SmarTrade, a training and consultancy company providing free financial education led by its president and CEO Joyce Mayo, recently welcomed key executives of global online trading broker ATFX to its headquarters in Makati City, Philippines. The visit of ATFX’s chief commercial officer Siju Daniel, Southeast Asia CEO Jeff Hsu, and business development manager Journey Zeng...
Category: Business
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Grab fares surge under opaque algorithm
Rica Torres, 37, used to take a Grab car almost every day to take her six-year-old son to and from school. The app-based service was more convenient than riding a jeepney, a tricycle, and crossing an overpass. “I don’t want my son to go through all those because it saps his energy or sours his...
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The harrowing experiences of ‘consolidated’ jeepney operators
In February 2017, the Philippine government ratified the Paris Agreement, embedding its principles of reducing carbon emissions into national policy. To support the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions to the decarbonization initiative, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), along with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), introduced the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) in...
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What went wrong with the ‘Eddie Garcia bill’?
After third and final reading at the Senate, the “Eddie Garcia bill” was sent in April to the Office of the President for signing. No action has been taken so far. Meanwhile, certain quarters in the local entertainment industry have spoken about some questionable provisions in the final form of Senate Bill No. 2505, or...
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Warning out against online misrepresentation, other scams
A leading advocate for financial literacy in the Philippines has issued a warning for everyone to keep themselves informed and be vigilant against online scammers. SmarTrade, which continues to help individuals make informed financial decisions through free online learning sessions and personalized coaching, has demonstrated the value of digital platforms in businesses, offering tools that...
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Family’s organic farm learns to expand business to Europe
When Leonor Pantua, co-owner of a family business in Tupi, South Cotabato, gives cautionary advice to aspiring exporters, she is not trying to discourage them from pursuing their dream. “You must know who your buyers are. You can get caught as everything comes at a cost,” she says. Her company, Kablon Farms, has gained export success...
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Leo Martinez opposes Senate version of Eddie Garcia Bill
Veteran actor and comedian Leo Martinez is not happy with Senate Bill No. 2505, otherwise known as the Eddie Garcia Bill. “I do not support it,” Martinez said, adding that he is in favor of the House of Representatives’ version of the measure. Martinez is known for his alter ego, “Tongressman Manhik Manaog,” and was...
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A proposed law bears Eddie Garcia’s name and legacy
Five years after his death, the iconic character actor Eddie Garcia is honored with legislation bearing his name and aimed at protecting workers in the film and television industry. Senate Bill (SB) No. 2505, otherwise known as the Eddie Garcia Bill, was unanimously approved by the Senate on Feb. 19. It now awaits a bicameral...
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NGCP told to ‘practice discipline’ to protect consumers
(Second of two parts) In its preliminary review, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) disallowed the expenses of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) amounting to P3.7 billion, which it said were “improperly documented or not recoverable for customers.” The biggest items disallowed were for public relations, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and advertising expenses. NGCP’s...
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Power transmission monopoly NGCP questions rate review amid calls for refund
(First of two parts) The Supreme Court petition filed by National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to halt a long-delayed review of its rates could keep power costs high and delay potential refunds to consumers. NGCP is a private monopoly that operates the country’s power transmission lines, or the grid linking power generators to...