The Philippines’ rise to 47th out of 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook marks a notable step forward, but sustaining the momentum will depend on deeper structural reforms, stronger institutions, and accelerated digitalization of government services, according to the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA).
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) has extended to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) the Silver Award representing the highest rating of 92.8 percent or “Very Satisfactory”, among 50 government agencies in the agency’s Report Card Survey (RCS) 2.0.
Former Philippine Stock Exchange chair Ma. Vivian Yuchengco is urging the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to withdraw a circular that sets term limits for the bourse’s broker-directors, stating the move weakens fundamental corporate governance principles and shareholder rights. In her statement, Yuchengco emphasized that good governance depends on directors earning and retaining shareholders’ trust, while regulators must respect that electoral choice. She noted that repeated re-election should not be dismissed by the SEC, but rather reinforces the commission’s duty to clearly justify why such a choice should be overridden. Along with fellow director Eddie Gobing, Yuchengco has also filed a petition with the Court of Appeals to have the rule declared unconstitutional; both bring extensive board experience, with Yuchengco having served 28 years and Gobing 25 years.
The proposed separation of PAGCOR’s regulatory and casino-operating functions is nearing a key government decision, with Chairman and chief executive officer Alejandro H. Tengco pushing for the state gaming agency to focus solely on regulation.
The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is finalizing its recommendation on possible fuel excise tax relief as elevated global oil prices continue to push up domestic pump prices, Malacañang said Thursday.
Ayala Land Inc.’s 290-hectare Cresendo estate in Tarlac is moving closer to becoming a full-scale industrial and urban center, with most industrial lots leased and major road, school, and commercial projects advancing alongside factory development.