Business

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. reported a 3.3% increase in net income for 2025, reaching ₱49.7 billion, up from a record ₱48.1 billion in 2024, fueled by strong loan growth. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the bank said net interest income rose 9.2% to ₱124.6 billion, supported by an 8.8% increase in gross loans. Corporate and commercial …

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) set the average rate for its 10-year fixed-rate Treasury note (FXTN) at 5.893% during a recent auction. Although the BTr offered ₱300 billion worth of the debt paper, it awarded only ₱107.07 billion out of ₱328.47 billion in total tenders. National Treasurer Sharon Almanza said there are no plans to match last year’s ₱300-billion …

Remittances from overseas Filipino workers climbed 4.2% year-on-year to $3.52 billion in December 2025, driven mainly by higher inflows from land-based workers, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The December tally pushed total cash remittances for 2025 to a record $35.63 billion, up 3.3% from $34.49 billion in 2024. Land-based workers sent $2.83 billion in December, 4.5% higher …

Students at the State University of Northern Negros (SUNN) are transitioning to digital transactions following the launch of Land Bank of the Philippines’ Cash-Lite Campus Program on Feb. 19, 2026. The initiative covers over 2,000 students and campus partners, enabling tuition payments, food purchases, and other school transactions through secure digital banking channels, reducing reliance on cash. The launch was …

Let us not dance around the issue of direct foreign investments (FDI).  The Philippines is “kulelat” in the list of where foreign investors wanted to put in their capital, however government authorities here try to massage the numbers. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), approved  foreign investments in the Philippines plunged by 50.1% year on year to P272.38 billion …

Even in the water-rich Philippine archipelago, water has become a lucrative area of investment for homegrown businessmen. First Gen Corporation, Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., MacroAsia, Summa Water Resources, Boracay Tubi System, New Earth Water System and even Poro Point in La Union are into the development of water infra and facilities, building of dams, and desalination and distribution. It was …

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) fully automated operation at the Port of Melbourne, is expanding its trade links to the Americas with Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) newly launched Eagle service. The standalone service made its inaugural call at VICT on February 3 with the arrival of the 2,556-TEU vessel Etoile. The Eagle service connects Australia …

With renewed focus on its role as the nation’s last-mile delivery service provider, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) continues to expand its nationwide presence through the opening of new post offices and postal stations across far-flung and remote communities in the country. The newly opened facilities include the Macrohon Post Office, located at the Municipal Hall in Barangay San Vicente …

Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently hosted delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at its award-winning gateways, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA). “What a lovely experience at [Mactan-Cebu] International Airport. A warm welcome goes a long way – it sets the tone for the journey ahead,” said Dubai-based hospitality …

ICCP Chairman of the Executive Committee Guillermo D. Luchangco announced the election of Augusto D. Bengzon as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP). Bengzon brings extensive leadership and financial management experience to ICCP. He worked in financial services for 18 years, including 16 years with Citibank where he served in several areas in consumer, corporate and investment …