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Senate Tax Study-Research Office (STSRO) Publications
Tax Bits
Expanding the Philippine Oil Pipelines

Nov.-Dec. 2011 (1.9 MB)
The issue of expanding the Philippine oil pipeline system has caught the attention of the legislature
with the filing of SBN-28631. The bill rationalizes that oil pipelines are more advantageous vis-à-vis
using barges, lorries and trucks because the former are faster, steady, efficient, safe and cost effective
modes of transport; they are not affected by weather disturbances such as typhoon, flooding and other
tidal changes; they help reduce traffic congestion; there is lower risk of product contamination; and they
have a lower carbon footprint.
Understanding Transshipment

October 2011 (634 KB)
Definition of transshipment
Transshipment is defined as the transfer of a shipment from one carrier or vessel to another while in
transit. Transshipments are usually made:
1. when there is no direct air, land, or sea link between consignor’s and consignee’s countries,
2. where the intended port of entry is blocked, or
3. when the importer wants to hide the identity of the port or country of origin.
Revisiting the Agriculture Sector: Countdown to 2012

Sept - Oct 2011 (799 KB)
Introduction
Agriculture remains the primary source of income for the rural folks in the Philippines. However, the government’s policies on agriculture are shaped and largely influenced by the forces of globalization, international institutions such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Asian Development Bank (ADB), as well as the realities of our domestic economy and politics.
Senate Economic Planning Office (SEPO) Publications
Policy Brief
Strengthening Banking Regulation: Amending the BSP Charter

December 2011 (253KB)
As the central monetary authority of the country, the BSP is mandated to provide policy directions in areas concerning money, banking and credit.
With the increasing liberalization of the financial market, conglomeration of financial institutions, and advancements in technology, the BSP, as with most central banks in the world, faces increased level of risks.
K to 12: The Key to Quality Education?

June 2011 (252KB)
The continuous deterioration of the quality of education in the Philippines has prompted the DepEd to push for the implementation of the K to 12 program, which entails the institutionalization of kindergarten and the addition of two more years of high school in the basic education cycle. The proposal has spurred a heated debate on whether it could lead to improvements or just exacerbate the present state of education in the country.
Improving inclusiveness of growth through CCTs

March 2011 (312KB)
Conquering poverty has been the fundamental development goal of every administration in the country. However, despite the government’s various poverty reduction programs, the increase in the number of poor remains unabated.
Subsidizing
the National Food Authority: Is It a Good Policy?

December 2010 (235KB)
The NFA’s twin mandate of price stabilization and food security has cost
the government billions of pesos in losses over the past few decades. As
such, there is a need to reexamine the NFA to determine whether the
benefits gained from its continued operation justifies the considerable
funding it receives from the national government.
Economic Report
Economic Report

October 2011 (245KB)
The Aquino government has set an aspirational gross domestic (GDP)
growth target of 7 percent to 8 percent for 2011 up to 2016. In
considering the national budget though, it assumed a more conservative
growth of 5 percent to 6 percent for 2011 and 5.5 to 6.5 percent for
2012.
Lessons learned in 2009, imperatives for 2010

March 2010 (315KB)
As with most economies around the world, the year 2009 proved to be a tough year for the Philippines, which registered its lowest GDP in 11 years. While there are signs of small improvements, the growth figures also suggest some fragility. Mindful that recovery is in sight, policymakers must give careful consideration to exit strategies and greater vigilance must be observed for some of the downside risks.
MIDYEAR ECONOMIC REPORT: Is there room for optimism in 2009?

September 2009 (253KB)
While the Philippines is said to be weathering the crisis better than its more export dependent neighbors, and signs of recovery is emerging in global markets, the country’s economic managers cannot be complacent. Unless the foreseeable upturn in global demand is realized, conditions are expected to remain tough. The biggest challenge would be preserving the growth momentum achieved in recent years, putting the fiscal house in order and protecting the country’s most vulnerable.
Riding
Through the Crisis in 2008 Bumpier Road Ahead in 2009

February 2009 (521KB)
For the Philippines and the rest of the world, 2008 has been a very
difficult year. Soaring commodity and fuel prices and the worst
financial crisis since the Great Depression has left world markets
reeling. Prospects for 2009 remain bleak, with the country’s overseas
employment sector and export industries seen as the most vulnerable.
Whether the Philippines will remain resilient or not depends critically
on strong policy actions and how well the government executes its fiscal
stimulus plan.
Policy Insights
At a Glance
Major Publications
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