Banking & Insurance

The slight cooling of headline inflation to 6.1 percent in August from 6.2 percent in July provides a welcome breathing room, but it remains far from a signal for the central bank to ease its stance. Lower meat and vegetable prices helped pull down overall food inflation, though the decline was largely muted by accelerating rice costs and expensive transport amid persistent global oil strength. According to Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) lead economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr., this temporary easing is unlikely to alter the trajectory of monetary policy. He says that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will likely stay on a tightening path, potentially raising the policy rate by 25 basis points in each of its final two meetings this year to hit 5.50 percent.

Globe Business has partnered with Chinabank Savings (CBS) to bring essential banking and credit services directly to public schools via mobile technology, making financial assistance more accessible to educators and school personnel.

Retirement is no longer a signal to slow down. For many Filipinos aged 60 and above, life after leaving the workforce opens a new chapter—one filled with travel, time with family and grandchildren, community involvement, small business ventures, or continued work on their own terms. Savings, built over a lifetime of effort, remain the foundation of this freedom.

Manulife Philippines and Manulife Global Solutions (MGS) are expanding community initiatives focused on financial resilience, health and well-being as longer life expectancy puts greater emphasis on preparing Filipinos for healthier and more financially secure lives.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has committed about USD200 million in potential financing for a Metro Manila “Sponge City” project designed to strengthen the capital region’s defenses against increasingly severe flooding.