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GDP EXPANDS TO 5.7 PERCENT IN Q1 DESPITE EL NIÑO, HEAT WAVE Darwin G. Amojelar THE Philippine economy grew at a moderate pace in the first quarter of 2024, expanding by 5.7 percent, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This is an improvement over the previous quarter of 5.5 percent, but slower compared to the 6.4 percent in the first quarter of last year. The latest gross domestic product (GDP) figure, however, fell short of the government’s target range of 6 per-
cent to 7 percent for the year. The PSA said the main contributors to the first quarter 2024 growth were: financial and insurance activities, 10 percent; wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 6.4 percent; and manufacturing, 4.5 percent. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the economy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth despite the challenges on both domestic and international fronts. Next page
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 84• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 •
Chinese tourists face stricter entry rules DFA to focus monitoring on POGO workers By Ratziel San Juan HE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday said the government will enforce stricter visa issuance protocols for Chinese nationals.
T
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Gary Domingo during a press conference said this will be implemented starting this week. Domingo cited the discovery of fraudulently obtained passports and visas that resulted in "illicit entry and overstay" of foreigners in
the country. "A major challenge is submitting fake documents, particularly from the Chinese side," Domingo said. "To help remedy this, we are actually looking at a best practice Next page
China false claims aim to divide gov't, Filipinos—DFA By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Foreign Affairs warned that China's false narrative on “unverifiable recordings” on the alleged “new model” on how to handle the dispute in Ayungin Shoal could be aimed at “sowing discord” between the government and the Filipino public. The DFA also cautioned Chinese embassy officials against interfering in the country's internal affairs as this would be a violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. "The DFA cautions against falling for false narratives," DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said in a statement. Next page
RECTO PUSHES FOR EARLY IBC PAYOUT NEWS / A2
DEADLY US MISSILE USED IN BALIKATAN NEWS / A2
Prepare for La Niña, Marcos urges LGUs FIRE AWAY. The Philippine Navy’s BRP Jose Rizal launches a C-Star Anti-ship missile towards an ‘enemy’ target off Laoag during the penultimate Balikatan 2024 military exercises. AFP photo
PRESIDENT Marcos urged all local government units (to brace for the La Niña phenomenon following the ongoing dry spell as he led the distribution of P60 million in financial assistance and services to farmers and fisherfolks affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Zamboanga Peninsula. “My fellow countrymen, the whole world is facing a serious challenge due to what we call climate change, weather changes. We are experiencing extreme
Senate to finalize Chacha report; plenary debates set after SONA SENATOR Sonny Angara recently affirmed the release of the Senate subcommittee report on constitutional amendments and revision of codes on Resolution on Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 shortly after Congress’ sine die break on May 24. The Senate is currently hearing the
By Charles Dantes
Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which seeks to amend the three restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution which pertains to education, public utilities and advertising. The subcommittee had already finished its deliberations on full ownership of eduNext page cation and public utilities.
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A WELCOME DOWNPOUR. A welcome J.O.B.S. INITIATIVE. SM Investments Corporation (SMIC) Vice Chairperson Teresita Sy-Coson (center) is joined by leaders of SM, PSAC, and industry giants which united to build a stronger workforce by organizing the Trabaho Para sa Bayan: Job Opportunities Building Skills (J.O.B.S.). With Coson are SM Foundation Executive Director Deborah Sy (second from right) and from left: Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr., Go Negosyo Founder Joey Concepcion, Ayala Corporation Lead Independent Director Rizalina Mantaring, Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) Vice President Ferdinand Ferrer, Magsaysay Group of Companies President Doris MagsaysayHo, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Chairman George Barcelon, Jobstreet by SEEK Managing Director Dannah Majarocon, Special Assistant to the President for Investments and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
#ANONGBALITA? Paris Olympic flame begins relay across France NEWS / A2
respite from the scorching heat was a heavy downpour yesterday that flooded parts of Taft Avenue in Manila. Inset photo shows President Marcos extending financial aid to El Nino-affected farmers and fisherfolk in Zamboanga peninsula.
Sue red-taggers, abolish NTF-ELCAC—Makabayan By Maricel V. Cruz THE Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives on Thursday said it will file cases against red-taggers as
it lauded the landmark Supreme Court decision recognizing that “red-tagging” and charges of “guilty by association” threaten a person's right to life, liberty, or security.
Wala sa utak ko: Tulfo says not eyeing presidency
iPad 'Crush' ad causes uproar amid AI anxiety
NEWS / A2
NEWS / A2
At the same time, the bloc composed of Reps. France Castro of ACT Teachers, Arlene Brosas of Gabriela and Raul Manuel of Kabayaan reiterated its call Next page