The Department of Agriculture (DA) declared a food security emergency on Monday that allowed the National Food Authority (NFA) to release buffer stocks for public sale. The declaration, signed by DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., comes in the wake of persistent price increases that have not aligned with global market trends or previous tariff reductions.
The Philippine Chamber of Telecommunications Operators (PCTO) has raised alarms over the Konektadong Pinoy bill, a key legislative measure designed to expand internet access and encourage new players in the telecom sector.
Foreign investments registered with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) through authorized agent banks (AABs) took the high path in 2024, with net inflows totaling USD2.1 billion, a sharp turnaround from the previous year's outflows. This marked a significant 39.2 percent increase from 2023, which saw USD12.9 billion in investments.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) recorded mixed movements in the prices of agricultural commodities in mid-January, with potential implications for inflation. January inflation data are due 5 February.
The Philippine economy showed resilience in 2024, posting a 5.6 percent year-on-year growth in gross domestic product (GDP), despite challenges such as the contraction in agriculture due to El Niño and a series of storms. However, this growth fell short of the government’s target of between 6.0 percent and 6.5 percent.
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, pushed back against claims by the Department of Energy (DOE) that its delayed power supply agreement (PSA) is contributing to high electricity prices, calling the accusations “false and misleading.”
Metro Retail Stores Group Inc. (MRSGI), the Gaisano family’s retail arm, reported a slight 1 percent decline in net income to ₱609.42 million in 2024 from ₱618.02 million a year earlier, as rising sales were tempered by tighter margins and strategic shifts in business mix.
DoubleDragon Corp. is acquiring the 35 percent stake of Injap Investments Inc. in grocery chain operator MerryMart Consumer Corp. for P1.28 billion, marking a strategic move that aligns with its ongoing transformation into a diversified investment holding company.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in partnership with BDO Foundation, has unveiled new investor protection materials aimed at safeguarding the public from financial investment scams.