Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. proposes the distribution of 210 metric tons of smuggled frozen mackerel recently seized at the ports of Manila and Subic once approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The economy likely expanded 5.8 percent in the second quarter this year, improving from 5.4 percent in 1Q but still lagging the 6.5 percent growth seen in 2Q 2024, according to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). The uptick, lead BPI economist Jun Neri said, was mainly driven by household consumption, buoyed by election-related outlays, cooling inflation, and sustained consumer lending.
The first Airbus A400M military transport aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force successfully completed its maiden flight from Airbus Defence and Space’s final assembly line in Seville, marking a key milestone toward delivery later this year.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) reported a P5.3 billion net income for the first half of 2025, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase, fueled by continued strength in its core banking operations and digital innovation.
East West Banking Corp. (EastWest) posted a 19 percent year-on-year increase in net income to P4.1 billion in the first half of 2025, supported by strong core revenue growth, particularly from its consumer lending and commercial banking businesses.
Rockwell Land Corp., the listed property developer of Lopez Inc., reported a 67 percent increase in net income attributable to the parent company for the first quarter, driven by residential sales and recognition of revenue from the Alabang Commercial Center (ACC).
Belle Corp., the gaming and high-end leisure unit of SM Investments, is looking at Clark as the Philippines’ next major integrated resort destination amid rising tourism demand and improving infrastructure in Central Luzon.
The Philippine peso is again nearing record lows as persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and strong US dollar demand continue to pressure local markets. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso could retest historic weakness after falling 1.8% this week and approaching the April 30 intraday low of P61.75 against the dollar.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has warned rice retailers, traders, and importers that violating the government’s newly imposed price ceiling on imported rice could lead to jail time, hefty fines, and even business closures under the Price Act.