The country's balance of payments (BOP) posted a surplus of USD609 million in 2024, a decline from the USD3.7 billion surplus in 2023, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This, the BSP said, was driven by a widened current account deficit, which grew by 41.4 percent to USD17.5 billion for the year. The deficit stemmed from a larger trade deficit and reduced receipts in services, partially offset by increased income transfers.
Starting 1 April this year, Manila Water customers pay 4 centavos more per cubic meters a month due to adjustments in the foreign currency differential or FCDA component of their water bills as confirmed Thursday by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System-Regulatory Office (MWSS-RO). The adjustment, arising from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, will impact consumers differently, with regular users seeing hikes of up to P0.90 per month, even as enhanced lifeline and low-income users remain exempt.
For spirit producers like Brown-Forman, maker of Jack Daniel's whiskey and other alcoholic beverages, the news felt like a splitting headache after a long night. On Wednesday, shares of Brown-Forman dropped 5% due to the escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and some of its closest allies.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said that former President Rodrigo Duterte was lawfully arrested by Interpol agents on the strength of warrant issued...