Business

If you increase the income tax exemption threshold, the government loses money to fund its various projects and services.  Thus, the legislative branch would need to find a replacement fund to cover the revenue losses. This, in summary, is the position of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) headed by Economy Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. “Of course, that would …

For a more improved productivity and enhanced competitiveness, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) teamed up to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups through an enhanced platform of financing on May 4. In a ceremonial signing, DOST and LANDBANK inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the LANDBANK …

Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) has announced its project with JG Summit Holdings, Inc., one of the Philippines’ largest and more diversified conglomerates, for a ServiceNow implementation and managed services engagement supporting its IT modernization journey.  Operating a conglomerate with a portfolio as diverse as JG Summit’s presents a unique set of management challenges. Conglomerates often face significant operational complexity, stemming from …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has pledged to take necessary policy actions to bring inflation back to target levels, as price pressures continue to accelerate due to higher global fuel and food costs. In a statement Tuesday, the central bank said it remains committed to its mandate of maintaining price stability and ensuring inflation returns to its 3-percent target within …

Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. (Metrobank) reported a net income of ₱12.6 billion in the first quarter of 2026, supported by steady asset growth, improved margins, and stronger fee-based revenues. In a recent statement, the bank said net interest income rose by 13 percent to ₱33.4 billion, reflecting sustained lending activity and better yields. Gross loans expanded by 9.2 percent, …

The Asian Development Bank recently launched a new financing facility designed to help countries in Asia and the Pacific develop critical minerals supply chains that support clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, batteries, and digital industries. The Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility includes two main components: a grant window and a catalytic finance window. The initiative aims to support the full …

The Land Bank of the Philippines has partnered with the Department of Science and Technology to expand financing and technical support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and startups across the country, reinforcing efforts to promote innovation-driven growth. The agreement was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on May 4, 2026, led by DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. …

The Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB) reported a net income of ₱6.37 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 5 percent year-on-year increase, supported by sustained growth in core banking operations, higher lending activity, and disciplined cost management. The bank said growth was driven by improved loan volumes and steady expansion in its revenue streams despite a volatile …

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN The first quarter of 2026 saw an increase in international visitor arrivals to the Philippines, notching a 10.43 percent uptick, totaling 1.83 million from 1.66 million a year earlier, it was disclosed by the Department of Tourism (DOT). There were fewer arrivals from South Korea, but this was more than compensated with the influx of Chinese …

From 1.4% one year ago to a likely 6.4% in April, 2026 — that’s a full 5-percent increase, and that’s the estimate of many officials, including those from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The official inflation rate for last month is scheduled to be announced tomorrow, May 5. The BSP said the higher expectations for inflation are driven by …