Business

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation in October to settle between 1.4 percent and 2.2 percent, driven by higher prices of rice, fish, vegetables, electricity, and the peso’s depreciation. In a statement Thursday, the BSP said these upward pressures may be partly offset by lower prices of oil, meat, and fruits. “Going forward, the BSP will continue to …

The Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed renewed commitment to support the Philippines’ energy-sector initiatives as the country seeks to meet growing demand and position itself as a regional energy player. In an interview on the sidelines of the Singapore International Energy Week (SIEW) on Wednesday, ADB Senior Director for Energy Priyantha Wijayatunga said the bank is looking to …

The Swedish government has extended a 12 million Swedish krona (about ₱74 million) grant to support the feasibility study for the Luzon Economic Corridor’s (LEC) flagship Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas (SCMB) railway project. The Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (OSAPIEA) said the grant agreement between Sweden, through Swedfund International, and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) …

Maya Philippines Inc. has launched Maya Stocks, a new feature that allows users to participate in initial public offerings (IPOs) directly through the Maya app — making investing in newly listed companies faster and easier than ever. The fintech firm said upgraded users can now open and fund a brokerage account within minutes, view available IPOs, and subscribe through participating …

Communities hosting energy resources and power-generating facilities will receive a major funding boost starting January 2026, as the Department of Energy (DOE) triples the financial benefits under the Energy Regulation (ER) Program No. 1-94. Currently, host communities receive ₱0.50 per kilowatt hour (kWh) under the program, but this will increase to ₱2.50/kWh next year.  The financial benefit derived from electricity …

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the National Privacy Commission (NPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to strengthen data privacy protection and ensure regulatory compliance across the gaming industry. In a statement last week, PAGCOR said the agreement, signed on October 20, aims to address data privacy challenges, enhance stakeholder collaboration, and promote a secure and …

A top official of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said recently that the country’s young and dynamic workforce could help cushion the impact of the 19-percent tariff currently imposed by the United States on Philippine exports. PCCI Innovation Committee Chair and EMS Group of Companies CEO Perry Ferrer said the Philippines’ demographic advantage remains a strong asset …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has amended the rules governing Islamic Banking Units (IBUs) to attract more players and strengthen the country’s Islamic finance industry. In a statement last week, the BSP clarified that IBUs will no longer be required to maintain separate capital since they operate as divisions or departments within conventional banks, even while observing Shari’ah principles …

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) successfully raised ₱35 billion from its dual-tranche Treasury bond (T-bond) offering on Tuesday, reflecting strong investor demand for government securities. The Auction Committee made a full award of the reissued seven-year and 25-year T-bonds. The reissued seven-year T-bond, which has a remaining term of six years and 10 months, fetched an average rate of …

LANDBANK reaffirmed its commitment to disaster response by providing ₱3.2 million in financial aid and ₱3.1 million worth of relief packs to earthquake-hit communities in Davao Oriental and Cebu on October 23, 2025. Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chairman Ralph G. Recto and President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz led the simultaneous relief operations. Ortiz said the Bank remains “steadfast in …