Top News

Philippine National Bank (PSE: PNB) recorded a consolidated net income of P18.0 billion in 2023, growing by 55 percent year-on-year on the back of robust net interest income and lower credit provisions.  Net core banking income, which excludes gains on sale of acquired properties, climbed by a record 156 percent year-on-year. This translated to an improved return on equity of …

By Annalyn S. Jusay For decades, women around the globe have fought tirelessly for equal rights and representation. International Women’s Month, celebrated each March, honors the trailblazers of the past while championing the heroines of today. There is so much to celebrate when we look at how far women have come. At the same time, we must reflect on how …

On International Women’s Day, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Connected Women signed on Friday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to equip Filipinas with skills on artificial intelligence (AI) to provide job and livelihood opportunities, especially for the underserved. The MOU on empowering women for AI-driven roles was signed by DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual and Connected Women founder …

Increased investments in Filipino education require systemic reforms to address learning losses and improve quality.  In a recent webinar by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), experts highlighted the need for strategic interventions linking education policies, funding, teacher support, job creation, and skills development to achieve the targets of Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4) on quality education. In their …

The Department of Finance (DOF) kickstarted its series of stakeholder briefings for its refined priority tax measures recently to work with various groups to push for the measures’ immediate passage. Among the DOF priority measures are the Value-added Tax (VAT) on Digital Service Providers (DSP); the Imposition of Excise Tax on Single-use Plastics (SUPs); Package 4 of the Comprehensive Tax …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) announced that its emergency loan window is now open for GSIS members and pensioners who have been affected by the African swine fever in Oriental Mindoro. The pension fund has earmarked a total budget of P428 million to offer the financial assistance. Members with existing emergency loans are eligible to borrow up to P40,000 …

The Marcos Administration remains committed to creating a favorable business environment to attract both local and foreign investments in the country, aiming to generate more high-quality employment opportunities. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) made the statement following the release on March 8 of the Labor Force Survey (LFS) results for January, which showed an improvement in unemployment and …

It is up to the mayor of San Simon, Pampanga, to take the appropriate action, including the issuance of a closure order, against smelting plants found to be violating the law, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).  The DENR-EMB identified the erring companies as Global Aseana, Ecoseal Matallic Manufacturing Corporation, Chilwee Metallic …

As early as January this year, Manila Water has already prepared its 3,273 fire hydrants to assist our firefighters and barangays, especially during the drier months. To date, Manila Water has checked and maintained the hydrants in the East Zone of Metro Manila and parts of Rizal. Quezon City Service Area (SA) was allocated the most Manila Water hydrants because …

In 2028, construction of the P873.62 billion North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project will be completed and the trains will be up and running. Chairman Michael Ted Macapagal of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) made the announcement in a speech delivered at a meeting of the prestigious Rotary Club of Makati held at the New World Hotel last week. “All human, …