Business

The Philippine economy is expected to grow at a faster rate of 6% in the fourth quarter, up from 5.2% in the previous quarter, driven by strong domestic demand, easing inflation, and supportive monetary policies, according to Citi economist Nalin Chutchotitham.  In a report released early last week, Chutchotitham noted that these factors, along with the recent reduction in the …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has abolished the P100 certification fee for individuals applying for a Certificate of Exemption, a document required for those with low or no income seeking scholarships or employment and livelihood programs. The fee removal is outlined in Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 127-2024, issued on November 18, and aims to ease the financial burden on …

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) was invited in a briefing held by the Bataan Peace and Order Council on November 13, 2024 regarding the police operations conducted in Central One Bataan. During the said briefing, PAGCOR’s representative made a remark stating that Central One Bataan is under the jurisdiction of the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan …

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is confident of achieving its P200-billion investment goal for 2024, with investment approvals already reaching P186.09 billion as of November 13. In a statement on Wednesday, PEZA highlighted that this amount has already exceeded the full-year investment approvals for 2023, which totaled P175.71 billion. It also marked a 32% increase from the P140.884 billion …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has reported that both new players and incumbent banks have shown interest in obtaining licenses to operate as digital banks in the Philippines. “There are new players exploring opportunities in the Philippine market, but as per our guidelines, we will begin accepting applications from January 1, 2025,” said Melchor Plabasan, BSP Senior Director for …

The Rural Bank of Sta. Rosa (Laguna), Inc. has reported a substantial increase in net income for the first three quarters of the year, reflecting a strong growth trajectory. According to data shared by Raffy Montemayor, the bank’s chair and co-founder of financial technology firm Salmon, the bank’s net income surged to P166.7 million, up from USD1.7 million in the …

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto recently met with senior officials from JP Morgan to discuss potential collaborations and initiatives aimed at strengthening the Philippine capital market. The meeting, held at the Department of Finance (DOF) headquarters in Manila on November 18, focused on various topics, including JP Morgan’s current operations in the Philippines, opportunities for partnership, and the ongoing efforts to …

Five-year digital partnership to empower Baguio MSMEs with digital tools, innovation support, and marketing insights for tourism growth Visa, a global leader in payments technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Thames International, a leading provider of education and training solutions, and the City Government of Baguio to enhance the digitalization of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The partnership …

Jesse Care Pest Management Services (JCPMS), headed by well-known businessman-civic leader Jess Asistin, celebrates its 20th year anniversary with  two days of fun-filled but meaningful  activity at the Tagaytay Training Center in Barangay Asisan, Tagaytay City on November 29-30. A proud member of the Jesse Global Ventures, Inc. (JGVI), Jesse Care Pest Management Services  has earned a very good reputation …

Ormoc City – SM Foundation continues to support the government in improving healthcare access for Filipinos through its partnerships with local communities. Recently, the Foundation turned over its 210th Wellness Center—the San Pablo District Health Center (SPDHC)—to the local government of Ormoc.  Established in 2009, the SPDHC serves as a vital satellite office of City Health, strategically located near the …