Newsbits

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GMM Guests

The fourth GMM of 2011 held last Oct. 21 marked the first time many guests (more than 10) were invited. This is a new direction aiming to expand membership by exposing possible members to the workings of SCMAP.

Seen at the last GMM were guests and friends from PortCalls, Gothong Southern Shipping, Manila North Harbour Port Inc., OOCL Logistics, BPI Family Bank, SPL Tech, and Ideamorphosis.

Election

SCMAP elections will be held at the last GMM of 2011. To be elected are the ten Directors and ten Committee Chairpersons who will serve in year 2012. The ten elected Directors will elect among themselves the six officers — President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, and PRO.

SCMAP enjoins all member companies to review the name of their official representative for year 2012, as the official rep is eligible to be elected director or committee chairperson. Official representatives can be designated up to just before the actual election on Nov. 25.

DILG MC on Illegal Fees and Taxes

A recent development carries good news for organizations, companies and other entities involved in transport of goods and people.

DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo issued last Oct. 12 DILG Memorandum Circular 2011-1500 suspending LGU imposition and collection of illegal fees and taxes.

The MC enjoins local chief executives to:

(a)    refrain from enforcing any existing ordinance authorizing the levy of fees and taxes on inter-province transport of goods, regulatory fees from passengers in local ports, and other additional taxes, fees or charges in any form upon transporting goods and passengers; and

(b)   cause the immediate repeal of the ordinance imposing the above cited fees and taxes.

I detect a little ‘weakness’ in the use of the word ‘enjoins’; however the last paragraph of the MC mentions the institution of appropriate cases against violators.

To be sure, this prohibition is not new. The problem is the implementation. At the last GMM Vice President Cora Curay said to those present to report all cases of violations, together with evidences and details, so that SCMAP may take these up with Sec. Robredo.

Corporate Greed

Over a week ago, protests swept across certain spots on four continents over the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the global recession. These troubles are being traced to corporate greed. The protests started on Wall Street in New York City and spread to different cities. The protests have been short-lived because of the efficient law enforcement agencies. But more because these protests have not been planned and sufficiently organized, and not yet internationally connected. These protests could increase when different peoples in different parts of the globe see a strong connection to corporate greed.

P-Noy was quick to downplay local corporate greed, citing the transparency of six local oil companies. But for sure, corporate greed is here and goes beyond the oil companies.

The protests over corporate greed are similar to the rash of rebellions and revolutions in various countries in the Middle East and Africa. The complaints are generally against overstaying dictators and despots.

Some time ago, I wrote about greed and supply chain cost (January 19, 2009).

Competition Law

I wrote about competition law some months ago. Last week the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines issued a statement that the enactment of a competition law would help spur business activity. Yes, a competition law would also help level the playing field and help stem corporate greed.

Last June the current administration issued EO 45 designating DOJ as Competition Authority, with an Office for Competition as operating arm to enforce relevant provisions of existing laws. A good step.

Enactment of a competition is supported by SCMAP.

Soft Skills Training

Our last training for the year will be a 2-day training on soft skills. The schedule has been changed and will be announced shortly.

Address inquiries and comments to Ed Sanchez at tel. 671-8670, fax 671-4793, cell 0918-914-1689, or email scmap.org@gmail.com. Those interested in SCMAP training and other activities are requested to send their e-mail addresses.