The unemployment rate in the Philippines declined in April to 4 percent from 4.5 percent in the year-ago period, with the economy creating more jobs in industry and services to take up the slack in agriculture because of the adverse impact of El Nino on the farm sector.
Inflation nudged higher in May to 3.9 percent, lower than most analysts' forecasts averaging 4 percent, versus only 3.8 percent in April, the Philippine Statistics Authority said on Wednesday.
The NEDA Board, chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has approved the reduction of tariff on rice to 15 percent from 35 percent to substantially lower the cost of the staple and ease its impact on inflation, whose elevated level has kept the central bank from cutting interest rates to help spur greater economic activity.
The total outstanding debt of the national government in April reached P15.02 trillion, marking a rise of P91.50 billion or 0.61 percent from March 2024.
The various ports across the country posted revenue collection averaging 2.5 percent more in 2023 than in previous year, based on preliminary data generated by the Bureau of Customs in April this year.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has pledged strong support for Filipino hog raisers suffering from steep financial losses caused by cheap foreign pork and dropping farmgate prices.
Consumers and business owners face another week of contrasting fuel prices as global supply tensions continue to ripple through local pumps. Gasoline prices are projected to decrease by up to ₱1.00 per liter, offering mild relief to private motorists, while diesel prices are expected to rise significantly by up to ₱3.00 per liter, according to estimates from Jetti Petroleum.
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. aims to launch as many as 60 new games next year, expanding its lineup as competition heats up in the Philippine online gaming space. The company is also stepping up its focus on original, locally developed titles rather than relying on foreign content, setting it apart from many industry peers.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has confirmed analog television broadcasts in Mega Manila will officially cease on November 22, 2026, marking a major milestone in the country’s shift to digital TV. Deputy Commissioner Alvin Blanco said the target date is firm, and that television networks have been preparing public service announcements and information materials to help people get ready for the change.