Business - Iloilo Metropolitan Times https://www.imtnews.ph Developmental News, Critical Views Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:19:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 224892800 Manufacture EVs in PH, Marcos asks Tesla https://www.imtnews.ph/manufacture-evs-in-ph-marcos-asks-tesla/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=manufacture-evs-in-ph-marcos-asks-tesla https://www.imtnews.ph/manufacture-evs-in-ph-marcos-asks-tesla/#respond Tue, 21 Jan 2025 11:18:52 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30380 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Tesla to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines. At the launch of the Tesla Center Philippines, Marcos Jr. cited Tesla’s role in promoting environmental sustainability and empowering the local workforce.  “With plans to expand further, Tesla is building a generation of Filipinos equipped to lead in the global […]

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on Tesla to manufacture electric vehicles (EVs) in the Philippines.

At the launch of the Tesla Center Philippines, Marcos Jr. cited Tesla’s role in promoting environmental sustainability and empowering the local workforce. 

“With plans to expand further, Tesla is building a generation of Filipinos equipped to lead in the global shift towards sustainable technologies such as this,” he said, noting that every hire represents an investment in Filipino talent.

“It is our fervent hope that Tesla might one day choose to manufacture its vehicles in the Philippines.”

The President highlighted the September inauguration of a state-of-the-art facility producing advanced iron phosphate batteries essential for EV manufacturing. 

He expressed optimism that more companies would capitalize on opportunities in the growing sector.

Tesla’s presence in the Philippines, according to him, would encourage local innovation and attract investments in the EV industry.

Tesla Inc., listed on the National Association of Security Dealers Automated Quotations with a market capitalization of over $1.2 trillion, officially entered the Philippines on November 8, 2024, through Tesla Motors Philippines Inc. The local subsidiary handles importation, sales, customer support, and charging infrastructure in the country.IMT

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Poe allays fears of job loss for motorycle taxi riders https://www.imtnews.ph/poe-allays-fears-of-job-loss-for-motorycle-taxi-riders/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=poe-allays-fears-of-job-loss-for-motorycle-taxi-riders https://www.imtnews.ph/poe-allays-fears-of-job-loss-for-motorycle-taxi-riders/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:47:56 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30363 Senator Grace Poe assured the public that over 60,000 motorcycle riders won’t lose their jobs despite the absence of a law regulating their operations. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has the authority to extend the operations of motorcycle-for-hire services, which are essential for millions of Filipinos, said Poe. She emphasized that the […]

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Senator Grace Poe assured the public that over 60,000 motorcycle riders won’t lose their jobs despite the absence of a law regulating their operations.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has the authority to extend the operations of motorcycle-for-hire services, which are essential for millions of Filipinos, said Poe.

She emphasized that the LTFRB can decide whether to extend the deadline or not.

“Pwede naman silang magkaroon ng extension pending the passage of the bill. Sila naman yung pumapayag dyan. Kung kailangan nila ng Senate resolution mula sa amin para meron silang legal cover, pwede naman naming gawin ‘yan,” the chair of the Senate Committee on Finance and a former head of the Committee on Public Services said.

Poe stressed the importance of motorcycle taxis as a safe and viable transportation option that provides jobs for thousands of riders.

“Sa mga kababayan, huwag po kayong mag-alala sapagkat napaka-importante nitong serbisyo na ito ng mga motorcycles for hire, at hindi ito dapat itigil ng LTFRB dahil lang hindi pa naipapasa ang batas,” she said.

The LTFRB previously warned that motorcycle taxis could become “illegal” if the 19th Congress fails to pass the law.IMT

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SC rules in favor of MORE Power expansion https://www.imtnews.ph/sc-rules-in-favor-of-more-power-expansion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sc-rules-in-favor-of-more-power-expansion https://www.imtnews.ph/sc-rules-in-favor-of-more-power-expansion/#respond Mon, 20 Jan 2025 13:32:13 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30345 The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed a petition filed by three Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECOs) seeking to block MORE Power’s expansion into certain municipalities in the province of Iloilo. All 14 justices, based on a 20-page En Banc decision signed last July 30, 2024 and released this January 2025, voted to dismiss the petition of […]

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The Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed a petition filed by three Iloilo Electric Cooperatives (ILECOs) seeking to block MORE Power’s expansion into certain municipalities in the province of Iloilo.

All 14 justices, based on a 20-page En Banc decision signed last July 30, 2024 and released this January 2025, voted to dismiss the petition of ILECOs for Certiorari and Prohibition with Prayer for the Issuance of Temporary Restraining Order and Writ of Preliminary Injunction, which challenged the constitutionality of MORE Power’s franchise expansion.

Congress granted MORE Power, Iloilo City’s sole power distributor, a franchise through Republic Act 11918 to provide electricity services in municipalities within the second and fourth districts of Iloilo, following requests from residents to their respective Congressmen. The ILECOs currently serve these areas.

The SC clarified that there is no exclusivity in the franchise granted to electric cooperatives, emphasizing that this principle is clearly stated in the 1935, 1973, and 1987 Constitutions: “No franchise, certificate or any other form of authorization for the operation of a public utility shall be granted except to citizens of the Philippines or corporations or associations organized under the laws of the Philippines, at least sixty per centum of whose capital is owned by such citizens, nor shall such franchise, certificate or authorization be exclusive in character or for a longer period than fifty years.”

The justices ruled that this constitutional provision is explicit, requires no further interpretation, and should be enforced.

The SC also emphasized that Congress thoroughly deliberated on MORE Power’s expansion franchise to ensure it would benefit consumers.

The decision clarifies that MORE Power’s franchise does not mandate consumer transfer to their service but instead creates a competitive environment where consumers have the choice to remain with ILECO or switch to MORE Power.

The SC concluded, “The enactment of Republic Act No. 11918 is founded on the promotion of the common good, that is, to promote a healthy competitive environment in the Province of Iloilo.”

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P1 now only 77 centavos in Western Visayas https://www.imtnews.ph/p1-now-only-77-centavos-in-western-visayas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=p1-now-only-77-centavos-in-western-visayas https://www.imtnews.ph/p1-now-only-77-centavos-in-western-visayas/#respond Sun, 19 Jan 2025 23:06:30 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30328 People who are living in Western Visayas now need to spend more  money for goods and services compared to six years ago. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6),  the value of P1 in 2018 slipped to 77 centavos in December 2024. This means that an additional amount of P23 is needed to purchase the […]

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People who are living in Western Visayas now need to spend more  money for goods and services compared to six years ago.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6),  the value of P1 in 2018 slipped to 77 centavos in December 2024.

This means that an additional amount of P23 is needed to purchase the same basket of goods worth P100 in the base year.

The purchasing power of the peso is computed as 1 divided by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), multiplied by 100.

PSA-6 said decrease in the local currency’s purchasing power was mainly due to inflation or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services.

In December last year, the region’s inflation clocked in at 3.2 percent, higher compared to November’s 3.2 percent.IMT

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Scoot mounts direct flights between Iloilo, Singapore https://www.imtnews.ph/scoot-mounts-direct-flights-between-iloilo-singapore/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=scoot-mounts-direct-flights-between-iloilo-singapore https://www.imtnews.ph/scoot-mounts-direct-flights-between-iloilo-singapore/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2025 17:50:35 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30257 Scoot is set to open direct flights between Iloilo and Singapore in April this year, the low-cost carrier announced on Thursday, Jan. 16. Using its fleet of Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, Scoot will operate three times a week starting on April 14, 2025. The aircraft, which has a capacity of 112 seats, will depart Singapore at […]

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Scoot is set to open direct flights between Iloilo and Singapore in April this year, the low-cost carrier announced on Thursday, Jan. 16.

Using its fleet of Embraer E190-E2 aircraft, Scoot will operate three times a week starting on April 14, 2025.

The aircraft, which has a capacity of 112 seats, will depart Singapore at 2:00 a.m. and arrive at the Iloilo International Airport at 5:35 a.m.

Meanwhile, the return flight from Iloilo to Singapore will operate from 06:10 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

The direct flights can be booked from Jan.16 via Scoot’s website and mobile app.

“With the launch of direct flights to Iloilo City, we also hope to inspire our customers to explore more cities within Southeast Asia and embark on new travel experiences,” Scoot chief executive officer Leslie Thng said in a statement.

Scoot is one of the wholly owned subsidiaries of Singapore Airlines (SIA).IMT

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Coca-Cola PH has new company name https://www.imtnews.ph/coca-cola-ph-has-new-company-name/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coca-cola-ph-has-new-company-name https://www.imtnews.ph/coca-cola-ph-has-new-company-name/#respond Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:02:50 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30249 Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), The Coca-Cola Company’ s official bottling partner in the Philippines, has a new company name. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the change in CCBPI’s legal name to “Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc.” (CCEAP). “Our new name signifies an exciting new phase in our journey as we reaffirm our […]

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Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI), The Coca-Cola Company’ s official bottling partner in the Philippines, has a new company name.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the change in CCBPI’s legal name to “Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, Inc.” (CCEAP).

Coca-Cola PH has new company name

“Our new name signifies an exciting new phase in our journey as we reaffirm our commitment to serving our customers, supporting our people and communities, and driving long-term growth for the country,” said CCEAP president and CEO Gareth McGeown.

“In the 113 years that Coca-Cola has called the Philippines home, we look forward to a hundred more years of refreshing our consumers and making a difference through our Great People, Great Beverages, Great Execution, and Great Partners — Done Sustainably,” he further said.

The decision to change the company name came after Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Plc (CCEP) and Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) acquired the beverage company.

CCEP and AEV completed the acquisition of CCBPI in February last year.IMT

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Iloilo City inflation surges to 5.4%, highest in WV https://www.imtnews.ph/iloilo-city-inflation-surges-to-5-4-highest-in-wv/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iloilo-city-inflation-surges-to-5-4-highest-in-wv https://www.imtnews.ph/iloilo-city-inflation-surges-to-5-4-highest-in-wv/#respond Wed, 15 Jan 2025 21:13:52 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30229 Iloilo City, the economic center of Western Visayas, had the highest inflation in the region in December last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6) showed. Inflation, or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services, in the city accelerated to 5.4% in December 2024 from 3.4% in November. Iloilo province recorded […]

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Iloilo City, the economic center of Western Visayas, had the highest inflation in the region in December last year, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6) showed.

Inflation, or the rate of increase in the prices of goods and services, in the city accelerated to 5.4% in December 2024 from 3.4% in November.

Iloilo province recorded the second-highest inflation at 4.2%, followed by Negros Occidental (3.7%), Guimaras and Capiz (2.8% each), Bacolod City (2.4%), Antique (1.5%), and Aklan (1.4%).

The regional average inflation stood at 3.4% in the last month of 2024, slightly higher compared to November’s 3.2 percent.

PSA-6 attributed the acceleration to faster price increases in housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (4.8%); transportation (1.8%); and furnishings, household equipment, and routine maintenance (4.1%).

The agency also cited alcoholic beverages and tobacco, information, and communication and recreation, sport, and culture as significant contributors to the increase.

Food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for 35% of the inflation rate, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels at 26.5%, and restaurants and accommodation services at 10.2%.IMT

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Poe urges swift passage of motorcycle-for-hire law https://www.imtnews.ph/poe-urges-swift-passage-of-motorcycle-for-hire-law/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=poe-urges-swift-passage-of-motorcycle-for-hire-law https://www.imtnews.ph/poe-urges-swift-passage-of-motorcycle-for-hire-law/#respond Wed, 15 Jan 2025 13:52:53 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30225 Senator Grace Poe stressed the need to pass the bill to legalize and regulate motorcycles-for-hire in the Philippines.  “The motorcycle-for-hire bill has been through the long and winding road to passage. Our tank is full,” Poe said during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services, which she previously headed. She cited the the […]

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Senator Grace Poe stressed the need to pass the bill to legalize and regulate motorcycles-for-hire in the Philippines. 

“The motorcycle-for-hire bill has been through the long and winding road to passage. Our tank is full,” Poe said during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Public Services, which she previously headed.

She cited the the pilot study conducted by the Department of Transportation on the viability of motorcycle taxis.

“The pilot study is the strength of this policy. May pagkakataon tayong matugunan ang implementation gaps to improve its regulation once legalized,” according to her.

Poe explained that motorcycles are essential in addressing transportation issues like traffic, overcrowding, and limited public transport options. 

“Traffic, masikip na kalsada, hindi interconnected na transportation systems, mahabang pila at waiting time sa mga terminal, malayong sakayan at kawalan ng pampublikong transportasyon sa ibang lugar at ruta-these situations make riding a motorcycle for transportation a more affordable, faster, convenient and practical option,” she added.IMT

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Borough Lasik Center welcomes 2025 with clearer vision for Visayas https://www.imtnews.ph/borough-lasik-center-welcomes-2025-with-clearer-vision-for-visayas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=borough-lasik-center-welcomes-2025-with-clearer-vision-for-visayas https://www.imtnews.ph/borough-lasik-center-welcomes-2025-with-clearer-vision-for-visayas/#respond Wed, 15 Jan 2025 02:25:04 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30210 Borough Lasik Center is starting the new year with a fresh commitment to providing clearer vision and cutting-edge Lasik treatments for the Negros and Panay Islands. As the region’s premier Lasik provider, Borough Lasik Center is proud to offer even more groundbreaking solutions and exclusive promotions that will transform the way Filipinos see in 2025. […]

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Borough Lasik Center is starting the new year with a fresh commitment to providing clearer vision and cutting-edge Lasik treatments for the Negros and Panay Islands. As the region’s premier Lasik provider, Borough Lasik Center is proud to offer even more groundbreaking solutions and exclusive promotions that will transform the way Filipinos see in 2025.

NEW YEAR, NEW ME

Do you have the same mantra for this year? Well, nothing is more life-changing and exciting than having your vision improved — get your eyes checked and take a step forward towards catering to your body’s needs. With the new year comes new opportunities to alter your lifestyle, and Borough Lasik Center will help you achieve these goals every step along the way with the best of the best doctors and the most advanced treatments.

“We want to kick off 2025 by offering our patients a bright start,” said Dr. Ches Heredia, CEO and Refractive Surgeon at Borough Lasik Center. “The start of a new year is the perfect moment to invest in yourself and take that life-changing step toward clear, crisp vision. Imagine no longer being dependent on glasses or contact lenses, and experiencing every moment with newfound clarity and freedom. Now is the time to say goodbye to limits and hello to a brighter, clearer future. Let’s make 2025 the year of life-changing clarity!”

A TRUSTED NAME IN VISION CORRECTION

In 2024, Borough Lasik Center expanded its reach across the Visayas, becoming the only Laser Eye Center with a presence in all major regions—Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. With a team of highly skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art technology, the center has successfully provided life-changing vision solutions to countless patients, earning the trust of the community.

“2024 was a monumental year for us. We not only expanded our services but also reinforced our commitment to helping individuals lead better lives with improved vision. Our patients’ trust is a testament to the care and quality we provide.” shared Dr. Nathaniel Chan, Iloilo Medical Director and Refractive Surgeon at Borough Lasik Center Visayas. “We’re excited to bring even more patient-centered care in 2025. Each successful procedure represents a life transformed, and that’s what drives us every day.”

VISIONARY BREAKTHROUGHS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS!

Start your 2025 with a 20/20 vision with Borough Lasik Center as they are keeping their promise to provide the best Lasik options and care for everyone. BLC is extending its year-end promotion this month, patients can receive Lasik procedures for as low as ₱55,000 ALL-IN for both eyes with NO HIDDEN CHARGES, valid until January 31, 2025.

Take the first step in achieving the clarity you’ve always wanted. Make 2025 the year you embrace #LifeChangingVision and check it off your wishlist. Visit the nearest Borough Lasik Center branch and start the new year with the greatest gift of all—perfect sight!

Hear from one of our patients about how Borough Lasik Center transformed her vision and her life:

“I have been wearing glasses since college, and to be more efficient at work, I explored Lasik procedures available in the area. Thanks to Borough’s mission, they made my dream possible at an affordable price. After the recommended procedure, I regained my 20/20 vision and am now more comfortable in facing challenging situations while serving with excellence” shared Patricia Nicole Balbin, an Army officer from Negros Occidental. “I feel truly blessed with new opportunities this year, and I am incredibly grateful to the doctors and staff of Borough Bacolod and Iloilo branches for their superb service, which made my journey so much easier!”

To know more about the BLC’s services, follow their official social media accounts, where you can also connect with their specialists for more information:

● Borough Lasik Center Visayas (Facebook)
● @blc.visayas (Instagram)
● @docchesheredia (TikTok)

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Villanueva backs alternative work setup  https://www.imtnews.ph/villanueva-backs-alternative-work-setup/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=villanueva-backs-alternative-work-setup https://www.imtnews.ph/villanueva-backs-alternative-work-setup/#respond Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:22:51 +0000 https://www.imtnews.ph/?p=30169 The push to adopt alternative work setup is timely to alleviate the plight of the workers in their commute and enhance productivity, Senator Joel Villanueva said. Villanuava said the worsening traffic, especially with the projected EDSA overhaul this year, makes this shift even more urgent. “We have been advocating for this since we pushed for […]

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The push to adopt alternative work setup is timely to alleviate the plight of the workers in their commute and enhance productivity, Senator Joel Villanueva said.

Villanuava said the worsening traffic, especially with the projected EDSA overhaul this year, makes this shift even more urgent.

“We have been advocating for this since we pushed for the enactment of the Telecommuting Act, as this will benefit both employers and employees in sectors that can operate through remote operation,” the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11165 or the Telecommuting Act said.

The Telecommuting Act, also known as the “Work-from-Home Law,” provides a framework for remote work arrangements. 

It tasks the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to identify and recommend industries, including emerging ones, that can adopt work-from-home setups.

“The Work-from-Home Law, as we call it, puts a system in place so we could open up opportunities to people who need jobs but are constrained from leaving their homes, such as parents who take care of the household, or are in the provinces who cannot relocate and leave their families behind to find work in Metro Manila,” said Villanueva.

A 2018 study by the Japan International Cooperation Agency reported that traffic congestion in Metro Manila costs the Philippine economy P3.5 billion per day, or P1.27 trillion annually. Without intervention, this cost could rise to P5.4 billion per day by 2035.

The senator also urged DOLE to explore alternative work arrangements that foster work-life balance, improve efficiency, and spare employees from the time and financial burdens of traffic.

“Let’s embrace the power of technology to redefine how and where we work. Work from anywhere is now the name of the game, which means finding ways to empower our people to work in ways that boost their productivity, and override geographical boundaries,” Villanueva concluded.IMT

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