Business
Manila to host ASEAN bankers' meet focused on AI
The Bankers Association of the Philippines will host the 54th ASEAN Banking Council Meeting in Makati this month, with artificial intelligence in banking and its risks at the center of talks.
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Markets, prices, the peso and the companies behind them. Each story is our own short summary. Tap through to read the full report at the original publisher.
Business
Transcom opens seventh Philippine site in Quezon City
Outsourcing firm Transcom has opened a new Quezon City center at Bridgetowne, its seventh in the country, adding to a local workforce of about 10,000.
Business
Gasoline seen up P2 a liter next week, diesel down
An industry estimate points to another round of mixed pump price moves, with gasoline climbing by around P2 per liter and diesel easing by up to P1 as global crude stays above $100.
Business
British chamber urges PH exporters to use UK trade perks
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines says local exporters left about a third of available UK tariff benefits unused in 2025 and should tap the preference scheme more fully.
Business
No P20-per-kilo rice sales on All Souls' Day
Subsidized P20-a-kilo rice centers are closed on November 2 for All Souls' Day and will reopen on their next regular selling days, according to the program's advisory.
Business
Analysts see Fed, BSP hikes in December as stocks stay cautious
Brokerage 2TradeAsia expects rate increases from both the US Federal Reserve and the BSP in December and advises investors to stay selective as oil and peso risks weigh on stocks.
Business
October inflation seen accelerating to 7.6 percent
Economists surveyed by The STAR expect October inflation to climb to a median 7.6 percent from September's 7.2 percent, driven by costlier transport, power, fuel and a weaker peso.
Business
Business optimism dips for year ahead
The BSP's September business expectations survey shows firms turning less upbeat about the next three and 12 months, citing high fuel costs, rising prices, Middle East tensions and a weak peso.
Business
DTI vows continued support following record-high exports
After September exports hit an all-time monthly high of $9.87 billion, the trade department pledged tailored help for exporters to meet global standards and land foreign buyers.
Business
Pork tariff hike seen to stoke inflation
The British Chamber of Commerce Philippines warned that the Agriculture department's plan to double in-quota pork tariffs and pause import permits could push prices higher.
Business
NFA cuts palay handling time, costs with one-ton bags
A National Food Authority pilot using one-ton bags in place of 50-kilo sacks cut palay handling time by three-quarters and halved handling costs, freeing funds to buy more from farmers.
Business
Sideways trading expected for stocks this shortened week
Analysts see the PSEi moving sideways between roughly 5,600 and 5,800 in a holiday-shortened week, with third-quarter earnings, October inflation and GDP data as the key triggers.
Business
Philippines seeks UAE partnership for strategic oil storage hub
Senate energy panel chief Erwin Tulfo pressed ADNOC officials for a joint strategic oil storage facility meant to cushion Filipino consumers from global price swings, eyeing a 2027 rollout.
Business
BPI economist sees inflation topping 8% in November
BPI's lead economist expects consumer prices to peak in November, possibly above 8 percent, driven by wage and fare hikes, a weak peso and higher power rates.
Business
Customs holds first export summit for traders
The Bureau of Customs held its first Export Summit to walk exporters through procedures, trade agreements and support programs, citing persistent difficulties with compliance.
Business
MIT study sees big savings from squeezing more power out of existing grids
An MIT study modeling the US grid estimates up to $1.34 billion in yearly savings from technologies that move more electricity through existing lines, a finding the report links to rising Philippine power costs.
Business
DOTr orders round-the-clock ticketing at Manila North Port
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has directed the port authority, the terminal operator and 2GO to keep ticket sales open 24 hours a day at Manila North Port so travelers can wait inside the terminal.
Business
Japanese firms wary of new PH mining asset-turnover rules
The Japanese business chamber in the Philippines is asking the DOE and DENR to clarify a new joint order that could force mining operators to give up equipment when contracts end, warning it may chill investment.
Business
Government approves $1M for advisers on LRT-1 concession changes
The PPP Center has approved $1 million to hire independent transaction advisers who will help the DOTr and LRTA review and negotiate proposed amendments to the LRT-1 Extension concession with Light Rail Manila Corp.
Business
DA eyes revival of drought-resistant native Kalimpos corn
The Department of Agriculture in Eastern Visayas is reviving Kalimpos, a native white corn variety, after a pilot in Leyte showed promising yields and resilience to drought and pests.
Business
SEC urges manufacturers to look to capital markets for expansion
SEC Chairman Francis Lim told the Federation of Philippine Industries that manufacturers should consider crowdfunding, private placements, IPOs and bonds rather than relying only on bank loans and internal funds.
Business
Pag-IBIG socialized housing financing jumps 173%
Pag-IBIG Fund nearly tripled the number of socialized housing units it financed this year under the Expanded 4PH program, with loan releases for the segment climbing to P12.1 billion.
Business
Higher transport costs hit Filipinos traveling home for Undas
Filipinos heading to the provinces for Undas are paying more across air, sea and land travel after recent increases in airline fuel surcharges, ferry fare ceilings and provincial bus fares.
Business
Japanese utility eyes rooftop solar for 10 PEZA locators
An unnamed Japanese power company entering the Philippines is exploring rooftop solar projects for 10 Japanese firms in economic zones, PEZA said, though investment size and timing are undisclosed.
Business
From OFW to MICHELIN awardee
Two Filipino chefs with years of work abroad, Frances Tariga and former seafarer Francis Lacson, were recognized at the 2027 MICHELIN Guide ceremony for their Metro Manila restaurants.
Business
K-pop fuel new wave of Taiwan trips
Agoda data show K-pop concerts driving sharp spikes in accommodation searches in Taiwan, with the Philippines the top source market for Kaohsiung stays during BTS tour dates.
Business
Northern Cebu shipyard park eyed easing repair shortage
Domestic shipowners are pitching a maritime industrial park in northern Cebu to draw shipyard investors and ease what they call a severe national shortage of vessel repair facilities.
Business
BDO profit rises to P63.6 billion
BDO Unibank's nine-month net income edged up to P63.6 billion as loans grew 16 percent, outpacing the industry, while the lender built up provisions linked to the Middle East crisis.
Business
Economists see more interest rate hikes as inflation risks persist
After the BSP's surprise 50-basis-point hike to 5.50 percent, several economists expect another increase in December and possibly more tightening early next year as inflation runs above 7 percent.
Business
Banks see stronger loan demand in Q4
A BSP survey shows more banks expect borrowing by firms and households to pick up this quarter, while most plan to keep lending standards unchanged despite economic uncertainty.