Government: President Aquino will be bringing home nearly $2.4 billion in investments

'We had discussions with a total of 19 companies' -President Aquino said, adding that all the business entities they talked to praised the economic performance of the Philippines.

President Benigno Aquino III 'Pnoy' will be bringing home nearly $2.4 billion in investments from his 4-nation European trip.

"From our engagements in Europe alone, we are expecting around 2.3 billion dollars in investments in the sectors of manufacturing, energy, the IT-BPM sector, infrastructure, transport. Now, 'yung manufacturing, there is a -- kung pwedeng ano 'yung ating paniniwala na huwag mausog -- meron kaming tatrabahuhin bukas na talagang extra effort mag-lobby to set up manufacturing in the Philippines, really major," he said.

The investments are expected to generate more than 55,000 jobs.

The President, meanwhile, expressed gratitude to the European Union for lifting the ban on Philippine carriers.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has already resumed flights to London, and is negotiating air agreements in France.

In France, the Philippine government signed a new Air Service Agreement, and the Aquino administration's steps taken for compliance to the 1978 Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).

Aquino said the problem has been unattended since 2006, requiring a single agency to deal with SCTW in the Philippines. He said under Republic Act 10635, the agency tasked is Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

"Ang trabaho nito, now 'yung ipo-professionalize natin itong Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping monitoring system. Tapos ngayon gagawin natin 'yung conflict of interest para 'yung mga kasama sa industry sila rin ang nagsi-certify na name-meet 'yung standard. So 'yung company nila ayaw nila 'di ba may potential na conflict of interest, ngayon hiwalay na. Wala sa industriya, pinipilit nating mai-professionalize itong committee na ito," he said.

ILLEGAL FISHING

Another issue that was dealt by Aquino during his European trip was the illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

The Philippines was issued by EU with a yellow card, indicating a warning.

Aquino said there was a 16-item checklist of things that the Philippines has to comply with and fortunately, he said, 14 of the 16 have already been met. The remaining steps are the amendment to the Fisheries Code and the other is manning of the new inspectors.

"So, I think we managed to convey that we are striving really hard to comply with all of these requirements so that our fishing industry and the people benefiting from the fishing industry will not suffer a ban on exports from the Philippines to the EU," said the President.

Aquino said the Philippine delegation also made strides with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between École Nationale D'Administration (ENA), France's most prominent school for public service.

The MOU is between ENA and the Development Academy of the Philippines, which will open up several areas for academic exchange and collaboration, specifically for more expertise, efficiency, and professionalism for civil servants.

Philippines and Germany also inked a social security agreement, which entitles Filipinos in Germany and their dependents to the social security benefits of German nationals, and vice versa, Germans in the Philippines will also be entitled of benefits.

"Parang we recognized each other... We recognize and synchronize each other SSS coverage. It will contribute to equality of treatment and eliminate dual coverage amongst others," Aquino said.

LAGUNA DE BAY

During the trip in Brussels, Aquino said he was also able to clarify with the Belgians why his administration did away with the contract with the Belgium-based company for the dredging of Laguna Lake.

He said, during their talk with the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Belgium, the topic was discussed in passing, noting that the issue was already before arbitration and the Philippine government will be bound by the result.

He said they explained to the Prime Minister the main contention that there is an 18.7-billion project, and basically, it will remove silt from one portion of the lake and move it to another portion of the lake.

"There was no belligerence because again, almost said in passing. So I think they were able to say it, we were able to respond appropriately without causing any tension and conflict."

NAIA TERMINAL 3

The issue with Fraport, which constructed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, was also discussed with the German government, said the President.

"Nabanggit rin at sinabi natin na meron tayong mga limitasyon, dalawa in particular, nasa korte natin 'yon, nasa Korte Suprema 'pag kaintindi ko, 'yung tungkol doon sa award."

He said the German government was assured that whatever the outcome of the arbitration, the Philippine government will abide by the court's decision.

WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

Another big achievement that Aquino considered in his European trip is the support that the Philippine government was able to receive from European allies on developments in the West Philippine Sea.

Aquino recalled that in the 2012 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit held in Vientiane, Laos, it was the European Union that supported the Philippine government's stand, which is to settle matters through peaceful means and in accordance with international law.

With this trip and the discussions made with Spain, Belgium, France and Germany, he said there's a deeper appreciation of exactly what the issue is and who are involved.

"Meaning it's not just us and our big brother to the West that says them and Vietnam, but even countries outside the region," Aquino said.

The President also expressed to leaders of the countries he visited, and also to the leadership of European Union, the profound gratitude of the Filipino nation for the help extended to the Philippines when super typhoon Haiyan hit the country in November of last year.