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EBITDABy DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN The world is reeling under the weight of high diesel prices.  That’s a cold fact, without any exaggeration. In Metro Manila, jeepney drivers, operators and other players in the transport industry are protesting en masse, with the Department of Energy and Malacañang unable to do anything substantial but to issue promises. During the Sept. 15-21 weekly …

Former president Rodrigo Duterte made his first public appearance before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday, more than 18 months after he was detained in connection with crimes against humanity allegations arising from his administration’s campaign against illegal drugs. Duterte, wearing a black suit and white shirt, appeared before Trial Chamber III for the court’s third status conference on …

The government is putting a massive ₱53.1 billion behind its digital transformation drive next year, aiming to expand public internet access, modernize government systems, and equip Filipino workers for an increasingly technology-driven economy. The proposed allocation for information and communications technology (ICT) and digitalization expenditures under the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) represents a major push to make digital connectivity …

The House of Representatives is pushing for a bigger infrastructure budget in 2027, arguing that increased government spending on roads, bridges and other public projects could provide a much-needed boost to economic growth and employment amid a slowdown in the Philippine economy. The chamber is considering raising the proposed ₱643.95-billion allocation for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is urging investors to make the Philippines a long-term business base, citing improved infrastructure, skilled workers, and continuing reforms. Speaking at the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) Investment Forum at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Taguig City last week, Marcos said the administration wants investments that create lasting economic value—not simply capital that enters the country …

The Senate is considering shifting the implementation of Philippine National Police (PNP) infrastructure projects back to the police organization after an audit flagged nearly ₱8.9 billion worth of projects for documentation, recording and completion issues. Senate President Win Gatchalian raised the proposal during the Senate hearing on the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) proposed 2027 budget, citing …

Continued reforms to improve the business climate, attract foreign investments and expand exports could help cushion the Philippine peso from further weakness against the US dollar, an economist said. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso’s future direction remains difficult to predict, with movements largely influenced by market conditions and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ …

France and Australia have expressed sympathy to the Philippines following the deadly ferry fire off Coron, Palawan that left at least five people dead and 86 others missing. The French Embassy in Manila conveyed its condolences to the victims’ families and expressed solidarity with Filipinos affected by the tragedy. “Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those …

Malacañang has refused to intervene in the legal proceedings against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, saying the courts must determine his case based on evidence and the law despite his being a cousin of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration would leave decisions on Romualdez’s custody and medical condition to the courts, law enforcement …

Senate President Win Gatchalian is optimistic that the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte could be resolved before December, with the Senate impeachment court preparing to devote longer hours to the proceedings. Gatchalian said the court is now working on a compressed schedule that could significantly shorten the trial, particularly after the prosecution reduced the number of witnesses it …