USA will compensate World War II (WWII) 24,000 Filipino Veterans

Filipinos who fought for the United States in World War II are shown last year at a Veterans Day ceremony in Manila. Romeo Gacad/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

White House forms inter-agency group to aid Filipino WW II vets get compensation

To aid Filipino World War II veterans claiming compensation and recognition from the US government, the White House Initiative on Asian American and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI) formed an inter-agency group tasked to help these soldiers.

"The [group] will be tasked with analyzing the process faced by these Filipino veterans in demonstrating eligibility for compensation in order to ensure that all applications receive thorough and fair review," Chris Liu, assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary, said in the WHIAAPI website last Oct. 17.

"This is part of the Obama Administration's ongoing efforts to honor the contributions of all veterans in their service to our country," Liu, who is WHIAAPI co-chair, also said.

 

The WHIAAPI is a federal working group that works to improve the quality of life of members of the AAPI communities. The initiative, in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget, organized the inter-agency working group which will be composed by officials of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense and the National Archives and Records Administration.

Some 24,000 Filipino soldiers who fought for the United States in World War II were deemed ineligible to receive amounts from the Filipino Veterans Equity Compensation (FVEC) fund due to lack of required documentation.

It was President Obama in 2009 who authorized the $198-million FVEC via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The fund allowed the one-time distribution of lump sum payments of $15,000 each to Filipino World War II veterans who are US citizens or residents. Veterans living in the Philippines were allotted $9,000 each.

But the VA had turned down thousands of claims because solders' names were not on the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, MO. This roster is what is used by the US government to determine military service, including service given in World War II. The Filipino veterans claiming compensation, however, had proof of US military service from the Philippine government.

These veterans who fought with American soldiers against the Japanese in World War II were promised military benefits sixty-six years ago by President Franklin Roosevelt. But in 1946, the US Congress passed the Rescission Act which stripped Filipinos of the benefits they were promised. Since then, several bills have been introduced in Congress in an attempt to give full equity to these Filipino war veterans.

With the growing number of denied compensation claims, legislators and community advocates have fought for the plight of these veterans.

In Nevada, five Filipino veterans are still fighting recognition and compensation. This prompted several legislators have filed bills for their cause.

Last Sept. 21. US Rep. Joe Heck of the state's third district introduced House Resolution 6464 which instructs the VA to accept documents from both the Philippine government and the US Army in determining eligibility.

 

Three weeks prior, on Sept. 12, US Sen. Dean Heller introduced to the senate the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act that will allow veterans "to work with military historians so they can receive proper benefits for their service."

 

A Las Vegas-based group advocating for Filipino World War II veterans, however, said last year that an executive order from the president is the fastest way to help these veterans.

In 2011, the Filipino American Veterans and Families of America had asked the WHIAAPI, which visited Las Vegas that year, to take up the issue with President Obama.

(Asian Journal Press http://goo.gl/IoaTl  )

 (Las Vegas October 18-24, 2012 Sec. A pg.1)

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S&P: Recommend Investors switch away from Indonesia in favor of the Philippines!.. Why?

Both Indonesia and the Philippines have some weaknesses to overcome before they break into the investment-grade rating category but are making steady progress, Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said in a report.

"The positive outlook on Indonesia recognizes ongoing improvement in the government's balance sheet and the country's income metrics. A modest improvement in the country's political and policy dynamics, combined with Indonesia's other credit attributes, could lead to an upgrade," credit analyst Agost Benard said on Thursday.

The stable outlook on the Philippines indicates that risks to the ratings are balanced, S&P said.

"The Philippines has narrowed its fiscal deficits, lessened its reliance on foreign savings, and rationalized the public sector. A more conducive political setting has replaced the turbulent and obstructionist environment that prevailed for well over a decade."

Indonesia faces key rating constraints due to the perception that reforms have stalled due to a lack of policy initiatives. The abandonment of a planned electricity tariff rise, inability to cut fuel subsidies and a rising trade deficit has added to this view, it said.

A positive outlook on the Indonesia rating suggests at least a one-in-three chance of an upgrade, S&P said, adding there is more upward than downward pressure on the rating.

At 11.41 a.m (0441 GMT) the Indonesian index was up 0.32 percent, while the Philippines index was up 0.06 percent

STOCKS NEWS INDONESIA

StanChart cuts stocks outlook to 'underweight' Standard Chartered Equity Research lowered its outlook on the Indonesian equity market to 'underweight' from 'neutral' citing concerns over lower corporate margins as food prices rise and commodity prices remain under pressure.

"We forecast this trend to continue and recommend investors switch away from Indonesia in favor of the Philippines, which we believe is only halfway through the same four-year re-rating process that Indonesia experienced between 2006 and 2010," analysts Clive McDonnell and Benjamin Wong said in a note on Thursday.

Investors have been steadily decreasing exposure to the Indonesian market as they look to reallocate to markets with lower valuation risk as recovery expectations revive in Asia, the research unit said.

Standard Chartered also cut its Jakarta Composite Index 12-month target to 4,400 from 4,500. At 10.55 a.m (0355 GMT) the Indonesian index was up 0.28 percent, while the Philippines index was up 0.11 percent.

Continue reading here http://goo.gl/Xk0Zh (Reuters)

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OFW Remittance Peaked up $15.3 Billion USD for 8 Months 2012 – More than 1 Million Deployment waiting

Overseas Filipino remittances sustain growth momentum, reaches US$15.3 billion

 

Philippine Economy Army (PEA/OFW) continues surging of 0.3 Million deployed with awaiting for deployment of more than 1 Million as of September 2012; Dollar remittances keeps growing up to $15.3 Billion USD.

 

Personal remittances from overseas Filipinos (OFs) continued to rise in August 2012, posting a growth of 7.9 percent from the year-ago level to reach US$2 billion, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Officer-in-Charge Juan D. De Zuñiga, Jr. announced today.

This favorable development brought the cumulative personal remittances during the first eight months of the year to US$15.3 billion, higher by 5.6 percent compared to the level registered in the same period last year. Growth in remittances was sustained by higher personal transfers from land-based OF workers (OFWs) with work contracts of one year or more (by 3.3 percent), as well as sea-based workers and land-based workers with short-term contracts (by 13.3 percent).

 

Cash remittances from OFs coursed through banks likewise expanded by 5.5 percent to reach US$13.7 billion for the first eight months of 2012 relative to the level registered in the comparable period last year. The steady influx of remittances was observed from both sea-based (US$3.2 billion) and land-based workers (US$10.5 billion). Key sources of remittances were the U.S. (43.1 percent of total cash remittances), Canada (9.5 percent), Saudi Arabia (7.7 percent), the United Kingdom (4.9 percent), Japan (4.9 percent), the United Arab Emirates (4.2 percent), and Singapore (4 percent).

 

Preliminary reports by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) indicated continued demand for skilled Filipino workers. For the period January-September 2012, a total of 231,316 job orders mostly for service, production, and professional, technical and related workers were processed in response to the manpower requirements in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Taiwan. The POEA also reported that workers with processed contracts and those awaiting deployment reached 1,081,513 for the first semester of 2012. However, this was lower by about 35 percent than the level recorded in the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported last month that the Philippines ratified the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC), 2006, dubbed as the "Seafarers' International Bill of Rights" and the International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 189 or the "Decent Work for Domestic Workers Convention." These measures should provide better work opportunities abroad through strengthened protection for OFs.

With expectations of sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas, remittances are projected to continue to boost economic activity and provide a steady supply of foreign exchange. Moreover, the increasing use of financial channels for transfers and the continued introduction of innovations in remittance products are expected to contribute to the steady flow of remittances into the country.

Asian Journal

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Philippines, USA, Japan plus Australia Strengthen Maritime Power to Counter China

Philippines Offers Strategic Partnership With Australia

 

President Benigno S. Aquino III disclosed on Monday that the Philippines wants Australia to be its third strategic partner after the United States and Japan.

 

The President sought closer bilateral cooperation between the two countries, citing the shared values and principles of the two nations.

 

"We're offering Australia actually a strategic partnership. We only have two strategic partnerships -- one in the United States of America and the other with Japan. We're offering the third to Australia and they are presently studying it," the President told the foreign media at the historic landmark Manila Hotel.

 

Pending the approval of the partnership agreement, the President said Australia has started to help the Philippines with the coast watch system.

 

"There are various trainings being conducted by their military security forces with our own personnel in the form of scholarships or they're meeting with various institutions," he said.

 

The President is scheduled to make a state visit to Australia on Oct. 24 to 26 to strengthen economic, defense, and development cooperation. Prior to his Australian tour, the President will travel to New Zealand on Oct. 22 to 23 for meetings with government and business leaders.

 

The President also cited the friendly ties between Manila and Canberra, saying "we share the same values, we're both democracies."

 

"We have been normally on the same side of issues that have confronted our respective peoples since at least World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War. We face the same challenges be it terrorism, global climate change, relationships with the superpower in the neighborhood," he said.

 

"So all of these lend to shared values, in a sense, shared background and therefore it promotes closer cooperation between our peoples," he added.

 

Earlier yesterday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced that President Aquino has decided to take the trips upon the invitation of New Zealand Prime Minister John Key and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard.

 

In New Zealand, the President's visit aims to deepen and strengthen relations in terms of political, defense, economic and development cooperation and people-to-people relations.

 

The President will first proceed to Auckland where he will meet with the Filipino community there. Currently numbering at around 36,000, Filipinos comprise 1 percent of the total population of New Zealand.

 

He is also slated to deliver a speech in a business forum to be attended by the Philippines New Zealand Business Council and the New Zealand Philippines Business Council.

 

Aquino is also expected to have one-on-one meetings with some New Zealand corporations.

 

From Auckland, Aquino will proceed to Wellington, the country's capital, to meet with Prime Minister Key and Governor-General Sir Jerry Mateparae.

 

The President will exchange views on regional and international developments of mutual concern with the two leaders, as well as share updates on national developments, including the conclusion of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

 

In Australia, the Chief Executive will first fly to Canberra where he will meet with Prime Minister Gillard and Governor-General Quentin Bryce.

 

The leaders are expected to update each other on national developments, including the signing of the GPH-MILF Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

 

The DFA said discussions will likewise focus on cooperation in the political, economic, defense, and development fields, and on the future direction of Philippine-Australian bilateral relations. At the same time, regional and international issues will also be taken up.

 

From Canberra, the President will proceed to Sydney where he is scheduled to deliver his keynote address at the Philippines-Australia Business Forum.

 

He will also meet with top CEOs in a roundtable setting and have one-on-one meetings with several Australian companies.

 

President Aquino will again deliver another address to The Asia Society of Australia and the Australia Philippine Business Council.

 

While in Sydney, President Aquino will unveil a statue of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal in Campbelltown.

 

He will also meet and interact with the members of the Filipino Community in Australia where he is expected to encourage them to help raise the profile of the Philippines by being knowledgeable and competent sources of information on their home country, be it on history and culture, business, and tourism, among others.

 

The Philippines is among the top 10 source countries for recent migrant arrivals in Australia where there are about 224,000 Filipinos.

 

During the State Visits, President Aquino will be accompanied by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin, and other Cabinet Secretaries who will also be meeting with their counterparts.

 

Manila Bulletin 

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Spain rating hold, US earnings lift Philippine Peso & Asian Foreign eXchange; intervention seen

Emerging Asian currencies led by the Korean won and the Philippine peso hit new highs on Wednesday as concerns over the global economy eased after strong U..S. corporate earnings and a credit ratings affirmation for Spain.

 

Traders said the potential for further gains was limited, with central banks seen as stepping into the market to stem the rise of the currencies, which make exports more expensive.

 

The South Korean won hit a one-year high, while the Taiwan dollar climbed a five-month peak on inflows from foreign financial inflows.

 

The Philippine peso reached its highest in more than five and half years, but it gave up some of the gains after the central bank was spotted buying dollars, traders said.

 

The Singapore dollar barely moved on similar intervention by the authority, dealers said.

 

Asian stocks also rose on Wednesday, boosted by Moody's decision to retain Spain's investment grade rating, assuaging widespread fears that it would be cut to junk status.

 

Strong earnings from US firms also improved risk appetite.

 

"The positive sentiment appears to be sustained," said Frances Cheung, senior strategist at Credit Agricole CIB in Hong Kong.

 

"However, Asian policy makers may not want to see their currencies too strong. I expect them to jump into the market trying to cap currency strength," she added.

 

Emerging Asian countries heavily rely on exports and the recent slowing global economy, especially China, has kept investors from chasing regional assets including currencies.

 

The risk sentiment is likely to depend on China's third-quarter growth due on Thursday.

 

Still, Credit Agricole's Cheung said slowing growth in the world's second-largest economy may not much deter a firm trend in emerging Asian currencies.

 

"There could be downside risk from China GDP, but the data may not be very worrying, given China's recent yuan-fixing," Cheung said.

 

The People's Bank of China has been fixing the yuan's mid-point firmer, helping the currency hit record highs, even though its economy has cooled.

 

TAIWAN DOLLAR

 

The Taiwan dollar strengthened to 29.142 to the US dollar, its highest since May 2 on inflows from foreign financial institutions.

 

Its upside was limited as the island's importers including oil companies bought greenbacks, dealers said.

 

The central bank was spotted intervening to stem the Taiwan dollar's strength, but its US dollar bids were not that strong, they added.

 

KOREAN WON

 

The won advanced for a fifth consecutive session to hit 1,103.3 per dollar, its strongest since Oct. 31.

 

The South Korean currency is seen heading to the previous peak of 1,100, given improving risk appetite, but investors stayed cautious over possible dollar-buying intervention by the foreign exchange authorities.

 

Importers bought dollars for payments on dips, while some offshore funds took profits.

 

"We may see the 1,100. But not that soon. Exporters are not active enough to push the won there," said a foreign bank dealer in Seoul.

 

PHILIPPINE PESO (₱)

 

The Philippine peso jumped to ₱41.160 to the dollar, its strongest since March 2008, on remittance inflows and solid economic fundamentals.

 

The peso found some resistance as the central bank was spotted buying greenbacks below 41.20, prompting offshore funds and interbank speculators to chase dollars, dealers said.

 

But some dealers saw the peso's retreat as opportunities to buy the local unit on dips.

 

"Market sentiment is still to sell the dollar on rallies. So any bounce to 41.30 would be a chance to either reinstate or add on to short-dollar positions," said a foreign bank dealer in Manila.

 

RINGGIT

 

The ringgit hit 3.0390 per dollar, its firmest since Sept. 14, as interbank speculators chased the local currency, tracking a firm euro and other risky assets.

 

Still, the Malaysian unit could not extend gains as the Singapore dollar was capped by spotted intervention.

 

SINGAPORE DOLLAR

 

The Singapore dollar barely changed as the central bank was spotted buying US dollar to stem the local unit's strength, dealers said.

 

Agent banks of the Monetary Authority of Singapore were seen preventing the city-state's currency from strengthening past 1.2180 to the greenback, according to dealers.

 

The intervention came as Singapore reported a surprise drop in non-oil domestic exports in September, disappointing market expectations of a slight growth.

 

Business Recorder 

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Thailand, with the unique Philippines twin Best performers Asian stock markets 2012

Thailand, Philippines are unlikely best performers among Asian stock markets in past year.

 

Thailand and Philippines could be compared as twin for best Asian stock market but the Philippines is too different with Thailand in other aspects to link Indonesia. The Philippines is also called twin tiger with Indonesia but still the Philippines have its uniqueness compare to Indonesia in different aspects to link with Thailand so the 2 would not become similar.

 

The two Asian nations with the region's best performing stock markets in the past year are unlikely havens for investors: Thailand and the Philippines. Both are better known for troubled politics and natural disasters, but have outshone higher-octane neighbours as new leaders nurture relative calm.

 

The PSE benchmark in the Philippines has soared 29 per cent in the last 12 months and Thailand's SET index is up a whopping 33 per cent. By contrast, an index compiled by MSCI that tracks stocks in 12 Asian countries is up a ho-hum 2 per cent. The Shanghai Composite Index in rising power China has sunk nearly 14 per cent.

 

The Philippines, long regarded as an economic backwater blighted by a succession of deeply corrupt governments, has gained a measure of credibility due to the stability ushered in by the 2010 election of President Benigno Aquino III. Analysts credit him with boosting investor confidence by cracking down on corruption and living up to his promises of openness and good governance.

 

Thailand too has benefited from an improvement in its politics, although it's unclear whether the current stability will be enduring. The country seemed to be veering toward civil war in 2010 when deadly street battles raged in Bangkok between the army and loyalists of Thaksin Shinawatra, the populist prime minister ousted in a 2006 coup.

 

Local stock brokers were resigned to the Thai market lagging its potential but the landslide election victory in 2011 of a pro-Thaksin party and the popularity of the country's first female prime minister, Thaksin's younger sister Yingluck, have boosted confidence. Lately, Thai stocks have also got a fillip from big spending government policies that include efforts to overhaul flood defences after a widespread inundation wrecked industry last year.

 

For both countries, the perception abroad that they have become a bit less risky has drawn renewed attention to their selling points.

 

One of the high notes for the Philippines is its newly minted status as a creditor nation, the first time in 40 years. Its foreign currency reserves total $80 billion, while foreign debt is about $65 billion. Theoretically, the country could pay off all its foreign obligations and still have $15 billion in cash left over, said Alfred Dy, head of Philippines research at CLSA Asia-Pacific Markets.

 

"It's the opposite of the countries in the West, where there's a lot of external debt," Dy said.

 

The country's accumulation of foreign exchange is driven by two sources: remittances, or money sent home to the Philippines by citizens who work abroad, and the dramatic growth in outsourcing.

 

The remittance trend began as early as the 1960s, when Filipino nurses travelled to the U.S. to work the night shifts at hospitals — hours that American nurses didn't want to work. Today, more than one in 10 Filipinos out of a population of 95 million lives abroad for work. They sent home $20 billion in 2011 — more than double the amount in 2004.

 

The fact that they are spread across the world — in the Middle East, in America, throughout Asia — also spreads the risk if a particular region goes into an economic slump.

 

Meanwhile, a boom in business outsourcing, enabled by the high level of English proficiency in the Philippines and its young workforce, racked up $14 billion in 2011 — soaring from $3 billion that was earned just seven years ago. The Philippines now rivals India as a global outsourcing giant.

 

These trends have insulated the Philippine economy from the export-reliant doldrums being experienced elsewhere in Asia.

 

"We don't rely as much as other countries on exports," Dy said. "It's really more of a service economy, it's sending people abroad and getting contracts on business outsourcing, which makes the Philippines a bit unique."

 

"Even if the global economy slows down, we think these two items will be relatively resilient compared to traditional exports," he said.

 

In Thailand, the government's drive to boost investment and growth after massive flooding decimated industry last year has helped to make it a favorite of stock investors.

 

Thailand's economy shrank 10.7 per cent in the last quarter of 2011 after the country's worst flooding in more than half a century disrupted operations at more than 1,000 factories, bringing the country's key automotive and computer parts industries close to a halt.

 

But ever-resilient Thailand is bouncing back. The Asian Development Bank predicts Southeast Asia's second-biggest economy will grow 5.2 per cent this year and 5 per cent in 2013.

 

Investors view positively measures Thailand has taken to increase domestic consumption, such as raising the daily minimum wage to 300 baht ($10) and offering rebates to first-time car buyers.

 

"It's enabled households to have more disposable income and spend more," said Frederick Gibson, associate economist at Moody's Analytics. "I think the market has taken that as a positive sign, that households will have the ability to spend and that hopefully will have a positive impact on growth."

 

Thailand's public debt load as a per cent of the economy — relatively low at 40 per cent — means the government has the leeway to undertake expansionary fiscal policies, such as corporate tax cuts and other measures, said economist Eugene Leow of DBS Bank Ltd. in Singapore.

 

The country also has mapped out major infrastructure projects, including flood prevention measures, in the next few years.

 

"There are a lot of projects in the pipeline," Leow said. "All these projects will cushion any slowdown."

 

So of the two stock markets, which might be the better bet for investors wanting to take the plunge into Southeast Asian equities?

 

Herald van der Linde, head of equity strategy for Asia Pacific at HSBC, said he believes the Philippines stock market has become one of the most expensive in the world.

 

Van der Linde especially likes Thai banks since demand for financial services is growing fast. Like elsewhere in Asia, Thais have begun to invest in their own local markets and investment products, breaking from the traditional way of stashing wealth into houses and land, van der Linde said.

 

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DTI-PSB warned OFWS for Blacklisted Cargo Forwarders worldwide to Safeguard Balikbayan Boxes.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a list of unaccredited freight forwarders and consolidators and advised the public, particularly the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) and their consignees not to transact with the companies due to reported complaints of undelivered Balikbayan Boxes.

OFWs who will send their Balikbayan boxes and their consignees in the Philippines should book their packages only with reliable and PSB-accredited freight forwarders and Philippine agents to ensure that their packages will reach its destination, said Victorio Mario Dimagiba, director-in-charge of Philippine Shippers Bureau (PSB).

Foreign principals and cargo consolidators abroad usually have Philippine counterparts, which must be accredited by the PSB if it is a sea cargo forwarder and Civil Aeronautics Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) if it is an air cargo forwarder, a statement from the DTI said.

 

Senders may verify the company name of Philippine Sea freight forwarder counterpart at www.dti.gov.ph  or they may visit our Philippine Consulate Offices abroad.

Dimagiba also told senders to be aware of very low door-to-door rates offered by foreign principals.

 

"With low rates, they (foreign principals) do not have enough funds to bear the cost of transporting cargoes, and they fail to remit delivery funds to their Philippine freight forwarders, causing the shipments to be abandoned at the ports and not being delivered to consignees," said Dimagiba.

To avoid being a victim of unscrupulous cargo forwarders, the public is advised to regularly monitor advisories and alerts from DTI-PSB and refer to the blacklist of unaccredited freight forwarders available at offices of Overseas Worker Welfare Administration, Bureau of Customs, DTI-Regional Offices in the Philippines, and for senders abroad, they may visit Philippine Embassies and Consulates, Philippine Trade and Investment Centers (PTICs), Consumer Agencies of Foreign Government and Freight Forwarders Regulating Agencies of Foreign Government.

DTI named the following local freight forwarders/Philippine agents with no DTI-PSB accreditation and are now subject of complaints on undelivered packages:

The following are the local freight forwarders/Philippine agents with no DTI-PSB accreditation and are now subject of complaints on undelivered packages:

1. 2GO Express Inc (Case No. 2012-09-134)
2. Aerosend (Case No. 2011-04-163)
3. Alas Cargo Phil. (Case No 2012-05-57)
4. Associated Consolidation Express (ACE) (Case No. 2010-05-44)
5. Dausan International Forwarder (Case No. 2012-09-132)
6. FACF Parcel Delivery (Case No; 2012-09-142)
7. FRS Philippine Freight Services Inc. (Case No. 2011-08-238)
8. International Cargo Forwarder (Case No: 2012-08-125)
9. J.J. Transglobal Brokerage (Case No. 2012-09-143)
10. JAR Cargo Forwarders (Case No. 2012-09-126)
11. Mail Plus Cargo Carriers (Case No. 2012-02-25)
12. Manila Broker (Case No. 2012-09-144)
13. Maru Cargo Logistics Phil (Case No. 2012-10-164)
14. R&M Cargo Services (Case No. 2012-10-155)
15. Rodah Cargo Manila (Case Nos. 2012-01-15 and 2012-09-140)
16. South Atlantic Cargo Inc. (Case No. 2012-10-154)
17. Trico International Forwarding (Phils) Inc. (Case No. 2012-09-141)
18. VCG Customs Brokerage (Case No. 2012-03-38).

Aside from the local freight forwarders, PSB in the same statement issued names of blacklisted foreign principals and consolidators abroad due to reports of undelivered packages and other violations under PSB Administrative Order No. 6 series of 2005 or the Revised Rules on Freight Forwarding:

List of Blacklisted Foreign Principals

United Arab Emirates:

1. Al Rodah Marine Cargo,
2. Cityline Cargo,
3. Dagupan Cargo Packaging Services,
4. Express Link Cargo Services and Smooth Express.

United States of America:

1. AAA Cargo Express Inc.
2. ABS-CBN Star Kargo
3. Aerosend
4. Alas Cargo
5. Associated Consolidations Express-Ace Cargo
6. FRS Phil. Freight Services Inc.
7. Shipping Express
8. South Atlantic Cargo.

Saudi Arabia:

1. Cargo Net Worldwide Services- formerly FAL World Express Cargo
2.  Fil Asia Cargo Forwarders Phil
3. Global Cargo
4. RJM Freight Cargo Forwarders
5. WRJ Freight Forwarders
6. North and South Express Cargo.

Singapore:

1. Hagibis Express Pte. Ltd
2. Maru Cargo Logistics (s) LLP

Ireland:

1. Maharlika Enterpise Cargo Services
2. SCRL Cargo

Malaysia:

• Bayanihan Express

Australia:

• Dausan International Forwarder

Hongkong:

• Ford Cargo International

Cyprus:

• Trico International

Likewise, PSB advised the public to refrain from transacting with the following blacklisted accredited freight forwarding companies which were issued Show Cause Orders by DTI and are subject of complaints regarding balikbayan boxes:

• D' Winner Logistics Phil. Inc  
• LCSN Express Movers Inc
• MC Plus Inc.
• Transtech Global Phil Inc.
• Wide wide World Express Corp.

 

For consignees in the Philippines who have not received their packages from freight forwarders, they may contact DTI (02-751-3330) or go to PSB Office to file an immediate claim or complaint. (DTI/PIA PND)

 

Philippine Shippers Bureau Contact Numbers

• +63 -2- 751-0384 Local 3304 to 3307
• +63-2-751-3304
• +63-2-751-3305
• +63-2-751-3306
• +63-2-751-3307

For more information click this link to access our Philippine Shipper's Bureau  link

NOTE: It is also advice to all OFWs to ask your forwarders in your country where you are situated now "What is the name of their local forwarders here in the Philippines" and check our list if those names are not blacklisted otherwise, refrain from making transactions with them to avoid troubles of your Balikbayan packages. Some of the above Blacklisted Balikbayan Box Forwarders have different branches in other different countries which are not listed above such are South Korea, Japan, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE etc. Note the above list for your reference or download the PDF file in the link below.

To download the PDF File PSB Blacklisted (As of October 2, 2012) Please click this link

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France Prime Minster will visit the Philippines for the very first time for Business

French Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from October 19 to 21, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday.

Accompanied by a 130-member delegation, comprised of Ministers, parliamentarians and businessmen, Prime Minister Ayrault's visit will mark the first ever visit of a French leader to the Philippines since the formal establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947.

"Prime Minister Ayrault's visit does not only represent a milestone event in Philippine-French relations. More importantly, it sends a strong signal that France has taken serious notice of the positive developments in the country, and is ready to earnestly engage the Philippines as a vibrant and dynamic partner," the DFA said.

Relations between the two countries have steadily progressed through the years, highlighted by the visit to France of the late President Corazon C. Aquino in July 1989 as Chief Guest during the bicentennial of the French Revolution. France was one of the first countries to recognize the government of former President Aquino at the height of the 1986 People Power Revolution.

"Through the theme: 'Enhancing Philippine-French relations through political, economic and cultural cooperation,' we are confident that the visit of Prime Minister Ayrault will infuse renewed dynamism to our bilateral ties and propel our partnership to greater heights," the DFA added.

The three-day visit will be highlighted by a meeting in Malacañang between the French Prime Minister and President Benigno S. Aquino III, who will reciprocate the honor bestowed on his mother, former President Aquino, when she visited France in 1989. Both leaders are expected to exchange views on moving bilateral relations forward, as well as on regional and multilateral issues.

Economic relations between the two countries have been improving. Total bilateral trade amounted to $1.143 billion in 2011. French investments in the Philippines grew in 2011 with total approved investments of P1.145 billion, up by 90 percent compared to the previous year. French companies, such as LaFarge, TOTAL, AXA, and Alcatel, have strong presence in the country and have committed to increase their investments in the coming years. Global companies such as RATP Dev and Thales have likewise expressed interest to participate in the bidding for flagship projects under the government's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program.

A Philippine-French Business Forum will also be held on October 20. The Forum will serve as a venue for the Prime Minister Ayrault's accompanying delegation of key French businessmen to have a first-hand look at the strength of the Philippine economy, and the bright opportunities for doing business in the Philippines.

During the Forum, several business contracts will be signed and announced. The members of the French business delegation represent global players in various sectors like energy, aviation and aeronautics, transportation, infrastructures, electronics, healthcare and environment.

The visit will also affirm the heightening exchanges of the two countries in the area of cultural cooperation with the signing of an Agreement on the holding of the Grand Exhibition "Philippines – Art of Exchange" at the Musée du Quai Branly, the premier museum in France for indigenous art and culture, from April 9 to July 21 2013 in Paris.

The Exhibition will put the Philippines in the cultural map of France and is expected to attract thousands of French, European, and international visitors, as well as generate media exposure. Side events will be organized during the Exhibition to include workshops on Philippine cuisine, Philippine dances, Philippine musical instruments, and others.

Prime Minister Ayrault will end his visit in Cebu where he will witness a presentation on the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, which will be partly financed by the Agence Francaise du Developpement (AFD), the French government's development cooperation arm.

There are about 50,000 Filipinos in France and about 4,000 French nationals in the Philippines. Most Filipinos in France are engaged in the services sector and skilled professionals. In 2011, Filipinos in France remitted a total of $51.3 million.

philSTAR

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OFW Philippine Economy Army- Remittances rose 7.6% to $1.8 Billion USD in August 2012

Cash remittances from overseas-based Filipinos sent through banks reached $1.8 billion US Dollars in August 2012, increasing at a 10-month high of 7.6 percent from $1.67 billion in the same month last year.

Remittances in August eased from $1.81 billion in July, but still higher than the $1.7 billion average for the first seven months of the year.

This brought the inflows for January to August to $13.7 billion, 5.5 percent higher than the $15.3 billion sent in the same period of 2011.

 

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said in a statement that eight-month fund transfers rose following a steady stream from both sea- and land-based workers, who accounted for $3.2 billion and $10.5 billion, respectively.

According to BSP officer-in-charge Juan D. de Zuñiga, growth in remittances was sustained by higher transfers—including non-cash items—from land-based OFWs with work contracts of at least one year as well as all OFWs with contracts of less than a year.

The BSP also measures "personal remittances," which cover cash and goods carried into the country as well as travel expenses in countries where the senders work.

In terms of territories from where the funds were sent through banks, the top source was the United States with 43 percent of the total for the eight months. Other key sources were Canada, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, Japan, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Citing preliminary data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, the BSP said there was continued demand for skilled Filipino workers, with 231,316 job orders for the nine months to September. These workers are needed in Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Taiwan.

"With expectations of sustained demand for skilled Filipino workers overseas, remittances are projected to continue to boost economic activity and provide a steady supply of foreign exchange," Zuñiga said.

"Moreover, the increasing use of financial channels for transfers and the continued introduction of innovations in remittance products are expected to contribute to the steady flow of remittances into the country," he added.

OFW Philippine Economy Army of the Philippines are non armed forces comprise of more than 10 Million or 10% of the total Philippine Population working outside the Philippines and sending their monthly Dollar remittances that makes the Philippine economy afloat.

These economy armies are non-badge, not officially recognized and no General ranks that save the country from global economic crisis.

Inquirer

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US approved $24 Million Philippine Armament upgrade plus 3rd Hamilton Warship

Philippines gets guns for US-supplied ships

 

The Philippine Navy will get newer and more powerful guns that could augment weapons for two patrol ships acquired recently from the United States.

 

The Pentagon recently awarded a $24 million contract to Kentucky-based BAE Systems Land and Armaments for 21 Mk 38 Mod 2 chain guns for the US and Philippines navies.

 

The Philippines is procuring the guns under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, a US Navy statement revealed.

 

The Philippine Navy acquired the 1st of two Hamilton-class all-weather patrol ships from the US Coast Guard last year. She was re-christened the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and is the spearhead of the country's presence in the disputed Spratly Islands and Scarborough Shoal.

 

The US had stripped the ship of her more sophisticated weapons before turning her over. The Mk 38 Mod 2 gun is an improved version of the 25mm Bushmaster that was taken off the BRP Del Pilar.

 

A 2nd Hamilton-class cutter was turned over to the Philippine Navy last May (re-christened as the BRP Ramon Alcaraz). She is being refurbished and her scheduled arrival in Manila has been delayed to sometime early next year.

 

Another Hamilton-class cutter was retired in San Diego, California this month. A reliable source said the Philippines was seeing if it could get her as well.

 

The Mk 38 Mod 2 fires 180 rounds of 25mm projectiles per minute. Its 4-axis stabilized electro-optical sensor provides round-the-clock surveillance capability.

 

BAE Systems developed the gun with Rafael Armaments of Israel which manufactures the "Typhoon" stabilized marine gun system. The US Navy intensified procurement after the attack on the destroyer USS Cole. They plan to have the remote-controlled guns installed on most of its warships by 2015.

 

Navy officials say the guns provide improved protection against small threats close aboard and even help crews with more mundane tasks, such as finding channel buoys.

 

The brochure boasts that "Line-of-fire stabilization enables the crew to effectively engage target in great precision from safe stand-off distance and rough sea conditions." Operators can follow and fire at a target automatically using electro-optical and infrared sensors and a computer-integrated laser range finder.

 

If the sensors are disabled, gunner's mates can manually aim and fire the gun. It has built-in batteries that allow it to operate for 2 hours even after the whole ship loses power.

 

As reported by the ATMONLINE.CZ a Czech Republic Website in Europe,  the  2 class frigates Gregorio Del Pilar (former Hamilton class cutter acquired in 2011 or 2012 of the United States) - BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (ex USCGC Hamilton [WHEC-715]) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (ex USCGC Dallas [WHEC-716]) - will be armed with antiballistic missiles RGM-84 Harpoon.

 

In addition, the 2 frigates would be installed modernized unspecified powerful radar, which replaces the original AN/SPS-73 with an integrated fire control system Mk.92 Mod1

 

ABS-CBN News, ATMONLIE.CZ

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