British banking giant Barclays sees the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) holding key interest rates steady at this month’s policy meeting before possibly hiking in June, in a bid to support the already weak economic growth outlook even prior to the war in the Middle East. “With the ceasefire...
The ceasefire-driven rally of Asian currencies, including the Philippine peso, may be short-lived as global oil risks linger, according to Singapore-based Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd. (OCBC). In an April 9 report, OCBC Group Research foreign exchange (FX) strategists Sim Moh Siong and...
The Philippines has called upon all parties to adhere to the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran and end the attacks in Lebanon. Through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Philippines on Thursday, April 9, expressed "grave concern over the escalation of conflict and the...
Vice President Sara Duterte suggested that President Marcos be asked what actions he is taking to address the impacts of the Middle East conflict on the country. When asked what the government must further do to cushion the effects of the ongoing crisis, Duterte said the President must be asked...
The Philippines’ energy rationing measures, including a shortened four-day workweek for some government offices, are disproportionately hitting low-income households, raising risks of stagflation and potential social unrest, according to think tank Oxford Economics. In a report on Thursday, April...
The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has allowed higher education institutions (HEIs) to temporarily shift to full online learning amid the declaration of national energy emergency. In a memorandum issued April 7 and signed by Chairperson Shirley Agrupis, CHED said the directive was released...
President Marcos said the government agrees with the private sector on strategies to mitigate the impact of the tensions in the Middle East. “Ang magandang naging resulta dito (The good result here was) we are very much in agreement with the private sector advisors kung ano yung dapat gawin to...
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, April 8, said the Philippine government has expressed “cautious optimism” over the planned peace talks between the United States and Iran, which will be facilitated by Pakistan. In a statement, the DFA said it is hopeful that the...
The jump in the March inflation rate has set the stage for a potential 50-basis-point (bp) rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) during the second quarter, according to global investment banking giant Goldman Sachs. In an April 7 report obtained by Manila Bulletin, Goldman Sachs...
Amid a national energy emergency, government response to the oil crisis is expected to accelerate spending in the first half of the year, reversing a slump in infrastructure expenditures last year in the aftermath of the flood-control corruption scandal. According to the Department of Budget and...
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has advised the public to expect delays in the release of newly issued passports, citing logistical and supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis. In an advisory issued on Wednesday, April 8, the DFA said passport applications filed...
Vegetable cartels are allegedly threatening farmers who are selling their produce at a lower price to community pantries that provide free food to those in need. Ana Patricia Non, initiator of the Community Pantry Philippines, said Wednesday, April 8, such an issue has been persistent in the...
