Business

Net foreign direct investments (FDI) markedly dropped in the first six months of the year due to global uncertainties, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed on Thursday. Inflows in the January to June period totaled $3.38 billion, down 17.8 percent from the year-earlier $4.12 billion. In June alone, net FDI inflows dropped to $447 million from the …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is cooperating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to establish a modern and data-driven tax compliance system in the Philippines. The BIR on Friday said it met with IMF experts last Sept. 4 to discuss the operational implementation of compliance risk management (CRM) and regional engagements on CRM activities across selected BIR field offices. …

Mynt, the parent company of GCash,  has received Securities and Exchange Commission approval for a proposed initial public offering that could reach up to P92.32 billion at maximum subscription, which would make it the largest IPO in Philippine history. The SEC approval marks a significant regulatory milestone for one of the Philippines’ most widely used digital financial platforms, which began as …

Ayala Group’s ACEN RES will soon provide full renewable energy to soap and toothpaste factory ACS Manufacturing Corp., through a recently completed supply agreement. Power will be sourced from ACEN’s portfolio of solar, wind and geothermal assets, helping ACS lower emissions from the production of some of the country’s familiar household products. ACS manufactures household brands “Pride” detergent, “Shield” bath …

Vulnerable sectors facing financial challenges in Pasig City will now have an opportunity to learn practical financial management skills, improve their economic well-being, and build long-term financial resilience. In line with the city government’s efforts to promote participatory good governance and responsive public service, BDO Foundation and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) partnered with the City Government of Pasig …

The United Print and Multimedia Group (UPMG) Philippines is stepping up to address a critical national challenge where seven out of ten Filipino students lack basic reading skills. To combat this learning crisis, UPMG held the second year of its Back to Basic Reading Campaign at Rosauro Almario Elementary School. Carrying the theme “Flip and Scroll: A Reading Quest for Every Kid on …

Shell Pilipinas Corporation and the Yanson Group of Bus Companies have renewed their fuel supply agreement for the second half of 2026, extending a long-standing relationship that helps support public transportation across the country. The agreement builds on years of collaboration between two organizations that play an important role in Philippine mobility. Through Shell Fleet Solutions, Shell will continue to …

Security Bank Corp. is keeping an upbeat outlook for growth, with President and CEO Victor Lee pointing to stronger bank balance sheets and continued demand for financing despite global economic uncertainties. “We are not pessimistic. I think banks continue to stay very positive and optimistic,” Lee said during a briefing in Makati City last week. He said most banks remain …

The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio of Philippine banks rose slightly in July, although the banking system remained stable and well-capitalized, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The NPL ratio increased to 3.35% in July from 3.29% in June, with gross bad loans reaching ₱585.08 billion. Despite the monthly increase, the July NPL ratio was still below the 3.40% …

Social Security System (SSS) members can now apply for the agency’s digital microloan facility through UnionDigital Bank (UD), giving qualified private-sector employees faster access to short-term financial assistance. SSS said last week that applications for SSS LoanLite are now being accepted through the UD mobile application. The digital facility allows eligible employed members to apply for a loan without securing …