Companies

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP), which accounts for the transactions of the country with the rest of the world, registered a surplus of US$226 million in June 2025. This marks a reversal from the US$155 billion deficit recorded in June 2024. The BOP surplus reflected the foreign currency deposits by the national government (NG) with the Bangko Sentral ng …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has donated ₱400,000 worth of digital learning tools recently to Anahao Primary School in Bontoc, Southern Leyte. “This goes beyond providing equipment. Each device symbolizes hope and our belief that every Filipino child, no matter how remote, deserves equal access to quality education,” said GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso. The upland public …

InLife, the largest Filipino life insurer, has announced the election of Atty. Victor P. Lazatin as its new Independent Trustee.  He will fill the seat vacated by former InLife Independent Trustee, Atty Francisco Ed. Lim, who recently assumed his post as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Atty. Lazatin is a Senior Legal Counsel at Angara Abello …

Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts and Okada Manila issued on July 12, 2025 the following public statement upholding their commitment to Ethical Business Practices and Responsible Gaming for their Online Gaming platforms. Their collective statrment follows: Solaire Resort, Newport World Resorts, and Okada Manila are operators of the largest integrated resorts  in the Philippines. Each has invested at least USD …

The Philippine peso held firm against the U.S. dollar on Friday, even as the local stock market edged lower on persistent concerns over newly announced U.S. tariffs. The peso closed at P56.47 against the greenback, slightly stronger after opening at P56.55. It traded within a narrow range of P56.49 to P56.55, with an average rate of P56.46. Trading volume slipped …

MANILA — In a landmark move that underscores a shared commitment to service and social justice, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM), and National Power Corporation (NPC) have signed a tripartite agreement to resolve the long-standing issue of unremitted premium contributions amounting to over P1 billion. GSIS President and General Manager Jose …

Consumers will see higher electricity bills this July after the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced a P0.49 per kilowatt-hour rate hike, driven by rising generation charges brought about by surging global oil prices and the weakening of the Philippine peso. The increase follows a cumulative P0.8575/kWh drop in power rates over the past two months. For typical residential users consuming …

In a move to curb excessive gambling exposure in public spaces, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate removal of all billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements promoting gambling. In a memorandum issued on July 7, PAGCOR directed all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to dismantle gambling-related ad materials—including those displayed on trains, buses, …

The Philippine office leasing market maintained its robust momentum in the first half of 2025, with demand already reaching 67% of the full-year total recorded in 2024—despite the exit of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) reported last week. “Demand has been strong for the first half of the year. We believe it …

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship terminal of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), recently deployed two fully electric terminal tractors— the first deployment of such equipment in a Philippine port. Christian Lozano, MICT chief executive officer, said the deployment is part of ongoing efforts to adopt more sustainable technologies:  “The testing of electric terminal tractors is another …