "Bulong Pulungan Forum" held at the Hotel Sofitel, when asked what is his Christmas wish.

He cited the recent passage by Congress of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) bill.

The President said the pros and anti-RH should not treat each other as enemies, but rather "as people united by so many ways, amongst them belong to the same race, it should be addressing the concerns of those who have less in life."

"Let us not treat people who have divergent opinions as the enemy. There are no enemies within the country. Between Filipinos, we shouldn't treat each other as the enemy. This (RH) was not a battle where there are victors and losers. This is a battle where the country can be, especially the women and the children, can be victors. We have to work to ensure that everybody is committed to doing that," he stressed.

"Let us move on… to ensure that all the positive attributes of the bill is what happens," he said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma, meanwhile, called on anti-RH advocates to work with the government to improve the country's economy and in its poverty alleviation programs.

Philippine National Police (PNP) New Director Chief

By Lilybeth G. Ison

President Benigno Aquino III Tuesday challenged the newly appointed chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure a peaceful and orderly elections in 2013.

"Sa pag-upo naman po ni Deputy Director General Alan Purisima bilang bagong Hepe ng PNP, mag-uumpisa ang panibagong yugto ng isa na namang makasaysayang pamumuno sa ating kapulisan," the President said.

He was speaking at the change of command ceremony at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

"Ang hangad natin: magsilbing bantayog ng dangal at integridad ang buong kapulisan, at matagumpay ninyong mapanatili ang kapayapaan at katahimikan, lalo na sa darating na halalan. Ito nga marahil ang unang hamon sa inyong bagong liderato," he said.

He added: "Umaasa ang taumbayan na maitataguyod natin ang kaayusan mula sa kasagsagan ng kampanya hanggang maidaos ang halalan.

"Ito ang layunin ng Secure and Fair Elections (SAFE 2013) na pinamumunuan mismo ni Deputy Director General Purisima.

"Batid nating sa pamamagitan lamang ng malayang pagboto, malalaman ang totoong pasya ng sambayanan."

Aquino said he has known the new PNP chief since 1987 as an officer of the Presidential Security Group during his mother's administration.

He said: "Marami tayong pinagdaanang mga pagsubok. Nandiyan 'yong mga coup ng panahon ng nanay ko. Nandiyan 'yong pareho na tayong nasa serbisyo-publiko, at humaharap at tumutugon sa problema ng bayan.

"Kumbaga nagkakilala na tayo, siguro… buong balahibo natin ay kilalang kilala na sa isa't isa.

"Kaya ganoon nalang ang aking tiwala na hindi tayo ni minsan nagkahiwalay sa pananaw sa kung anong tama dito sa bansa natin, na ngayon na nabigyang ng pagkakataon ay talaga namang maipapatupad na natin 'yong mga pinanaginip natin at inaasam-asam sa ating pong bansa."

At the same time, the President warned policemen involved in corruption and illegal activities, saying jail time awaits delinquent cops.

"Mulat tayong sa kabila ng mga reporma, may mga kabaro pa rin kayong nagbabahid ng mantsa sa inyong ahensya. Hindi po tayo makakapayag na ang mga inaasahang maglingkod sa bayan, ay sila pang pasimuno ng katiwalian," he noted.

The President said: "Sa tuwid na landas, bawal ang mga parak na nagsisiga-sigaan; bawal ang mga unipormadong pulis na nagmamaneho nang walang helmet o lisensya pa; bawal ang mga utak wang-wang na sagabal sa isinusulong nating reporma.

"Kung pulis kang tumatanggap ng suhol upang ipagkanulo ang kalikasan; kung pulis kang nagbubulag-bulagan sa ilegal na pagtotroso; kung pulis kang humihithit ng droga, o nagbebenta pa, o sangkot sa pagnanakaw at pangongotong, bilang na ang mga araw ninyo.

"Malinaw ang atas ko, at hindi optional ang pagsunod sa batas. Oras na magkrus ang landas natin, hindi lang n'yo isu-surrender ang inyong tsapa't uniporme.

"Papalitan pa natin iyan ng t-shirt na kulay orange at may malaking letrang 'P' sa likuran."

Meanwhile, Aquino thanked outgoing PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome, who retired Tuesday, for his invaluable service to all Filipinos and to the country.

"Para kay Nic: Maraming salamat sa pagmamalasakit at pagkukusang pagsilbihan ang atin pong bayan. Mabuhay ka, Nic," he said.

The President conferred on Bartolome the Philippine Legion of honor with the rank of commander.

Bartolome, for his part, said he is retiring with a heavy heart as he could have done more but nevertheless decided to retire early to allow the new PNP chief to prepare in securing the 2013 mid-term polls.

"The whole 15 months may not have been enough to achieve all that I have set out to do. I now stand before you fulfilled and happy with the thought that I have done my best, but with a heart made heavy with the fact that I could have done more," he said.

Bartolome said he opted to retire early to enable the incoming PNP chief "to get his four stars soon and -- with the full authority and the power that go with the rank and position -- immediately get down to work particularly in overseeing the preparations for the coming local and national elections of 2013."

Christmas Holiday in Pasay City, Philippines

The city governments of Pasay and Taguig have stepped up security measures in preparation for possible spike in criminal activities, accidents or disturbances during the Christmas season.

In Pasay, Mayor Antonino "Tony" Calixto ordered new Pasay City Police Chief Sr. Supt. Rodolfo Llorca to increase police visibility in the City's strategic areas to prevent criminals from taking advantage of the approaching Christmas season.

Calixto issued the order to Llorca to ensure that there will be more foot patrols roving in the areas of Pasay–Rotonda, Libertad-Taft, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Mall of Asia, Resorts World Manila, hotels like Marriot Hotel Mania, Hotel Sofitel, Heritage Hotel, Midas Hotel among others where the public, including local and foreign tourists tend to congregate.

"We should secure our balikbayans and tourists arriving at Terminal 1 and 3. There should be round-the clock patrol team in the vicinity of the airports so that the criminals will not prey on them," Calixto said as he also reminded business establishment owners to comply with the Ordinance No. 4532, s. 2011, requiring them to install closed- circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

The mayor reminded Pasay business owners that CCTV cameras are proven measures to deter crimes so all establishments must comply otherwise their business permits may be withheld.

"Policemen should be vigilant during this times especially that we are nearing the holiday season for this is the time that criminals are preying on the public. Let us continue to be vigilant because in these uncertain times, many people are concerned about the threat of rising crime in their communities… With our law enforcement agencies being stretched to their limits, it has never been more important for citizens to work together to prevent crime," Calixto said.

The local chief executive said he had also directed Llorca to coordinate closely with security chiefs of business establishments in the city, including shopping malls as well as other places where people tend to congregate at this time of the year to ensure a crime-free Holiday season.

Aside from being a shopping mecca (Pasay hosts the Mall of Asia, one of the largest shopping malls in the country), Pasay is also a major transportation hub with the presence of bus terminals and the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit stations.

To ensure the security of these transportation hubs, the city government has required the posting of bomb sniffing dogs in all bus terminals and stations within its jurisdiction for the protection and security of all commuters.

Calixto stressed that historically, all types of crimes usually registered an upsurge during the Christmas season.

In Taguig City, upon instruction of Mayor Lani Cayetano, Taguig Police chief, Sr. Supt. Tomas Apolinario Jr., issued instructions to his men to secure crowded areas such as shopping malls, commercial areas, markets, churches, amusement areas, as well as bus and jeepney terminals.

"We will enhance police visibility and install police assistance centers in malls and bus terminals to immediately respond to any call for assistance. We will also do 'target hardening' so that criminals cannot perpetrate their deeds," he added.

Apolinario is confident that the local police can effectively carry out security measures with the continued support of the local government led by Mayor Cayetano.

He noted that based on past incidents, crowded areas are the usual prowling grounds of target of unscrupulous individuals preying on shoppers out to spend their Christmas bonus on gifts and other personal items.

Aside from this, the Taguig police joined hands with the barangay tanod and homeowners' associations to conduct patrols for the protection of the community from robbers, like the notorious "Akyat Bahay" gang.

"Apart from crime-busting, we are also monitoring the flow of traffic, street children, and even Christmas parties where there are alcohol drinks. We will also monitor firecracker stalls, as well as citizens who may fire guns during the New Year celebrations," said Apolinario.

Philippines Wants North Korea to Stop Rocket Launch

By Michaela del Callar

The Philippine government on Monday joined the international community in urging North Korea to abandon its second attempt to launch a rocket carrying a satellite between Dec. 12 and 22 and to abide by United Nations resolutions forbidding it from testing ballistic missile technology.

"We strongly urge North Korea not to proceed with its planned launch and abide by the UN Security Council Resolutions which call for the abandonment of its ballistic missile program in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner," Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez told a press briefing.

Manila has said it would continue to work with international partners to ensure peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula.

The Philippines has been singled out along with Indonesia as among Southeast Asian countries where possible debris from the rocket may fall.

Defying a U.N. moratorium, North Korea, also known by its official name Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), proceeded with its first rocket launch on April, which was a failure.

In the face of worldwide criticisms and fears, the communist nation had defended its rocket launch, saying it was intended for peaceful purposes.

But the United States suspects it's a cover to test a nuclear missile that can reach its nearby military bases in Asia-Pacific, and its allies like South Korea and Japan, two countries in close proximity to the isolated communist nation.

Human Rights Consciousness Week

As the country celebrates Human Rights Consciousness Week from Dec. 4 to 10, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed its commitment towards the promotion and protection of human rights during Monday's flag-raising ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo's canopy area.

Anchored with the theme "My Voice Counts in Ending Impunity: I work for human rights-based governance," Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos Jr., AFP spokesperson, said that this week's event enjoins all government agencies to observe Human Rights Consciousness Week through simple and appropriate activities.

During the week-long celebration, the AFP, through its Human Rights Office (HRO), will be conducting activities to heighten the soldiers' commitment and responsibilities as human rights advocates.

On Tuesday, around 50 soldiers will participate in the Bike Run and Fun Run which will start at the EDSA People Power Monument in White Plains, Quezon City.

On Dec. 6, senior officers holding key positions in the AFP will join the Commission on Human Rights led by Chairperson Loretta Ann Rosales in a roundtable discussion at the La Breza Hotel, Quezon City.

This will be followed by a top-level dialogue between the two parties.

On Dec. 9, the AFP will partake in the HR Music Fest at the Quezon Memorial Circle, with the GHQ Band and GHQ Choral performing together with other Filipino artists.

The AFPHRO will also attend the 2nd International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Summit on Dec. 11.

"The AFP remains firm and unyielding in its commitment as Human Rights advocate as we draw our strength from the desire and conviction that human rights must be adhered, respected and protected –- in order for our country to truly attain a lasting peace and sustainable development," AFPHRO head Brig. Gen. Domingo J. Tutaan Jr. said.

Recently, President and AFP Commander-in-Chief Benigno S. Aquino III signed a directive creating a nine-member inter-agency committee on human rights which include the AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Jessie D. Dellosa as member. This is in time for the celebration of the National Human Rights Consciousness Month amplifying the military's role on the advocacy towards Human Rights protection.

Juan Ponce Enrile's Stand on RH Bill

By Jelly F. Musico

Senator Panfilo Lacson and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile may have contrasting stand on the Reproductive Health (RH) bill but the former strongly believed that the controversial measure is not enough to oust Enrile.

"I have no question on his leadership. He handles well the Senate. Even Senate employees are happy with Senate President Enrile. So, one RH bill is not enough to remove a Senate President like Enrile," Lacson told the media.

Last Sunday, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago warned that Enrile's firm stand against RH bill could lead to a coup.

"I don't think it's reason enough to oust Senate President. I'm against his (Enrile's) stand on RH bill and Sin Tax bill but I would not vote for his ouster. I would support his leadership," Lacson said.

Lacson said anybody who would want to oust Enrile should show first their numbers.

"It's always a question of numbers. If they (are) 13, then remove but if none, then they better salivate instead. RH should not be the basis," Lacson said.

Enrile, meanwhile, remains unfazed by the frequent coup rumors, saying: "I'm at the disposal of my peers."

"As I've said, I have no torrens title over the position of Senate president but at anytime, one like me could lose a seat if your peers do not agree with you and they have the numbers to unseat you," the 88-year-old lawmaker said.

Enrile said that he never imagined that his peers who elected him president late in 2009 would continue to support him in all the issues in the Senate.

VFA Agreement and the Philippines

The House of Representatives Monday passed on third and final reading a joint resolution expanding the coverage of the Legislative Oversight Committee.

This means expansion to monitor and oversee the implementation of the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States to include defense and Status of Forces Agreements with other countries.

House Joint Resolution No. 37 not only expands the coverage of the Legislative Oversight Committee to cover the VFA agreement between the Philippines and the U.S. and also that with the government of Australia.

But this would also task the LOC to oversee and monitor future defense and Status of Forces Agreements with other countries concurred in by the Senate.

The VFA is essentially a framework to promote the common security interests of the Philippines and the United States and to strengthen the bilateral defense partnership under the 1951 RP-US Mutual Defense Treaty concurred with by the Senate on May 27, 1999.

Meanwhile, the Senate, voting 17-1, ratified the RP-Australia Status of Visiting Forces Agreement on July 24, 2012.

Sin Tax Bill Violates General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)?

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago asked on Monday the Senate panel on bicameral conference committee to require the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to comment on her opinion that a Sin Tax bill provision will violate General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT).

Santiago made this appeal to the Senate panel members composed of Senators Franklin Drilon, Panfilo Lacson, Sergio Osmena III, Ralph Recto, Ferdinand 'Bong-bong' Marcos Jr., Pia Cayetano and Senate minority leader Alan Peter Cayetano.

"I humbly but strongly recommend that our Senate panel should require the secretary of DTI to appear before the panel and explain whether my humble opinion, based on DTI experience with the WTO, should be a valid concern of the bicam," Santiago said in her privilege speech.

Santiago was particularly alarmed by the "local content requirement" or LCR that is included in the recently-passed Sin Tax bill.

"I particularly refer to the Senate version, Sec. 145, on Cigars and Cigarettes, stating: "Of the total volume of cigarettes sold in the country, any manufacturer and/or seller of tobacco products must source at least fifteen (15) percent of its Virginia leaf raw materials locally," she said.

She recommended to the Senate panel that the local content requirement or LCR should be reviewed first before the bicam meeting on Wednesday.

"In my humble opinion, the Philippines might be brought before the WTO Dispute Settlement Body, on the ground that it violates GATT 1994 Article 3, which deals with the topic of National Treatment on Internal Taxation and Regulation," Santiago explained.

Santiago said Article 3 provides in paragraphs 1 and 5, as follows:

"1. The contracting parties recognize that internal taxes and other internal charges, and laws, regulations and requirements affecting the internal sale, offering for sale, purchase, transportation, distribution or use of products, and internal quantitative regulations requiring the mixture, processing or use of products in specific amounts or proportions, should not be applied to imported or domestic products so as to afford protection to domestic production."

"5. No contracting party shall establish or maintain any internal quantitative regulation relating to the mixture, processing or use of products in specified amounts or proportions which requires, directly or indirectly, that any specified amount or proportion of any product which is the subject of the regulation must be supplied from domestic sources. Moreover, no contracting party shall like likewise apply internal quantitative regulations in a manner contrary to the principles set forth in paragraph 1."

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Braces for Storm Pablo

Power transmission operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said Monday it is prepared to face the brunt of Typhoon 'Pablo', which is expected to bring strong winds and rains all over the country.

In a statement, the NGCP said it has implemented the necessary preparations and precautions to minimize the impact of Typhoon Pablo on NGCP operations and facilities.

Among the preparations include ensuring the reliability of communications equipment, availability of hardware materials and supplies necessary for the repair of damages to facilities, and the positioning of line crews in strategic areas to facilitate immediate restoration work.

"NGCP's Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) prescribes these and other procedures to ensure the readiness of all power transmission facilities which are expected to be affected by the passage of the typhoon," the statement read.

Meanwhile, NGCP's Overall Disaster Command Center has been tasked to monitor all power restoration activities, reports and updates from the Regional Command Centers in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, whichever is directly affected by the weather disturbance.

Activated to full technical capacity last August, the Overall Disaster Command Center operates 24 hours a day. It is located in Quezon City.

The NGCP will also closely coordinate and communicate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), other government offices, local and national media agencies.