Philippines Business News

Law enforcement power sought for Ombudsman

Senator Panfilo “Ping” M. Lacson has filed a bill seeking to grant the Office of the Ombudsman its own law enforcement service that is authorized to enforce investigations, arrests, detentions, searches and seizures. Under Senate Bill No. 2394 filed last Aug. 12, Mr. Lacson sought to amend the Ombudsman Act of 1989 by introducing a […]

PSEi up over 2% on bargain hunting, PMI data

PHILIPPINE SHARES surged on Tuesday as investors took advantage of lower prices following last week’s decline and with improved activity in the manufacturing sector in August lifting the market’s mood. The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) jumped by 2.31% or 137.56 points to close at 6,093.89, while the broader all shares index rose 1.33% or […]

P20-billion Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund delayed to 2028

AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said he expects the P20-billion Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF) to roll out in 2028, with the Department of Agriculture (DA) still putting together the regulatory requirements. At the DA’s budget hearing at the House of Representatives, Mr. Laurel said that the AnCEF was supposed to launch next […]

Instability of PHL electricity grid preventing data centers from achieving scale — Moody’s

ENERGY SECURITY shortcomings are a key bottleneck for its data center industry, which has not scaled to the extent of its regional counterparts, according to Moody’s Ratings. In a report, Moody’s identified the Philippines and Vietnam as “early-stage” data center markets. “Among the markets covered here, (Philippines) also faces the most acute power availability and […]

Ecozones need right blend of infra, perks to benefit from data center boom -— WTCA

PHILIPPINE economic zones (ecozones) could capture data center expansion investment amid growing global demand, the World Trade Center Association (WTCA) said. “Free zones that can provide the right combination of infrastructure, incentives, and investment support are exceptionally well-positioned to attract this global industry,” Scott Wang, WTCA vice-president, Asia-Pacific, said in a statement on Tuesday. The […]

Return to beyond-4% growth seen possible by 4th quarter

THE ECONOMY could return to an above-4% growth path in the fourth quarter, backed by record employment, stronger exports and remittances and an expected rebound in infrastructure spending, the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P) said. However, it said third-quarter growth could remain tepid at 2.3% due to delays in infrastructure spending and the […]

LPG prices set to decline this month

COOKING GAS prices are set to decline this month by around P0.40 per kilogram, the Department of Energy (DoE) said in a statement. The downward adjustment translates to a reduction of around P4.40 for a standard 11-kilo cylinder, according to the DoE, which gained the power to set guide prices during the energy emergency. The […]

DA, DoE exploring use of cheaper bioethanol feedstock

THE departments of Agriculture (DA) and Energy (DoE) are exploring cheaper and more diverse feedstock options to support the expansion of bioethanol production in the Philippines. Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. met with Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin to discuss how to lower feedstock costs, maximize idle distillery capacity, and expand domestic ethanol […]

Plastic pipes could undergo product certification

THE Department of Trade and Industry said the Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) is gearing up to impose mandatory certification for plastic pipes to ensure that they comply with safety requirements. According to a draft department administrative order (DAO), plastic pipes covered under the mandatory certification cannot be distributed without a PS (Philippine Standards) mark […]

Davao transport modernization on track — DoTr

THE Department of Transportation (DoTr) said the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project remains on track. “This project will bring real, lasting benefits to Dabawenyos — safer rides, shorter travel times, and a public transport system they can count on every day. This is why we continue to work hand in hand with our partners to […]

System loss removal from VAT to result in P10-billion foregone revenue — DoF

THE GOVERNMENT stands to forego about P10 billion annually from the removal of the 12% value-added tax (VAT) charged against system losses for electricity, Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said on Tuesday. “I think it’s P10 billion. That’s annually,” he told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Tuesday. He added that the Department […]

Gov’t urged to ensure productive investments in education, health

INVESTMENTS in education and health are vital to supporting economic expansion, but their impact could be limited if funds are not put to productive use, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said.

IAEA says status of Iran nuclear programs unknown

Leandro Leviste sells another P3 billion in SPNEC shares as solar controversies mount

The sale comes as Leviste faces plunder and graft complaints before the Ombudsman alongside his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, and former energy secretary Alfonso Cusi over roughly P10 billion in solar projects

PBBM affirms PTMP gains in 5th SONA, calls for greater cooperation as more operators and drivers consolidate

The Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) continues to gain momentum as more public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers join the program.

‘Cookie-cutter’ no more? SM Nuvali to open November 27 with 1-hectare indoor garden

With cooling technology inspired by Singapore's Gardens by the Bay, SM's 91st mall is a break from what SM Supermalls president Steven Tan himself once bemoaned as the group's 'cookie-cutter' malls

Acer Day turns 10 with its biggest celebration yet

Acer marked a defining year in 2026 with the 10th anniversary of Acer Day.

Is a U.S. debt crisis really imminent? Yardeni weighs in

Bessent warns Strait of Hormuz will be “worthless” within 2 years

Fed’s Barr backs rate hike if inflation fails to cool, September odds hit 66%

Will U.S. data allow the Fed to remain patient?

[Vantage Point] What’s left for the Philippines’ Left?

The revolution has become a war of attrition against history itself

Why the UK’s strong growth story could fade this autumn?

Two Saudi tankers struck in Strait of Hormuz Monday