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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 …

Sunshine Place in collaboration with its students (seniors, young adults & children) enrolled in its various art classes is mounting the eighth edition of Coloring Lives. Aptly named Coloring Lives, the annual exhibit is a fund-raising exhibit to benefit residents of a chosen institution. Proceeds of the exhibit will go a long way in making the lives of the beneficiaries …

Several primary care facilities in the provinces of Antique and Cebu received renovation support from BDO Foundation through the recommendation of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. As part of its long-standing program, the foundation continues its mission to support public health workers and local government units in providing optimal patient care within an environment that is conducive to healing …

SM Malls attract people, but have you ever wondered why? Is it because SM Malls are everywhere? There is one in every city, even two or more in some cases, and at least one in every province, except for a few. But then the competition is also there, in the same vicinity, sometimes just across the street. No, it is …

The producer price index (PPI) for the manufacturing sector saw a quicker annual decline of 0.4 percent in May 2025, accelerating from just a 0.001 percent dip recorded in April. “The faster decline in the annual rate of PPI for the manufacturing section in May 2025 was primarily due to the faster decrement in the annual growth rate of the …