Even with the weaker-than-expected gross domestic product (GDP) growth figures last year and in recent quarters, the Department of Finance (DOF) argued that the Philippine economy grew at an average rate of 5.9 percent—among the fastest-growing Asian economies—since President Ferdinand Marcos...
State-run Social Housing Finance Corp . (SHFC) has imposed a one-month moratorium or temporary suspension of principal payments due to the severe impact of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Cruising and excessive rainfall. In a statement on Friday, July 25, SHFC estimated more than 148,000 families...
The World Bank Group’s (WBG) International Finance Corp. (IFC) is considering another round of investment financing support for Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), including for the property giant’s ongoing renovation and expansion of its flagship malls to make them “greener.” A World Bank document seen...
Citing still favorable inflation data, President Marcos’ chief economic manager said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could proceed with delivering two quarter-point cuts in the key interest rate by year-end even if the United States (US) Federal Reserve (Fed) decides to pause its easing...
While short-dated treasury bills (T-bills) will still be offered from July to September, the national government will also issue long-term retail debt instruments amounting to around ₱200 billion within the third quarter of 2025. Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto told reporters...
Five new climate projects across the Philippines, totaling nearly ₱100 million, have been added to the list of projects greenlit by the People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Board, bringing the total to ₱1.4 billion. The PSF Board has committed to grant resources for five new projects across the...
Halfway through fiscal year (FY) 2025, the government’s revenue performance is showing mixed results, as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is seen to meet its target while the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is projected to fall short—a familiar scene from history. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto...
Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the Philippines could consider accommodating zero tariffs on certain American goods entering the local market as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s economic managers prefer more free trade agreements (FTAs)—including with the United States (US) after the...
With the Philippines being flagged as one of the developing countries that spent more than 10 percent of its income on debt repayments in 2023, the Department of Finance (DOF) argued that the fiscal strain stemming from mounting debt payments remains under control. “We’re managing it,” DOF...
After receiving zero subsidies this year, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhillHealth) will be getting ₱53.3 billion in government support next year, according to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s chief economic manager. Department of Finance (DOF) Secretary Ralph G. Recto told...
The Tokyo-based think tank Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) has flagged rising post-pandemic debt repayments in developing economies across the region, including the Philippines, which are depriving governments of more funding for public goods and services. “Between 2008 and 2019, annual...
The Department of Finance (DOF) has clarified that a new law will not tax the savings of ordinary Filipinos, as it only standardizes the tax rate on interest income, eliminating the unfair preferential treatment previously enjoyed by the wealthy. Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said the passage of...
