7 April 2014 – President Benigno Aquino III signed into law Republic Act 10635 designating the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) as the sole agency responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the 1978 International Convention on the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW Convention) and its subsequent amendments, as well as other related international
agreements.
CongressWatch Report
19 March 2014 – Senate Bill 2046—“Promoting job generation and inclusive growth by providing additional incentives and benefits to micro, small and medium enterprises”, otherwise known as the Go Negosyo Act—was approved on third reading by the Senate last 24 February.
14 February 2014 – Halfway into the administration of President Benigno Aquino III, there is still much uncertainty on whether the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill will be able to get through the legislative mill.
5 December 2013 – In the 2013-2014 Global Competitiveness Report (GCR) of the World Economic Forum, the Philippines ranked 59th overall out of 148 covered economies—a significant improvement from rank 85 out of 139 in 2010-2011. However, a closer look at the figures reveals that our competitiveness numbers might have been better had they not been dragged down by certain indicators, particularly those related to customs and trade facilitation.
25 September 2013 – The PBG-JFC1, a coalition of Philippine business groups that includes the Joint Foreign Chambers, held a series of consultations to put together a list of key issues and propose recommendations for consideration by President Benigno Aquino III entering the second half of his administration. A letter outlining eight priority measures common to all participating organizations was submitted to the President last 19 June 2013.