Inflation accelerated to 2.4% in February, the fastest in 13 months, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) this week. The latest figure is 0.4 percentage points higher than January’s 2.0% and slightly above the 2.1% recorded in February 2025. The PSA attributed the uptick mainly to faster price increases in food and non-alcoholic beverages, where inflation …

As the Iran war rages, authorities have projected that diesel oil is estimated to rise by P19.62 per liter, while gasoline may see an increase of P10.43 per liter, with the announcement of final price movements expected today, March 9. Based on the full five days of trading for the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the industry’s regional gauge for …

President Bongbong Marcos may impose a four-day work week on government offices without much change in public service, but he cannot do so on factories without upending manufacturing operations, trade and export commitments. This was the position taken by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) when it urged the government to adopt a “balanced and evidence-based” approach to …

Enrique K. Razon Jr., International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) Chairman and President, said: digit growth across volume, revenues, EBITDA, and net income. These results reflect the quality of our diversified global portfolio, resilience of demand across our markets, and the disciplined execution of our long-term strategy. The 11 percent increase in consolidated volume underscores the strength of our customer …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will adopt a four-day on-site workweek starting March 9, 2026 as part of the national government’s energy conservation efforts. Under the temporary special work arrangement, GSIS employees will report on-site from Monday to Thursday, while Fridays will be observed as a mandatory work-from-home (WFH) day for personnel. Frontline personnel, however, will follow work shifts …

LANDBANK closed 2025 with its strongest financial performance to date, translating record earnings into expanded financing support for agriculture, fisheries and rural development (AFRD), micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), local communities, and other priority sectors. The state-run Bank posted a 24% year-on-year increase in net income to ₱43.98 billion, driven by broad-based portfolio growth, sustained operational discipline, and proactive …

Officials from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met Wednesday to reaffirm their partnership and boost coordination on key reform priorities, the BTr said Thursday. “Discussions centered on public financial management reforms and opportunities to deepen technical cooperation in areas such as treasury management,” the agency said. National Treasurer Sharon Almanza and Deputy Treasurer …

The Department of Finance (DOF) has secured funding for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) through a ₱8.2 billion loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the agency said. The third tranche of the financing agreement will be used to restore the train system to its original condition, improve performance, and prepare for future expansion …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has raised the cash withdrawal threshold triggering enhanced due diligence (EDD) to ₱1 million from ₱500,000. Under Circular 1230, issued February 27, depositors may withdraw up to ₱1 million without EDD. Transactions exceeding that amount require proof of legitimacy, the central bank said in a statement last week. “The increase follows consultations with banks …

The World Bank has approved three new grants totaling USD4.13 million this year to support job creation and poverty reduction in the Philippines, the Department of Finance (DOF) said recently. Grants, provided at no cost to the government, fully fund critical preparatory work while preserving fiscal space for priority projects. Finance Secretary Frederick Go facilitated swift government clearances for the …