ruling favors tampakan project, page-22

Doubt that the Phillipine government can risk the ire of the international community....we shall see what transpires...something has got to give!

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Posted on January 25, 2012 11:31:27 PM

Australia set to strengthen ties, resolve issues with RP

THE COUNTRY’S economic ties with Australia are seen to remain unaffected by the global downturn as both parties continue efforts to resolve trade issues and strengthen local social services, foreign officials said yesterday.

Newly appointed Australian Ambassador Bill Tweddell looked forward to sustained utilization of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), as both local and foreign businessmen were seen to have renewed confidence in the Philippine government and economy.

The upbeat prospect came as the Australian government is slated to renew its aid program.

The new assistance program will last from this year until 2017 and will focus on education, local social services, climate change, disaster risk reduction, peace in Mindanao, and good governance.

Philippine policies in mining, however, remain a concern for the foreign economy.

“For potential Australian investors, legal and regulatory certainty are important,” the ambassador said.

“Nowhere is this more important than in the mining industry,” he added.


Renewed development assistance to the Philippines, meanwhile, will be finalized within the next two months with possibly a larger budget. -- Eliza J. Diaz