Average rates on treasury bills declined at Monday’s auction as demand picked up, following signals from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) that interest rates may be cut further amid slowing inflation.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is holding off on any rice tariff increases, saying it is not the right time, particularly with the summer harvest nearly concluded. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that any move to adjust tariffs must be carefully timed and coordinated with other economic managers.
The appointment of Ma. Theresa Lazaro as Secretary of Foreign Affairs has been welcomed as a strategic affirmation of the Philippines’ assertive foreign policy in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), according to the think tank Stratbase Institute.
The Philippines saw a modest rise in construction activity in March 2025, as approved building permits reached 14,973, up 3.4 percent from 14,477 in the same month last year, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is considering further interest rate cuts as inflation in the Philippines remains within the target range, signaling a potential shift to a more accommodative monetary policy to bolster investment and economic growth.