By Riza Lozada Slowing revenues from its mobile services re­sulted in telecommu­nications giant PLDT Inc. posting a core income of P5.3 billion in the first quar­ter, down 26 percent from a year ago.

LT Group Inc. (LTG) reported an unaudited attributable net income for the first quarter of 2017 amounted to P2.25 billion, flat com­pared to the P2.23 billion reported in the first quarter.

By Riza Lozada The Department of Fi­nance (DOF) warns of a higher budget deficit reaching as much as four percent of gross domestic product (GDP) that may weigh on the country’s investment grade ratings if the proposed tax reform program will not be passed on its orig­inal form.

In support of government strategy towards a more in­clusive financial system, state-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) opened five new branches in the first quarter with more DBP branches set to open within the year.

Security Bank Corp. (SBC) and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) of Japan jointly announced the launch of the Inter­bank Fund Management Service (IBFM).

Yuchengco-controlled uni­versal bank Rizal Commer­cial Banking Corp. posted an unaudited consolidated net income of P1 billion for the first quarter.

The Department of Finance (DOF) is confident the tax-reform bill will pass before the House of Representatives adjourns on June 2, citing the measure’s “substantial progress.” 

By Riza Lozada  Asia’s economies over the past two decades have succeeded to improve corporate governance and develop regional mechanisms to ensure financial stability and avoid a repeat of the economic crisis that buffeted the region in 1997, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has said. 

Caltex’s multi-awarded Fuel Your School (FYS) program is now set to help fund projects in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for high-need public high schools in Bicol region. 

Cybersecurity firm Fortinet delivered in the first quarter billings and revenue growth that exceeded the firm’s guidance and which continued to outgrow the market, said founder, chairman and CEO Ken Xie.