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.”
The Philippine Communications and Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) has called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to exercise caution before signing the proposed “Konektadong Pinoy Bill” into law, warning that the measure in its current form could undermine the very goals it seeks to achieve.
New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of Ninoy Aquino International Airport, has swiftly rolled out stricter transport and passenger protection measures following a viral incident involving an unauthorized taxi grossly overcharging a traveler for an inter-terminal ride.
PrimeWater San Jose del Monte (SJDM), in partnership with the San Jose del Monte Water District, is set to complete a major transmission line extension project in Bulacan by the end of June, marking a significant milestone in the city's water infrastructure development.
The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East, following U.S. military involvement in Israel-Iran tensions, is expected to add upward pressure on global oil prices due to rising insurance and freight costs, according to Jetti Petroleum Inc. president Leo Bellas.