Latest news with #P300
GMA Network
14 hours ago
- Business
- GMA Network
PH debt rises to new record P16.75 trillion as of end-April 2025
The Philippines' sovereign debt has increased to a fresh record-high as of end-April 2025 as the government continued its fundraising efforts to support budgetary requirements, data released by the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed Tuesday. The national government's outstanding debt rose to P16.752 trillion, 0.41% higher than the P16.68-trillion debt stock recorded as of end-March. Despite the uptick, the Treasury said the government "continues to follow a disciplined debt strategy, ensuring that borrowings support productive investments while keeping fiscal sustainability." In an emailed commentary, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the increasing debt pile was consistent with the continued budget deficit in recent months, thereby fundamentally increasing the need for the national government to borrow more to finance the budget deficit. Nevertheless, the BTr said the state's "fiscal deficit has also been steadily narrowing and is on track to drop to about 3.8% by 2028." "With the economy continuing to grow faster compared to its obligations, the country remains firmly on track to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to below 60% by the end of the President's term," the Treasury added. The government's domestic debt amounted to P11.59 trillion during the period, up 1.85% month-on-month due to "the strong demand for government securities, including P300 billion in benchmark bonds." Ricafort also cited the P300-billion 10-year Treasury notes issued in the latter part of April 2025, which was meant to fund the fiscal deficit. The Treasury said the issuance of P300-billion notes "reflects the investors' sustained confidence in the government's fiscal program." "With economic fundamentals remaining sound, the country continues to enjoy strong market access at reasonable rates," it said. "The local currency's appreciation also reduced the peso value of dollar-denominated domestic securities by P3.85 billion," it added. External debt, meanwhile, declined by 2.68% to P5.16 trillion by end-April, "primarily due to the P124.74 billion decrease in the peso value of external debt owing to peso appreciation, combined with net repayments of P58.28 billion." As of end-April 2025, the Treasury said domestic debt continued to account for the majority of the total debt stock at 69.2% while foreign obligations comprised 30.8%. "This is in line with the national government's thrust to reduce exposure to external vulnerabilities," the BTr said. The Treasury, moreover, said the state's debt portfolio "remains resilient" as 91.7% of obligations carry fixed interest rates and 82% are classified as long-term. "This structure helps insulate public finances from abrupt changes in interest rates and the market environment," it said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Tacloban mayor Romualdez seeks transparency in San Juanico Bridge repair project
Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has called for full transparency and expert evaluation on the planned rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, which links the islands of Samar and Leyte in Eastern Visayas. The Tacloban City Council declared a state of emergency on Thursday to expedite the mobilization of resources following the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) recommendation to limit use of the bridge due to safety concerns. 'So, to be quite frank, medyo nalilito rin ako (I am perplexed),' Romualdez said in a video statement. 'I feel the public should be given all the information pertaining to the condition of the bridge,' he added. He urged the national government to disclose the study that determined the bridge's current state and provide details on the extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs. 'This is not the first time,' he said, recalling a previous repair on the bridge 20 years ago that allowed for a six-month preparation period. Romualdez emphasized the need for independent experts to assess the bridge's condition and verify the cost of rehabilitation, which was initially estimated at P800 million but now stands at P7 billion. 'Even if you spend P7 billion, a feasibility study, a project study, and a careful analysis should have been made,' he said. He also warned against using the current crisis to justify the construction of another bridge without going through the right process. A recent assessment by the DPWH raised concerns about the bridge's structural integrity. As part of precautions, the DPWH has temporarily prohibited vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge. Since May 18, pedestrians have been prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they should use coasters and light vehicles for their safety. On Friday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million in monthly economic losses, as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily. 'The abrupt imposition of restrictions has stranded more than 200 vehicles and is projected to result in monthly economic losses ranging from P300 million to P600 million,' the NDRRMC said. Among the affected sectors are food and fuel supply, delivery of healthcare services, commercial distribution, and regional trade. Aside from Tacloban City, Samar Province is under a state of emergency due to the bridge repair project. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
San Juanico Bridge rehab costs P7B, monthly loss at P600M —NDRRMC
Around P7 billion is needed for the repair and rehabilitation of San Juanico Bridge amid concerns on its structural integrity, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said. 'The estimated cost of repair and rehabilitation by the DPWH amounts to P7 billion, and any delay in fund release would further escalate the crisis,' the NDRRMC said in a resolution dated May 25. According to the NDRRMC, the restrictions on San Juanico Bridge could result in up to P600 million monthly economic losses as 14,000 vehicles cross the infrastructure daily. 'The abrupt imposition of restrictions has stranded more than 200 vehicles and is projected to result in monthly economic losses ranging from P300 million and P600 million,' the NDRRMC said. Among the affected sectors are food and fuel supply, delivery of healthcare services, commercial distribution, and regional trade. State of calamity, state of emergency Due to this, the NDRRMC has recommended to President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. to declare a state of calamity in the entire region of Eastern Visayas. Currently, Tacloban City and Samar Province are under a state of emergency. Completed in 1972, San Juanico Bridge is the only permanent land link between the islands of Samar and Leyte. It is a vital artery of the Maharlika Highway that connects Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. A three-ton load limit has been imposed on San Juanico Bridge since May 15 after an assessment showed that there are significant structural compromises to the bridge. Only the middle portion of the bridge is open for motorists. This restriction halted the passage of heavy cargo vehicles, severely disrupting the transport of food, medicine, agricultural products, construction materials, and other essential commodities across the region. Green lane To ease the impact, Office of Civil Defense (OCD) spokesperson Chris Noel Bendijo on Friday said old ports and additional permits for landing craft tanks are being considered to ferry affected trucks. As the upcoming rainy season may limit the number of roll-on/roll-off (RORO) operations, Bendito said the agency is still looking into possible solutions. The OCD is planning to designate a 'green lane' for basic commodities on San Juanico Bridge. There is also a proposal to construct another bridge to have more alternative routes in the affected areas, according to the OCD spokesperson. 'Sa madaling salita po, lahat ng ating posibleng maging solusyon ay tinututukan po ng OCD (In short, all of possible solutions are being studied by the OCD),' Bendito said.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- GMA Network
OCD: San Juanico Bridge emergency repair could reach P500M
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Sunday said the cost of the emergency repair of the San Juanico Bridge in Eastern Visayas could reach P500 million. 'Very rough estimate po ito, wala pang masyadong detalye. Between ?300 to ?500 million kung kinakailangan pang repair (this is a rough estimate and there are no details yet. The repair would need between P300 million to P500 million),' OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno told Super Radyo dzBB. He added the government is studying whether the funds could be acquired from the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management fund since the Department of Public Works and Highways has yet to allocate funds for the planned repair. According to DPWH, the recent assessment raised concerns about San Juanico Bridge's structural integrity. As part of precautions, DPWH temporarily prohibits vehicles weighing more than three tons from crossing the 2.16-kilometer bridge. 'Those traversing the bridge must use the centerline, proceeding ONE AT A TIME, and should follow all on-site traffic directions,' the department said in a social media post. 'This measure is strictly enforced to ensure motorist safety, mitigate risks associated with identified damage, and facilitate essential repair and maintenance work,' it added. Vehicles exceeding the weight limit may use the roll-on/roll-off (RORO) vessels in the following ports: Tacloban Port Calbayog Port Catbalogan Port Biliran Port Ormoc Port Manguinoo Port, Calbayog Samar Hilongos Port Maasin Port Naval Port Palompon Port Calubian Port Villaba Port Blue Alert The Office of Civil Defense - Eastern Visayas and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are on blue alert following the enforcement of the vehicle weight limit. A blue alert status means both agencies are at a heightened preparedness and alertness. 'This alert is issued in anticipation of slow-onset disasters or potential escalation of the situation. It underscores the need for heightened readiness, proactive measures, and strengthened inter-agency coordination to ensure the smooth flow of essential goods and services while mitigating emerging risks and disruptions,' the OCD said in a statement. A San Juanico Task Group has been formed to oversee security, safety, and operational coordination in the area. Meanwhile, the Samar Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Saturday recommended the declaration of a State of Emergency in Samar to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Starting Sunday, May 18, pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the bridge on foot. Instead, they will be using coasters and light vehicles as a safety measure. Built in 1969 and completed in 1973, San Juanico Bridge is the the third longest bridge spanning a body of seawater in the Philippines, connecting the islands of Samar and Leyte. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Datacolor Announces Launch of Next Generation of Precision Portable Spectrophotometers, Spectro P Series
LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J., March 12, 2025 /CNW/ -- Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, announces the launch of the Datacolor Spectro P Series, a next-generation portable spectrophotometer platform engineered for demanding industrial environments where consistent color quality control (QC) is essential. Ensuring consistent color quality in plastic, automotive, textile, paint, and coating applications is challenging due to variations in manufacturing conditions, materials, and processes. The Spectro P Series addresses these challenges by providing highly accurate and repeatable measurements from the lab to the production floor, ensuring consistency across batches. "The new Spectro P Series transforms how our customers manage their most demanding color measurement tasks," said Ahsan Anwar, Global Product Manager, Datacolor. "With its robust reliability, smart portability, and intuitive interface, it delivers precise color results every time." The Spectro P Series debuts with two advanced models, the P200 and P300, designed to set new standards in portable spectrophotometry for precise and consistent color quality control. The P200 delivers dependable performance with a single-aperture design, Bluetooth connectivity, and rugged durability for daily QC tasks. For advanced capabilities, the P300 offers dual-aperture flexibility, UV calibration, gloss assessment, WiFi connectivity, and capturing and storing sample images for enhanced traceability. Both models feature a cutting-edge camera-assisted sample alignment system, ensuring precise positioning for accurate measurements, reliability and ease of use. Light weight and ergonomic design—making it ideal for extended use across production floors and laboratories. Both models also come equipped with an intuitive touchscreen interface, offering a modern and user-friendly experience. Together, the P200 and P300 combine innovative features, reduced weight, and portability to empower industries worldwide with advanced solutions for exceptional color quality control. For more information, visit About DatacolorDatacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, provides software, instruments and services to assure accurate colors of materials, products and images. The world's leading brands, manufacturers and creative professionals have used Datacolor's innovative solutions to consistently achieve the right colors for more than 50 years. The company provides sales, service and support to over 100 countries throughout Europe, the Americas and Asia. Industries served include textile and apparel, paint and coatings, automotive and plastics, as well as photography, design and videography. For more information, visit: View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Datacolor View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
