Gatchalian urges passage of telco bills to attract more players
Senator Win Gatchalian urged Congress to prioritize the passage of three bills that would allow for the entry of more players into the Philippine telecommunications sector. Gatchalian issued the call in response to President Rodrigo Duterte’s comments during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) calling for the entry of a third telco player […]
Greater focus on economy in 3rd PRRD SONA expected
Senator Win Gatchalian urged President Rodrigo Duterte to put greater focus on economic issues in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) amid growing public concern over the steady rise in the prices of basic commodities during the first half of 2018. “I hope President Duterte will outline in detail the government’s concrete plan-of-action […]
Senate panels set to review PH foreign investment laws
The Senate committees on economic affairs and trade are set to scrutinize the country’s foreign investment laws and policies, with the aim of strengthening the current investment regime by making it more adaptable to global business demands and trends. According to Senator Win Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, there must be […]
Probe Build, Build, Build financing
To ensure “judicious, prudent, and sound economic planning” by the government, Senator Win Gatchalian wants to review the status, sustainability, and risks of projects under the Duterte administration’s “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) infrastructure program. In filing Senate Resolution No. 759, which calls for a Senate inquiry into the financial requirements of BBB, the senator said: “There is […]
Abolish rice import quotas to make rice cheaper
Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking the replacement of quantitative restrictions (QRs) on rice imports with a 35% tariff that is expected to make the country’s foremost staple food more affordable for all. “The country’s protectionist policy on rice has become unsustainable. Rice consumers are spending more on rice products while domestic rice farmers remain poor, […]
Declining PH competitiveness “wake-up call” for government
Senator Win Gatchalian is calling on the government to take immediate action to boost the country’s economic competitiveness after it took a big hit in recently released rankings. “The slide in our country’s competitiveness should be a wake-up call for the government to pursue measures that will foster a more productive business environment for MSMEs and […]
Senate urged to pass SIM Card Registration Act
Senator Win Gatchalian on Wednesday urged the Senate to prioritize the passage of the SIM Card Registration Act after the House of Representatives approved its own version (House Bill No. 7233) earlier this week. “The House has done its part. Now it’s up to the Senate to pass the bill and get it on the […]
Gov’t failed to deliver on cash transfer promise
Senator Win Gatchalian did not mince words as he reprimanded government representatives for their failure to fully implement the unconditional cash transfer (UCT) program which is meant to shield low-income Filipinos from price increases due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. “This is an issue for us senators. We all know dispensing 200 pesos […]
Government must protect Boracay’s informal sector workers
Senator Win Gatchalian on Monday urged the government to launch emergency financial assistance and livelihood programs to compensate workers in the informal sector for lost wages expected during the six-month closure of Boracay Island, which takes effect this week. The senator estimates that more than 6,000 workers employed in the informal sector of Boracay Island […]
