New Clark City Tagged as AI Hub for Philippines' Pax Silica Entry
The Philippines has joined the U.S.-led Pax Silica coalition and earmarked a 4,000‑acre portion of New Clark City as a “Golden Node,” an AI‑native investment hub. The designation positions the 9,450‑hectare smart, green city as the coordination center for AI research, advanced manufacturing, and critical‑mineral supply chains. The initiative links Manila with the United States and Japan, aiming to build next‑generation, rule‑of‑law‑based manufacturing ecosystems. While the hub remains conceptual, it signals a strategic shift toward allied technology networks and away from reliance on China.
UK’s BII Defies Risks, Stays All-In on Philippines
British International Investment (BII) reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines despite global oil shocks and a high‑profile corruption scandal. Managing director Rohit Anand emphasized the firm’s counter‑cyclical approach, arguing that energy security and renewable development remain strategic priorities. BII has...
Industry Groups Flag Rising Chicken Imports From China
Chinese chicken meat shipments to the Philippines have surged, reaching 20,904 metric tons in 2025, according to USDA data. Although a ban on Chinese poultry has been in effect since 2014, industry groups allege that fully cooked products are being...
Philippines Lacks Fiscal Room for Supplemental Budget, Detrimental to Deficit – CPBRD
The Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department warned that the Philippines lacks fiscal space for any supplemental budget, even as lawmakers propose a P400 billion “Bayanihan 3” stimulus to offset Middle East‑related oil shocks. Adding the proposed funds would push the 2026...
A Fruitas a Day: Lester Yu Adds Star Power to Fuel Growth
Fruitas Holdings Inc., the Philippines‑based food‑and‑beverage chain, announced a 20% sales growth target for 2026, backed by a $2.1 million capital‑expenditure plan to open 80‑100 new stores. The company secured actor Alden Richards as its latest brand endorser, hoping his boy‑next‑door...
USA Wins
The U.S. market surged despite the Feb. 28 Iran‑Israel conflict, with the S&P 500 hitting a record 7,126 and the Nasdaq closing at a 13‑day high. Consumer spending remained robust, evident in packed theme parks, sold‑out sports events, and bustling grocery stores....
Ayala-Led Data Center Builder Inks Supply Deal with Meralco
STT Telemedia Global Data Centers (STT GDC), a joint venture of Ayala Corp., Globe Telecom and STT Global, signed a 10‑year agreement with Meralco’s retail arm MPower to supply up to 40.5 MW of renewable electricity for its Philippine data‑center portfolio....
Prime Infrastructure Plants Tapped to Supply Power After Outages
The Philippines Department of Energy enlisted three Prime Infrastructure‑owned natural‑gas plants to bolster Luzon’s grid after forced outages forced a yellow alert. Prime CoreGen, which acquired the plants from First Gen in 2025, ran its 1,000 MW Sta. Rita, 450 MW San Gabriel and 97 MW...
Expensive Medicines
The Philippines’ prescription‑drug market is plagued by extreme price inflation, with some medicines marked up by as much as 273% before a 12% tax. A handful of retailers and wholesalers dominate the supply chain, capturing 40‑60% of drug costs and...
Marcos Suspends LPG, Kerosene Excise Taxes for 3 Months
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 114, suspending excise taxes on LPG and kerosene for three months, effective immediately. The suspension applies except when LPG is used for petrochemicals or motive power and when kerosene serves aviation fuel....
Jollibee’s Compose Coffee Off to Hot Start in Taiwan
Jollibee Foods Corp.’s South Korean coffee brand Compose Coffee reported a strong pre‑opening turnout at its first Taiwan store, indicating robust consumer demand. The brand, which now operates about 3,000 outlets worldwide, plans to leverage its simple, value‑focused store model...
Marcos Issues Negative List for Foreign Investments
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos issued Executive Order 113, unveiling the Philippines' 13th regular foreign‑investment negative list. The order replaces the 2022 list and delineates activities fully closed to foreign capital (List A) and those with capped foreign equity (List B). Key sectors...
Positioning Between Relief and Risk
A two‑week conditional cease‑fire between the United States and Iran has lifted the immediate tail‑risk of the Middle East conflict, causing global equities to rally and oil prices to retreat. First Metro Securities frames the situation as a macro‑transmission story...
Election Ad Spending Drives up GMA Profit in 2025
GMA Network Inc. posted a 6% rise in net income to PHP2.2 billion (≈$40 million) in 2025, driven by a 3% jump in revenue to PHP18.12 billion (≈$326 million). Political advertising during the mid‑term elections lifted advertising sales to PHP16.57 billion, representing over 90% of...
SBMA to Reduce Tariff, Cargo Charges by 5% Amid Middle East Conflict
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority announced a temporary 5% cut to tariffs, cargo charges and related fees at the Port of Subic, alongside extended free‑storage periods, to offset cost pressures from the Middle East conflict. The relief package also waives...