The conflict between Israel and Hamas militant group, which resulted in a huge number of deaths from both sides, had claimed the lives of three other Filipino caregivers. Courtesy: PCO
PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed deep concern on Friday regarding the rising number of victims and on the people’s safety, as well as the human toll of the Israel-Hamas conflict, hoping that all parties will exert utmost efforts for de-escalation and cessation of hostilities.
“The Philippines is deeply concerned about the rising number of victims and the safety of all persons, as well as the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Israel and in Gaza,” President Marcos said during his intervention in the first ASEAN-GCC Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“We hope that all parties will exert their utmost efforts to de-escalate the situation, stop all violence, and engage in dialogue and diplomacy.”
The President made the call after the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said another female Filipino caregiver was confirmed to have died in Israel most probably during the Oct. 7-assault by Hamas militants in southern Israel.
The victim, whose name was withheld, becomes the fourth Filipino casualty in the ongoing violence in the Middle Eastern country.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas militant group, which resulted in a huge number of deaths from both sides, had claimed the lives of three other Filipino caregivers.
Being the major sea gates and vital corridors of the world’s commerce and communications, the President said the two regional groupings must “work together to promote peace, security, and stability in both our regions, the South China Sea, and the Arabian Sea.”
Those initiatives must be grounded, however, on the rules-based international order to ensure stability and prosperity of the countries involved and the rest of the world.
“Peace and stability are indispensable to ensuring continued prosperity in our respective regions and of the world,” he said.
The President arrived on Thursday in Saudi Arabia to attend the ASEAN-GCC Summit to attract foreign investors, conduct bilateral meetings, and meet with the Filipino community in the Kingdom.
omualdez expects more Saudi investments to pour into PH
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today expressed optimism of more Saudi Arabia investments pouring into the Philippines on top of deals worth over US $4.26 billion between Saudi and Filipino firms forged during the visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to the Middle Eastern kingdom.
According to Romualdez, the expected additional investments would create more jobs for Filipinos and spur development.
The agreements expected to benefit more than 15,000 Filipino workers were signed during the President’s roundtable meeting with top Saudi business leaders at the St. Regis Hotel in Riyadh Thursday afternoon (Saudi time), held on the sidelines of the 2023 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.
“Our distinguished friends from Saudi Arabia expressed a strong interest in exploring various investment opportunities in our country. Their willingness to consider the Philippines as a destination for their investments speaks volumes about the potential and attractiveness of our nation as an investment hub,” Romualdez said.
“I believe that the strategic partnership that is emerging from this meeting will open doors to new ventures, create job opportunities for our people, and further enhance our economic growth,” added Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
He noted that no less than Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investments Khalid A. Al-Falih told Pres. Marcos, Jr. during the meeting that leading businesses in the Kingdom are interested in various investment opportunities in the Philippines.
Among others, Al-Falih said KSA business leaders want to learn more about the newly launched Maharlika Investment Fund, as well as potential investments in the fields of energy and chemicals, industry and logistics, tourism, real estate, labor, agriculture.
Al-Falih said there are many opportunities to deepen the partnership between Saudi Arabia and the Philippines, noting the KSA is planning to invest more than US $133 billion by the end of this decade in aviation, railways, ports, maritime services, and logistics hub, among others.
Citing the “considerable strength and much-unused potential” of the Philippines in agriculture, Al-Falih said Saudi champions in the sector would “love to invest in the Philippines to improve the yield your agriculture sector, food processing and manufacturing logistics and the import potential of that sector.”
The Saudi Minister added that aside from a fast-growing economy, the Philippines offers the
“unique strength and comparative advantage of Filipino talent, renowned around the world for their work ethic, English-speaking, well-skilled, tech-savvy and service-oriented.”
Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives, noted that the administration of President Marcos is committed to creating a business-friendly environment, streamlining regulatory processes, and ensuring the protection of investors’ rights.
“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, I am confident that our legislative body will work closely with the Executive branch to implement policies and enact laws that will support and facilitate these investments,” said Romualdez.
In his keynote address during the roundtable meeting, Pres. Marcos cited the sustained growth momentum of the Philippine economy which posted a 7.6% gross domestic product in 2022, the fastest rate of growth recorded by the Philippines since 1976.
The President also noted that the financial and banking sectors in the Philippines are healthy and robust and that our country’s credit rating continues to receive stable and positive investment grades.
Likewise, he pointed out that the Philippines has initiated important legislative amendments to existing laws to further open the economy to foreign investments.
These measures include the Foreign Investments Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Public Services Act, and the Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which aim to attract more foreign investments in important sectors such as telecommunications, port operations, transportation, and clean energy.
He also told Saudi business leaders that foreign investors are able to enjoy fiscal incentives in the Philippines made available through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act.
Among the key Saudi firms represented in the roundtable meeting was KSA’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), the 6th largest sovereign wealth fund (SWF) in the world, with assets worth US $607.42 billion.
Currently, PIF owns 71 companies in 10 different sectors and has created more than 500,00 direct and indirect jobs.
Likewise represented during the meeting were the Saudi Arabian Oil Group (ARAMCO), one of the world’s largest integrated energy and chemicals companies; National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia (Bahri); Saudi Agricultural and Livestock Investment Co. (SALIC), as well as the Alrajhi Bank and Saudi National Bank (Al Ahli).
Pinay caregiver sa Jordan pinatay, isinilid sa diesel tank; minor na suspect arestado
Ni Jet D. Antolin
WALONG taon nagtrabaho sa Jordan bilang caregiver ang 34-anyos na Pinay nang bawian ng buhay sa kamay ng menor de edad na anak ng co-worker ng biktima.
Karumal-dumal ang sinapit ng biktimang si Mary Grace Santos, single mom at may dalawang anak na nasa Pampanga.
Ayon sa report ng pulisya sa Jordan, ni-rape ang biktima, pinahirapan nang matindi at pinatay sa sakal saka isinilid sa diesel tank na nasa basement ng bahay ng amo.
Arestado naman ang Egyptian suspect na menor de edad at dahil bata pa ito, mananatili ito sa bilibid ng dalawa pang taon bago ipatupad ang parusang bitay.
Pumasok ang suspect sa bahay ng mga biktima at sinabing karelyebo siya ng tatay na hardinero. Hindi umano makapapasok dahil may sakit. Sinabi rin ng mga kakilala ng biktima na matagal nang may gusto ang suspect sa biktima.
Unang iniulat na nawawala si Mary Grace noong Oktubre 11.
Matapos ang isang araw, sa paghahanap ng mga awtoridad, bumulaga sa kanila ang bangkay ng biktima na isiniksik sa diesel tank.
“Anak daw po ng hardinero ng boss ng ate ko. Kaya nandun po siya, hindi daw po pumasok ang tatay niya kaya siya daw po ang substitute,” sabi ng kapatid ng biktima na si Veronica Santos.
Sinabi ni Veronica na sinikap ng kanyang kapatid na makapagtrabaho sa malayong lugar dahil sa panganay na anak na may congenital heart disease.
Ina labis ang hinagpis
Hindi naman matanggap ng ina ng biktima na si Marissa ang sinapit ng kanyang anak.
“Sa TV ko lang napapanood ang mga ganyang balita. Hindi ko akalaing mangyayari ito sa amin,” hinapig ni Marissa.
Yakap ang picture frame ni Mary Grace, umaasa sila na sa susunod na linggo ay muli nilang makakapiling ang anak dahil uuwi ito sa bansa para magbakasyon. Tatlong taon na ang nakalipas nang huli nilang makasama si Mary Grace.
“Hindi namin akalain na sa pag-uwi ni Mary Grace ay nakakahon na ito at hindi na namin muling makakasama pa,” ayon pa kay Marissa.
Nang malaman na arestado na ang menor de edad na suspect, sinabi ni Marissa na hindi sapat ang kulong lang at kung maaaring 10 beses itong bitayin ay gawin ito.
“Kung maaari lang na ako mismo ang papatay sa kanya, gagawin ko. Sobra-sobrang hinagpis ang nararamdaman ko ngayon,” ayon pa kay Marissa.
Tulong ng gobyerno
Nangako naman ng tulong ang OWWA sa pamilya Santos. Binigyan ng scholarship grant ang mga anak ng biktima gayundin ang pagtulong sa may sakit na anak ni Mary Grace.
“Ang kapitolyo [ay] meron pong mga plano para tulungan sila, not only for this moment of grief. Meron pa po yan sa mga bata… yung dalawang batang nag-aaral pa,” sabi naman ni Pampanga PESO (Public Employment Service Office) Manager Luningning Verger.
Sinabi ng OWWA na nakatakdang dumating sa bansa ang mga labi ni Mary Grace, bukas, Sabado, Oktubre 21.
Supposed “whistleblower” Jeffrey Tumbado on Friday reaffirmed his previously recanted corruption allegations against suspended Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chair Teofilo Guadiz.
“Kung ano man ang naging pahayag ko sa presscon sa UP Hotel noon, ay totoo at patuloy na titindigan ko na maraming sangkot na personalidad at opisyal sa mga katiwalian sa LTFRB, dahil ako mismo ang saksi,” said former LTFRB executive assistant Jeffrey Tumbado in a new statement.
Tumbado was referring to a press conference he appeared in on October 9, where he had exposed corruption within LTFRB involving route modifications, prioritization of franchise papers, and special permits.
According to Tumbado, each illegal transaction costs P5 million, and the deal was paid in two installments.
In his exposé, Tumbado claimed he and Guadiz first started having discussions on how they could “benefit” from the “lagayan (bribe) scheme” as early as March.
He then recanted these allegations just a few days later.
Just recently, on Thursday, October 18, in a sworn statement before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), he had stood by his withdrawal of allegations against Guadiz.
“Gaya ng aking unang ipinahayag sa presscon [on October 9], wala pong nanghihingi ng pera, kundi may naglalagay na mga stakeholders para mapabilis ang usad o proseso ng kanilang papel,” said Tumbado in recent statement.
(As I first stated in the press conference [on October 19], no one asks for money, but some stakeholders engage in bribery to speed up the progress or processing of their paper.)
“Kung walang maglalagay, walang negosasyon kung magkano ang pagkakasunduan,” he added.
(If no one gets involved in bribes, there will be no negotiation on how much is agreed upon.)
Tumbado bared he recanted his allegations after he was pressured by different people, including his own family and supporters of Guadiz.
He also reiterated Guadiz himself contacted him days after he revealed the corrupt practices within the LTFRB.
He claimed the LTFRB chair begged him to restore his reputation and career.
Furthermore, Tumbado said he also feared for his family’s safety.
“Marami ang nagsasabi na mali ang ginawa kong paglantad para i-expose ang mga katiwalian sa ahensya, pero sino ang maglalakas loob na magsumbong sa taong bayan?” asked Tumbado.
He then resolved that he would face Congress in an investigation.
“Humihingi ako ng inyong lubos na pang unawa sa aking kinakaharap na sitwasyon at paumanhin na rin kung minsan ay nagdudulot sa inyo ng kalituhan ang aking ibinabahaging pahayag,” Tumbado pleaded.
LTFRB extends special permits validity from October 30 to November 3, 2023
THE Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has expanded the validity of special permits it will issue for public utility bus (PUB) units in a bid to serve anticipated commuter demand during the All-Souls and All Saints’ Day holidays as well as the upcoming Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
In an advisory on Friday, the LTFRB said the validity of the special permits will be from October 20 until November 6, 2023.
This is pursuant to Board Resolution No. 065, Series of 2023, which amended the validity of special permits to be issued for PUBs from the original October 30 to November 3, 2023.
A special permit is given to any holder of Certificate of Public Convenience who requested to make trips outside of their authorized route.
The issuance of special permits, the LTFRB said, was amid the upcoming BSKE on October 30, 2023 and the observation of the All-Souls’ and All Saints’ days on November 1 and 2, 2023.
“Sa pamamagitan ng pinalawig na bisa ng special permit, mas matutugunan na ang kakulangan sa mga pampublikong sasakyan sa mga nasabing araw kung kailan tiyak na dagsa ang mga komyuter,” the agency said.
The LTFRB said around 767 units applied for special permits, subject for approval of the Board.
The agency set the deadline for applications for special permits on October 6, 2023.
Second batch of returning OFWs from Israel arrives in Manila
THE second batch of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Israel has arrived in Manila on Friday afternoon, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said.
Eighteen OFWs, which consist of 14 caregivers and four hotel workers, arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 3:55 p.m., following the escalating conflict between the Israel Defense Forces and militant group Hamas.
They were welcomed by DMW Undersecretary Maria Anthonette Velasco Allones and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega.
Eighteen OFW returnees from Israel receive immediate assistance from various government agencies, including financial assistance worth P100,000 from the DMW and OWWA; P20,000 livelihood assistance from the DSWD; skills training vouchers from TESDA, and psychosocial evaluation and assessment services from the DOH and the DSWD.
The whole-of-government approach of providing immediate assistance to the OFW returnees is a major directive of the President to aid the OFWs affected by the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict.
The first batch of Filipino repatriates from Israel, including a month-old infant, arrived in the country on Oct. 18.
The DMW said the government will provide repatriates with financial assistance as well as other forms of support, such as psycho-social
Meanwhile, the bloody war between Israel and Hamas has so far led to the death of four Filipinos.
Pinoys in Egypt cautioned on joining mass rally denouncing Israel for hospital blast
THE Philippine Embassy in Egypt cautioned Filipinos on participating in any protests following the mass demonstration of Egyptians denouncing the bombing of a hospital in Gaza Strip.
At least 500 civilians were reportedly killed in the incident.
“The Philippine Embassy in Cairo advises everyone to exercise caution, keep away from mass congregations, and stay home unless necessary,” it said.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are a total of 1,990 Filipinos in Egypt.
Egyptians took to the streets to express their anger over the bombing of the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, which left hundreds of Palestinians dead.
Napoles sentenced to 64 years in prison for other graft cases
BUSINESSWOMAN Janet Lim Napoles has been sentenced to at least 64 years in prison by the Sandiganbayan after finding her guilty of four counts each of graft and malversation of public funds.
The case was in connection with the illegal disbursement of at least P20 million from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel, of former South Cotabato Representative Arthur Pingoy.
In a 57-page decision promulgated by the Special Second Division, which garnered a 3-2 vote, Napoles was sentenced to at least 40 years in prison for her four malversation of public funds conviction and some 24 years for her conviction on four counts of graft.
The same decision cleared all her co-accused public officials in all cases, except for the P2.9-million malversation case involving Pingoy’s PDAF under case number SB-16-CRM-0261.
In the said case, Napoles was convicted of malversation alongside former state-run National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) officials Rhodora Mendoza, Victor Cacal and Maria Ninez Guañizo.
Napoles and each of the NABCOR officials were sentenced to spend 10 to 16 years in prison and pay the government P2.9 million or the amount malversed for their conviction.
Aside from jail time, the Sandiganbayan division also ordered Napoles to pay the government at least P41 million, which is the amount of the public funds misused as a result of her criminal charges conviction.
The anti-graft court also noted that there is no evidence that Pingoy was involved in the scheme.
“There is no sufficient evidence that Pingoy received kickbacks from Napoles through [former Energy Regulatory Commission chairperson Zenaida] Ducut. Even prosecution witness [and former JLN Corporation Finance Officer Benhur] Luy admitted that he has never seen Pingoy, nor directly deliver to him any amount of money as kickbacks,” the Sandiganbayan said.
Pagasa announces onset of Amihan season
THE onset of the northeast monsoon or amihan has been announced by the state weather bureau Pagasa on Friday.
Pagasamade the declaration after it observed strong northeasterly winds over Northern Luzon due to the strengthening of the high-pressure system over Siberia, the gradual cooling of the surface air temperature over the northeastern part of Luzon, and the increasing mean sea level pressure in recent days.
”These meteorological patterns indicate the onset of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) season in the country,” it said.
”With these developments, the northeasterly wind flow is expected to become more dominant in the country, bringing cold and dry air. An episode of wind and cold temperature surges may also be expected in the coming months,” Pagasa said.
Pagasa added that there is an increased likelihood of below-normal rainfall or drier-than-usual conditions in some parts of the country due to the El Niño phenomenon.
“This may adversely affect the different climate-sensitive sectors such as water resources, agriculture, energy, health, public safety, and other key sectors in the country,” the statement read.
Rep Barbers leads burning of P6B worth of illegal drugs in Cavite
SURIGAO del Norte Representative and Chairman of the House Committee on Dangerous Drugs Robert Ace Barbers extended his warm congratulations to the law enforcement officers and personnel of the PDEA, NBI, PNP and the Customs Bureau for the apprehension and arrests of suspects in the continuing fight against illegal drugs and the confiscation of more than four tons of the prohibited drugs worth P6 billion in the present administration.
In this morning’s destruction conducted by the PDEA in Trece Martires City where more than a ton of illegal drugs worth P6 billion were burned, Barbers together with Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Dong Gonzales, Rep. Dan Fernandez and Rep. Patrol Bustos, expressed gratitude and urged the agencies to continue their vigilance in this fight.
The House contingent also commended them for the bloodless conduct of the continuing drug war.
Barbers however reminded them to make sure that cases filed should result in convictions and not dismissals.
“All our efforts will be in vain if the cases filed in court will result in dismissals and the suspects set free due to some technicality or bungling. We have to make sure that our cases are air-tight so that the culprits are put behind bars for good thus ensuring a safer society and saving our youth and all citizens from this menace,” Barbers said.
He assured the law enforcement agencies of the full support of Congress, through funding as well as legislations to guarantee the success of the drug war.
Barbers urged the Barangay electoral candidates to make part of their program and commitment the fight against illegal drugs.
Teodoro tells all defense, military personnel to refrain from using AI photo apps
THE Department of National Defense (DND) has warned all defense and military personnel from using so-called artificial intelligence (AI) photo or image generators, citing their inherent security risks.
“The online trending digital application that uses AI which requires its users to submit at least 10 photos to generate an enhanced portrait, poses significant privacy and security risks,” read the DND memorandum dated October 14 and signed by Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr.
It added that this application compiles users’ data and creates a “digital person that mimics how a real individual speaks and moves.” While harmless and even amusing on the surface, Teodoro noted that these AI-powered applications can be maliciously used to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social engineering, phishing attacks, and other malicious activities.
“All DND and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) personnel are directed to refrain from using AI photo generator applications, and practice vigilance in sharing information online. Ensure that your actions are aligned to the Department’s values and are in adherence to existing policies,” the DND chief added.
Israeli man wanted for VAWC arrested by BI agents
IMMIGRATION officers intercepted an Israeli man wanted for a local case in the Philippines.
In a report to BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, BI Tourist Visa Section (TVS) Chief Raymond Remigio identified the suspect as Amir Tesler, 49.
Tesler was intercepted afternoon of October 18 after attempting to extend his visa at the BI’s head office in Intramuros, Manila. He arrived last August and attempted to extend his 59-day stay in the country.
His application was processed by Immigration Officer Philip Reyes, who noticed that Tesler has an active derogatory record. Further verification with authorities reveals that Tesler is the subject of a standing warrant of arrest for Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC).
The warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court, National Capital Region Branch 109 in Pasay City last September 2021.
Tansingco praised the vigilance of the personnel involved in the successful interception. He emphasized that the BI maintains a strong collaborative relationship with local law enforcement agencies to detect and apprehend individuals who may have pending legal matters in the Philippines.
Tesler was turned over to the Philippine National Police, who implemented the arrest warrant.
Still no sightings of missing Ms Grand PH candidate but search continues
A MISSING beauty queen who represented Batangas in the Miss Grand Philippines competition in July 2023 is still being sought after by local authorities of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine National Police (PNP) in Batangas.
On October 18, 2023, members of the PNP Tuy, Batangas visited the Coast Guard Sub-Station Batangas City to coordinate the search for Catherine Manguera Camilon, a 26-year-old Tuy resident who works as a public school teacher.
Camilon has been missing since October 12 after asking permission of her mother to visit a media company.
According to her family’s statement, Ms. Camilon was traveling in a private vehicle with the license plate NEI 2290, a metallic gray Nissan Juke SUV, and was scheduled to meet someone in Bauan, Batangas.
To confirm the victim and the vehicle involved in the event, the Coast Guard conducted a retracing of the passenger and coasting manifest of all vessels leaving the Port of Batangas since 12 October 2023, up until this point.
The victim and the venue were not located once the manifest was verified.
Additionally, CGSS Batangas City will keep an eye out for any potential entry of the reported vehicle into the Batangas Port.
The Commander of Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog, CG Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla urges the public to promptly alert authorities and coordinate efforts to locate the missing person to enhance the chances of its successful resolution.
[Photo courtesy of Coast Guard Station Batangas]
Saudi Arabia business leaders express warm response to Maharlika Fund
BUSINESS leaders in Saudi Arabia expressed their warm response to the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) on Thursday as they signified their intention to learn on the success stories of the Philippines in terms of its finances.
In his opening remarks during the roundtable with the business leaders, Saudi Ministry of Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said that Saudi investors are eager to learn from the Philippines’ finances being one of ASEAN’s most exciting markets.
Al-Falih added that Saudi’s business communities are particularly interested about the MIF.
“We want to connect you to key Saudi investors with impressive success stories to share and with the desire to continue building with international presence by investing with partners across the globe, the Philippines being a key one,” Al-Falih said.
“I am pleased that we are joined today by leaders and the sector from Saudi Arabia who are eager to learn more about the investment, opportunities and one of ASEAN’s most exciting markets and learn more about the newly-launched Maharlika Investment Fund that you have launched under your administration,” he added.
Al-Falih also lauded the Philippines for its efforts to make the country a cashless society by 2030 and for mobile finances as he emphasized that the Saudi government can impart knowledge to their “highly successful banking sector.”
During the roundtable discussion, Mulhan Albakree, Executive General Manager of Public Investment Fund of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expressed his interest in the Maharlika Investment Fund.
Bandar Al Hamali, the CEO of Jada, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest investment companies, also expressed interest in the MIF.
For his part, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged Saudi businessmen to take the opportunity and invest in the MIF for infrastructure projects as he looks forward to benefit not only from Saudi’s investments but also to learn from its extensive experience in financial management.
“At the forefront of these opportunities is the recently launched Maharlika Investment Fund, the Philippines’ first-ever sovereign investment fund designed to drive long-term economic development through increased investments in high-impact sectors,” the President said.
“We look forward to benefiting not just from Saudi investments, but also from the Kingdom’s extensive experience in managing such funds,” he added.
President Marcos is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to attend the ASEAN-GCC Summit.
OFWs warned not to entertain strangers offering high-paying jobs as call center agents
THE Bureau of Immigration on Wednesday warned overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) not to entertain strangers offering high-paying overseas jobs as call center agents, as this was likely another recruitment scam.
In a statement, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the recruiters would only “make your lives miserable at the expense of your families who depend on you for financial support.”
He issued the warning in response to reports about a female OFW recently repatriated from Laos where she worked in a “love scam” of a cybercrime syndicate without getting paid.
The unidentified OFW had been working in Bahrain as a legitimate domestic household worker for one year and eight months when she was approached by a stranger who offered her a job as a call center agent in Thailand for a P50,000 monthly pay.
The offer was made during the victim’s layover on a return flight to Manila at the Dubai airport.
“Lured by the promise of a high paying job, the victim accepted the stranger’s offer and joined the latter in flying to Bangkok instead of going home to the Philippines,” Tansingco said.
But upon arriving in the Thai capital, she was taken to Chiang Rai province in Thailand and transported by boat going to nearby Laos.
The OFW ran away and sought the assistance of the Philippine embassy in Vientiane, the BI chief said.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. chats with Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez during their roundtable meeting with Saudi business leaders held on the sidelines of the 2023 Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit (Asean-GCC) Thursday afternoon (Saudi time) at St. Regis Hotel Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Speaker bullish on Saudi business’ response to BBM’s pitch for investment in MIF
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today expressed optimism Saudi Arabian business leaders would respond positively to the invitation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for them to consider investing in the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF).
Romualdez noted that many Saudi business leaders expressed keen interest in the MIF during their roundtable business meeting Thursday afternoon with the President at the St. Regis Hotel in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Following the presentation of Trade and Industry Sec. Alfredo Pascual and Finance Sec. Benjamin Diokno on investment opportunities in the Philippines Pres. Marcos said he looks forward to Saudi investments in the MIF.
“This invitation represents an exciting opportunity for our nation, and I believe it will receive a positive response from the Saudi business community,” said Romualdez, head of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
“It aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering international partnerships and diversifying our sources of investment for the benefit of our people,” he added.
In his opening statement for the roundtable meeting, Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al-Falih told Pres. Marcos, Jr. that many of the Kingdom’s business leaders are eager to “learn more about the newly launched MIF under your administration.”
Among the Saudi firms represented during the roundtable meeting were Public Investment Fund (PIF), Hassana Investment Company (HIC), Saudi Arabian Investment Company (SANABIL), and the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).
Romualdez noted that during the roundtable discussion, Mulhan Albakree, Executive General Manager of PIF, expressed his interest in the Maharlika Investment Fund.
The Kingdom’s PIF is the 6th largest sovereign wealth fund (SWF) in the world, with assets worth US $607.42 billion. It currently owns 71 companies in 10 different sectors and has created more than 500,00 direct and indirect jobs.
Sanabil, formed by the Saudi government in 2009 and taken over by PIF, invests about US $2 billion per year in venture, growth capital and small buyouts.
Bandar Al Hamali, the CEO of Jada, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest investment companies, also expressed interest in the MIF.
Romualdez highlighted the immense potential of the Philippines as a haven for foreign investments, noting our country’s strong and dynamic economy, young and skilled workforce, and strategic geographical location that offers access to growing markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
He said Saudi investors may be interested, among others, in supporting flagship infrastructure projects in Mindanao, especially those that would benefit the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
One such project currently under evaluation for approval by the government is the P10.19 billion hydromechanical and electro-mechanical rehabilitation of the Agus IV, V, VI, VII hydroelectric power plants in Lanao del Norte to restore their respective rated capacities.
With 471 megawatt of total rated capacity to be rehabilitated, the Agus hydroelectric plant rehabilitation is envisioned to be a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project.
Likewise, Romualdez said Saudi investors may be interested in participating in the Mindanao Railway Project, also meant for implementation through PPP. A P100 million feasibility study of the Mindanao Project Phase 3 is expected to start within the year, according to Department of Transportation officials.
Meanwhile, Romualdez welcomed the announcement of Pres. Marcos, Jr. that implementation of the MMIF will push through before MIF before the year ends.
Before flying to Saudi Arabia, Pres. Marcos, Jr. clarified that while preparations are being made for the operation of the MIF, there are more improvements underway particularly for the organizational structure of the fund.
According to Romualdez, the President’s effort to enhance the MIF’s organization manifests the administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible fiscal management of the fund.
“While we embrace the potential of this endeavor, we must ensure that the MIF and investments into it adhere to stringent regulations, safeguarding our national interests, and aligning with our commitment to good governance,” he said.
“The potential benefits of this partnership with Saudi Arabian business interests are substantial and include economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure development. We look forward to working closely with our international partners to turn this vision into reality,” Romualdez pointed out.
He noted that the MIF is envisioned to support our country’s long-term economic development goals, enhance infrastructure, and provide opportunities for growth and prosperity for all Filipinos.
It seeks to attract capital from both domestic and global equity investors seeking to diversify their portfolios in fast-growing emerging markets like the Philippines.
According to Sec. Diokno, the MIF is intended to quicken the implementation of the country’s 197 Flagship Infrastructure Projects worth around US $153 billion meant to upgrade physical and digital connectivity in the transportation, agriculture, health, and energy sectors, as well as in climate resilience.
He added that the MIF not only offers high rates of return for the investor but also produces a large socio-economic impact.
Speaker lauds PBBM for securing 4 landmark deals in Saudi worth around US $4.26B
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez today congratulated President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for securing four landmark agreements between Saudi firms and Filipino companies worth around US $4.26 billion and expected to generate more than 15,000 employment opportunities for Filipinos.
President Marcos witnessed the signing of the four agreements towards the culmination of his roundtable meeting with Saudi business leaders Thursday afternoon (Saudi time) at the Regis Hotel in Riyadh on the sidelines of his participation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Gulf Cooperation Council Summit hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
At around P241 billion in the current exchange rate, the value of the signed agreements is more than half of the P427 billion in approved foreign investments to the Philippines from January to September this year, which the Bureau of Investments said were generated by the President’s foreign trips.
“The signing of these agreements which promises a far-reaching impact on the Philippine economy and on the lives of our workers is a monumental achievement of Pres. Marcos,” said Romualdez, leader of the 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
“This is the fruit of his tireless efforts in fostering economic ties with our partners in the international community and exemplifies his commitment to securing a brighter future for the Filipino people in line with his vision for a prosperous and globally competitive Philippines,” Romualdez added.
Following a bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in November 2022 on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Thailand, President Marcos, Jr. announced more job opportunities await Filipinos in Saudi.
He said the Saudi Crown Prince told him about Saudi Arabia’s plan to hire more foreign workers in the coming years with the coming building boom in the Middle Eastern kingdom.
Topping the four agreements is the US $3.765 billion deal between Al-Jeer Human Resources Company (ARCO) and the Association of Philippine Licensed Agencies for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to cooperate in terms of investments that would employ Filipino workforce in the kingdom.
Also signed during the event is the agreement between Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment Company and Samsung Engineering NEC Co. Ltd., on the one hand, and Filipino firm EEI Corporation valued at US $120 million for the establishment of a 500-person training facility in the Tanza, Cavite, Philippines.
Meant to upgrade Filipino labor skills in masonry, carpentry, electrical, welding, equipment management, warehousing, steel fabrication, and other construction-related crafts, it aims to train at least 2,000 Filipinos starting in 2024 and more than 15,000 in the next 5 years.
Likewise signed were two separate agreements between Maharah Human Resources Company of Saudi and Filipino firms Staffhouse International Resources Corporation and E-GMP International Corporation, each valued at an estimated US $191 million.
Both agreements seek to onboard thousands of Filipino workers to the Kingdom to meet its growing demand for labor.
“In a time when job creation and economic growth are paramount, this achievement will provide invaluable opportunities for our workforce, particularly for our overseas Filipino workers,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of other government officials and business leaders, who tirelessly negotiated and worked to forge the agreements signed with Saudi firms.
“As these agreements come to fruition, the House of Representatives will remain steadfast in its support of the administration’s initiatives to ensure that the benefits are felt by all Filipinos,” Romualdez said.
He reiterated the commitment of the House to enact any necessary legislation and provide oversight to ensure the successful implementation of these agreements and attract more foreign investments that would bolster the administration’s efforts to secure a better life for all Filipinos.
PH, Saudi ink over $4.26-B investment agreement during PBBM’s visit
THE business leaders on Thursday at the sidelines of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s attendance at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Gulf Cooperation Council (ASEAN-GCC) Summit in Saudi Arabia.
President Marcos said during the roundtable meeting with business leaders that more than 15,000 Filipino people will benefit from the billion-investment agreement in terms of employment opportunities in the construction industry and human resource services.
“With an estimated value of over USD 120 million, the agreements that will be signed today are set to benefit more than 15,000 Filipinos in training and employment opportunities across a wide range of professions in the construction industry,” President Marcos said in his speech.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Saudi’s Al Rushaid Petroleum Investment Company and Samsung Engineering NEC Co. Ltd. signed with Philippines’ EEI Corp. for construction export services worth $120 million.
DTI also reported that Saudi’s Al-Jeer Human Resources Company-ARCO signed with the Association of Philippine Licensed Agencies for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for human resource services agreement worth $3.7 billion.
The DTI added that Saudi’s Maharah Human Resources Company inked an investment agreement worth $191 million each to Philippines’ Staffhouse International Resources Corporation and E-GMP International Corporation for human resource services.
President Marcos acknowledged the valuable contributions of the companies that took part in the effort to strengthen the bilateral ties between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, which served as home to over one million Filipino migrant workers.
“To our current and future business partners, I hope that this meeting has served as an excellent platform for building greater and closer partnerships between the Philippines and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” President Marcos said.
As part of his visit to Saudi Arabia, President Marcos met with some Arab businessmen through the roundtable meeting organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Saudi Ministry of Investment led by Minister Khalid Al-Falih.
President Marcos noted that the meeting was timely as the Philippine economy continues its high growth trajectory with gross domestic product at 7.6 percent in 2022, which is the fastest growth rate recorded since 1976.
The President also emphasized that the Philippines has posted $9.2 billion in net inflows of foreign direct investments in 2022.
“Our financial and banking sectors are healthy and robust. Our credit rating continues to receive stable and positive investment grades,” President Marcos told the business community.
“Indeed, the Philippines’ economic achievements in the past year reflect the sustained efforts of this administration, supported by the private sector, in fostering an enabling business environment, cutting red tape, lowering the cost of doing business, and improving competitiveness,” he added.
President Marcos also assured the business community that the Philippines will remain steadfast in its commitment to continuously support current and prospective Saudi investors as he emphasized that the Philippine government has amended existing laws to further open its economy to foreign investments.
Among the initiatives of the government are the Foreign Investments Act, Retail Trade Liberalization Act, Public Service Act, and the Renewable Energy (RE) Act, which aim to attract more foreign investors in the country’s telecommunications, port operations, transportation, and clean energy sectors.
“Moreover, foreign investors are able to enjoy fiscal incentives made available through the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. I urge you to further engage with my Economic Team to learn more about such benefits,” the President said.
“We also stand ready to welcome you to our tropical country so you may personally see what a globally competitive Philippines can offer,” he added.
The President also highlighted the Maharlika Investment Fund, which is the first ever sovereign investment fund of the Philippines designed to drive long-term economic development through increase investments in high-impact sectors.
President Marcos said that he is looking forward not only to benefiting from Saudi investments, but also from its extensive experience in managing similar funds. He also continued to re-affirm the country’s readiness for deeper economic partnerships both in Southeast Asian regions and its neighbors in the Gulf.
“We hope that the Philippines will be your chosen gateway to the ASEAN and Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, economies, which is earlier spoken about. And, on that note, I hope that the Saudi business leaders present here today will further make it happen in the Philippines,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos added that he hopes the meeting will pave the way for the renewed partnership between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia and for the first of many more business exchanges in the future.
For his part, Saudi Ministry of Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih said that they are looking forward to partner with the Philippines and boost the Philippine-Saudi Arabia partnership in terms of finance, energy and petrochemicals, industry and logistics, tourism, real estate development, labor and agriculture.
