PH hosts ASEAN Summit; terminal fee for OFWs scrapped

THE Philippines plays host to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Meetings this week.

PH leadership will likely promote closer cooperation and speedy economic integration among ASEAN-member countries.

Leaders of the 10 ASEAN countries will also likely discuss political issues and food security in their meetings.

Food for the table plus food for thought, they’ll likely insist.

“The leaders will come up with a joint statement after the conclusion of the summit,” said Trade and Industry Sec. Ramon Lopez.

Conclusion, cooperation plus fruition will prove good for ASEAN nations.

The Leaders’ Statement to be prepared by the Department of Foreign Affairs may also mention cooperation for further development and promotion of micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Plus their integration into the global value chain.

Five ASEAN activities will be held on April 28, starting with the “Prosperity for All Summit” at the City of Dreams, followed by the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 15th ASEAN Political-Security Community Council meeting, and the 19th ASEAN Coordinating Council Meeting.

And President Duterte will take center stage — and is expected to attend the 14th ASEAN leadership forum at the Manila Hotel. Likewise, a shipping route within the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) is expected to further enhance starting today trading between the Philippines and Indonesia, said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

A Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) ferry service will begin plying the Davao City-General Santos-Bitung, Indonesia route to provide a faster and cheaper trading of goods.

Departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be exempted from paying the airport terminal fee starting this month.

Just declare that you are an OFW and show proof, the government reminded.

But Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said that selling agents may or may not ask for a proof of entitlement during transaction.

“If no proof is shown during transaction, the passenger should be able to present one during check-in at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport where same shall be validated,” he said.

He added that starting July 31, air carriers will start honoring OFW exemptions at any point of sale for tickets purchased online, through telephone and mobile applications.

Validation measures may be adopted by the air carriers — or OFWs may be asked to show proof of entitlement upon airport check-in.

“This is a fulfillment of President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to look after the needs of our OFWs,” Monreal explained.

Yes to less hassles! OFWs rejoice.