Marines' rebellion loosens Arroyo's grip on power

"There's a disgruntlement, there is unhappiness but it hasn't reached critical mass yet," said Senator Mar Roxas. "The average person may be angry and disappointed but not yet enough to force the issue on the streets."
For the full story, read The Guardian.

Gov’t urged to rethink tax incentives for BPO

Five years into making a mark in the global outsourcing arena, the Philippines needs to “reconfigure” tax incentives afforded to foreign investors and instead, channel these incentives into improving the country’s workforce. Senator and former Trade and Industry secretary Mar Roxas raised this point in a speech delivered during the annual E-services Conference before an audience composed of people from the local contact center and BPO sectors.

Read Computerworld and Inq7 for the full story.

Reduced medicine prices remain elusive

"PEOPLE are dying because medicines are expensive."

Thus said Senate trade and commerce committee chairman Sen. Manuel Roxas II, explaining his support for a bill that proposes to overhaul the Intellectual Property Code to pave the way for cheaper pharmaceuticals.

Read Inq7 for the full story.

Use people power for good governance

SEN. Mar Roxas on Thursday called on the government and young Filipinos to work toward the governance goals that were at the core of people power in order to lift the country from its political doldrums and redeem its full potential.

Read The Manila Times, The Mindanao Daily Mirror, and Manila Bulletin for the full story.

Strong peso should mean cheaper goods

THE strong peso should mean cheaper goods, especially those that use imported products like fuel, tin, aluminum, glass, flour, milk, and other raw materials, Senator Manuel Roxas II said Saturday.

For the full story, read Inq7 and the Manila Times. Read Fritz's observation and Sassy Lawyer's column too.

VAT proceeds cannot drive economy

Despite the touted economic gains from it, the increase in the VAT won’t translate to higher economic growth, said Sen. Manuel Roxas II, citing the government’s limited allocation for infrastructure spending.
Read the Manila Times for the full story.