HOUSE OF FINACIALFREEDOMBy Chinkee Tan RA 12214, also known as the Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act, is a new law aimed at making investing in the Philippines more attractive. It streamlines rules, reduces certain taxes, and opens the door for more products in the capital market. In short, it’s designed to get more Filipinos to invest instead of keeping money …

The Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) has granted the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) petition for a refund of ₱24,684 in documentary stamp taxes (DST) it paid in connection with the foreclosure of mortgaged properties of the Rural Bank of San Miguel. In a nine-page decision released Friday, the CTA Special First Division ruled that under its charter, the BSP …

Bank lending grew at a slightly slower pace in July while domestic liquidity picked up, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Friday. Data showed outstanding loans of universal and commercial banks (U/KBs) expanded by 11.8 percent year-on-year, easing from 12.1 percent in June. The amount of outstanding loans stood at P13.57 trillion. Lending to residents rose by 12.4 percent …

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has once again been named one of the world’s best central bank governors, earning an “A-” rating in Global Finance magazine’s Central Banker Report Cards 2025. This is his second consecutive year on the prestigious list. The report card evaluates central bankers from nearly 100 countries, assigning grades from A+ (highest) …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen data sharing for better policymaking. The MOU was signed on Aug. 29 at the BSP head office in Manila, the central bank said in a statement Thursday. “The MOU strengthens our ability to see the whole picture. …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that personalized student Beep cards with an automatic 50% discount would become available starting Sept. 15, 2025, for the benefit of thousands of commuting students. According to a DOTr Facebook post, “This is in response to the directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to make student travel faster and more affordable.” To avail of …

The Department of Tourism (DoT) recently unveiled Philippine Golf Experience (GolfEx) – a golf tourism program – at the Mimosa Plus Golf Course in Clark, Pampanga, to promote the country as a premier golfing destination. DOT Secretary Christina Frasco said the initiative aims to integrate the sport into the national tourism strategy. Frasco said, “We have always known that the …

Aboitiz Construction – the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group – recently completed building the new berth of the DICT Bulk Terminal Inc. (DBTI) in Davao del Norte, expanding the facility’s bulk cargo handling capacity. “Our continuing partnership with DICT—spanning projects since 2017—has allowed us to showcase our engineering and construction expertise in delivering quality infrastructure that supports the region’s …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) revealed plans to construct two railway lines in the Visayas region. DOTr is now accepting bids for consultancy contracts – with a value of ₱157.20 million – for the feasibility studies of the Samar-Leyte Railway and the Panay Railway. The projects form part of the government’s expansion of the country’s transport infrastructure. DOTr said the …

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is targeting to open an improved Terminal 4 by middle of 2026, signaling another round of terminal reassignments among airlines using the country’s main gateway. NAIA regulator Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is again reviewing the new terminal assignments to be implemented next year. New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of NAIA, …