Inflation in the Philippines could ease further in April, following a drop to 1.8 percent in March—the slowest pace since May 2020—if rice prices continue to decline in the latter half of the month.
The country's rice stocks inventory was estimated at 1.61 million metric tons at the start of March, an 18 percent increase from the 1.37 million metric tons recorded in the same period last year.
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.
The total volume of rice the Philippines will import in the first quarter is likely to be significantly lower compared to the same period in 2024, as local farmers begin the harvest season and traders hold off on imports, awaiting further softening of global prices.
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.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has provisionally approved a higher refund of P19.96 billion for Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) customers, equivalent to P0.1189 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is larger than Meralco’s original proposal of P19.1 billion.
The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), has begun distributing the first batch of cash assistance to sugarcane farmers under the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP).
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has integrated its sportsbook brand ArenaPlus sportsbook platform into the Sportradar Integrity Exchange (SIE), a global system that helps detect and prevent match-fixing.
Federal Land NRE Global Inc. (FNG) said demand for its projects remains strong despite economic uncertainties, particularly in its 600-hectare River Park development in Cavite.