News Roundup 31 July 2023
Jul 31, 2023 • 4 min Read
Hefty fuel price hikes set on August 1 | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Motorists and consumers are in for another round of gasoline price hikes as firms announce an impending increase in petroleum products starting August 1.
According to the latest advisory from several fuel companies, the prices per liter of gasoline are set to increase by P2.10, kerosene by P3.25 and diesel by P3.50.
This is according to the announcements of Chevron Philippines Inc. (Caltex), Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp., and Seaoil Philippines Corp.
The price adjustments will take effect on August 1, 6 a.m. for all oil companies mentioned, except for Caltex, which will apply the changes at 12:01 a.m., and Cleanfuel, which will do so at 4:01 p.m. on the same day.
This marks the third straight week that oil companies raised the prices of fuel.
The overall increase in gasoline prices since the beginning of the year amounts to P12.04 per liter, while diesel saw a net increase of P1.20 per liter. On the other hand, kerosene experienced a net reduction of P0.65 per liter during the same period.
EU commits to enhancing maritime security cooperation with Philippines | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The European Union will help the Philippines beef up its maritime security by conducting threat assessments and enhancing the capabilities of the Coast Guard, a top official said Monday.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed in a speech the European Union’s recognition that the landmark ruling invalidating Beijing’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea is legally binding.
“We are ready to strengthen the cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security in the region by sharing information, conducting threat assessment and building the capacity of your national Coast Watch center and your Coast Guard,” Von der Leyen said in a joint briefing with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
She also reiterated the regional bloc’s stance that the 2016 award of the Permanent Court of Arbitration provides the basis for peacefully resolving disputes between parties to the proceedings. China, whose aggressive actions in the resource-rich waterway have been criticized by the Philippines and other nations, does not recognize the decision.
Von der Leyen stressed that the escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific pose a global threat affecting all nations.
Full Story at: EU commits to enhancing maritime security cooperation with Philippines | Philstar.com
Pimentel counters President’s Sona: ‘The state of the nation is worrisome’ | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Floor Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Monday exposed the real state of the nation, debunking many of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s claims during his last State of the Nation Address (Sona).
In his 25-page kontra-Sona speech, which he dubbed as “The Realistic Sona,” Pimentel said the “state of the nation is worrisome.”
This was a direct response to Marcos’ remark on his second Sona, when the President said that the “state of the nation is sound and improving.”
On prices of basic commodities
Pimentel started his speech by lamenting the skyrocketing prices of food and basic commodities in the country.
“Hindi tama sabihin na sa mga nakalipas na buwan, nakita natin ang pagbaba ng presyo ng bilihin sa iba’t ibang mga sektor. Meron tayong cost of living crisis ngayon. And let us add to this the cost of dying. Dapat tignan din ito ng gobyerno,” said Pimentel.
(It is not correct to say that in recent months, we have seen a decrease in commodity prices in various sectors. We have a cost of living crisis now. And let us add to this the cost of dying. The government should also look into this.)
Full Story at: Pimentel counters President’s Sona: ‘The state of the nation is worrisome’ | Inquirer News
Deposit machines bring P12.5M worth of coins back in circulation INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) was able to bring back into circulation a total of P12.5 million in various coins through 10 coin deposit machines (CODMs) that were launched in select shopping malls since June 20.
The rollout of CODMs throughout the past six weeks started with two units installed at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City and one each at Robinsons Place Ermita (Manila) and Festival Mall in Muntinlupa City.
The rest were spread out across SM City San Lazaro, SM City Bicutan, SM City Bacoor, Robinsons Place Galleria Ortigas, SM City North Edsa and SM City Fairview.
BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo Puyat said 15 more units from a US supplier would complete the planned initial deployment of 25 CODMs.
Full Story at: Deposit machines bring P12.5M worth of coins back in circulation | Inquirer News
