Latest news with #FerdinandR.MarcosJr.
GMA Network
14 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
DTI certifies 4 companies as 1st export-oriented firms under CREATE MORE
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday announced it has certified the first four companies as Export-Oriented Enterprises (EOEs) under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) law. The first four companies awarded with EOE certifications are as follows: Dole Philippines Inc. (Est. 1963): A global leader in tropical fruit exports, Dole cultivates vast plantations across Mindanao and Luzon, supplying fresh and processed pineapples and juices to markets in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company is also expanding into sustainable agriculture and biofuel production. Philsaga Mining Corporation (PMC) (Est. 2001): PMC operates the Coo Gold Mine in Agusan del Sur, extracting over 900,000 metric tons of ore annually. Krystle Exports Philippines, Inc. (Est. 1987): Krystle Exports is a distributor of premium Filipino food and non-food products. It also partners with local manufacturers to deliver high-quality goods to the US, Hong Kong, and the Middle East. Bosch Service Solutions Inc. (Est. 2010): Based in Taguig City, Bosch provides Business Process Outsourcing and customer experience services to global clients, including the Bosch Group. The DTI said its Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) facilitated the ceremonial awarding of EOE certificates to the first four companies. The EOE certification, it said, signifies the implementation rollout of the CREATE MORE Act's VAT-related incentives for exporters. The Trade Department said the certification grants eligible enterprises access to critical tax benefits that reduce operational costs and fuel reinvestment in innovation and expansion. 'This landmark initiative marks more than a policy breakthrough—it signals our readiness to compete, scale, and lead in the global market. By strengthening the ability of our exporters to expand their reach, we are also generating jobs, and driving inclusive economic growth,' said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque. 'This commitment advances President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. vision for a 'Bagong Pilipinas,' as we build a more agile and opportunity-rich environment for Filipino exporters through the strategic incentives of the CREATE MORE Act,' added Roque. The Republic Act No. 12066 or CREATE MORE Act was signed into law on November 8, 2024. Under the law, qualified companies may be certified as EOEs if at least 70% of their annual sales come from export transactions. Once certified, EOEs gain access to VAT zero-rating on local purchases of goods and services, as well as VAT-exempt importation of goods directly used in export activities. These targeted incentives significantly lower the cost of doing business, allowing exporters to scale operations, enhance product quality, and compete more effectively in international markets, according to the DTI. The Trade Department called on eligible exporters to apply for EOE certification and 'fully leverage the performance-based benefits under the CREATE MORE Act.' —Ted Cordero/RF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
DMW celebrates 30 years of honoring OFWs, reaffirms pledge to safeguard rights and opportunities
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) paid tribute to the resilience and dedication of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as it marked the 30th Migrant Workers Day, reaffirming its commitment to enhancing opportunities and protection for OFWs and their families, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive. During the kick-off ceremony, DMW Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia emphasized that the celebration is not only a reflection on the past three decades but also a strong affirmation of the agency's continued promise to serve OFWs more efficiently and compassionately. 'This occasion is both a look back on 30 years of service and a renewed commitment to deliver faster, more heartfelt service to every OFW,' Olalia said. The weeklong celebration, leading up to Migrant Workers Day, features a wide array of activities meant to honor OFWs, recognized as modern-day heroes for their critical contributions to the development of both the Philippines and their host countries. Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Secretary Dante 'Klink' Ang II, the event's guest of honor, highlighted the importance of a collaborative approach in serving overseas Filipinos. He referenced key government efforts such as the Interagency Council Against Trafficking and the Interagency Council on the Rights of Overseas Filipinos as vital to improving safety and services for Filipinos abroad. Ang also acknowledged the bravery of OFWs and introduced Philippine Schools Overseas (PSOs), which serve Filipino communities abroad by promoting diaspora engagement and empowering migrants and their families. The celebration began with the launch of a photo exhibit showcasing 30 years of labor migration milestones, alongside events such as the National Reintegration Network Serbisyo Fair and the Balikbayan Bazaar. Health services, wellness programs, and entertainment activities will be held at the DMW Central Office in Mandaluyong and at all regional and overseas offices throughout the week. Migrant Workers Day, celebrated every June 7 under Republic Act No. 8042, honors the enduring sacrifices and achievements of OFWs. The DMW encourages all OFWs and their families to participate and benefit from the free services and events happening from June 2 to 7.
Filipino Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
President Marcos appoints two new Cabinet officials after performance review
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed two new Cabinet officials following a performance review aimed at improving government services. Engr. Jose Ramon Aliling has been sworn in as the new Secretary of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), replacing Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, who is now the Presidential Adviser for Pasig River Development. Aliling previously served as a DHSUD undersecretary, giving him familiarity with the agency's housing and urban development work. Meanwhile, Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe has been appointed as the new Solicitor General, taking over from Atty. Menardo Guevarra. She is currently the Dean of the UP College of Law and previously served as the CEO of the Pag-IBIG Fund, a housing loan and savings program widely used by Filipinos. The appointments follow President Marcos' directive for all Cabinet members to submit courtesy resignations as part of an overall assessment to improve government efficiency and responsiveness. 'I don't do things for optics. If there is a problem, I like to fix it… expect us to be doing a rigorous performance review, not only at the Cabinet level, but even deeper,' Marcos said during the recent ASEAN Summit in Malaysia. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that while two resignations have been accepted, the President has kept his economic team and retained Bersamin as executive secretary.
GMA Network
27-05-2025
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos: ASEAN watching US-China trade war with concern
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaks during a press conference at the Ritz Carlton Kuala Lumpur after the 46th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, May 27, 2025. (Mark Balmores/ PPA POOL) President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that the member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are concerned with the trade war between the United States and China. Speaking to the Philippine media delegation, Marcos said he had a chance to speak with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits, noting that Beijing does not want any trade war. 'I also had an actually good conversation with the Premier of China. And I asked him, 'Premier, what do you think?'' Marcos said. 'He says, 'Well, we do not want any of this,'' he added. Marcos said ASEAN is concerned because China is the biggest economic driver in the region. 'And, of course, we watch very closely what is happening to the economy in China because it affects all of us,' the President said. Marcos noted that Manila has been trading with Beijing, adding that there had been many Chinese investments in the Philippines. 'So, talagang kung makita mo wala namang – walang –kung matuloy itong regime na unilaterally imposed, talagang babagsak. It has a global effect and it is not going to be a good one,' Marcos said. (So, really if you look at it there is nothing –nothing –if this regime proceeds to being unilaterally imposed, it will truly fall.) Washington is seeking to reduce its $295 billion goods trade deficit with Beijing and to persuade China to renounce what the United States says is a mercantilist economic model and contribute more to global consumption, a shift that would require politically sensitive domestic reforms. Beijing has pushed back against what it sees as external interference. It wants Washington to lower tariffs, clarify what it wants China to buy more of, and treat it as an equal on the world stage. Marcos emphasized this trade war would result in 'shrinkage in economic activity.' 'I hope not. I hope I'm wrong,' Marcos said, noting that they do not know what will happen when the 90-day freeze on the unilateral tariffs runs out. Marcos said the regional bloc would also depend on one another, particularly on trade. 'The structure of world trade is completely different now from what it was before. The conclusion also that we arrived at is that we have to depend more on each other, on ASEAN,' Marcos said. 'ASEAN, malakas naman ang loob namin sa ASEAN member countries. The economies are vibrant. Masigla ang kanilang mga ekonomiya,' he added. ( We're pretty confident with ASEAN member countries… Their economies are lively.) —RF, GMA Integrated News
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Tariff issues will be discussed at the 46th ASEAN Summit
KUALA LUMPUR: Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has revealed that ASEAN leaders will hold discussions on the new tariff schedule imposed by the United States. Speaking at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City before he departed for Malaysia to attend the 46th ASEAN Summit, Marcos Jr. described the tariff issue as a development requiring collective response from the ASEAN member states. 'We have already had informal consultations with the ASEAN Chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and fellow member states. Given the differing trade circumstances across ASEAN, we must find consensus on this issue,' he was quoted as saying in a video posted on the official Facebook page of Radio Television Malacañang (RTVM). RTVM is the official broadcast agency and media arm of the Philippine President. On his participation in the summit, Marcos Jr. said the Philippines remains committed to strengthening ASEAN centrality and regional cooperation, especially amid pressing regional and global challenges such as developments in the South China Sea, the situation in Myanmar, climate change, maritime security and digital transformation. During the summit from May 26 to 27, Marcos Jr. will participate in plenary and retreat sessions, as well as meetings with the ASEAN Business Advisory Council, ASEAN Youth and Parliamentarians. He is also scheduled to attend the 2nd ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit. 'These platforms offer a valuable opportunity to share insights on our increasingly complex economic and geopolitical landscape,' he said. The Philippine leader said he would also promote the development of a common regional framework for ethical and responsible artificial intelligence (AI), aligned with ASEAN values. Bilateral talks with Prime Minister Anwar and other ASEAN leaders are also on his agenda, aimed at reinforcing regional ties and exploring new areas of cooperation. Since assuming office in 2022, Marcos Jr. has actively participated in ASEAN engagements, highlighting the Philippines' commitment to peace, resilience and sustainable development in the region. The Philippines will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2026, following Myanmar's exclusion due to its ongoing political crisis. The 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, which are being held under Malaysia's 2025 chairmanship themed 'Inclusivity and Sustainability', are expected to address a wide range of pressing regional and international issues, with the ongoing crisis in Myanmar remaining a key point of concern for ASEAN member states. This year marks Malaysia's fifth time chairing the regional bloc, having previously held the ASEAN chairmanship in 1977, 1997, 2005, and 2015. In addition to the ASEAN-level meetings, two important inter-regional summits – the 2nd ASEAN-GCC Summit and the ASEAN-GCC-China Summit – will also take place on May 26 and 27, signalling the growing engagement between Southeast Asia and its strategic partners in the Gulf and China.
