Average rates on Treasury bills (T-bills) increased during Monday's auction, ahead of the March inflation data release and the upcoming Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) monetary policy meeting.
The US Federal Reserve decided on Wednesday to keep its benchmark interest rates unchanged, as it awaits new developments that could reshape the economic outlook and inflation trajectory.
Lower food prices in February contributed to a drop in inflation to 2.1 percent for the month. This was slower than both central bank and market forecasts, and marked a significant decline from 2.9 percent in January.
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto hailed the significant drop in inflation to 2.1 percent in February, marking the lowest rate since October 2024. He said the reduction provides vital relief to lower-income families, particularly on food prices. The bottom 30 percent income group's inflation rate fell to 1.5 percent, further easing the financial strain on vulnerable sectors.
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez welcomed the unexpected deceleration in February inflation, calling it “great news for every Filipino family.” Inflation slowed to 2.1% in February, below the lower end of the central bank’s 2.2%-3.0% forecast, a sign the economic policies of the Marcos administration are working. “This proves that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic team is getting the job done,” he said. Romualdez said the administration is unwavering in its focus on stabilizing prices, ensuring food security, and protecting the purchasing power of Filipinos. The House of Representatives is fully supporting these efforts by passing laws to lower food costs, stabilize energy prices, and create more jobs. “The past few years have been tough, but numbers don’t lie—our economy is getting stronger,” Romualdez added. “This is the result of sound leadership, strong policies, and the resilience of the Filipino people.”
ASEAN leaders agreed to draw more investment into critical mineral processing and manufacturing while tightening regional cooperation on exports of sensitive goods, as the bloc seeks to capture more industrial value and protect strategic supply chains.
Andok’s Litson Corp. has partnered with Rockport Power to secure power supply for 16 of its stores, using the Retail Aggregation Program (RAP) to bring down electricity expenses amid rising operational costs.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) have formalized a partnership to advance the country’s energy transition through research, technical cooperation, and policy support for a secure, reliable, and affordable energy system.
Maynilad Water Services Inc. has sealed two agreements with the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to turn NIA’s excess water resources into public drinking‑water supply, strengthening water security across Cavite.