UK Economic Output Jumps Ahead of Mideast War
Britain’s economy posted a surprise 0.5% GDP gain in February, far outpacing the 0.1% consensus forecast. The jump follows a modest 0.1% rise in January and comes just before the Middle‑East conflict is expected to pressure energy costs. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund slashed its 2026 growth projection for the UK to 0.8% from 1.3%, citing the war’s fallout. The stronger‑than‑expected output offers a short‑term boost to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government ahead of looming local elections.
Bloomberry to Tighten Costs in 2026 Amid Weak VIP Demand
Bloomberry Resorts Corp., operator of Solaire Resorts, announced a tighter cost‑cutting stance for 2026 as VIP gaming demand in Metro Manila stays soft. The company slashed its capital‑expenditure budget after posting a ₱2.6 billion (~$47 million) net loss in 2025, a reversal...
ABS-CBN Confirms Shutdown Proposal Amid Lopez Family Feud
ABS‑CBN Corp. disclosed that a board director, Federico “Piki” Lopez, proposed liquidating the network, but the majority of directors rejected the shutdown. The board voted 5‑2 to remove Piki as president of Lopez Inc., emphasizing continuity for employees, retirees and...
NGCP: Middle East War Won’t Affect Electricity Grid Charges
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said the Middle East war will not affect its electricity transmission charges because the company is revenue‑capped and its rates are not fuel‑dependent. NGCP’s transmission rate rose 4.26% in March to P1.7526...
Cebu Pacific Posts 8.4% Traffic Growth in Volatile Q1
Cebu Pacific reported an 8.4% rise in passenger traffic to 7.54 million in Q1, with domestic volumes up 7.9% to 5.59 million and international traffic climbing 9.8% to 1.95 million. The carrier logged an 11.5% surge in March alone, despite jet‑fuel price spikes...
SEC Wants to Cede Lending App Oversight to BSP
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a position paper to transfer full oversight of financing and lending firms to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The central bank has signaled openness to a joint‑regulation model, pending legislation...
Moody’s Keeps ‘Baa2’ Rating on 3 Philippine Banks
Moody’s Investors Service kept its Baa2 investment‑grade rating on Security Bank, Philippine National Bank (PNB) and China Banking Corp., while upgrading Security Bank’s outlook from negative to stable. The agency highlighted strong liquidity and robust capitalization as buffers against modest...
Maharlika Eyes Oil Storage Venture with PNOC to Boost Energy Resilience
Maharlika Investment Corp (MIC) is exploring a partnership with the state‑owned Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) and private firms to build an oil‑storage tank farm that would expand the Philippines’ strategic stockpiling capacity. The sovereign wealth fund could commit up...
Citicore Activates 125-MW Solar Farm in Pangasinan
Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) has commissioned a 125‑MW solar farm in Pangasinan, Philippines, capable of supplying roughly 100,000 households. The facility uses an elevated panel design to guard against flooding, reflecting the company’s focus on resilient renewable infrastructure. The...
Amro: Philippines’ Debt Burden to Ease in 2026
Amro projects the Philippines’ debt‑to‑GDP ratio to fall to 62.8% in 2026, down from 63.2% in 2025, but it will stay above the 60% benchmark. Outstanding debt reached a record P18.16 trillion (about $325 billion) in February, highlighting the fiscal strain. Revenue...
P2.67-B Gold Mining Project in Camarines Norte up for Review
Golden River Mining Corp., led by politician Ricardo Silverio Jr., has filed a proposal to develop a PHP2.67 billion (≈$48 million) gold mine in Paracale, Camarines Norte. The 321‑hectare project promises local job creation, infrastructure upgrades, and higher tax revenues for municipal...
First Gen Deal ‘Poison Pill’ Under Scrutiny
The majority shareholders of Lopez Inc. are challenging a "poison pill" clause embedded in First Gen Corp.'s P62‑billion (~$1.1 billion) hydropower transaction with Prime Infrastructure Capital. The provision would let Prime Infra buy First Gen's 33% stake at a 25% discount, potentially imposing a...
Fuel Price Rolled Back by as Much as P23/L
The Philippines' Department of Energy ordered a one‑time fuel price rollback that took effect on April 14, slashing diesel by up to P23 per liter (about $0.42) and trimming gasoline and kerosene by P4.43 ($0.08) and P8.50 ($0.15) respectively. Shell...
Nomura Sees 60% Chance of BSP Rate Hikes
Nomura estimates a 60% chance that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will raise its benchmark rate this year, potentially adding 0.5 percentage points. The first quarter‑point hike could be announced at the April 23 Monetary Board meeting, with a second increase...
IEA Chief Warns of Tougher Month for Energy Markets
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that April will be tougher for global energy markets as the Middle East war continues to choke supply. No oil cargoes have been loaded from the region this month, and more than 80 energy facilities...
Supply Chain Problems Require Supply Chain Solutions
The conflict entering its 45th day has turned a short‑term shock into a structural supply‑chain crisis, with the Strait of Hormuz disrupting oil flows and triggering cascading effects across ASEAN. Delayed shipments, higher costs and material shortages are already reshaping...
PH Banks’ Loan Quality at Risk From Oil Shock
Fitch Ratings warns that prolonged Middle East conflict could keep oil prices high and disrupt Gulf remittances, pressuring Philippine borrowers. Loan growth accelerated to 9.5% year‑on‑year, reaching ₱14.3 trillion (≈$257 bn) in February, while non‑performing loans rose to 3.33% of total portfolios....
Psalm Enters Talks for Agus-Pulangi Rehabilitation
Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp (PSALM) is negotiating with one of four bidders to rehabilitate the aging Agus‑Pulangi hydropower complex. The project, initially budgeted at about $350 million, aims to restore the facility’s full 1,000 MW capacity, up from the...
Gov’t Borrowings Jumped 41% in February to P 478.8B
The Philippines’ Treasury reported a 41% jump in total government borrowings in February, reaching P 478.8 billion (≈ $8.7 billion). Domestic financing accounted for 98% of the amount, with a fresh 10‑year Treasury bond raising P 235 billion (≈ $4.3 billion) and Treasury bills climbing to P 55.3 billion (≈ $1.0 billion). External...
GCash, Visa, Mastercard Eye PH Fare System Concession
The Philippine Department of Transportation is preparing a concession for a nationwide Automated Fare Collection System (PAFCS) and has received interest from 24 firms, including GCash, Visa and Mastercard. The concession will cover development, operation and maintenance of a fully...
Lower Capital Charge Eyed for Green Home Lending
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is seeking feedback on a draft circular that would assign a 20 percent credit risk weight to sustainable housing loans, down from the current 50 percent weight for standard home mortgages. By lowering the risk weight,...
How to Make Your Business Antifragile
The article argues that resilience alone is no longer enough; CEOs must build antifragile firms that improve when stressed. Over‑optimizing for efficiency creates hidden single‑point dependencies that become liabilities during disruptions. Antifragility requires diversifying suppliers, customers, talent, and constantly questioning...
IMF Warns Global Monetary System Not Ready for AI Cyber Threats
The International Monetary Fund’s managing director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the global monetary system is ill‑prepared for the escalating cyber risks posed by artificial intelligence. Her comments followed an emergency U.S. regulator meeting with leading banks after Anthropic announced its...
Oil Prices Rise After the US Says It Would Block Iranian Ports
The United States announced a blockade of Iranian ports starting Monday, sending U.S. crude up 8% to $104.24 per barrel and Brent 7% to $102.29. The move follows Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for roughly 20%...
Philippines Aims to Export Mangoes, Pineapples to America
The Philippines is intensifying efforts to ship mangoes and pineapples to the United States, partnering with USDA‑APHIS to meet updated phytosanitary and irradiation standards. Bureau of Plant Industry officials highlighted pre‑clearance inspections and on‑site radiation treatment as key compliance steps....
Best Western Plus Metro Clark Gets 4-Star Hotel Rating
The 186‑room Best Western Plus Metro Clark, operated by Savers Group Holdings, has received a four‑star rating from the Philippines Department of Tourism. Executives said the award proves their commitment to high‑quality service, comfortable accommodations, and authentic Filipino hospitality. The...
Beat the Heat: Simple Ways to Cool Your Home
The article offers practical, low‑cost methods for keeping homes cool during the Philippines’ sweltering summer. It highlights high‑performance nanoceramic window films that block up to 99% of heat and UV, while emphasizing simple behavioral tweaks like closing curtains during peak...
Peza Approvals Fell 22% in Q1 on ‘Calibrated’ Investment Pace
PEZA’s approved investment pledges fell 22.77% in Q1 2026, dropping to ₱45.53 billion (≈$828 million) from ₱58.95 billion (≈$1.07 billion) a year earlier. The shortfall leaves the agency at just 15.2% of its ₱300 billion (≈$5.45 billion) 2026 target. Although total value declined, the number of approved...
S&P’s Lower Philippine Outlook Not a Surprise–Nomura
S&P Global Ratings downgraded the Philippines sovereign outlook to "stable," echoing concerns over twin budget and current‑account deficits. Nomura analysts said the move was anticipated after the flood‑control corruption scandal and an energy shock from the Middle East war heightened...
RFM Keeps Dividends Flowing
RFM Corp announced an extra P300 million ($5.4 M) cash dividend, bringing its 2026 payouts to P600 million ($10.8 M). The food‑and‑beverage group posted a 14% rise in net income to P1.6 billion ($28.8 M) and a 3% revenue increase to P22.3 billion ($401 M) in 2025. Management...
SEC Warns vs Unregistered Schemes, Crypto Platforms
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued an advisory warning the public about the unregistered investment scheme “Ecocapsule,” which offered unusually high hourly and daily returns. The scheme’s mini plan promised up to ₱1,212.08 per hour (about $22) over...
LRMC Set to Take over Common Station Project
A joint venture led by Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific, operating as Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), will assume construction of Manila’s long‑delayed Common Station via a variation to its existing LRT 1 extension concession. Instead of a fresh contract, the...
Bigger Diesel Price Cut if Middle East Truce Holds
The Philippines may see a larger diesel price cut of P5.50‑P6.50 per litre (about $0.10‑$0.12) next week if the Middle‑East cease‑fire endures. The cut follows double‑digit fuel price spikes that pushed diesel above P170/L ($3.10) and gasoline up 54‑72%. The...
Philippine Manufacturers Call for ‘Ayuda’ Amid War-Linked Crisis
The Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) urged the government to provide targeted, time‑bound aid to manufacturers as the Middle East conflict keeps oil and logistics costs high. Despite the recent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, fuel surcharges have risen...
Delta No Longer Contesting PAL’s Bid to Fly to Chicago
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is poised to launch a Manila‑Chicago nonstop after Delta Air Lines formally withdrew its objection to the route. Delta’s filing with the U.S. Department of Transportation requests that any approval be limited to a one‑year exemption, allowing...
BSP: Policy Vigilance to Continue After S&P Tempers Philippine Outlook
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it will keep monitoring the impact of the Middle East war after S&P Global Ratings downgraded the Philippines' sovereign outlook from positive to stable while keeping the BBB+ rating. S&P cited the country's strong...
ACEN Sees 2026 a Better Year Despite Middle East War
ACEN Corp., the Ayala‑Group renewable energy arm, says 2026 will be a stronger year despite the Middle East war, citing stable operations at its overseas plants and the activation of larger power facilities. CEO Eric Francia noted that fuel‑price spikes...
SEC Orders Shutdown of Melot’s Catering
Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a cease‑and‑desist order shutting down Melot’s Catering Services for illegally soliciting public investments. The regulator barred the firm, its owner Mary Rose Reales Ceprino, and agents from offering unregistered securities, removing online promotional...
DTI Ramps up $110-B Semiconductor Export Plan
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry unveiled a five‑year roadmap to lift semiconductor and electronics exports to $110 billion by 2030, more than twice today’s level. The plan targets $70 billion in semiconductor sales and $40 billion in broader electronics shipments, backed...
Jobless Rate in the Philippines Eased to 5.1% in February
Philippine unemployment slipped to 5.1% in February 2026, down from a pandemic‑era peak of 5.8% in January. The decline represents roughly 300,000 fewer jobless, bringing the total to about 2.66 million. Labor force participation rose to 63.8% (52.09 million) and the employment‑to‑population...
PSEi Climbs Past 6,000 in Early Trade on US-Iran Truce Boost
Philippine stocks surged on Wednesday as the PSEi jumped 1.95% to 6,074.06 points, breaking the 6,000 mark. The rally was sparked by a two‑week US‑Iran truce announced by President Donald Trump, which eased fears of a broader Middle East conflict....
DOE Chief: Damage to Oil Sites to Keep Prices High
Philippines Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warned that damage to oil infrastructure in the Middle East will keep fuel prices elevated even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens. The country imports 98% of its crude oil from the region, and diesel...
Oil Shock Sends Philippine Inflation Surging to 4.1% in March
Philippine inflation jumped to a near‑two‑year high of 4.1% in March, driven primarily by a sharp rise in transport costs as gasoline and diesel prices surged 27.3% and 59.5% respectively. Fuel pump prices now range from roughly $2.00 to $2.87...
OIL PRICE WATCH: Diesel Hikes on April 7 Near P20/Liter
Philippine oil majors announced diesel price hikes of roughly P20 per liter (≈ $0.36) effective April 7, with Shell Pilipinas leading at P19.80, followed by Petron, Seaoil and Jetti. Gasoline and kerosene prices also rose double‑digit, ranging from P4.90 to P5.90 and P8.10 to...
PSEi Falls Below 6,000 as War Fears Rattle Markets
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index slipped below the 6,000 mark, closing at 5,948.33 after a 0.84% decline driven by heightened Middle East war concerns. Trading activity stalled, with net‑value turnover dropping to roughly $78 million, well under the year‑to‑date average of...
How Great Business Leaders Turn Uncertainty Into a 90-Day Action Plan
In volatile markets, CEOs are urged to move beyond scenario analysis and create a focused 90‑day action plan. The approach emphasizes a handful of priority initiatives, trigger‑based decisions, and clear ownership to turn insight into execution. By breaking the horizon...
BMI Cuts PH ’26 Growth Forecast to 4.7%
BMI Research, a Fitch unit, lowered its 2026 Philippine GDP growth outlook to 4.7% from 5.1%, citing a prolonged Middle East energy shock and subdued government capital spending. The firm expects first‑quarter growth of 3.6%, modestly above the fourth‑quarter 2025...
Chile-PH Trade Pact Still on Amid Leadership Change
Chile has reaffirmed its commitment to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the Philippines despite a recent presidential transition. Trade Undersecretary Allan Gepety expects the free‑trade talks to wrap up by the end of April, citing strong support...
Middle East War May Push Back Maya IPO
The digital‑banking arm of PLDT, Maya, may see its IPO postponed as the ongoing Middle East war fuels market uncertainty, according to chair Manuel Pangilinan. While the Philippine Stock Exchange still targets a third‑quarter debut, rising oil prices and regional...
Calamity-Hit Nonbanks Poised to Get Regulatory Relief
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is drafting a circular to extend disaster‑relief provisions, originally designed for banks, to non‑bank financial institutions such as pawnshops, quasibanks, and money‑service businesses. The proposal would allow longer loan approval windows, up to six‑month...