Top News

President Marcos picks Robert de Leon as budget chief

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Kim Robert De Leon as the new Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management, Malacañang announced Monday.

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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

Private traders’ high palay prices limit NFA purchases – DA 

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said strong buying activity from private traders has pushed palay prices higher, limiting the National Food Authority’s (NFA) ability to buy rice stocks from farmers.

Corporate

MRSGI 1Q profit nearly doubles on strong food retail sales

Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), the retail company led by the Gaisano family, reported that its net income nearly doubled in the first quarter of the year to P25.84 million from P13.38 million a year earlier, driven mainly by strong performance in its food retail business.

Banking & Insurance

EastWest launches pioneering employee PERA program bossting retirement savings

East West Banking Corporation has launched a voluntary Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) contribution program for employees, allowing them to save and invest more conveniently through accredited PERA products.
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Markets

Peso near lows as markets turn defensive

The Philippine peso is again nearing record lows as persistent inflation, geopolitical tensions, and strong US dollar demand continue to pressure local markets. Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. chief economist Michael Ricafort said the peso could retest historic weakness after falling 1.8% this week and approaching the April 30 intraday low of P61.75 against the dollar.

Travel

Travel fair banking on local wanderlust

The Philippine Travel Mart (PTM) is returning in 2026 with a fresh pitch for a tourism industry that is not only bigger, but smarter, greener, and more inclusive. Apparently, even vacations now come with sustainability goals.
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Energy

Alsons to convert Sarangani diesel plant into solar facility 

Alsons Consolidated Resources (ACR), through Alsons Power, will transform its 55-megawatt diesel power plant in Alabel, Sarangani into a 98.7-megawatt solar power facility as part of its renewable energy expansion.

Transport & Communications

NorthPort pushes terminal upgrade, boosts capacity

NorthPort is making steady headway on its three-year terminal upgrade program,  advancing rehabilitation works to strengthen port infrastructure and support the Philippines’ growing trade demands.
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Property

McDonald’s opens first store at Ascenda estate

Ascenda, Ayala Land’s 204-hectare mixed-use estate in Toril, Davao City, has marked a key milestone in its development with the opening of McDonald’s Ascenda, the estate’s first commercial locator along the Maharlika Highway.

Environment

SteelAsia secures P1.25B loan for green expansion

SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation has secured a P1.25-billion green loan from Taiwan-based Cathay United Bank, boosting the Philippine steelmaker’s low-carbon expansion plans and reinforcing regional sustainable finance momentum.
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Technology

PLDT ready to face new satellite internet rivals in PH

PLDT Inc. said it is prepared to compete against new satellite connectivity providers expected to enter the Philippine market this year, stressing that the company remains confident in the strength and reach of its existing network services.

Health & Science

MSA-PH, OLPMC launch sleep study service in Cavite to tackle undiagnosed sleep apnea

Medical Services of America (Philippines) Inc. (MSA-PH) has expanded its healthcare services with the launch of its first sleep study facility through a partnership with Our Lady of the Pillar Medical Center (OLPMC) in Imus, Cavite.
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Opinion

Senate power shift risks Estrada-style backlash

The sudden leadership shake-up in the Senate ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Dutertel may yet prove a poisoned chalice—a glittering prize that offers control today but threatens political liability tomorrow.

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.