The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Revenue collections from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) saw an increase in January 2025, according to the Department of Finance (DOF). In a statement, the DOF reported that BIR collections reached PHP350.6 billion, marking a 13.7 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the BOC collected P79.3 billion, reflecting an …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced a further reduction in banks’ reserve requirement ratios (RRR) to enhance financial intermediation and liquidity in the banking system. Under the new policy, the RRR for universal and commercial banks, as well as non-bank financial institutions with quasi-banking functions (NBQBs), will be cut by 200 basis points to five percent. For digital banks, …

CIMB Bank Philippines has secured the 41st spot in the World’s Top 100 Digital Banks 2025 ranking by The Asian Banker, the leading provider of strategic intelligence in financial services. The ranking assessed over 160 digital banks from 42 markets, using a comprehensive scorecard that evaluated customer reach, market coverage, profitability, asset and deposit growth, and funding capabilities. In the …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has established the Financial Cyber Resilience Governance Council (FCRGC) to enhance collaboration and strengthen cybersecurity across the financial sector. Launched at the BSP headquarters in Manila on February 11, the Council aims to fortify the country’s financial system by promoting robust cybersecurity governance, risk management, and cooperation among key industry stakeholders. “This Council represents …

BDO Unibank, Inc. and VISA launched the BDO Visa Signature in the Philippines through an exclusive cocktail event held at Grand Hyatt Manila. Guests were delighted with the new Travel Rebate Credit Card that boasts of 3% travel rebate on overseas and airline spends, and 0.3% on everything else, up to P2,500 rebate per month. Exploring the world without worry …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reminds all banks to accept unfit or mutilated Philippine banknotes and coins from the public. Unfit currency should be exchanged—free of charge—for fit or clean banknotes and coins. Under BSP Circular No. 829, series of 2014, and the Manual of Regulations for Banks (MORB), banks are required to facilitate the processing and submission of …

Basra Gateway Container Terminal (BGT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) operation at the Port of Umm Qasr, Iraq, has commissioned a new Konecranes Gottwald ESP.8 mobile harbor crane. With a 125-ton lifting capacity and a 54-meter boom, the crane can serve vessels up to post-Panamax class, further strengthening BGT’s operational capability. This latest acquisition is part of BGT’s continuing …

At Booy South Elementary School (BSES) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, the morning bell once signaled the start of classes in an unexpected setting—a covered court that doubled as a Grade 5 classroom. This makeshift setup, a mark to the school’s resilience, became necessary after a 2021 fire destroyed four classrooms and the principal’s office. “The aftermath of the fire was …

As part of its centennial celebration, Mapúa University successfully launched Prism of Learning, an exhibition showcasing the creative excellence of its students and alumni in arts and design. Opened on February 11 at the Yuchengco Museum, the exhibit highlighted Mapúa’s enduring legacy of building industries and producing influential artists since its founding in 1925. The exhibit underscores the university’s pivotal role …

Digido announces that it has signed a memorandum of agreement with PalawanPay, the digital wallet of Palawan Group of Companies. The partnership sees the integration of the digital lending platform’s services inside the PalawanPay application, enabling its customers to take a Digido loan. PalawanPay users can utilize their Digido loans for digital transactions and QR Ph-accepting merchants, as well as …