A wider external imbalance threatens to add further depreciation pressure on the already record-weak Philippine peso, as escalating geopolitical tensions—particularly the United States (US)-backed Israel-Iran conflict—are expected to drive up import costs and weigh on export growth, widening...
While there is no specific provision calling for immediate economic relief for the middle class families is stated in the report, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said the suspension of the excise tax, as well as the possibility of suspending the value added tax (VAT) may benefit all households. Gatchalian...
After surviving the Covid pandemic, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson prays the world survives "Trump-26" or the policies, actions, and events that occurred during the second term of President Donald Trump in the year 2026. Lacson said this on Wednesday, April 1, as Filipinos...
Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., the infrastructure arm of the billionaire Aboitiz family’s conglomerate, is overhauling its operational protocols and employee benefits to navigate the national energy emergency triggered by volatility in the Persian Gulf. Aboitiz InfraCapital joined the growing list of...
Marikina City 2nd district Rep. Miro Quimbo believes that the Marcos administration won 't have to incur debt to make the envisioned "Bayanihan 3" law work and provide relief to Filipinos amid the fuel price crisis. In a virtual press conference Tuesday, Quimbo was asked whether or not he...
Why not redirect excess government revenues from fuel taxes to a direct subsidy program that would help Filipinos pay their monthly electricity bills? Murang Kuryente Party-list Rep. Arthur Yap floated this suggestion even as he pointed out Tuesday, March 31 that the skyrocketing of global oil...
All signs point to the crafting of a so-called "Bayanihan 3" bill in the House of Representatives--a measure that is meant to serve as a response not only to the current fuel price crisis, but also future problems that would require a whole-of-government solution. Thus, said Committee on Ways and...
The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) said it is awaiting guidance from Malacañang Palace on possible measures following the declaration of a state of national energy emergency. In a statement on Tuesday, March 31, the state insurer said it is currently coordinating with economic...
BUTUAN CITY – The local government unit of Pilar in Siargao Islands has canceled this year 's 16th International Game Fishing Tournament, citing the ongoing energy crisis in the country. The annual event, drawing anglers from across the Philippines and abroad, was originally scheduled from...
We have seen this pattern before. A crisis hits, and at first, people freeze. Then slowly, almost quietly, behavior starts to shift. What feels temporary begins to leave permanent marks. We saw it during the pandemic; we are seeing it again now with rising oil prices. The current oil shock is about...
The Marcos administration has secured commitments from five nations to bolster its fuel inventory, with the Department of Energy (DOE) preparing to import more than one million barrels of diesel this April to shield the economy from global market volatility. In a briefing late Monday, March 30,...
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is facing mounting pressure to abandon its steady policy stance as domestic and foreign lenders warn that persistent supply shocks are beginning to seep into the broader economy. A growing chorus of economists expects the BSP to raise its benchmark interest...
