Economy
Balisacan sees growth slowdown, downplays recession risk
Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the Philippine economy is unlikely to slip into contraction this year despite mounting pressures from a fuel crisis, although growth is expected to fall short of earlier government targets.
Gov’t eyes P42B to widen social protection coverage
The government would need about P42 billion over the next three months to expand social protection coverage for vulnerable households, Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said Monday, as policymakers weigh broader support measures amid ongoing economic pressures.
BIR expands VAT-exempt drug coverage to 2,263 medicines
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has released an updated list of value-added tax (VAT)-exempt medicines, expanding coverage to 2,263 drugs under Republic Act No. 10963 or the TRAIN Law and Republic Act No. 11534 or the CREATE Act, in a move aimed at easing healthcare costs for Filipino patients.
DTI sees strong demand for P4-B MSME fund
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque reported strong early demand for the government’s P4-billion financing program for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), signaling growing business confidence and urgent financing needs.
DocTax highlights clarity gap as tax deadline looms
As the April 15 filing deadline approaches, fintech firm OneCFO Group is drawing attention to a persistent hurdle among Filipino taxpayers: turning available tax information into clear, practical guidance.
