Philippine Airlines (PAL) ramped up its operations by formally launching its third domestic flight last Feb. 1 that will connect Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga to Davao, President Duterte’s hometown province. 

By Riza Lozada  Bank lendings grew last December by 16 percent, which was slower than the 17.4- percent increase the previous month, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently showed. 

Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank) said its long-term negotiable certificates of time deposits (LTNCTDs) attracted good demand from clients, adding that it was a reflection of confidence to the bank. 

The SM Group’s lending arm BDO Unibank Inc. aims to add 50 to 70 new local branches to its network in 2017 as part of its steps to expand footprint, optimistic about the prospects of the economy. 

Funds managed by Insular Life, the first and largest Filipino-owned insurance company, came out strong from last year’s roller-coaster ride for local stocks, rewarding its investors with “very decent returns”. 

Vehicle sales are growing in pace with the strong economic growth as the combined sales figures of Chamber of Automotoive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (CAMPI), Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA), and Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors (AVID) last year reached 404,710 units to exceed the sales target of 370,000 for last year. 

By Riza Lozada Public firm Philodrill Corp (Philodrill) will start drilling an a new deep sea oil prospect in the Galoc field in northwest Palawan, the company reported to the stock exchange.

The Lepanto Consolidated Mining Co. board has approved the private placement of 3.35 million common shares of stock for 15 centavos per share or a total of P502.5 million by information technology firm Yapster e-Trade Inc.

Luxury brands retailer SSI Group Inc. has sealed a joint venture with Japanese firm Ryohin Keikaku Co. Ltd. (RKC) to further develop the MUJI retail business in the Philippines. SSI is infusing P89.25 million for a 51-percent stake in the joint venture company (JVC), while RKJ will shell out P85.75 million for a 49-percent stake in the joint venture.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is investigating allegations that some local tobacco firms are using fake tax stamps on cigarettes.