Withto6%fixMay jobless rate, ‘creating workdream vital’ PHL weak spots in path to $500-B PHL to fix weak spots in path to $500-B dream B A ByS Cai U. Ordinario B A C S A @caiordinario Bloomberg A News C
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Bloomberg News
FFORTS to incoming attract more HILIPPINES’S ecoinvestments are crucialArin nomic planning secretary HILIPPINES’S incoming ecosenio Balisacan plans to bolproviding jobs to millions nomic planning secretary Arster thesenio economy’s weak spots of Filipinos who are unemployed Balisacan plans to as bolhe targets least 6-percent annual the ateconomy’s weak spots as orster looking for better employment growth throughout the term of Preshe targets at least 6-percent opportunities, according to annual local ident-elect Ferdinand the Marcos Jr. growth throughout term of Preseconomists. The next Ferdinand administration ident-elect Marcosmust Jr. On Philippine boost investment in the agriculture and Th eThursday, next administration must Statistics Authority reported manufacturing and build infrastrucboost investment in(PSA) agriculture and ture to2.93 grow the and economy between that million Filipinos are unmanufacturing build infrastruc6-8 percent annually to million 2028,between Baliture to grow the6.67 economy employed while are sacan in an interview Wednes6-8 said percent annually to 2028, Baliin May. underemployed day. sacan in an interview The said PSA thatoutput thisWednestransFarm and noted industry curday. lated to an unemployment rate of 6 rentlyFarm account less than 40 perandfor industry output curand underemployment rate percent cent of gross domestic product, while rently account for less than 40 perofcent 14.5ofpercent in May 2022. In May gross domestic product, while last year, unemployment was at 7.7
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services contributes the majority. “I wouldcontributes like to see those weakest services the majority. points“Ias the priority of the adminiswould like to see those weakest tration,” said 64-year-old, who’s points as thethe priority of the adminiscurrently of the nation’s tration,”chairman said the 64-year-old, who’s antitrust commission. currently chairman of the nation’s Consistently growing at the rate antitrust commission. of 6 percent for sixgrowing years will make Consistently at the rate Philippines a for half-a-trillion dollar of 6 percent six years will make economy, according to Bloomberg Philippines a half-a-trillion dollar calculations. economy, according to Bloomberg The nation’s first-quarter expancalculations. sion of percentfiis already among Th8.3 e nation’s rst-quarter expanAsia’s thanks istoalready the reopensionfastest, of 8.3 percent among “I think it is not yet too late for our current ingAsia’s fromfastest, the pandemic. Marthanks toStill, the reopenadministration. Allimmediate they need to do is focus cos’s challengingteam fromfaces the pandemic. Still, Maroncos’s bringing in our much-needed investments es: infl ation is at its fastest in three team faces immediate challengyears, budget has widened and employment opportunities es:prioritize infl ation isdefi at cit its fastest in three and the global outlook hashas dimmed. over revenue generation. Revenue years, budget deficit widened Still, said generation will follow once the investments are and theBalisacan global outlook haseconomy dimmed. can by are at least 7 percent Still, Balisacan said the hereexpand and people employed.” Deeconomy La this Salle can expand by at least percent University economist Maria7Ella Oplas this
year, within official growth estipercent andthe underemployment was mate, riding the from the year, within the official growth estiat 12.3 percent. recovery record contraction in 2020 from due tothe mate, riding the recovery “I think it isHenot yethetoo for therecord pandemic. said willlate push contraction in 2020 dueAllto ourmore current administration. for targeted support measures the pandemic. He said he will push need to do isburden focus on the bringing tothey easemore inflation’s poor for targeted support measures intoour much-needed investments while ensuring “tight” government ease inflation’s burden on the poor fiand nances are managed properly. prioritize employment opporwhile ensuring “tight” government canover achieve moreproperly. with less,” fi“We nances are managed tunities revenue generation. he said, thatwill a review and “We adding can achieve more withonce less,” generation follow Revenue streamlining of benefi ciaries are he said, adding that a review and investments are here andcannot peopleafare needed. The nation streamlining of also benefi ciaries are employed,” Denation Lacertain Salle University ford removal needed. The of also taxes cannotonafeconomist Maria Ella Oplas told goods proposed some sectors, ford asremoval of by certain taxes on he said. the BusinessMirror. goods as proposed by some sectors, heOplas said. said it was unfortunate Experienced economist that the President vetoed House Bill BALISACAN willeconomist draw from his exExperienced (HB) 7575 creating the Bulacan Airperience in crafting a newfrom economic BALISACAN will draw his export City Special Zone. development plan. Economic Before taking perience in crafting a new economic her these kinds of Indevelopment helm of view, the antitrust body, heprojects served plan. Before taking would have created much-needed helm of the antitrust body, he served jobs for Filipinos—something es-
as economic planning of pecially crucial at thissecretary time, when the late president Benigno Aquino as economic planning secretary those looking for decent jobs or jobsof from 2016. Benigno Aquino the2012 late to president that offer higher salaries cannot To sustain from 2012 toeconomic 2016. growth of at simply work abroad. least 6 percent, the next administraTo sustain economic growth of at Oplas said duethe to next the tion must address red tapeslow and global build least 6 percent, administrainfrastructure needed to attract inrecovery and the war in Eastern Eution must address red tape and build vestment in manufacturing andusual ag-inrope, many of the country’s infrastructure needed to attract riculture, who are holds aagvestment inBalisacan, manufacturing and forsaid migrant workers also hosts PhD in Economics from the Univerriculture, said Balisacan, who holds not doing well, and this could af- a sity of Hawaii. PhD in prospects Economicsoffrom the Univerfect the Filipinos who Given a budget defi cit inflated sity of Hawaii. like to go abroad. would by pandemic-era support programs, Given a budget deficit inflated problem is our neighborcompanies and multilateral develby“The pandemic-era support programs, opment agencies may be tappeddevelto ing countries are also experiencing companies and multilateral fichallenging nance roads, rail and irrigation, heto times so they prioropment agencies may bewill tapped said. Balisacan theIthe finance roads, rail andmanage irrigation, itize their ownhelped nationals as well. Aquino administration’s flagshipthe said. Balisacan helped manage is more sustainable to attract invespublic-private partnership fl infraAquino agship tors for jobadministration’s opportunities and ecopublic-private partnership infraS “PHL,” A Oplas said. nomic development,”
BusinessMirror
2006 National Newspaper of the Year CLUBNewspaper OF MANILA JOURNALISM AWARDS 2011 ROTARY National of the Year National Newspaper the Year 2013 2006 Business Newspaper of theofYear 2011 National Newspaper of the 2017 Business Newspaper of the Year Year Business Newspaper the Year 2019 2013 Business Newspaper of theofYear Business Newspaper of the Year 20212017 Pro Patria Award 2019 Business Newspaper of the Year PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion 2021 Pro Patria Award PHILIPPINE STATISTICS AUTHORITY 2018 Data Champion
AAbroader look at today’s business look at today’s business A■broader broader look at today’s business Thursday, June 2, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 237
S “PHL,” A
See “Jobless,” A2
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Friday, July June 8, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 273 Thursday, 2, 2022 Vol. 17 No. 237
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ON NEW ECONOMIC TEAM’ ON NEW ECONOMIC TEAM’ IN JUNE, A 22-MO LOW By Bianca Cuaresma
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@BcuaresmaBM
HE country’s dollar stockpile fell to its lowest in almost two years in June, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed, as it was used to pay foreign currency debts of the National Government (NG) and has been affected by the revaluation of gold in the international market. See “GIR,” A2
PESO PLUNGES TO 56 AGAINST DOLLAR, LOWEST IN 17 YEARS
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strength has dominated tradHE local currency pluming this week as investors seek meted to the P56-terrisafe haven on recession fears. tory on Thursday’s trade, As such, most emerging market marking its lowest value against the dollar in 17 years. [EM] currencies have weakened Data from the Bankers Assosharply against the USD. The dolciation of the Philippines (BAP) lar was also boosted as it looks ONE million pilgrims from across the globe amassed on Thursday in the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the initial rites of the hajj, marking the largest Islamic pilgrimage since the coronavirus pandemic showed that the peso closed at like the Fed is determined to upended the annual event—a key pillar of Islam. The hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime duty for all Muslims physically and financially able to make the journey, which takes the faithful along a path traversed by the Prophet P56.06 to a dollar on Thursday, tighten policy in order to snuff Muhammad some 1,400 years ago. Pilgrims spend five days carrying out a set of rituals intended to bring them closer to God. That includes praying around the cube-shaped Kaaba, the holiest shrine in Islam. At the falling about 39 centavos in valout inflation in the US,” ING Bank center of the Grand Mosque’s courtyard on Thursday, thousands of unmasked pilgrims circled the Kaaba. AP/ARM NABIL ue from the previous day’s trade economist Nicholas Mapa said. of Aquino, P55.67 a dollar. close stronger US dollargovernment vs. THE BRP Melchora theto second of two multi-role response“The vessels procured by the Philippine from Japan, is welcomed by the Philippine Coast Guard at the Port Area in Manila on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, completing its maiden voyage from Japan. Constructed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. in Japan, the ship, named TheSora, total traded volume was, major global currencies [was after Tandang the Grand Woman of the Revolution during the Spanish colonial period, is part of the Maritimefrom Safety Capability Improvement Project ofCoast the Coast DOMINGO THE BRP Melchora Aquino, the second of two multi-role response vessels procured by the Philippine government Japan, is welcomed by the Philippine GuardGuard. at theROY Port Area in Manila on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, completing its maiden voyage from Japan. Constructed by Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co. in Japan, the ship, named lower Thursday recently partly aftermeanwhile, Tandang Sora, the Grandon Woman of the Revolutionseen] during the Spanish colonial period,due is partto of the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project of the Coast Guard. ROY DOMINGO at $1.11 billionB from theO $1.25 increased global risk aversion C U. @caiordinario billion on Wednesday. as the markets price in the B C U. O @caiordinario This is the lowest value of risk of a possible US economic HE countr y’s manufacand 267.2 percent in May 2021. of 35.9 percent in May 2022. ing the fastest annual decline of the local currency since Septemslowdown or even recession turing production posted “Fourteen [14] industry diviThe manufacture of fabricated 19.7 percent. ber 27, 2005 when it closed at in v iew of more ag g ressive a 1.9-percent growth in sions contributed to the positive metal products, except machinMeanwhile, the Value of ProP56.295 to a dollar. Fed rate hikes in an effort to May 2022, according to the latgrowth of VoPI in May 2022, of ery and equipment, followed with duction Index (VaPI) posted a According to economists, bring down inf lation towards est data released by the Philipwhich the fastest growth was a growth of 22.8 percent the faster year-on-year growth rate UTGOING Senate and PresiDrilon moved to elect Majority the peso has been beaten by the the long-term target of 2 perB Statistics J MAuthority N. D C pine (PSA). reported in manufacture of mamanufacture of computer, elecof 8.9 percent in May 2022. and strengthened our political and dent Vicente Sotto III Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri as the cent,” Rizal Commercial Bankstrong dollar sentiment amid deUTGOING Senate PresiDrilon moved to elect Majority @joveemarie governmental Based on the Production Index chinery and institutions. equipment except tronic,declared and optical products with T h i s w a s f a ste r t h a n B J M N. D C and strengthened our political and at 7:41 pm of acting Senate President Pro Temvelopments in the United States ing Corporation (RCBC) econodent Vicente Sotto III Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri ast he the “Despite the many challenges @joveemarie and Net Sales Index, formerly electrical at 50.7 percent,” PSA 15 percent. 7.6-percent growth recorded in governmental institutions. Wednesday as adjourned sinepm dieof pore fromSenate noon of June 30 Federal Reserve’s monetary polmist Michael R icafort said. declared at 7:41 acting President Prountil TemHE HouseIntegrated of Representatives that happenedthe during tenure the Monthly Survey said.“Despite The the previous month. In May 2021, manymychallenges the thirddata, regular session showed of thedie July 25,from when the of 19th Congress Wednesday ashowever, adjourned sine pore noon June 30 until icy path. on Wednesday ended the as your Speaker, we have risen and HE House of Representatives that happened during my tenure of Selected Industries, the VolThis was followed by the maneight industry divisions recorded the VaPI surged 256.1 percent. 18th Congress on the part of the fi rst convenes. See “Peso,” A2 the third regular session of the July 25, when the 19th Congress “ Broad US dol l a r [USD] Congress, highlighting ourselves to One ConWednesday ended the proven as your Speaker, webe have risen and Senate, ume 18th ofon Production Index (VoPI) ufacture of chemical and chemidecreases with the manufacture capping what Minority in the day, colleagues 18th Congress on the part of the fiEarlier rst convenes. its 3-year achievements, including gress, ready to serve our people,” 18th Congress, highlighting proven ourselves to be One Con- Leader See that “Manufacturing,” A2 grew 1.2 percent in April 2022 cal products which posted growth ofSenate, electrical equipment registerFranklin Drilon had colleagues secured capping whatdescribed Minority signaled Earlier inZubiri the day, laws to help the country navigate Velasco told his colleagues. its 3-year achievements, including gress, ready to serve our people,” cabinet can handle the emerging scenario,” the In its latest Market Call report, First Metro asLeader “one of Franklin the most Drilon productive sesthe “votes” that of majority senators described signaled Zubiri of had secured through emerge strongernavigate from “One Congress, ready to scrutilaws toand help the country Velasco told his colleagues. report stated. Investment University of Asia First and the sions” of the chamber, a feat made sit in 19th Senate, a cabinet can handle the emerging scenario,” the In itsCorp. latestand Market Call report, Metro as “one of the most productive ses- who thewill “votes” ofthe majority of senators Covid-19 pandemic. the national budget, to australia pass through and from Congress, ready n scrutinreport USofstated. 55.5740 japan 66.2442 n HKemerge 7.0821stronger n CHINA 8.2862nize n “One singapore 39.5516 37.6847 n EU 56.5966 n SAUDI arabia 14.8044 Source: BSP (July 7, 2022) One the majornrisks that post0.4089 the most n UKthe Pacifi c (FMIC-UA&P) Capital Markets Research remarkable by the fact that much matter confi rmed by Drilon. Investment Corp. and University of Asia and the sions” of the chamber, a feat made who will sit in the 19th Senate, a In Covid-19 his valedictory laws, conduct hearings, the pandemic. speech, nizetothe national budget,totopropass ofremarkable uncertainty is the Russia-Ukraine saidPacifi thecgrowth momentum which gave rise to One to of the the economy major risks that post the most (FMIC-UA&P) Capital Markets Research it was in a pandemic. Zubiri confi appears to be the by the fact that much matter rmednow by Drilon. Speaker Velascospeech, said vide oversight on the implementaIn Lord his Allan valedictory waruncertainty which willtomark its first 100 days. The war thesaid 8.3-percent growth in the fiwhich rst quarter laws, to conduct hearings, to prothe economy is the Russia-Ukraine the growth momentum gave will rise to peers heaped praise on only Zubiri likely candidate to stand ofHis it was in a pandemic. appears now to befor the the 18th Congress was Velasco a key and of oversight laws, and on to generally make Speaker Lord Allan said tion began February 24 this anddays. will The reachwar spillthe over to the second quarter. vide the implementawar in which will mark its fiyear rst 100 8.3-percent growth in the first quarter will SottoHis for his leadership, laud-on election as the next Senate Presi-for peers heaped and praise only likely candidate to stand steady partner of President easier theand next 100began days on 3. FMIC-UA&P Capital However, of the economy in the 18th Congress was aDuterte key and it tion offor laws, to Congress generally and make edSotto in June February 24 this year and Markets will reach spill over tothe theperformance second quarter. and thanked as well theand seven after as Sen. Cynthia Villar, earfor his leadership, laud- dent, election the next Senate Presiinsteady passing lawsof that promoted Research saidoncommodity prices, particularly oil the third and fourth quarters will of bethe determined to continue the legpartner President Duterte itsitleadership, easier for the next Congress and other 100 days June 3. FMIC-UA&P Capital Markets However, the performance economy in “graduating” members of seven the lier touted a strong contender, ed and thanked as well the dent, afterasSen. Cynthia Villar, earprices, could remain elevated until the particularly war in East- oil by the the third policies be implemented the new economic development, work for the sake of our in passing laws thatstrengthpromoted islative Research said commodity prices, andtofourth quarters will by be determined its leadership, to continue thekaleg- chamber, including two other of pilwithdrawing other “graduating” members the announced lier toutedshe as awas strong contender, ernprices, Europecould is resolved. This uncertainty lead economic will greet ened the administration justice babayans,” he added. remain elevated until the will war in Eastby the team. policiesMuch to beuncertainty implemented by thethenew economic development,ofstrengthislative work for the sake of our ka- lars—Drilon and Senate President from the race. she was withdrawing chamber, including two other pilannounced to an ation of above 5 percent in economic managers as the pandemicwill continues and thethe ruleadministration of law, enhanced the ernaverage Europe infl is resolved. This uncertainty willthelead economic team. Much uncertainty greet the He said the ened of justice babayans,” hepandemic added. forced the Pro Tempore Ralph “Walathe nang [There is no] SP race,” lars—Drilon and Recto. Senate President from race. country year. inflation of above 5 percent in the andeconomic commodity prices remain protection of labor andenhanced social welto anthis average managers as theelevated. pandemic continues to be dynamic, and the rule of law, the House Heleadership said the pandemic forced the As his “last offi cial act,” Drilon she told reporters, Pro Tempore Ralph Recto. “Wala nang [Thadding, ere is no]“ISPwant race,” In April, “Thecommodity robustness in the economic country thisthe year.Philippine Statistics Authority and prices remain elevated.recovery, fare, improved of and and proactive. protection of the laborquality and social wel- innovative House leadership to be dynamic, introduced a resolution meant to a simple life” and explained she As his “last offi cial act,” Drilon she told reporters, adding, “I want (PSA) reported ation nationwide increased founded“The heavily on employment gains, should In April,that theinflPhilippine Statistics Authority robustness in the economic recovery, increased access to “Despite the lingering threat fare, improved theeducation quality ofand and innovative and proactive. prevent a month-long leadership just wanted to “take care of my adintroduced a resolution meant to a simple life” and explained she to 4.9 percent in April 2022. The average infl ation spillfounded over intoheavily Q2 [theonsecond quarter]. And while (PSA) reported that inflation nationwide increased employment gains, should information, enhanced our health increased access to education and “Despite the lingering threat gap in the aSenate, as the terms of vocacy, agriculture,” signaling heradprevent month-long leadership just wanted to “take care of my for tothe4.9first four months of theThe yearaverage stood at a tighter fiscal andsecond inflation pose And serious percent in April 2022. infl3.7 ation spill over intospace Q2 [the quarter]. while C A and emergencyenhanced response our system, information, health Sotto and endasatthenoon ofof desire to keep her chairmanship gap in theRecto Senate, terms vocacy, agriculture,” signaling of her headwinds anation economic for the first four months of the year stood at 3.7 a tighterinfiH2 scal[second space half], and infl poseteam serious C A and emergency response system, S “H,” A Butch Fernandez June 30. that committee. Sotto and Recto end at noon of desire to keep her chairmanship of of high-quality technocrats in the new President’s headwinds in H2 [second half], an economic team S “H,” A June 30. that committee. Butch Fernandez of high-quality technocrats in the new President’s
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HE performance of the Philippine HE performance of thehalf Philippine economy in the second the second half ofeconomy the year in will rest squarely of the yearofwill squarely on the shoulders therest incoming on the shoulderseconomic of the incoming administration’s team, administration’s economic team, according to a local think tank. according to a local think tank.
Manufacturing production posts 1.9% growth in May
Sotto closes ‘productive’ Sotto closes ‘productive’ PANDEMIC CHALLENGE PANDEMIC CHALLENGE T session; Zubiri next SP? MARKS 18TH CONGRESS session; Zubiri next SP? MARKS 18TH CONGRESS
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PESO exchange rates
PESO EXCHANGE RATES ■ US 52.4120 ■ JAPAN 0.4073 ■ UK 66.0496 ■ HK 6.6799 ■ SINGAPORE 38.2625 ■ AUSTRALIA 37.6004 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 13.9750 ■ EU 56.2643 ■ CHINA 7.8555 Source: BSP (June 1, 2022) PESO EXCHANGE RATES ■ US 52.4120 ■ JAPAN 0.4073 ■ UK 66.0496 ■ HK 6.6799 ■ SINGAPORE 38.2625 ■ AUSTRALIA 37.6004 ■ SAUDI ARABIA 13.9750 ■ EU 56.2643 ■ CHINA 7.8555 Source: BSP (June 1, 2022)