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Travel agencies group warns about cheap, illegal operators
The Davao Travel Agencies Association (DTAA) has issued a warning about unregistered and illegal travel and tour operators in their area. These operators have been found to be offering travel and tour services without proper licensing, leading to issues such as lack of refunds, scheduling problems, and other travel arrangement discrepancies. Pia Partoza Montano, a travel agency owner and Vice-President for the Travel and Tours Sector of DTAA, emphasized the prevalence of these unauthorized operators, particularly in inbound tourism, and the challenges in monitoring and regulating them due to their large numbers. Montano also highlighted the potential risks associated with using these unregistered agencies, as they may offer cheaper rates but could lead to problems in case of incidents. To address this issue, the Department of Tourism-Davao (DOT-Davao) has introduced a QR code system to help the public verify the legitimacy of travel agencies by accessing data on authorized and registered operators. The DOT-Davao encourages travelers to transact with accredited enterprises to ensure the quality and reliability of their travel arrangements. Currently, there are at least 109 registered travel and tour agencies in Davao City under DOT-Davao's accreditation. The DOT-Davao also provides information on the requirements for registration and renewal for travel agencies on their official website. This warning serves as a reminder for the public to be cautious and discerning when engaging with travel and tour operators to avoid falling victim to unauthorized and illegitimate services......»»
Some firms still violate ease of doing biz law despite Arta
The Anti-Red Tape Authority-Eastern Mindanao Region (Arta-EastMin) revealed that there are still several businesses in their jurisdiction that violate the implementation of the Ease-of-Doing-Business Law and other red tape concerns despite the agency’s comprehensive collaboration with other security and law enforcement......»»
Delivery drivers urge Mayor Baste for business permit exemption
Title: Delivery Drivers Seek Exemption from Business Permit Requirement A group of delivery drivers in Davao is urging Mayor Sebastian Duterte to exempt them from the mandatory business permits. The drivers, including those from various delivery apps such as Grab and FoodPanda, are concerned about the financial burden imposed by the business permits, which range from P2,000 to P6,000. They argue that this requirement is unique to Davao City among all cities and provinces in the Philippines. Grab rider Rolando Atico emphasized the need for solidarity among all delivery drivers, regardless of the app they work for. He urged fellow drivers to support each other, as the financial impact may extend beyond just Grab and FoodPanda. Atico also requested Mayor Duterte to reconsider the requirement and reinstate the previous occupational permit, which only cost P125. The group is facing a 30-day deadline to obtain the business permits, and they are citing financial constraints as a reason for their request for an extension. Failure to comply could result in their removal from the delivery platforms, jeopardizing their livelihoods. Additionally, they are advocating for changes to Davao City's Revenue Code, proposing a model similar to Cebu City, where only an occupational permit is required. The drivers are also calling for an inquiry into the lack of transparency and unilateral actions of food delivery companies, particularly concerning rider capitalization and financial concerns. They believe that a thorough investigation will help ensure fairness and equity in their financial obligations and working relationship with the delivery companies. Maribel Paguican, the Business Bureau officer-in-charge, stated that non-certified delivery riders categorized as service contractors must obtain a business permit. She mentioned two permits for occupational and business activities, with a discounted structure for delivery riders. However, concerns have been raised about increased taxes, potentially ranging from P3,000 to P6,000, along with an additional tax on top of the declared income of P1,400. The delivery drivers' plea for exemption from the business permit requirement reflects their concerns about the financial impact and the potential threat to their livelihoods. Their call for solidarity and support from fellow drivers highlights the urgency of the situation. This story sheds light on the challenges faced by delivery drivers in Davao and the implications of the business permit requirement on their financial well-being. It also underscores their efforts to seek fairness and equity in their working relationship with the authorities and delivery companies......»»
Government raises IPAs project approval threshold to P15 billion
The government has increased the investment capital threshold assigned to investment promotion agencies (IPAs) to P15 billion in a bid to promote the ease of doing business......»»
ARTA, ECCP ink deal to improve ease of doing business
The Anti-Red Tape Authority has partnered with the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines to work together in creating a more business-friendly environment......»»
'There s today momentum in India which has to be experienced to be believed': Jaishankar in Singapore
Singapore, March 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said there's today momentum in India which has to be experienced to be believed and the country is going to be a much bigger economy in the coming years. Jaishankar, who reached Singapore earlier today as part of his three-nation visit, said apart from increase in ease of living and ease of doing business, India is ramping up its infrastructure.....»»
'There s today momentum in India which has to be experienced to be believed': Jaishankar in Singapore
Singapore, March 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said there's today momentum in India which has to be experienced to be believed and the country is going to be a much bigger economy in the coming years. Jaishankar, who reached Singapore earlier today as part of his three-nation visit, said apart from increase in ease of living and ease of doing business, India is ramping up its infrastructure.....»»
EDITORIAL — Pass-through fees
If the administration wants to tackle inflation and improve ease of doing business, it should scrutinize one of the contributors to high prices particularly of agricultural commodities, and a long-standing complaint of businessmen: pass-through fees collected from delivery trucks......»»
Al-ag proposes to repeal ordinance requiring delivery riders biz permits
Davao City Councilor Bernie Al-ag has proposed the repeal of an ordinance that requires delivery riders to obtain business permits. The ordinance in question, City Ordinance 0612-21 series of 2021, classified delivery riders as independent service contractors, mandating them to apply for business permits. However, a joint memorandum circular issued by various government agencies exempts individuals providing personal services, including delivery riders, from securing business permits. Al-ag emphasized that the city government must adhere to the guidelines set forth in the memorandum. While the proposed repeal is pending, Al-ag advised delivery riders to comply with the existing ordinance. He expressed confidence in the passage of the repeal, citing the solid basis provided by the joint memorandum. Despite a group of delivery riders seeking an audience with Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte on the matter, Al-ag's proposal was drafted in response to a separate petition. He clarified that the repeal is not about monetary collection but aligning with national law, which exempts delivery riders from obtaining business permits. Al-ag remains optimistic about the repeal's approval, pointing to the support provided by the joint memorandum as a strong foundation for his proposal......»»
Filing of complaints now easier with CARe System – DTI
The DTI introduced the DTI Consumer Complaints Assistance and Resolution System (CARe System) to the general public on 13 October 2023 held at the New World Hotel Manila......»»
DTI, Google to Empower MSMEs and Jobseekers to be Digitally Ready
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Google Philippines announced their collaboration to help Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and jobseekers to be more digitally adept in a US Trade Mission meeting last March 11, 2024, held in Malacañang. DTI Secretary Fred Pascual expressed his appreciation of the partnership with Google and said […].....»»
DTI allows manufacturers to downsize certain goods to offset rising costs
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced on Wednesday that manufacturers of essential goods can maintain profitability amid rising production costs by reducing product sizes or weights, instead of increasing prices. Trade Assistant Secretary Amanda Marie Nograles explained during the televised Bangon Pilipinas briefing that the DTI permitted this adjustment for.....»»
Anti-red tape body files 66 cases in court
At least 66 criminal cases were slapped against government workers for offenses violating Republic Act 11032, or the Ease of Doing Business Law, the Anti-Red Tape Authority said yesterday......»»
DHSUD affirms support to local government, agencies
Firm support of local government units and bolstered coordination with other agencies has been committed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development after the signing of a joint memorandum circular on public financial management......»»
Philippines, EU resume free trade agreement talks
MANILA, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines and the European Union (EU) resumed negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) on Monday, the Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Tuesday. "Strengthening economic engagement with the EU remains a priority for the Philippines," said Philippine Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual, adding that the Philippines aims for an ambitious, b.....»»
No nonsense
The Ease of Doing Business has been defined as “the level of simplicity and efficiency with which businesses can operate within an economy.” It encompasses various aspects, including the economic landscape, finance, and legal framework......»»
EDITORIAL - Finally, plastic license cards
It says a lot about the quality of governance and ease of doing business in this country that it takes forever just to obtain a plastic driver’s license card......»»
British Chamber promotes increased collaboration, ease of doing business
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines expressed its aim to further deepen the continuously growing trade relationship between the UK and the Philippines......»»
DSWD, UNFPA sign agreement vs gender-based violence
A five-year agreement to combat gender-based violence has been signed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the United Nations Population Fund Philippines......»»
Hold agency heads accountable for Gov website, email hacking
A network of digital advocates urged the government to hold accountable the heads of the agencies affected by the hacking of government sites and emails. Digital Pinoys national campaigner Ronald Gustilo said that the heads of agencies affected by the hacking on government email and websites should be dealt with swiftly as the attacks came […].....»»