The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is pushing to close a persistent financing gap for micro, small and medium enterprises, with bank loans to the sector reaching more than P580 billion but accounting for only about 6 percent of total business lending.
Treasury bill yields rose across all maturities at Monday’s auction as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent rate hike pushed borrowing costs higher and investors braced for the possibility of further monetary tightening.
Philippine inflation eased to a five-month low of 6.1 percent in August, offering some relief after prices accelerated sharply earlier this year, but the reading remained elevated enough to underscore the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ decision to raise interest rates last week.
Treasury bill yields rose across all tenors at Monday’s auction as investors priced in the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ recent rate hike and the possibility of further monetary tightening.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on Thursday delivered a preemptive 25-basis-point rate hike and left the door open to further tightening as stubborn inflationary pressures threaten to keep prices above the central bank’s target range.
GMA Network Inc. has filed a request with the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to push back the scheduled analog television shutdown, saying key rules for a government support program meant to protect households are still not in place.
Philippine business and labor groups are urging the government to reduce the country’s exposure to China by diversifying suppliers, expanding trade links and rebuilding domestic manufacturing capacity, warning that diplomatic friction can quickly become an economic problem.
The Department of Transportation has deployed three extra train sets for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 starting Monday to boost capacity and ease crowding as Metro Manila braces for heavier holiday‑season commuter traffic.
The Department of Tourism is tapping the drawing power of BINI and actor Alden Richards to promote Philippine destinations, linking pop culture with regional diplomacy, heritage and cycling tourism.