Secretary Petilla has asked for emergency powers to address the looming power shortage. There are three things that can be done instead to resolve the shortage without resorting to emergency
powers.
Outcome Statement & Recommendations: Responsible Business Forum On Food and A...Global Initiatives
The Responsible Business Forum on Food and Agriculture 2014 in Manila brought together over 250 global leaders from business, government, and NGOs to address increasing agricultural productivity while improving sustainability. Working groups produced recommendations in key commodity areas like rice, poultry, aquaculture, palm oil, coffee/cocoa, and sugar focusing on sustainable land use, supporting smallholder farmers, increasing yields, and better livelihoods. Recommendations included improving seed varieties, reducing environmental impacts, investing in education, adopting sustainability standards, and public-private partnerships.
Fef hails cabinet's decision not to extend quantitative restrictions on rice ...FEF Philippines
FEF hails the Cabinet’s decision not to seek an extension of the quantitative restrictions on rice, as announced by Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.
The Foundation for Economic Freedom cautions the incoming Duterte administration about increasing SSS pension benefits due to fiscal concerns. Increasing pensions by 56 billion pesos annually would cause the SSS fund to be depleted by 2029, 13 years earlier than expected. Instead of an increase, the entire Philippine pension system needs reform to make it more sustainable, including diversifying investments, improving governance, and expanding coverage. The pension system's weaknesses like political interference in investments and a need for defined-contribution programs also require addressing.
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) urges the Philippine Competition Commission to immediately review the sale of San Miguel Corporation's telecommunication assets to PLDT and Globe Telecom, as the deal could substantially lessen competition in the telecommunications industry. FEF also calls on the incoming National Telecommunications Commission commissioner and Congress to ensure spectrum allocation and laws serve the common good and promote competition. FEF asks Congress to liberalize key sectors and lift restrictions on foreign investment to provide consumers more benefits of competition.
FEF Statement on Mass Civil Registration and A National ID SystemFEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) calls on the incoming Duterte administration to undertake mass civil registration and establish a national ID system to improve governance and access to services. A national ID system would give each Filipino a unique number and ID card containing personal and biometric data. This would promote financial inclusion, strengthen social program integrity, and aid law enforcement by deterring identity fraud and money laundering. FEF also calls for legislation establishing a secure, privacy-focused national ID system that does not misuse personal data or discriminate.
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, an organization dedicated to market-friendly reforms, good governance, and economic and political liberty, call on the incoming Duterte administration to break from the present policy of protecting the rice importation monopoly of the National Food Authority (NFA). We urge instead to liberalize rice importation to realize the new administration’s promise of affordable food for the poor.
FEF Congratulates President Elect Rodrigo DuterteFEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) congratulates President-elect Rodrigo Duterte for his unmistakable mandate to lead the Philippines for the next six years. FEF supports Duterte's proposed reforms to remove foreign ownership restrictions, improve competition, investment climate, peace and order, reduce bureaucratic red tape, reform the tax system, and improve infrastructure. FEF also supports Duterte's program to make growth inclusive by focusing on education, rural development, and basic services for the poor, and urges him to end labor contractualization only in the context of total labor market reform.
The Foundation for Economic Freedom is a non-profit organization with a board of advisers and trustees that advocates for lower personal income tax rates, adjustments to tax brackets, and alignment of corporate tax rates with other ASEAN countries. They support recent moves in the House and Senate to pass legislation lowering taxes. Lower taxes are needed for fairness, equity and competitiveness since inflation has pushed many into higher tax brackets and the country has the highest individual and corporate tax rates in the region. The organization also supports identifying progressive and simple compensatory revenue measures for the government.
Outcome Statement & Recommendations: Responsible Business Forum On Food and A...Global Initiatives
The Responsible Business Forum on Food and Agriculture 2014 in Manila brought together over 250 global leaders from business, government, and NGOs to address increasing agricultural productivity while improving sustainability. Working groups produced recommendations in key commodity areas like rice, poultry, aquaculture, palm oil, coffee/cocoa, and sugar focusing on sustainable land use, supporting smallholder farmers, increasing yields, and better livelihoods. Recommendations included improving seed varieties, reducing environmental impacts, investing in education, adopting sustainability standards, and public-private partnerships.
Fef hails cabinet's decision not to extend quantitative restrictions on rice ...FEF Philippines
FEF hails the Cabinet’s decision not to seek an extension of the quantitative restrictions on rice, as announced by Socio-Economic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.
The Foundation for Economic Freedom cautions the incoming Duterte administration about increasing SSS pension benefits due to fiscal concerns. Increasing pensions by 56 billion pesos annually would cause the SSS fund to be depleted by 2029, 13 years earlier than expected. Instead of an increase, the entire Philippine pension system needs reform to make it more sustainable, including diversifying investments, improving governance, and expanding coverage. The pension system's weaknesses like political interference in investments and a need for defined-contribution programs also require addressing.
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) urges the Philippine Competition Commission to immediately review the sale of San Miguel Corporation's telecommunication assets to PLDT and Globe Telecom, as the deal could substantially lessen competition in the telecommunications industry. FEF also calls on the incoming National Telecommunications Commission commissioner and Congress to ensure spectrum allocation and laws serve the common good and promote competition. FEF asks Congress to liberalize key sectors and lift restrictions on foreign investment to provide consumers more benefits of competition.
FEF Statement on Mass Civil Registration and A National ID SystemFEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) calls on the incoming Duterte administration to undertake mass civil registration and establish a national ID system to improve governance and access to services. A national ID system would give each Filipino a unique number and ID card containing personal and biometric data. This would promote financial inclusion, strengthen social program integrity, and aid law enforcement by deterring identity fraud and money laundering. FEF also calls for legislation establishing a secure, privacy-focused national ID system that does not misuse personal data or discriminate.
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, an organization dedicated to market-friendly reforms, good governance, and economic and political liberty, call on the incoming Duterte administration to break from the present policy of protecting the rice importation monopoly of the National Food Authority (NFA). We urge instead to liberalize rice importation to realize the new administration’s promise of affordable food for the poor.
FEF Congratulates President Elect Rodrigo DuterteFEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) congratulates President-elect Rodrigo Duterte for his unmistakable mandate to lead the Philippines for the next six years. FEF supports Duterte's proposed reforms to remove foreign ownership restrictions, improve competition, investment climate, peace and order, reduce bureaucratic red tape, reform the tax system, and improve infrastructure. FEF also supports Duterte's program to make growth inclusive by focusing on education, rural development, and basic services for the poor, and urges him to end labor contractualization only in the context of total labor market reform.
The Foundation for Economic Freedom is a non-profit organization with a board of advisers and trustees that advocates for lower personal income tax rates, adjustments to tax brackets, and alignment of corporate tax rates with other ASEAN countries. They support recent moves in the House and Senate to pass legislation lowering taxes. Lower taxes are needed for fairness, equity and competitiveness since inflation has pushed many into higher tax brackets and the country has the highest individual and corporate tax rates in the region. The organization also supports identifying progressive and simple compensatory revenue measures for the government.
Presentation of FEF President Calixto Chikiamco during the #PHVote: The Leader I Want Forum Series: Aquino’s Last Mile: Ramping Up and Sustaining Daang Matuwid, held on August 3, 2015 at the
SGV Hall 3/F AIM Conference Center, Makati City
FEF Statement on the Extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform ProgramFEF Philippines
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, are opposed to the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
We fully agree with the scientific findings of Dr. Raul Fabella, National Scientist for Economic Science, that CARP has only created a class of landed poor and has failed to increase agricultural productivity. We believe that extending CARP will only increase uncertainty over property rights over agricultural land and deter investments in agriculture.
STATEMENT OF THE FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOM (FEF) ON THE MRT-LRT FARE IN...FEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of incumbent and former officials of government, as well as members of the business sector and the academe, takes the position that Government should cut and minimize its subsidy to the metropolitan rail system, and allow market forces to dictate the cost of riding the MRT and LRT
FEF STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY POWER FROM CONGRESS: ...FEF Philippines
The document discusses the Foundation for Economic Freedom's response to the Philippine government's request for emergency powers from Congress to address an impending power shortage. The FEF cautions against quick fixes that impose long-term costs on consumers. Instead, it supports short-term solutions already being implemented through programs like the Interruptible Load Program and better utilization of existing generation assets. The FEF argues for avoiding expensive contracts for intermittent solar and wind power, and advocates market-based solutions and energy conservation to help address the short-term supply issue.
Press Release: FEF Statement of Support for the Passage of the Bangsamoro Bas...FEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom supports the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as it believes it can help end decades of civil strife and conflict in the Bangsamoro region of Mindanao and unlock economic opportunities. Peace in the region could boost Mindanao's GDP as the Bangsamoro has abundant natural resources and potential for growth. The new autonomous political entity also has the chance to learn from past failures and craft policies to attract investment. Passing the BBL consistent with Bangsamoro aspirations would strengthen pragmatists in the MILF and help ensure long-term peace and stability needed for development.
The document outlines the process for residential free patent applications in the Philippines, which involves lot identification, verification of the applicant's claim, field verification, and records verification. It describes the steps in detail, including establishing parcel boundaries, verifying occupancy and ownership, ensuring land qualifications, and multiple reviews. Residential free patents are available for residential lands up to certain area limits depending on location, and have qualifications for Filipino citizenship and long-term occupancy.
This document discusses land titling in the Philippines. It begins by outlining the basic principles of land ownership, distinguishing between public domain lands owned by the state and private domain lands disposed of by the state. It then describes the sources of private land titles, including direct grants from the state like free patents, homestead patents, and sales patents. It also discusses indirect grants through judicial decrees. The document provides statistics on patents and decrees issued from 2009-2013. It outlines the government agencies involved in land titling and their roles. Finally, it discusses efforts to increase titling of residential lands and how titles can be used as collateral to access credit.
This document outlines the process and requirements for converting tax declarations into formal land titles in the Philippines. It discusses the mandatory and optional documents needed, such as tax declarations, surveys, and affidavits. It also describes the government agencies involved like DENR and courts. There are fees associated with the judicial and informal conversion processes that can range from 5,030 pesos to over 50,000 pesos. Cooperation with DENR and other agencies is important to successfully complete the conversion of tax declarations to land titles.
This document discusses the Residential Free Patent Act (RA 10023) and the cadastral survey process in the Philippines. It provides statistics showing that the number of residential free patents issued has increased significantly since the implementation of RA 10023. The summary also outlines the criteria, requirements, and process for applying for and obtaining a residential free patent, which grants ownership of residential land to qualified Filipino citizens. This includes requirements such as 10 years of occupancy, limits on land area, and approval from local offices like the CENRO and PENRO within set timeframes.
FEF Statement of Support for Charter Change on Lifting Economic RestrictionsFEF Philippines
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, support the ongoing deliberation at the Lower House on the Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 (RBH1) or the Belmonte Resolution, which seeks to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution.
FEF Press Release: FEF Opposes the Increase in Installation Capacity Under th...FEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom opposes the Department of Energy's plan to increase the solar installation target from 50MW to 500MW under the Feed-in-Tariff subsidy. They believe it is an illogical and arbitrary decision that will unjustly burden Filipino electricity consumers. It will cost consumers an additional PHP 12 billion annually for 20 years to address a short term energy need. Solar energy also has intermittent output and lower efficiency than other sources, requiring additional reserves that increase costs further. This will negatively impact competitiveness and jobs while benefiting solar developers through an excessive fixed subsidy for 20 years.
FEF Opposes the Increase in Solar Installation Capacity Under the FIT SubsidyFEF Philippines
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, firmly oppose the plan of the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase the installation target for solar energy from 50 Megawatts to 500 Megawatts (MW) under the Feed-in-Tariff Subsidy of PHP 9.80 per KWh on the pretext that the country has to build energy reserves in the summer months of 2015 and 2016.
Presented during the FEF Fellows Monthly Meeting for April by Dr. Ron Mendoza. The results are as follows: poverty entrenches political dynasties; education appears to have no bearing on political dynasties; and the media affect only the largest political dynasties. There is less evidence that political dynasties bring about poverty.
Labor Policy Analysis for Jobs Expansion and DevelopmentFEF Philippines
Study conducted and presented by FEF Fellow Vicente Paqueo, Aniceto Orbeta, Leonardo Lanzona and Dean Dulay for the PIDS Economic Policy Monitor Seminar, April 3, 2014. The study concludes that minimum wages and labor security have negative effects for poverty alleviation and income growth.
Removing foreign ownership restrictions in the Philippines' constitution would strengthen national security in three key ways:
1) It would increase foreign direct investment, which would increase other countries' willingness to help the Philippines defend its territory against China.
2) It would allow modernization of strategic infrastructure like telecoms and ports through well-capitalized foreign investment, improving response capabilities.
3) It would enable the Philippines to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership and strengthen its relationship with the US, an important ally against Chinese territorial threats.
SEC Draft Rules on Foreign Ownership (Position Paper)FEF Philippines
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help boost feelings of calmness, happiness and focus.
Christian persecution in Islamic countries has intensified, with alarming incidents of violence, discrimination, and intolerance. This article highlights recent attacks in Nigeria, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq, exposing the multifaceted challenges faced by Christian communities. Despite the severity of these atrocities, the Western world's response remains muted due to political, economic, and social considerations. The urgent need for international intervention is underscored, emphasizing that without substantial support, the future of Christianity in these regions is at grave risk.
https://ecspe.org/the-rise-of-christian-persecution-in-islamic-countries/
Presentation of FEF President Calixto Chikiamco during the #PHVote: The Leader I Want Forum Series: Aquino’s Last Mile: Ramping Up and Sustaining Daang Matuwid, held on August 3, 2015 at the
SGV Hall 3/F AIM Conference Center, Makati City
FEF Statement on the Extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform ProgramFEF Philippines
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, are opposed to the extension of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).
We fully agree with the scientific findings of Dr. Raul Fabella, National Scientist for Economic Science, that CARP has only created a class of landed poor and has failed to increase agricultural productivity. We believe that extending CARP will only increase uncertainty over property rights over agricultural land and deter investments in agriculture.
STATEMENT OF THE FOUNDATION FOR ECONOMIC FREEDOM (FEF) ON THE MRT-LRT FARE IN...FEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), a non-stock, non-profit organization composed of incumbent and former officials of government, as well as members of the business sector and the academe, takes the position that Government should cut and minimize its subsidy to the metropolitan rail system, and allow market forces to dictate the cost of riding the MRT and LRT
FEF STATEMENT ON THE PRESIDENT’S REQUEST FOR EMERGENCY POWER FROM CONGRESS: ...FEF Philippines
The document discusses the Foundation for Economic Freedom's response to the Philippine government's request for emergency powers from Congress to address an impending power shortage. The FEF cautions against quick fixes that impose long-term costs on consumers. Instead, it supports short-term solutions already being implemented through programs like the Interruptible Load Program and better utilization of existing generation assets. The FEF argues for avoiding expensive contracts for intermittent solar and wind power, and advocates market-based solutions and energy conservation to help address the short-term supply issue.
Press Release: FEF Statement of Support for the Passage of the Bangsamoro Bas...FEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom supports the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as it believes it can help end decades of civil strife and conflict in the Bangsamoro region of Mindanao and unlock economic opportunities. Peace in the region could boost Mindanao's GDP as the Bangsamoro has abundant natural resources and potential for growth. The new autonomous political entity also has the chance to learn from past failures and craft policies to attract investment. Passing the BBL consistent with Bangsamoro aspirations would strengthen pragmatists in the MILF and help ensure long-term peace and stability needed for development.
The document outlines the process for residential free patent applications in the Philippines, which involves lot identification, verification of the applicant's claim, field verification, and records verification. It describes the steps in detail, including establishing parcel boundaries, verifying occupancy and ownership, ensuring land qualifications, and multiple reviews. Residential free patents are available for residential lands up to certain area limits depending on location, and have qualifications for Filipino citizenship and long-term occupancy.
This document discusses land titling in the Philippines. It begins by outlining the basic principles of land ownership, distinguishing between public domain lands owned by the state and private domain lands disposed of by the state. It then describes the sources of private land titles, including direct grants from the state like free patents, homestead patents, and sales patents. It also discusses indirect grants through judicial decrees. The document provides statistics on patents and decrees issued from 2009-2013. It outlines the government agencies involved in land titling and their roles. Finally, it discusses efforts to increase titling of residential lands and how titles can be used as collateral to access credit.
This document outlines the process and requirements for converting tax declarations into formal land titles in the Philippines. It discusses the mandatory and optional documents needed, such as tax declarations, surveys, and affidavits. It also describes the government agencies involved like DENR and courts. There are fees associated with the judicial and informal conversion processes that can range from 5,030 pesos to over 50,000 pesos. Cooperation with DENR and other agencies is important to successfully complete the conversion of tax declarations to land titles.
This document discusses the Residential Free Patent Act (RA 10023) and the cadastral survey process in the Philippines. It provides statistics showing that the number of residential free patents issued has increased significantly since the implementation of RA 10023. The summary also outlines the criteria, requirements, and process for applying for and obtaining a residential free patent, which grants ownership of residential land to qualified Filipino citizens. This includes requirements such as 10 years of occupancy, limits on land area, and approval from local offices like the CENRO and PENRO within set timeframes.
FEF Statement of Support for Charter Change on Lifting Economic RestrictionsFEF Philippines
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, support the ongoing deliberation at the Lower House on the Resolution of Both Houses No. 1 (RBH1) or the Belmonte Resolution, which seeks to amend the restrictive economic provisions of the Constitution.
FEF Press Release: FEF Opposes the Increase in Installation Capacity Under th...FEF Philippines
The Foundation for Economic Freedom opposes the Department of Energy's plan to increase the solar installation target from 50MW to 500MW under the Feed-in-Tariff subsidy. They believe it is an illogical and arbitrary decision that will unjustly burden Filipino electricity consumers. It will cost consumers an additional PHP 12 billion annually for 20 years to address a short term energy need. Solar energy also has intermittent output and lower efficiency than other sources, requiring additional reserves that increase costs further. This will negatively impact competitiveness and jobs while benefiting solar developers through an excessive fixed subsidy for 20 years.
FEF Opposes the Increase in Solar Installation Capacity Under the FIT SubsidyFEF Philippines
We, the Foundation for Economic Freedom, firmly oppose the plan of the Department of Energy (DOE) to increase the installation target for solar energy from 50 Megawatts to 500 Megawatts (MW) under the Feed-in-Tariff Subsidy of PHP 9.80 per KWh on the pretext that the country has to build energy reserves in the summer months of 2015 and 2016.
Presented during the FEF Fellows Monthly Meeting for April by Dr. Ron Mendoza. The results are as follows: poverty entrenches political dynasties; education appears to have no bearing on political dynasties; and the media affect only the largest political dynasties. There is less evidence that political dynasties bring about poverty.
Labor Policy Analysis for Jobs Expansion and DevelopmentFEF Philippines
Study conducted and presented by FEF Fellow Vicente Paqueo, Aniceto Orbeta, Leonardo Lanzona and Dean Dulay for the PIDS Economic Policy Monitor Seminar, April 3, 2014. The study concludes that minimum wages and labor security have negative effects for poverty alleviation and income growth.
Removing foreign ownership restrictions in the Philippines' constitution would strengthen national security in three key ways:
1) It would increase foreign direct investment, which would increase other countries' willingness to help the Philippines defend its territory against China.
2) It would allow modernization of strategic infrastructure like telecoms and ports through well-capitalized foreign investment, improving response capabilities.
3) It would enable the Philippines to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership and strengthen its relationship with the US, an important ally against Chinese territorial threats.
SEC Draft Rules on Foreign Ownership (Position Paper)FEF Philippines
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help boost feelings of calmness, happiness and focus.
Christian persecution in Islamic countries has intensified, with alarming incidents of violence, discrimination, and intolerance. This article highlights recent attacks in Nigeria, Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, and Iraq, exposing the multifaceted challenges faced by Christian communities. Despite the severity of these atrocities, the Western world's response remains muted due to political, economic, and social considerations. The urgent need for international intervention is underscored, emphasizing that without substantial support, the future of Christianity in these regions is at grave risk.
https://ecspe.org/the-rise-of-christian-persecution-in-islamic-countries/
#WenguiGuo#WashingtonFarm Guo Wengui Wolf son ambition exposed to open a far...rittaajmal71
Since fleeing to the United States in 2014, Guo Wengui has founded a number of projects in the United States, such as GTV Media Group, GTV private equity, farm loan project, G Club Operations Co., LTD., and Himalaya Exchange.
15062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
Shark Tank Jargon | Operational ProfitabilityTheUnitedIndian
Don't let fancy business words confuse you! This blog is your cheat sheet to understanding the Shark Tank Jargon. We'll translate all the confusing terms like "valuation" (how much the company is worth) and "royalty" (a fee for using someone's idea). You'll be swimming with the Sharks like a pro in no time!
Slide deck with charts from our Digital News Report 2024, the most comprehensive exploration of news consumption habits around the world, based on survey data from more than 95,000 respondents across 47 countries.
विवादास्पद फिल्म के ट्रेलर से गाली-गलौज वाले दृश्य हटा दिए गए हैं, और जुर्माना लगाया गया है। सुप्रीम कोर्ट और बॉम्बे हाई कोर्ट दोनों ने फिल्म की रिलीज पर रोक लगा दी है और उसे निलंबित कर दिया है। पहले यह फिल्म 7 जून और फिर 14 जून को रिलीज होने वाली थी, लेकिन अब यह 21 जून को रिलीज हो रही है।
18062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
17062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
Why We Chose ScyllaDB over DynamoDB for "User Watch Status"ScyllaDB
Yichen Wei and Adam Drennan share the architecture and technical requirements behind "user watch status" for a major global media streaming service, what that meant for their database, the pros and cons of the many options they considered for replacing DynamoDB, why they ultimately chose ScyllaDB, and their lessons learned so far.
Recent years have seen a disturbing rise in violence, discrimination, and intolerance against Christian communities in various Islamic countries. This multifaceted challenge, deeply rooted in historical, social, and political animosities, demands urgent attention. Despite the escalating persecution, substantial support from the Western world remains lacking.
16062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
projet de traité négocié à Istanbul (anglais).pdfEdouardHusson
Ceci est le projet de traité qui avait été négocié entre Russes et Ukrainiens à Istanbul en mars 2022, avant que les Etats-Unis et la Grande-Bretagne ne détournent Kiev de signer.
13062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
ग्रेटर मुंबई के नगर आयुक्त को एक खुले पत्र में याचिका दायर कर 540 से अधिक मुंबईकरों ने सभी अवैध और अस्थिर होर्डिंग्स, साइनबोर्ड और इलेक्ट्रिक साइनेज को तत्काल हटाने और 13 मई, 2024 की शाम को घाटकोपर में अवैध होर्डिंग के गिरने की विनाशकारी घटना के बाद अपराधियों के खिलाफ सख्त कार्रवाई की मांग की है, जिसमें 17 लोगों की जान चली गई और कई निर्दोष लोग गंभीर रूप से घायल हो गए।
Wallace Business Forum's Special Report on Saving Power
1. LET THERE BE LIGHT
(A SPECIAL REPORT ON SAVING POWER)
BY
The Wallace Business Forum
August 2014
THEWALLACEREPORT
For comments, suggestions send email to: pwallace@wbf.ph
You may download other reports on our website: http://www.wallacebusinessforum.com
2. The Wallace Report August 2014
1
THE WALLACE REPORT
LET THERE BE LIGHT
(A SPECIAL REPORT ON SAVING POWER)
This is going to be a several part column because of the immensity and importance of the subject.
Secretary Petilla has asked for emergency powers to address the looming power shortages. I don’t see what
emergency powers could achieve. Presumably to handle the near term problem of probable shortages over
the next couple of years. The longer term doesn’t need emergency powers only the real political will to
speed action through the normal bureaucratic processes. For the short term power barges, modular plants
using diesel or bunker fuel are being proposed, but are not the way to go. It’s an expensive, pollutive
solution that wastes money. They are needed for only a couple of years, so you need to recoup that cost in
that too short a time.
There are three things that can be done instead to resolve the shortage without resorting to emergency
powers—
1. Reduce demand, which is what this report is all about. This costs next to nothing
2. Rehabilitate the Malaya plant to be able to operate reliably and reasonably efficiently. And think ahead—
it takes 8 to 13 hours to bring the plant into operation. Perhaps privatize it with conditions on how it
must operate.
3. Convince the courts not to accept “Writs of Kalikasan (nature)”, override objectors, approve national and
local permits in days, not months even years. More than 160 signatures are needed now! Absurd. Strong
political will to force action is all that’s needed.
Is there enough electricity, or not? Let’s just stick to Luzon so as not to too complicate an already very
complicated subject. The government had been saying for a long time there’s enough, now it seems to be
agreeing with those of us who have been saying no there’s not. Whether there is or not all hinges on
“reserves”.
There are 53 generators on Luzon that are connected to the grid. The smallest is 0.2 MW, the biggest has a
capacity of 1,294 MW. Their ages range from 1 to 72 years. They can reliably supply an average of 8,100 MW
to the grid daily, with 650 MW available from CBK (a reverse cycle hydroelectric plant in Caliraya) at peak
load times and 650 MW from bunker fuel-fired Malaya (an old, expensive plant to run in emergencies).
Demand is from a low of 6,100 MW to a high of 8,500 MW, generally averaging 7,300 MW but growing. On
average supply and demand there’s a reserve of about 800 MW or 10 percent of total, which means if any of
the major plants unexpectedly goes off-line we’re short of power. It is generally accepted that you should
have a reserve of 20-25% to be safe. We don’t have it as the aftermath of typhoon Glenda showed.
The demand for power is growing at 4.8 percent per annum (on an annual GDP growth of 6 percent) but the
faster the economy grows the quicker we approach shortages, and if the government’s desire to attract
more manufacturing eventuates the depletion of the country’s energy reserves will be even faster.
There are 17 plants planned for Luzon but they will provide only 1,876 MW of power. Five (477 MW) will be
commissioned this year: four (386 MW) in the first half of next year; five (331 MW) in the second half of
2015; three (682 MW) have yet to start. And all this assumes they proceed as scheduled—a not too regular
3. The Wallace Report August 2014
2
THE WALLACE REPORT
LET THERE BE LIGHT
occurrence in the Philippines. We don’t get to the 20-25% reserve level until around 2017 to 2018. And then
only if the power plants are actually built as scheduled. So more blackouts (I can’t find “brownouts” in my
dictionaries. And anyway when I have no power the rooms in my house are black, not brown) as we’ve
already seen.
The maintenance shutdown of Ilijan (1,200 MW) led to rotating blackouts in mid-July and typhoon damage
to Quezon Power (460 MW) followed by a breakdown of Masinloc (630 MW) placed many parts of Luzon in
long hours of blackout the following week. With more typhoons expected, blackouts would seem inevitable.
I could delve into this in a lot more detail (as our ancillary report “The Story of PH Power Woes” does)
report, but the bottom line is it’s tight. We could be OK—just OK, IF all goes well and as planned but as
Robert Burns said "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men, gang aft agley (often go awry)” and they certainly
do in the Philippines. It was maybe here he was thinking of when he wrote that. With depressing regularity
power plants don’t get built on time, they don’t even get approved for years. Old plants breakdown
unexpectedly. And there’s another thing power plants like motor cars don’t last forever, maybe 25 to 30
years reliably. And we have about a dozen (and they are among the larger ones) that are within that age
range with little talk of replacing them. All plants, regardless of age, must shut down for annual
maintenance. While natural calamities and international disruptions of fuel supply can take many
megawatts out of the system. So we’ll have blackouts from time to time if urgent action is not taken.
That’s why Secretary Petilla is asking for emergency powers from Congress to quickly bring in additional
power-generating capacity. The idea is to rent, or maybe buy modular generators for the immediate term
and rush contract of new plants for an early start of construction. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of
2001 (EPIRA) bars the government from putting up power facilities. However, Section 71 of the law
stipulates that the President, upon the determination of an imminent shortage of power supply (which we
have), may ask Congress for authority to establish additional generating capacity.
This was done by Ramos when he inherited a nation in darkness, so the model is there. Certainly something
needs to be done to break out of the bureaucratic inertia that is slowing growth today. But we don’t favor
granting those powers because although new plant must be built, and built fast, it can be done within the
existing system. All it needs, as we said at the beginning, is the resolve to force decision and actions quickly.
And override objectors, what’s needed is the (in) famous “political will”. But ordinary Filipinos can also
contribute: conserve power.
PROPOSED PLANTS FOR LUZON
Of the 17 power facilities, 5 (477 MW) are to be commissioned this year: 300-MW SLPGC coal-fired power plant
Phase 1 Units 1&2; the 135-MW Puting Bato coal-fired power plant Phase 1; the 24-MW San Jose City l Power Rice
Husk-fired Biomass power plant; and the 18-MW Bangui Bay Wind Power Project Phase 3.
Four (386 MW) are expected for testing and commissioning within the 1st half of 2015, which are: 87-MW Burgos
Wind Power Project Phase 1; 81-MW Caparispisan Wind Energy Project; 18-MW IBEC Biomass Plant; and Unit 1
(200 MW) of Energy World Corp.'s 600-MW Pagbilao Combined Cycle Gas-fired plant.
Five plants (331.3 MW) are ongoing construction activities which are expected to complete in the 2nd half of
2015. These are: 67.5-MW Pililia Wind Power Phase 1; CJ Global's 18-MW Biomass Project; Green Innovation's
10.8-MW Biomass Project; South Luzon Thermal's 135 MW Puting Bato Coal Power Project Phase 2; and 100-MW
Avion project.
Three projects (682 MW) that have yet to move forward to the construction stages: Units 2 and 3 of the 600-MW
Pagbilao plant, and Anda Power's 82-MW Coal power plant.
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There’s four parts to power: generation, transmission, distribution and consumption. Generation, the
building of plants, the reserves needed, the cost, and on and on has been discussed interminably with
recommendations made, but insufficient done as the above shows. So with too few new plants being built
sufficient supply reliably remains at considerable risk.
For some reason all the focus has been on supply, I’ve seen far too little said about demand. Yet demand is
flexible, it can be reduced taking pressure off supply. Rina David beat me to it (I was half way through this
research) by coming up with some good suggestions a few weeks ago. But let me expound on them some
more as it’s an important area that can reduce the risk of blackouts over the next couple of years. Because
by reducing consumption it can give us the reserves that are essential to reliability. That means the power
plants we have now will better handle supply of the power needed. The beauty of that is that it also reduces
your power bill. It’s environmentally beneficial too.
A first step could be taken by government. I think it was Mon Paje who suggested to me once we go to
“daylight saving”. Advance our clocks one hour. Australia does it in summer, we could do it year round. It
would mean one hour less of darkness, of the need for power consuming lights. It’s easy, it’s costless, it
saves electricity.
There are three main groups of users: Industrial, commercial and residential. Big users are better treated,
fair enough they’re certainly paying for it. Also the kind of load they have is different. More inductive power,
motors and so on where power factor becomes an important issue. One that is irrelevant to households.
And their systems are more complicated, where more things can be done to lessen the load and where
regular, even daily or hourly monitoring can make a difference.
Let me start with residential because it affects us all. The key to using less electricity is, quite obviously, to
know where it’s being used. But that’s not quite as obvious as you’d think. Take just one, aircons. Starting
the air conditioner with the lowest possible temperature setting will not cool the room any faster. The
speed at which an airconditioner cools is a fixed rate, it’s just where it stops that varies. And if you forget to
reset it the room gets too cold. Adjusting the thermostat to 23 or 24 degrees Celsius is about right. Every
degree (Celsius) down results in P0.48 per hour added to your bill for a 1 HP aircon, that could be around
P150 per month saved.
And when we do need light shift to CFL’s that use only 20% of the power an old-fashioned fluorescent does.
Incandescents are gone, beautiful as they were. For fluorescents replace the thick T12 with a thin T5, they fit
right in and use approximately 30% less power, that’s around P35 in savings per month for eight hours a day.
Which at a cost of P350 (for T5) means you get your money back in less than a year.
But the new shift is to LED’s, Light Emitting Diodes. They consume half the power, or less that a CFL does.
These incredible creatures turn electricity into the same amount of light with almost none of it lost to heat
while consuming only 10% of the energy of an equivalent incandescent bulb. Touch an incandescent bulb
that’s on some time and you’ll see. A baby could cuddle an LED (its only 3.5 volts too, so it won’t kill the
baby).
The trouble is they’re expensive and for a populace that won’t spend P1,700 for an E-Pass but will sit in toll
traffic consuming gas at a far higher annual cost they aren’t an easy sell. An idling car typically consumes 0.6
liters/hour per liter of displacement. So if you have to wait an extra 15 minutes a day, and that’s on a good
day, and you have a 2 liter engine it will cost you P16/day or P5,000/year. This assumes you stay home on
Sundays. You’ve paid for an E-pass in 4 months! For me the cut-off point as to whether to buy an LED is 10
hours on per day. But costs will come down and they will become ever more sensible to shift to. And I must
admit this 10 hours per day calculation hasn’t taken into account the much longer life.
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But there are LEDs and LEDs. The cheap Chinese ones look like a great deal. They’re not. One, they too often
don’t last the promised “up to 50,000” hours (which is about five times the life of a CFL), I’ve had them go
out in a year and their light output (called Lumens) reduces over time, you get less light but you still use the
same energy. A romantic glow perhaps, but I want to see what I’m doing. GE, Philips, Osram these are
names with a solid reputation I trust.
Solar switches so you don’t have to remember to turn a light off in the morning. Motion detectors to turn
lights on only when you’re there. And that one simple thing: Consciousness, being aware, turning off lights
as you leave the room. Or fans, they use power too. Remember TV’s and stereos use power too, don’t leave
them on.
Go to inverter refrigerators and aircons. Electric motors consume most on startup, like getting a car moving
from the kerb. Older refs and aircons are stopping and starting all the time. Inverter type aren’t. There’s a
20-40% saving in electricity consumed in both aircons and refrigerators. And with refrigeration better
insulated today they need to be cooling for less time daily. It makes money sense to replace units that are
more than 4 or 5 years old.
Also, some appliances consume power even while they are turned off. This is called phantom load, standby
power or, an even more negative term, vampire load. It can represent as much as 10% of your total bill. One
of the worst appliances is your cable tuner, which can consume approximately 30 Watts while just sitting
there. That is about P220/year, excluding the time you spend watching TV! Do disconnect them from the
wall socket as even when switched off modern electronics consumes power. Actually what I do that is cheap
(P120) and simple is buy a switch adaptor. These little boxes plug into the wall, then your gadget plugs into
that and there’s a switch on the side. So a simple flip of a switch is all that’s needed. Most hardwares have
them.
Shift from an electric stove to gas, the oven too, or an induction cooker. Induction cookers use
approximately 58% less energy, and with the cost of gas this may be the way to go. It’s safer too. Creating
heat with electricity is a very expensive thing to do. When cooking your adobo, use enough heat to simmer.
Turning up the power or increasing the flame with gas will not make the sauce any hotter, or thicker any
quicker. Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius and this is a property of water that will not allow itself to be
changed no matter how much heat you apply. When cooking stews, use a pressure cooker. It will save you
time and energy. Dry your clothes under the sun or use a gas-fired dryer. This can save you up to
P6,000/month. Anything that uses electricity to produce heat does so very inefficiently. These include ovens,
hair dryers, irons, and clothes dryers, use them as little as possible.
Insulate your walls particularly the ceilings as heat rises. If your house is already built add an insulating
mortar on the walls and insulation in the ceiling. Add rubber gaskets or silicone sealant to the air gaps of
your doors, windows, and window air conditioners. Add insulating film and/or heat reflective film on your
large glass windows or use blinds on the windows to reduce the warm sunlight coming in. Venetian blinds
are good as they let in the light, but not the sun if angled correctly. All little things that will bring the
monthly bill down. Grow a tree or vines to provide shade to the side of your house facing the sun.
To take that further a better building code requiring better insulation of buildings as they are built to save
on energy is needed. Apartments at present, for example, are optimized for low initial cost rather than
energy efficient design. Other countries have much better building standards, and regulation of them. We
should adopt those standards.
An easy one to take advantage of is time-of-use (TOU) pricing. Meralco varies its cost depending on when
and what day. Highest during peak demand times, lowest when demand is low. But you need to change
your meter to one that records time too. A one-time installation fee for residential customers ranges from
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P3,346 to P4,655. Do your power-using chores, e.g. laundry, etc. on Sundays, it’s much cheaper —if you’ve
installed a TOU meter.
If you don’t have a TOU meter take advantage of using appliances with high power demand under the
peak/off-peak program of MERALCO (see table) since you will be charged at lower power rates. Those who
have TOU meter you should maximize use of appliances such as water heaters and air-conditioning units
during off-peak hours (night or early morning).
According to its website, the Meralco POP “is designed to help corporate partners lower their total electricity
expenses through rates based on peak and off-peak periods. Peak periods are hours of the day when demand
for electricity and energy costs are high, while off-peak periods are when less plants require electricity and
costs are low. With this pricing scheme, corporate partners can avail of lower generation costs by operating
even at full capacity during pre-defined off-peak hours, when electricity is cheapest.”
MERALCO’S PEAK/ OFF-PEAK (POP) PROGRAM
Meralco’s Peak /Off-Peak (POP) rates program (formerly known as “Time of Use” or “TOU” is an alternative energy
pricing scheme that is based on the time of day electricity is generated and on the cost of supplying electricity
during that time. With this pricing scheme, Meralco customers can avail of lower generation costs in their total
electricity rate during pre-defined off-peak hours:
PEAK OFF PEAK
Monday to
Saturday
8 am to 9 pm
(13 hours)
9 pm to 8 am
(11 hours)
Sunday
6 pm to 8 pm
(2 hours)
8 pm to 6 pm
(22 hours)
b) Wet/rainy (July to December)
PEAK
(Php/kWh)
OFF-PEAK
(Php/kWh)
DRY
POP rate 7.48 3.55
Non- POP rate 5.69 5.69
Difference 1.79 -2.14
WET
POP rate 7.28 3.55
Non- POP rate 5.57 5.57
Difference 1.71 -2.02
*With approval from ERC
Under the POP program, the peak rate will be Php 1.80/kWh more expensive than Meralco’s default non-POP rate,
but to encourage customers to consume electricity during off-peak hours, the off peak rate will be lower than the
non-POP rate by Php 2.14/kWh.
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For techies, Meralco recently launched an updated version of its mobile application MoVe App. The app is
equipped with a Usage Tracker feature that allows consumption monitoring of multiple appliances. The app
can also help customers estimate their monthly bill. The app is free for Android and Apple iOS users. Just
visit Google Play or Mac App Store using your smartphones or tablets.
A good friend of mine, Bert Lina, recognized ahead of many of us that the future lay in renewable, clean
energy. He went into solar power when it seemed quite uneconomic to do so. Since then panel prices have
fallen by around 30-50% and efficiency improved by about a third. And this trend will continue. Solar power
is free and has zero negative impact on the environment. What more could you want? It all comes down to
the initial capital cost, and with that coming down the rationale to shift that way is growing rapidly. Already
Canberra in Australia produces enough solar power to supply the equivalent of 4,400 homes. The solar
power facility is built on a 50-hectare land.
With net metering you could connect directly to the grid with no need for expensive, short life batteries.
It’s like electric cars, they are the future and the future is upon us. Solar power will be a major source of
electricity with other sources picking up the absence at night, when demand is low. So less polluting, costly
power needed for the grid.
With Bert’s help I’m installing solar panels in my country home, I’ll let you know the result. It costs P120,000
for a 1kw system that can connect directly to the grid. It generates about 75 kWh a month and enables
households to save about P800 per month. So you get your money back in 10-12 years. One of my friends
there runs solely on solar the complete house, successfully. The battery pack for a 1 kw unit costs P40,000.
For rural communities far from any grid it’s the obvious way to go, no, expensive transmission lines needed.
7,107 islands can be energized.
Government could help by removing the duties and taxes on solar panels and their peripherals. That could
reduce cost by over 20%.
In researching this column for industrial users I asked Meralco because they’re the experts. You’d think
they’d be the last people to ask seeing as how they make their money from distributing electricity. But, for
me, they were one of the first because I’ve known them a long time and know they want to help people get
the best deal. They have a whole team, the Energy Solutions Team dedicated to helping large users in
analyzing and managing power consumption. Knowing where electricity is being over-used is a service
Meralco provides.
For large users (with an average demand of at least 500 kW) and SME’s they can conduct an audit of your
system to identify where savings can be made and to do this they appoint a Relationship Manager.
Meralco has a subsidiary, Meralco Energy Inc. (MEI) that has a program that can do an audit of power usage
and recommend where savings can be achieved. An interesting one is a Shared Saving Scheme where MEI
buys the equipment and fittings that will reduce power and you pay back in the monthly billings until such
time the total cost of retrofit has been recovered.
For factories they can do the same on load profiling to determine how to get savings. Of particular benefit is
an analysis of electric motors, which are big power consumers, on how to get greater efficiency.
Power factor improvement can help where there’s a lot of inductive power (motors, etc.).Properly-sized
capacitors are normally used to improve this, and they can bring your cost down. For you at home, there’s
an electronic version being peddled on the market, don’t be fooled by it, it doesn’t work. Using a lux meter
they can determine the best lighting arrangement i.e. using the least number of lights and lowest wattage to
give just the illumination you need.
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On the commercial side malls and restaurants should set the temperature to be comfortable with no need
to wear a jacket, as you need to in some places. 23 degrees Celsius is comfortable, the 20 degrees Celsius
that some malls and restaurants are set at is not. Design is important too, SM malls, due to cube design,
consume sometimes up to 40% less electricity than similar sized but more elegant malls from other groups.
Government needs to set standards here, and ensure they’re complied with.
If there were mandatory time of use rates for larger accounts, as there are in a number of countries peak
capacity could be reduced significantly. In Asia the Philippines is the only major country without mandatory
Time of Use Rates for large loads. Factories with power hungry machinery that is operated by only a few
staff could be run during off peak times.
For those with their own generators the government has introduced what’s called an Interruptible Load
Program where if you use the generator during peak hours Meralco will reimburse you a portion of your fuel
and maintenance cost to ease pressure on the system. This is certainly something socially responsible
companies should consider in coordination with the DOE as to when it is really needed. During typhoon
Glenda 110 MW was de-loaded from the grid through the use of self-generations. A negative to be taken
into account though is that these units are diesel driven so pollutive. Hence using only when blackouts seem
inevitable should be the goal.
And that raises the point that the DOE needs a comprehensive, computerized system that can monitor
power production, transmission and usage on an on-going basis and call for private sector action to reduce
load or turn on generators. Hopefully eventually it’s a system that is wholly automatic—a technical
possibility today.
Consumption in case of unexpected plant shutdown can be quickly reduced by allowing utilities (such as
Meralco) to remotely shut down not so important loads, such as large air-conditioning systems etc. The right
for the utility to do so is usually fixed in contracts with large factories etc. and offers some power rate
reductions in return. Implementation of automated short time load shedding is very cost efficient since few
accounts can offer substantial load reductions. With implementation of mandatory time of use rates for
larger accounts peak capacity could be reduced significantly.
If you’re a major user and interested in more detail Meralco regularly conducts lectures on how to reduce
consumption, etc. that lasts half a day. It’s by invitation, but I’m sure if you express interest you’ll get that
invitation.
All of this will help get your bill down. But it will still be high compared to our neighbors. It is because the
government is acting sensibly —it doesn’t subsidize cost, other ASEAN countries do at anything from 36% to
54% of cost. This is unfair, and the wrong thing to do. What the Philippine government could consider is
reducing or removing taxes, if all are added up, there are about a dozen from VAT to real property taxes,
they come to a tenth of Meralco’s bill. This needs a study with the basic goal of finding out if the direct loss
to government in needed revenues is more than compensated for by the increased economic activity that
could occur. I believe it could be because the high cost of power is one reason, a principal one in some
industries, we get the lowest level of FDI. The cost of such a study is well justified, and something the DOE
should do.
The beauty of all I’ve suggested is that it reduces our power bill, obviates power shortages, reduces
pollution, costs very little to do. What more could you want?
All it needs is for the government to adopt it and actively promote, even enforce it.
Acknowledgments: I’d like to thank Meralco, Aboitiz Power, EDC, First Gen, Quezon Power, PPI Pazifik, GE,
and Philips for their assistance in compiling this report.