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By Luis Leoncio A Chinese state-owned metal producer is expected to set off the stream of new Chinese investments in the Philippines with a $700-million project that is part of the $13.5-billion commitments obtained during President Duterte’s recent four-day state visit to China.

The transportation committee of the House of Representatives currently thrashing out the proposal to grant emergency powers to President Duterte to solve the country’s traffic crisis is inclined to limit the scope of the sought-after authority.

A successful and efficient implementation of the Duterte administration’s tax-reform and infrastructure-development plans will boost the Philippines’ credit rating, credit watchdog Moody’s Investors Service said.

President Duterte’s recent state visit to Brunei Darussalam is expected to enhance diplomatic and economic relations between the Philippines and Brunei, global port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said.

By Riza Lozada The Court of Appeals (CA) has given the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), the state anti-trust body, until Oct. 29 to reply to the urgent motion of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. Inc. (PLDT) for the issuance of a gag order in relation to the review of the P70-billion mega deal involving the acquisition by PLDT and Globe …

By Luis Leoncio The refusal of exclusive villages in Metro Manila to allow the installation of cell sites within their respective areas has hampered efforts to improve the coverage and internet experience of subscribers, according to telecommunications companies Smart Communications, Inc. and Globe Telecom Inc.

Fund manager Mark Mobius said investors should not be overly concerned with Presi­dent Duterte’s “firebrand” im­age, as his election is consistent with the global wave of chosen populist leaders who are effec­tively implementing law and order in their respective coun­tries, which is “a good thing” for their long-term prospects.

The highly positive results of re­cent surveys on President Duterte’s policies have affirmed that an over­whelming majority of Filipinos are oblivious to the negative political up­roar and are appreciative of his efforts in his first three months in office to make good on his promise to restore peace and order, sustain the growth momentum, and bring the benefits of our …

By Riza Lozada The Department of Energy (DOE) is pursuing the removal of the value-add­ed-tax (VAT) on the systems-loss charge and the universal charge on stranded debts to bring down electric­ity rates.

President Duterte will have the fi­nal say on the proposed two-year moratorium on the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricul­tural uses that has split some influ­ential members of his Cabinet.