Inflation in the Philippines could ease further in April, following a drop to 1.8 percent in March—the slowest pace since May 2020—if rice prices continue to decline in the latter half of the month.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows, the kind that stays invested in the country, dropped by 20 percent on net basis in January this year, totaling USD731 million, down from USD914 million a year ago, according to data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).
Average rates on Treasury bills were mixed in Monday's auction, with six-month and 12-month debt papers seeing a softening of yields due to expectations of further rate cuts by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). However, uncertainty continued to push yields on three-month bills higher.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is exploring ways to reduce the system loss rates charged to electricity consumers while Congress deliberates amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), offering a near-term option to help ease power bills before broader legislative reforms take effect.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has reopened Metro Manila to new Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered information technology parks and centers, easing a seven-year investment restriction while keeping the broader ban on other types of economic zones in the capital.
The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has secured final regulatory approvals to merge two of its thrift banking subsidiaries, a move that underscores the lender's push to streamline operations, strengthen capital efficiency, and sharpen its digital banking strategy.
The Department of Energy (DOE) is urging the proposed Pax Silica development to build its own power plant instead of drawing electricity from the Luzon Grid, warning that the project's massive energy demand could strain the country's main power network if left unaddressed.