Asian stocks stutter on China issues
SINGAPORE — Asian stocks swung between gain and loss on Monday as investors struggled to reach a consensus view on China's broad economic stimulus promises made over the weekend which were light on specifics. "Most onshore investors believe Beijing's decision to restructure local government and housing debt using central government funds is more significant than many foreign investors believe," said analysts at Morgan Stanley in a client note. US stock futures similarly edged lower, with S&P 500 futures losing 0.06 percent while Nasdaq futures fell 0.18 percent. Brent crude futures were last down 1.2 percent at $78.09 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures fell 1.22 percent to $74.64 per barrel. A reading on UK inflation is due later this week, as is an interest rate decision from the European Central Bank.
Source:Manila Times
October 15, 2024 04:18 UTC
Saicome Industries Ltd. dedication to sound management, technological advancement and quality products is an exemplar of manufacturing excellence in SMEs
Saicome, one of Hong Kong’s pioneering manufacturing companies, specializes in rechargeable power tools and battery products of wide acclaim that have effectively responded to technological advancements and market dynamics. For higher management levels such as business development and engineering, professional methods such as Gantt charts and SWOT analysis are used. Based on its corporate philosophy of “Doing the best”, Saicome has nurtured a strong corporate culture of unity and dedication among its staff. The feedback from these comprehensive ‘body-checks’ by industry leaders provides helpful advice from multi-faceted perspectives to enhance quality management. Quality management will always remain at the heart of Saicome’s success, reflecting not only the company’s commitment to excellence, agility and resilience, but also first-class products and happy, satisfied customers.
Source:The Standard
October 15, 2024 04:15 UTC
Special duties fund seen growing faster
Special duties fund seen growing fasterMANILA, Philippines — The earmarked fund for the development of local industries affected by imports is likely to increase as the government imposes additional duties on new products, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said. Tiu Laurel told The STAR that he decided to impose special safeguard duties (SSG) on four new agricultural products because the trigger prices have been breached. “The trigger prices of these (products) under the (World Trade Organization) agreements have been triggered. We will use the collected duties for the competitiveness enhancement measures fund (CEMF) to help the local industry affected,” Tiu Laurel said. Chicken MDM is a vital raw ingredient used by meat processors to manufacture items like meat loaf and hotdogs.
Source:Philippine Star
October 15, 2024 04:01 UTC
Spike
The fuel price spike reflects the rise in crude oil prices globally. The most proximate cause for that spike is the possibility a full-scale regional war could break out in the Middle East. By contrast, presidential contender Donald Trump has urged Tel Aviv to go ahead and bomb Iran’s nuclear facilities. While we await, with great suspense, the exact nature of Israel’s response, global oil prices will likely remain at their present elevated levels. In which case, the greater anxieties these spawns will push oil prices much higher – perhaps close to the $100 per barrel level.
Source:Philippine Star
October 14, 2024 19:00 UTC
My ongoing love affair, now with the 2023 Speed Twin 900
A few months later, I couldn't resist switching to the Speed Twin 1200, captivated by its stunning looks. The Triumph Speed Twin 900. Just last week, I had the chance to take the 2023 Speed Twin 900 for a test ride. Once known as the Street Twin, the 2023 Speed Twin 900 reminded me of my old 1200 in terms of handling and riding style. Whether you're new to motorcycling or a seasoned rider, the Speed Twin 900 is worth considering for your next ride.
Source:Manila Times
October 14, 2024 16:28 UTC
(Video) No injuries after No.3 alarm fire at New Yau Mai Tei Cargo Area
Thick black smoke was seen billowing in Tai Kok Tsui after a fire erupted at the New Yau Ma Tei Public Cargo Working Area. The fire was later upgraded to a No.3 alarm as the flame spread from an open area to a docked vessel by 6 p.m. The dark smoke reached tens of meters in height, visible from afar and even captured in the Hong Kong Observatory's real-time meteorological images. Firefighters are currently using two jets and mobilized two breathing apparatus teams to fight the blaze. The fire is suspected to have been triggered by miscellaneous materials, and an ambulance is on standby at the scene.
Source:The Standard
October 14, 2024 14:48 UTC
Online attacks vs young Filipino activists spilling into real world
Online attacks vs young Filipino activists spilling into real worldIn this 2020 file photo, activists troop to University of the Philippines Diliman to protest passage of the Ant-Terrorism Act. MANILA, Philippines — Persistent online attacks against young human rights defenders in the Philippines have created a climate of fear and mistrust that ripples through families and communities, according to a new report by a human rights watchdog. The study by Amnesty International, released on Monday, October 14, draws from interviews with 41 young human rights activists between ages 19 and 28, extensive desk research, and analysis of social media content. The practice was led by National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, whose red-tagging legitimized threats against young rights defenders. Mia Tonogbanua, a former member of Amnesty International Philippines' youth board, said young activists like her are indiscriminately targeted regardless of their advocacies.
Source:Philippine Star
October 14, 2024 13:26 UTC
Study in Canada! Consulate General of Canada to host 12th EduCanada Fair
The Consulate General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao is hosting the annual EduCanada Fair on October 19 and 20, 2024 at Hotel Alexandra in North Point. In 2023, over 1 million students from all over the world chose to study in Canada, among which 14,115 students were from Hong Kong. We are seeing an increasing number of Hong Kong students studying in Canada in recent years. “We are excited to welcome students and their guardians to the EduCanada Fair this October and we look forward to seeing many of you in Canada soon.”Visit the EduCanada Fair to learn more! Representatives from the Consulate General of Canada will also be present at the Fair to provide general information on studying in Canada and study permit application procedures.
Source:The Standard
October 14, 2024 10:01 UTC
‘Reduce middlemen in rice delivery to lower prices’
‘Reduce middlemen in rice delivery to lower prices’Individuals line up to purchase rice for P29 per kilo during the Kadiwa sa Lingayen on August 29, 2024 in Lingayen, Pangasinan. SINAG executive director Jayson Cainglet said that typically after being milled, the rice will be sold to at least six middlemen such as wholesalers and biyaheros, before it reaches consumers. Each of these layers adds P2 per kilo in the retail price of rice before consumers can buy the staple, he said. Based on monitoring of the DA in Manila markets, the local regular milled rice is sold as high as P50 per kilo; local well-milled rice, P55 per kilo; local premium rice, as high as P58 per kilo and local special rice, up to P65 per kilo. Imported regular milled rice is sold as high as P48 per kilo; imported well-milled rice, as high as P55 per kilo; imported premium rice, P60 per kilo and imported special rice, up to P63 per kilo.
Source:Philippine Star
October 14, 2024 05:31 UTC
Global rice imports seen rising by USDA
GLOBAL rice imports are projected to increase following India's trade policy changes, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) said. As of end-September, rice deliveries to the Philippines totaled 3.28 million MT, up from 2.68 million MT a year earlier. AdvertisementIn 2023, inbound shipments of the staple totaled 3.6 million MT, down 5.9 percent from the record high of 3.82 million MT logged in 2022. The USDA also expects global rice production to increase, driven by higher output from major rice-producing countries. Domestic milled rice production is expected to decrease to 12.3 million MT, lower than the earlier projection of 12.7 million MT.
Source:Manila Times
October 14, 2024 04:12 UTC
Poultry found resistant to antibiotics; study warns risks in consumption
MANILA, Philippines — A study from Cavite State University warns about the misuse of antibiotics on poultry, after batches of farm chickens in the province became resistant to antimicrobial medication, which raises the risk of disease transmission to humans. One primary driver of AMR is the indiscriminate use of antibiotics on humans and even animals and plants. Pharmacist Johanna Mallari-Abella, who is also research head of the department’s pharmaceutical division, had cautioned that antimicrobial residues stay in meat, making it unfit for human consumption. Even vegetables contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria pose a health risk, the Philippine College of Physicians warned last year, saying that consumption may also lead to the development of AMR. Subscribe to our daily newsletter SIGN ME UP“When not properly cleaned or washed, it stays in the [food] we eat, and so we get the resistant bugs,” she said.
Source:Philippine Daily Inquirer
October 14, 2024 02:15 UTC
WATCH: Service Caravan for film, broadcast workers
The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair holds its mini-Service Caravan for Film and Broadcast Workers at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday, giving 23 different service programs and cash aid to 15,000 movie, TV and Radio workers. MMDA Chairman Romando Artes, former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos, and Sen. Bong Revilla attended the event. In separate interviews with The Manila Times, Quezon City Rep. Juan Carlos 'Arjo' Atayde and Marikina Rep. Stella Quimbo stressed the importance of giving aid to film and broadcast workers. VIDEO BY REINA TOLENTINO AND RED MENDOZA
Source:Manila Times
October 14, 2024 00:40 UTC
Government slightly cuts debt payment in August
Government slightly cuts debt payment in AugustData from the Bureau of the Treasury showed the administration trimmed its debt payments in August, settling some P186.22 billion, down 1.5 percent from P189.03 billion in the same period last year. MANILA, Philippines — The government slightly reduced its debt service to P186 billion in August, with the bulk going to amortization to domestic lenders. About 72 percent of the debt service was for amortization or the settlement of the principal amount at P133.44 billion. For the eight-month period, debt payment picked up by 11 percent to P1.55 trillion from P1.4 trillion in January to August 2023. This will be just a percentage higher from the target P2.03 trillion debt service for 2024.
Source:Philippine Star
October 13, 2024 20:31 UTC
From across the sea
You will never make any impact in this world by reading the Bible for five minutes before you jump into bed. If God has given you that kind of mind, how much of it are you using on him. But in the end, unless God is real in his word, we’re missing the central fellowship that he offers us. Lenox underscores the importance of pouring our time in the Scriptures prayerfully, studying and understanding them in order to become an effective witness for Christ in our own domain of vocation. Only when we take the world of God seriously can we have something to say to the world.”* * *E-mail: [email protected]
Source:Philippine Star
October 13, 2024 20:30 UTC
Truth seeker
But Zavarro refuses to describe her client as a "monster," insisting she is a lawyer for a man who has committed "monstrous" crimes. Anyone taken into custody in France is entitled to have a lawyer and may benefit from legal aid. Lawyers for some of the accused say they have been harassed on social media and Zavarro has felt the heat too. She added: "From the moment I defend a man who I'm told is a liar, a manipulator, someone who fooled everyone, I have to try to establish the truth." To defend Pelicot, Zavarro set up a temporary base in Avignon, where she is staying in a working-class suburb.
Source:The Standard
October 13, 2024 19:47 UTC