Philippine inflation decelerated to 1.8 percent in March, its slowest pace since the 1.6 percent registered in May 2020 when the economic activities was challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic-related lockdowns. This decline, down from 2.1 percent in February, was largely driven by lower food prices, particularly rice, which saw a significant annual decrease.
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.
The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has provided new capacity building support to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through a week-long Towing Operation Training held recently as part of Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) program.
The country's metallic mineral production surged by 22.8 percent year-on-year in 1Q 2025, reaching ₱63.88 billion, driven primarily by strong gold, silver, and iron ore output, according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revoked the corporate registration and secondary license of 56 lending and financing companies for repeated failure to comply with mandatory reportorial requirements, marking a continued regulatory crackdown on errant financial entities.
The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) and its Negros Island Regional Field Office (DARFO-NIR) confirmed the ongoing coordination with the Department of Health (DOH) following the confirmation of human melioidosis cases in Siquijor.