Frankfurt-based Deutsche Bank expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to deliver another interest rate hike at its upcoming Aug. 27 policy meeting, despite slowing headline inflation and underperforming economic growth. In a commentary, Deutsche Bank projected a quarter-point increase this...
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla has criticized politicians who are also contractors, calling the practice “impunity at its highest point.” He warned that public office should not be used to serve an official’s personal interests. “‘Yung (The) ‘Cong-tractors’—it’s...
Pressure on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to raise its benchmark interest rate has eased after economic growth slowed to a post-pandemic low in the second quarter of the year, according to the central bank officials. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the central bank’s...
The Philippine economy faces an uphill battle in the second half of 2026 after posting its weakest post-pandemic growth, with private sector economists warning that faster infrastructure spending, easing inflation, and stronger investor confidence will determine whether the country can meet the...
Despite lingering upside risks to inflation, China Banking Corp. (Chinabank) expects the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to conclude its rate-hiking cycle this August, arguing that second-round inflation effects have largely dissipated. The projection follows a third consecutive month of...
The central bank expects consumer price growth to have slowed to a three-month low in July, driven by cheaper staple foods, even as a weakening currency and elevated energy costs threaten to sustain inflationary pressures. Headline inflation likely settled between 5.6 percent and 6.6 percent in...
Asia-Pacific (APAC) banks, including Philippine lenders, are facing a tighter monetary policy environment amid subdued domestic demand, as regional economies remain vulnerable to a resurgence in inflation driven by El Niño. “APAC banks face weaker domestic demand and tighter policy settings in...
A “triple threat” of crude oil prices topping $80 per barrel, Metro Manila’s ₱85 daily wage hike, and severe El Niño conditions could push third-quarter Philippine inflation back to levels seen during the height of the Middle East crisis and prompt the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to...
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) has charged Uswag Ilonggo Party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. with 14 counts of graft before the Sandiganbayan for allegedly retaining an interest in a construction firm that secured P214 million in Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts...
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) said the “conflict of interest” complaints against Tarlac Second District Rep. Cristy Angeles and Uswag Party-list Rep. Jojo Ang are moving to the preliminary investigation stage, while similar complaints involving CWS Party-list Rep. Edwin Gardiola and former...
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it now has two "persons of interest" (POI) in the fatal shooting of an American marine scientist and the alleged sexual assault of his Filipino partner in Sibulan, Negros Oriental. Negros Oriental Police director, Police Col. Timmar Alam, said...
Elevated energy costs, weak investment, and softer domestic demand are slowing the Philippines’ recovery from its recent growth slump, according to Singapore-based United Overseas Bank Ltd. (UOB), warranting continued monetary policy tightening by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). In its...
