Business

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP) swung to a surplus of $3.1 billion in February 2025, marking its highest level in five months, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) recently. This surplus marks a sharp turnaround from the $196 million deficit recorded in the same month last year and is the biggest since the $3.52 …

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) successfully raised P30.8 billion from its Treasury bill (T-bill) auction last week, surpassing the initial P22 billion offer due to strong investor demand. According to the BTr, total bids reached P118.9 billion, making the auction 5.4 times oversubscribed. This prompted the Auction Committee to double the accepted non-competitive bids for the 91-day and 182-day …

The imposition of provisional duties and tariffs on imported cement by the Philippines is expected to have a significant impact, according to the Viet Nam Trade Office. Vietnamese exporters are being advised to actively participate in the ongoing investigation to avoid unfavorable outcomes. The Philippine government has launched a preliminary safeguard measures investigation into cement imports from various countries, including …

Two Japanese manufacturers are considering expanding their business operations in the Philippines, according to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). In a statement on Thursday, PEZA revealed that Kawamura Electric, Inc. and FRP Services & Company Japan expressed interest in exploring investments in ecozones during Director General Tereso Panga’s visit to Tokyo from March 3 to 6. Kawamura Electric is …

The Philippines has reached a significant economic milestone, with strategic investments in the country amounting to P4.6 trillion, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday. President Marcos attributed this achievement to the government’s efforts in streamlining investment processes and working closely with various agencies to attract investors.  He emphasized that the influx of investments is expected to create approximately …

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) customers will face higher electricity bills this March following an increase of P0.2639 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), the company announced last week. This adjustment raises the overall rate to P12.2901 per kWh from February’s P12.0262 per kWh. For households consuming 200 kWh, this translates to an additional P53 on their monthly bill. Meralco attributed the rate hike …

The Department of Finance (DOF) has introduced updated guidelines for the disposal of government assets, aiming to maximize non-tax revenues and streamline privatization efforts. In a statement on Thursday, the DOF said the move aligns with Executive Order No. 323, which established the Inter-agency Privatization Council (PrC) and the Privatization and Management Office (PMO).  The PrC oversees national privatization efforts, …

The Philippine banking sector saw significant growth in total assets, increasing by 9.3% year-on-year to P27.11 trillion as of January, according to data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This marks a notable rise from P24.81 trillion recorded in the same period last year. Industry experts attribute this growth to the strong profitability of Philippine banks, which have consistently …

Fitch Ratings has upgraded the viability rating (VR) of state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) from ‘bb’ to ‘bb+’, citing the bank’s strong financial standing and resilience. In its latest assessment, Fitch also reaffirmed LandBank’s long-term issuer default rating (IDR) at ‘BBB’/Stable and its Government Support Rating (GSR) at ‘bbb’.  The rating agency highlighted the bank’s systemic importance, full …

The World Bank (WB) has approved two major projects aimed at enhancing transport connectivity and healthcare services in Mindanao and other low-capacity provinces across the Philippines, benefiting at least 19 million Filipinos.  WB Country Director for the Philippines, Malaysia, and Brunei Darussalam Zafer Mustafaoğlu emphasized the bank’s commitment to supporting the Philippines’ inclusive growth and its aspiration to become an …