Top News

Confidence signals mixed as risks rise, shaping policy outlook

Consumer sentiment in the Philippines improved at the start of 2026, but both households and businesses are growing more cautious about the months ahead, according to surveys by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The shifting outlook highlights the delicate balance policymakers face as they weigh inflation risks against slowing economic momentum.

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Visayas roots, Singapore routes: Top Line redraws its map

Singapore is no longer just a distant dot on Top Line Business Development Corp.’s growth chart. It has become a very literal marker of how far the company has travelled in 12 years, from a Visayas-based real estate developer to an emerging energy player now thinking in global supply routes.

Agriculture

Philippines eyes bigger role in global trade after WTO meeting

The Philippines is strengthening its trade strategy following gains at the 14th ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO), according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr..

Corporate

Globe retires $426.4M debt via tender offer

Globe Telecom Inc., the financial technology and communications arm of the Ayala Group, has completed the settlement of its tender offer for outstanding USD600 million 4.2 percent senior perpetual capital securities, marking a significant step in active balance sheet management.

Banking & Insurance

BSP chief faces complaint over alleged bank data leak

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said Monday it has taken note of reports about a complaint to be filed against BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr., but noted that he has yet to receive a copy and will respond through the proper legal forum once it is served. The BSP also stressed that central bank and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) will continue carrying out their mandates in accordance with the law, guided by independence, professionalism, and due process.
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Markets

Peso slides, stocks stall as caution builds

Philippine financial markets are in a consolidation phase, with the peso and equities under pressure as tighter monetary conditions and inflation concerns weigh on sentiment.

Travel

Community-based tourism program highlights deeper Bohol experience

A community-based tourism (CBT) program in Bohol is showcasing a more immersive way to experience the province beyond its well-known attractions.
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Energy

Diesel prices seen dropping further; gasoline may edge up

A local fuel retailer said diesel prices are expected to go down again this week, with possible rollbacks of around ₱8 to ₱10 per liter.

Transport & Communications

MARINA grants 3-month extension for seafarers’ documents amid Middle East crisis

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has approved a three-month extension for expired or soon-to-expire documents of Filipino seafarers who cannot disembark due to the ongoing security crisis in the Middle East.
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Property

Megaworld builds beach hub in Ilocos Norte

Megaworld Corp., the listed property development arm of tycoon Andrew Tan, is expanding its footprint in northern Luzon with plans for a flagship beach club inside its 84-hectare, P15-billion Ilocandia Coastown, signaling a shift from simply selling seaside homes to curating an entire coastal lifestyle.

Environment

Soil quietly logs climate’s carbon balance sheet

In the Agno River Basin, climate science is not just about storms and emissions reports. It is also happening silently underground, where soil keeps a running account of how land use decisions affect carbon storage.
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Technology

Globe pushes digital trust as PH fraud rates rise

Globe Telecom Inc. said it is prioritizing digital trust as fraud cases in the country continue to rise to levels far above the global average.

Health & Science

Soil quietly logs climate’s carbon balance sheet

In the Agno River Basin, climate science is not just about storms and emissions reports. It is also happening silently underground, where soil keeps a running account of how land use decisions affect carbon storage.
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Opinion

A house divided: Lopez family rift tests corporate governance

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every house divided against itself will not stand.” In the Lopez corporate universe, the verse now reads less like scripture and more like a live governance case file—complete with injunctions, contested boardrooms, and competing versions of who nearly switched off the lights.

The Days Ahead

Several things have changed over the past month. The global economy is now poised to face another severe slowdown and rising inflation as a result of the Middle East conflict. While the impact on countries may differ in magnitude, the oil supply shock will squeeze economic activity and raise prices significantly.

Fuel crisis or policy gap?

Airline executives were caught off guard when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned that Philippine carriers may be forced to cut flights—or even ground planes—due to a possible jet fuel shortage tied to the escalating U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Choked Hormuz puts global food supply at risk

Food, not fuel, may prove the first and most immediate casualty of the Middle East conflict as disruption grips the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea lane with an outsized role in feeding the world.