The first day of October arrived with a big bang, as social media platforms erupted with discussions about the increase in parking fees, particularly the overnight rate at Terminal 3 (T3). In this piece, we won’t delve into the rationale behind the fee increase—something already reported by a...
Almost always, I look forward to attending the anniversary celebration of Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank), one of the country’s largest banks. Though it’s beyond simple, still it’s unpretentious without the usual glitz and glamour that characterizes most celebrations. The reason:...
As the financial markets absorb the policy action of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), there’s a hum going around the market place about the other move being undertaken by the BSP Governor and his team. “Have been scheduled? Have you met him and his team,” are but some of the exchanges...
Irate, vexed, annoyed, and outraged best describe the Philippine College of Rotary Governors (PCRG) reaction to the Rotary International (RI) Board’s denying its request to reconsider the withdrawal of Manila’s tentative selection as the host country for the June 2028 convention....
“Buenaventura, who?” is the latest tittle-tattle circulating in the banking community. Bankers and market players enthusiastically talk about veteran banker Gil A. Buenaventura as the seventh member of the Monetary Board, the policy-making body of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)....
The Palace marching order for Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista “JJB” Tuesday is to prioritize improving the country’s gateway facilities and services to enhance travelers’ experiences and increase tourism. As a traveler, I look forward to the long-overdue transformation of Ninoy...
There seems to be a disconnect between Philippine Plaza Holdings Inc.’s (PPHI) decision to close Sofitel Manila and the firm’s decision to negotiate for an extension of an existing lease contract with Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Yes, Virginia, it feels a bit of an oxymoron when,...
Excitement, in a slightly negative way, stained the otherwise boring financial markets as the news of Vice President Sara Duterte’s leaving the official family of President Marcos’ administration reverberated throughout the country. I fully agree with the observation of Bangko Sentral ng...
BUSINESS CORRIDOR Foreign investors, market analysts, including us journalists are keeping their ears on the ground on who wound emerge as winner among the top three consortia bidding for the modernization and rehabilitation of the country’s first international gateway, the Ninoy Aquino...
BUSINESS CORRIDOR She leads a relatively comfortable life. But, then she complains about the continuous rise in the pump prices of petroleum products. “It’s almost doubled. We’re dipping further down into our pockets,” Rowena Ruaro mused. We can all empathize. The cost of living has...
The country can’t afford, in any way, to lose its investment grade status because the price is too stiff. A downgrade is more than just losing a face, but also the additional premium attached to the government and the private sectors’ foreign debt. It means an estimated increase in the...
The attending threats to both the well being of the people and the well being of the economy are but a plenty – from the health aspect, including the psychological dimension as morning exercise that was allowed in the previous ECQ is now prohibited - to economic health. We’re in a catch 22...
