BDO Unibank, Inc. is launching a peso‑denominated Fixed‑Rate Sustainability Bond offering with a minimum issue size of P5 billion, the fourth such issuance of the country’s largest lender by assets controlled by the Sy Group.
BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co.—the largest, second and fourth largest lenders by assets, according to a central bank report—also reported improvements in their nonperforming loan ratios on the growth of the loan portfolio and the steady or lower nonperforming loans.
The Department of Agriculture has lifted its temporary ban on poultry imports from Germany, effective November 4, after confirming the country is free from highly pathogenic avian influenza. The World Organization for Animal Health has also recognized Germany as disease-free, with DA assessing import-related risk as negligible. Resuming trade will ease local supply constraints, though all biosecurity and quarantine rules remain in effect.
The Department of Agriculture announced Monday that its new 60-day temporary restriction on pork imports could be extended beyond the initial period if conditions warrant, stressing that the government must balance the interests of local producers, consumers, and meat processors. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed the possibility of extending the measure, drawing parallels with last year’s rice import ban, while noting that careful consideration is needed to avoid undue impact on meat prices and supply ahead of the Christmas season.
Weak residential demand, high borrowing costs, elevated inflation, and cautious buyers, dragged down SM Prime Holdings Inc.’s earnings by 5 percent to P35.4 billion in the first nine months, offsetting stronger rental income and growth in its mall and hospitality businesses.