Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has reaffirmed the Philippines’ investment-grade rating, highlighting the country’s sustainable economic growth and the soundness of its banking system. In its latest report released Thursday, JCR pointed to robust domestic demand, low external debt, ample foreign exchange reserves, and a stable financial system as key drivers of the country’s “A-” credit rating with a “stable” …
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Digital finance platform Atome and digital lender Maya Bank have entered into a ₱2.75 billion loan channeling partnership to expand Filipinos’ access to credit. In a statement last week, Maya Bank said the deal, signed on Sept. 3, aims to provide responsible, risk-managed, and transparent flexible payment options, particularly for underserved customers. “We are deeply honored to partner with Maya …
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The Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP), which accounts for the transactions of the country with the rest of the world, registered a surplus of US$359 million in August 2025. This is higher than the US$88 million surplus recorded in August 2024. The BOP surplus reflected the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) net income from its investments abroad. This surplus helped …
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Global superstar, actor, and philanthropist Nick Jonas has teamed up with leading watch and accessories brand FOSSIL for a bold and nostalgic new collection, launching August 20, 2025. Each limited-edition timepiece blends Jonas’ passion for watch collecting, his distinct personal style and Fossil’s decades-long design heritage to deliver styles that are both timeless and distinctly modern—all while reinvigorating customers’ love …
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The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), headed by Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto, held a Responsableng Panonood seminar for members and officers of the Rotary Club of Quezon City and the Rotary Club of Marikina West on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Club Filipino, San Juan City. The RP seminar highlighted the Agency’s commitment and dedication to …
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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued new regulations on large value cash transactions to reduce money laundering and other risks linked to the use of cash. Under Circular No. 1218 series of 2025, issued on 18 September 2025, large value transactions above ₱500,000.00 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) must be conducted through traceable channels such as checks, …
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Hundreds of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) volunteers will join cleanup drives at 15 sites across the country this weekend to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day, in line with the company’s ongoing initiative to clear rivers and waterways of waste. SMC’s Team Malasakit employee-volunteers are targeting to conduct 55 coastal cleanups in all, following last year’s record collection of 36.3 metric …
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Global insights firm TransUnion projects faster credit expansion in the Philippines as steady economic growth and easing inflation create a favorable borrowing environment. The economy grew 5.5% year-on-year in Q2 2025, driven by strong household spending, agriculture rebound, and inflation easing to 1.4%. With the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cutting policy rates to 5%, borrowing conditions are becoming more supportive. …
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Eight new hybrid RTGs boost capacity, improve efficiency, and support ICTSI’s drive toward sustainable port operations. International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has added eight hybrid rubber- tired gantries (RTGs) to its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), expanding capacity, improving operational efficiency, and advancing its sustainability goals. Built by Japan’s Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., the RTGs feature …
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Operadora Portuaria Centroamericana (OPC), a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. in Honduras, continues to set the standard for ports in the country and the CA-4 region with the launch of its inaugural sustainability report. OPC is the first port in the country and the region to publish such document. OPC’s sustainability report embodies the company’s commitment to transparency, …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business