BSP tightening cycle may be over
THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) tightening cycle may be over as the country’s sluggish growth will likely soften demand-driven inflation, with rate cuts on the table for mid-2027, Standard Chartered Bank said.
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El Niño risks mount for hydropower developers
HYDROPOWER DEVELOPERS are already feeling the effects of El Niño as prolonged dry spells lower reservoir levels, disrupting operations and critical maintenance activities.
Predictable rules, reliable power needed for Philippines to seize manufacturing boom
THE PHILIPPINES must ensure regulatory predictability and secure reliable power and water to effectively position itself as a major manufacturing hub, according to executives of global management consulting firm Kearney.
PHL financial system resources reach record P38.3 trillion as of June
RESOURCES HELD in the Philippine financial system topped P38 trillion as it rose by nearly 9% to its highest ever as of June, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. The sector’s combined resources climbed by 8.91% to P38.309 trillion at end-June from P35.174 trillion a year ago. Month on month, it […]
Ang to lead MPTC-SMC tollway giant as merger talks advance
METRO PACIFIC Tollways Corp. (MPTC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ramon S. Ang will lead the companies’ planned combined tollway business as merger talks advance. “(The management) will mainly be in Ramon’s (Ramon S. Ang) hands. He will be the CEO,” Mr. Pangilinan said on […]
SM Prime takes cautious stance on residential projects
SM PRIME Holdings, Inc. is taking a cautious approach to residential projects as it monitors buyer demand, works through existing inventory, and completes developments already under construction. “For core and even premium, we’re taking a wait-and-see approach, checking how the market is reacting. We still have quite a bit of inventory to work through,” SM […]
Treasury bill, bond rates may be mixed on BSP policy bets
RATES of the Treasury bills (T-bills) and Treasury bonds (T-bonds) to be offered this week could end mixed as the market digests the latest policy signals from the Philippine central bank chief. The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) will auction off up to P60 billion in T-bills on Monday, or P20-25 billion in 91-day papers, […]
M&S to bring London store format to PHL
MARKS & SPENCER (M&S) will bring a new store format recently introduced in London to the Philippines, featuring a larger food section, as PT Mitra Adiperkasa Tbk (MAP) takes over the British retailer’s local operations.
Executive electric
The very first Lexus sedan BEV is now here LONG LIVE the sedan — or in this case, the executive sedan. Lexus Philippines has brought in the eighth-generation Lexus ES, a vastly evolved version of the nameplate that also ushers in, for the first time, full electrification in the Japan-headquartered auto marque’s sedan line. This, […]
The art of Jojie Lloren’s fashion
WE FIRST MET designer Jojie Lloren years ago on our TV screens: of all the Filipino designers who have crossed over to showbiz perhaps Mr. Lloren is one of the most familiar, due to his stint as a judge on Project Runway Philippines back in 2008. We then met him in the flesh a few […]
Peso to stay at P61 level as mart eyes policy review, US-Iran war
THE PESO could hold at the P61-a-dollar level this week, with the market looking ahead to the Philippine central bank’s policy meeting while monitoring developments in the Middle East. On Friday, the currency declined by 10.7 centavos to close at P61.45 versus the greenback from P60.343 on Thursday, according to data from the Bankers Association […]
Prime Infra says Wawa pumped storage project on track for 2030
RAZON-LED Prime Infrastructure Capital, Inc.’s (Prime Infra) $2.57-billion Wawa Pumped Storage Power Project is 18% complete and remains on track to begin operations by 2030, its top official said. Prime Infra President and Chief Executive Officer Guillaume Lucci said the project’s integrated bulk water component has already been completed and has been operating for some […]
Dairy output rises in first half due to gov’t support
THE National Federation of Dairy Farmers and Stakeholders Association said expanded government support for the dairy industry helped increase milk production, the size of the dairy herd, the value of production, and farmgate prices in the first half.
Moving a nation forward
The SONA maps out our mobility future and more LAST MONTH, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. (PBBM) made his report to the Filipino people at his annual State of the Nation Address (SONA). It is that time of the year when there is no lack of differing opinions on the gains or the ails […]
A few finds at MaArte
ONE of the most awaited events in the lifestyle fair circuit, the MaArte Fair, is organized by the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. It functions as a fundraiser for the National Museum, with a particular focus on giving scholarships and grants. Since 2017, it has been held at The Peninsula Manila, this year occupying […]
BSP bills fetch higher rate despite oversubscription
THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) short-term securities fetched a higher average yield for a ninth straight week even as the offer was met with strong demand, recovering from the prior week’s undersubscription. Bids for the 28-day BSP bills amounted to P52.315 billion on Friday, exceeding the P30 billion placed on the auction block. This […]
Monkeys in geopolitics: The absurd
(Part Two) The absurdity of the claim floated, supposedly by academics, about the Batanes Islands as part of the territory of Taiwan beggars reason. Chinese leadership must really think Filipinos to be monkeys, as they have already let fly in global political discussion. But this screed only makes the claim outrageous. First of all, the […]
Semirara falls on coal auction delay
SHARES of Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) ended lower week on week on Friday after the Department of Energy (DoE) delayed its coal block auction and amid concerns over the company’s earnings outlook, analysts said.
Audi PHL introduces all-new RS 5
AUDI PHILIPPINES recently launched the newest version of the Audi RS 5 in a multi-car display at the Rockwell Power Plant Mall in Makati. The model is now available for reservation, with first shipments expected to arrive in October.
Uniqlo highlights versatility for the rainy season
UNIQLO takes inspiration from modern city living for its Fall/Winter Lifewear collection. Designed for everyday versatility, it aims to reimagine wardrobe essentials to meet the evolving demands of lifestyles in motion, both rain and shine. On Aug. 11, guests braved a storm to see the new collection in the Palacio de Memoria in Parañaque, along […]
Debt yields end lower as data temper Fed, BSP tightening bets
YIELDS on government securities (GS) traded in the secondary market mostly fell last week as expectations for rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) eased following slower US July inflation and weak Philippine second-quarter domestic growth data.
The family planning gap behind falling fertility
Over the last two decades, the fertility rate in the Philippines has seen a significant decline. From 3.5 children per woman in 2003, that rate had dropped to 1.7 in 2025. This declining trend has sparked widespread conversation regarding its potential long-term effects on the nation’s economy, workforce, and overall future. But this does not […]
Globe pushes national underground conduit policy to reduce fiber cuts
GLOBE TELECOM, Inc. is backing a unified national policy on underground conduit infrastructure to help reduce fiber cuts and theft and improve network resilience. The proposal, submitted under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Digital Infrastructure sector, calls for a coordinated national framework for the planning, construction, and governance of underground conduit systems. “A common…
Aguila Auto Glass Makati turns 38
AGUILA AUTO GLASS, said to be the pioneer in local automotive glass replacement, held a thanksgiving celebration recently at its branch on Evangelista Street, Brgy. Bangkal, Makati City to mark 38 years of continuous operation in the city and to unveil the branch’s newly renovated facilities. The company first opened its Makati location in 1988 […]
Banks’ borrowings from BSP’s discount window facility hit P60B
PHILIPPINE BANKS availed of over P60 billion in loans through the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) discount window facility (DWF) last year, data from the regulator showed. Loans extended by the BSP to banks via the DWF reached P60.1 billion at the end of 2025, according to central bank data. This was up from 2024, […]
Who were the Luddites? Their legacy ripples through politics, cultural commentary and literature
AMERICAN filmmaker George Lucas is one of the latest to indicate he’s open to AI in the movie industry.
ERC weighs power-sector limits after Ang’s Lopez stake buy
THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is assessing whether businessman Ramon S. Ang’s acquisition of a 25.68% stake in Lopez, Inc. could trigger market-share caps, cross-ownership limits, or other restrictions in the power sector, its chairman said. “We will look into that if there is need to check the impact of the concerned stakeholders’ compliances with […]
HMPH champions Philippine football with Hyundai Cup
HYUNDAI MOTOR PHILIPPINES, INC. (HMPH) said it fosters youth development and sportsmanship through local activations for the Hyundai Cup 2026, the 16th ASEAN Football Championship. As title partner of the regional tournament, HMPH aims to help grow the sport in the Philippines, “creating meaningful opportunities for young athletes and bringing the spirit of football closer […]
Preventing stroke starts with a healthy lifestyle
Stroke or “brain attack” was the third leading cause of death in the country in 2025, accounting for roughly 10% of total deaths last year. A stroke is a critical medical condition that happens when the brain’s blood supply is disrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or by bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). When blood flow […]
Style (08/17/26)
FILIPINO FANS can now bring home exclusive Golden State Warriors merchandise when they purchase P1,500 worth of Tanduay products at shots.ph, Tanduay’s official online store.
Cautious trade seen as focus turns to BSP meet
PHILIPPINE SHARES may move sideways this week as investors digest companies’ mixed financial results and keep a cautious stance as they look ahead to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) policy meeting. On Friday, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 0.14% or 9.05 points to close at 6,297.30, while the broader all shares [ ]
Analysts seek scrutiny of P7.2-T 2027 budget, transparency beyond hearings
THE proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 should face tighter scrutiny over unprogrammed appropriations and confidential and intelligence funds as the Philippines’ limited fiscal space increases the need for stronger safeguards and transparency, analysts said.
Wage injunction may blur court, wage board roles
THE court order halting Metro Manila’s latest minimum wage increase raises questions about how far judges can intervene in wage-setting and whether the country’s existing system gives enough weight to workers’ needs alongside employers’ ability to absorb higher labor costs.
DND slams Chinese Embassy’s ‘evasive’ reply
THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Sunday accused the Chinese Embassy of evading questions and spreading “disingenuous misinformation” in its response to Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr.’s remarks on the arrest of Chinese nationals. DND spokesman Arsenio R. Andolong said the embassy’s statement failed to address the issues raised by Mr. Teodoro and [ ]
Palace slams BARMM chief attack
MALACAÑANG on Sunday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has directed government agencies to strengthen security in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and investigate the reported attack on Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua and his companions. “The President has ordered all relevant government agencies to further intensify security in Bangsamoro communities […
Gov’t may increase LGU support fund
THE government could increase its support fund for local government units (LGUs) next year if this year’s funding proves effective, Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto said during his Cebu visit. About 210,000 students in more than 42,000 barangays nationwide have benefited from the Presidential Scholars Program, Mr. Recto said in Filipino, according to a statement [ ]
CHED gets P9.75B for SUC
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P9.753 billion to cover deficiencies in the implementation of the Free Higher Education (FHE) program across 108 state universities and colleges (SUCs) for three academic years. The funding, released to the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), covers arrears for academic years 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The amount [ ]
20% student load discount pushed
SENATOR Erwin T. Tulfo on Sunday pushed for a bill seeking to grant students a 20% discount on prepaid and postpaid mobile load to aid in the connectivity of learners following frequent shifts of schools to online classes due to inclement weather. Under the Senate Bill No. 2275 filed on June 17, telecommunication companies (telcos) [ ]
RHR, Punlaan School partner for hospitality training program
ROBINSONS Hotels and Resorts (RHR), the hospitality arm of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), has formalized a partnership with Punlaan School to provide hands-on hospitality training to scholars amid its push to bolster the company’s talent pipeline while supporting vocational education. Through a recently signed Memorandum of Agreement, the Gokongwei-led hospitality unit will host two scholars [ ]
BuCor officer returns, vows to cooperate in trust fund probe
AN OFFICER of the Correctional Institution for Women (CIW) returned after her absence without official leave since July 29, to cooperate in the investigation into alleged anomalies into the prisoners’ trust fund, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) said. Corrections Officer 2 Bianca Ramos returned to the CIW on Saturday accompanied by her sisters and legal [ ]
Speaker throws support behind agricultural insurance measure
SPEAKER and Isabela Rep. Faustino G. Dy III said House Bill No. 10365, which seeks to strengthen the Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. (PCIC) by expanding the scope of agricultural activities that may be granted coverage, will help more farmers avoid total losses from a single calamity.
Clark Food Hub targeted for partial operations by end-2027
THE DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) said on Sunday the P4-billion Clark National Food Hub is expected to start partial operations before the end of 2027. The DA signed agreements with Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI) and Clark International Airport Corp. aimed to cover the mega food hub’s funding, development, and operations over 40 hectares of the [ ]
Tax-exempt P350,000 income needs safeguards against ‘bracket creep’
TAX EXPERTS said the proposed tax-exempt threshold of P350,000 is vulnerable to the effects of inflation, which would serve to erode the tax relief it promises, and called for safeguards against “bracket creep.”
Prices frozen in parts of Bulacan, Cavite after calamity declaration due to monsoon
THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it froze prices in parts of Bulacan and Cavite that had been placed under a state of calamity following the constant rains brought about by the southwest monsoon. “The DTI reminds the public that a price freeze on all basic necessities is in effect in areas covered [ ]
Budget release rate hits 88.5% in July
THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said it had released 88.5% of the original 2026 budget by the end of July. According to the DBM Status of Allotment Release report, the releases amounted to P6.012 trillion out of the original budget of P6.793 trillion, leaving P781.082 billion undistributed. The release rate at the end [ ]
DoE hopes planned P19.7-B Maharlika investment in NGCP closes this year
THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it hopes that the plan by Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) to invest P19.7 billion in the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) will conclude this year. Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin told reporters last week that the DoE will check on the progress of the deal between MIC [ ]
Alex Eala set for tough clash with Anisimova after Ruse retirement
ALEXANDRA “ALEX” EALA settled her score with Romanian ace Elena-Gabriela Ruse with an emphatic 6-1, 3-0 (ret.) win to arrange a Round 3 duel against another titan in world No. 10 Amanda Anisimova in the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open on Sunday morning at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. The match was halted [ ]
Grade A-level Gentry Open tennis tourney launch at Colegio de San Agustin in San Jose del Monte
THE search for the next Alexandra “Alex” Eala is on. Inspired by Ms. Eala’s rise in the world tennis scene, the Gentry Open rolls the red carpet for its biggest edition to date with over 1000 entrants and the largest prize pool in Philippine tennis history starting next week at the Colegio de San Agustin [ ]
PLDT High Speed Hitters beat feisty Akari Chargers
IF NOT for the last-minute league decision to reduce the second PVL on Tour into a non-regular conference, the PLDT High Speed Hitters would have gone for a back-to-back crown. But PLDT coach Rald Ricafort and his wards don’t mind, as long as they treat each game as if it was a regular one just [ ]
NBA schedule
A given National Basketball Association (NBA) schedule is usually read in the simplest possible way: 82 games, spread across six months, with the standings eventually sorting out who was good enough to win and who was not. But the schedule is not simply a neutral list of opponents. The order in which teams meet, the [ ]